US08876633B2
An intersection point between a shaft axis Z1 and a sole surface 18 is defined as S1. A point S2, a point S3, and a point S4 are set on the sole surface 18. An intersection point between a straight line passing through a center of gravity of the head and being perpendicular to the horizontal plane and the sole surface 18 is defined as G1. A point R1, a point R2, a point R3, and a point R4 are set on the sole surface 18. A section A1 and a section A2 are set based on the points. An angle between the shaft axis Z1 and a ground plane is defined as θ. The angle θ exists so that at least a point belonging to the section A1 and at least a point belonging to the section A2 are brought into contact with the ground plane.
US08876629B2
A golf club with a multi-material face is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention has a striking face that forms a pocket, wherein the pocket is filled with a secondary material having a lower density to improve the performance of the golf club head. The multi-material face disclosed in accordance with the present invention may generally have a characteristic time slope of greater than about 5 and less than about 50, wherein the characteristic time slope is determined based on the various data points collected according to the United States Golf Association's (USGA's) Characteristic Time (CT) test.
US08876610B1
A system and method are disclosed for providing location-based wagering. In one embodiment, wagerable data associated with a location of a first user is identified. The wagerable data may be any type of data on which a wager may be based. Then, a wager recommendation is generated based on the wagerable data and returned to the first user. The first user defines a wager, and the wager is published to one or more second users located in proximity to the first user. Each of the one or more second users is enabled to accept the wager if desired. In addition, one or more winners and one or more losers of the wager may be identified and payout may then be effected.
US08876602B2
Improved is the control of travel speed of operation indication marker in the case that the case that the delay in detection of operation time occurs. The game machine makes the object (60) pump between the reference portions (55A, 55B) corresponding to the operation portions of online opponent players, and makes the player of the own game machine perform the operation portion at the time when the object (60) reaches the reference portion (55A). The game machine determines whether the detection delay of operation time occurs. When the delay occurs, the game machine estimates as the original distance, the distance from the object (60) to the next arrival position (R1b) assuming that the delay did not occur (the distance on the path R2-CR1b), and the display of the object (60) is corrected so that the difference between the original distance estimated and the actual distance from the object (60) to the next arrival position (the distance on the path A, C, R1b) is eliminated earlier than the operation time corresponding to the next arrival position (R1b).
US08876599B2
Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems with multiple displays having interchangeable display content. According to one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a first display for presenting a primary game, a second display for presenting secondary display content to a player, and a player input device for receiving player input to configure content displayed on the first display and the second display such that the first display presents the secondary display content and the second display presents the primary game.
US08876595B2
A system that tracks information related to security events in a gaming environment includes a plurality of gaming machines, a database storing data regarding security events, and a security event tracking server in communication with the gaming machines and database. Each gaming machine can have an electronic tracking device adapted to detect wirelessly identifying information from portable electronic devices proximate the gaming machine with respect to the occurrence of a security event at or near the gaming machine. The server includes a processor configured to receive information regarding security events and mobile device identifying information, associate the security events with the identifying information, and store the associated security events and identifying information to the database. Mobile device identifying information can be detected passively without any affirmative input by any user of the mobile devices. Patterns of repeated mobile device detections associated with multiple security events can be determined.
US08876584B2
A method of playing a game, the method comprising selecting a predefined number of player indicia; providing an event reference, the event reference being viewable on a display device, the event reference comprising a plurality of event participants, the plurality of event participants being ranked; randomly generating a plurality of randomly generated indicia, the plurality of randomly generated indicia comprising a first indicia and a second indicia; associating the first indicia with a first event participant; associating the second indicia with a second event participant; obtaining the ranking of the participants based on the order they finish in the event reference; ordering the plurality of randomly generated indicia based on the ranking of their respective associated participants; and determining a game outcome, the game outcome comprising comparing the player indicia to the plurality of randomly generated indicia.
US08876581B2
A supply air terminal device (10) has a supply air chamber (12), into which fresh air is conducted from out of doors and further from it through a nozzle gap or nozzles (12a1, 12a2 . . . ) into a mixing chamber (14). The fresh supply air (L1) induces a circulated airflow (L2) from a room (H) to flow through a heat exchanger (13) into the mixing chamber (14). The combined airflow (L1+L2) combined in the device solution of the fresh supply air (L1) and the room air (L2) flow is made to flow from the mixing chamber (14) into a room space (H) or other such. The mixing chamber (14) of the supply air terminal device (10) has in the mixing chamber (14) or in connection with this in a flow passage (14′) a film element (15), preferably a film-like electric resistance.
US08876580B2
A supply duct is provided for supplying a gaseous fluid at a constant flow rate per unit length of the duct. The supply duct includes a main compartment, at least one nozzle disposed in the main compartment, and a plurality of restrictors extending from an inner wall of the main compartment. The main compartment of the supply duct has a generally constant cross-section. Each nozzle in the main compartment defines an outlet to allow a gaseous fluid to flow out from the main compartment. Each restrictor is configured to produce a flow rate through the nozzle at the first end of the main compartment that is substantially equal to the flow rate through the nozzle at the second end of the main compartment. The restrictor may be, for example, a restrictor plate. A method of sizing restrictor plates is also provided.
US08876579B2
A baffle controller for moving a baffle disposed within an HVAC outlet housing between an open position and a closed position to control airflow through an HVAC outlet in a vehicle includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that is controlled and actuated by an electrical signal. The SMA actuator rotates a main lever that rotates a valve plate. The valve plate is attached to the baffle such that the baffle rotates with the valve plate. The baffle controller may include a position biasing device that increases a position holding ability of the baffle controller, and a cut-off switch that interrupts the electrical signal to the SMA actuator to prevent over-rotating the baffle.
US08876578B2
A portable working machine is provided with a wheel guard partially covering a wheel rotated by a drive source such as an engine, and the wheel guard is retained by a retaining portion of an arm via rubber dampers serving as elastic members. Concave-convex portions are formed on the rubber dampers, a convex-concave portion corresponding to the concave-convex portions is formed in the wheel guard side, and the wheel guard is retained by the arm so that the concave-convex portions are engaged with the convex-concave portion.
US08876577B2
A floor care apparatus is provided that utilizes at least one cylindrical pad to remove a floor finish. More specifically, a cylindrical pad having an abrasive surface is integrated onto a cylindrical scrubber brush or associated core or roller commonly used in the art. The main outwardly-facing surface of the pad contacts the floor to remove a predetermined amount of floor finish wherein generated debris is expelled away from the pad. After finish removal, a new layer of finish is applied to the floor. Thus, the need to remove all finish layers from a flooring surface is alleviated, which saves time and money.
US08876572B2
A toy vehicle launching ramp and landing ramp is a toy vehicle track set that includes a launching ramp or track portion and a landing or receiving ramp or track portion. The toy vehicle track set also includes a booster or launcher which can propel or launch a toy vehicle onto the launching ramp, into the air, and onto the landing ramp. Further the set includes at least one elongate member with distance indicia, such that a user can measure the distance between the launcher and launching ramp, the launching ramp and receiving ramp, or some combination thereof. The toy vehicle track set enhances the play value of toy vehicle track sets by providing reliable and measurable jumps.
US08876569B2
The embodiments of the present invention disclose a vacuum cell-assembling device and a cell-assembling method. The vacuum cell-assembling device comprises: an upper substrate, a signal processing apparatus, and a lower substrate provided opposite to the upper substrate, wherein the upper substrate is provided with a light-emitting apparatus thereon, and the lower substrate is provided a photosensitive receiving element array thereon, and the photosensitive receiving element array is connected with the signal processing apparatus, and the signal processing apparatus is adapted for converting the electrical signals from the photosensitive receiving element array to a liquid crystal diffusion-simulation image.
US08876565B2
The invention relates to a protective housing for a propeller of a submarine vehicle. The invention also relates to a connection system for a propeller-driven submarine vehicle with a submarine cable and such a protective housing. The invention further relates to the use of a protective housing for a propeller of a submarine vehicle for receiving a strain relief connection for a connecting cable. The invention enables low-cost communication between a propeller-driven submarine vehicle and a support platform by means of a connecting cable which is hydrodynamically streamlined and ensures strain-relief for the connecting cable. The connecting cable is fixed to the periphery of the protective housing, outside the working space of the propeller located on a propeller axis, and a strain-relief cable-holding fixture is arranged for a connecting cable on the submarine vehicle.
US08876559B2
An electronic device including a switch unit and a socket is provided. The switch unit has an output end, a first input end, a second input end and a control end. The control end is coupled to the first input end. The socket has an intake cavity on which a first terminal and a second terminal are disposed. The first terminal is electrically connected to the first input end, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second input end. When the intake cavity holds a plug and the control end receives a high level voltage, the control end switches the first input end to the output end. When the control end receives a ground voltage, the control end switches the second input end to the output end.
US08876558B2
An electrical connector includes a base board having a plurality of first contact pads and second contact pads exposed on one end of the base board, a plurality of first terminals each having one end thereof connected with the corresponding first contact pad of the base board, a plurality of second terminals each having one end thereof arranged alternately with the first terminals and connected with the corresponding second contact pad of the base board, and an insulating housing having a window. The other end of the first terminal is slanted downward at an angle and then curved upward back to form a barb-like contact portion. The other end of the second terminal defines a contact protrusion. The base board together with the first terminals and the second terminals are disposed in the insulating housing. The contact portions and the contact protrusions are exposed outside through the window.
US08876557B2
A bracket lamp tube and a lamp head cover thereon are provided. The lamp head cover comprises a cover body (2) and a metallic needle (1) penetrating the cover body (2). The front end of the metallic needle (1) extends out of the outside of the cover body (2). The rear end of the metallic needle (1) is located inside the cover body (2) and is fixedly connected to a first metallic contact plate (3). A second metallic contact plate (5) separated from the first metallic contact plate (3) is provided inside the cover body (2). A third metallic contact plate (6) is provided between the first and the second metallic contact plates (3, 5) and is connected to a touch button (4). The touch button (4) is exposed outside the cover body (2). The first and the second metallic contact plates (3, 5) are electrically connected by the third metallic contact plate (6) as the touch button (4) is pressed. The metallic needle (1) and an internal ballast are disconnected when the lamp head cover is not connected to the lamp, and the L and the N poles of the ballast are connected for power supply by using the connection of the first and the second metallic contact plates (3, 5) when the lamp head cover is installed to a lamp socket.
US08876544B2
A connector can prevent a short circuit between a conductive member positioned on a board and an actuation lever actuatable without an actuation tag. A distance between the board and an actuation portion is larger than another distance between the board and an engage portion under a locked state where the engage portion is engaged with an engaged portion. Under the locked state, the actuation portion is positioned away from the conductive member (a SMT terminal and the conductive pattern formed on the board) so that the actuation lever can be prevented from making the short circuit with the conductive member.
US08876543B2
A connector is mateable with a mating connector having a mating terminal. The connector comprises a housing and a terminal held by the housing. The housing has an accommodating portion and a lock portion which are formed integrally. The terminal is accommodated in the accommodating portion so as to be connectable to the mating terminal. When the connector is in a mated state where the connector is mated with the mating connector, the lock portion locks the mated state. In detail, the lock portion has a flexible portion and a lock protrusion. The flexible portion is located over the accommodating portion. The lock protrusion is provided on the flexible portion. No wall is provided between the flexible portion and the accommodating portion so that the flexible portion is resiliently deformable toward the accommodating portion. The lock protrusion moves downward when the flexible portion is resiliently deformed downward.
