US08734377B2
An ocular implant having a body extending along a generally curved longitudinal axis, the curved longitudinal axis defining a first plane, the body having a diameter of between 0.005 inches and 0.04 inches and being adapted to be disposed within a canal of Schlemm in a human subject's eye; wherein the body has a first flexibility when bent along the first plane and a second flexibility different from the first flexibility when bent along a second plane that intersects the first plane and is not coincident with the first plane. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating a human eye, including the steps of: inserting an implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye, the implant having a first flexibility when bent along a first plane and a second flexibility different from the first flexibility when bent along a second plane that intersects the first plane and is not coincident with the first plane; and supporting tissue forming Schlemm's canal with the implant.
US08734376B2
A perfusion system is easy to set-up, use and monitor during a bypass procedure. At least some of the disposable components used with the perfusion system are configured to be able to communicate set-up and/or operational parameters to the perfusion system. A blood level sensor can be used to monitor a blood level or volume within a blood reservoir.
US08734375B2
A blood treatment method is described that is adapted to at least partially eliminate the carbon dioxide content of the type comprising a step of drawing a blood flow. Advantageously according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of: acidifying the blood flow with transformation of the related blood bicarbonate content into gaseous carbon dioxide; and eliminating the gaseous carbon dioxide content by means of a pressure gradient.
US08734370B1
A device is disclosed for generating controlled pneumatic pressure to a human body to achieve mucus clearance from the pulmonary system. Controlled pneumatic pressure consisting of individual vibratory pressure and constrictive pressure variations are generated and applied to the thorax to promote mucus clearance. The vibratory pressure variation is channeled to a pressure receiver secured to the upper thorax of the body, and the constrictive pressure variation is channeled to a pressure receiver secured to the lower thorax of the body. The vibratory pressure variation serves to loosen the mucus, while the constrictive pressure variation provides the motive force that promotes mucus expulsion from the pulmonary system.
US08734368B2
The present invention relates to a new non-invasive method for inducing angiogenesis and more particularly coronary angiogenesis wherein an operator applies localized percussion upon the upper torso proximate an ischemic myocardial region, whereby the percussive forces penetrate to cause sheer stresses to the endothelium of the coronaries which lie thereupon, and thereby cause new coronary growth by virtue of endogenous liberation of beneficial angiogenic mediators. A pair of vibratory contacts are advantageously applied to rib-spaces to either side of the sternum (or alternatively to the upper back), where-after percussion is applied at the resonance frequency of the heart/epimyocardium at a displacement amplitude of 0.1 mm-15 mm (preferably greater than 1 mm), such as to maximize an internal oscillatory effect. The system is also adaptable for cerebral and peripheral vasculature applications. Ultrasonic imaging may optionally be utilized to direct percussive therapy.
US08734367B2
Method and apparatus are provided for generating an index associated with non-nutritive suck pattern stability. An example apparatus can include an STI generator configured to generate a plurality of non-nutritive suck (NNS) pressure samples using a non-nutritive pacifier and a pressure transducer, and to sum a plurality of standard deviations based on the plurality of NNS pressure samples to provide a spatiotemporal index (STI) of non-nutritive suck pattern stability, wherein the STI is configured to provide a composite indication of variability of amplitude, and duration of a plurality of portions of the NNS pressure samples.
US08734365B2
An analytic magazine is proposed, which comprises at least one chamber with at least one analytic aid. The analytic aid comprises at least one test element for detecting at least one analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid. The test element has at least one test field with at least one test chemical. The test field is at least partly arranged within the chamber, wherein at least one wall of the chamber at least partly covers the test field and at least partly delimits a test-field surface that is accessible from the chamber.
US08734359B2
The present invention relates to a method and a system designed to determine an individual's state of attention from an individual's respiratory signal. The method of the invention comprises a first learning step, wherein the characteristics of an individual's normal state are determined by selecting a respiratory signal fragment that is considered to be normal according to a pre-established criterion, and a second analysis phase, wherein the individual's state of attention is determined from parameters extracted from the respiratory signal on the basis of some pre-defined rules and the individual's normal state previously characterised. The method of the invention is implemented in two embodiments. A first embodiment is based on the identification of pre-defined patterns in the respiratory signal and, in the second embodiment, an index indicative of the variability of the respiratory signal is defined.
US08734354B2
A sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure in accordance with an oscillation in an artery wall, resulting from an arterial pulse correspondent with a change in cuff pressure. It comprises a cuff that is connected to the sphygmomanometer main body by a tube, a display unit for displaying the results of blood pressure measurements, and an air supply unit for supplying air to, and thus pressurizing, the cuff, which is detachable from the sphygmomanometer main body. The air supply unit is screwed into the sphygmomanometer main body with a screw assembly, and the screwed-in state is preserved by a caulking ring. The air supply unit also comprises a filter for keeping dust from entering the sphygmomanometer main body.
US08734346B2
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08734345B2
A real time tissue sampling and analysis system includes a catheter including an elongated body defining at least one internal lumen, a sampling device positionable within the at least one internal lumen of the catheter for collecting a tissue sample, and a biochip disposed within the at least one internal lumen. The biochip includes a substrate for receiving the tissue sample, a marker for interacting with the tissue sample, and a sensor for identifying a characteristic of the tissue sample and transmitting data about the tissue sample to a processing unit for analysis.
US08734342B2
A graphical user interface is provided which allows the user to perform numerous operations suitable for analysis of in-vivo images within a single display screen or a single window. Using the in-vivo GUI, the user may create and manipulate analysis tools such as rectangle and ellipse tools to define regions of interest and perform various measurements on an in-vivo image. In addition, the GUI allows the user to store measurement results in a dated electronic notebook, display testing information, manipulate image presentation and print while maintaining view of the image.
US08734331B2
A pump for inducing motion of a fluid, the pump including a cannula adjustable between an operable configuration having a first diameter and a deployment configuration having a substantially smaller second diameter. An impeller is rotatable within the cannula about an axis. The impeller includes an at least semi-rigid support for a flexible web, and is positionable with respect to the cannula the operable configuration and the deployment configuration, the operable configuration extending the web to a first radial distance from the axis and the deployment configuration collapsing the web to a second substantially smaller radial distance from the axis.
US08734329B2
A guiding system includes a capsule medical device including a permanent magnet; a magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field to the magnet to guide the capsule, and change a direction of the magnetic field in a three-dimensional space; and a control unit to control the magnetic field generated by the generating unit. Where the capsule is located on a liquid surface, the control unit generates a first magnetic field such that a plane, which is parallel to a vertical axis and in which a magnetic field including a rotating magnetic field where a magnetic field is rotated on the plane is generated, pivots about the vertical axis at a predetermined period and a second magnetic field for generating a magnetic attracting force for moving the magnet vertically downward to submerge the capsule in the liquid, the first and second magnetic fields being applied at a same time.
US08734328B2
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.
US08734327B2
The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for facilitating positioning one or more medical components. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rail member having proximal and distal ends and a generally longitudinal axis. A first connector is adapted to be selectively coupled to the rail member, and a first medical component is adapted to be coupled to the first connector. The first connector is disposed for selective longitudinal movement along the rail member, thereby permitting movement of the first medical component with respect to the rail member. In this manner, one or more components, such as a catheter and a needle, may be inserted into a human or animal body in a controlled fashion with respect to one another.
US08734317B2
The present invention is directed to a method of treatment to improve at least one of concentration, memory, cognitive performance, and stress-relief in a subject in need thereof by controlled administration of synchronized flashes of light and pulsed tones.
US08734309B2
A die assembly for producing paperboard pressware includes an obliquely angled, continuous ring, and/or annular stop member between an inner die member and an outer die ring. Increased surface area of contact between stop components provides greater wear resistance, and the angled contact face maintains alignment of the die components.
US08734305B1
An exercise arm apparatus and method of use. The exercise arm comprises at least one finger, a spindle attached to the finger, and weights sized to reside on the spindle. One end of the exercise arm is rotatably attached at a pivot point to a frame or to a vertical surface; a belt is attached to an opposite end of the exercise arm by means of a belt line. Where the exercise arm is rotatably attached to a frame, dip bars and chin bars are disclosed wherein an exerciser may perform dips and chins. Upward motion by an exerciser wearing the belt is impeded by spindle weights, a belt elastic attached at one end to the belt and at an opposite end to the exercise arm, and/or an elastic member attached at one end to the frame and at an opposite end to the exercise arm.
US08734297B2
A trampoline has a bed. The bed is made of a sheet of fabric having an exterior periphery. A frame includes legs supporting the frame from the ground. A plurality of springs attach the bed to the frame. A light sound module is suspended under the bed. The light sound module includes a light emitting element mounted on a rotation rod. The rotation rod is mounted on a rotation axis, and the rotation rod is driven to rotate by a motor. A plurality of elastic cords has a length, namely a first elastic cord, a second elastic cord, and a third elastic cord.
US08734286B2
A transmission has an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
US08734283B2
When a bearing includes outer and inner rings and the outer ring is fitted to the inner periphery of an input member, which defines a center hole, with a clearance and the inner ring is fitted to an eccentric portion with a clearance, a size between a second axis and a third axis is set to a size that is smaller than or equal to half of a size obtained by adding a diameter difference between an outside diameter of the bearing and an inside diameter of the input member, which defines the center hole, a diameter difference between an inside diameter of the bearing and an outside diameter of the eccentric portion and an operating clearance of the bearing in a state where the input member has been moved to contact the housing on a line perpendicular to the second axis and a fourth axis.
US08734282B2
A method of operating at least one form-locking shifting element of an automatic transmission integrated in a drivetrain which comprises an oil pump that can be driven mechanically by an internal combustion engine and an auxiliary oil pump that can be electrically driven, before start-up of the internal combustion engine. The method including the steps of recognizing the start-up of the combustion engine and, when a start-up of the combustion engine is recognized, controlling the electrically driven auxiliary oil pump and the at least one form-locking shifting element such that, directly after the generation of a defined rotational speed difference of the at least one form-locking shifting element by the internal combustion engine, the at least one form-locking shifting element is engaged.
US08734280B2
An inner link plate is provided for a chain. The inner link plate has a longitudinal centerline, an inside surface arranged to face another inner link plate when the chain is assembled, an outside surface opposite to the inside surface, and an outer peripheral edge disposed between the inside and outside surfaces. The bicycle inner link plate basically has a first end portion, a second end portion and a connecting portion. The first and second end portions are each provided with a connecting opening. The connecting portion includes a recess disposed on the inside surface of the connecting portion. The recess has a maximum longitudinal width on the outer peripheral edge, and a minimum longitudinal width in a region adjacent the longitudinal centerline. The recess at least extends from the outer peripheral edge to the longitudinal centerline.
US08734278B2
A ratchet-type tensioner capable of restricting setback of a plunger includes a ratchet mechanism that allows setback of the plunger by sliding a ratchet element in a disengaging direction to disengage ratchet teeth from rack teeth when a reaction force acts on the plunger as a result of excessive chain tension. The ratchet element is slidable in a ratchet-receiving hole, and an inclination suppressing structure that prevents the ratchet element from becoming skewed in the ratchet receiving hole to an extent such that its forward end contacts one side of the hole while its rearward end contacts the opposite sides of the hole.
US08734262B1
The improved billiard ball rack positioning system is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily position a billiard ball type rack. The rack of the system includes a plurality of position indicating LEDs and a plurality of proximity sensors mounted thereon. Proper positioning of the rack at a predetermined location on a playing surface or table causes actuation of the proximity sensors and consequently lighting of the indication lights. Lighting of all of the indication lights functions as an indication to the user that the rack is properly positioned. In contrast to prior art devices, the improved billiard ball rack positioning system provides for a “go/no-go” type of position indication means.
US08734261B1
A slip yoke assembly is provided. The slip yoke assembly includes a slip yoke having a long bore extending between a first end and a second end and a counterbore at the second end of the long bore. The counterbore has a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than a major diameter of the long bore and the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. The slip yoke assembly also includes a plug having an elastomeric member secured to a surface thereof. The elastomeric member is disposed within the first diameter and the plug is disposed within the second diameter. The plug is secured to the slip yoke by a lip formed over the plug.
US08734255B2
Described herein are methods and systems for providing a game center having player specific options and statistics. For example, in at least certain embodiments, a game center module can provide a friends option such that a user can view and select from a list of friends. The game center module can provide friend details of a selected friend including a list of games played together between the user and the selected friend and a list of other games in common between the user and the selected friend. In an embodiment, the list of games in common and the list of other games in common each include a list of options with each option indicating a respective game name and a comparison of the user's ranking and the selected friend's ranking for the respective game.
US08734252B2
A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game.
US08734248B2
Systems and methods for processing input in a wagering game machine are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a button panel for a wagering game machine. The button panel comprises a main button circuit board. The button panel also comprises at least one socket mounted to the main button circuit board. The button panel comprises a number of display components plugged into the at least one socket, wherein each display component comprises a display coupled to a display circuit board, wherein at least one switch used to determine a button press is mounted on each display circuit board.
US08734246B2
A computer terminal includes a first data generation section that generates first data associated with an identification number corresponding to each frame, a data communication control section that transmits and receives data, a synchronization control section that stores the first data in a first storage area and stores second data in a second storage area based on the identification number, and extracts the first data stored in the first storage area and the second data stored in the second storage area in synchronization based on the identification number, a calculation section that performs calculations every frame based on the first data extracted from the first storage area and the second data extracted from the second storage area, a communication delay time determination section that performs a test communication and determines a communication delay time based on the result of the test communication, and an input delay time setting section that sets an input delay time and transmits the input delay time to another computer terminal, the input delay time being equal to or longer than the communication delay time. The synchronization control section extracts data having an elapsed time after input of the data that has exceeded the input delay time based on the identification number and the input delay time.
US08734245B2
Physical objects may be employed with a virtual game layout to enhance wager and non-wagered based gaming. Displays subsystems may provide a changeable or selectable virtual game layout with demarcations appropriate to a selected game. A sensor subsystem may detect physical aspects of game related pieces (e.g., playing cards, chips, markers, dice, spinners, tokens, tiles) as well as media (e.g., identity media, financial media). All gaming functions may occur through interaction with a playing surface, as well as functions such as order food, beverages and services. Automated tracking of players, dealers and games may be realized along with bonusing and promotions.
US08734241B2
A system, method and apparatus provides a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator.
US08734235B2
A gaming system and method provides wagering control features for application in multi-stakes, multi-player wagering games. Players have the option to choose one of a plurality of different modes at the beginning of a gaming session. Depending on which mode is selected, the wagering control feature or features available to players during game play will be different.
US08734234B1
Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing an online casino game, such as slots. One method includes operations for detecting a bet placed on a slots game, and for calculating a win amount based on the bet and based on mechanics for calculating prizes on the slots game. An avatar associated with an adventure game is advanced along a path of a road in the adventure game, which is associated with the slots game. The advancement is based on the win amount, thereby tying the adventure game with the chances provided by the casino game.
US08734229B2
Video game methods and apparatus permit contracts to be formed and enforced within a video game. Virtual and/or real world obligations, penalties and remedies are available for entities that are parties to or breach contracts or other obligations in virtual contracts.
US08734222B2
A modified pick selection bonus game feature is provided including picking hidden selections to accumulate matching symbols and win a prize. The game includes improved features such as a prize bump bonus symbols to increase the value of all available bonus prizes.
US08734217B2
A gaming system, comprising a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display a representation of play of the game, the game controller being arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, to control the display to display a plurality of the selected symbols in rows and columns, to determine a game outcome based on patterns of symbols in the rows and columns, and also being arranged to generate a feature game in response to a trigger condition, and determine an outcome of the feature game depending on the occurrence of a non-linear pattern of symbols.
US08734216B2
A predetermined time point is added to an accumulated value of the time point in accordance with lapse of time. A special effect and a special effect applied value set to the special effect are stored when specification of the special effect is received. When the special effect applied value is subtracted from the accumulated maximum value of the time point, the special effect is applied to the player character. When specification of action commands is received, the received action command, an action command value and a received order of the action command are stored. The action command whose received order is the earliest among the received action commands is activated in the case where the accumulated value of the time point is the action command value of the action command or more. The action command value of the activated action command is subtracted from the time point.
US08734212B2
A container data center (CDC) includes a server system and two cooling systems sandwiching the servers system. The server system includes a first container and a number of servers received in the first container. Each of the cooling systems includes a second container and a cooling device received in the second container. The cooling device generates cooling air which is directed to the servers for heat dissipation.
US08734204B2
A polishing solution for metal films that comprises an oxidizing agent, a metal oxide solubilizer, a metal corrosion preventing agent, a water-soluble polymer and water, wherein the water-soluble polymer is a copolymer of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, the copolymerization ratio of methacrylic acid in the copolymer being 1-20 mol % based on the total of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.
US08734188B2
A card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10), a number of contacts (30) retained in the insulative housing, a metal shell (20) attached to the insulative housing for cooperatively defining a receiving space (60), and a tray (40) received in the receiving space. The metal shell includes a pair of elastic portions (24). The tray has a frame portion (41) having two lateral edges. Each lateral edge has a notch (410) securing with the corresponding elastic portion when the tray is fully inserted in the receiving space along an insertion/ejection direction and an inclined surface (414) on which the elastic portions bias to slow down ejection of the tray.
US08734187B2
An electrical connector and leadframe assemblies for use therein are provided. Each leadframe assembly can be constructed with at least one electric contact having a ground plate. A first type of leadframe assembly includes an uppermost electrical contact defining a ground plate. A second type of leadframe assembly includes a lowermost electrical contact defining a ground plate. The ground plates can reduce the level of crosstalk exhibited by the electrical connector.
US08734182B2
The present invention discloses a USB application device including a body, a circuit board, a pins plate and a plurality of first electrical pins. The plurality of first electrical pins are enclosed previously by the pins plate, and a first end of each one of the plurality of first electrical pins is connected on the circuit board, so that the plurality of first electrical pins pass over a first surface of the circuit board and thus extend in suspension. The circuit board is disposed within the body and the pins plate is combined with the body, so that the plurality of first electrical pins are partly exposed by the body. The present invention also discloses a method for assembling a USB application device, which is capable of simplifying the process of disposing the plurality of first electrical pins on the circuit board.
US08734178B2
An electrical plug-provided cord has a cord including lead wires and an outer cover for covering the lead wires, an electrical plug including plug blades connected to the lead wires at a tip of the cord and a plug outer housing for covering a part of the cord and a part of the plug blades from base parts of the plug blades to the outer cover at a tip part of the cord, and a coupling member which surrounds the tip part of the cord in close contact and is coupled to the plug outer housing by thermal welding. The plug outer housing is formed of a synthetic resin. At least an interface of the coupling member with the plug outer housing is formed of a heat-weldable material which is thermally weldable with the plug outer housing.
US08734177B2
An electrical connector for electrically connecting a chip module to a printed circuit board. The electrical connector includes an insulating body and a pressing plate for covering the insulating body. A receiving area for receiving the chip module is disposed on the insulating body. Multiple terminal receiving slots are provided inside the receiving area, and at least one bump is disposed inside the receiving area. An opening is provided at the pressing plate. An urging portion is disposed at each of two opposite sides of the opening, respectively, and pressing force-application points are formed at two ends of the urging portion. When the pressing plate covers the insulating body, the bump is correspondingly located below the force-application points to bear the chip module, so as to avoid warps and deformations of the chip module when pressed.
US08734174B2
A waterproof connector has a first housing and a seal member. The first housing has an accommodation chamber which accommodates a terminal attached to an electric wire and a rear wall which defines part of the accommodation changer and has an insertion hole. The seal member has a terminal hole into which the terminal is inserted, is formed integrally with the first housing and is formed of an elastic material so as to be secured tight to an outer circumference of the electric wire.
US08734171B2
A method and apparatus for modifying standard AC plugs and receptacles to flexibly furnish AC or DC power is disclosed. This can be accomplished by adding a “selector” pin between the non-ground pins used in traditional AC plugs. Alternately, an interposer can be manually applied to the plug to effect selection. Plug electronics can select AC or DC based on respective availability. A flexible power receptacle can manage AC/DC selection, regulate the supplied DC voltage and enable reversion to the AC supply if the DC supply is inadequate. Electronics within a flexible power receptacle can convert DC to AC when advantageous and can regulate the supplied voltage. Additional electronics within a flexible power plug or receptacle can enable communication.
US08734161B1
Embodiments of the invention provide a facility for measuring critical CPR parameters during first aid training. Specifically, the device provides a manikin housing for the insertion of a consumer electronic device such as phone, music player, personal assistant, game controller or other device with necessary sensory for the measurement of the CPR parameters. Tactile buttons, touch sensitive displays and embedded accelerometers in these devices may be used to accurately measure CPR parameters. In certain embodiments, parameters may be measured using a game console controller and the feedback may be displayed on a television in the form of a video game.
US08734159B2
A physical skills training apparatus particularly useful for training various close-contact sports skills and techniques related to stance, balance, hand positioning accuracy, leg movement, muscle strength, action and reaction times, resistance, movement finesse, and others, includes a main structure or body that provides at least geometric form, structural integrity, engageability by at least one user if the apparatus is connected to a mount or support and, by two or more users (as, e.g., opposing participants), and is characterized by its geometric form to be portable, relatively light-weight, and easily transportable by a single person. Illustratively, the main body of the apparatus may be in the form of a one-piece, high aspect ratio plate that is flat or curved. The main body will have (holding) means for gripping, grasping or holding the apparatus by a user on one side of the apparatus, which may be in the form of shaped and oriented openings to accommodate both hands of a user, or handles. There may be more than two of the openings or more than two sets of the openings to facilitate different holding positions by a single user if the apparatus is mounted or, by two simultaneous users, one on each of the front side and the back side of the apparatus. Training methods are disclosed.
US08734151B2
An apex-locating method and device for determining the depth position of the apex in a dental root canal. It uses a device making it possible to form a circuit including a first probe electrode inserted into the root canal of a tooth, a second electrode in conductive contact with an oral mucous membrane, frequency-generating elements able to produce alternating electrical signals at a number of frequencies, and elements for measuring electrical magnitude of alternating signals in the circuit. Provision is made for exciting the circuit and measuring the levels of magnitude of the alternating signals, respectively at low frequency and at high frequency and for detecting a point of intersection where the two levels measured at low and high frequencies meet and become substantially equal, these frequencies being sufficiently far apart for this point of intersection to exist. This point gives the position of the apex.
US08734142B2
Disclosed is a scroll compressor. As two side surfaces of a rotation preventing member are formed to be flat with keys, the rotation preventing member, a main frame, and an orbiting scroll may be easily processed and partial frictions and noise due to the keys may be prevented. Furthermore, since the orbiting scroll is entirely and stably supported by a ring portion of the rotation preventing member, the occurrence of a tilting moment of the orbiting scroll may be reduced. This may enhance the stability and the performance of the scroll compressor.
US08734139B2
A fluid pump having a pump housing that includes at least one expansion joint, provides volume compensation, as needed, to adjust for changes in pressure in the pump housing. Various embodiments automatically and passively reduce static pressure in the pump housing associated with a freezing event, thereby preventing damage to the pump head. Volume compensation is achieved by employing, in each expansion joint, a dynamic seal that allows relative movement of two portions of the pump housing, and a bias that provides a selected counter-force to the movement of the housing portions. The subject pumps are particularly suited for use in automotive and other rugged applications, in which fluid pumps may experience recurring freezing events.
US08734124B2
A swash plate type compressor includes a swash plate rotating around a rotating shaft, pistons that advance and retreat with the rotation of the swash plate and formed with a hemispherical concave sliding surface, and shoes formed with a flat end surface part in sliding contact with the swash plate and a spherical surface part in sliding contact with the sliding surface of the piston. A cylindrical part is formed between the spherical surface part and the end surface part of the shoe, and the shoe is formed with a flange part that surrounds the boundary portion between the cylindrical part and the end surface part and is in sliding contact with the swash plate. Further, the flange part is located on the inside of an imaginary spherical surface including the sliding surface of the piston.
US08734116B2
A turbine bucket is provided including a bucket airfoil having an airfoil shape, the bucket airfoil having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 1 wherein the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to dimensional distances in inches by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a height of the airfoil in inches, and wherein X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z, the airfoil profile sections at Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08734113B2
When cold and in the non-coated state, the aerodynamic profile is substantially identical to a nominal profile determined by the Cartesian coordinates X,Y,Z′ given in Table 1, in which the coordinate Z′ is the quotient D/H where D is the distance of the point under consideration from a first reference plane P0 situated at the base of the nominal profile, and H is the height of said profile measured from the first reference plane to a second reference plane P1. The measurements D and H are taken radially relative to the axis of the turbine, while the X coordinate is measured in the axial direction of the turbine.
US08734111B2
Platform cooling passages and methods for creating platform cooling passages in turbine rotor blades
A method for creating a platform cooling passage in a turbine rotor blade, wherein the turbine rotor blade comprises a platform at an interface between an airfoil and a root, wherein the platform includes a platform topside along an outboard surface. The method may include the steps of forming a recessed area along the platform topside; forming a coverplate; and affixing the coverplate to the platform topside. The coverplate may be configured to correspond to the shape of the recessed area such that, when affixed to the platform topside in a desired manner, the coverplate substantially encloses the recessed area to form the platform cooling passage therein.
US08734105B2
A method of operating a wind turbine having a bearing assembly, a shaft received therein, and at least one sub-system capable of altering a dynamic state of the wind turbine includes monitoring at least one parameter indicative of a load on the shaft; comparing the at least one parameter to a threshold criteria; and when the at least one parameter meets the threshold criteria, altering the dynamic state of the wind turbine to reduce the load on the shaft; and/or altering the state of the bearing assembly to better accommodate the load on the shaft. A control system for the wind turbine includes a controller operatively coupled to the bearing assembly and the at least one sub-system, and at least one sensor for monitoring at least one parameter indicative of a load on the shaft. The controller signals the sub-system or the bearing assembly when the threshold criteria is met.
US08734104B2
A wear-free, self-contained control device for an aerodynamic emergency brake of a wind energy converter is presented that comprises multiple components in order to provide a most effective means to control the rotation of a vertical axis wind turbine by a brake, which is able to activate itself without external actuation in malfunction situations and is able to shut down the vertical axis wind turbine. Therefore, a mass element is utilized to store mechanical energy which in turn is used to deploy an aerodynamic braking operation. It also represents a means to control and limit the amount of torque, as absorbed by the turbine in high-wind conditions, and thus provides the ability to harvest electrical/mechanical energy, beyond the normal operational wind speeds of turbines.
US08734100B2
A turbine stage for a turbomachine, the stage comprising a rotor wheel mounted inside a sectorized ring carried by an outer casing, and a sectorized nozzle fastened to the casing downstream from the wheel, each ring sector having a downstream end that is held bearing radially outwards against a cylindrical rail of the casing by means of the nozzle, the casing rail including an annular row of through radial notches reducing the areas for heat exchange by conduction both between the casing and the ring sectors and between the casing and the nozzle.
US08734099B2
A water pump for a vehicle includes: a pump housing; a drive shaft; an impeller fixed on a first end portion of the drive shaft; a pulley including a first radial extension portion and a first axial extension portion; a seal ball bearing which is disposed between an inner circumference surface of the first axial extension portion and an outer circumference surface of a cylindrical portion, and which includes seal members; and a plate member disposed between an end portion of the seal ball bearing which is on an impeller side and a stepped portion, and arranged to cover an end surface of the seal ball bearing which is on the impeller side, the plate member having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the stepped portion, and including a separating portion which is separated from a portion rotating relative to the plate member.
US08734096B2
When cold and in the non-coated state, the aerodynamic profile is substantially identical to a nominal profile determined by the Cartesian coordinates X,Y,Z′ given in Table 1, in which the coordinate Z′ is the quotient D/H where D is the distance of the point under consideration from a first reference plane P0 situated at the base of the nominal profile, and H is the height of said profile measured from the first reference plane to a second reference plane P1. The measurements D and H are taken radially relative to the axis of the turbine, while the X coordinate is measured in the axial direction of the turbine.
US08734091B2
A compressor includes: a compressor spool rotatable about an axis carrying axially-spaced-apart blade rows of compressor blades; a casing surrounding the compressor blades, the casing carrying a liner assembly defining a boundary of a primary compressor flowpath; and a plurality of axially-spaced-apart stator rows of stator vanes carried by the liner assembly, the stator rows alternating axially with the blade rows. At least some of the stator rows are variable stator rows, the stator vanes of which are mounted on trunnions passing through the casing, and are pivotable relative to the casing. An actuator arm is coupled to each trunnions, outside the casing. At least one first bleed slot passes through the liner structure between axially adjacent first and second ones of the variable stator rows; and a first flow path defined by the casing communicates with the first bleed slot and with the exterior of the casing.
US08734089B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a vane assembly for a gas turbine engine. Another embodiment of the present invention is a damper seal that may be employed in conjunction with a vane assembly of a gas turbine engine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods and combinations for vane assemblies and the sealing and damping thereof. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US08734088B2
A variable stator vane in a gas turbine engine has a journal provided with a circumferential recess. An aperture extends from the recess to a face of the journal directed towards the aerofoil portion of the vane. In operation of the engine, heated air, for example from a downstream compressor stage of the engine is admitted to the recess and flows through the aperture to, for example, the pressure surface of the aerofoil portion. The aerofoil portion is thereby heated, so preventing ice accretion on the vane.
US08734084B1
The Wind Wing converts wind energy into electrical energy utilizing an oscillating vertical unarticulated wing, and in one of its two models, employs a new type of electrical generator.