US08876536B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit socket system includes: forming a retainer plate having a pinhole extending through the retainer plate; forming a base plate having a connector hole extending through the base plate, the connector hole aligned with the pinhole; inserting a compressible pin having a lower probe end through the connector hole and the pinhole below the connector hole, a portion of the compressible pin in the base plate; forming a device plate having a cavity hole extending through the device plate and aligned with the an upper probe end of the compressible pin exposed in the cavity hole; and mounting a removable fastener through the device plate, the base plate, and into the retainer plate, the device plate over the base plate directly on the retainer plate and attached to one another by the removable fastener.
US08876532B2
A bone repair material is described that is of putty-like consistency, particularly useful for repairing dental bony defects such as those caused by bone loss resulting from moderate or severe periodontitis, augmenting of bony defects of the alveolar ridge, filling tooth extraction sites, or sinus elevation grafting. The repair material includes a porous, resorbable particulate that is bone-derived or derived from bone-like hydroxyapatite or synthetic hydroxyapatite; and, a resorbable carrier, such as high molecular weight polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid. A high concentration of particulate in the putty enhances bone repair and requires a high concentration of carrier to retain the putty at the defect site. For a particulate density of about 1.2 g/cc such as PEPGEN P-15® Bone Graft, a preferred formulation comprises about 55% percent by weight of the putty suspended in a hyaluronic acid gel of about 1.4×106 daltons molecular weight and a final concentration of about 56 mg/cc which material adheres to a bony periodontal defect and does not excessively expand or migrate from the defect when held in place by a conventional flap closure.
US08876531B2
A non-removable bridge dental prosthesis includes an artificial tooth to be inserted into a region from which a tooth has been lost, a bridge tightly fixed to the rear surfaces of the teeth on either side of the region from which the tooth was lost, and a coupling member for coupling the artificial tooth to the bridge. The coupling member is integrally installed on the rear surface of the artificial tooth, and has a catching piece and a coupling projection. A coupling hole is formed in the bridge in a shape corresponding to the coupling projection and is located at a position where the coupling projection of the coupling member is formed. The coupling projection is inserted in the coupling hole of the bridge and simultaneously, the catching piece is caught on the top end of the bridge.
US08876529B2
A device according to the invention for deflecting mechanical oscillations, at an oscillation receiver location may be set into oscillation along a first axis, and transmits such an oscillation into an oscillation along a second axis at an oscillation output location, wherein the first and the second axis form an angle to one another. The device in characterized essentially by the fact that it includes an elongate, bent oscillation element, on whose one end a coupling-in point and at whose other end a coupling-out point is arranged, wherein the device is designed in a manner such that the oscillation element oscillates transversally at the coupling-in point and at the coupling-out point, when the oscillation receiver location is subjected to an oscillation.
US08876524B2
A furnace is disclosed that includes a burner with a firing rate that is variable between a minimum and a maximum firing rate. After a call for heat is received, the firing rate is set to an initial level above the minimum firing rate, and the burner is ignited. The firing rate is then modulated downward toward the minimum firing rate. If the flame is lost during or after modulation, the burner is reignited and the firing rate is maintained above the firing rate at which the flame was lost until the current call for heat is satisfied. In some cases, the firing rate is maintained until one or more subsequent calls for heat are satisfied.
US08876516B2
The invention relates to a pellet press for producing pellets (10), there being in the pellet press (3) at least one die (4) having a multiplicity of holes (13) for compressing the biomass (1), at least one roll (5) rolling on the die (4) and at least one drive device for the die (4) and/or the roll (5). The aim of the invention is to produce a pellet press in which it is possible to eliminate local damage or partial wear of the die with the least possible effort or to make it easier to replace the die with a spare part. The invention consists of at least two die segments (7, 7′ . . . ) being arranged as the die (4), at least one supporting device (9) being arranged to support the die segments (7, 7′ . . . ) with respect to the roll (5), and the supporting device (9) having at least one aperture (8) for the pellets (10) emerging from the holes (13) in the die (4) to be led through.
US08876513B2
A continuous-wave (CW) ultraviolet (UV) curing system for solid freeform fabrication (SFF) is provided, wherein the curing system is configured to provide an exposure of UV radiation for one or more layers of UV-curable material. One or more UV exposures may initiate curing of a curable material in the layer dispensed by a solid freeform fabrication apparatus. One approach to provide the single or multiple UV exposures is the use of one or more UV LEDs, which generate UV radiation without generating any substantial amounts of infrared (IR) radiation at the same time. This allows for the curing process to be energy efficient and also allows for the SFF system to be far less complex.
US08876508B2
An apparatus for producing a pneumatic tyre has a building unit designed to form a green tyre having a pair of beads. Each of the pair of beads is defined along a respective inner circumferential edge of the green tyre. The apparatus further includes bead moulding devices to tighten each bead between two axially opposite clamping surfaces. A moulding unit of the green tyre has a moulding cavity with an inner wall substantially conforming in shape to an outer surface of a moulded tyre. The apparatus further includes devices for vulcanising the green tyre, and actuating devices for transferring the green tyre together with the bead moulding devices into the moulding cavity.
US08876506B2
The invention relates to a dry-compressing dual-shaft rotary displacement screw spindle pump machine for delivering and compressing gases. The spindle rotor pair therein includes multiple stages, having a primary delivery thread, a secondary delivery thread and a gas outlet collector chamber therebetween. The primary delivery thread head circle diameter decreases in the gas outlet direction, while the foot circle diameter thereof increases correspondingly for an application-specific matching inner “integral” compression ratio. The secondary delivery thread nominal delivery direction is opposite to the primary delivery thread nominal delivery direction. The secondary delivery thread is implemented such that the actual gas flow direction is opposite to the nominal delivery direction thereof, and is always directed away from the gas outlet plenum, having a gas permeation under ambient pressure just as the space in the gearbox. A control gas delivery stage is additionally provided for very high operating pressures.
US08876503B2
A scroll compressor having a rotational shaft insertion hole and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The scroll compressor includes a casing; a fixed scroll fixed to an inner wall surface of the casing; an orbiting scroll combined with the fixed scroll to form a compression chamber while performing an orbiting movement with respect to the fixed scroll; a rotational shaft having a shaft portion inserted into the fixed scroll, an eccentric portion that penetrates the fixed scroll to be combined with the orbiting scroll, and a neck portion having a diameter less than a diameter of the eccentric portion to connect the eccentric portion to the shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion, the eccentric portion, and the neck portion are integrally formed; a fixed bush interposed between the fixed scroll and the shaft portion; and a driving unit configured to drive the rotational shaft. A neck portion insertion hole, into which the neck portion is inserted, and a shaft portion insertion hole, into which the shaft portion is movably inserted in a transverse direction, are formed at the fixed scroll, and the fixed bush restricts a transverse directional movement of the shaft portion to maintain a state in which an outer circumferential portion of the neck portion insertion hole is inserted into the neck portion.
US08876497B2
A linear compressor is provided that includes a cylinder having a compression space for refrigerant therein, a piston that linearly reciprocates inside the cylinder in an axis direction to compress the refrigerant, and a frame having a mounting hole so that one end of the cylinder may be mounted thereon and a deformation prevention portion in some section around the mounting hole brought into contact with the one end of the cylinder. Even if a size of the cylinder is increased and a size of the frame limited, the frame is provided with enough strength to support the cylinder, thereby reducing fastening deformations and improving operation reliability.
US08876494B2
A compressor is provided that includes a stator, a cylinder type rotor rotated within the stator by a rotating electromagnetic field of the stator and that defines a compression chamber inside, a roller that rotates within the compression chamber of the cylinder type rotor by a rotational force transferred from the rotor and compresses a refrigerant during rotation, a vane that divides the compression chamber into a suction region, into which the refrigerant is sucked, and a compression region, in which the refrigerant is compressed and discharged from, and transfers the rotational force from the cylinder type rotor to the roller, an axis of rotation that integrally extends from the roller in an axial direction, and a suction passage, through which the refrigerant is sucked into the compression chamber, through the axis of rotation and the roller.
US08876491B2
This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes maintaining the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components.
US08876487B2
This disclosure relates a water pump control system for an internal combustion engine, and a method for operating an internal combustion engine including a clutch-controlled water pump. The water pump control system and method provide protection of the pump impeller during dry pump operation, such as when a watercraft engine is started while the watercraft is out of water, by turning off the clutch-controlled pump when no water is detected at the inlet of the water pump.
US08876470B2
An abrasive coating for a rotor shaft, the abrasive coating having a metal bond coat layer on the rotor shaft and an abrasive layer over the bond layer for contact with vanes during operation of the rotor shaft. The abrasive coating includes a matrix containing a low strength filler having an increased concentration radially outward from the bond layer to the outer surface of the abrasive layer. The matrix may be ceramic or metal.
US08876466B2
A seal is provided between first and second relatively movable members. The seal comprises a liner attached to the first relatively movable member which liner is abraded by the second relatively movable member. The abradable liner comprises a metallic, open porous structure formed by fusing a metallic feedstock with an energy beam to build up sequential deposits of the fused feedstock.
US08876464B1
A sequential impingement cooling insert for a turbine stator vane that forms a double impingement for the pressure and suction sides of the vane or a triple impingement. The insert is formed from a sheet metal formed in a zigzag shape that forms a series of alternating impingement cooling channels with return air channels, where pressure side and suction side impingement cooling plates are secured over the zigzag shaped main piece. Another embodiment includes the insert formed from one or two blocks of material in which the impingement channels and return air channels are machined into each block.
US08876462B2
A system of contra-rotating propellers for an aircraft turbomachine, including: a free power turbine including a first rotor; first and second propellers; and a mechanical transmission system including a planetary gear train fitted with a sun gear driven by the rotor, at least one planet gear driving the first propeller, and a ring driving the second propeller. The free power turbine also includes a second rotor that is contra-rotating relative to the first rotor, and rotating the ring.
US08876439B2
A particulate handling apparatus (1) and method which is suitable for the transfer of kinetic energy from particles of transported particulate material and which lessens the damage suffered by said particulate material by the removal of that kinetic energy. The apparatus includes baffles (9) to reduce the kinetic energy and which are within a shaped vessel into which particulate material is fed through entry port (3) and from which the particulates are removed by exit port (4).
US08876430B1
Methods and systems for use in the removal of trunnion pin sleeves and the supporting of lock and/or dam gate structures (e.g., tainter or roller gates) are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, a method of trunnion pin sleeve removal includes causing either a constriction of at least one part of the sleeve or an application of a torque with respect to the at least one part of the sleeve, and subsequently applying a force to the at least one part of the sleeve so as to pull out the sleeve. Also, in another example embodiment, a system for supporting a lock and/or dam gate assembly includes a support assembly having a at least one pedestal assembly. The support assembly further includes a trunnion arm support structure, configured to be supported at least in part by the at least one pedestal assembly and to at least partially support a trunnion arm.