US08734081B2
A storage unit is disclosed. A first feed is disposed at least partially within the storage unit, and a second feed is coupled to the first feed. The second feed is configured to receive one or more materials and to transfer the one or more materials to the first feed. The first feed is configured to elevate the one or more materials to the storage unit.
US08734080B2
An apparatus for rotary dumping of rail cars, including a material receiving pit. A rotary rail car dumper includes a rotational frame supporting at least one baffle. The rotational frame is configured to dump a load from a rail car during rotational motion of the rotational frame between an upright position wherein the entire load is in the rail car and a dumping position wherein the load can exit the rail car. A backside airflow diverter is located beneath the rotational frame and includes a curved upper surface. A lower margin of the at least one baffle contacts the curved upper surface during at least part of the rotational motion of the rotational frame. A backside hood is located beneath the backside airflow diverter on the back side of the pit.
US08734078B2
A system and method for optimizing the parking and storage capacity of a vehicle parking garage wherein rows of vertical columns of parking spaces or cubicles are spaced in opposing relationship with one another such that at least one automatic guided and self propelled vehicle (AGV), with or without a vehicle support tray mounted thereon, is vertically movable in engagement with the opposing racks or chains that extend on opposite sides of the vertical columns of parking cubicles so that a vehicle may be loaded onto the AGV and thereafter transferred to, and later removed from a parking cubicles and transferred to an exit of the garage. If tray are used on the AGV, additional trays are stored in storage spaces adjacent each parking cubicle.
US08734076B2
A rivet, in particular a solid rivet, for riveting components, which has a primary head for bearing on a component to be riveted and a rivet shank, which is plastically deformable to form a closing head, joined to the primary head so as to constitute a single piece therewith. The primary head has a greater hardness than the rivet shank. Owing to the greater hardness of the primary head, the rivet joint can be produced in a reliable and cost effective manner, even in the case of a rivet header bearing only partially on the primary head.
US08734075B1
A pole butt removal tool is an unconventionally threaded shaft and a hub. The unconventionally threaded shaft has a minor diameter, a major diameter, a hub end and a terminal end with the terminal end ending in a conical point. The major diameter as a ratio to the minor diameter of the thread is greater than a major diameter/minor diameter ratio of Unified Coarse Thread Series (UNC) and the pitch is significantly less than Unified Coarse Thread Series (UNC).
US08734072B2
A locking fastener includes a fastener body, a locking band within the fastener body, and a retainer secured to the fastener body to retain the locking band within the fastener body. The locking band includes first and second tangs that fit within recesses in the fastener body to limit angular movement of the tangs. The tangs and the recesses are dimensioned to control the torque required to remove the fastener from a threaded member. The retainer defines a central circular hole corresponding to the diameter of a threaded member on which the fastener is mounted.
US08734071B2
The invention relates to a functional element in the form of a press-in element for attachment to a sheet metal part, wherein the functional element has a head part and a shaft part, the head part has a ring-shaped sheet metal contact surface at the side adjacent the shaft part and a ring-shaped axial recess inside this ring-shaped sheet metal contact surface and surrounding the shaft part at the transition from the head part into the shaft part. In accordance with the invention the shaft part has a plurality of circumferentially distributed radial recesses extending in the axial direction and between these noses which likewise extend axially and project radially, wherein raised material portions are present at the positions of the radial recesses at their axial ends adjacent the head part and form undercuts with the head part in the region of the ring-shaped recess.
US08734064B2
A tooling insert for a screw machine includes a plurality of cutoff blades. The insert is indexable. The cutting side of the blade includes a planar impact surface with a 7° side rake angle. In addition, the blade cutting side has a narrow raised land adjacent the impact surface.
US08734063B2
A cutting tool assembly includes a cutting head having a coupling face provided with a multilateral recess, a shank having a coupling face provided with a multilateral recess corresponding to that of the cutting head, and a multilateral coupling plate which fits complementarily into the interior space created by the multilateral recesses. The cutting tool assembly provides a more stable coupling structure, since rotational torque is transmitted through the multilateral coupling plate from the shank to the cutting head, whereas in the prior art coupling screws are used to directly bear the torque force.
US08734062B2
A cutting assembly useful for the chipforming removal of material from a workpiece at the cutting insert-workpiece interface. The cutting assembly has a holder with a coolant passage and a seat. As one option, a stud extends away from the seat and facilitates coolant flow to an insert locking cap, which attaches to the stud. The insert locking cap directs coolant flow toward the cutting insert-workpiece interface. As another option, a diverter plate has a bottom surface with a bowl and an arcuate forward surface with one or more openings. Coolant flows from the coolant passage into the bowl then exits through at least one opening in the arcuate forward surface towards the cutting insert-workpiece interface.
US08734061B2
Cylindrical prescription containers are propelled through a pneumatic transport system at high speeds by low pressure, high-velocity air. Upon arrival at destination stations within the transport system, curvilinear decelerators slow them by directing them through a plurality of curved paths where they dissipate momentum. Once slowed, the containers are deposited upon a moving conveyor to be staged into the next processing station at an even pace. The decelerators comprise curved vanes surrounding the container path, the vanes being held in a fixed, curvilinear relation to each other and the container by a series of yokes surrounding and engaging the vanes. The conveyor is driven by a servo motor controllable by the transport system to pace containers as needed by the next processing station.
US08734053B1
An articulated baffle assembly is disclosed and claimed. The battle assembly includes a support and vanes connected to the support. The support holds the vanes in the flow of a liquid in order to promote sedimentation when the baffle assembly is in an operational configuration. The support includes an articulation that allows the baffle assembly to be reversibly converted to a retracted configuration that facilitates access to and removal of sediment.
US08734040B2
A multi-function writing instrument includes a front section having a writing point opening and a rear section having an eraser opening. The rear section and the front section are rotatably connected to each other. A plurality of marking tips are disposed in the front section. One of the marking tips is a pencil lead marking tip. The marking tips are alternately selectable for extension through the writing point opening. An eraser holder is movably disposed in the rear section. An eraser is mounted in the eraser holder. The eraser holder is selectable for extension through the eraser opening. A means for simultaneously propelling the pencil lead marking tip through the writing point opening and the eraser through the eraser opening upon rotation of the front section relative to the rear section is housed in the multi-function writing instrument.
US08734035B2
A media cartridge is disclosed for insertion into a cartridge receptacle of a printer. The media cartridge includes a cartridge housing having one or more shifting ribs on the cartridge housing. At a position of initial insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, the shifting ribs are configured to center a length of media and an ink ribbon of the media cartridge between a print head and a platen roller in the cartridge receptacle. As the insertion of the media cartridge into the cartridge receptacle continues, the shifting ribs shift the length of media and the ink ribbon toward one of the print head and the platen roller.
US08734033B2
An optical mechanism for a camera having a camera aperture includes an indexing stage movable between at least two distinct positions. At least a first fixed diameter apodized aperture is mounted on the stage and configured to be aligned with the camera aperture in one of the distinct positions of the indexing stage, and wherein the first fixed diameter apodized aperture is not aligned with the camera aperture in the other of the distinct positions of the indexing stage. The stage can include multiple fixed diameter apodized apertures of distinct effective diameters each of which can be selectively aligned with the camera aperture. The mechanism includes an actuator for moving the stage between each of said distinct positions. Methods for mass producing the fixed diameter apodized aperture are disclosed using dye diffusion into optical elements via various methods, and various casting and molding formation techniques.
US08734025B2
A cable termination device may include one or more components that are generic to multiple types and/or sizes of cable. The device may further comprise one or more components that are specific to a particular cable type and/or size. The cable-generic components can be combined with cable-specific components applicable to the particular cable type and/or size so as to assemble a termination device attached to an end of a cable of that particular type and/or size. The cable-generic components could alternatively be combined with cable-specific components applicable to a different cable type and/or size so as to assemble a termination device attached to an end of a cable of that different type and/or size.
US08734023B2
A race for a rolling-element bearing is characterized in that the race comprises at least one circumferentially-extending region having a reduced stiffness compared with the remainder of the race. The or each circumferentially-extending region may be thinner than the remainder of the race, and may further comprise a hole or a slot. In a particular preferred embodiment there are two such circumferentially-extending regions, each extending around an arc of approximately 60 degrees in the circumferential direction.
US08734020B2
A bearing assembly with a sensor, includes an annular, synthetic resin sensor holder supported on an outer race using a circumferential groove of the outer race so as to be strongly fixed in position by a spring member having circumferential half-split elastic recovery portions. The spring member is a square sectional wire and includes a main portion fitted in an annular groove of the sensor holder, and opposite end portions that circumferentially protrude from the annular groove and are located inside an open recess of the sensor holder. The opposite end portions of the spring member overlap axially when fitted in the annular groove, and abut and are deflected when one of the end portions is shifted to remove the overlapping. Forces caused by elastic recovery of the deflected end portions increase the force of the main portion pushing the sensor holder in a radially outward direction.
US08733985B2
An example includes a lamp system couplable to a vertical structure and a horizontal structure, the system including a base including a first electrical contact couplable to a power source, a motor coupled to the base, the motor couplable to the power source, a cord coupled to the motor, with the motor configured to extend and retract the cord with respect to the base and a lamp socket coupled to the cord, the lamp socket including a second electrical contact mateable to the first electrical contact to electrically couple the lamp socket to the power source, wherein the base is hingedly couplable to a hinge plate, with a proximal portion of the hinge plate to be hinged to a side of the base in a vertical-mount configuration, with the cord extending through a channel located on a distal end of the hinge plate.
US08733972B2
Disclosed herein is a lighting apparatus in which a plurality of lighting blocks is inserted into a base member at positions desired by a user so as to improve the aesthetics of the lighting apparatus and enable easy repair and replacement.
US08733971B2
A LED floodlight (1), includes: a plurality of LEDs (3) suitably arranged for use; an electrical circuit (4) for powering the plurality of LEDs (3); a finishing casing (5); element of electrical connection (6) to a power supply network; characterized in that it includes a stratified sheet (2), folded so as to suitably orient the beam from the floodlight (1), wherein the sheet (2) simultaneously serves as a mechanical support and as an electronic power and control board for the plurality of LEDs (3) and the electrical circuit (4) is obtained directly thereon.
US08733965B2
An LED illuminating street lamp with a power generation system includes a thermal power generation system with a heat-absorbing power generation vacuum tube, a road surface pressure device connected with a pressure power generation system, and a solar power generation system. The solar power generation system, the thermal power generation system, and the pressure power generation system are connected with a central controller. The central controller is connected with a DC/DC converter.
US08733958B2
The present invention provides a flat panel display device, which includes a backlight system and a display panel. The backlight system includes a reflector plate and a back frame that carries the reflector, wherein the back frame includes at least two primary assembling pieces, the at least two primary assembling pieces being joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame; and the reflector plate includes a substrate layer and a reflection layer formed on the substrate layer, the substrate layer having a surface that is away from the reflection layer and comprises an ink layer printed thereon. The present invention also provides a stereoscopic display device. With the above arrangement, the present invention provides a flat panel display device and a stereoscopic display device having an ink layer printed on the surface of the substrate layer that is away from the reflection layer in order to eliminate light leakage from the surface of the reflector plate that faces the back frame, reduce the potential risk of light leakage after the assembling of the backlight system, and thereby improve the performance of the flat panel display device and the stereoscopic display device.
US08733949B2
Disclosed herein is a color display device that can be deployed at retail paint stores, kiosks, customers' offices or homes, airports, malls, etc. for rapid color and appearance prototyping. The color display device, which can be mobile, can display color under standardized lighting or simulated ambient lighting. The color display device can augment or replace a traditional paint chip rack or fan deck. The color display device can manipulate light sources additively and/or subtractively using an integrating light mixing capsule or chamber, special optics, mock objects and electronic control for color and appearance representation and for object illumination with desirable simulated ambient lighting.
US08733947B2
A light source control device is for controlling a solid-state light source array having a plurality of solid-state light sources connected in series to each other, and includes a detector (a current detection resistor, voltage detection resistors, and operational amplifiers) adapted to detect at least one of a voltage applied to the solid-state light source array and a current supplied to the solid-state light source array, and a control circuit adapted to determine whether or not discontinuity of at least one of the voltage and the current is present using a detection result of the detector, and change control of one of the current and electrical power performed on the solid-state light source array if it is determined that the discontinuity is present.
US08733938B2
A virtual-sunroof system for providing a virtual sunroof at an interior of a vehicle for viewing by a passenger of the vehicle. The system includes a virtual-sunroof imaging device configured and arranged at the vehicle to collect image information from an environment above the vehicle and create digital image data using the image information. The system also includes a virtual-sunroof projection device configured and arranged in the vehicle to be in communication with the virtual-sunroof imaging device for providing a virtual sunroof display. The virtual sunroof display provided (a) is viewable above a head of the passenger, (b) is formed using the image data, (c) represents accurately at the interior of the vehicle a rendition of the environment above the vehicle, and (d) has a size, shape, and location corresponding generally to a size, shape, and location that an actual conventional-type sunroof would have in the vehicle.
US08733933B2
An ophthalmologic apparatus includes an irradiation unit irradiating a subject's eye with a measuring beam emitted by a scanning unit that performs scanning, a first acquisition unit acquiring a first image of the subject's eye based on the returned measuring beam from the subject's eye when the scanning unit performs scanning in a first sub scanning direction, a second acquisition unit acquiring a second image of the subject's eye based on the returned measuring beam travelling from the subject's eye, at timing different from that for the first image, while the scanning unit performs scanning in a second sub scanning direction opposite to the first sub scanning direction, and a calculation unit calculating blood flow velocity of the subject's eye based on a blood cell position in the first image, a blood cell position in the second image, and the sub scanning direction of the scanning unit.
US08733926B2
An adjustment device for eyeglasses includes a column. The column includes a first end. The first end includes an aperture. The aperture is operable to be removably joined at least partially to an earpiece on the eyeglasses. A channel is disposed at least partially within the column. The aperture is further configured to allow access to the channel.
US08733919B2
An active energy ray-curable ink composition is disclosed which includes a colorant, a dispersant, a polymerizable compound and water. The dispersant includes a hydrophobic repeating unit including a residue obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from a compound selected from the group consisting of a benzene ring-containing compound, an aromatic hydrocarbon ring-condensed polycyclic compound, a heteromonocyclic compound and a hetero ring-condensed heteropolycyclic compound; a hydrophilic repeating unit including an ionic group; and a hydrophilic repeating unit including a nonionic group.
US08733914B2
A method of manufacturing a liquid container includes (a) a process of preparing a liquid container, (b) a process of storing liquid in a liquid storage chamber by injecting the liquid from the liquid storage chamber or an upstream side of the liquid storage chamber in a channel from an atmosphere opening port to a supply port based on a flow direction of a fluid from the atmosphere opening port to the supply port.
US08733898B2
Disclosed is an ink jet head for ejecting an ink droplet to form an image on a recording medium, including a pressure chamber to which ink is supplied, an actuator which applies a pressure on the ink filled in the pressure chamber to eject the ink droplet, a circuit applying to the actuator a drive-waveform for sequentially ejecting one or more ink droplets to form one pixel, the one ink droplet having V in volume, and a nozzle plate which has a nozzle fluidly communicating with the pressure chamber to eject ink droplet therefrom, the nozzle having a stepped inner surface shaped to include an inlet communicating with the pressure chamber and having a first sectional area in an orthogonal plane to ink-ejecting direction, and to include an outlet communicating with the inlet and having a length Ln1 in the ink-ejecting direction and a second sectional area C1 in the orthogonal plane smaller than the first sectional area, the Ln1, C1, and V being satisfied the relationship of 0.5≦Ln1/(V/C1)≦1.0. The ink jet head provides a high print quality while preventing a variation in volume of ink droplet ejected from the nozzle.
US08733892B2
The invention relates to an ink-jet printing deposition method including a compensation of deviations (δl1, δl2, δl3, . . . ) of ejection nozzles (1, 2, 3 . . . ) carried by a printing head (10). To this end, the deviations are measured first at the moment of the deposition, and then, during the deposition, each nozzle is activated when it shows a shift in relation to the point on a support where the substance is to be deposited, substantially opposite the deviation of said nozzle. Said depositions carried out in this way do not comprise accidental Moiré patterns.
US08733889B2
The cleaning device includes: a wiper blade which is arranged along an axial direction of a pressure drum holding and conveying a medium on which liquid is applied, the pressure drum holding the medium on a pressure drum circumferential surface of the pressure drum and conveying the medium in a prescribed medium conveyance direction, the wiper blade wiping and removing the liquid adhering to the pressure drum circumferential surface, the wiper blade being disposed in such a manner that a wiper blade face of the wiper blade is inclined from a normal to the pressure drum circumferential surface at a contact position with the wiper blade face to form an angle of smaller than 90° between the wiper blade face and the pressure drum circumferential surface on an upstream side from the contact position in terms of the medium conveyance direction; a movement device which moves the wiper blade so as to separate the wiper blade from the pressure drum circumferential surface when a gripping member arranged on the pressure drum to hold an end portion of the medium passes a wiping process position of the wiper blade; and a liquid pool removal device which removes at least a portion of the liquid in a liquid pool formed by the liquid that has been wiped by the wiper blade immediately before the wiper blade is separated from the pressure drum circumferential surface and that has not slid completely down the wiper blade face.
US08733883B2
A printing system includes a print media having two sets of test patterns formed or printed in at least two margins adjacent a content area on the print media. The two sets of test patterns are separated by a pattern distance and at least two test patterns in each set of test patterns have a different number of marks. Two integrated imaging systems are disposed opposite the print media and are mechanically tied together and separated by a fixed distance. The integrated imaging systems substantially simultaneously capture images of the two sets of test patterns. An image processing device can process the images to determine if one or more size variations have occurred in the print media in the in-track direction.
US08733882B2
A method of controlling a printer 1 that cuts recording paper according to a paper cut command after printing print data received from a host computer 80 on the recording paper 10. If the paper cut command is received while performing an automatic clogged nozzle detection process on the inkjet head 17 after printing ends (S1: Yes), the automatic clogged nozzle detection process is interrupted (S2), and the cutting process is performed (S3).
US08733881B2
An inkjet recording method included a feeding step of feeding a recording medium, a jetting step of jetting aqueous ultraviolet-curable ink onto the recording medium, a humidity controlling step of controlling the amount of moisture on the surface on the recording side of the recording medium after the jetting step in such a way that a difference between the amounts of moisture on the surface on the recording side of the recording medium after the jetting step and during the feeding step becomes equal to or greater than 2 g/m2 and equal to or less than 5 g/m2, and a fixing step of curing and fixing, with a dose of ultraviolet light equal to or greater than 800 mJ/cm2, the aqueous ultraviolet-curable ink on the recording medium in which the difference of the amounts of moisture has been controlled.
US08733880B2
A digital printing method includes printing timing marks for each of images; in reprinting after printing is temporarily suspended, feeding a web of paper to travel backwards so that a plurality of images and timing marks printed thereon before printing is temporarily suspended move towards upstream of a digital printer and thereafter feeding the web of paper to travel forwards again, and counting by mark sensors, upstream of the digital printer, the number of such timing marks moving in each of the backward feed and forward re-feed of the web of paper; and when the number of counts of the timing marks counted in the forward re-feed coincides with the number of counts of the timing marks counted in the backward feed, reinitiating to print consecutive images from a position following an image last printed before printing is temporarily suspended.
US08733874B2
It is possible to implement a calibration process that corrects density unevenness even in the case where the utilization ratios of the plurality of nozzle arrays used in printing differ. Concretely, making use of a print head provided with a plurality of nozzle arrays ejecting ink of the same color, it is a printing apparatus that performs printing, based on print data, by ejecting ink from the nozzles provided in the nozzle arrays, and has a print density characteristic acquisition unit, which acquires the print density characteristics of each of the nozzle arrays, and a nozzle array contribution ratio establishing unit, which establishes the printing ratios of the nozzle arrays that print a predetermined printing area, and does color shift correction processing of the print data based on each of the print density characteristics of the nozzle arrays and the nozzle array contribution ratios.
US08733868B1
A direct-to-product printing tray to hold a photo product and a plurality of labels in place while a composite image is printed on the photo product and a first label. The direct-to-product printing tray includes a label-dispensing system within the direct-to-product tray. The label-dispensing system is configured to automatically advance a second label to a position previously occupied by the first label in response to the removal of the first label from the label-dispensing system.
US08733867B2
A drawer of a refrigerator includes a basket extractable and retractable through the refrigerator while having a storage space surrounded by four wall surfaces. A first partition is slidably mounted to facing first and third ones of the wall surfaces, to move between facing second and fourth ones of the wall surfaces, a second partition is arranged to cross the first partition and is slidably mounted to the second and fourth wall surfaces, to move between the first and third wall surfaces. A moving guide disposed at an intersection between the first and second partitions, to guide movements of the first and second partitions. The drawer achieves an enhancement in utilization by virtue of the partitions capable of varying a partitioned size of the drawer.
US08733866B2
A combination of bracket and slide assembly includes a bracket and a rail. The bracket has a top portion, a bottom portion, a side portion connected to the top and bottom portions, and a support member fixedly to the side portion. The top portion, the bottom portion and the side portion define a longitudinal path. The support member is located in the longitudinal path. The rail extends through the longitudinal path of the bracket and has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall connected to the top and the bottom walls. The sidewall has a reinforcement path with a recessed surface, and the reinforcement path is located corresponding to the bracket. A first protrusion and a second protrusion are located on the top and the bottom of the reinforcement path. The support member is slidably connected to the reinforcement path and located corresponding to the first and second protrusions.
US08733857B2
A bezel assembly includes a panel, a shielding member, and a securing member. The panel includes a main body. The main body defines a through hole and a first opening. The shielding member attached to the panel includes a mounting portion. A second opening is defined in the shielding member, and the first opening and the second opening are configured to a data storage extend through to abut the first opening. The securing member secured to the panel includes a latching piece with a cutout. The securing member is slidable relative to the main body between a first position and a second position; when the securing member is in the first position, the mounting portion extends through the through hole to engage with the latching piece; when the securing member is in the second portion, the mounting portion is located on the cutout to disengage from the latching piece.
US08733848B2
A vehicular braking apparatus including a shut-off valve for shutting off, as needed, a flow of oil from a wheel cylinder to a master cylinder; a pressure increase-decrease control valve increasing and decreasing a pressure in the wheel cylinder; a reservoir receiving and storing in a reservoir chamber the oil from the wheel cylinder when the pressure increase-decrease control valve is in a pressure decrease position; a pump sucking in and pressuring the oil from the reservoir chamber and supplying the oil to the wheel cylinder via the pressure increase-decrease control valve when the pressure increase-decrease control valve is in a pressure increase position; and a communication control valve controlling communication between the master cylinder and the reservoir chamber. The communication control valve is a normally-closed valve and is opened by a suction pressure of the pump.
US08733845B2
A trip hazard removing apparatus includes a saw head and blade connected to guide rail(s), which are connected to a support structure, which is connected to lift arm(s) of a vehicle. The vehicle moves the trip hazard removing apparatus between trip hazards occurring between upper and lower slabs of a sidewalk, placing it on the lower slab adjacent to and in contact with a trip hazard, and lifting it after removing the trip hazard. A trip hazard engaging mechanism automatically locates the saw blade's position and angle relative to and above the upper slab to create appropriate transition surface(s) between the upper and lower slabs as it cuts off the trip hazard. The guide rail(s) allow placing the saw blade facing the sidewalk's side surface. The saw head and blade are moved along the guide rail(s) across the upper slab and through the side surfaces to remove the trip hazard.
US08733842B2
A tailored vehicle seat component 12 having at least two portions with different properties that are joined together, such as by an adhesive or in a welding process (e.g., laser weld). These different properties include thickness, grades, surface finishes, coatings, and the like. The laser tailored welded vehicle seat 12 components may be incorporated into seat back frames 16, seat track assemblies 26, recliners 20, seat base frames 18, head restraints 88, cushion pans 132, and the like, to optimize manufacturing operations, mass, performance quality, and costs.
US08733815B2
A tailgate outside handle assembly may include a housing installed in an outer panel of a tailgate, an actuator unit, a manipulating handle installed in the housing and having a manipulation portion in a front surface thereof, and a hinge shaft that may be coupled to a top end portion of a rear surface of the manipulation portion, wherein a bottom end portion of the manipulation portion may be engaged with the actuator unit and selectively rotated about the hinge shaft such that after the manipulation portion may be withdrawn to the outside of the housing by a driving force of the actuator unit when the tailgate may be to be opened, the manipulating handle works as a handle.
US08733813B2
The invention is directed to a mobile medical facility capable of treating, diagnosing and performing minor surgery on multiple patients at one time. In general, the facility includes a health care area which is interchangeable between a first transportable configuration and a second, operational configuration. In the operational configuration, the health care area is expanded and capable of providing general care or diagnostic facilities to multiple patients as well as registration, counseling and triage to at least one patient. Preferable a row of patient treatment bays are provided with intake, counseling and triage cubicles and storage areas.
US08733811B2
A method of manufacturing an automotive interior component includes the steps of: providing a mold apparatus comprising a first mold component and a second mold component; providing a substrate; applying a first layer of a soft-touch material to the substrate; applying a second layer of a fabric to one of the first mold component and the second mold component of the mold apparatus; forming a self-skinning foam layer, wherein a first surface of the self-skinning foam layer is configured for bonding to the first layer and a second surface of the self-skinning foam layer is configured for bonding to the second layer; and fastening the substrate, the first layer, the second layer together. Additional methods of manufacturing automotive interior components and automotive interior components are also provided.
US08733806B2
An actuating handle for a window or door including a fixing element coupled to a socket, the socket being selectively rotatable relative to a stop plate. The fixing element will allow insertion of a polygonal driver coupled to a handle from one direction through the socket, thereby rotationally coupling the handle and the socket, but will not allow the polygonal driver to be withdrawn in the opposite direction.
US08733805B2
A security seal using a captured lock wire for sealing a device in a manner revealing tampering with the seal includes a locking insert that fits closely within a central cavity of an outer body and is locked within the outer body against removal without visible damage to the insert or the outer body using locking fingers on the insert that cooperate with locking abutments in the cavity that permit insertion of the locking insert into the central cavity but not removal there from. A free end of the lock wire is captured by being threaded through apertures and grooves in the insert and outer body after being secured to a device to be sealed.
US08733804B1
An interrupt structure of a power latch includes a cinching lever enabling automatic latching, a detecting lever having one end rotatably mounted at the cinching lever and the other end including an outer wall having gear teeth formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a gear part engaged with the gear teeth formed on the outer wall of the detecting lever, and a detecting auxiliary lever rotatably mounted at the other end of the detecting lever and having one end engaged with the gear part and the other end protruded outwardly. Therefore, the detecting lever is operated in an opposite direction to an operation direction according to the related art to prevent generation of interference with the cinching lever, thereby making it possible to decrease noise. In addition, rigidity of a detecting lever avoidance section formed at the cinching lever is reinforced, thereby making it possible to improve durability.
US08733802B2
A door-locking device for locking a door of a household appliance, the door providing a closure hook, and at least a gasket provided on the door and/or on the household appliance. The device providing a locking hook, coupling with the household appliance closure hook, a slider, movable along a direction substantially parallel to a household appliance wall on which the door is provided, a recovery lever compensating for clearance of the gasket sealing closure, and a mechanical coupling for the locking hook and the recovery lever, the locking hook being rotably coupled with the mechanical coupling and being movable according to a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the movement direction of the slider, an elastic arm being further provided in a second embodiment, aiming to maintain the mechanical coupling in a door closure position, and interaction elements arranged between the slider and the mechanical coupling for locking each other in the door closure position.
US08733798B2
A conduit connector device includes an open-ended sleeve with aligned openings through upper and lower walls of the sleeve for insertion of a fastener to secure the lower wall of the sleeve to a support. A cover member or bridge is inserted into the sleeve between two conduit ends to cover the opening in the upper wall after the lower wall is attached to the support, restricting access to the previously inserted fastener. The ends of two adjacent lengths of conduit to be connected are inserted into opposite ends of the sleeve to abut the opposite ends of the bridge, and the adjacent lengths of conduits are thereby attached to the support.
US08733796B2
A robot cleaner includes wheels mounted at a lower side of a main body of the robot cleaner to allow for traveling of the main body, and wire winding prevention members mounted at the lower side of the main body, each wire winding prevention member having one end extending to be contactable with a rim of the corresponding wheel. The wire winding prevention member is preferably a torsion spring.
US08733785B2
A stroller includes a seating portion; a hub coupled to the seating portion; and at least one wheel coupled to the hub. A first portion of the seating portion is configured to telescopingly extend from a second portion of the seating portion, such that the first portion is extended from the second portion when the seating portion is in a first, open position, and the first portion is configured to slide within the second portion when the seating portion is in a second, closed position such that the seating portion becomes shorter in both length and width when in the second, closed position. A top portion of the seating portion is narrower than a central portion of the seating portion.
US08733782B2
A hinge mechanism includes a first hinge element, a second hinge element, and a locking element. The first and second hinge elements each include a plate portion and a plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another. The pluralities of substantially parallel fingers interlock with one another along a pivot axis such that the first and second hinge elements are rotatable relative to one another about the pivot axis between an extended position and a folded position. The locking element extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis and may be configured to releasably engage a receiving portion in one of the pluralities of substantially parallel fingers when the first and second hinge elements are in the extended position to lock the first and second hinge elements relative to one another. A collapsible ascension ski having such a hinge mechanism as well as related methods and kits are also disclosed.
US08733780B2
A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles by decoupling a hitch assembly having a telescopic and swiveling probe assembly carried in a housing assembly and mounted on the towed vehicle. In one embodiment, the release assembly includes an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle that releases the components retaining the probe assembly in the housing. In another embodiment, an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle decouples the entire hitch assembly from the associated vehicle. In both instances, the towing vehicle may resume movement clear of the towing vehicle. Thereafter, the probe assembly and/or the hitch assembly may be recoupled for subsequent use.
US08733778B2
A system for the transportation of wind turbine components with a vehicle, especially for the transportation of large wind turbine components, is provided. The vehicle includes at least two wheelsets, a first end frame connected to a first wheelset and a second end frame connected to a second wheelset. The vehicle further includes a support structure for carrying at least one wind turbine component, wherein the support structure is adapted to be detachably connected to the first end frame and/or to the second end frame. Thereby, the wind turbine component is connected solely to the support structure in a fixed but detachable manner.
US08733774B2
A bicycle comprises a bicycle frame and a rear wheel suspension system that is attached to the frame. The rear wheel suspension system comprises a rear wheel swingarm and a shock absorber that is coupled to the swingarm. A change in vertical wheel travel (ΔVWT) of the rear wheel is related to a change in the length of the shock absorber (ΔSL), providing a shock rate (SR). The shock rate (SR) changes throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel, such that the change in the shock rate dSR/dVWT has a change in sign as the rear wheel travels through its vertical wheel travel. In each case, the rate of change of the shock includes a change in sign, from positive to negative or from negative to positive. In some embodiments, the swingarm may be attached to the frame at a single pivot point or through a linkage system.
US08733773B2
A snowmobile comprises a chassis with a front portion and a tunnel, and a power train unit supported by the chassis. The snowmobile further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members cooperating with the power train unit to operate the snowmobile. The plurality of ground-engaging members includes a pair of front skis and an endless track assembly. A snowmobile is also depicted which has a raised front chassis relative to the driveshaft, which raises the clearance of the front chassis for deep snow.
US08733755B2
A sheet separation transport mechanism according to the present disclosure includes a sheet feed member, a separation member, a support member, a sheet member and a concave portion. The sheet feed member feeds a sheet in a transport direction. The separation member is pressed onto the sheet feed member. The support member includes: a separation member retaining portion; and a guide portion which guides lead edges of a plurality of sheets to the downstream side along the inclined surface. The sheet member is adhered from the guide portion so as to overlap the separation member and has a frictional coefficient lower than the separation member. The concave portion is formed in the shape of a groove in a position of the guide portion where the sheet member is adhered such that the depth of the concave portion is greater than the thickness of the sheet member.
US08733753B2
According to one embodiment, a sheet processing device includes a jogger fence configured to carry out a crosswise direction alignment to a stack of image formed sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus, a rear end fence acting as a lengthwise reference edge, a stapling device configured to staple the aligned sheet stack, a discharge belt configured to move the stapled sheet stack to a sheet ejection tray, and a controller to control movement of the jogger fence during the sheet stack being moved by the discharge belt so as to move the jogger fence more than once between a position where the jogger fence does not contact the edge of the sheet stack and a position where the jogger fence pressing contact the edge of the sheet stack.
US08733731B2
A valve device includes an oil path that is formed such that a hydraulic fluid flows therethrough, a ball valve that opens and closes the oil path, and a contraction-type PVC gel actuator including a plurality of planar cathode plates, a plurality of mesh-like anode plates, and PVC gel layers. The cathode plates and the anode plates are alternately stacked one on top of the other with the PVC gel layers sandwiched therebetween. With expansion or contraction deformation of the contraction-type PVC gel actuator, the ball valve is driven so as to close or open the oil path. The cathode plates and the anode plates included in the contraction-type PVC gel actuator are interconnected using the belt-like wiring portions. Thus, an integrated unit of the plurality of cathode plates and an integrated unit of the plurality of anode plates are formed.
US08733723B2
A cable tray expansion splice plate for connecting first and second cable tray sections end-to-end is disclosed. The splice plate includes an elongate body having a central section, an upper flange section, and a lower flange section. In one embodiment, the lower flange section defines a channel for receiving components of the first and second cable tray sections such that the lower flange section underlies the components. Fastener openings in the central section receive fasteners to fasten the body to the cable tray sections. These openings include slots which permit the cable tray sections to move relative to one another in a longitudinal direction.
US08733722B2
A support apparatus for suspending a display includes two suspenders and two repositioning units. Each suspender includes a connection member, a joint member, and two parallel arms extending between and pivoted to the connection member and the joint member. Each repositioning unit is connected between a corresponding arm and a corresponding one of the connection member and the joint member, and includes a variable-length cylinder. One of the repositioning units further includes a linking rod having opposite ends connected pivotally and respectively to a corresponding variable-length cylinder and a corresponding one of the connection member and the joint member of a respective suspender.
US08733719B2
There is set forth herein a method and apparatus for use in management of medical intravenous pole assemblies. In one embodiment, an apparatus can be provided that is adapted for connection to a plurality of intravenous pole assemblies. The apparatus can be connected to a group of intravenous pole assemblies to define a group of connected intravenous pole assemblies. A force can be imparted to the group of connected intravenous pole assemblies for transport of the group of intravenous pole assemblies.
US08733715B2
An apparatus is provided for mounting a video recording device to the pylon of a ski boat such that the video recording device tracks the motion of the skier during a ski run in response to movement of the ski rope.
US08733713B1
An auto-folding tray support having a central column, a lower portion of the column being slidable in a central lower member, at least three support legs each pivotally connected at a respective mid-section to the central column above the lower member, a rigid link associated with each leg, each link being pivotally connected adjacent opposite ends of the link to the lower member and to a lower part of a respective leg, pivot connections of the links being arranged such that said lower parts of the legs are automatically spread from the central column when the central column is lowered into the lower member and are automatically drawn towards the central column when the central column is lifted relative to the lower member.
US08733710B1
The specification and drawing figures describe and illustrate a clamp display system for displaying one or more articles on being removably fastened to a structural element.
US08733692B2
Latching apparatus and methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first latch portion including a first tooth and a first pin disposed in a first aperture defined by the first tooth and a second latch portion including a second tooth and a second pin disposed in an second aperture defined by the second tooth. The second tooth of the second latch portion is to mesh with the first tooth of the first latch portion to substantially orient the first pin and the second pin along an axis. The example apparatus further includes an actuator adjacent a first end of one of the first latch portion or the second latch portion to move the first pin and the second pin along the axis to lock the first latch portion to the second latch portion.
US08733684B2
This invention is a new portable and collapsible fishing line spool holder that can be hung from a fishing rod eyelet to permit the winding of the fishing line from the spool onto the fishing rod's reel. The present invention avoids common problems of twisting and line tension during transfer from spool to reel. Moreover, the present invention is collapsible, simple to load, and easily transportable.
US08733679B2
A shredder has a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is mounted in a housing. The plates each have on one of their faces a number of teeth. The first plate and the second plate are relatively rotated for interdigitating their teeth and shredding vegetative material placed between the plates. The shredded vegetative material is delivered through holes in the first plate to a weighing device in the housing.
US08733678B2
A method and a device for grinding strand-like fibrous material, wherein the strand-like fibrous material is fed towards the cutting edge of a cutting mechanism and wherein a moveable striking mechanism for grinding the fibrous material cooperates with the cutting mechanism. Associated with the cutting mechanism is a moveable clamping mechanism, by means of which the fibrous material is clamped in an oscillating manner. To produce optimally uniform fibrous shreds, as defined by the position of the cutting edge, the fibrous material is guided through an oscillating clamping gap formed between the clamping mechanism and the cutting mechanism, wherein the clamping mechanism is guided in a back and forth clamping movement relative to the cutting mechanism. For this purpose, the clamping gap is formed by arranging the clamping mechanism and the cutting mechanism opposite one another in a clamping plane.
US08733677B1
A media basket mill utilizes a media bed having very small media to attain a mixture of finely divided solids in a liquid vehicle. A method and an improvement for deterring wear at a bearing construct in the media basket mill precludes the entry into a bearing interface between a bearing surface of the bearing construct and a component rotating within the bearing construct of the very small media employed in the media basket mill. A barrier is interposed between the media held in the basket of the mill and the bearing interface so as to isolate the bearing interface from media within the basket and thereby deter the entry of media into the bearing interface and concomitant wear at the bearing interface.
US08733676B2
Systems and methods for cooling and processing materials are disclosed.
US08733664B2
An apparatus for supplying an RFID component with energy includes an antenna and an energy store. The energy store stores energy induced into the antenna by an alternating electromagnetic field during a first time interval. In addition, the energy store supplies the RFID component with stored energy in order to maintain its functionality during a later, second time interval if an energy induced by an alternating electromagnetic field during the later, second time interval is not sufficient for supplying the RFID component.
US08733663B2
An apparatus such as a mobile phone includes a contactless smart card or payment device, where the smart card is intended for use in both commerce transaction payment and transit fare payment (or other venue access) environments. The payment device may function as both an electronic wallet for commerce transactions and as a transit system card, for access to and fare payment of transit services. Implementation of both functions may be achieved by use of a dynamic memory management system that permits data for both the payment and transit applications to be stored on the card, with the transit data and storage locations isolated from those used to store data intended for use in paying for commerce transactions. The transit application specific data may include access control data (keys, passwords, identification data) or data required for fare calculations (rates, historical data on system use), for example.
US08733646B2
An integrated voting system and method for accommodating paper ballots and audio ballots. The voting system includes a voting device operable to scan a paper ballot with one or more marked voting selections and tabulate the marked voting selections. The voting system also includes an accessible voting station in communication with the voting device. The accessible voting station comprises a voting console operable present an audio ballot to a voter via headphones, and receive one or more voting selections entered in response to the audio ballot from the voter. A printer is also provided to print a printed ballot that includes the entered voting selections. The voting device is operable to tabulate the printed voting selections by scanning the printed ballot or receiving voting selection information extracted from the printed ballot from the accessible voting station.
US08733628B2
A data archiving system includes an archiving label including a label tag and a memory device carried by the label tag and a reading device adapted to retrieve repair information from the memory device.
US08733626B2
There is herein described a disposable clamshell food service package which includes a novel flex-hinge panel between the lid and bottom of the package. This construction permits the package to open easily when the lid is pushed upwardly resulting in a flat tray like configuration devoid of the typical upstanding wall or divider and which may be used as a serving plate by the consumer. The container may be easily snapped closed and locked to allow later consumption of any uneaten food products.
US08733621B2
A method of manufacturing containers of paper material for foodstuffs, in particular pastries, wherein the container comprises a single sheet portion of flexible paper material defining a flat bottom wall and a side wall emerging from the bottom wall. The container has a side wall comprising, in section, at least one curvilinear stretch (10) for defining a rounded or convex conformation of the side wall. The method contemplates a first step for making the bottom wall (2) provided with an upper surface (2a) and a lower surface (2b), and a side wall (3) emerging from the bottom wall (2) in such a manner that in cooperation with said bottom wall it defines a holding region (21) whose bottom consists of said lower surface (2b), and a second step of overturning the side wall on the opposite side relative to the bottom wall (2) for defining a cavity (7) having an upwards facing opening in the normal use position of the container.
US08733619B2
Nickel-base radiant tube includes straight and curved elbow tube sections. The straight tube section has constant inner and outer radii. The elbow tube section has a constant inner radius and variable outer radius. The inner diameter of the elbow tube section is equal the inner radius of the straight tube section. Mating end portion of the elbow tube section has an outer radius equal to the outer radius of the straight tube section. Method for making the radiant tube comprises the steps of positioning a mating end portion of the straight tube section adjacent to and aligned with the mating end portion of the elbow tube section so that end faces of the straight and elbow tube sections face each other to define a circumferentially extending weld groove, and butt welding the mating end portions of the straight and elbow tube sections together at the weld groove.
US08733613B2
A staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples positioned within a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body can comprise a tissue-contacting deck and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck. The ridges can be configured to prevent, or reduce the possibility of, tissue from moving relative to the staple cartridge during use. The staple cartridge can further comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity can comprise an opening in the deck which is at least partially surrounded by a ridge. The ridges can comprise a uniform height or a height which varies along the length thereof. The height can vary relative to a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge body and/or between the center of the cartridge body and the side.
US08733605B2
A bicycle-carrying device for motor-vehicles comprises a frame which is mounted on the rear part of a motor-vehicle and is provided with receptacles for supporting one or more bicycles in vertical planes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor-vehicle, without hiding from view substantial portions of the rear plate and/or the rear lights of the motor-vehicle.
US08733600B2
A dispensing closure system, a package including the same, a method of making the package on a form-fill-seal machine and a method of dispensing flowable products from the package are disclosed. The package includes an openable port in a wall in communication with the package's interior. The closure system comprises a fitment having a hollow body member, a resilient valve, and retainer assembly. The body member is secured to the package's wall and encircles the openable port. The valve is held in the body member by the retainer assembly, which comprises a retaining ring and a cap integrally connected to each other by a frangible connection. The cap includes a handle which may be pulled to break the frangible connection to remove the cap and thereby expose the valve for a dispensing probe to be extended therethrough to dispense the product.
US08733598B2
The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous closure/connector assemblies for use with a dispense assembly. The closure/connector includes a closure body as well as a cap seat adaptor for operable connection to the closure body. The cap seat adapter has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured for fluid communication with a source of material to be dispensed. The closure/connector also has a cap for connection to the distal end of the cap seat adaptor. A pressurizing gas inlet fitting adapted for connection to a pressure source is also included as a part of the closure/connector. The closure/connector assembly, in conjunction with the dispense assembly, is configured for the secure transport and dispense of the material to be dispensed.
US08733597B2
The liquid dispenser comprises a ratchet assembly, a rotor assembly, a reservoir assembly, and a drive mechanism. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a reservoir tube; and the rotor assembly includes a drive gear and at least one compression element. The ratchet assembly includes a pawl configured to engage the drive gear when the drive mechanism is actuated. Optionally, the liquid dispenser includes a venting assembly and/or a dose control assembly. The venting assembly automatically vents the reservoir when the reservoir is mounted in the liquid dispenser. The dose control assembly allows the user to control the distance the drive mechanism may be actuated and thereby control the amount of liquid that is dispensed. The liquid dispenser of the invention provides accurate control over the amount of liquid that is dispensed as well as ease in replacing the reservoir.
US08733591B2
A dispenser includes a housing holding an assembly, including a liquid reservoir, a pump for dispensing the fluid product, and an outlet nozzle. The pump includes a liquid chamber for containing a dose of the liquid product and a pressurizing device which allows liquid product to be drawn into or expelled from the liquid chamber. The dispenser further includes a shunting chamber including a first aperture allowing flow access to the reservoir, a second aperture allowing flow access to the outlet nozzle, and a third aperture allowing flow access to the liquid chamber. The third aperture is disposed off-axis with respect to the first and second apertures. The shunting chamber further includes a mechanically actuated governing device that has two states, one defining a flow path between the first and third apertures and one defining a flow path between the third and second apertures.
US08733588B2
Methods and apparatus for dispensing flowable fluids, particularly those which are high viscosity by passing a stream of fluid through an elongate discharge passageway and injecting air into the fluid stream to initiate severing of the stream between an inner portion inward of the injected air and an outer portion outward of the injected air.
US08733581B1
A pressure vessel is disclosed. The pressure vessel may include a boss, a liner, an O-ring, and a composite overwrap of shell. A boss may comprise a through aperture, a first groove encircling the through aperture, and a first engagement mechanism. A liner may comprise an interior surface, exterior surface, and a second engagement mechanism. The interior surface may define an interior cavity of the pressure vessel. The second engagement mechanism may mechanically engage the first engagement mechanism to secure the liner to the boss. An O-ring may be positioned within the first groove of the boss and abut the exterior surface of the liner. A composite overwrap may surround the liner and at least a portion of the boss.
US08733579B2
An improvement to a collapsible liquid holding tank includes a chute which extends outwardly from an opening in one of the tank side walls. The chute is formed by a bottom panel and side walls of collapsible material, the bottom panel perimeter being reinforced by a hinged frame which swings between “vertical” and “horizontal” conditions in which the opening is “closed” and “opened,” respectively. A clamp hinged on the top rail of the tank secures the chute in the “closed” condition in which the bottom panel of the chute extends across the opening. To drain the tank, the clamp is rotated clear of the frame and the chute is swung to the “opened” condition by the weight of the liquid in the tank.
US08733566B2
The invention concerns a tamper evidence and locking means for a closure and a tamper evident closure. The tamper evidence and locking means indicate initial opening and allow relocking the closure after initial opening.
US08733561B2
A sleeve bracket assembly has a frame and multiple first sleeve mounts. The frame has a first sleeve track having a groove. Each first sleeve mount has a base and a hollow positioning button protruding from a top surface of the base and having a retractable protrusion or a flange. The cross section of the base or the positioning button of each first sleeve mount is round, so sleeves can be rotated. The protrusions and the flanges can securely position the sleeves. Accordingly, the sleeve bracket assembly can position the sleeves firmly and also allow the sleeves to be rotated.
US08733551B2
A kit for the storage and transportation of medical equipment (31) following processing or use thereof contains, as its principal component, a tray (10) defined by a base (12) and surrounding walls (13, 14). The tray (10) has at least one fold line (19) formed in the base and/or walls (13, 14), thereby to facilitate compaction of said tray (10) for disposal. Optional further components of the kit include: a tray line (28); a protective cover (34) adapted to be detachably secured to the tray (10); a lid (23) adapted to engage with the walls (13, 14) of the tray (10); and an oxygen-impermeable container (37) adapted to receive said tray (10) therewithin.
US08733546B2
A hand tool-holding apparatus includes a frame and a storage element located in the frame. The storage element includes at least one chamber defined therein, at least one aperture in communication with the chamber, and at least one elastic tab formed in the chamber. A tool can be inserted in the chamber via the aperture and kept there by the elastic tab.
US08733543B2
An article is provided that can be used as a heating source for various applications. The article includes an environmentally friendly gaseous fuel mixture within a gas cylinder that is both non-corrosive and refillable. More specifically, the gaseous fuel mixture contains hydrogen and methane. Methods of using the article as a heating source are also provided.
US08733539B2
A vibration feeding apparatus comprises a receptacle for holding and conveying components, and first and second linear motors coupled to the receptacle. The first and second linear motors are spaced from each other and have respective coils that are aligned parallel to each other. The first and second linear motors are operative to be driven at a first operation mode whereby to impart rotary vibration to the receptacle, and at a second operation mode whereby to impart linear vibration to the receptacle.
US08733538B2
A vertical closed loop link chain vacuum conveyor is provided. A conveying frame extends along a lane-like longitudinal conveying path. The frame has a vertical and longitudinally offset closed loop section. The closed loop section has a change in elevation including a decline and an incline, change in direction, and a central vacuum plenum. A multi-flex link chain is in guided support and travel in the conveying frame while running in trained contact about a link chain drive assembly. The multi-flex link chain is in evacuated communication with a suction generator is in ducted communication with the vacuum plenum.
US08733530B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed for recycling items of media. The apparatus includes at least a pair of co-operable feed belt members that receive a depositable item of media at a first location and locate the depositable item at a stack position in a storage container. The apparatus also includes at least a pair of co-operable dispense belt members that selectively pivot between an operational and non-operational position. In the operational position, at least one of the dispense belt members is disposed to remove an item from the stack position and provide the removed item to the feed belt members. The feed belt members are arranged to locate an item of media received from the dispense belt members at said first location.
US08733518B1
Provided are, among other things, systems, apparatuses, components and methods related to drive pin assemblies. One such assembly includes: a first pin component and a second pin component, each having an engagement end that opens to an interior space and has an angled surface that extends for at least a portion of the width and a portion of the length of such first pin component; and a tightening mechanism at least partially disposed within the interior spaces of the first pin component and the second pin component, for drawing the first pin component and the second pin component closer together, where the angled surface of the first pin component matches the angled surface of the second pin component such that the first pin component and the second pin component slide both vertically and laterally along each other when drawn together.
US08733492B2
A power unit 4 is mounted in a rear part of a vehicle, a shaft C shared by a motor 2 and a motor speed reducer 3 is disposed in a vehicle width direction, and a sub-frame 8 is provided around the power unit 4, a front cross frame 11 is disposed over a front portion of the power unit 4 in a front view of the vehicle and disposed in parallel with the shaft C of the motor 2, a rear cross frame 12 is disposed over a side portion of the power unit 4 in a side view of the vehicle, and left and right side portions of the power unit 4 are suspended from a vehicle body via suspension brackets 13 and 14 provided on side frames 9 and 10, circular mount rubbers 15 and 16, and motor-side mount brackets 17 and 18.
US08733474B2
A method of drilling a well and installing a liner includes assembling concentric inner and outer strings of tubulars. A drill bit is located at the lower end of the inner string and a liner with a liner hanger makes up part of the outer string. The inner and outer strings may be rotated in unison to drill the well. A valve is located upstream of a liner hanger control tool used to release and set the liner hanger in the drill string. The valve comprises a ported sleeve that slides relative to a ported housing to meter flow from the interior of the drill string to the annular space. The redirected flow maintains a minimum flow rate in the annular space to prevent cuttings from settling on the control tool. A portion of the valve can further be used with a dart to manipulate downstream equipment.
US08733472B2
A system including a setback and racking system and a set of wellbay accesses, at least a portion of the setback and racking system positioned at an elevation lower than the elevation of the wellbay accesses. A system including a centrally located setback and racking system, a set of wellbay accesses, and at least one peripheral skidding system, wherein the setback and racking system is positioned at least partially below the elevation of the peripheral skidding system. A system including at least one peripheral skidding system and a set of wellbay accesses positioned along a wellbay access perimeter surrounding a central focus that is not an integral part of the peripheral skidding system. A method of drilling by aligning each of at least two drilling modules with a respective wellbay access via a peripheral skidding system and operating at least two drilling modules at least partially simultaneously.
US08733468B2
A hydraulic hammer includes a powercell housing that defines a hydraulic inlet and a hydraulic outlet. A work tool is partially received in, and movable with respect to, the powercell housing. A switching spool valve member is positioned in the powercell housing and is movable between a first position and a second position, and includes a control hydraulic surface. A sleeve/liner assembly is positioned in the powercell housing and defines a centerline. A piston with a plurality of hydraulic surfaces is positioned in the sleeve/liner assembly and is movable along the centerline between positions in and out of contact with the work tool. The control hydraulic surface of the switching spool valve member is exposed to fluid pressure in a switching passage, which includes a segment defined by the sleeve/liner assembly.
US08733459B2
An enhanced oil recovery process that is integrated with a synthesis gas generation process, such as gasification or reforming, involving capture and recycle of a sour carbon dioxide stream for EOR use.
US08733455B2
Roller standoff assemblies and devices facilitate disposal of an interior tubular member within an exterior tubular member. Roller standoff devices include a roller cage and at least one roller supported by the roller cage to contact and roll upon the exterior tubular member.
US08733436B2
Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
US08733433B2
A spool for deploying and retrieving multiple separate strings of continuous tubing, such as over the side of or through the moon pool of a boat, rig or other vessel, without the need of an injector head. The spool has at least one rotating swivel to permit pumping of fluid(s) down, or back up, tubing strings while the spool is rotating or stationary. A level-wind assembly having at least one sheave directs the continuous tubing overboard, but also level-winds the tubing onto the spool in an orderly fashion through lateral movement of the sheave. The system is powered by a hydraulic power unit with a remote control console.
US08733430B2
An HV_ECU executes a program including: switching, if an operation is in an A/C intake mode and absolute value of temperature difference Thi−Tlo is larger than a predetermined value A and temperature Thi is smaller than a predetermined value B, the operation mode to a compartment intake mode; switching, if the operation is in the compartment intake mode, the compartment intake mode is requested to prevent increase in temperature difference, the absolute value of temperature difference Thi−Tlo is larger than a predetermined value A and temperature Thi is equal to or larger than the predetermined value B, the operation mode to an A/C intake mode; and executing a normal intake mode switching control.
US08733426B2
A heat dissipation device for transferring heat generated by a heat-producing element to a heat-dissipating element, includes a graphene plate, a main casing and a supporting plate. The graphene plate, in the form of relatively thin structure, has a first dissipation portion and a second dissipation portion extending from the first dissipation portion. The main casing, generally a planar structure, encloses the graphene plate therein, and has a first dissipation opening exposing the first dissipation portion of the graphene plate. The supporting plate extends integrally from the main casing in order to support the second dissipation portion of the graphene plate. The heat-producing element is inserted through the first dissipation opening in order to mount the same on the first dissipation portion of the graphene plate while the heat-dissipating element is mounted on the second dissipation portion of the graphene plate.
US08733417B2
A fiber application machine including a fiber application head with an application roller for the production of parts made of composite materials. The fiber application head further includes a guiding system to guide the fibers onto the application roller and/or means for the application of resin to each fiber as the fibers leave the guiding system. The fiber application machine can also include a fiber storing system and conveying means for conveying the fibers from the fiber storing system to the application head. The conveying means can comprise flexible tubes, each tube being able to receive a fiber in its inner channel. The conveying means can further include a tension limiting system positioned between the application head and the storing system. The fiber application machine can further include a system for moving the application head.
US08733411B2
A pneumatic tire has a unidirectional tread pattern comprising right-hand and left-hand crown circumferential grooves and a crown rib formed therebetween. The crown rib is provided with first and second V-shaped grooves arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction. The first V-shaped grooves extend from the left-hand crown circumferential groove. The second V-shaped grooves extend from the right-hand crown circumferential groove. The first and second V-shaped grooves are terminated within the rib, and their V-shape configurations have bending points substantially positioned at the tire equator.
US08733401B2
A method of manufacturing a fluidic oscillator insert for use in a subterranean well can include forming the insert with a conical housing engagement surface thereon, and forming at least one fluidic oscillator on a substantially planar surface of the insert. A well tool can include a housing assembly, at least one insert received in the housing assembly, the insert having a fluidic oscillator formed on a first surface thereof, the insert being at least partially secured in the housing assembly by engagement of conical second and third surfaces formed on the insert and housing assembly, and a cover which closes off the first surface on the insert. An insert for use in a well tool can include a conical housing engagement surface, and at least one fluidic oscillator formed on a substantially planar surface. The fluidic oscillator produces oscillations in response to fluid flow through the fluidic oscillator.
US08733399B2
A needle valve that adjusts the flow of liquid fluid and an open/close valve that makes it possible to fully close a flow path of the liquid fluid are accommodated inside a casing of a flow adjusting valve. The needle valve is provided with a reciprocating movement section that adjusts the flow of the liquid fluid by moving a needle valve piece toward and away from the valve seat. The open/close valve is provided with an opening/closing section that utilizes a basal outer surface of the needle valve piece facing the valve seat as a fully-closing valve piece and that reciprocatingly moves the fully-closing valve piece, independently of the reciprocating movement section, between a closed position, where the fully-closing valve piece is in close contact with the valve seat, and an open position, where the fully-closing valve piece is moved away from the valve seat.
US08733397B2
An electromagnetically actuated valve including a solenoid with a coil that generates a magnetic field upon being energized, a tubular member made of a non-magnetic material and disposed on an inner circumferential side of the coil, a movable valve body disposed within the tubular member and movable in an axial direction of the tubular member by an attraction force that is generated upon energizing the coil to thereby open and close a fluid passage, a first member made of a resin material and including a seat portion that is brought into contact with the movable valve body to close the fluid passage, and a first biasing member that biases the movable valve body toward the seat portion.
US08733395B2
Solenoid operated fluid control valve for controlling the pressure of a fluid in a fluid control system comprises a solenoid housing having therein a solenoid coil, an armature movable in response to electrical current applied to the solenoid coil, a valve member for controlling fluid flow to a fluid passage, an actuator pin disposed between the armature and the valve member for moving the valve member in response to armature movement, and one or more features including an armature damping member, tubular actuator pin support body, flow diverter, coil bobbin support sleeve, and/or internal particle gettering magnet to improve valve operation.
US08733366B2
The medical protective cover includes a semi-ovoid shell configured to cover a wound or intravenous site. The shell is attached to a patient's limb or extremity by a pair of adhesive tabs extending from longitudinal ends of the shell and a plurality of adjustable straps extending laterally from the shell. A plurality of ventilation holes longitudinally extend along lateral edges of the shell to allow passage of air for keeping the covered area dry. Each longitudinal end of the shell includes a pair of tubing ports to facilitate mounting and passage of IV infusion tubing to an IV catheter or cannula. The top of the shell also includes a selectively opened slot that permits passage of a needle for the administration or withdrawal of fluids through an access port of the catheter.
US08733362B2
A device for prevention of snoring in the form of a neck collar (1) with a middle section (2) for placement under the chin of a user, side sections (3, 4) connecting to said middle section and end parts (5, 6), optionally connectable to each other, consisting of a core of foam plastic contained in a covering. The foam plastic is a soft foam plastic, an opening (7) is formed in said middle section (2) and resilient means (14; 15; 27; 28) for adjustment of the height of the opening (7) and thereby the height of the middle section (2) are arranged in said opening (7).
US08733349B2
A PAP system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a supply of breathable gas to be delivered to the patient; a humidifier including a heating plate to vaporize water and deliver water vapor to humidify the supply of breathable gas; a heated tube configured to heat and deliver the humidified supply of breathable gas to the patient; a power supply configured to supply power to the heating plate and the heated tube; and a controller configured to control the power supply to prevent overheating of the heating plate and the heated tube.