US08876423B2
A binding mechanism assembly for binding a sheet item, the binding mechanism assembly including a backing member having an upper surface, and a binding member directly or indirectly coupled to the backing member. The binding member includes a protrusion shaped and located to protrude through a hole of a sheet item to be bound thereto. The binding member further includes a generally flexible flange that is manually movable into engagement with the protrusion to form a generally closed loop and thereby bind the sheet item thereto. The loop is rotatable relative to the backing member from a first position in which the loop is generally located above the upper surface to a second position wherein at least part of the loop is located below the upper surface. A release mechanism is provided for opening the loop.
US08876421B2
With respect to a cleaning tool having a sheetlike cleaning member for mopping a surface to be cleaned, it is intended to provide a technology effective for enhancing of cleaning effect. There is provided cleaning tool (10) comprising cleaning sheet (100) for mopping a surface to be cleaned and injection nozzle (252) for jetting a cleaning liquid toward the surface to be cleaned at its region under the cleaning sheet (100).
US08876414B2
An optical device board 2 is set to be a printed circuit board in which an optical device 6 is bonded into a predetermined position of a printed wiring board 5. The optical device board 2 is bonded to a base board 3 provided with a plurality of wiring terminals 7. A lens barrel 4 is bonded to the optical device board 2. The optical device 6 is bonded into a position calculated from an actual measured dimension of the printed wiring board 5, and the calculated position is held and positioning is carried out in such a manner that a central axis of the lens barrel 4 is coincident with the calculated position when the lens barrel 4 is to be bonded to the optical device board 2.
US08876409B2
An optical device includes a light guide member, a holding member to hold the light guide member, an optical element to function according to light applied from the light guide member, a holder to hold the optical element, and an adhesive to join the holding member to the holder. The holding member and the holder are engaged with each other so that the optical element is placed on an optical axis of the light guide member. At least one of the holding member and the holder has a joint structure extending along the light guide member. The joint structure forms a gap to allow the adhesive to be easily injected between the holding member and the holder. The holding member and the holder are joined to each other with the adhesive injected into the gap.
US08876395B2
A retainer for a ball bearing and a ball bearing have reduced torque even in grease lubrication. The retainer includes a retainer body which has an annular shape and has recesses formed in one axial end surface thereof along a peripheral direction at predetermined pitches and a pair of claw portions provided to protrude from opening ends of each of the recesses, the opening ends being opposed to each other in the peripheral direction. Each of the recesses and the pair of claw portions form a pocket in which a ball is received. A pocket has a PCD which is set smaller than a PCD of the ball to be received in the pocket.
US08876394B2
In a rolling bearing with seal, an annular lip supporting portion having a larger thickness than that of a seal lip is formed on an inner periphery side of a seal member; the seal lip protruding on an inner peripheral surface of the lip supporting portion has: a cylindrical seal surface being in close contact with an outer peripheral surface of an inner race; and an inner side surface at least part of which in a region from an inner end of the seal surface to reach the lip supporting portion stands upright from the inner end of the seal surface in a direction perpendicular to a generating line of the outer peripheral surface of the inner race; and a width of the seal surface in an axial direction is set to be larger than a height of the seal lip in a radial direction. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing with seal with a simple structure, which is capable of maintaining a normal seal pressure against an inner race of a seal lip even when large negative pressure or positive pressure acts on the seal lip, thus preventing leakage of grease inside the bearing.
US08876387B2
A plain bearing includes a bearing body in which a body, which is to be stored, is arranged. The bearing body is surrounded by a supporting body. The bearing body has a partial joint arranged at an angle in relation to the horizontal. The plain bearing has an active cooling system and an articulated lubrication system.
US08876384B2
A hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a shaft; a sleeve having a shaft hole formed therein so that the shaft is rotatably inserted thereinto; and first and second dynamic pressure generation grooves provided in at least one of an outer surface of the shaft and an inner surface of the sleeve and having a herringbone pattern including V-shaped portions in which upper and lower wings are provided to generate dynamic pressure in lubricating fluid filling a bearing clearance between the shaft and the sleeve at the time of rotation of the shaft. The first dynamic pressure generation groove has a V-shaped portion of which an upper wing is longer than a lower wing, and the second dynamic pressure generation groove is disposed below the first dynamic pressure generation groove in an axial direction and has a V-shaped portion of which a lower wing is longer than an upper wing.
US08876383B2
A flexible film package for storing food products comprises a body with a side wall, a closed bottom end, and a closed top end. The body includes a primary line of weakness and a pair of secondary lines of weakness formed in the side wall. Each of the primary and secondary lines of weakness includes a plurality of score lines spaced apart by non-scored portions of the side wall. The score lines of the primary line of weakness have a greater length, width, and depth than the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness. The non-scored portions between the score lines of the primary line of weakness are longer than the non-scored portions between the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness.
US08876377B2
A proximity sensor array for a medical imaging system includes a flexible substrate configured to be mounted to a detector, and a plurality of sensors disposed on the substrate, the flexible substrate being deformable to contact a sensing surface of the detector. A method of fabricating a proximity sensor array and a medical imaging system are also described herein.
US08876374B2
A temperature sensor generates a variable voltage whose level decreases linearly as a temperature increases, and compares the variable voltage with first and second reference voltages to generate first and second temperature codes to measure the temperature.
US08876372B2
A sensor arrangement is provided for temperature measurement in melts, in particular in metal or cryolite melts having a melting point above 600° C., using a temperature sensor. A method for the measurement with this sensor arrangement is also provided.
US08876370B1
A pendulum-regulated clock. The clock has a movement at the bottom of a multi-rod pendulum. In an embodiment, a first pendulum rod and a second pendulum rod are provided. The clock provides swinging motion by imparting an oscillating torque to one or more of the pendulum rods. In an embodiment, a dual escapement mechanism may be provided. A dual escapement mechanism may synchronize the dual escapements via differential adjustment, to uniformly power pendulum rods during both directions of swing.
US08876367B1
An apparatus and method for use in the biopharmaceutical and chemical industries to facilitate the temporary attachment of standard laboratory glassware to vibratory mixers and other types of aggressive shaking equipment. The container holder couples the entire flask or container to the mixing equipment in a secure fashion. The technology may be used with conventional glass flasks, or with plastic flasks that can be configured for either single-use or multiple-use. The invention allows for single handed, low force insertion of the flaskware as well as the incorporation of sensors into the container holder.
US08876364B2
A dynamic mixer for a plurality of fluid components contains a housing and a rotor element which is rotatably arranged in the housing, with the housing having one inlet opening for at least one component each and at least one outlet opening. A ring-shaped intermediate space is provided between the rotor element and the housing in which a mixing element connected to the rotor element is arranged. A seal for sealing the rotor element in the mixer housing is provided at the bearing location of the rotor element in the housing.
US08876360B2
The invention relates to a method of constructing elements which wipe each other during corotation about two parallel axes in such a manner that they constantly touch each other at at least one point.
US08876355B2
A light guide includes an incident surface, an emitting surface, a reflecting surface, and a light guide section. The incident surface receives light from a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged at least in a first direction. The emitting surface outputs incident light from the incident surface. The reflecting surface includes a plurality of lenses having optical power in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction and is provided to be opposed to the incident surface. The light guide section includes a surface including the incident surface, the emitting surface, and the reflecting surface, and causes the light that has entered from the incident surface to be reflected by the plurality of lenses of the reflecting surface to guide the light to the emitting surface.
US08876348B2
A novel light fixture comprises a light source, a collimating element, an optical cavity and a multi-functional non-imaging optical component to control light distribution. The present invention provides a system and method of controlling the output of light from a light fixture. One or more volumetric anisotropic diffusing components can be utilized to control both the photometric distribution and visual appearance of the light fixture. A high degree of optical control is obtained with durable components that can be easily customized to optimize optical performance in light fixtures designed as pendants, wall sconces, wallwashers, downlights, and tasklights. The luminance and color uniformity as well as the illuminance and color uniformity of illumination can be controlled and improved.
US08876346B2
An illumination system for a lithographic or inspection apparatus. A plurality of optical waveguides transmit radiation from the illumination source to an output. A switching system enables selective control of one or more subsets of the optical waveguides. An inspection method uses an illumination system and inspection and lithographic apparatuses comprise an illumination system. In one example, the optical waveguides and switching system are replaced by a plurality of parallel optical bandpass filter elements. The optical bandpass filter elements each only transmit a predetermined wavelength or a band of wavelengths of radiation. At least two of the parallel optical bandpass filter elements each being operable to transmit a different wavelength or band of wavelengths.
US08876344B2
A headlamp 1 includes a laser diode 3 that emits a laser beam, a light emitting part 7 that emits light upon receiving the laser beam emitted from the laser diode 3, and a reflection mirror 8 that reflects the light emitted from the light emitting part 7. According to the headlamp 1, the light emitting part 7 has a luminance greater than 25 cd/mm2, and an area size of an aperture plane 8a perpendicular to a direction in which an incoherent light travels outward from the headlamp 1 is less than 2000 mm2.
US08876333B1
A uniquely shaped heat sink which has a lower generally elliptical interior shape which extends to an upper generally circular interior shape, the heat sink having a multiplicity of radial fins a portion of which surround the elliptical shaped lower exterior, the multiplicity of lower radial fins integrally formed with a multiplicity of upper radial fins which surround the upper interior circular shape of the heat sink. The multiplicity of upper radial fins form an upper air gap between the fins and an upper surface the plate. As the body heats up, the multiplicity of fins transfer the heat from an LED press fit retained against the heat sink to the edge of the heat sink.
US08876328B2
A recessed light fixture includes an LED module, which includes a single LED package that is configured to generate all light emitted by the recessed light fixture. For example, the LED package can include multiple LEDs mounted to a common substrate. The LED package can be coupled to a heat sink for dissipating heat from the LEDs. The heat sink can include a core member from which fins extend. Each fin can include one or more straight and/or curved portions. A reflector housing may be coupled to the heat sink and configured to receive a reflector. The reflector can have any geometry, such as a bell-shaped geometry including two radii of curvature that join together at an inflection point. An optic coupler can be coupled to the reflector housing and configured to cover electrical connections at the substrate and to guide light emitted by the LED package.
US08876319B2
Disclosed are a backlight unit and a display apparatus using the same. The backlight unit includes a light guide plate, grooves disposed in the light guide plate, the grooves having at least one inclined surface, light source modules disposed within the grooves, and stoppers disposed between the light source modules and the light guide plate, wherein a cross-sectional area of the grooves is larger than that of the stoppers. The stoppers contact at least one of the side surfaces of the grooves, the bottom surfaces of the grooves and the light source modules.
US08876311B2
A light emitting device includes a plurality of solid-state light emitting elements; a board on which the solid-state light emitting elements are arranged in the form of an array; and a light distribution adjusting member for adjusting a distribution of lights outputted from the solid-state light emitting elements. The light distribution adjusting member is provided to commonly cover at least two of the solid-state light emitting elements, and includes an accommodating portion which accommodates the solid-state light emitting elements; a concave curved surface portion provided above light output surfaces of the solid-state light emitting elements and immediately above the solid-state light emitting elements; and a pair of convex curved surface portions which are provided in opposite sides of the concave curved surface portion, each of the convex curved surface portions being smoothly connected to the concave curved surface portion.