US08733345B2
The invention relates to a heating unit for an inhalation device for the inhalation administration of an inhalation mixture of air and at least one additive material, having a fuel storage (252) which is filled or can be filled with a thermally combustible solid or liquid fuel (258), and with a combustion chamber (256) for the combustion of the fuel (258), which is essentially sealed from the surroundings by a combustion chamber wall (222). The invention further relates to an inhalation device (210) with such a heating unit.According to the invention, the combustion chamber (256) is designed for forming a flame, and the combustion chamber wall (222) has at least some micro openings (224). The micro openings are designed in such a way that the sum of the outer side lengths of all micro openings (224) is at least 140 mm, and the sum of the outer side lengths of the micro openings (224) per surface in the area of the combustion chamber wall (222) averages at least 80 mm/cm2.Application as cigarette substitute or as aid for nicotine withdrawal.
US08733339B2
A solar collector includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, a sidewall, a transparent cover, and a heat-absorbing layer. The sidewall is arranged on the top surface of the substrate. A transparent cover is disposed on the sidewall opposite to the substrate to form a sealed chamber with the substrate together. The heat-absorbing layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and includes a carbon nanotube composite material.
US08733338B2
Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier.
US08733337B2
Heat exchanger for a high efficiency hot air heating appliance (1), with at least one segment (5) and with a primary section (14) and, viewed in the flow direction (A), followed by a secondary condensing section (15), whereby the segment (5) consists of at least one primary element (16) and at least two secondary condensing elements (19), that form part of the secondary condensing section (15) of the segment (5), and the inputs (20) of each of them are connected in parallel to the output (18) of the primary element (16) in such a way that the gas flow coming from the primary element (16) is divided over the secondary condensing elements (19) connected to it.
US08733330B2
A hybrid vehicle propulsion system and method of operation have been provided. As one example, the system comprises an internal combustion engine including at least a combustion chamber configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, a motor configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, an energy storage device configured to store energy that is usable by the motor to propel the vehicle, a fuel system configured to deliver gasoline and alcohol to the combustion chamber in varying relative amounts, a control system configured to operate the motor to propel the vehicle and to vary the relative amounts of the gasoline and alcohol provided to the combustion chamber in response to an output of the motor.
US08733329B2
The invention relates to a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas system, which comprises an exhaust gas line by means of which the exhaust gas can be removed from the internal combustion engine, as well as an exhaust gas recirculation line by means of which the exhaust gas can be recirculated into the internal combustion engine from the exhaust gas line. The exhaust gas recirculation line has an exhaust gas cooler and a condensate line for removing the condensate from the recirculated exhaust gas, wherein the condensate line is connected with a first end to the exhaust gas recirculation line downstream of the exhaust gas cooler in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas and with a second end to the exhaust gas line. When the motor vehicle is running, the back pressure at the first end of the condensate line is equal to the back pressure at the second end of the condensate line, so that any condensation water that accumulates can be removed without the exhaust gas flowing back into the exhaust gas line from the exhaust gas recirculation line. As an alternative, a closure element for closing the condensate line can be provided. Both variants provide a simple method for removing the condensation water without any necessity for expensive condensate traps or collecting tanks.
US08733322B2
It is intended to provide an air-fuel ratio control device for a carburetor, which is capable of variably inject fuel by opening and closing a choke valve in accordance with an opening degree of a throttle valve and the load and which is capable of achieving low cost, clean emission and fuel saving by attaining a desired air-fuel ratio in an entire operational range (rotation speed, load) of the internal combustion engine. The air-fuel ratio control device is provided with, but not limited to, a choke valve 6 arranged in an intake path of an internal combustion engine 1, a throttle valve 7 arranged in the intake path on a downstream side of the choke valve, a first stepper motor 8 driving the choke valve 6 to adjust an opening degree of the choke valve 6, a second stepper motor 9 driving the throttle valve 7 to adjust an opening degree of the throttle valve 7, and a controller 12 controlling the opening degree of the choke valve 6 in accordance with a change of a rotation speed of the internal combustion engine 1 based on the opening degree of the throttle valve 7, and, when the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine 1 is constant, controls the opening degree of the choke valve 6 based on a map which determines the opening degree of the choke valve 6 from load of the internal combustion engine 1, so as to achieve a desired air-fuel ratio.
US08733303B2
A method controls a valve-control system for variable-lift actuation of the valves of an internal-combustion engine, in which the valve-control system includes, for each cylinder of the engine, a solenoid valve for controlling the flow of a hydraulic fluid in the system, and designed manner for determining a real temperature value of the hydraulic fluid. The method includes determining a deviation of performance of the solenoid valves due to a degradation of the characteristics of the hydraulic fluid with respect to nominal values thereof, and substituting for the real temperature value an equivalent temperature value consisting of a temperature value at which the hydraulic fluid having nominal characteristics would produce performance of the solenoid valves corresponding to the performance resulting from the deviation so that each solenoid valve is governed as a function of the equivalent temperature value.
US08733297B2
At the time of starting a hot water discharge operation, a controller determines whether the first operation was made after the power source is switched on in S1, and the controller determines whether 5 minutes have passed after the previous operation in S2. When the first operation was not made or 5 minutes have lapsed after the last operation, the controller determines whether a difference between a detected temperature acquired by a thermistor and a preset temperature is more than 10° C. in S3. When a temperature difference is more than 10° C., a water flow rate servo is set at a position where a flow rate of flowing water is reduced from a determined flow rate by a predetermined amount in S4, and the controller performs a temperature control of discharged hot water in S8.
US08733296B1
A removable garment for animals to cover and protect an abdominal surgical or wound site. Generally, the removable garment is comprised of a body wrap with front leg, rear leg, and neck closures, and an abdominal panel, extending distal the body wrap. Each leg and neck closure, as well as the abdominal panel, contains an attachment designed to removeably secure the closure, and ultimately the garment itself, to an animal.
US08733295B2
An animal water toy that includes one or more playthings carried by flowing water that entices an animal, such as a cat, into interaction therewith. Playthings can be received in a container having water drinkable by the animal that is propelled by a pump into flowing and carrying the playthings. A portion can be upraised above the water providing an animal perch and/or flow director imparting flow deviations causing unpredictable plaything movement helping enhance animal interaction. A conveyance device can be provided conveying playthings relative to the flow. A pet watering device, e.g., fountain, can include an animal toy constructed in accordance with the present invention and a conveyance device lifting playthings from one level of the watering device to another. In one embodiment, playthings are animal attractant objects that can be buoyant and configured to attract an animal, such as by its color, graphics, indicia, and/or shape.
US08733294B2
An animal pen according to the invention comprises an access wall spanning the width of the pen between two side walls. An access door in the access wall is hinged to a vertical hanging post and closes against a vertical slam post. A first of the posts, which may be the hanging post or the slam post, is supported at its top end not by a door lintel extending between the hanging post and the slam post but by a diagonal brace member extending between the top of the said first post and the top of its adjacent side wall, and the second of the posts is supported either by being located at a junction between the access wall and its adjacent side wall or by a similar diagonal brace member extending between the top of the said second post and the top of its adjacent side wall.
US08733286B2
A litter box having apparatus for catching and returning litter being tracked from the litter box, and a method of assembling the litter box. The litter box includes a container for containing litter. An opening and a litter return window are formed in the container. Stair steps defining slots therebetween extend from the opening. A litter return slide is disposed beneath the slots and slopes downward towards the litter return window. As the animal traverses the stair steps, litter adhering to the paws of the animal is dislodged and falls through the slots to be caught by the litter return slide. The dislodged litter travels down the litter return slide and through the litter return window so as to return the dislodged litter to the litter container. Thus, the animal is prevented from tracking litter beyond the litter box, so that litter cleanup is reduced and sanitation is enhanced.
US08733275B2
The application of a coating liquid, wherein a coating liquid being supplied is applied on the upper surface of a running web by the use of an application bar, to thereby form a coating film having a desired thickness, characterized in that in the upstream side from the application bar, the coating liquid is directly supplied to a standing liquid being formed in contact with both of the application bar and the web, or the coating liquid is allowed to flow down on a smooth surface in a such a state that its upper side is open to the outside and is supplied for the web.
US08733265B2
An offshore structure having a hull, an upper vertical wall, an upper inwardly-tapered wall disposed below the upper vertical wall, a lower outwardly-tapered wall disposed below the upper sloped wall, and a lower vertical wall disposed below the lower sloped wall. The upper and lower sloped walls produce significant heave damping in response to heavy wave action. A heavy slurry of hematite and water ballast is added to the lower and outermost portions of the hull to lower the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy. The offshore structure provides one or more movable hawser connections that allow a tanker vessel to moor directly to the offshore structure during offloading rather than mooring to a separate buoy at some distance from the offshore storage structure. The movable hawser connection includes an arcuate rail with a movable trolley that provides a hawser connection point that allows vessel weathervaning.
US08733261B2
An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to perform the steps of acquiring first pattern data representing stitches that form a first pattern and second pattern data representing stitches that form a second pattern, the first pattern and the second pattern being two patterns to be sewn by embroidery in mutually adjacent positions, generating, in a case where the two patterns are to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed of a soluble material, connecting data representing a connecting stitch based on the first pattern data and the second pattern data, the and generating, from the acquired first pattern data, the acquired second pattern data and the generated connecting data, embroidery data to sew the two patterns and the connecting stitch.
US08733253B1
A food preparation table for cutting food articles and household items includes a cutting surface for cutting articles thereon. The preparation table further includes a smooth, sloping trough near one or many edges of the cutting surface. The trough or troughs may utilize a system of nozzles that flush debris from the trough into a cavity, or removable receptacles. Additional embodiments may include storage compartments positioned under the work surface for ease of food preparation. Further embodiments may utilize multiple configurations to enhance preparation efficiency.
US08733250B2
A metal-sealing material-feedthrough for igniters includes: a base body including a feedthrough opening, a front side, and a back side, the base body configured such that a ratio of a thickness of the base body to a maximum dimension of the feedthrough opening vertical to an axis direction of the feedthrough opening is in a range of approximately 0.5 to 2.5, the base body having a thickness between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm; a sealing material; and a metal pin which is located in the feedthrough opening, the thickness being such that the base body is deformed under compression, the deformation adding an additional force to the sealing material such that the metal-sealing material-feedthrough is configured for avoiding a relative movement of the sealing material between the front side and the back side in a direction toward the back side relative to an inside circumference of the feedthrough opening.
US08733244B2
A method of depositing viscous material on a substrate includes positioning the substrate in a print position, performing a print operation on the substrate with a print head and a stencil to deposit viscous material on the substrate, and inspecting the substrate with a vision system to detect a defect with the deposit of viscous material on the substrate. The method further includes, in the event of a defect, re-working the substrate by depositing viscous material on the substrate with a dispenser attached to a cleaning assembly, the stencil, or an independent gantry to correct the defect.
US08733233B2
A Machine for preparing coffee comprising a infusion chamber to house at least a coffee dose, and means for feeding pressurized water to said infusion chamber, said means comprising a cylinder and plunger assembly, said plunger defining inside the cylinder a chamber to house a preset quantity of water, and said plunger being able to accumulate, in an active position, potential energy capable of being transmitted as a pressure to the water of said chamber, when said plunger contacts, in said active position, with the water of said chamber. It is characterized in that said infusion chamber is placed adjacent below the water chamber of said cylinder, both chambers including at least one hole through which, once opened, passes the pressurized water to said infusion chamber, said plunger moving back to the rest position inside said chamber as pressurized water is fed through said hole.
US08733227B1
A stand mountable weapon support assembly includes a base and a bracket attached to the base. The bracket couples the base to a tree stand. A post has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the base and the post is positionable between a deployed position extending upwardly from the base or in a stored position lying on the base. A gun holder is attached to the post adjacent to the second end. A gun is supportable by the base and the post in an upright position.
US08733223B2
A system for making braided barbed sutures includes a filament winding assembly, and a guide assembly including at least one barbed insert dispenser opening defining a passageway for orienting a barbed insert. The guide assembly is adapted to dispense at least one barbed insert from the dispenser opening into the filament winding assembly for winding a plurality of filaments around the at least one barbed insert for making a braided barbed suture. The passageway of the dispenser opening is adapted to allow longitudinal movement of the barbed insert relative to the passageway while simultaneously preventing twisting movement of the barbed insert relative to the passageway. As the barbed insert is being dispensed, the barbed insert dispenser opening is selectively rotatable for imparting rotation to the barbed insert as the filaments are wound about the barbed insert. The passageway may be an elongated slit having a greater width than height.
US08733222B2
A device for feeding a converting unit with a web substrate, the converting unit converting the substrate when stopped. The device includes a main drive roller rotating on a main shaft a main electric drive motor (14) rotating (T) the main roller (12), a satellite roller oscillating about the main roller (12), between upstream and downstream on the path of a substrate. Two lateral levers secured to the main shaft hold the satellite roller and are mounted on the main shaft. The substrate is maintained between the main and satellite rollers to change cyclically between a constant speed to a zero speed at the exit side of the satellite roller. At least one secondary electric drive motor oscillates the main shaft, the two lateral levers and the satellite roller.
US08733214B2
The present invention provides a wrench which includes a movable jaw, a fixed jaw and a slidable member formed at the bottom portion of the movable jaw and slidably mounted to the main body. In the present invention, a toggle member can be driven to rotate through rotating a handle of the wrench, and the toggle member can smoothly move to and fro between a driving space and an evading space of the slidable member. Whereby, the present invention is simple in structure, has characteristics of smoothly engagedly-cooperative movements between parts of the wrench, so that it can make full use of the force applied by the user and has excellent effects of use.
US08733208B2
A screw and nut assembly includes a movable platform, a first screw and nut set with the first screw rod affixed between two locating members and the first screw nut pivotally mounted in the movable platform, a second screw and nut set with the second screw nut pivotally mounted in the movable platform, a driving mechanism for driving first screw nut and the second screw nut simultaneously for causing the first screw nut to create a first speed and the second screw nut to create a second speed slower than and reversed to the first speed, and a first support and a second support respectively affixed to the second screw rod to support and to move with the second screw rod. Thus, the gap between the movable platform and each support is changed subject to movement of the screw nuts.
US08733204B2
The present invention is directed to a control knob bezel plate for a barbecue grill. The preferred bezel plate assembly of the present invention comprises a bezel plate, a control knob, a control panel, a gas control valve, and two anchors. The preferred bezel plate includes a raised annular portion which serves as a frame for the control knob. Both the preferred bezel plate and the control panel include two parallel slots which are adapted to engage with the anchors. The two parallel slots in the bezel plate are aligned generally transverse to the two parallel slots in the control panel. The bezel plate is connected to the control panel by means of the anchors which are configured to slide within the slots. In this manner, the bezel plate can be adjusted in two dimensions with respect to the panel.
US08733192B2
A high-load linear actuator includes a driving mechanism, a worm shaft, a worm wheel assembly, a lead screw, a telescopic pipe and an outer pipe. The driving mechanism includes a base and a motor. The base has a supporting portion and an accommodating portion. The motor is fixed to the supporting portion. The worm shaft extends from the motor into the supporting portion. The worm wheel assembly includes a worm wheel and two bearings for supporting the worm wheel in the accommodating portion. The worm wheel is drivingly engaged with the worm shaft. The lead screw is disposed through the worm wheel and driven by the motor for rotation. The telescopic pipe slips on the lead screw to be threadedly connected therewith. The outer pipe slips on the telescopic pipe. The rotation of the lead screw drives the telescopic pipe to linearly extend or retract relative to the outer pipe.
US08733189B2
A combination module for an appliance includes a transmission selector mechanism adapted to selectively operate transmission shift structure of the appliance, and a speed sensor mechanism adapted to sense the operative speed of a motive element of the appliance. In one example, the combination module further includes a single electrical connector adapted to electrically couple the transmission selector mechanism and the speed sensor mechanism to control circuitry of the appliance.
US08733185B2
A multi-filter chemical speciation sampler and a virtual impaction particle separation inlet therefore are provided. The inlet includes a housing having a bottom, a collection tube that extends through the bottom, and collection apertures formed in the bottom, arranged around the collection tube; a first plate disposed on top of the housing, having acceleration nozzles disposed at the perimeter thereof; a second plate disposed in the housing below the first plate, having a central aperture and separation apertures disposed around the central aperture. The sampler includes: an inlet; a virtual impaction separator to further fractionate the PM into a course fraction and a fine fraction; a first separation assembly to divide the course fraction into coarse aliquots, comprising first filters to collect the coarse aliquots; a second separation assembly to divide the fine fraction into fine aliquots, comprising second filters to collect the fine aliquots.
US08733181B2
An electromechanical joining module for applying a linear force to a joining element, includes a stator, which represents the stationary part of the joining module, a tappet, which can be linearly extended out of the stator and which has an outer tappet end, and a force transducer for detecting forces that are applied to the joining element during the operation of the tappet end. The force transducer is attached in the area of the tappet end and has sensor electronics for wirelessly transmitting measurement data by means of near-field and far-field telemetry.
US08733180B1
A fluid flow tool includes an airfoil structure and a support arm. The airfoil structure's high-pressure side and low-pressure side are positioned in a conduit by the support arm coupled to the conduit. The high-pressure and low-pressure sides substantially face opposing walls of the conduit. At least one measurement port is formed in the airfoil structure at each of its high-pressure side and low-pressure side. A first manifold, formed in the airfoil structure and in fluid communication with each measurement port so-formed at the high-pressure side, extends through the airfoil structure and support arm to terminate and be accessible at the exterior wall of the conduit. A second manifold, formed in the airfoil structure and in fluid communication with each measurement port so-formed at the low-pressure side, extends through the airfoil structure and support arm to terminate and be accessible at the exterior wall of the conduit.
US08733176B2
A stress concentrating apparatus and a method for a MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) sensors is provided. The apparatus includes a plate having an inner region and outer region, the inner region being separated from the outer region by slits defined in the plate. A stress concentrator bridge connects the inner region to the outer region, and to mechanically amplify stress applied on the inner region of the plate. At least one stress sensor is operatively connected to the stress concentrator bridge, whereby the at least one stress sensor converts the mechanically amplified stress applied on the inner region into an electrical signal.
US08733161B1
This invention solves the problem of what to do with the valve cap when it is removed from the valve while checking tire pressure. A cap holder elastic or rubbery projection on the pressure gauge is adapted to removably receive the cap. Caps have a standard internal female thread. The projection has ridges that increase the outside diameter to greater than the inside diameter of the threaded portion. The ridges as composed of a rubbery material that is so soft that they will bend without damage to the cap threads when the cap is pressed on to the projection. It will remain there securely while the operator is checking or adjusting the tire pressure.
US08733159B2
An air flow measuring device includes a measured passage and a sensor portion. Measured air which is a measuring object flows through the measured passage. The sensor portion is disposed in a sensor arrangement portion of the measured passage and is configured to measure a flow rate of measured air flowing through the measured passage. The measured passage includes an upstream bent portion on an upstream side of the sensor arrangement portion in a flow direction of measured air. The upstream bent portion includes an upstream throttle that partly decreases a passage area of the measured passage.
US08733148B2
A method for calibrating and/or adjusting a sensor, especially an electrochemical, electrophysical or optical sensor, wherein the sensor has an evaluating electronics, which is embodied in such a manner, that a signal produced by the sensor is essentially non-changeable by a subsequent transmission. The sensor is calibrated and/or adjusted at a site other than a later measuring location or a later measuring environment or the like.
US08733143B2
A method of incrementally forming a workpiece. The method includes incrementally forming a first monotonic wrap surface in a first direction and incrementally forming a second wrap surface in a second direction disposed opposite the first direction.
US08733138B2
An antitheft device (1) to be attached to an item capable of being stolen and including a control portion (2) that is rotatable relative to an attaching portion (3), the attaching portion (3) including an attaching element (4) that is translatably movable with an unlocked position, for placing of the item into the device (1) and for removing same, and wherein the rotation of the control portion (2) relative to the attaching portion (3) translates the attaching element (4), and with a locked position for maintaining the device (1) on the item and wherein the rotation of the control portion (2) relative to the attaching part (3) does not translate the attaching element (4). The control portion (2) includes a transmission mechanism (15) with a controller for the torque applied to the control portion so that the locked position is achieved for a predetermined value of the torque of forces.
US08733137B2
Provided is a washing machine. The washing machine includes an outer tub, an inner tub, and a pulsator. The pulsator includes a base and a plurality of ribs. The ribs include an upper surface and a side surface. The upper surface extends from the hub to an outer side along a radial direction to meet a circumference of the base. The side surface declines from the upper surface to the base. The side surface includes a first side surface and a second side surface. The first side surface has a boundary with an inner side of the base. The boundary radially diverges outward in a circumference direction. The second side surface extends from the first side surface along the circumference of the base and the upper surface.
US08733131B2
An apparatus and method for chemical deposition on a rod member having a support structure for supporting the rod member substantially coaxial to a deposition axis; a burner for depositing chemical substances on the rod member; and a rotation device for imparting a rotation motion to the rod member. The rotation device has a joint member of a type suitable to transmit torque between two misaligned members, for example, a double universal joint or a flexible joint, positioned between a motor and a rod gripping member.
US08733129B2
The present invention provides a method for efficiently manufacturing a glass substrate for magnetic disk having good accuracy of a surface irregularity and an impact resistance. The method includes the steps of: performing press forming to molten glass to prepare a sheet glass material, the sheet glass material having a roughness of the principal surface of 0.01 μm or less and target flatness of a glass substrate for magnetic disk; chemically strengthening the sheet glass material by dipping the sheet glass material in a chemically strengthening salt, thereby preparing a disk substrate; polishing the principal surfaces of the disk substrate. A thickness of the sheet glass material prepared in the press forming step is larger than a target thickness of the glass substrate for magnetic disk by a polishing quantity of the principal surface polishing step.
US08733112B2
Described herein is a Stirling cycle cryogenic cooler comprising: a first magnetic circuit and a second magnetic circuit for generating a field of magnetic flux; the first magnetic circuit and the second magnetic circuit having a shared magnetic gap and the first magnetic circuit further having an additional magnetic gap; a first coil disposed in the shared magnetic gap; and a second coil disposed in the additional magnetic gap, said second coil being mounted for independent movement relative to said first coil. Also described herein is a method of cooling using the Stirling cycle cryogenic cooler.
US08733101B2
In a wastegate valve which is provided in the bypass path bypassing the turbine of the turbocharger in the exhaust gas path and which opens and closes the bypass path, the wastegate valve is provided with a valve seat which is formed in a plane perpendicular to or tilted with an inclination angle with respect to an axial direction of the bypass path, and a valving element which is pivotable around a pivot point which has a relationship of 0°<β<90° with respect to the plane including the valve seat where β is an inclination angle, the valving element being moved away from or closer to the valve seat by pivotation of the valving element to open or close the valve.
US08733087B2
A drain system and method for draining a first liquid, including a collection vessel having a first chamber arranged to receive the first liquid, a second chamber, and higher and lower valves positioned between the first and second chambers. When the valves are open, liquids can pass between the chambers. When the pressure in the second chamber exceeds that in the first chamber by more than a first predetermined amount, the valves are closed. A first outlet to the second chamber allows liquids to flow from the second chamber. In a first mode, the first inlet supplies a second liquid at a pressure higher than that of the first liquid in the first chamber such that the valves are closed. In a second mode, the first inlet stops supplying the second liquid such that the pressure in the second chamber reduces relative to the first chamber allowing the valves open.
US08733074B2
An adjustable rake assembly for raking and baling material in a single pass is provided. In particular, a rake assembly is provided wherein at least one rake is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position via a telescoping rake connection and a rotating rake connection. The position of the wings and/or rakes may be changed via a control system.
US08733071B2
A method disclosed herein includes packaging and de-packaging a part. The part is packaged by placing the part adjacent to a shape memory polymer (SMP) while the SMP is in a permanent shape. The SMP is heated to a temperature above a switching temperature of the SMP, and a force is applied to the heated SMP such that it conforms to i) a shape of the part and/or ii) a desired shape for packing the part, thereby changing the SMP from the permanent shape into a temporary shape. The SMP is cooled to a temperature below the switching temperature to set the SMP into the temporary shape. The part is de-packaged by heating the SMP to a temperature above its switching temperature, thereby reverting the SMP from the temporary shape into the permanent shape and releasing the part. The part is removed from the SMP in the permanent shape.
US08733063B2
The floor member, in one embodiment of the invention, is a floor member unit having a surface declination at the periphery of a top surface and extending downwardly to a peripheral beveled edge, and intersecting with the beveled edge between the top surface and a bottom surface. The surface declination can be curved or uncurved. In another embodiment of the invention the floor member unit is laminated in offset relationship to an underlayer of the same size and shape as the floor member unit. In either embodiment, the floor member can be formed as a floor tile or a floor plank.
US08733054B2
Method for producing a functional layer of a building shell, and building shell and functional layer
A functional layer for a building shell, a method for production of the functional layer, and a building shell with the functional layer applied thereto. The building shell has a sheathing on its inside and a large number of rafters with roof bays provided between the rafters and the sheathing. The functional layer is applied at least in some places by painting and/or spraying on the outside of the sheathing, and an air-tight and/or water-tight foil, made especially as a vapor barrier, forms after application.
US08733050B2
Compressive force transmitting connection element for connecting a first cast structural component part to a second cast structural component part having an insulation body for thermal separation of the first and second cast structural component parts situated above and below the compressive force transmitting connection element. This insulation body being limited on the top and bottom by two support surfaces. At least one compression element penetrating the insulation body from the first to the second support surface. Transmitting transverse force elements have at least one transverse force transmitting element which continuously runs through the compressive force transmitting connection element in direction from the first support surface to the second support surface, the at least one compression element encloses the at least one transverse force transmitting element over at least part of the circumference thereof.
US08733047B1
A durable wall construction that is seamlessly integrated with a foundation and construction pad. The construction process incorporates stabilizing elements that rests a primary layer or sheet of welded-wire fabric on a foundation having rebar dowels protruding therefrom. Interlocking temporary upper guiderails are held in place by vertical rebar support rods. The temporary guiderails stabilize the top edge of the primary layer of welded-wire fabric, and rib lath is attached to the surface of the primary layer of welded-wire fabric to form a structural panel. Pressurized concrete is evenly applied to all of the inside and outside surfaces of the structural panels. Once the concrete has cured sufficiently, the upper stabilizing guide rails are removed to provide a durable wall.
US08733045B2
Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.
US08733043B1
A trim piece for attachment to either an outside or an inside corner of a building for subsequently receiving and hiding the ends of a frieze board or siding panels, thereby providing a neat, smooth corner transition. Two inner flat surfaces converge at right angles to form a primary inner corner for abutting conformance with the building corner, and two outer trim elements defining respective two outer flat decorative surfaces converge at right angles to form an outer corner. Two mounting flanges extend in parallel with the respective inner flat surfaces, and are spaced parallel to and extend laterally beyond a respective outer trim element. The flanges and outer trim elements form a pair of vertical slots for receiving a frieze board or at least one siding panel.
US08733036B2
A solar panel module comprises a photovoltaic panel supported on a frame for location on a supporting surface. The frame comprises two generally parallel side walls which taper upwardly from a nose section to a rear section of the frame to provide support for the photovoltaic panel above the roof surface. The frame further comprises connections for attaching it to adjoining frames of the solar panel assembly. The rear section has a curvilinear surface which terminates in a step which extends between the side walls of the frame and is formed in its riser with at least one opening which places the interior of the frame rear section in communication with the external atmosphere. A partition wall is provided which, when the frame is positioned on a supporting surface, extends either downwardly from the step towards the supporting surface or lengthwise of the frame from the step towards the nose section to define with the two side walls (or parts thereof) a space which is closed to the external atmosphere other than through the at least one opening.
US08733035B2
An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener.
US08733030B2
A soffit enclosure for building roofs and the like of the type having at least one eave with a soffit thereunder. A first mounting member is attached to an adjacent exterior wall of the building and a second mounting member is disposed on a roof fascia of the building. The first and second mounting members support a plurality of soffit panels thereon. A decorative corbel member has a generally flat upper mounting portion with opposite end edges, a decorative lower portion shaped to enhance the appearance of the eave of the building, and first and second rigid hanger tabs disposed above and generally parallel with the mounting portion. The hanger tabs project longitudinally from the opposite end edges of the upper mounting portion and are configured for sequentially inserting into the first and second mounting members. The corbel member overlies adjacent soffit panel to conceal a joint disposed therebetween.
US08733024B2
A door system comprises a door panel, a support member, and a pivoting vertical plate. The door panel comprises a plurality of discrete rigid insulation pieces interposed between flexible layers. An outer skin encompasses the rigid insulation pieces and the flexible layers. The door panel is secured to the support member by the outer skin, such that the outer skin bears the weight of the door panel. The vertical plate is secured to a trailing side of the door panel. The vertical plate includes keepers that selectively engage hooks extending from a casing positioned at a doorway. The rigidity of the door panel depends on the pivotal position of the vertical plate relative to a plane defined by the door panel. The door panel provides sufficient flexibility to withstand impacts from objects and vehicles yet also provides sufficient rigidity to insulate a cold environment from a warm environment.
US08733016B2
A substantially shape-sustaining sheet of material having a substantially circular shape may be formed into a substantially frusto-conical shaped bouquet holder in which a floral grouping may be disposed.
US08733012B2
A fishing lure assembly is disclosed which comprises a blade free to oscillate, yaw and produce a trailing wake as the fishing lure assembly is displaced through water. A weight is affixed to the fishing lure assembly, but affixed to an associated wireform where it is inferiorly disposed relative to the blade such that the blade is free to oscillate and have side-to-side action, substantially unaffected by mass and inertia of the weight. The fishing lure may be variably constructed to include one or more hooks and artificial or natural soft bait and hard bait bodies which are disposed to follow behind the trailing wake of the blade. A compound lure is disclosed wherein the weight is replaced by a jig hook.