US08876309B2
An adjustable back-lighting structure for a keyboard includes a light guide panel having vertical peripheral edges and at least one light entering surface; and a surrounding edge made of plastic or chemical macromolecule compound material, having a connecting interface tightly bonded with the vertical peripheral edges of the light guide panel. The connecting interface can generates the feedback beam Bf to enhance the illumination effect. Therefore, the light transmission in the light guide panel can be limited in the upper and lower surfaces without leakage at the vertical peripheral edges.
US08876305B2
The rear-view mirror comprises a mirror housing, in which a mirror glass is disposed. It is surrounded by a rim portion, wherein at least a part of the rim portion is configured moveable relative to the mirror housing. Said part can be configured elastically resilient, linked with the mirror housing, or it can be provided detachable. When the mirror housing touches its installed elements during an evasive movement, the corresponding part of the rim portion can move, whereby an additional travel distance for the mirror housing is provided.
US08876293B2
A system measures macular pigment of a macula of a human eye of a subject. The system comprises a light source having a first light and a second light that modulate at variable frequencies, an input device for receiving an input indicating the frequency at which the user perceives the modulation of the first light and a second light, a display device, at least one processor, and one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the system to (i) display, on the display device, test data corresponding to the user's inputs from the input device, (ii) determine whether the test data are valid or invalid through a curve-fitting algorithm, (iii) automatically indicate that the test data are valid or invalid.
US08876290B2
A system and method for determining an objective quality metric for image data collected by a wavefront aberrometer. The method may include quantifying a plurality of characteristics of the image data and calculating the objective quality metric based on the quantified characteristics of the image data. The objective quality metric can be a weighted sum of the quantified characteristics of the image data. The weightings for the weighted sum can be determined based on subjective quality metrics assigned to a set of training image data by a human expert.
US08876287B2
Ophthalmic lenses provide clear visual acuity and present a myopic defocused image to the lens wearer at both near and distant viewing distances. The present lenses are used in methods to reduce ocular accommodative error in lens wearers. Methods of manufacturing the present lenses are described.
US08876283B2
In an embodiment, a hinge for a fluid-filled lens assembly includes a base having a first end configured to connect to a temple arm of the lens assembly and a second end configured to connect to a frame of the lens assembly, wherein the base includes a gap that is shaped to allow for tubing to pass from the first end to the second end of the base. In an embodiment, the first end of the base includes a cammed surface configured to engage a surface of the temple arm. In an embodiment, the first and second ends of the base are configured to flex around a rotation axis of the hinge.
US08876277B2
A printing system includes one or more lineheads disposed opposite a first side of a print media and at least one vacuum assembly having a vacuum manifold disposed opposite a second side of the print media. The linehead or lineheads has one or more print zones where a liquid or ink is deposited onto the first side of the print media. The vacuum manifold is aligned with a non-print zone of each linehead and outputs a vacuum force proximate to the second side of the print media such that at least a portion of the second side of the print media is deflected away from the lineheads. The printing system can also include another component, such as a dryer, disposed over the print media and laterally adjacent to the linehead. Another vacuum manifold can be disposed adjacent to the second side print media between the linehead and the component.
US08876268B2
An ink cartridge includes a bag-shaped ink bag storing ink inside and having a spout through which the ink can be drawn out, a substantially box-shaped case housing the ink bag and having at least a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged to oppose each other, a first leg portion protruding from an outer surface of the first wall portion and being disposed on a first end of the first wall portion positioned in a longitudinal direction and separated from both ends positioned in a first direction of the first wall portion, and a second leg portion protruding from the outer surface of the first wall portion and being disposed in a position separated from the first leg portion on the first end of the first wall portion and separated from the both ends in the first direction.
US08876266B2
An inkjet printer cartridge refilling system is described. The system may include a plurality of fixtures or adapters that are configured to hold inkjet printer cartridges. The adapters allow a variety of different configurations of inkjet printer cartridges to be refilled and cleaned by mating the cartridges to universal stations on the refilling system.
US08876262B2
According to one embodiment, an inkjet head includes actuators configured to pressurize ink. The actuators include piezoelectric elements provided on an insulating layer, first electrodes electrically connected to the piezoelectric elements, and second electrodes connected to the piezoelectric elements and configured to hold the piezoelectric elements in cooperation with the first electrodes. The first electrodes of all the actuators are electrically connected to a common first energization pattern. The second electrodes of all the actuators are individually electrically connected to second energization patterns. The first energization pattern and the second energization patterns are separated from each other without overlapping each other on the insulating layer.
US08876259B2
Provided is a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode, wherein the piezoelectric layer is formed of a complex oxide having a perovskite structure containing bismuth, barium, iron and titanium, binding energy of C—C and C—H states of a peak due to C 1s in an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement is standardized as 284.8 eV, when a peak obtained in a range of a binding energy of 775 eV or more and 785 eV or less is separated using a Gauss function, the binding energy has the peak in 779.0±0.8 eV, and one or more peak having intensity lower than that of the peak is included at the high binding energy side.
US08876255B2
An orifice structure for a fluid ejection device includes a surface, an orifice formed through the surface, a first region of the surface projecting from the orifice, and a second region of the surface surrounding the first region, with the first region having a first surface energy, and the second region having a second surface energy higher than the first surface energy.
US08876237B2
An inkjet recording device includes a recording head, a head driving unit, and a controller. A selector of the head driving unit performs selection for individual nozzles so that when the drive waveform selection data for printing one line at this time sent from a data processing section indicates that the number of times of ink ejection is 0, and drive waveform selection data for printing the next one line indicates that the number of times of ink ejection is 0, drive voltage according to none of one or more drive waveforms for ink ejection or a drive waveform for meniscus oscillation is applied to a piezoelectric element.
US08876226B2
A seal assembly 10,110 for sealing between a first member 12,112 and a second member 14,114 of a joint, the first member 12,112 being able to pivot about an axis 60,160 of the joint relative to the second member 12,112, is disclosed. The seal assembly 10,110 includes an annular seal body 30,130 which has a sufficient axial dimension X,XX to span first and second seal cavities 20,120,22,122 of the first member 12,112 and second member 14,114 of a joint.
US08876210B2
The present invention provides an improved adjustable chair headrest. Specifically, the present invention comprises a double articulating dental chair headrest apparatus which has a one-handed side pushbutton release and locking mechanism. When pressed, the pushbutton temporarily disengages a movable mating plate having splined perforations away from each of two corresponding rotatable splined pin assemblies to unlock each splined pin assembly. The unlocked splined pin assemblies each rotate independently. Each splined pin assembly is also fixedly attached to one of a headrest and a backrest via an attachment plate. The two splined pin assemblies are held in relation to each other, the movable mating plate having splined perforations, and the side pushbutton release and locking mechanism, by a housing component.
US08876209B2
According to the present invention a back for a seating unit is provided. The back comprises a plurality of flexible finger elements. Each of the plurality of flexible finger elements has a distal end. The back further comprises a retainer connecting at least two of the flexible finger elements proximate their distal ends. When a load is applied to a flexible finger element, the retainer distributes at least a portion of the load to at least one adjacent flexible finger element.
US08876203B1
A chair operable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration includes one or more legs, a handle and a locking mechanism. The one or more legs support a seat and the handle extends away from the seat opposite the one or more legs. The locking mechanism includes a lock plug disposed in an elongate trough. Movement of the handle between the extended and collapsed configurations involves depressing the lock plug and flipping the trough to an opposite side of the lock plug.
US08876193B2
An inner wall liner of a wall panel of a refrigerated trailer includes a liner sheet formed of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and a scuff plate formed of FRP. The scuff plate and the liner sheet are fused together such that the scuff plate is coupled to a bottom portion of the liner sheet. The inner liner further includes an upper wall plate formed of FRP. The upper wall plate and the liner sheet are fused together such that the upper wall plate is coupled to an upper portion of the liner sheet.
US08876191B2
An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.
US08876190B2
An air-guiding apparatus has a transversely oriented rear spoiler element that can be moved via hydraulic units into different setting positions with respect to the vehicle. An airflow breakaway edge is provided below the spoiler element and is configured to be set additionally to adjust effects of the spoiler element.
US08876188B1
A seal is installed to a seal supporting surface of a vehicle pillar structure. A door assembly has an inner panel and a window sash section with an attachment area at an intersection between the inner panel and the window sash section. A trim panel has a main body covering at least a portion of an inboard surface of the inner panel and a flange that extends along an upright edge of the main body. The flange has an upper end covering the attachment area and a lower end of the window sash section. The window sash section and the flange define a sealing surface extending from an upper end of the door assembly to a lower end of the door assembly. The seal contacts the sealing surface with the door assembly in the closed position.
US08876187B2
Generally disclosed is a device for simply and inexpensively tarping the payload of any truck bed without placing the tarper, the tarp, or the payload in danger of injury. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed device generally comprises: (1) a rolled or bunched tarp that is installed on a first portable and adjustable riser; (2) a cable and cable crank installed on a second portable and adjustable riser; (3) wherein the cable may be attached to the tarp so that cranking the cable crank will unroll or unbunch the tarp and suspendedly draw the same toward the second riser; and (4) wherein the risers are removable from the truck bed.
US08876182B2
A handling device includes a base plate defining an X-Y plane, a plurality of X rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in an X-direction, a plurality of Y rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction and a drive system supported on the base plate for moving the X rails in the Y-direction and for moving the Y rails in the X-direction, wherein a spacing between the X rails varies as the X rails move, and wherein a spacing between the Y rails varies as the Y rails move, and wherein the spacing between the X-rails is continuously variable with respect to the spacing between the Y rails.
US08876181B1
An object transport device which aids in the lifting, carrying, and transport of objects such as logs. The object transport device generally includes a grasping assembly which includes a handle and a pivotally secured hook adapted to extend around and retain an object such as a log. An optional cant extension is provided which may be removably secured to the grasping assembly to convert the present invention into a conventional cant hook configuration. A lifter adapter is also provided which may be removably secured to the grasping assembly. The lifter adapter may removably receive a T-shaped lifter extension to convert the present invention into a conventional timber jack configuration which aids in lifting and supporting larger or heavier objects.
US08876177B2
According to one embodiment, there is provided a handle system including; a main body mounted to a mounting hole in a board; an operating member supported rotatably on the main body; a lock member locks/unlocks the board with a lock receiver in a vehicle's luggage compartment; and a cover adapted to a back surface of the main body, wherein the main body has a pair of side walls in which a pair of shaft holes are formed, a base portion positioned between the side walls, and a pair of elastic claws provided on the base portion to movably hold the lock member therebetween, wherein the operating member has a pair of projecting shafts which are inserted into the pair of shaft holes, and wherein the cover has opening suppressing portions which suppress an opening movement of the elastic claws.
US08876176B2
A latch assembly includes a chassis, a latch bolt moveably mounted on the chassis and having a closed position for retaining a striker and an open position for releasing the striker, a pawl having an engaged position at which the pawl is engaged with the latch bolt to hold the latch bolt in the closed position and a disengaged position at which the pawl is disengaged from the latch bolt, thereby allowing the latch bolt to move to the open position, an eccentric arrangement defining an eccentric axis and a pawl axis remote from the eccentric axis. The eccentric arrangement is rotatable about the eccentric axis, and the pawl is rotatable about the pawl axis. When the pawl moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the eccentric arrangement rotates in one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction about the eccentric axis. With the pawl in the engaged position, a force applied to the pawl by the latch bolt creates a turning moment on the eccentric arrangement in the one of the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction, and the eccentric arrangement is prevented from rotating in said one of the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction by a moveable abutment.