US08733011B2
A sight mount for firearms, consisting of a base plate (101), arranged to be fitted onto a firearm. The sight mount is fitted with integrated and split rings and two top ring halves (106, 124) are arranged to attach a riflescope. The sight ring (104, 111) is diagonally split (103) and has planar sides in the vertical and horizontal planes as to make visible the visible the adjustment knobs of the riflescope when in a firing position and to visualize parallel reference lines in the environment, thus providing a sub-conscious perception of the weapons vertical alignment.
US08733004B2
A picture frame molding according to one embodiment includes an elongated body that has an exterior wall, a first channel formed therein for receiving a first member, and a second channel formed therein for receiving a second member. The first and second channels are at least substantially parallel to one another. The elongated body also includes an interior angled wall that is joined to the exterior wall and is formed at an angle thereto. The interior angled wall includes a track that receives an object, such as matboard. The track faces away from the exterior wall and is formed between and at an angle to the first and second channels.
US08733003B2
A file folder assembly or divider with a tab capable of being slid in two non-collinear directions. According to one embodiment, the file folder assembly includes a file folder and a sliding tab assembly. The sliding tab assembly includes a rail secured to the file folder proximate to a top edge of the file folder. The sliding tab assembly also includes a tab and a coupling member. The coupling member couples the tab to the rail in such a way as to permit the tab to be slid horizontally back and forth along the rail and/or to permit the tab to be slid vertically up and down relative to the rail.
US08732999B1
Method and apparatus for mounting a pair of banners between upright members wherein the banners includes a flexing mechanism so that the banners can withstand high wind situations. Upper, intermediate and lower collars are mounted onto the upright members so that the intermediate collar can slide up and down along the column to allow the banner to flex. Each collar has a pair of cylindrical receptacles for receiving horizontal members so that upper, intermediate and lower horizontal members are provided so that the intermediate horizontal member slides up and down along the members in high wind situations. Elastic members connecting the intermediate and lower horizontal members stretch in high wind situations to allow the banners to flex.
US08732995B2
Laundry articles are spread out by input machines in front of a feed conveyor which feeds the spread-out laundry article to a mangle. The respective laundry article is previously fed by a transfer device to a draw-on device onto which the laundry article is drawn. In known input machines, relatively complicated transfer devices are provided. According to the invention, the transfer device is provided with a rectilinear conveying section ascending to the draw-on device. The laundry article is thereby transported to the draw-on device by the transfer device in the plane in which it is transferred to the transfer device. Such a transfer device needs to have only a simple set-up. Since the laundry article remains in the plane in which it is fed to the transfer device, it can be brought by the transfer device into a favorable initial position for being drawn reliably onto the draw-on device.
US08732994B2
A retarding mechanism for continuously retarding the swinging movements of a dipper door comprises a hydraulic braking assembly mounted to the dipper bucket and operatively connected to the dipper door via at least one braking arm pivotally mounted within the braking assembly and at least one linking member pivotally mounted to the dipper door. The retarding mechanism continuously retards the opening and closing movements of the dipper door by controllably braking or slowing the at least one braking arm using the compressive action of at least one hydraulic piston mounted to the braking assembly.
US08732993B2
An earth shaping apparatus allows a ditch to be excavated and the surrounding area leveled in a single pass. The earth shaping apparatus has a leveling blade with an elongated lower contacting edge that is adapted to be moved in a ditching direction. The lower contacting edge is arranged at an angle to the ditching direction. The earth shaping apparatus further has a ditching blade coupled to the earth shaping apparatus in front of the leveling blade with respect to the ditching direction. The ditching blade has a contacting edge extending below the lower contacting edge of the leveling blade when in use.
US08732984B2
A shock absorbing shoe with a triangle shock absorbing space, the shoe having an outsole and a midsole, wherein the midsole is divided into upper and lower midsoles, a plurality of upper seating holes provided on opposite sides of the upper midsole behind an area corresponding to an arch region of a foot sole, a plurality of lower seating holes provided on opposite sides of the lower midsole. The shoe includes a shock absorbing means having a body member formed longitudinally between the upper and lower midsoles, and wing members provided on opposite sides of the body member. Each wing member includes an upper inclined portion inclined upwards to be received in the associated upper seating hole, a lower inclined portion inclined downwards to be received in the associated lower seating hole, and a connecting portion connecting the upper and lower inclined portions.
US08732982B2
A footwear sole assembly that includes a sole body defining voids of different depths. The voids are arranged to provide relatively greater cushioning and bendability within at least one of a metatarsus portion and a calcaneus portion of the sole body. A heel top surface of the footwear sole assembly is elevated between about 4 mm and about 12 mm above a forefoot top surface of the footwear sole assembly.
US08732978B2
Apparatus to dry milled silicon particles has solvent spray nozzles, solvent drainage, gas inlet, and gas exhaust. This drying can occur, for example, following an acid etch and a deionized water rinse. The drying apparatus is an enclosed system with a lid that contains a solvent feeding tube and exhaust ventilation. This enclosed system design creates an effective low temperature drying system in an inert atmosphere. The apparatus can handle a variety of different particle sizes, inhibits the growth of surface oxides on the particles by using lower temperatures, and allows reuse of solvent.
US08732977B2
A method of producing a structural component comprising manufacturing a structural component from a moisture absorbable material the toughness of which increases with increasing moisture absorption and subsequently subjecting the structural component to at least one of elevated temperature and humidity for a period of time such that the structural component attains a predetermined moisture content and distribution.
US08732967B2
An incremental transducer (1) as well as a process (D1) are provided for determining an actual position of a body (5) along a measuring path (W) and/or a change therein. A position code (7) of the incremental transducer (1) has a gap (10). To make it possible to use the incremental transducer (1) as flexibly as possible and to operate it despite dimensional tolerances of the body (5), provisions are made for converting an actual location frequency (Fi) of the position code (7) into a desired location frequency (Fs) that is independent from the length (L) of the gap (10) to generate a position signal (S) representative of the actual position or the change therein.
US08732966B2
A hair clipper grip attachment is provided that is configured for releasably engaging a hair clipper, and includes a body with an exterior surface, an interior surface configured for contacting an exterior of a housing of the clipper. The body is constructed and arranged for releasably engaging the hair clipper in a snap-clip fashion for providing a thermally insulating layer that protects a user's hand from heat generated by the hair clipper.
US08732965B2
A razor handle including an elongated handle body integral with a flexible yoke for receiving and releasably retaining a shaving cartridge. The razor handle also includes a slide element cooperating with the yoke and connected to the handle body, the slide element being movable relative to the handle body between a rest position, in which the yoke is open and can releasably retain a shaving cartridge received in the yoke, and a release position, in which the yoke is flexed and can receive a shaving cartridge or release a shaving cartridge received in the yoke. The razor handle further includes a spring member to return the slide element from the release position to the rest position, where a stop element prevents the yoke from inadvertently flexing when the slide element is in the rest position.
US08732958B2
A locking mechanism for a folding knife includes a thumb post which longitudinally moves along slots in the handle of the knife. The thumb post is urged by a spring loaded locking lever into a notch in the base of the blade of the knife. When so positioned the thumb post retains the blade in an extended position. When the user pushes the thumb post out of the notch, the blade can be folded into the handle of the knife. In another embodiment the thumb post is an integral part of the locking lever, and it is a tab on the locking lever rather than the thumb post engages the notch in the base of the blade.
US08732955B2
A shaving razor that offers a closer shave is provided. The shaving razor can include a biasing member producing a progressively increasing return torque on the razor cartridge that forces the cartridge into flat contact with the skin as the cartridge pivots, thus improving glide and shaving closeness. In addition, the shaving razor can include a razor handle configuration that reduces the propensity for the shaving razor to roll in a user's hand and improves the maneuverability of the razor cartridge during shaving.
US08732954B2
A typical dynamic bearing design comprises a ring shaped or circular thrust plate mounted at or near the end of a shaft, the shaft defining together with a surrounding sleeve a journal bearing by providing grooves on only one of the two surfaces facing the gap between the shaft and sleeve. On the ring shaped thrust plate supported by the shaft, the traditional upward thrust bearing defined between the lower face of the thrust plate and the facing surface of the sleeve is maintained; but no grooves are on the surface of the thrust plate distant from the shaft and a facing counterplate surface. Further, the journal bearing is defined to have an asymmetry so that a bias force pressure along the surface of the shaft toward the thrust plate is established. The combination of the journal groove asymmetry pumping action toward the shoulder or thrust plate, together with the single grooved thrust bearing, is sufficient to establish a constant pressure between the distal surface of the thrust plate and the facing counterplate, as well as between the groove thrust plate and the facing shoulder surface.
US08732951B2
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing finned tubes made of metal, in particular heat exchanger tubes, where at least one continuous strip forming the fins is fed tangentially to a tubular body set into rotational motion, and wound onto it, the side of the strip facing the tubular body is connected to the tube surface by means of a welding device and using a filler material, and the strip to be wound is guided between guide discs just behind the welding area, said discs reaching close up to the tube surface and the welding point. To increase the service life of the guide discs, the guide discs are cooled, specifically with cooling water to which roughly 10% by volume of a welding release agent are added.
US08732948B2
A resinous blade-supporting rotator is prepared to rotate around a rotational axis. The blade-supporting rotator has rotator weld parts including rotator weld surfaces formed on one side surface in the axial direction. A plurality of resinous blades are disposed annularly around the axis. The plurality of resinous blades have hollow spaces formed in the blade interiors, and blade weld parts with blade weld surfaces. The blade weld surfaces and the rotator weld surfaces are inclined with respect to each other when facing each other in the axial direction. An axial pressure load is applied to opposite axial ends of the blade-supporting rotator so as to compress the blades in the axial direction such that the blade weld surfaces and the rotator weld surfaces are no longer inclined with respect to each other. The blade weld surfaces are fixed to the rotator weld surfaces by laser welding.
US08732939B2
An electronic component capable of preventing the occurrence of magnetic saturation due to a magnetic flux surrounding each coil conductor and a method of manufacturing the electronic component are provided. The electronic component includes a laminate formed by stacking unit layers, where each unit layer includes a first insulating layer, and a coil conductor and second insulating layer formed on the first insulating layer. Each second insulating layer has a Ni content greater than a Ni content of each first insulating layer. Portions of the first insulating layers have a Ni content lower than a Ni content of the second portions after the laminate is calcined.
US08732935B2
A metallic or pseudometallic covered stent in which the stent component and the cover component are each fabricated of biocompatible metallic or pseudometallic materials, in which the cover and the stent are joined by at least one juncture at each of a proximal and distal end of the stent and the cover. A method of joining the stent and the cover is also disclosed.
US08732921B2
A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator is disclosed that includes forming a vibration plate, forming a plurality of electrodes on the vibration plate, forming a piezoelectric layer on the electrodes, and forming a common electrode on the piezoelectric layer.
US08732914B2
Active material based fasteners that are reversible are provided. These fasteners can be in the form of, for example, cable ties and twist ties. In an embodiment, a fastener for securing an object comprises: a flexible elongated member capable of at least partially surrounding the object; and an adjustment mechanism in operable communication with the flexible elongated member, the adjustment mechanism comprising an active material capable of undergoing a change in a property upon exposure to an activation source, wherein the elongated member is configured to engage or release the object in response to the change in the property.
US08732911B2
An assist grip of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, a grip body including hinge cavities on opposite bases and hinge assemblies pivotally supported inside the hinge cavities at opposite sides, respectively, and secured to mounting locations inside a vehicle via the hinge assemblies. Mounting clips are inserted into rectangular openings of hinge bodies of the hinge assemblies, respectively. Each of the mounting clips is formed by bending a pair of resilient legs having spring resiliency into a substantially U-shape, and includes resilient bulging portions bulging outward in the resilient legs at both sides. Each of the resilient bulging portions includes a retention portion to be retained by a mounting location of a vehicle body. The retention portion of the resilient bulging portion includes a recess portion that is recessed inward and provided with an extended region in a pull-out direction of the mounting clip.
US08732910B1
A handle assembly that may be used on an appliance is provided. The handle assembly can include a handle that is received into one or more receptacles and can be installed without tools or the use of additional fasteners such as screws, bolts, and the like. The handle assembly can be installed onto doors, drawers, or other components of a variety of different appliance types.
US08732903B2
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) bounding an inlet (2) for guiding aspirated air through the nozzle (1). The nozzle (1) comprises a rim (3, 4) along an outer end contour of the inlet (2) for contacting a floor surface area (6) when in an operating position on the floor surface (6), wherein at least a rim portion (3, 4) is movable between a 5 lowered position for contacting a floor surface (6) and a lifted position for leaving a spacing between the rim portion (3, 4) and the floor surface (6). A rim operating structure (21) is adapted for leaving the rim portion (3, 4) in the lowered position during an initial portion of a movement stroke of the nozzle over the floor surface (6) in a direction and for subsequently, during a later portion of the stroke, starting the lifting to the lifted position. This improves the aspiration of larger particles.
US08732901B2
Provided is a robot cleaner, and more particularly to a robot cleaner for shielding particularly an air inlet of a foreign material storage unit. The robot cleaner includes a main body including a drive unit for providing a suction force, a main cover for shielding a side of the main body, a foreign material storage unit separably disposed on the main cover, the foreign material storage unit having an air inlet for introducing air containing foreign materials, a foreign material cover disposed on the main cover, the foreign material cover selectively shielding a side of the foreign material storage unit, and a shield member disposed on the foreign material storage unit, the shield member selectively shielding the air inlet.
US08732897B2
A blade assembly of an autonomous cleaning device. The blade assembly includes a blade having a first part fixed to the main body and a second part extended from the first part toward a floor and a support member having at least a portion disposed adjacent to the second part of the blade to restrict movement of the second part of the blade to within a predetermined range.
US08732886B2
The present invention is a floor machine pivot joint. The pivot joint utilizes pivot pegs attached to the base of the floor machine which extend from the base into cavities formed in the sides of the yoke which, in preferred embodiments, have either partially spherical or cylindrical shape. The pivot pegs allow the yoke to pivot in substantially one plane with reduced unwanted movement of the yoke and base relative to each other.
US08732869B2
A hip protector pad absorbs impact energy at a vulnerable area of a greater trochanter of an adult human hip. The pad has a continuous sheet of flexible honeycomb material having faces covered with an optional cover material and a layer of compliant and resilient foam on an inner side and an outer side of the honeycomb material. The pad is flexible to conform to a shape of the hip area. The pad is effective to reduce an impact of a fall of an adult human on the vulnerable area and minimizes the chance of a hip fracture resulting from the fall.
US08732865B2
[Problem to be Solved] To provide pants which look like ordinary pants, have a buttocks supporting effect and assure excellent wearing comfort.[Solution] Pants, in which a lining fabric covering the region ranging from the buttock portion of the back body through the sidelines to partial portions of the front body is attached inside the garment fabric of the front and back bodies, with fasteners interposed between the lining fabric and the garment fabric, the lining fabric and the garment fabric being sewn to each other at the waist belt, the crotch and the side seam allowances for integration.
US08739303B2
A browser is requested to display a text file having a description of a screen structure. The state information on a current state of the embedded device is acquired. An access request for requesting the browser to update, with the acquired state information, a value of at least one node in a document object model (DOM) tree generated from the text file by the browser, is submitted by a state display control program. The at least one node is recorded in an access history list. At a subsequent time, it is determined whether to permit a subsequent access request. If the source of the subsequent access request is not the state display control program, and the at least one node is recorded in the access history list, the subsequent access request is denied.
US08739294B2
Methods and systems for reporting information about users who obtain copyrighted media illegally using a network are provided. A particular copyrighted media from a source of copyrighted media may be associated with a user's computer. Copyright fees have not been paid for the particular copyrighted media. Information about the user of the computer is reported.
US08739292B2
A machine implemented method includes storing a first data representing a prior exception to a first trust failure (e.g., expired certificate). The prior exception may be stored as part of establishing a first communication with a data processing system (e.g., a handheld device). The first communication may not be trustworthy. The method may determine, as part of establishing a second communication with the data processing system, that a second trust failure has occurred. The second trust failure (e.g., revoked certificate) indicates that the second communication may not be trustworthy. The method may determine whether the prior exception applies to the second trust failure. If the prior exception does not apply, the data processing system determines, automatically, whether to create a new exception for the second trust failure.
US08739285B1
Differential scanning is disclosed. A scan collection period is determined. A system is monitored to detect object events during the scan collection period, and a scan list may be updated with information regarding objects to be scanned, based on some of the object events. Objects are scanned based on the information in the scan list. Information regarding objects associated with object events occurring outside the scan collection period may be removed from the scan list.
US08739284B1
A computer-implemented method for blocking and removing Internet-traversing malware may include: 1) identifying a persistent storage object of an Internet client application, 2) identifying an attempt by an executable object to access the persistent storage object, 3) determining that the executable object is not authorized to access the persistent storage object, and then 4) performing a security action based on the determination. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08739263B2
A communication apparatus includes a first communication unit that performs a wireless communication with two storage media that store therein association information for establishing a wireless connection and user identification information for identifying a user, respectively, and receives the association information and the user identification from the two storage media; a determination unit that performs user authentication based on the user identification information, determines whether or not to validate the association information based on the user authentication, and if the association information is determined to be valid, sets the association information; and a second communication unit that establishes a wireless connection based on the association information set by the determination unit.
US08739262B2
Provided are devices, methods, systems, computer readable storage media and other means for tokenizing data. In some examples, credit card numbers are tokenized using a pre-generated token map and absent the use of a networked database that stores a relatively large quantity of credit card numbers in a central location. The token map may be generated by a token map generator such that the token map can be used by a tokenizer to replace a portion of an account number with a token, and by a detokenizer to replace the token with the original portion of the account number. A pre-parser and parser may also be used to locate an account number and/or token in a message received over a network.
US08739260B1
Described systems and methods allow secure and relatively convenient authentication of a secure login session. When a user initiates a login session on a secure site using a client computer system (e.g. laptop, tablet, smartphone), matching login session identifiers (Ticket IDs) are displayed on the client computer system and a mobile communication device uniquely associated with the user (e.g. the user's smartphone). Upon verifying that the two Ticket IDs match, the user accepts the Ticket ID displayed on the mobile communication device, which causes the login session by the client computer system to proceed. Identity verification proceeds largely in the background, through communications between an authentication server, service provider server, and mobile communication device, and involves minimal user input. Techniques are disclosed for reducing the incidence of inadvertent acceptance of incorrect Ticket IDs by users, and reducing system vulnerability to attacks.
US08739258B2
A wireless communication device provides a method of certificate-based access control. Particularly, the device establishes a secure communications session with a device management server. Rather than use access control lists to control access to the functions and services on the device, however, the device uses the certificate that was employed to establish the secure session to control access.
US08739256B2
A system is described comprising a service provider and an identity provider. A user requests access to the service provider and the service provider seeks user credentials from the identity provider. In use, the service provider issues an authentication request, which request specifies details of a plurality of acceptable authentication formats. The identity provider responds to the request either by providing authentication details for said user in one of the formats specified in the request, or by returning an error message indicating that it cannot support any of the specified authentication formats.
US08739255B2
A domain controller hierarchy includes one or more hub domain controllers in communication with one or more local domain controllers, such as local domain controllers at a branch office. The hub domain controller(s) is writable, while the local domain controller(s) is typically read-only. Non-secure and secure information is partitioned to specific local domain controllers at the one or more hub domain controllers. The non-secure and secure information is then passed from the hub domain controller only to the local domain controller associated with the given partition at the hub domain controller on request. For example, a user requests a logon at a client computer system at a local branch office, and the logon is passed from the local domain controller to the hub domain controller. If authenticated, the user logon account is passed to the local domain controller, where it can be cached to authenticate subsequent requests.
US08739251B2
Provided are a method, system, and computer storage device for managing zone information for devices in a network. A zone table includes entries indicating whether devices in at least one zone are permitted to communicate. An attributes table has attributes of the devices indicated in the zone table. A determination is made of attributes from the attributes table for devices indicated in the zone table entries as being permitted to communicate. The entries in the zone table indicating that devices can communicate are verified by determining whether the attributes for the devices indicated as permitted to communicate in the entries in the zone table are consistent with the determined devices being able to communicate. Information is outputted indicating whether the entries in the zone table indicating that devices can communicate are in error.
US08739246B2
A system and method are disclosed which may include receiving an activation request from a first subscriber device at a communication convergence platform; identifying a service provider associated the first subscriber device; composing a service activation request compatible with a communication protocol for the identified service provider; and transmitting the service activation request from the platform to the identified service provider.
US08739237B2
A particular method includes extracting uniform resource locator data from closed-captioning content using a set-top box. The closed-captioning content is included in a broadcast signal received by the set-top box. The method includes generating a web page using the set-top box. The web page includes a portion of the uniform resource data as one or more selectable links. A check box is associated with each of the one or more selectable links. The web page includes a first selectable option to enable each selectable link associated with a checked check box to be added to a uniform resource locator address book. The method also includes sending the web page from the set-top box via a local area network to a device coupled to the set-top box by the local area network in response to a request from the device for the web page.
US08739232B2
Disclosed is an Internet protocol television (IPTV) data collection apparatus including: a transmission path setting unit acquiring a transmission path of an IPTV provider and setting a communication path with respect to a terminal of the transmission path; a message transmitting and receiving unit transmitting a multicast message to at least one terminal belonging to the transmission path and receiving a response message including information related to the IPTV provider and corresponding to the transmitted multicast message; and a data storing unit storing the information related to the IPTV provider, and a method thereof.
US08739230B2
Embodiments of a manager/remote content architecture are described herein. The architecture, for instance, may provide management of content received from a content provider, such as to determine which client devices are authorized to output the content. Techniques are also described which allow one of the remote client devices to act as a “limited manager” to allocate content usage by the architecture when the manager client device is not available.
US08739228B1
A vehicle entertainment system comprising media player, master unit which capable of running at least two different tasks concurrently, slave units being under control of the master unit and slave units are capable of executing at least two different actions corresponding to the at least two different tasks concurrently. A smart device that is capable of controlling the operation of master unit and slave units. A media placed in the media player can be played and shared between master and slave units. The media can be stored in a storage device to be played at a later time.
US08739227B2
Data is exchanged between two decoders by means of an antenna cable while, at the same time, being able to position at least two decoders in two different transmission bands or on two independent antennas. A signal distribution device in a multi-decoder reception system has means, such as a band pass filter, for linking the input/outputs, connected to the decoders, between them in order to form an electrical contact limited to a communication frequency band.
US08739221B2
A broadcast programming guide is generated based on either designation by or a habit of a user. The programming guide may determine one or more favorite channels of the user based on habitual viewing. The programming guide may suggest channels of interest, based on genres of programming shown on the favorite channels.
US08739219B2
A method includes receiving data associated with a plurality of multimedia channels. The data includes a multimedia channel numbering set. The method includes presenting the data at a display device communicatively coupled to the set-top box device via an electronic programming guide that includes an option to customize the electronic programming guide by genre. The method includes receiving a selection of one or more genres and a particular multimedia content source. The method includes automatically replacing the multimedia channel numbering set with a renumbered multimedia channel numbering set. Multimedia channels that are associated with the one or more selected genres and that are associated with the particular multimedia content source are assigned a lower channel number in the renumbered multimedia channel numbering set than other multimedia channels that are associated with the one or more selected genres and that are associated with other multimedia content sources.
US08739218B2
A program guide in which a video layer includes a plurality of video objects including title objects, each title object having associated with it a channel and at least one time slot, the video layer being formed in response to a received video stream; and a graphics layer comprising a plurality of graphics objects including title overlay objects, each of the title overlay objects selectively imparting at least a visual de-emphasis to a respective title object in the video layer, the visual de-emphasis being imparted to title objects not being associated with a desired time slot.
US08739214B2
Methods, computer program products, and virtual servers for providing virtual service are provided. A user of a virtual service is authenticated. An input is received that identifies another user in which to operatively connect for virtual service. Permission is requested to operatively connect to the other user. The user is operatively connected to the other user, in response to receiving an acceptance to operatively connect from the other user. Acquired information is transmitted and received between the user and the other user, while broadcast content is being received by the user and the other user. The acquired information and the broadcast content may be displayed together on a television.
US08739213B2
System and method for providing an interactive program guide for past current and future programming
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system and method for providing a program guide for past programming comprising receiving a user command to retrieve program data, retrieving the program data from a data source, and outputting, to a display device, the program data in response to receiving the user command. The program data may comprise information relating to previously-aired programming.
US08739212B2
The present invention provides a method and system for accessing services in a television system. In one implementation, a DHCT presents a user a menu containing a plurality of selectable link representations corresponding to separate services or applications offered by the cable television system. The user navigates the menu with a remote device and selects a desired service by choosing the selectable link representation corresponding to the desired service or application. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selectable link command into an executable call, and activates the service or application corresponding to the selected link representation from the menu chosen by the user.
US08739206B2
Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to one or more peripheral devices at a location via a local advertisement server. In certain exemplary embodiments, the local advertisement server within a location receives advertisements from the central advertisement network and rebroadcasts them to peripheral devices within that location. Advertising information may be tracked and reported, e.g., for accounting, revenue-sharing, and/or other purposes in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the distribution of advertisements is provided to peripherals via a non-web- and non-PC-dependent network. Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, reporting and advertising related communications are substantially bi-directional regardless of device type. Certain exemplary embodiments provide revenue sharing among some or all of the central advertising network provider, the proprietors of locations, operators tasked with maintaining the local ad server and/or the peripheral devices, etc.
US08739203B2
A method for integrating television brand advertising with promotional marketing includes providing an image to be displayed in different television commercials for products from different advertisers, the image indicating a website; and providing at the website coupon offers for the products from the different advertisers. The image will alert a viewer of the television commercial that a special coupon offer is available at a website. The viewer will go to the website and be able to select from one or more coupon offers available to consumers in their market area. The consumer then prints the coupons, or adds credit to a coupon card, which is then redeemed at the retailer. The system allows for Point Of Sale (POS) redemption, or more traditional redemption through a coupon clearinghouse. The television commercials may be encoded with information to be used at a television signal processing location for selecting the images, and different images may be provided to television signal processing locations associated with different market areas.
US08739174B2
Under a resource manager, unexpected blocking is prevented without calling a handler for resolving a resource contention, by assigning a priority level depending on the program that has requested for a reservation of a resource as well as by assigning a special priority level which permits a reservation of a resource without any conditions in the case of a program which is urgently needed such as an EAS module.
US08739172B2
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media with executable instructions stored thereon for a virtual machine (VM) placement plan are provided. Seasonality of a measured aggregated resource usage of a group of VMs can be identified. A VM placement plan for the identified seasonality can be generated by a computing device.
US08739171B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide high-throughput computing in a hybrid processing system. A set of high-throughput computing service level agreements (SLAs) is analyzed. The set of high-throughput computing SLAs are associated with a hybrid processing system. The hybrid processing system includes at least one server system that includes a first computing architecture and a set of accelerator systems each including a second computing architecture that is different from the first computing architecture. A first set of resources at the server system and a second set of resources at the set of accelerator systems are monitored. A set of data-parallel workload tasks is dynamically scheduled across at least one resource in the first set of resources and at least one resource in the second set of resources. The dynamic scheduling of the set of data-parallel workload tasks substantially satisfies the set of high-throughput computing SLAs.
US08739160B1
System for safe execution of guest code in virtual machine context includes (a) a virtual machine monitor (VMM) that handles potentially unsafe instructions; (b) a virtual machine (VM) running guest code; (c) wherein the hardware virtualization means handles interrupts when encountering at least some privileged instructions in the guest code, (d) wherein the hardware virtualization means continuously determines, at runtime, if the instruction in the guest code is safe or potentially unsafe, wherein the potentially unsafe instructions are non-privileged instructions that can execute incorrectly in a context of the VM; (e) wherein the VM executes the safe instructions in a native mode; (f) wherein the hardware virtualization means bypasses potentially unsafe instructions.
US08739155B2
A computer receives information from a user, which includes the identity of and installation preferences for the software to be installed on a second computer. Information about the environment of the second computer is gathered by the computer. The computer defines a set of search parameters based on the information received and the environment of the second computer. The computer searches for data stored on storage devices and the Internet. The computer retrieves the data, associated to a second installation of the software on a third computer, which relates to the installation of software on the second computer. The computer generates guidance for installation of the software on the second computer, based on the identity of the software to be installed, installation preferences for the software to be installed, the environment of the second computer, and the data associated to an installation of the software on a third computer.
US08739143B2
Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for profiling metrics for computer programs. One embodiment includes a method that executes a program to obtain data for each of plural entities in the program. Equations are received for plural metrics that define events occurring in the entities. The method then displays scores for each of the entities with respect to each of the metrics in order to visually indicate which of the entities to optimize to improve performance of the program.
US08739137B2
The disclosed system provides a transformation-based implementation of forward-mode and reverse-mode automatic differentiation as a built-in, first-class function in a functional programming language. Each of these constructs imposes only a small constant factor of the computational burden (time) of the function itself, and the forward construct has the same properties in terms of space. The functions can be applied to any function, including those involving derivatives and nested closures.
US08739134B2
A computer-implemented method involving detecting a creating or opening of a suppression file presenting a suppression edits, executing an auto complete search in response to input to define a suppressions and storing the suppression file to be utilized with a profiling tool to hide data defined by the suppression file.
US08739131B2
The Functional Tester Plug-in (FTP) extracts information from a data base to enhance automated testing tools to accommodate changes to the computer environment and so that a simulation can be fully executed even if an exception occurs. The FTP accesses the test script and static data store created by a developer using the automated testing tool, wherein the test script and static data store indicate a first resource to be tested at a verification point and a first expected result. The FTP identifies the first resource used by the test script at a first verification point and accesses the data base. The FTP identifies the status and configuration of the first resource in the data base. The FTP calculates and optimal expected result based any changes in the status and configuration of the first resource. The FTP executes the test script using the optimal expected result based any changes in the status and configuration of the first resource.