US08876175B2
A door handle closure system has a positioning washer that holds a door handle in an “open” or “closed” position. The positioning washer is made of a resilient thermoplastic material, providing a positive spring feeling when the door handle reaches the opened or closed positions. The door handle (1) has a longitudinal rib (1.2) received in a cut (2.3) provided in the washer (2). In the open position, the washer (2) has external upsets which are received within two entrances (3.2) located in the fixed bushing (3). In any intermediate position, the external upsets (2.1) are dislocated from the entrances (3.2) of the fixed bushing (3), deforming part of the washer (2), so as to reduce its original diameter, in effect, loading the “spring”. In the closed position, the external upsets (2.1) are received within two entrances (3.2) located opposite thereto in the fixed bushing (3), relieving the spring pressure.
US08876174B2
This disclosure relates to a novel concept regarding the specific latching mechanism to provide a secure and easily releasable device. The latching mechanism is used to attach an accessory such as a luggage rack or the sissy bar to a motorcycle or equivalent.
US08876172B2
An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and hook mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.
US08876170B2
A drive nut for a fitting includes an interior socket centered on a central axis and configured to receive at least a rearward portion of a conduit gripping member. The socket is defined by a radial drive surface positioned to engage the conduit gripping member during pull-up, a first longitudinal surface radially outward of said drive surface and a tapered second longitudinal surface between the drive surface and the first longitudinal surface, wherein a conduit gripping device contacts the second longitudinal surface upon an initial pull-up and each remake. This geometry facilitates a greater number of available remakes by reducing lost stroke, and can provide less stroke loss for fittings pulled up by torque.
US08876163B2
An oil storage tank includes a step member, a first tank part and a second tank part. The step member has a placement face. The first tank part is disposed below the step member to support the step member. The second tank part is coupled to the first tank part and has an upper face a lower face, a first side face, a second side face and a recessed section. The upper face is provided above the placement face. The first side face faces the first tank part and is connected to the upper face and the lower face. The second side face is connected to the upper face, the lower face and the first side face. The recessed section is formed by a sloped face provided to a corner portion at which the upper face, the first side face and the second side face intersect.
US08876150B2
Disclosed is an anti-twist device for a curtain airbag of a vehicle. The anti-twist device allows a worker to immediately recognize the twist of the curtain airbag or automatically releases the twist of the curtain airbag when the curtain airbag is installed in the vehicle, thereby improving stability of the curtain airbag. The anti-twist device is mounted on the curtain airbag including a bracket having an inflator mounted thereon and coupled to a vehicle body, the airbag cushion received in a winding state while communicating with the inflator, and a band surrounding the airbag cushion, and includes a body having a predetermined length and provided in parallel to the airbag cushion, a first fixing part formed at one end of the body and coupled with the bracket or the vehicle body, and a second fixing part formed at an opposite end of the body and coupled with the band.
US08876142B1
An adapter which serves as an anchor point for coupling a trailer to a vehicle. The adapter adapted for mating in the socket of the vehicle. The adapter rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. The adapter including a locking member which, when rotated, moves a ball partially through an aperture, partially extending into the socket thereby locking the adapter within the socket.
US08876130B2
A bucket having a triangular shape wherein three side walls and a floor define a triangular interior volume, the bucket having wheels for facilitating moving the bucket from one location to another location, and there being a storage compartment provided in a sidewall of the bucket for storing signs, such as, for example, wet floor signs.
US08876126B1
A shopping cart is provided with controlled frictional release devices incorporating ramps that prevent a nestable shopping cart from becoming overly engaged with a docking cart.
US08876119B2
A grommet and seal assembly enables a pair of ducts to pass through a sound wall that separates an engine from a cooling system. The disclosed grommet and seal assembly enables the sound wall to flex without breaking the seal between the grommets and the air ducts. The grommet and seal assembly may include a pair of flexible grommets which are installed in openings in the sound wall and through which the air ducts are installed. Rigid proximal and distal plates may then be coupled together so that the flexible grommets are sandwiched between the proximal and distal plates. Each flexible grommet may include dual flanges and all four flanges may be sandwiched between the proximal and distal plates after the proximal and distal plates are coupled together. A center plate may also be included between the flanges and between the proximal and distal plates for additional structural integrity.
US08876118B2
The gasket includes a sealing strip comprising a resilient material, the resilient material comprising a chemically exfoliated vermiculite (CEV) component in a proportion of at least 25% w/w of the sealing strip, the said CEV component being at least partially derived from dry CEV, wherein the sealing strip does not include a carrier strip, made by the process of the application of a wet sealing strip material to a forming sheet to form a layer; partially drying the wet sealing strip layer on the forming sheet; removing the layer from the forming sheet; and (d) cutting the layer into strips suitable for use in the formation of a spirally wound gasket.
US08876100B1
Methods and systems output printed items based on a job of instructions from a printing device; cut the printed items into cut items and output the cut items to a first location based on the job of instructions using a patterning device; and pick the cut items from the first location and place the cut items on a first conveyor based on the job of instructions using a robotic arm. The first conveyor is adjacent the first location. Further, methods and systems transport the cut items to a receiving conveyor based on the job of instructions using the first conveyor. The receiving conveyor is adjacent the first conveyor. Also, methods and systems move the receiving conveyor to position the receiving conveyor to receive specific ones of the cut items in corresponding locations based on the job of instructions.
US08876098B2
A thread stitching machine to process signatures into book blocks includes a transport system for the signatures including a transport section on which the signatures are straddling for supply to a stitching station. The transport section includes an auxiliary saddle and a driven, continuously moving conveying chain to drive the auxiliary saddle. The conveying chain has spaced-apart, integrated pusher elements. A downstream installed stitching station includes a freely moving stitching saddle immediately following the auxiliary saddle. The stitching saddle includes a separate conveying device for the signatures, operated by a drive. A detection device is arranged at a transition between the auxiliary saddle and the stitching saddle to detect a position of the signature and a time which the signature passes by. The conveying chain is operated with a change in speed that depends on different sheet lengths following each other directly in a sequence of signatures.
US08876093B2
A partition member is provided with an elastic body for absorbing hydraulic pressure fluctuation of the primary liquid chamber and a frame member for supporting an outer circumferential portion of the elastic body while aiming to prevent the rotation of the elastic body. A relief aperture communicating between the primary liquid chamber and the secondary liquid chamber is located on the outer circumferential side in the elastic body supporting region of the frame member. A relief valve for opening and closing the relief aperture is integrally formed on the outer circumferential side of the elastic body. The relief valve is formed of a pair of right and left relief valves. A width across flat sections are formed on a thick-walled outer circumferential section of the elastic body which is located between the right and left relief valves, such as to serve as a detent means.
US08876089B2
An aeration system has aerators that remain generally full of air when the supply of pressurized air is turned off or vented. Water does not reach the bubble discharging holes of the aerator, which are kept from plugging. The aerator has a body with a hole through a wall of the body to discharge bubbles. The hole is surrounded by a skirt at the wall of the body. The skirt extends to below the elevation of the hole. The aerator body is connected to a source of pressurized gas through an open bottomed chamber. An opening between the aerator body and the inside of the chamber is located below the elevation of the hole. When the supply of gas is off, water enters the chamber and possibly the skirt. However, the water can only rise until it has reached the skirt and the opening, both of which are below the hole, and the entire aerator body is kept dry. Aerator fouling is reduced, and the aerator begins to produce an even flow of bubbles quickly when the supply of gas returns.
US08876077B2
A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint.
US08876075B2
An apparatus for supporting medical devices, in particular operation theatre lamps, on the ceiling of an operation theatre uses a vertical pillar 8 at which bearing heads 3 are selectively mounted. Cantilevers of different lengths may be secured at one bearing head 3.
US08876069B2
A container mixing stand for securing a container for mixing includes a base plate, a first holding member connected to the base plate and a second holding member movably connected to the base plate and spaced from the first holding member for receiving a container between the first and second holding members. The stand also includes a first pulley assembly having a lever arm movable between a rest position and a tensioning position, and a second pulley assembly coupled with both the second holding member and the first pulley assembly. Movement of the first pulley assembly from the rest position to the tensioning position causes the second pulley assembly to move the second holding member into contact with the container for securing the container in position during mixing.
US08876064B2
An oscillatory vorticity generator device for controlling the flow on an aero- or hydrodynamic surface of an element, the oscillatory vorticity generator device comprising: two main walls, positioned opposite to each other, forming a first pair of walls and two other walls, the four walls each having proximal and distal ends, the distal ends connected to an aero- or hydrodynamic surface; a connection connecting the walls at their proximal ends; and an opening in the aero- or hydrodynamic surface, the opening being substantially contiguous with the two main walls and the two other walls.
US08876062B1
Latching or locking deployment hinges are provided that include a shape-memory alloy (SMA) pre-load device configured to induce a pre-load across a contact interface of the latching hinge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hinge pivot axis when the latching hinge is in a closed condition. The hinges may be sprung or actuated using a powered drive mechanism. Some implementations may feature a sprung latch/hook that is tensioned using the SMA pre-load device. Some other implementations may feature a multi-bar linkage that is tensioned using the SMA pre-load device.
US08876059B2
Vehicles with bidirectional control surfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a rocket can include a plurality of bidirectional control surfaces positioned toward an aft portion of the rocket. In this embodiment, the bidirectional control surfaces can be operable to control the orientation and/or flight path of the rocket during both ascent, in a nose-first orientation, and descent, in a tail-first orientation for, e.g., a tail-down landing.
US08876058B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to hoisting methods for vehicles, such as UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters (“Black Hawks”). An external hoist arm system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be temporarily mounted to the outside of a vehicle. The hoist arm system is further configured to support a hoist and position the hoist above an external door of the vehicle. A rotatable adjustment member is used to adjust an angular position of the hoist relative to the vehicle.
US08876050B2
A method and apparatus for a hierarchical access system for a compartment. The hierarchical access system comprises a moveable barrier, a locking mechanism, and a control unit. The moveable barrier is capable of preventing access to at least one of a first space and a second space in the compartment in the lavatory when the moveable barrier is in a closed position. The locking mechanism is capable of securing the moveable barrier in the closed position. The control unit is capable of unlocking the locking mechanism in a manner that provides different levels of access to the first space and the second space in the compartment in response to receiving an access request.
US08876047B2
A harpoon head (6) for a system for anchoring an aircraft on a grating (4) is characterized in that a distal end of the harpoon head has an interchangeable insert (20).
US08876043B2
The aircraft exhaust engine nozzle system includes a fan nozzle to receive a fan flow from a fan disposed adjacent to an engine disposed above an airframe surface of the aircraft, a core nozzle disposed within the fan nozzle and receiving an engine core flow, and a pylon structure connected to the core nozzle and structurally attached with the airframe surface to secure the engine to the aircraft.
US08876041B2
The invention relates to a nacelle for a turbojet engine that includes an air intake structure capable of directing an air flow towards a fan of the turbojet engine, and a middle structure for surrounding said fan and to which is attached the air intake structure in order to provide aerodynamic continuity, wherein the air intake structure includes at least one inner panel attached to the middle structure and defining, with the latter, a nacelle fixed structure and at least one outer longitudinal panel removably attached to the fixed structure and including an air intake lip in order to define a removable air intake structure, wherein the removable air intake structure is provided with a locking device including at least one electric lock capable of interaction with a complementary retention structure.
US08876039B2
A folding wing for an aircraft comprises first and second inboard wing sections, and first and second outboard wing sections. The first and second inboard wing sections rotate about a centerline hinge, and a centerline spring applies force to the first and second inboard wing sections to rotate the first and second inboard wing sections from a stowed position to a deployed position. At least one of the first and second inboard wing sections translates along the axis of rotation of the first and second inboard wing sections as they move from the stowed to the deployed positions. The first and second outboard wing sections rotate between the stowed and the deployed positions about first and second outboard hinges.
US08876037B2
There is provided a counter-torque control assembly for mounting to a tail boom of a rotorcraft where the rotorcraft has a single main rotor, no tail rotor, and no tail fin. The assembly has an air intake chamber with at least a first opening for receiving an air flow stream and a vane assembly housed within the air intake chamber. The vane assembly has at least two vane elements capable of counter-rotation in the air flow stream. The assembly further has one or more microjet propulsion devices coupled to a second end of the air intake chamber. The one or more microjet propulsion devices draw the air flow stream over the vane elements to generate a counter-torque force to counter a torque from the single main rotor.
US08876028B2
A method for operating an agitator ball mill with a cylindrical grinding container is disclosed. The grinding container includes at least one grinding stock inlet and at least one grinding stock outlet. An agitator shaft connected to a drive is disposed in the grinding container. The agitator shaft transmits a part of the drive energy of the drive to the auxiliary grinding bodies. The auxiliary grinding bodies are distributed loosely in the grinding container. Furthermore, the agitator ball mill includes a separation device assigned to the grinding stock outlet, wherein the separation device is disposed around a rotational axis and/or rotates around this rotational axis. The separation device includes at least two components, whereof one component is at least one separation device and a second component is a dynamic element for generating a material flow.
US08876022B2
The present invention relates to a droplet discharge apparatus that includes a nozzle for discharging a droplet from a tip thereof, and a discharge unit for injecting a gas toward the tip of the nozzle.
US08876020B2
A sprayable hydrogel wound dressing composed of an aqueous solution of neutralized Carbopol and silver hydrosol of silver nanoparticles electrolytically formed from silver metal without the use or inclusion of organic materials. The hydrogel is sprayed with a physical barrier sprayer system which separates the hydrogel from the propellant. The hydrogel is thixotropic/shear thinning so that the viscosity of the hydrogel is sufficient reduced in the sprayer to allow spray formation and regains sufficient viscosity to resist running when deposited on a vertical surface.
US08876016B2
A water dispenser of a drinking fountain includes a water dispenser, an inner block and a control valve. The water dispenser has a receiving space to receive the plastic inner block made. A water channel and water inlet are recessedly formed on both ends of the inner block, wherein the water channel is corresponding to the water outlet of the water dispenser, and two engaging holes are spacedly formed on one side of the water channel and water inlet. The engaging holes are corresponding to connecting holes of the water dispenser. The major tubing inside the water dispenser is composed of a plastic inner block, the contact area between the water flow and the metal surface of the water dispenser is reduced so as to avoid accumulation of harmful heavy metal in the water when the water is flowing or stored, to achieve the goal of providing safe drinking water.
US08876009B2
A tamper sensitive RFID tag includes a housing defining a channel that is configured to receive a portion of an object associated with the RFID tag. Included with the tamper sensitive RFID tag is a tamper sensitive RFID label that is adhesively secured to a first portion of the housing, and a second securement means for securing the RFID label to a second portion of the housing in a position between the first and second portions.
US08876002B2
A system and device facilitate the storage and tracking of warehoused voting machines. A system includes a host computer, a plurality of voting machines that are connected via a network to the host computer, each voting machine having one or both of a wireless communication device and a data port that is coupled to the host computer. The system also includes an election and voting machine preparation portion included in the host computer to manage and/or control the connected voting machines. The election and voting machine preparation portion is configured to manage the status of the connected voting machines, is configured to instruct the voting machines to run self tests, is configured to receive results of the self tests back from the connected voting machines, and is configured to prepare/program the connected voting machines with an election ballot.
US08876001B2
Systems and techniques for automated checkout verification. Product identification information is received and used as an index to retrieve a set of images associated with the identified product. The images may provide multiple views of the product. As the product is presented for purchase, an image of the product is captured and compared with the set of retrieved images. If it is determined that the captured image does not match the set of retrieved images, a security alert is issued.
US08875999B2
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Gift cards may be inputted by a user into such a payment card or other device such that a user can combine gift cards. Similarly, a user be provided with a global payment account that can be utilized in multiple countries that have different standards for formatting data. A user may be provided with a default country (e.g., United States) but may have a way to select that the user is in a different country (e.g., Japan). Accordingly, a user may select that a Japanese data structure be transmitted through a magnetic stripe reader when the user is in Japan.
US08875998B2
A debit card with automatic savings is disclosed. The card allows a user, such as the holder of the debit card, to automatically save a specified amount of money each time a transaction is conducted with the debit card, or according to another desired condition, such as once per week. When the card is used for a transaction, the specified amount of money is deducted from the available balance of the card and is added to one or more savings accounts maintained on the card. The debit card includes at least a microprocessor or microcontroller and sufficient memory for storing balances on the card, including the balance available for spending and a total for each savings account. The user may change the amounts desired for savings and may transfer the amount “saved” to the available balance when the user wishes to redeem the savings for desired goods or services.
US08875995B2
A virtual cash system, method, and apparatus has an account record containing a record of money amounts associated with a wireless device and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting to the wireless device predetermined information from the account record. Cash amounts can be spent from the account record directly from the wireless device via information derived from the wireless device via a bar code on the display, a short range radio signal, a light beam, or the like. A different security code is generated for each account transaction for verification.
US08875988B2
An image forming apparatus including a printing-data-receiving unit configured to receive a printing-data-item including a user identification information item and a password, and to save the printing-data-item in a storage device; a user-authentication unit configured to receive input information specifying a user identification information item of a user, and to authenticate the user based on a managing unit that manages association information associating user identification information items with passwords; a list-display unit configured to cause a display device to display a list of printing-data-items each including the same user identification information item as that of the user; and a printing-control unit configured to execute a printing job of a printing-data-item selected from the list, wherein in the event that there is a printing-data-item that cannot be printed, the printing-control unit does not cancel a printing job of another printing-data-item that can be printed.
US08875986B2
A double-walled insulated cup of paper material having an outer sleeve and an inner cup with a truncated conical wall and a bottom wall interconnected by a peripheral edge frame. The inner cup has a top shoulder and a bottom shoulder and the outside diameter of the inner cup at the level of the top shoulder increases toward the top edge of the inner cup. The outer sleeve lies against the inner cup in the region of the top shoulder thereof and extends to the bottom edge of the peripheral edge frame. The outside diameter of the outer sleeve at the level of the bottom edge of the peripheral edge frame is smaller than the inside diameter of the inner cup just above the bottom shoulder and is greater than the inside diameter of the inner cup just below the bottom shoulder.
US08875981B2
A cartridge microreactor includes a tubular heater, a metal capillary reaction tubing and a brazing alloy. The tubular heater includes an inner tube surrounded by an outer heater sheath. The metal capillary reaction tubing has a high aspect ratio, an inlet port and an outlet port and is wrapped around the tubular heater so that it is in intimate thermal contact with the heater sheath. The brazing alloy permanently bonds the tubular heater with the metal capillary reaction tubing. The metal capillary reaction tubing is configured to be heated by the tubular heater and is configured to receive one or more reactants through the inlet port and to allow the reactants to react under a selected temperature and pressure and to produce one or more products exiting through the outlet port.
US08875979B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for determining an alignment of a bondhead of a die bonder relative to a workchuck. Specifically, the apparatus comprises: i) a sensor configured to measure a distance between the bondhead and the sensor; and ii) a positioning device coupled to the sensor, the positioning device being configured to position the sensor relative to a plurality of locations on the bondhead facing the sensor. In particular, the sensor is operative to measure a set of distances between each of the plurality of locations on the bondhead and the sensor, the set of distances being for determining the alignment of the bondhead. A method of determining an alignment of a bondhead of a die bonder relative to a workchuck is also disclosed.
US08875968B2
A multi-use dispenser for roll mourned bags includes a planar base with at least one mounting feature and a bag roll support. The support is attached to the base and is spaced upwardly there from. First and second core guides, spaced apart by at least a width of a bag roll, extend upwardly adjacent first and second ends of the bag roll support. A pair of primary bag roll retainers includes a first side guard and a second side guard mounted orthogonally to the first and second core guides, orthogonally to a long axis of the bag roll support, and spaced apart by at least the width of the bag roll. The side guards have angled brackets at their outer ends. The side guards constrain ejection of a bag roll. At least one snagging device is mounted to engage a central portion of a bag attached to the bag roll.
US08875963B2
A holder for transporting one or more fishing rods having first and second parallel rod supports, spaced notches in the top of the first rod support, corresponding spaced openings in the second rod support, a pair of similarly sized clamping bars each pivotally affixed at one end to opposite ends of the first rod support, compression material covering the notches in the first support, a constant support mechanism connecting each clamping bar to the first rod support, and a latch releasably securing the clamping bars to the first rod support. Fishing poles are positioned with the tips in the openings of the second rod support and the handles in corresponding notches in the first rod support, with the clamping bar maintained in an open position at any angle by the constant support mechanism. The clamping bar is closed with the compression material compressing around and securing the handle within the notch, and secured closed with the latch.
US08875962B2
Method and arrangement for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box is provided and which has a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. The bottom portion is adapted to be mounted to a carrying vehicle and the lid portion is manufactured from a semi-flexible material sufficiently pliable to permit two opposite end regions thereof to be at different relative distances from the bottom portion of the cargo box during transition between the open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts are also provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion of the cargo box, and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box. An expansively directed force is imposed on the lid portion, utilizing the pair of spring-biased struts, across a substantial entirety of travel of the lid portion during operator induced movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration and thereby assisting the operator to smoothly open the cargo box.
US08875960B2
A method of automatically pouring molten metal from a ladle into a mold by tilting the ladle. In the method, the height of molten metal located above a molten metal outlet and the weight of molten metal flowing out of the ladle are estimated using an expanded Kalman filter on the basis of: the weight of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle, said weight being measured using a load cell; the voltage inputted to a servo motor; the angle of tilt of the ladle measured by a rotary encoder; and the position of the ladle in the lifting and lowering direction thereof. The sum of the weight of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle when the ladle is tilted rearward, said weight being estimated from the angle of tilt of the ladle and the height of the molten metal located above the molten metal outlet estimated by the expanded Kalman filter, and the weight of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle estimated by the expanded Kalman filter are estimated as the final weight of outflowing molten metal. The estimated final weight of outflowing molten metal is determined whether or not to be greater than or equal to a specific weight of outflow, and the operation of rearward tilting of the ladle is started on the basis of the result of the determination.