US08739130B2
A quality assurance system has a test generator for applying tests to an application program and a correlator for logging events that occur during testing in correlation with test steps so as to generate a test log. The quality assurance program has a user interface for providing an interactive presentation displaying a list of events and a list of test steps such that: 1) selecting a test step will cause a correlated event to be highlighted, and 2) selecting an event will cause a correlated test step to be highlighted.
US08739129B1
A Unified Debugger that enables the debugging of graphical models with combinations of entities from multiple domains such as time-based block diagrams, statecharts, and physical system models, with additional features for the debugging of hand-written and automatically generated code is disclosed. A view of the entity being executed that is consistent with the type of the modeling domain to which the entity currently being executed belongs is automatically generated for a user. Rather than requiring a user to manually transition from one debugger to the next, the Unified Debugger applies the appropriate debugging features from each modeling domain. The Unified Debugger also enables integration of diagnostic information from a multitude of modeling domains into a central user interface. In addition, a standard diagnostic interface which spans a plurality of modeling domains is defined that enables the customization of debug behavior.
US08739128B1
Identifying missing test scenarios based on a repository of organization-specific in-use scenarios, including: accessing a set of organization-specific in-use scenarios, each organization-specific in-use scenario executes least two transactions; comparing the organization-specific in-use scenarios with available test scenarios repairable by a non-programmer user, each available test scenario repairable by a non-programmer user tests at least two transactions; identifying organization-specific in-use scenarios that do not have corresponding test scenarios repairable by a non-programmer user; and providing at least one of the missing test scenarios to a non-programmer user for generating a test scenario repairable by a non-programmer user that covers the at least one missing test scenario.
US08739124B2
Configuring integration capabilities includes: receiving a configuration stencil that is a configuration artifact of a message flow, the configuration stencil comprising at least one configuration point, the configuration point currently having no assigned value, and at least one constraint for the configuration point, the constraint being a rule or type for a value to be assigned to the configuration point; receiving, using one or more processors, input comprising at least one configuration point value for the configuration point, the configuration point value having been selected based on first and second systems to be integrated using the message flow; determining whether the received configuration point value violates the constraint and if so requesting another configuration point value from the input; and generating a configuration stencil instance based on the configuration stencil and the input, the configuration stencil instance representing the message flow in an integration of the first and second systems.
US08739121B1
Exemplary embodiments may provide one or more computer readable storage media storing executable instructions that when executed on processing logic output a source code listing and external content to an editor. The media may hold instructions for creating a source code listing in an editor, the source code listing being executable when the source code listing is compiled or interpreted. The media may further hold instructions for inserting a non-executable statement into the source code listing, the non-executable statement including metadata identifying external content. The media may hold instructions for interpreting the metadata. The media may further hold instructions for communicating with external content. The media may also hold instructions for outputting the source code listing and the external content to the editor. The media may further hold instructions for interacting with the external content from the source code listing.
US08739119B2
The present invention discloses a method for inserting code into .Net program and an apparatus therefor, relating to the field of information security. The method comprises the steps of: writing information of code to be inserted to import table of a .Net executable file; adding address of the code to be inserted to import address table (IAT) of the .Net executable file to form a new import address table; change offset address of entry point of the .Net executable file to address of the new IAT; and change flag in header of metadata table of the .Net executable file to enable the .Net executable file to meet certification requirements when being executed. The apparatus comprises a writing module, a forming module, and a modification module. The method and apparatus provided by the present invention implement code insertion into .Net executable file without the dependency on assembly and disassembly tools and are easy to use. The problems of low efficiency, poor stability, and poor compatibility in inserting code into .Net executable file can be solved by the present invention.
US08739104B1
System and methods for forming an integrated circuit using a standard cell library are provided. In some aspects, a method includes arranging cells from the standard cell library into a row between upper and lower power rails. Each cell includes a plurality of lateral nodes, at least one boundary region, and at least one dummy transistor. The method includes identifying a connection pattern of adjacent ones of the cells. The connection pattern is between (i) the lateral nodes of the adjacent cells and (ii) the upper and lower power rails. The method includes removing adjacent boundary regions of the adjacent cells based on the identified connection pattern of the adjacent cells, and modifying an arrangement of adjacent dummy transistors of the adjacent cells based on the removal of the adjacent boundary regions.
US08739103B1
Techniques for placement in highly constraint chip architectures are described herein. In an example embodiment, a computer system places a digital portion of an electronic design for a programmable chip. The programmable chip comprises multiple fixed-function blocks and a plurality of pins, where each one of the multiple fixed-function blocks can be coupled only to a respective subset of the plurality of pins. The electronic design comprises a particular fixed-function block (FFB) instance that is connected to a particular input-output (IO) instance. The computer system places (e.g., by using a backtracking search) the particular FFB instance on a particular fixed-function block and the particular IO instance on a particular pin from a particular subset of the plurality of pins, where in the programmable chip the particular fixed-function block can be coupled only to the particular subset of the plurality of pins.
US08739089B2
User's register transfer level (RTL) design is analyzed and instrumented so that signals of interest are preserved and can be located in the netlist after synthesis. Then, the user's original flow of RTL synthesis and design partition is performed. The output is analyzed to locate the signals of interest. Latches are selectively inserted to the netlist to ensure that signal values can be accessed at runtime. After that, a place and route (P&R) process is performed, and the outputs are analyzed to correlate signal names to registers (flip-flops and latches) or memory blocks locations in field programmable gate array (FPGA) devices. A correlation database is built and kept for runtime use. During runtime, a software component may be provided on a workstation for the user to query signal values corresponding to RTL hierarchical signal names.
US08739087B1
In the process of designing an integrated circuit (IC), it is often the case that a functional description is converted into multiplexers. In some cases it would be more efficient to combine two or more multiplexers into a larger multiplexer to identify potential design problems in the original register transfer level (RTL). Such early detection can prevent routing congestion problem that would be too expensive to fix later. A large multiplexer is defined as a multiplexer having a number of inputs and control signals that is above a predetermined threshold. When such a multiplexing functionality is detected that function may be replaced in the circuit with a large multiplexer that would be a more efficient implementation. Accordingly the circuit is checked for existence of multiplexing functions, and merging, when possible, of such multiplexing functions to achieve the ability to instantiate the multiplexing functionality with a large multiplexer.
US08739080B1
The present disclosure describes methods of forming a mask. In an example, the method includes receiving an integrated circuit (IC) design layout, modifying the IC design layout data using an optical proximity correction (OPC) process, thereby providing an OPCed IC design layout, and modifying the OPCed IC design layout data using a mask rule check (MRC) process, wherein the MRC process corrects rule violations of the OPCed IC design layout data using a mask error enhancement factor (MEEF) index, thereby providing a MRC/OPCed IC design layout.
US08739077B1
Methods for modifying a physical design of an electrical circuit used in the manufacture of a semiconductor device, and methods for fabricating an integrated circuit, are provided. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a circuit design layout that has a plurality of element patterns. A first library of problematic sections is provided. An initial circuit section and an additional circuit section within the circuit design layout are determined to match problematic sections in the first library, and the initial and additional circuit sections have overlapping peripheral boundaries. A second library of replacement sections is provided. The replacement sections correspond to the problematic sections. The circuit sections that match the problematic sections are replaced with a replacement section that corresponds to the respective problematic sections to form the final circuit layout. Boundary characteristics of the replacement sections are substantially the same as the circuit sections replaced thereby.
US08739065B2
In a method for managing software menus using a computing device, a template file from a storage system is loaded. A name of an array, names of a plurality of software menus of the array, names of a plurality of buttons of the software menus and separators between the buttons, and parameters comprising an identifier (ID) and an image path of each of the buttons are obtained by parsing each line of instructions in the template file. A toolbar container for storing the obtained data having a predetermined memory frame is created. The software menus are established at a predetermined location in a preset window and the buttons of each of the software menus are added for each of the established software menus by reading data in the toolbar container. The window with the established software menus is displayed on a display screen.
US08739062B2
A method may include playing a number of media files and outputting a graph illustrating at least two pieces of information associated with each of the media files. A first axis of the graph may be associated with a first piece of information and a second axis of the graph may be associated with a second piece of information.
US08739061B1
Methods and systems for generating search results for output to a user. A number of “views” of search results may be provided each having particular formats. In a product search engine implementation, a grid view may be provided that allows multi-column display of product-related search results. In other implementations, a user may be able to select between multiple output modes/formats, and may even be able to select how search results should be output (e.g., what type and format of cues should be output for each search result).
US08739059B2
An electronic inspection report system includes a central report generator and a data collection device. The central report generator is adapted to produce multiple types of inspection report template. The central report generator is adapted to select a type of inspection report template to provide to a data collection device based upon various criteria. The central report generator is adapted to receive electronic information from various databases and format the information such that the information can be used in inspection reports.While inspecting an item, an inspector uses a data collection device to access an inspection report template and fill in fields of the inspection report template. The data collection device can be configured to check the consistency of information carried in fields of the inspection report and signal the inspector when some of the information is inconsistent.The central report generator can include a repository of completed inspection reports. The central report generator can be configured to mine the repository of completed inspection reports and determine correlations between fields of the completed inspection reports. Software in the data collection device can updated such that the data collection device can perform consistency checks between fields that the central report generator has determined have a correlation.
US08739055B2
Various embodiments related to the correction of typographical errors on touch displays are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment includes a portable computing device comprising a touch-sensitive display device, a logic subsystem, and memory comprising instructions executable by the logic subsystem to perform a method of correcting typographical errors displayed on the touch-sensitive display device. The instructions are executable to identify a typographical error within text displayed on the display, and upon identifying the typographical error, highlight on the display the typographical error. The instructions are further executable to detect a gesture-based touch input selecting a text replacement for correcting the typographical error, and, upon detecting the gesture-based touch input, if a release of the gesture-based touch input is detected within a predefined region associated with a location of the typographical error, then display on the display a replacement of the typographical error with the text replacement.
US08739052B2
A method of overlaying layers of a user interface on a display of a computing device is presented herein. In a preferred embodiment, while a media item is displayed within the user interface, an overlay having features associated with the media item being displayed on the user interface is layered on top of the user interface such that the media item beneath the overlay layer is at least partially viewable through the overlay layer.
US08739049B2
A vehicle simulation system includes a compiler module, a parser module, a wrapper module, a modeling module, and a simulation module. The compiler module generates object code that is compatible with a first type of operating system based on source code that is executable by a vehicle control module and that is compatible with a second type of operating system. The parser module generates a definitions file and an extensible markup language (XML) file based on the source code and the object code. The wrapper module generates a library file based on the object code and the definitions file. The modeling module generates model-based source code for a virtual model based on the XML file and a user configuration of the virtual model. The simulation module simulates operation of a plant of a vehicle with the virtual model.
US08739046B2
A method, computer program product, and system for dynamic e-meeting summarization is described. A method may comprise monitoring behavior of an e-meeting participant and determining one or more portions of an e-meeting to summarize for the e-meeting participant based upon, at least in part, the behavior of the e-meeting participant. The method may further comprise determining a summary-content time-frame for the e-meeting participant based upon, at least in part, the one or more portions of the e-meeting to summarize for the e-meeting participant, the summary-content time-frame corresponding to an amount of time for the e-meeting participant to consume a summary of the e-meeting. The method may additionally comprise generating, during the e-meeting, the summary of the e-meeting in accordance with the summary-content time-frame for the e-meeting participant, the summary of the e-meeting based upon, at least in part, the one or more portions of the e-meeting.
US08739044B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating collaborative browsing of a network site by multiple users. A user interface is rendered in a computing device, and the user interface facilitates participation in a collaborative browsing session by multiple users including a master user and one or more other users. The user interface includes a browsing window that is configured to facilitate browsing of a network site by the master user. An indication of a status change of the browsing window is sent to another computing device when the computing device corresponds to a client in use by the master user. The indication of the status change excludes graphical screen capture data. The status change is replicated in the browsing window when the computing device corresponds to a client in use by the one or more other users.
US08739041B2
Extensible video insertion control is described. In embodiments, a media asset is received to render as video for display. Mapped video data is also received that identifies object insertion spaces in the media asset. A selectable display object is received that conforms to an object insertion space in a scene of the media asset. A composite video is then generated that includes the selectable display object inserted for display in the scene of the media asset at the object insertion space.
US08739036B2
An electronic device comprising: a display unit configured to display a setting menu; an operation unit configured to receive an operation from a user; an operation detection unit configured to detects the operation received by the operation unit; a timer unit configured to measure an elapsed time that has elapsed since a start operation relating to a setting of a given function received by the operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit; and a help display processing unit configured to cause the display unit to display help information thereon when an end operation relating to the given function to the operation unit has not been detected by the operation detection unit before the elapsed time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time.
US08739024B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for processing a World Wide Web (WWW) page, which includes: determining at least one website to be optimized; generating a corresponding page template for each of WWW pages with different types in each website, and storing the page template; grabbing WWW pages from each website, matching each grabbed WWW page with a page template, filtering redundant HTML data from the WWW page according to a matching result, and storing the filtered WWW page; after receiving a request sent by a terminal for accessing a WWW page, determining whether there is a stored filtered WWW page corresponding to the WWW page requested by the terminal, if yes, returning the filtered WWW page to the terminal. Embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for processing a WWW page. With the scheme of the present invention, redundant information may be efficiently eliminated.
US08739019B1
Computer-implemented methods and computer program products wherein a user's reviewing of select text in a synchronized news story, article, or electronic book generates a changed presentation of associated multimedia content, including photographs, videos, and computerized graphics. User's reviewing of select text is detected automatically or managed manually, with select embodiments integrating touch-screen controls. This process of changing multimedia continues with the user's reviewing of additional select text segments. Select multimedia is modified instead of completely replaced as the user advances to an additional select text segment, leading to uniquely flowing presentations. Multimedia is visually modified through zooming, panning, resizing, highlighting, and/or other approaches. Select embodiments include similarly modified holographic imagery, advertisements, securities charts, and shifted text. In select embodiments, the user's reading speed adjusts visual modifications.
US08739018B2
A system and method for loading and playing multimedia information are disclosed. A navigator sends a series of play orders that each play order demands for playing a corresponding multimedia segment. A playing engine demands a loader to provide the corresponding multimedia segment according to related play order. A decoder is used to decode the provided multimedia segment for playback. Each play order may be delivered even the multimedia segment corresponding to its previous play order has not been played completely yet. The information discontinuity disadvantage can be eliminated since there is a smooth multimedia information stream provided for the decoder.
US08739012B2
A co-hosted cyclical redundancy check (CRC) calculations system is arranged to use a processor to generate initial addresses for reading the data from a mirrored device that has address ranges over which a CRC result is to be calculated. An memory mapping unit detects when the initial address falls within an address range over which the CRC result is to be calculated. A read snoop unit snoops the data read from a mirrored memory that has data stored using a mirrored address. A CRC co-generator receives the snooped data read from mirrored memory and uses the snooped data read from the mirrored memory to calculate the CRC result.
US08739007B2
A method for decoding an Error Correction Code (ECC) includes accepting coefficients, including at least first and second coefficients, of an Error Locator Polynomial (ELP) that is defined over a vector space and has at least one root that is indicative of a location of an error in a set of bits, which represent data that has been encoded with the ECC. The first coefficient is represented using a first basis of the vector space, and the second coefficient is represented using a second basis of the vector space, different from the first basis. Using processing circuitry, the root of the ELP is identified by applying algebraic operations to the coefficients, such that the algebraic operations are applied to the first coefficient using the first basis, and to the second coefficient using the second basis. The error is corrected responsively to the identified root of the ELP.
US08739006B2
An error correction method and system includes an Encoder and Syndrome-generator that operate in parallel to reduce the amount of circuitry used to compute check symbols and syndromes for error correcting codes. The system and method computes the contributions to the syndromes and check symbols 1 bit at a time instead of 1 symbol at a time. As a result, the even syndromes can be computed as powers of the odd syndromes. Further, the system assigns symbol addresses so that there are, for an example GF(28) which has 72 symbols, three (3) blocks of addresses which differ by a cube root of unity to allow the data symbols to be combined for reducing size and complexity of odd syndrome circuits. Further, the implementation circuit for generating check symbols is derived from syndrome circuit using the inverse of the part of the syndrome matrix for check locations.
US08738992B2
An encoding method and encoder of a time-varying LDPC-CC with high error correction performance are provided. In an encoding method of performing low density parity check convolutional coding (LDPC-CC) of a time varying period of q using a parity check polynomial of a coding rate of (n−1)/n (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2), the time varying period of q is a prime number greater than 3, the method receiving an information sequence as input and encoding the information sequence using Equation 1 as a g-th (g=0, 1, . . . , q−1) parity check polynomial to satisfy 0.
US08738989B2
A method and apparatus for detecting a free page of a memory device, and a method and apparatus for decoding an error correction code by using the method and apparatus for detecting a free page are provided. Free page data read from the memory is converted into a converted codeword for inclusion as an element of an error correction code field. The converted codeword is compared to an initially set target codeword to detect an amount of non-identical bits. A page read from the memory is determined to be a free page when the amount of non-identical bits is equal to or less than an initially set threshold value.
US08738988B2
A method for sending data from a transmitter to a receiver in a transmission network comprising receiving outgoing data that is eight-bits-ten-bits (8b10b) encoded at a Gigabit Ethernet (GE) line rate from a physical medium attachment (PMA) layer, 8b10b decoding the received outgoing data, 64-bits-to-66-bits (64b66b) encoding the 8b10b decoded outgoing data, forward error correction (FEC) encoding the 64b66b encoded outgoing data, and serializing and sending the 64b66b and FEC encoded outgoing data at the GE line rate to a physical medium dependent (PMD) layer.
US08738982B2
A data processing method and a data re-transmission method in a broadband wireless access system are disclosed. A transmitting side generates a coded block set including coded blocks of a predetermined number and the coded blocks are transmitted to first and second base stations. The transmitting side sets a timer after transmitting a last coded block of the coded blocks. The coded blocks received by the second base station are transmitted to the first base station, and the transmitting side receives a control signal indicating whether there is a transmission error from the first base station.
US08738946B2
A computer and a method for controlling an operating state of a device thereof are disclosed. The method comprises: detecting that a display portion and a host portion of the computer are in a state of being disconnected from each other; and generating a state event or a control instruction corresponding to the disconnected state for switching the device to an inactive state. With the present invention, when the state of a computer changes, e.g., when a display portion and a host portion of a portable computer are separated, an operating system can control a device to switch its operating state, e.g., deactivate the device, based on a generated state event. In this way, it is possible to avoid unnecessary power consumption of the entire computer due to the active state of the device, and any potential security risk can be eliminated.
US08738943B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for controlling and minimizing electrical power consumption of a plurality of lights and electronic devices connected to a networked computing environment, wherein asset and space management software can be utilized to monitor and remotely turn off the electronic devices that are determined as not being utilized, based on observed indicators of inactivity associated with the electronic devices. Specifically, the location of the electronic devices are determined and then registered and stored in a database, wherein the electronic devices include desktop computers, laptops, phones, and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that are connected to the networked computing environment.
US08738935B1
Systems, methods and related processes for securely erasing and/or rendering permanently inaccessible data stored on storage systems securely erased is described. Such storage systems may, in some aspects, integrate hardware capable of secure erasure. In some aspects, a cryptographically-based system is utilized.
US08738929B2
The various methods and systems described herein are directed to supplying a secure channel for software executing on a host computer. The methods and systems address and provide solutions for an attack model in which rogue software executing on the host computer attempts to inappropriately obtain or otherwise manipulate data. Some embodiments can provide pixel data that can be kept confidential (in that untrusted software applications cannot read the data off of the display screen). In addition, other embodiments can preserve the integrity of the pixel data by detecting whether the pixel data has been inappropriately manipulated. Various embodiments are based on a decryption engine that is located on a video card very late in the video processing chain such that programmatic access to decrypted pixel data is denied.
US08738926B2
A data processing system including a memory configured to store confidential data and non-confidential data; a cache memory which is configured to cache data stored in the memory and which comprises a first cache memory region and a second cache memory region; a processing circuit configured to carry out, in a first state of the data processing system, a cryptographic algorithm which operates on the confidential data and on the non-confidential data, wherein the confidential data are cached using the first cache memory region and the non-confidential data are cached using the second cache memory region; and an invalidating circuit configured to invalidate the first cache memory region when the data processing system switches from the first state into a second state.
US08738923B2
Authenticating an end user for a client application using a directory service can include receiving end user identity information and security information at the client application, sending a search request to the directory service for an entry associated with the end user identity information and, if a match is found, receiving a authentication token from the directory service associated with the end user identity information. The received authentication token can be compared with the security information. If the authentication token matches the security information, sending a request to update the directory service to indicate that successful authentication of the end user has occurred and if the authentication token does not match the security information, sending a request to update the directory service to indicate that a failed attempt at authentication of the end user has occurred.
US08738917B2
An image verification system includes an image input apparatus, image verification apparatus, and database apparatus. The image input apparatus generates verification information for image data by using a private key and adds the verification information and predetermined information unique to the image input apparatus to the image data. The image verification apparatus verifies that the image data has been altered or not by using the verification information and a public key corresponding to the private key. The database apparatus stores the public key in association with the predetermined information in the a storage unit and provides the public key to the image verification apparatus.
US08738915B2
A method may include generating a first shared secret for a present boot session of the information handling system and determining if a second shared secret existed for a prior boot session of the information handling system. If the second shared secret existed for the prior boot session, the method may include encrypting the first shared secret with the second shared secret and communicating the first shared secret encrypted by the second shared secret from a first information handling resource to a second information handling resource. If the second shared secret did not exist for the prior boot session, the method may include communicating the first shared secret unencrypted from the first information handling resource to the second information handling resource. The method may additionally include securely communicating between the first information handling resource and the second information handling resource using the first shared secret for encryption and decryption.
US08738913B2
A method for efficiently deriving a traffic encryption key for data encryption is disclosed. A method of generating a traffic encryption key (TEK) comprises the steps of receiving, by a mobile station from base station, a first nonce and first security materials for deriving the traffic encryption key (TEK) and deriving the traffic encryption key (TEK) using one or more of the first nonce, the authentication key (AK), and the first security materials.
US08738910B2
Methods and arrangements for enabling the use of a first device (300) for controlling transfer of media content from a content provider (306) to a second device (302). The first device has a pre-established security association with the communications network. When the network detects a request made by the first device for delivery of media content to the second device, key information is established which enables determination of one or more media keys for encryption of the media content. The network sends key information to the content provider and to the first device. The content provider then delivers media content encrypted by the media key(s) to the second device. Further, the first device forward the media key(s) over a local communication link to the second device for decryption of media content encrypted by the media key(s) when delivered by the content provider.
US08738909B2
A system and method of sending an e-mail message associated with a wireless device is provided. A request to forward or reply to an original e-mail message is sent from the wireless device to a server. The request contains one or more recipients and includes a message identifier of an original e-mail message. A portion indicator is provided for retrieving portions of the original e-mail message identified by the message identifier. An e-mail message is sent to the one or more recipients comprising any added user text and the one or more retrieved portions of the original e-mail message such that text of the original message that the user may not be aware is not forwarded to new recipients.
US08738906B1
A system may identify one or more attributes associated with traffic. The system may then determine that at least one attribute, of the one or more attributes, matches an attribute of a set of attributes that correspond to a set of categories of traffic. Based on determining that the at least one attribute matches the attribute of the set of attributes, the system may identify a category, of the set of categories, that corresponds to the attribute. The system may associate the category with the traffic, and process the traffic based on the associated category.
US08738903B2
A data transmission and reception method for ensuring privacy and security and a method for identifying a Mobile Station (MS), while ensuring the location privacy of the MS in a wireless access system are disclosed. The MS identification method includes transmitting a ranging request message including a hashed Medium Access Control (MAC) address to a Base Station (BS), for initial ranging, and receiving a ranging response message including a temporary station Identifier (ID) from the BS. The temporary station ID is used to provide security to a MAC address or station ID by which the BS uniquely identifies the MS.
US08738901B2
A method and system for automatic certificate renewal is described.
US08738893B2
A method in one aspect may include receiving an add instruction. The add instruction may indicate a first source operand, a second source operand, and a third source operand. A sum of the first, second, and third source operands may be stored as a result of the add instruction. The sum may be stored partly in a destination operand indicated by the add instruction and partly a plurality of flags. Other methods are also disclosed, as are apparatus, systems, and instructions on machine-readable medium.
US08738892B2
A Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) processor having an instruction set with a reduced size resulting in a small number of bits being necessary to specify registers. The VLIW processor includes a register file, and first through third operation units, and executes a very long instruction word. Further, the very long instruction word includes a register specifying field which specifies a least one of the registers in the register file and a plurality of instructions. The operand of each instruction includes bits src1, src2, and dst, which indicate whether or not the registers specified by the register specifying field are to be used as the source register and the destination register.
US08738871B1
A method and apparatus for creating and utilizing a map of files related to a virtual disk of a virtual machine. In one embodiment, the method comprises inspecting file system entries within at least one volume of the virtual disk; converting information related to file system entries into a map, where the map comprises file locations within a physical disk for the files related to the virtual disk. In another embodiment, the method comprises examining a map of an image of at least a portion of a virtual disk, accessing the image, extracting and utilizing at least one file. In yet another embodiment, the method comprises creating a map related to an image representing stored files in a virtual disk, storing the map and the image, selecting a file, examining the map, accessing the image, extracting the file from the image and restoring the file to a storage system.
US08738870B1
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for protecting data. In some embodiments, this includes taking a snapshot of a physical volume with a native snapshot program, reading the snapshot block by block, creating a blank virtual container on a deduplicated virtual storage device, and populating the blank virtual container block by block based on reading the snapshot.
US08738866B2
A storage system comprises multiple memory packages and a storage controller. The multiple memory packages respectively comprise multiple nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices for storing data, and a memory controller for controlling the reading/writing of data from/to these multiple semiconductor memory devices, and the storage controller receives an I/O command issued from a host computer, creates, on the basis of the received I/O command, a first level command for controlling the multiple memory packages, and sends this first level command to the multiple memory packages. The memory controllers of the multiple memory packages create a second level command for the multiple nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices inside its own memory package, and estimate the power to be consumed in its own memory package. In a case where the estimated power consumption exceeds a preconfigured permissible power, suspends the execution of the received second level command.
US08738865B1
Systems and methods for identification of data stored in memory are provided. A data packet is received and a first packet byte within the data packet is compared to a first memory byte within a memory. A mismatch is determined between the first packet byte and the first memory byte. A memory location is jumped to that contains a second memory byte that is non-consecutive with the first memory byte. A packet location is jumped to that contains a second packet byte that is non-consecutive with the first packet byte. The second packet byte is compared to the second memory byte. A retrieval instruction is generated based at least in part on a result of the comparison between the second packet byte and the second memory byte. Various embodiments may be included in a network memory architecture to allow for faster data matching and instruction generation in a central appliance.
US08738854B2
A start time of recovery processing performed during a fall-back operation of the RAID can be flexibly controlled. A storage apparatus including an I/O processing unit that receives a data input/output request sent from an information processing device communicatively coupled to the I/O processing unit, and performs reading and writing of data from and to storage drives, includes: a priority storage unit that stores a priority set to each RAID group; a failure information storage unit that acquires and stores information on a failure occurred in the storage drives; a blockage processing unit that determines whether or not to block each of the storage drive based on the information on the failure, and blocks the storage drive that is determined to be blocked; a start time calculation unit that calculates a start time for starting recovery processing to delete a fall-back state of the RAID group to which the blocked storage drive belongs according to the priority set to the RAID group; and a recovery processing execution unit that starts the recovery processing at the start time.
US08738848B2
Solid-state mass storage devices, host computer systems, and methods of managing non-volatile solid-state memory components used therein. The memory components comprise memory cells organized in functional units that are adapted to receive units of data transferred from the host computer system and correspond to the functional units of the memory component. The level of programming for each cell is reduced by performing an analysis of the bit values of the units of data to be written to at least a first of the functional units of the memory component. Depending on the analysis of “0” and “1” bit values of the units of data to be written, the bit values are inverted before writing the units of data to the first memory component.
US08738841B2
A storage controller connected to a flash memory storage module, the controller and module including multiple sets of buffers. The buffers are part of one or more pipelines through which data is moved between the storage module and one or more hosts.
US08738815B2
Systems and methods for virtualizing the peripherals in a wireless device to enable remote management via removable portable media with processing capability are described. One aspect may include a system for virtualizing a peripheral device of a wireless device from a media device, the system comprising a media device, including a first memory; a processor coupled to said first memory; and a virtualization device controller interface remote layer adapted to run on said processor and first memory, wherein said virtualization device controller interface remote layer is adapted to communicate with a peripheral device of the wireless device.
US08738810B2
Processing of out-of-order data transfers is facilitated in computing environments that enable data to be directly transferred between a host bus adapter (or other adapter) and a system without first staging the data in hardware disposed between the host bus adapter and the system. An address to be used in the data transfer is determined, in real-time, by efficiently locating an entry in an address data structure that includes the address to be used in the data transfer.
US08738806B2
Provided is a method and system for synchronizing a plurality of content directory service (CDS) devices in a home network environment. The method of synchronizing the plurality of CDS devices of a home network, which includes the plurality of CDS devices and a control point (CP), comprises (a) requesting a first CDS device among the plurality of CDS devices to start synchronization using the CP; (b) performing the synchronization with a second CDS device among the plurality of CDS devices using the first CDS device; (c) selecting a third CDS device from the plurality of CDS devices and requesting the third CDS device to start synchronization with the first CDS device or the second CDS device using the CP; and (d) performing the synchronization with the first CDS device or the second CDS device using the third CDS device.