US08875957B2
A sealing cap is formed of a bottom portion having a first chamber, a first axial opening, and a second axial opening, a cap portion having an opening end, a positionable end, and a second chamber, and a bendable portion integrally extending to an end edge of the opening end from an end edge of the first axial opening close to the cap portion and having a guide groove communicating with the first and second chambers. Besides, the bendable portion can be bended to make the cap portion be positioned to the bottom portion. When the sealing cap is sleeved onto an opening of a container having a flexible elongated tube, the bendable portion can be bended to force the flexible elongated tube for bending and to make the cap portion be positioned to the bottom portion, thus leading to preferable sealing effect.
US08875956B2
A creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet having a handle coupled with a plunger communicating with the transportation tube. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows smoothly from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.
US08875955B2
A dispenser having an inner barrel, outer shell, screw member, platform and control member; the outer shell, screw member and control member having configurations that provides for particular engagement features in the assembled dispenser, including features that compensate for dimensional variation.
US08875952B2
Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture.
US08875951B2
An aerosol cap adapted to mate with a canister includes an outer hollow shell and an inner hollow shell that is partially enclosed by the outer shell and centrally disposed therein. The outer hollow shell includes at least one rib element. The inner and outer shells are physically interconnected together by the at least one rib element. The inner hollow shell includes a base ring member hingedly connected to a pod member. The pod member includes a button support for receiving a button actuator of the canister. The pod member further includes a cam profile for cooperating with the at least one rib element to transition the aerosol cap between an operative position and a non-operative position upon rotating the outer hollow shell relative to the inner hollow shell.
US08875949B2
A beverage dispenser that uses a slurry ice heat transfer approach to achieve a lower cost solution for controlling the temperature of a beverage to be dispensed. A cost effective heat transfer approach can be achieved by replacing the cold plate or refrigeration system of prior art beverage dispensers with a slurry ice bath. The invention provides a hopper into which a slurry ice bath is created. The hopper has an access door for receiving ice and an interior valve for dispensing either carbonated water or still water to form a slurry ice bath. Coils containing a beverage to be dispensed are submersed in the slurry ice bath. The slurry ice causes heat to transfer from the coils, thereby maintaining the coils at a certain temperature.
US08875943B2
A dispenser assembly 1 including a dispenser 2 for hygienic articles and a mounting bracket 16 for releasably attaching the dispenser 2 to a wall. The dispenser 2 includes a container 4 provided with a dispensing aperture 6 for the hygienic articles and a first side portion adapted to be positioned adjacent the mounting bracket 16. Further the dispenser assembly includes a connecting arrangement for connecting the dispenser 2 to the mounting bracket 16. The connecting arrangement includes a locking interconnection 28 for securely holding the first side portion of the container 4 against the mounting bracket 16 and a guiding interconnection 42 for initially positioning the dispenser 2 in relation to the mounting bracket 16 during mounting of the dispenser 2 to the mounting bracket 16. The guiding interconnection 42 provides engagement between the dispenser 2 and the mounting bracket 16 such that the dispenser 2 is prevented from being separated from the mounting bracket 16 in a direction at least perpendicularly outwards from the wall.
US08875936B2
An end for a beverage can is described. The end has a product side, an opposing public side, a center panel, an annular countersink, a circumferential wall, and a curl. The center panel has a means for opening the end. The annular countersink extends circumferentially about the center panel. The circumferential wall extends upwardly from the countersink and has an angled portion extending radially inwardly toward the center panel. The curl is located radially outward relative to the center panel and defines an outer perimeter of the end.
US08875933B2
A drainable container system for a vehicle includes a container having an exterior surface and defining an interior cavity configured for storing a fluid, and a drain hole configured for draining the fluid from the cavity. The hole has a central longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the surface. The system includes a drain plug, wherein the plug is insertable into the hole along the axis into a locked position so that the fluid does not drain, and removable from the hole along the axis when disposed in an unlocked position so that the fluid drains. The system includes a locking element configured for preventing rotation of the plug within the hole about the axis when the plug is disposed in the locked position, wherein the element is formed from a metal that is substantially elastic at a temperature of from about −40° C. to about 10° C.
US08875926B2
Container for beverages, liquids and other fluid substances which includes a plurality of sealed chambers, sealed openings in coplanar walls of the chambers, a stationary cover plate with openings in registration with the sealed openings, an opener movably mounted on the cover plate for selective engagement with seals for the openings in the walls, and a selector plate operatively connected to the opener with an opening in the selector plate that can be moved into and out of registration with the openings in the chamber walls and cover plate.
US08875921B2
A container made of thermoplastic material, including a body that extends between a neck and a base that is able to withstand, without significantly deforming, a hydrostatic pressure caused by the column of a liquid contained in the container, the column of liquid being increased by a pressure not exceeding 2×105 Pa. The base includes main ribs in the form of grooves that are open towards the outside and extend approximately radially, passing through an annular zone that forms an approximately flat seat by way of which the base can rest in a stable manner on a flat support. The main ribs extend upwards on a wall connecting the base to the body of the container. The container has a shoulder that forms a joining zone between the connecting wall and the body of the container, and the main ribs extend upwards beyond the shoulder.
US08875918B2
The present invention is directed to a packaging (1) comprising a container (2) with a container body (5), and a container opening (6) having an upper edge (7), and a closure (4) for closing said container, the container (2) and the closure (4) being made out of polyethylene terephtalate (PET), polyethylene naphtalate (PEN), or a combination thereof, said container and said closure comprising respectively first (8) and second (9) attachment means, characterized in that: (i) the attachment means (8, 9) are adapted in shape and size to cooperate with each other, and (ii) at least the second attachment means (8) is made of PET or PEN and adapted in shape and size to deform permanently by punching or rolling to link both attachment means, and create a permanent, preferably fluid-tight, arrangement between said container (2) and said closure (4).
US08875917B2
The present invention pertains to a closure cap for a container, the closure cap including a top part connectable to a container body via a hinge, the top part being pivotable about the hinge. The top part further includes a sealing skirt to sealingly engage with an opening of the container body, and the top part includes a desiccant chamber for accommodating a desiccant. A spring element for pre-tensioning products received in the container body, the spring element extending from the top part in a single loop, is also an element of the container.
US08875911B2
Systems and methods for rig assembly and for erecting a mast of a rig and such systems with roller apparatus to facilitate movement of a mast section from a mover. In a first embodiment, the method includes erecting a rig mast section on a substructure, the substructure including a first substructure box spaced-apart from a second substructure box, the first substructure box comprising a first upper box above a first lower box and the second substructure box comprising a second upper box above a second lower box.
US08875910B2
An assembly kit for building a rack includes a plurality of longitudinal members to be arranged vertically, a plurality of cross members to be arranged horizontally, a plurality of node elements that connect the longitudinal members and cross members to each other, and a plurality of rails that accommodate rack bottoms, drawers, and the like. The longitudinal members are provided with holes used to hook in the rails on first lateral surfaces of the longitudinal members facing each other, wherein the holes are T-shaped and include breakouts adjacent to the first lateral surfaces. The rails are longer than the open distance of a front longitudinal member from a rear longitudinal member by the depth of the breakouts and are provided with U-shaped folded edges. The width of the vertically extending section of the T-shaped hole corresponds to the length of the free leg of the U-shaped folded edge.
US08875884B1
A hand tool rack includes a first body and a second body. The first body has two rectangular extensions and a connection member which is located between the two extensions. Each extension has a first connection portion. The connection member has a second connection portion. Multiple first positioning portions are located between the two first connection portions. The second body has two first holes defined through two first portions on two ends thereof. The second body has a second hole defied through a second portion at the middle portion thereof. When the first connection portions extend through the first holes, the first connection portions contact respective tops of the first portions. The second connection portion extends through the second hole and contacts the second portion. The first positioning portions are connected with the second positioning portions of the second body.
US08875883B2
A tool holder is described. The tool holder can include a main panel and a plurality of sleeves extending from a front side of the main panel. The plurality of sleeves can include a first sleeve component forming peaks and valleys, a second sleeve component coupled to the first sleeve component, and a third sleeve component forming a plurality of outer peaks and outer valleys coupled to the second sleeve component. At least one primary opening can be formed between the main panel and the first sleeve component between adjacent valleys. At least one secondary opening can be formed between the second sleeve component and the first sleeve component between adjacent peaks. At least one tertiary opening can be formed between the second sleeve component and the third sleeve component between adjacent outer valleys. A tool can be received through each opening and stored in the tool holder.
US08875875B2
A stackable package for bedding includes a flexible outer container having an upper end and a lower end, a bottom panel extending along the lower end of the flexible container and side panels extending upwardly from the bottom panel toward the upper end of the flexible container for defining an open end of the flexible outer container. The stackable package includes an insert disposed inside the flexible outer container for reinforcing the bottom and side panels of the flexible outer container, and bedding disposed inside the insert. The side panels of the flexible outer container have upper ends that are joined together for hermetically sealing the bedding inside the flexible outer container.
US08875874B2
A mixing container including an outer vessel, one or more inner vessels, and a lid. The outer vessel has a bottom, an open mouth and a peripheral sidewall between the open mouth and the bottom. The one or more inner vessels each have an end, an open mouth and a peripheral sidewall between the end and the open mouth. The lid is configured to be removably coupled to the open mouth of the outer vessel and the lid is characterized as having an outer surface and an inner surface coupled to the ends of the one or more inner vessels. A seal is formed between the open mouth of each one of the one or more inner vessels and the bottom of the outer vessel when the lid is coupled to the open mouth of the outer vessel.
US08875872B2
A display package includes a wrap portion, and first and second stand portions. The wrap portion defines a front panel, a rear panel opposite the front panel, and a bottom panel extending between the front and rear panels. The front, rear, and bottom panels form a cavity therebetween for receiving an article for display. The first and second stand portions each extend from the rear panel opposite one another. At least a portion of the first stand portion and a portion of the second stand portion are placed directly adjacent and are coupled to one another to collectively form a two-ply fin capable of being folded flat over the rear panel or folded out to extend away from the rear panel to act as a stand for supporting the display package with a substantially upright position on a support surface.
US08875871B2
A belt conveyor, a collecting hopper and a screw conveyor are sequentially disposed below a chute for feeding hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets from a pelletizing portion. Even when the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets fed onto the belt conveyor are dropped off or scattered, the hydrogenated petroleum resin pellets can be collected by the collecting hopper that is located below and can be securely transferred to an outside by the screw conveyor.
US08875862B2
A ratchet hub using a magnetic force for restoration as disclosed has a freewheel unit and a ratchet ring thereof forming a unidirectional ratchet mechanism and a magnetic assembly using a magnetically repulsive force to normally make the freewheel unit and ratchet ring engage mutually and allow force transmission therebetween. Once a force disengaging the freewheel unit from the ratchet ring surpasses the magnetically repulsive force, the ratchet ring is pushed away from the freewheel unit. When the force disengaging the freewheel unit from the ratchet ring disappears, the magnetically repulsive force automatically and promptly returns the ratchet ring to engage with the freewheel unit again.
US08875861B2
A liquid friction clutch (1) having a housing (2, 3), a clutch disc (4) rotatable relative to the housing (2, 3) and which is rotatably arranged on an end (5) of a shaft (6) which is mounted centrally within the housing (2, 3), which shaft (6) bears on its other end (8) a driveable active element (7). A working chamber (9) is positioned between the housing (2, 3) and the clutch disk (4). A storage chamber (10) is provided for the clutch fluid. A supply duct (11) leads from the storage chamber (10) to the working chamber (9). A stationary clutch part (13) relative to which the housing (2, 3) is rotatable, wherein a rotatably mounted pump element (14) is provided which, with the housing (2, 3), defines a shear gap (12).