US08738804B2
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for monitoring transactions for a set of known nodes in a network data processing system. Cache data is received from a router in the data processing system. The cache data includes an identification of the set of known nodes sending data packets for transactions onto the network data processing system. The transactions are tracked for the set of nodes using the cache data from the router. In this manner, the loading of work for different nodes in a set of nodes can be identified.
US08738800B1
Described are data structures, and methodology for forming same, for network protocol processing. A method for creating data structures for firewalling and network address translating is described. A method for creating data structures for physical layer addressing is described. A method for security protocol support using a data structure is described. A method for creating at least one data structure sized responsive to whether a firewall is activated is described. A data structure for routing packets is described. A method of forming hashing table chains is described. Additionally, method and apparatus for tracking packet states is described. More particularly, Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”) tracking of states for packets is described. In an embodiment, a division between software states and hardware states is made as a packet is processed by both software and hardware. Additionally, method and apparatus for network protocol processing are described. For example, a packet for network address translation having a media access control header is obtained, from which information, including the media access control header, is obtained. The information is parsed into one or more data structures. It is determined whether a network processing unit is in a first round processing mode, or a second round pass-through mode.
US08738795B2
Media-aware and TCP-compatible bandwidth sharing may be provided. In various embodiments, a network node may periodically update a virtual congestion level for a transmission stream in a network. The transmission stream may comprise at least one video stream and at least one data stream. The network node may then calculate, based at least in part on the virtual congestion level, a random packet marking probability or a random packet drop probability. In turn, the network node may either drop or mark transmission packets according to the calculated marking and dropping probability. The network node may further calculate an optimal video transmission rate for the at least one video stream and adjust a video transmission rate for the at least one video stream accordingly. Rate-distortions parameters for the at least one video stream may influence the optimal video transmission rate calculation for the at least one video stream.
US08738784B1
In an embodiment, a network may represent a physical system. The network may have an element that represents an entity of the physical system. A value of a state associated with the network may be identified (e.g., generated) using various techniques. The state may be a low-level state associated with the network. The techniques may include, but are not limited to, for example, generating the value based on a scaffold defined for the network, generating the value based on a target value for the state, and/or generating the value based on applying an operation to various values of the state. The identified value may be associated with an identifier. The identifier may distinguish the value, for example, from other values of other states in the network and/or other values of states in other networks.
US08738783B2
A system and method are disclosed for setting interactions between paired computing devices. Paired devices may interact in a master-slave relationship, where the slave device is an intelligent computing device capable of performing a wide variety of functions for the master computing device. When initiating a paired relationship, various characteristics relating to the initiating device are recorded, and the used in defining the relationship between the initiating device and the target device with which the initiating device paired. In a further example of interactions between paired computing devices, user-defined policies may be recorded, stored and implemented which affect the behavior of one or both computing devices when the two devices are paired.
US08738782B1
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for detecting session hijacking of web-based applications. During operation, the system receives a request from a client at a server, wherein the request comprises a session cookie associated with a session and the client. Next, the system analyzes the session cookie to retrieve an order identifier for the session cookie. Note that the order identifier is generated when the session cookie is submitted to the server. The system then compares the order identifier from the session cookie with order identifiers for previously received session cookies for the session to determine if the session cookie was submitted after all of the previously received session cookies. If so, the system fulfills the request, generates a new session cookie with a new order identifier, and sends the new session cookie to the client. However, if the session cookie was not submitted after all of the previously received session cookies, the system indicates that the session has been hijacked, and terminates the session.
US08738779B2
The present invention relates to a context-based service look up, wherein a service instance, having a scope includes at least one service instance data set having a hierarchy of levels. A service consumer data set, having a hierarchy of levels is received from a service consumer, having a situation. Comparisons are made of each service consumer data set with each service instance data set, for the same level. Dependent on results of the comparisons, it is determined whether said situation of said service consumer matches said scope of said service instance.
US08738777B2
A computer-implemented method for allocating services among a plurality of service operators where each capable of providing at least one service and each service operator operating a respective computer to receiving at a support server a request for service from at least one computer being operated by a user, generating a questionnaire to be answered by the user operating the at least one computer, selecting at least one service operator based upon the answered questionnaire, and establishing a service session between the at least one computer being operated by the user and the computer being operated by the at least one selected service operator for providing the requested service.
US08738773B2
In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method for integrating separate software applications in an application execution environment, where the method includes providing a hierarchical structure of nodes corresponding to user interface objects representing elements of a user interface of a computer, wherein the hierarchical structure governs propagation of user interface events among the user interface objects; the providing includes enabling separate software applications to concurrently create nodes in the hierarchical structure and share the user interface; and restricting propagation of user interface events among the user interface objects, during presentation of the user interface objects in the user interface of the computer, based on node ownership information linking the user interface objects to the separate software applications. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.
US08738767B2
Methods, systems, and devices are described for monitoring and managing mainframe events. In the methods, systems, and devices of the present disclosure, a stream of messages at a mainframe management console may be monitored to detect mainframe events. The mainframe events may be filtered according to at least one predetermined filtering criterion to identify a plurality of selected mainframe events. The selected mainframe events may then be converted from a character encoding specific to the mainframe to a generic character encoding, and routed to at least one destination Security Information Event Manager (SIEM) application.
US08738762B2
An electronic device may include a server configured to present a log-acquisition environment to a terminal device connected to the electronic device via a network, receive macro-file data and a log-acquisition request that are transmitted from the terminal device by using the log-acquisition environment, and transmit first log information to the terminal-device side according to the log-acquisition request, and a macro-processing unit configured to capture second log information of an operation task by performing processing on the basis of the macro-file data transmitted from the server, and store the second log information, as the first log information transmitted to the terminal-device side by the server.
US08738758B2
Remotely administering a server, the server including non-volatile memory upon which is disposed one or more digital images representing the server, the server also including one or more components each of which includes non-volatile memory in which is disposed one or more digital images representing the component, where the server is connected for data communications to a management module, and remotely administering the server includes: retrieving, by the management module from the server, the digital images representing the server and the digital images representing the installed components; generating, by the management module with the digital images representing the server and the digital images representing the installed components, a graphical representation of the server with the installed components; and presenting, by the management module to a user through a GUI, the graphical representation of the server with the installed components.
US08738747B2
In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a request to modify a subscriber connection to a network element. The method also includes modifying attributes of the subscriber connection, within a memory of the network element, without disconnecting the subscriber connection from the network element.
US08738735B2
When an application server for performing a Web application is developed, a framework describing each of the modules of data, a logic, and a screen is provided. To attain this, the input contents of a Web page are converted into a data object, the combination of the type of the data object and a command is mapped in each process routine using a first foreign definition file, a process routine to be executed is determined from among prepared process logics based on the type of the data object, the command, and the first foreign definition file, and the combination of an execution result of the process logic and the type of the displaying data object is mapped in the displaying component using a second foreign definition file. These files are provided in the application server.
US08738732B2
A system and method for follow up management comprising determining if a user has an unexpired repository record, extracting information from the repository record associated with the user; and acting on instructions stored in the repository record. The method is practiced on a system for managing online interaction comprising a business rules engine a follow up repository, and a follow up engine.
US08738731B2
Improved approaches for providing secure access to resources maintained on private networks are disclosed. The secure access can be provided through a public network using a standard network browser. Multiple remote users are able to gain restricted and controlled access to at least portions of a private network through a common access point. The solution provided by the invention is not only easily set up and managed, but also able to support many remote users in a cost-effective manner.
US08738725B2
Provided herein are devices, systems, methods and various means, including those related to providing a community internet drive that may utilize a centrally-managed hub as well as storage devices distributed among various networked machines. In some embodiments, the community internet drive can also include features to enable its users to promote and utilize the user's trusted personal relationships while also enabling an open platform for peer-to-peer and/or other types of sharing schemes.
US08738723B1
A computing system is described that receives notification data associated with a user, and responsive to determining that the user is interacting with a first computing device at a first particular time, outputs, for transmission to the first computing device, the notification data. The computing system determines that the user is interacting with a second computing device at a second particular time, and responsive to determining, based on the second particular time being less than a threshold amount of time after the first particular time, that the user did not view the notification data at the first computing device, outputs, for transmission to the second computing device, the notification data.
US08738720B2
The invention concerns a computer-implemented collaboration platform comprising: means enabling an initiator (158) to create a message (168); means enabling the initiator (158) to invite a group of first degree partners (160, 162, 164) to respond to the message (168); means enabling a first degree partner (162) to create a sub-message (170, 172); means adapted to automatically create a link between the sub-message (170) and the message (168), or between the first degree partner (162) and the initiator (158), or between collaboration spaces established for the sub-message (170) and the message (168); and means enabling the first degree partner (162) to invite a group of second degree partners (176) to respond to the sub-message (170) while concealing identities of one or more first degree partner (158, 160, 164) for the group of second degree partners (176), and/or vice versa concealing identities of one or more second degree partner (176) for the group of first degree partners (158, 160, 164).
US08738705B2
Groups of users of a social networking system are categorized based on their association with a type of malicious activity. A set of predetermined malicious groups is identified. Users associated with the malicious groups are selected based on their level of interactions with the malicious groups. Other groups associated with the selected users are identified as being potentially malicious groups. The potentially malicious groups are further analyzed based on occurrences of keywords associated with the type of malicious activity and manual verification by experts. The potentially malicious groups are either classified as being malicious or non-malicious or assigned a score based on their likelihood of being associated with the type of malicious activity. The methods and system disclosed can be used for categorizing other types of social network objects based on their association with a type of malicious activity, for example, users, events, and content.
US08738700B2
The present invention provides a system for intermediating between client nodes and pools of server nodes in an NGN network where the server nodes provide network services to client nodes, wherein the client nodes use various communication protocols and at least part of said communication protocols are different from the communication protocol used by the server nodes. The system comprising: a cluster of associated gateway nodes providing an integrated service for the clients nodes, where each gateway provides services of at least one of: translations of request and answers between the client node and a provider server node, load balancing and managing scenario rules. Each gateway comprise: a database of scripts including, scenario rules, routing scripts and associated transformation scripts, an execution processing module for handling events of at least client requests and server answers according to scenario rules.
US08738687B2
To facilitate account information setting, in a communication system including a management apparatus which manages account information to be used to use a service provided by a server apparatus, and a user apparatus which uses the service, the management apparatus selects, based on device classification information acquired from the user apparatus, account information to be provided to the user apparatus from one or more pieces of account information stored in a storage unit, and provides the account information to the user apparatus. The user apparatus sends the device classification information of the user apparatus to the management apparatus, receives, from the management apparatus, the account information selected based on the device classification information, and uses the service provided by the server apparatus.
US08738683B2
A method and system for securing data transmitted between a client device and a server by obtaining input text at an intermediate module, processing the input text to obtain processed text, and transmitting the processed text to the server. In particular, the server may be configured to provide at least one function on input data provided by the client device, and the intermediate module may be configured to receive input data from the client device, to transform the input data into processed data, and to transmit the processed data to the server. Embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for intercepting the input data at the intermediate module without transmission of the input data to the server; providing the at least one function by the intermediate module on the input data; and generating by the intermediate module at least one message to the client device based on a result of the at least one function.
US08738681B1
A method, system, and program product for enabling a virtual storage layer to offer array based extent services, the virtual storage layer communicatively coupled to one or more storage mediums, the method comprising determining for the one or more storage mediums, the services offered by the storage mediums, and enabling extent based services at the virtual service layer by combining the services offered by the one or more storage mediums to create new services and by providing a set of services at the virtual service layer.
US08738677B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing random numbers for a gaming system. A random number generator (RNG) processor is arranged to select a plurality of RNG system components and configure them in an RNG pipeline, to provide random numbers to a gaming system. In one embodiment, a true random number generator (TRNG) is used to generate seeds for a pseudo random number generator in the pipeline. Analysers, loggers and other elements may also be included in the pipeline.
US08738672B1
Systems, methods, and software to provide document management system user interfaces to clients. Some embodiments include an intermediary server to provide document management system indexing data to a client in a form that is displayable within an existing client file browsing user interface, such as Windows Explorer.
US08738667B2
A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for converting an XML encoded dataset into a minimal set of SQL tables and provided. In the method, a hierarchical structure in the XML encoded dataset is identified. A node element set for the XML encoded dataset is determined, wherein each node element in the node element set is a discrete level of the hierarchical structure of the dataset. One or more nodes of the XML encoded dataset are determined, each node being an instance of a node element. A unique node identifier is allocated to each node. Then, an SQL node table containing one or more records is generated, each record corresponding to a respective one of the allocated node identifiers. An SQL ancestry table is optionally generated to define the inter-relationships among nodes of the identified hierarchical structure of the XML encoded dataset.
US08738660B2
A method and system that includes an aggregation of clients' playlists, separate item names, and a systems own playlists that are converted to request lists. A consolidated dynamic playlist is created by a computer algorithm, which provides an order of priority depending on input variables. Depending on a system mode, consolidated dynamic playlist of a lower level can participate in higher level session of the system.
US08738658B2
One embodiment is a method that discovers branches and groups that include a reference to an object located in a directory information tree. Paths are determined through the directory information tree to the branches and the groups. Information about the paths is then used to describe the object in the directory information tree.
US08738653B2
The present invention is and includes a device, system and method for providing an image enhancement widget. The device, system and method include a javascript component that, upon execution, obtains at least one subject of primary content on a networked page, and at least one permission for enhancement of the primary content, ones of a plurality of content produced remotely from the javascript component and according to the javascript component, and an enhancement widget. The enhancement widget may be a flash widget.
US08738650B2
Representative embodiments of a distributed processing method of facilitating interactive analytics of streaming data records by receiving the data records at a plurality of distributed computational nodes, establishing and storing dimensions corresponding to attributes of the data records, parsing the streaming data records to identify matches to at least one of the dimensions and based thereon, reducing the number of data records to create a targeted subset of the data, re-distributing the targeted subsets of the streaming data records among the distributed computational nodes in accordance with the dimensions stored on the nodes, updating a database storing measures of the dimensions in accordance with the targeted subsets of the streaming data records, and using the database to respond to a query based on measures associated with one or more of the dimensions.
US08738649B2
Representative embodiments of a distributed processing method of facilitating interactive analytics of streaming data records by receiving the data records at a plurality of distributed computational nodes, establishing and storing dimensions corresponding to attributes of the data records, parsing the streaming data records to identify matches to at least one of the dimensions and based thereon, reducing the number of data records to create a targeted subset of the data, re-distributing the targeted subsets of the streaming data records among the distributed computational nodes in accordance with the dimensions stored on the nodes, updating a database storing measures of the dimensions in accordance with the targeted subsets of the streaming data records, and using the database to respond to a query based on measures associated with one or more of the dimensions.
US08738645B1
Data can be processed in parallel across a cluster of nodes using a parallel processing framework. Using Web services calls between components allows the number of nodes to be scaled as necessary, and allows developers to build applications on the framework using a Web services interface. A job scheduler works together with a queuing service to distribute jobs to nodes as the nodes have capacity, such that jobs can be performed in parallel as quickly as the nodes are able to process the jobs. Data can be loaded efficiently across the cluster, and levels of nodes can be determined dynamically to process queries and other requests on the system.
US08738644B2
The present invention provides a single-tap search method for a mobile phone or portable device having an ambiguity keyboard for searching a remote sever. Via a database on the remote sever, the present invention can provide more keywords for a given ambiguity string. Additionally, when the keywords are found on the database on the remote sever the present invention further searches the database for information related to the keywords.
US08738638B1
A system and method determines analyzes usage of an online mapping system by users, determines popularity of geographic regions and stores the processed data which is optionally in a visual data layer over the map.
US08738630B2
Embodiments of a method and apparatus of image search are provided. An exemplary method of image search includes: receiving a request and returning a web page, where the returned web page allows uploading an image and adding annotation content for the image; receiving and storing the image and the annotation content for the image; and providing the annotation content for the image as a search index to an image search engine. Using the disclosed method and server, more searches related to information in an image can be provided. Moreover, because more information related to merchandise in an image can be provided to a viewer, it is believed that more online transactions can be facilitated.
US08738629B1
A search request received at a computer of a search support system is processed by analyzing the received search request to identify request parameters and connecting to a system index of the search support system that is referenced in the request parameters. An external result provider (ERP) process is initiated that establishes communication between the search support system and a data source external to the search support system, for a virtual index referenced in the request parameters. Thus, the ERP process provides an interface between the search support system and external data sources, such as by third parties. The ERP process can operate in a streaming mode (providing real-time search results with minimal processing) and/or a reporting mode (providing results with a greater delay and processing extent) and can switch between modes. The search request results are received from the connected system indexes and the referenced virtual indexes.
US08738624B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for increasing distributed database capacity by adding new nodes while minimizing downtime. A database is partitioned among multiple nodes in a cluster. Each node stores a respective portion of the database. The portions of the database are replicated to corresponding physical standbys. For each portion, a first portion is mapped to an existing node, while a remaining portion is mapped to a physical standby. The cluster is updated to include the physical standbys as additional nodes among which the database is partitioned.
US08738623B2
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to Internet resource metadata creation and utility and provide a method, system and computer program product for the transformation of articles creating subjective metadata utilized for discovery into articles creating mathematical data that is inherently dynamic, global, composed of auditable elements, conducive to relational cross-reference, and utilized to produce statistical opinion data.
US08738615B2
Optimizing operation of a media player during rendering of media files. The invention includes authoring software to create a data structure and to populate the created data structure with obtained metadata. The invention also includes rendering software to retrieve the metadata from the data structure and to identify media files to render. In one embodiment, the invention is operable as part of a compressed media format having a set of small files containing metadata, menus, and playlists in a compiled binary format designed for playback on feature-rich personal computer media players as well as low cost media players.
US08738604B2
One embodiment of a method of the present invention for discovering sensitive information on computer network provides for discovering databases on a computer network, defining a pattern for a data discovery, discovering qualifying records by matching the pattern with field names and/or record values in the databases, sending electronic notification to a database administrator managing the qualifying database, receiving a selection choice from the database administrator managing the qualifying database identifying the status for the qualifying records.
US08738601B2
A query optimizer improves string searches in a computer database that sequentially search for a string in a database record. The query optimizer optimizes the query to search records of a database from a specified start position other than the beginning of the record. The specified start position of the search may be determined by from historical information stored from previous searches. Alternatively, the query optimizer determines the specified start position of the search based on an overriding starting position provided by a system administrator. The query optimizer may also direct that the database record be reorganized to more efficiently search for strings in the record.
US08738595B2
A method and system for a location based full text search is disclosed. The system generates interwoven bit vectors for documents that are stored in a database. The system may determine a location value based on a portion of a map that a user is viewing. The system may also receive at least one search term inputted by a user. Based on the location value and the search term, the system may generate one or more interwoven bit vectors, which may be used to query an index that identifies responsive documents stored in the database.
US08738594B2
Method of generating search results for a search engine which allows users to provide feedback to the search engine. Historical data for all searches performed are kept by the search engine which is used to modify the results generated by other conventional means. When the results are displayed to the user, the user is able to interact with the system and provide feedback which modifies the historical data. Such feedback can then be used in future searches to generate results which are better ranked and clustered according to relevance to the search request. Conveniently, the user is able to provide at least part of his feedback by clicking on “up” and “down” buttons, in addition to ranked search results, the system may display other records associated with the search enquiry, such as a chatroom on that topic.
US08738592B2
In various embodiments, a system, method, and related computer-readable storage medium to process data transactions are provided. In one example, a system is arranged to process data transactions in a data store including a plurality of databases. The system includes a computer interface module to receive a data transaction request from at least one requesting computer and a data access layer having one or more processors to identify at least one database in the plurality of databases. The data access layer is to define an abstraction layer between a computer interface module and the plurality of databases. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08738591B2
Methods and systems for rating and committing events in an event processing system are provided. Events can be rated at a rating system according to information that is stored locally on the rating system. Rated events can be stored in a database system with these rated events being utilized to, among other things, restore information that is stored locally on the rating system.
US08738581B1
Various systems and methods for using multiple clients for data backup are described. For example, one method involves accessing a namespace, where the namespace indicates locations of files. At least a portion of the namespace is divided into sets, where the sets correspond to a subset of the files. The files of the subset are accessed by plurality of nodes, and the accessing is based on the sets. Each of the nodes accesses the files of the subset. The nodes are used to store, at data storage, the files of the subset.
US08738580B2
An aspect of the present invention stores files of a source directory in a target directory. In an embodiment, a unique identifier is generated for each of the files and a new location and a new name are generated for the file. The new location represents the specific sub-directory of the target at which the file is stored. The file is stored at the new location with the new name. Such storing in a new location with a new name can be advantageously used to address various issues in corresponding environments. In one environment, the target directory is stored in an embedded system, with limited resources and the source directory contains several files with substantial overlapping names (which can require substantial resources to search for a specific file). The unique identifiers are generated according to media transfer protocol (MTP), which generates an object identifier for each of the files/directories, etc.
US08738578B1
A system is configured to: determine whether criteria are met to grow a structure; calculate, when the criteria are met, a new size of the structure based on at least one or more of: a predefined curve, a total number of elements to be stored in the structure, an amount of available memory, or architecture information corresponding to the processor; allocate an area in memory to store the structure based on the new size; and store the elements of the structure in the area, where the area comprises space to add additional elements to the structure. The new size of the structure may be greater than the total number of elements.
US08738566B2
The illustrative embodiments provide for automatically and proactively retrieving administrative maintenance tasks or potential issues from a set of directory servers without direct intervention from an administrator. Responsive to an operation request being sent from a requesting application to the set of directory servers and an administrative maintenance control mechanism being active, an administrative maintenance control is automatically sent to the set of directory servers. Responsive to receiving the response to the administrative maintenance control, an end user application within the data processing system is notified that the at least one of the administrative maintenance tasks or the potential issues have been received.
US08738560B2
This document discusses, among other things, a system capable of resolving interactions between programmable parameters for operation of a medical device. Programming these devices is a difficult task when many parameters are involved. The disclosed systems and methods attempt to reduce and minimize constraint violations between interdependent parameters using an initial set of parameter values supplied by user (typically a physician) input or calculated automatically, and constraint violations describing invalid parameter values. If possible, a set of parameter values with less egregious constraint violations is generated and may be displayed to the user. A user is prompted to accept the set of parameter values and program the medical device.
US08738550B2
A method for processing risk factors for a user is disclosed. The method may include receiving protocol data for creating a risk factor engine by an application stored and executed at a computing device. The risk factor engine may be stored in memory and executable by a processor to process a first set of stored user health data for a user. The protocol data may include a rule and one or more health attribute values. The rule and the one or more health attribute values may each include a computer programming expression editable by an administrator. The method may further include determining a user health score through execution of the risk factor engine by the processor and based on the user health data.
US08738545B2
A method, apparatus and system of map based neighborhood search and community contribution are disclosed. In one embodiment, a neighborhood communication system is described. This embodiment includes a privacy server to apply an address verification algorithm associated with each user of the online community to verify that each user lives at a residence associated with a claimable residential address of an online community formed through a social community module of the privacy server using a processor and a memory. The privacy server automatically determines a set of access privileges in the online community associated with each user of the online community by constraining access in the online community based on a neighborhood boundary determined using an algorithm of the privacy server. The privacy server may constrain the particular user to communicate through the online community only with a set of neighbors having verified addresses using the privacy server.
US08738538B2
Selling intangible property rights may include receiving content from a seller and determining one or more potential purchasers for the content's intangible property rights. The potential purchasers may be determined according to the subject of the content, the audience for the content, and the intangible property rights being sold. An offer to sell the intangible property rights may then be transmitted to one or more potential purchasers, along with a portion of the content. Upon receiving the one or more purchaser's acceptance of the offer, a complete copy of the content may be transmitted to the purchaser.
US08738535B2
The software site licensing system includes a client site having a target unit and a license sales site for generating a corresponding site license. The sales site receives an order for a target unit from the client and sends the physical order to a warehouse for shipping. The sales site determines the intangible portion of the order and establishes a virtual warehouse for the client to inventory the intangibles (license components). The warehouse notifies the sales site of the unique identifiers on the target prior to shipping so the sales site can link the en-route target with the client. The client accesses its personal virtual warehouse and selects the license components desired for the site license. The system assembles the site license and upon request, transmits the site license from the virtual warehouse to the target unit for installation.
US08738534B2
The present invention is related to a decision-support system and method for providing with a score an object represented by a target item from a multidimensional space, said score being representative of the probability that the object satisfies a given binary property. The method and/or decision support-system may be performed in a computer environment comprising processing means connected to memory means.
US08738532B2
Consumers may utilize computing devices to assist in the purchase and/or loyalty process, and in particular, the consumer may utilize a PDA to facilitate the purchase and/or loyalty process. During the purchase and/or loyalty process, the consumer may need to insure that any content downloaded or used in association with the PDA is secure in how it is collected, assembled, and delivered to the PDA device. This system and method secures the data from its source to when it is actually viewed or used by the authorized user. The exemplary system and method may establish a PDA portal link to the web site for collecting specified information for a user and transmitting the information to the remote device. To receive the information, the PDA contacts the portal and establishes a connection, authenticates itself to the network and allows the user to complete secured transactions or transmissions over the network.
US08738528B2
A self-service terminal (SST) and a method of operating an SST are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of selecting a default characteristic for a service offered at the SST responsive to a normal press of a user button element associated with the service, indicating a plurality of selectable characteristics responsive to a long press of the user button element and selecting a chosen characteristic for the service responsive to a press of a user button element associated with one of said selectable characteristics.
US08738522B2
A user installs a Peer-to-Peer Payment Application (“PPA”) on their mobile device. The PPA transmits the location of the user device to a server located in a Peer-to-Peer Payment System (“PPS”). The PPS may search for other devices within a certain proximity to the user that may be active. The PPS may search the social network content of the user to determine if any of the proximate devices users are likely counter-parties. If more than one likely counter-party is identified, the PPS may rank the counter-parties according to a preconfigured set of factors that define the strength of the connection to the user. These factors may include their status in the user's social networks, frequency of contact, prior transactions, or other factors that further establish a relationship. The PPS may transmit the ranked list of likely counter-parties to the PPA for display to the user on the device.
US08738521B2
Embodiments of the invention include a method and system for conducting financial transactions over a payment network. The method may include associating a payment address of an account with an account holder name, the account residing at a financial institution and the associated payment address of the account configured to allow withdrawals by the account holder only and to allow a plurality of deposits to be made at different times. The method further includes freely publishing the payment address and making it available to users of an internet portal or search engine. The method further includes receiving data over a network identifying a deposit to be made to the account, assigning the deposit to the account using the payment address, and notifying the payer of the assignment. At least one directory is used for associating the account holder with the payment address.
US08738517B2
Some embodiments may provide a method comprising receiving an identification of an entity from a network-based commerce system and receiving authentication data associated with the entity from the network-based commerce system, a combination including the authentication data and the identification being operable to facilitate a transfer of value affecting a first account associated with the entity, the transfer of value further affecting a second account associated with the network-based commerce system, the authentication data and the identification of the entity being insufficient for the network-based commerce system to identify the first account.
US08738516B1
Methods and systems are disclosed that identify and locate debt settlement candidates based on credit data associated with the consumer. For example, candidacy may be based on a debt score, generated by an assessment of the consumer's credit data. Credit data may include the consumer's credit score rank, credit score, revolving credit to debit ratio, credit available, delinquent accounts, negative accounts, instances of negative information on their credit report, public record data, average account age, debit, or a combination thereof.
US08738507B2
Networks, systems and methods that match orders for TBA futures and settle and clear open positions for TBA futures are disclosed. The TBA futures may include MBS TBA future contracts. A central counterparty clearing firm may net long and short positions and generate delivery instructions to parties having open positions.
US08738506B2
A data distribution system and method are described herein to improve the distribution of market information to subscribing client devices. Market information updates are provided to subscribing devices over a communication link every time a change in the market occurs. If a bandwidth limitation is reached on the communication link, the preferred embodiments switch to a second mode of transmission such that the market information updates are provided only at predetermined intervals. The preferred embodiment monitors the bandwidth consumption to determine what mode of transmission to apply, and in response, it can dynamically change between modes of transmission. By dynamically adjusting the mode of transmission to comport with the current network bandwidth, the preferred embodiments may provide a network friendly, data intensive, and fast response market information feed.
US08738500B1
A method, a system, and a computer-readable medium for soliciting a customer using an interactive computer-readable medium are enclosed. A method, a system, and a computer-readable medium for fostering interactions between a customer and a financial institution are enclosed. A computer-readable medium is enclosed. A method, a system and a computer-readable medium for soliciting a customer using a computer-readable medium.
US08738487B1
Methods and apparatus for processing data. The apparatus includes a plurality of entry systems for receiving the data from a respective plurality of contributors which each formulate the data based on respectively different: a) input data, and b) rules for governing how the input data is used to formulate the data. The apparatus also includes a tracking system having a data normalizer configured to normalize the formulated data received from each of the plurality of contributors into a common format. The tracking system performs at least one comparison of the normalized data from the entry systems and signals results of the comparison.
US08738485B2
Transaction processing in an offline environment for a prepaid product comprising a portable consumer device includes responding to presentation of the prepaid product at a reader for offline processing by initiating operation of the prepaid product, receiving data from the prepaid product at the reader that indicates the prepaid product is associated with a prepaid account balance, determining that the prepaid product is in a negative balance condition, and taking preventive action in response to the negative balance condition such that future acceptance of the prepaid product at a reader is prevented.
US08738482B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing an optimal alternative billing plan for mobile telephony users managed through a call center, which is applicable to the recommendation of an optimal telephony plan to the customers of an operator, considering the consumption of the customer, the risk of the customer migrating to another and the market strategy of the operator. It comprises the estimation of the real bill of a customer during a time period covering the last M months, a simulated estimation of the bill of the customer using any generic plan based on the mean traffic of the last M months, applying a simulation algorithm and the estimation of the churn risk of a customer according to the value of the said customer, the value of the operators on the market, number of better offers, number of the customers which he calls per operator and the simulations performed with the generic plans, applying an estimation algorithm.
US08738475B2
This invention relates to a system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data using a portable electronic device.
US08738466B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for dynamically generating a network site for a topic. A set of search terms that are associated with one or more search engines are obtained. A respective set of items in an item catalog that are relevant for each of the search terms are identified. A respective network site is established for each of the search terms when the respective set of items includes at least a predefined number of items. The respective network site offers at least some of the respective items for sale.
US08738458B2
An e-commerce based method for requesting information and purchasing products from a dealer through a manufacturer is disclosed. This method and system includes sending a request for detailed dealer information to a manufacturer server system using a client system and displaying real-time detailed dealer information on the client system based on the request, the real-time detailed dealer information received from the manufacturer server system, the manufacturer server system accessing the real-time detailed dealer information from a remote dealer server system via a middleware application system.
US08738452B2
A method, system, and medium are provided for processing multiple items for retail sale via a single retailer action. Upon scanning a machine-readable marking that is associated with multiple items provided by various vendors, a marking identifier associated with the machine-readable marking is recognized. The marking identifier corresponds with each price of the multiple items. Each price of the multiple items is presented to a consumer for payment that can be disbursed to the appropriate vendors.
US08738442B1
A virtual content server and method are provided for virtual content providers to provide multiple items of their virtual to users as part of an ordered virtual content campaign. A provider may define the order for the presentation of the content items, such as a linear sequence or based on a particular logic, e.g., a state transition graph or matrix, and such order information is stored in a campaign database. The server stores information regarding the state of the campaign for a particular user, e.g., how many or which ones of the content items of the ordered campaign have been presented to the user. Additionally, the provider may define certain performable actions with respect to particular states or content items. Actions performed by the user may be detected, and the server may store information regarding performed actions in association with the user id. In this manner, the next virtual content item in the ordered campaign to serve to the user in response to a virtual content request may be decided based on the current state of the campaign and/or the actions performed with respect to the campaign.
US08738439B2
There is disclosed a server and local device that interface for selecting advertisements to be viewed by users of an online service based upon user activity. The local device preferably maintains a targeted activity list of activity identifiers and associated advertisements. The local device monitors the activity on the local device and compares the activity to the identifiers in the targeted activity list. If the activity matches one of the identifiers, the local device plays one or more advertisements.
US08738429B2
A platform for a loyalty program provides an interface allowing a consumer to create a benefit tailored for his/her needs. In one embodiment, a consumer accesses the platform via a web-based interface, and selects benefit/reward parameters including but not limited to the nature of the event triggering award of the benefit, the source (i.e. retailer) of the benefit, the nature of the benefit (i.e., discount based upon purchase price or accumulated loyalty points), and/or the events allowing accrual of loyalty points. The interface communicates the inputted parameter to an engine of the loyalty program. The platform would then check the inputted parameter against any constraints, such as parameters of an existing loyalty program in which the consumer is already enrolled.
US08738426B2
Campaign creation systems and methods for building taxonomy based targeted search advertising campaigns in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes obtaining source data describing a plurality of landing pages, obtaining a list of keywords using the campaign creation server system, where the list of keywords comprises keyword component, building a taxonomy using the source data and the initial list of keywords, where the taxonomy uniquely maps the plurality of landing pages to categories and attributes and maps the keyword components to the categories and attributes, mapping keywords to relevant offers based on the taxonomy, automatically generating adgroups based on the offers and relevant keywords, where each adgroup includes a landing page, at least one creative and at least one keyword, and deploying the adgroups to a search engine provider.
US08738423B2
An approach is provided to analyze consumer behavior data. In the approach, location data corresponding to the consumers is identified. Discarded tagged packages are received from the consumers. The discarded tagged packages include wireless tags that associate the discarded tagged packages product identifiers. At a refuse collection point, each of the wireless tags are read (e.g., using an RFID reader). The reading retrieves the product identifiers associated from the tags on the discarded packages. The product identifiers and the location data are stored in a data store. Consumer consumption maps are generated from the stored product identifiers and location data.
US08738416B2
An information processing apparatus includes a difference calculation module, an addition module, and an output module. The difference calculation module calculates a difference between a first information amount that is generated between a first person in charge and a second person in charge when a business that constitutes a business process is finished and a second information amount that is estimated to be generated between the first person in charge and the second person in charge when the business that constitutes the business process is finished. The addition module adds the differences calculated by the difference calculation module in a combination of the first person in the business process and the second person in the business process or in other business process related to the business process. The output module outputs the sum of the differences calculated by the addition module as risks of the business processes.
US08738415B2
Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer readable mediums are provided that facilitate the automated merger of print workflow information into job tickets that express the characteristics of a document to be printed. In various embodiments, a job ticket that describes a number of characteristics of a finished document to be printed is automatically modified in a processor-based system. The modifications are performed by merging at least a portion of a print workflow with the job ticket where the print workflow specifies a process to print the finished document.
US08738412B2
The present invention relates to the matching of resources to work entries. In particular, the present invention allows work items to be assigned to a particular resource based on the characteristics of the work item and on the qualifications and preferences of the resource. Furthermore, the present invention does not rely on queues, thereby allowing characteristics of a work item other than or in addition to the amount of time that a work item has been waiting for service to be considered in assigning the work item to a resource. The types of work items that may be validly assigned to a resource, or the preference rules used to select a valid work item for handling by a resource, may be altered by altering the validation rules and preference rules associated with the resource and/or work item. Accordingly, the rules for allocating work may be adjusted easily and quickly, including at run-time, and may represent any attribute desired for use in allocating work.
US08738404B1
Disclosed are systems and methods for processing an insured property loss. The systems and methods communicate with an insured property owner and process an insured property loss of the insured property owner by recording a plurality of details of the insured property loss by selecting a plurality of insured property loss details data from a plurality of structured insured property loss detail menus.
US08738395B2
Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include monitoring at least one health attribute of an individual during an artificial sensory experience, associating a characteristic of the artificial sensory experience with the at least one health attribute of the individual, and modifying at least one of an inhalation device-dispensed bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least partially based on associating a characteristic of the artificial sensory experience with the at least one health attribute of the individual.
US08738394B2
Clinical data file embodiments and methods for creating the same are provided. One embodiment includes treatment professional information in at least one of a number of treatment professional information data fields in a treatment professional section of the file, patient personal information in at least one of a number of patient personal information data fields in a patient profile section of the file, a number of patient medical information items, and an indicator associated with at least one of the treatment professional information data fields, at least one of the patient personal information data fields, and at least one of the patient medical information items, where the treatment professional information, patient personal information, and patient medical information items associated with an enabled indicator are hidden.
US08738391B2
A system for describing and analyzing service-related human experience in organizational or commercial environments based on a hierarchical model of needs (e.g. Maslow's hierarchy of needs) is provided herein. The system may include a classifier configured to classify experience states based on a predefined hierarchical model of needs, to yield a classification; a modeler configured to model a real-life environment into a model that includes a set of process instances associated with users; and an experience notation generator configured to: extract experience-related data associated with the users from the model, based on the classification; and represent the experience-related data of each one of the process instance as a non-textual time series, based on the classification. Optionally, the time series may be used to produce reports using an analyzer. The reports may be applied to a remedy engine to generate recommendations for improving the human experience.
US08738383B2
An apparatus, system, method and computer program product are provided for enabling a user to remotely and interactively control, using voice commands, the processing tasks of multiple pieces of equipment, such as semi-automatic medication storing, dispensing and packaging devices. In particular, an apparatus may be configured to provide a user with a voice prompt associated with a dynamically prioritized task. In response, the apparatus may further be configured to receive, a voice command from the use and to transmit an instruction associated with the voice command to one of the multiple pieces of equipment for performance of the prioritized task.
US08738382B1
Audio feedback time shifted filtering systems and methods are presented. The systems and methods facilitate separation of program audio feedback from received environmental audio (e.g., audio sensed by a microphone.) The separation of the program audio feedback reduces interference from program content audio feedback on performance of voice recognition operations. In one embodiment of a personal video recorder audio filter method, environmental audio patterns are received, an audio feedback time shift filter process is executed for separating out program content from the environmental audio patterns, and voice recognition is performed on the filtered environment audio patterns (without interference from program audio content feedback). The time shift or deterministic delay provides a closer correlation between program audio content and program audio content feedback received at the microphone and permits input timing compensation to compensate for feedback loop delays.
US08738377B2
Predicting and learning users' intended actions on an electronic device based on free-form speech input. Users' actions can be monitored to develop of a list of carrier phrases having one or more actions that correspond to the carrier phrases. A user can speak a command into a device to initiate an action. The spoken command can be parsed and compared to a list of carrier phrases. If the spoken command matches one of the known carrier phrases, the corresponding action(s) can be presented to the user for selection. If the spoken command does not match one of the known carrier phrases, search results (e.g., Internet search results) corresponding to the spoken command can be presented to the user. The actions of the user in response to the presented action(s) and/or the search results can be monitored to update the list of carrier phrases.
US08738369B2
The present proposes new methods and an apparatus for enhancement of source coding systems utilizing high frequency reconstruction (HFR). It addresses the problem of insufficient noise contents in a reconstructed highband, by Adaptive Noise-floor Addition. It also introduces new methods for enhanced performance by means of limiting unwanted noise, interpolation and smoothing of envelope adjustment amplification factors. The present invention is applicable to both speech coding and natural audio coding systems.
US08738368B2
A system for and method of speech processing for a vehicle. Speech is received from at least one vehicle occupant via a plurality of microphones corresponding to the plurality of zones in the vehicle, wherein the microphones convert the speech into speech signals. At least one active communication zone is determined in which the at least one vehicle occupant corresponding to the active communication zone is speaking Speech processing is modified in response to the determined active communication zone.
US08738348B2
A method and mechanism for implementing a general purpose scripting language that supports parallel execution is described. In one approach, parallel execution is provided in a seamless and high-level approach rather than requiring or expecting a user to have low-level programming expertise with parallel processing languages/functions. Also described is a system and method for performing circuit simulation. The present approach provides methods and systems that create reusable and independent measurements for use with circuit simulators. Also disclosed are parallelizable measurements having looping constructs that can be run without interference between parallel iterations. Reusability is enhanced by having parameterized measurements. Revisions and history of the operating parameters of circuit designs subject to simulation are tracked.
US08738339B2
A method of establishing position dependent focal laws and dynamically accessing these focal laws during inspection is disclosed comprising the steps of partitioning a CAD model into distinct geometric regions prior to inspection, generating a dedicated set of focal laws for each of the geometric regions, and associating each position of the scanner with one of the geometric regions. A method of compressing an A-Scan using a windowing technique is also disclosed. Additionally, methods for computing and displaying volumetric slices in real-time are disclosed. Finally, a method of firing multiple probes at different firing frequencies is disclosed, as well as a multi-probe inspection system that enables parallel firing.
US08738332B2
A computer aided design application modifies a CAD drawing having one or more electrical components by optimizing a plurality of circuits and associated panels, and assigning circuit and panel identifiers to each component for producing an engineering drawing. Further such identified components can be placed in home run groups, implementing shortest path calculations for various wire types and using neutral wires sharing options for producing an engineering drawing illustrating the home run grouping and identifiers, panel schedules and complete bills of materials.
US08738329B2
A calibration method/system and verification method for digital torque tools are disclosed, in which the calibration method comprises the steps of: transmitting a data containing usage records of a digital torque tool at a client end to a remote calibration platform; comparing the data of usage records with statistic data stored in the calibration platform so as to obtain a data relating to average degree of fatigue; performing a calculation based upon the data of usage record and the data of average degree of fatigue so as to obtain a calibration data; transmitting the calibration data to the client end while allowing the calibration data to overwrite the corresponding original torque data of the digital torque tool.
US08738320B2
A light condensing lens includes a plurality of lenses disposed side by side in a splitting direction of a view angle to condense incident light over a range corresponding to respective split portions of the view angle. The view angle is split in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the incident light.
US08738307B2
A method is provided for determining the viscosity of thin films which exhibit a viscous behavior at a measurement temperature, notably for polymer resins above their glass transition temperature. A thin layer of material is formed on a substrate, a known geometrical pattern is impressed in the thin layer by molding or etching, the thin layer being in the solid state at the end of the impression step. The initial topography of the impressed pattern is measured over the entire length of the pattern along a determined direction, the film is baked at the measurement temperature Tm for a determined creep time tflu, and the resulting topography of the crept pattern is measured. Mathematical processing of the topography measurements is carried out in order to deduce a value of viscosity at the measurement temperature therefrom. The impressed pattern at the start is aperiodic.
US08738304B2
In one aspect of the present invention, a system has a data acquisition device for acquiring data from a component. The component has an identification transmitter. The data acquisition device has an image acquisition mechanism to capture an image of the component and a receiver to receive a signal from the identification transmitter. The data acquisition device also has a processor to process data from the image acquisition mechanism and the receiver.
US08738303B2
An apparatus for identifying outliers among chemical reaction assays, the apparatus comprising a transition point finder, configured to find at least one transition point in a cumulative function, the cumulative function giving a quantitative indication based on a count of points in a calculated space as a function of distance from a function dividing the calculated space into at least two groups, each one of the points representing results of a respective assay of a chemical reaction. The apparatus further comprises an outlier identifier, in communication with the transition point finder, configured to use a distance of the found transition point from the function dividing the calculated space, as a threshold, for identifying an outlier among the chemical reaction assays.
US08738302B2
A method that includes: (i) detecting an acoustic wave that is propagating through a body of water, as the body of water is being frozen on a structure, thus yielding a detected acoustic wave; (ii) extracting, from the detected acoustic wave, (a) a frequency component thereof, and (b) a magnitude of the frequency component; and (iii) removing the body of water from the structure when the magnitude exceeds a threshold value.
US08738294B2
Mechanical properties of formation rock from a subsurface reservoir are measured with a computerized system while a core sample from the formation is being cut, during a process known as slabbing, for other analytical purposes. Forces exerted during cutting of the slab from the original core sample are sensed and stored in the computer system. The recorded force data, cutting time and dimensions of the core sample and the cut slab are processed in the computer system. Measures of characteristics and mechanical properties of the rock, such as rock strength and angle of internal friction, are obtained with the computer system. Separate and specialized testing procedures performed on test core plugs using samples specially extracted from the original core sample are not required.
US08738292B1
A computing device is described that determines an exit location at which a user of a computing device exited a stop associated with a transportation service. The computing device determines a predicted duration of travel by the user from a current location of the computing device to the exit location at which the user exited the stop associated with the transportation service. The computing device outputs, for display, a notification based at least in part on the predicted duration.
US08738289B2
A system, method and computer program product for obtaining a traffic route for a vehicle. The system receives information of a current location of the vehicle. The system determines a destination location or destination region of the vehicle. The system computes a plurality of available traffic routes from the current location to the destination location or to the destination region. The system estimates a potential demand for at least one potential passenger from the current location to the destination location or to the destination region per each available traffic route. The system recommends, to a driver of the vehicle, an available traffic route that has a highest estimated potential demand among a plurality of the available traffic routes.
US08738288B2
A method and system for searching for points of interest along a route is disclosed. A relation that includes records that associate link identifiers, point of interest identifiers, and distances between the links and the points of interest is generated during the compilation process of a first version of a geographic database. The relation is stored in compiled database products. When a compiled database product is being used by a navigation system, for example, navigation application software programs use the relation to accurately and efficiently find points of interest along a computed route.
US08738278B2
A two-wheel, self-balancing personal vehicle having independently movable foot placement sections. The foot placement sections have an associated wheel, sensor and motor and are independently self-balancing which gives the user independent control over the movement of each platform section by the magnitude and direction of tilt a user induces in a given platform section. Various embodiments are disclosed including those with a continuous housing, discrete platform sections and/or tapering platform sections.
US08738277B1
A method for determining a preferred gas station comprises determining gas stations in range of a vehicle, receiving one or more factors associated with refueling preferences for a profile associated with the vehicle, the factor being derived at least in part from data associated with previous refueling of the vehicle, comparing the factor with information associated with the gas stations to determine the preferred gas station. A system comprises a receiver configured to enable communications with a remote server and receive a factor associated with refueling preferences, and a processor configured to determine gas stations in range of a vehicle, and compare the factor with information about the gas stations to determine a preferred gas station.
US08738275B2
The invention provides a vehicle group control method that controls the traveling of a vehicle group including a plurality of vehicles. The vehicle group control method includes: a process of controlling vehicles in each of a plurality of small vehicle groups which are divided from the vehicle group and controlling the relative relationship between the vehicles in each small vehicle group using communication between the vehicles in the same small vehicle group; and a small vehicle group control process of controlling the relative relationship between the small vehicle groups using communication between representative vehicles in the small vehicle groups.
US08738267B2
A vehicular travel control device according to the invention includes an inter-vehicle distance measuring section that is mounted on a subject vehicle and measures an inter-vehicle distance between the subject vehicle and a preceding vehicle, a target inter-vehicle distance setting section that sets a target inter-vehicle distance, a following travel control section that performs a travel control so as to make the inter-vehicle distance become equal to the target inter-vehicle distance and stops the subject vehicle while following a stopping of the preceding vehicle, a gradient acquiring section that acquires a gradient of a road being traveled of the subject vehicle, and a vehicle speed sensor that measures a travel speed of the subject vehicle. The target inter-vehicle distance setting section sets the target inter-vehicle distance based on the gradient and the travel speed.
US08738265B2
A system and a method for assisting a driver of a vehicle to turn the vehicle when driving during low-mu surface conditions. The vehicle has a steering system, a plurality of wheels and a brake system allowing individual braking of the respective wheels of the vehicle. The system comprises a controller arranged to detect if the vehicle accelerates after the brakes of the vehicle have been applied, and detect a driver command to turn the vehicle in either direction. If both detections are positive the controller is further arranged to release the brake force on a side of the vehicle opposite to the detected turning command direction.
US08738264B1
An automotive vehicle braking system and method for controlling the same. The system includes an electronic controller communicatively coupled to a vehicle braking system and a vehicle motion detection device. The braking system is configured to be automatically activated in response to detection of an object in a path of the vehicle. Once activated, the braking system is deactivated either by the driver or a pre-determined time period after detection that motion of the vehicle has stopped. Prior to deactivation of the vehicle braking system an HMI message is activated indicating imminent deactivation of the vehicle braking system.
US08738255B2
Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.
US08738252B2
A method for driving a vehicle in which a gearbox connected to a combustion engine can be set to various different transmission ratios including a low transmission ratio in which the engine speed is below that at which a torque plateau for the low ratio is reached. The vehicle may drive in a first mode or a second mode both at the low ratio, such that in the first mode, the vehicle is driven without fuel supply to the engine and in the second mode, the engine is provided with fuel supply in order to deliver motive force for propulsion of the vehicle. In the method one determines whether the vehicle should be driven according to the first mode or the second mode, based on a need for motive force.
US08738249B2
A synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, an on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase.
US08738245B2
A control apparatus which is capable of enhancing the accuracy of control of a controlled object having characteristics that dead time and response delay thereof vary. The control apparatus includes an ECU. The ECU calculates four predicted values as values of a controlled variable associated with respective times when four dead times elapse, respectively, calculates four weight function values associated with an exhaust gas volume, and calculates four products by multiplying the predicted values by the weight function values, respectively. The ECU sets the total sum of the four products as a predicted equivalent ratio and calculates an air-fuel ratio correction coefficient such that the predicted equivalent ratio becomes equal to a target equivalent ratio.
US08738244B2
An agricultural machine comprises an electronic control device, an actuator, which is actuated under external power, for adjustment of at least one working parameter of the agricultural machine, and a sensor, which is connected to the control device, for detection of the vertical position of the agricultural machine. It is proposed that the control device can be operated so as to derive from the signals of the sensor which topographical zone of a number of topographical zones of a field the agricultural machine is situated in each case, and to activate the actuator as a function of the respective topographical zone.
US08738242B2
The slope angle of a blade on an earthmoving machine is automatically controlled based on measurements from a three-axis gyroscope, a blade slope angle tilt sensor, and a blade tip angle tilt sensor mounted on the blade. A three-axis gyroscope has high dynamic response and high resistance to mechanical disturbances but is subject to potentially unbounded errors. A tilt sensor has bounded errors but has a slow dynamic response and a high sensitivity to mechanical disturbances. The combination of a three-axis gyroscope and two tilt sensors provides an advantageous measurement system. Algorithms for performing proper fusion of the measurements account for the lack of synchronization between the three-axis gyroscope and the tilt sensors and also screen out invalid measurements from the tilt sensors. The blade slope angle is controlled based on a reference blade slope angle and an estimate of the blade slope angle computed from properly fused measurements.
US08738239B2
A swing control system and method for a construction machine using an electric motor is provided. The swing control system includes a swing electric motor swinging an upper swing structure and a swing control unit. The swing control unit includes a reference speed calculation means for calculating a reference swing speed and a maximum acceleration according to a manipulation signal of a control lever for a swing manipulation; a swing speed determination means for calculating a first speed change amount from a difference between the reference swing speed and an actual swing speed by the electric motor that is currently fed back, calculating a second speed change amount for a sampling time from the maximum acceleration, and determining a swing speed according to the manipulation signal by comparing the first speed change amount and the second speed change amount and adding a smaller amount between the first speed change amount and the second speed change amount obtained as the result of comparison to the actual swing speed currently fed back; and an output torque control means for controlling an output torque of the electric motor by generating a control signal for the determined swing speed.
US08738228B2
A method for tuning a vehicle's performance may include measuring a plurality of parameters representing the vehicle's current handling condition and the vehicle's limit handling condition, determining a margin between the vehicle's current handling condition and limit handling condition, characterizing the driver's dynamic control of the vehicle based on the margin, and altering at least one tunable vehicle performance parameter based on the characterization.
US08738222B2
A method for controlling a multimedia system on an automobile that includes at least one module for executing a multimedia function, having at least one operation state controlled by an action of the user on an interface. The multimedia system includes a prestart state in which at least one prescribed task of the module that does not require any action by the user is initiated, a detection mechanism monitors the occurrence of a vehicle opening or unlocking event, the module is temporarily set in the prestart state following the detection of the event, the module being capable, when in the prestart state, of being switched to the operation state when the user acts on the interface.
US08738215B2
Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.
US08738213B1
Autonomous vehicles use various computing systems to transport passengers from one location to another. A control computer sends messages to the various systems of the vehicle in order to maneuver the vehicle safely to the destination. The control computer may display information on an electronic display in order to allow the passenger to understand what actions the vehicle may be taking in the immediate future. Various icons and images may be used to provide this information to the passenger.
US08738212B1
The disclosure herein provides systems for a versatile electric bicycle that is configured to be easily adapted to accommodate various needs and requirements. In certain embodiments, the foregoing may provide features and/or models that are configured to be easily adapted to accommodate parts of varying dimensions, different seating configurations, and/or particular laws and regulations of different jurisdictions.
US08738210B2
A battery temperature control device for an electric vehicle is provided which is capable of maintaining both the range of the electric vehicle and the battery life at a high level without drastically reducing either of them. A recommended temperature range suitable for battery use and a usable temperature range in which a battery is usable and which is wider than the recommended temperature range are included, and while the battery temperature is basically controlled to converge to the recommended temperature range to maintain the battery life, in a situation where the power consumption necessary for controlling the battery temperature to converge to the recommended temperature is increased, making it difficult to travel a desired travelling distance, the recommended temperature range is switched to the usable temperature range and the battery temperature is controlled to converge to the usable temperature range, and the power consumption necessary for controlling the battery temperature is suppressed and the range of the vehicle is maintained.
US08738208B2
In a configuration in which an auxiliary power supply is connected to an intermediate link circuit of a main conversion unit, intermediate link voltage as input voltage of the auxiliary power supply is set at higher voltage depending on the main conversion unit as a main unit, and loss generated in a main circuit element of the auxiliary power supply increases; therefore, a problem has occurred that a cooling unit has to be increased in size. The main conversion unit recognizes a low-speed and stop state by monitoring a vehicle speed, and varies the intermediate link voltage corresponding to the vehicle speed; thereby, the loss generated in the main circuit element of the auxiliary power supply is reduced at the low-speed and stop state where cooling ability is decreased; as a result, small sizing and light weighting of the cooling unit is achieved.
US08738203B2
A method and apparatus for managing power in a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor, and an energy storage element coupled to the motor. The method involves receiving a request to supply operating power to drive the vehicle and responding to the request by selecting an apportionment of operating power between the engine and the motor from among a plurality of apportionments having respective operating costs such that the selected apportionment is associated with a minimum operating cost, the operating cost including at least an engine fuel consumption cost and a storage element lifetime cost. The method further involves causing power to be supplied by at least one of the engine and the motor in accordance with the selected apportionment.
US08738200B2
The invention relates to a process and an on-board system for evaluating flight strategies aboard an aircraft, linked with a flight plan (13) of the aircraft, including: calculation means (5) for determining relations between the flight parameters including parameters of time, of fuel quantity, of altitude and of speed, interface means (9) for providing at least one envelope of values (25a-25d) representative of a domain of definition of a plurality of flight strategies, interface means (9) for providing at least one determined strategy defined by determined values assumed by the flight parameters at a reference point, interface means (9) to allow the selection and setting of the value of a first parameter among said flight parameters, generating and supplying another envelope of values allowing exploration of another plurality of possible strategies, and interface means (9) to allow the selection and setting of the value of a second parameter, generating and supplying another determined strategy.
US08738199B2
According to the invention, during take-off, the aircraft (AC) is given an attitude (θc) close to the tail-touching attitude and the ailerons (6G, 6D) are fully deflected downwards.
US08738198B2
A robot surveillance system includes a robot chassis, a drive subsystem for the chassis, a dock on the chassis, and a payout device associated with the chassis. A flying module is configured to be received in the dock and includes at least one rotor powered by a motor and a body portion including an imager. A tether is coupled to the payout device of the robot and to the flying module for allowing the flying module to climb out of the dock when powered to gain elevation for surveillance and imaging via the imager and for retracting the flying module to land on the robot and reside in the chassis dock after surveillance.
US08738196B2
Methods for linking two or more vehicles to achieve reduced aerodynamic drag while the vehicles are travelling on the road are disclosed. The disclosed methods utilize a dynamic linking system that not only physically connects the vehicles but also allows the driver of the leading vehicle to monitor and control essential functions of the trailing vehicles. Preferably, the driving mechanisms of the trailing vehicles, such as throttles, brakes, and gears, are fully operational so as not to put excessive burden on the driving mechanisms of the leading vehicle. Methods for linking individual vehicles as well as streamlining the operation of a fleet of vehicles are also disclosed.
US08738194B2
Methods and control apparatus are presented for controlling supply of electrical power to a mobile micro-grid power system, in which a master controller automatically rebalances the micro-grid by activating and deactivating individual power supplies to preferentially activate non-fuel consuming power supplies and deactivate fuel consuming power supplies so as to minimize fuel consumption for the micro-grid power system.
US08738191B2
A system for monitoring a power transmission line includes at least one monitoring device located along the power transmission line configured to provide power transmission line data. A wide area situational awareness module is configured to receive the power transmission line data and an adaptation module is configured to receive output from the wide area situational awareness module and further configured to calculate control actions for the power transmission line based on the power transmission line data.
US08738179B2
Teaching images are acquired at a plurality of separate teaching points on a running route extending from a running start position to a goal position, respectively, under a first light environmental condition and a light environmental condition different from the first light environmental condition, and the teaching images are stored. A present teaching image serving as a target for a robot body in a running direction at present is selected from the stored teaching images. A driving mechanism is controlled so as to increase the matching degree between the present teaching image and an actual image taken by a camera.
US08738168B2
A sewing machine includes a display, a projection portion, a processor, and a memory. The display is configured to display display information related to sewing. The projection portion is configured to project a mark having a predetermined shape toward a sewing machine bed. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions therein that, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to project, by the projection portion, the mark toward the sewing machine bed, and display by the display, mark display information that represents the mark and stitch type display information of a planned stitch type to be sewn, in a first positional relationship that corresponds to a second positional relationship between the position of the planned stitch type to be sewn and the position of the mark configured to be projected on the sewing machine bed.
US08738158B2
A lighting system controller is provided that is adapted to configure a plurality of lighting controllers using a set of common configuration information referred to as a template. According to one example, the lighting system controller is configured to maintain a set of templates and to track associations between templates and elements of a lighting control system that are managed by the lighting system controller. Examples of managed elements include lighting controllers and configurable objects resident within the lighting controllers.
US08738157B2
A method of controlling a controller network is provided, the controller network comprising a plurality of devices, a controller for outputting control data to the devices, and a plurality of interface modules, each interface module being arranged to connect a respective device to the controller via the network. The method comprises: outputting, from the controller, a control message addressed to a first device, the control message corresponding to an action to be performed by the first device; receiving, at a first interface module connecting the first device to the network, the control message; storing the control message in a memory of the first interface module; broadcasting, from the controller, a trigger message addressed to at least the first device; receiving, at the first interface module, the trigger message; and passing, in response to the trigger message, the control message to the first device such that the action corresponding to the control message is performed. A corresponding controller network is also provided.