US08875860B2
A torque limiter includes a shaft member, and a cylindrical member which is fitted rotatably on the shaft member. When the cylindrical member is rotated relative to the shaft member in such a state that the cap member is not screwed in the threaded hole and in such a state that the oil release passage is not opened to the outside, the other end portion of the oil release passage circumferentially moves within the circumferentially extended groove while being spaced apart from the circumferentially extended groove.
US08875853B2
A hydraulic brake device includes a main body, a brake lever, a hydraulic rod, a connecting rod, a sleeve member and an elastic member. The elastic member has an assembling portion, a driving portion and a deformation portion. When a user actuates the brake lever suddenly and forcefully, the driving portion of the elastic member moves toward the hydraulic room; a pressure of hydraulic oil pushes the driving portion so as to indirectly force the deformation portion to deform and bend, so that the deformation portion and the driving portion slightly move toward the assembling portion; thereby, a volume of hydraulic oil is smoothly pushed into a brake caliper through a hydraulic pipeline, such that the user brakes a bicycle stably, smoothly and safely.
US08875844B2
A lifting device has a lifting track mounted on a wall and a carriage with a lift frame movable along the track. A dolly with wheels at opposing ends is arranged to support various cargo thereon including personal vehicles such as motorcycles or snowmobiles or other comparably sized objects. The lift frame of the carriage has lift forks arranged to be received a wheel track of the dolly which receives wheels of a personal vehicle thereon. Guide flanges alongside the lifting track are engaged by upper and lower guide followers to prevent binding of the lift frame along the lifting track. The dolly includes longitudinal rails mountable at different lateral distances to accommodate different vehicle wheel configurations.
US08875843B2
A robot milk bar as a modular technology which can be either operated as a stand-alone system installed in a modified sea freight containers and/or can be partly or totally installed and operated in any convenient shopping mall and/or shopping centers. The robot milk bar contains a milk processing line wherein the basic original milk products are made, while the distribution is ensured by an embedded robot filling, packing and vending line, in which an industrial robot prepares and distributes final milk products. The milk products are either distributed directly to consumers in own retail store/restaurant, or redistributed to retail outlets. The robot milk bar is unique in having its own retail store/restaurant where consumers can buy and consume milk and milk products via a user-friendly automatic ordering system and served by a robot.
US08875840B2
A collapsible stool with foldable legs as well as a foldable seat is disclosed herein. The stool collapses to greatly reduce its size thereby enabling it to fit within many common carrying articles, such as purses. The legs and support members fold flat against the seat of the stool, which itself is in two pieces and folds in half.
US08875833B2
A utility vehicle 1 prevents a size increase of a transmission while ensuring a predetermined inter-shaft distance between an output shaft and a rear axle. The utility vehicle 1 is capable of switching a two wheel drive mode for transmitting drive force to rear wheels 3 and a four wheel drive mode for transmitting the drive force to front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3, a transmission 9 includes an input shaft 92 to which the drive force from an engine 8 is inputted, a front wheel drive output shaft 94 for transmitting the drive force of the input shaft 92 to the front wheels 2, and a rear axle 96 for transmitting the drive force of the input shaft 92 to the rear wheels 3. A rear wheel drive output shaft 95 is provided in a motive power transmission route between the front wheel drive output shaft 94 and the rear axle 96.
US08875832B2
A straddle-type vehicle having an air cleaner disposed in front of a down tube that funnels running wind to a funneled wind target member like an engine that is disposed beneath the air cleaner. The air cleaner has an air cleaner cap that faces a front fender. Side end sections of the air cleaner cap protrude further toward the front of the motorcycle than a central section of the air cleaner cap.
US08875822B2
An apparatus and method for producing air flow in a vehicle that uses a cooling fan for an engine of the vehicle. The cooling fan has plurality of blades, which define an outer perimeter of the fan. The apparatus also includes a housing surrounding at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fan and a plurality of vanes between the housing and the fan. The vanes are revolved around the outer perimeter of the fan to direct air into the housing.
US08875820B2
A hybrid construction machine includes: an electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit; an engine cooling circuit including a first coolant and switchable between a state the first coolant after cooling the engine is introduced into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit and a state stopping introduction of the first coolant into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit; an equipment cooling circuit that cools, with a second coolant, equipment needing cooling, and switchable between a state the second coolant is introduced into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit and a state stopping introduction of the second coolant into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit; and a controller controlling the engine cooling circuit, the equipment cooling circuit, and a lead-out switching valve such that the first coolant or second coolant selectively flows, according to whether the electric storage device needs to be warmed or cooled.
US08875807B2
Exemplary methods, systems and components disclosed herein provide propagation of light signals from an external source to a borehole mining mole which includes an optical/electric transducer configured to provide propulsive power for the borehole mining mole and its associated mineral prospecting tools. Some embodiments include one or more umbilicals connected from a remote source location to an onboard reel incorporated with the borehole mining mole. The umbilicals are spooled outwardly or inwardly from the onboard reel during traverse of the borehole mining mole along a path in an earthen environment.
US08875806B2
A method of drilling a subterranean well from a surface location. The method comprises estimating a target formation depth, estimating a target formation dip angle and calculating a target line that creates a top and bottom of the target formation that forms a first projection window. The method further includes drilling within the first projection window, transmitting information from the subterranean well and projecting a target deviation window. The method may further comprise ceasing the drilling of the well and performing a well survey so that well survey information is generated. The method may then include estimating a formation dip angle with the well survey information and rig surface equipment monitoring data, calculating a target line that creates a revised top and bottom of the target formation that forms a second projection window, and drilling within the second projection window.
US08875803B2
The present invention relates to a method for tightening a bolt connection through elongation of the bolt where strokes of a power element, especially a hydraulic cylinder, are converted into a rotational movement of a tightening tool. The method according to an embodiment of the present invention is carried out in at least two steps. As a first step, the bolt is first tightened to a predetermined snug torque. As a second step, the bolt is then tightened up through a predetermined number of complete strokes of the power element of the power wrench. In this way, a torque method is combined with a rotational angle method that is controlled by the number of strokes.
US08875797B2
A method for flow control and a self-adjusting valve or flow control device, in particular useful in a production pipe for producing oil and/or gas from a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, which production pipe includes a lower drainage pipe preferably being divided into at least two sections each including one or more inflow control devices which communicates the geological production formation with the flow space of the drainage pipe. The fluid flows through an inlet and further through a flow path of the control device passing by a movable disc or movable device which is designed to move relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and stagnation pressure created over the disc, whereby the control device, depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, automatically adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design.
US08875796B2
A method can include interconnecting a well tool in a well tool assembly with a shock mitigating connection, the interconnecting being performed without threading, and positioning the well tool assembly in a wellbore. A well perforating assembly can include at least two perforating devices, a detonation train extending through the perforating devices, and a shock absorber positioned between the perforating devices. A method of assembling a perforating assembly can include, prior to installing the perforating assembly in a wellbore, pushing one perforating device connector into another perforating device connector without threading the connectors together, thereby: a) preventing disconnection of the connectors and b) making a connection in a detonation train. A well system can include a perforating assembly including multiple perforating guns and multiple shock absorbers. Each shock absorber may be interconnected between at least two of the perforating guns.
US08875795B2
Method and subsea sensors display system configured to display data about a blowout preventer (BOP) stack. The subsea sensors display system includes a display panel having plural universal subsea displays, each universal subsea display being configured to display a value measured by a sensor attached to the BOP stack; and a J-box electrically connected to the display panel and configured to provide electrical power to the display panel and to receive data from the display panel. The electrical power is provided from a pod provided on the BOP stack or from a battery when the pod is not available or from a remote operated vehicle (ROV) when connected to the display panel.
US08875789B2
An in situ method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation may include heating an organic-rich rock formation, for example an oil shale formation, in situ to pyrolyze formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to form a production fluid containing hydrocarbon fluids. The method may include separating the production fluid into at least a gas stream and a liquid stream, where the gas stream is a low BTU gas stream. The low BTU gas stream is then fed to a gas turbine where it is combusted and is used to generate electricity.
US08875784B2
A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe.
US08875783B2
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for expanding an expandable tubular assembly in a borehole. In one aspect, a system for expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided. The system includes a running tool configured to position the tubular in the borehole. The running tool including a first expander configured to activate the anchor portion by expanding the tubular to a first diameter. The system further includes a second expander configured to expand the tubular to a second larger diameter, wherein the second expander is movable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In another aspect, a method of expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided.
US08875779B2
A heat dissipation element with mounting structure includes a main body and a plurality of mounting elements. The main body includes a first side and a second side, between which a chamber is defined; a plurality of supports located in the chamber and respectively connected at two opposite ends to the first side and the second side of the main body; a working fluid filled in the chamber; and at least one wick structure layer internally attached to the chamber. The mounting elements respectively define an axial bore and have an end extended through the first side of the main body into the supports to thereby connect to the main body. With these arrangements, the heat dissipation element with the mounting elements connected thereto can tightly contact with a heat-generating element and maintain the chamber in the main body in an airtight state without leakage.
US08875776B2
A method for producing a metal ingot using a mold which includes a mold cavity defined by an ingot mold, a core and a bottom arranged inside a vacuum-cast enclosure including a portion for introducing molten metal at the upper portion thereof. A portion for receiving and distributing molten metal, which is suitable for receiving the molten steel introduced into the vacuum-cast enclosure and for redistributing the molten metal in the mold cavity, is arranged at the upper portion of the mold cavity. The molten metal is introduced into the enclosure to form a first jet of molten steel under a vacuum, to pour the molten metal over the portion and to form at least one second jet of molten steel under a vacuum, which originates with the portion and terminates in the mold cavity to fill the mold cavity with molten metal.
US08875769B2
An apparatus for an adhesive tape dispenser/applicator is disclosed. The adhesive tape dispenser/applicator includes an ergonomically shaped housing and tape applicator/cutter assembly that permits one-handed dispensing of pressure sensitive adhesive tape from a roll while simultaneously applying the tape to a substrate. The adhesive tape dispenser/applicator allows all operations to be performed single-handedly, and without the user ever having to directly touch the tape. In addition, there is no need to pre-measure or estimate the length of tape needed as the desired length of tape is dispensed as it is being applied to the substrate.
US08875759B2
A heavy duty tire comprises a tread portion provided with four or five circumferential grooves so as to axially divide the tread portion into five or six rib portions. The five or six rib portions are a pair of shoulder rib portions each provided with shoulder lateral groove, and three or four crown rib portions each provided with crown lateral grooves. The crown lateral grooves extend across the entire width of the crown rib portion. The shoulder lateral grooves extend axially outwardly from an axially inner edge of the shoulder rib portion so as to terminate at an axial distance of from 78 to 88% of the axial width of the shoulder rib portion from the above-mentioned axially inner edge. The depth of the circumferential grooves is 15 to 20 mm. The depth of the crown lateral grooves is 9 to 30% of the depth of the circumferential grooves. The depth of the shoulder lateral grooves is 9 to 25% of the depth of the circumferential grooves. The tread width TW is in a range of 0.78 to 0.87 times the cross sectional width SW of the tire.
US08875753B2
A layering device for producing a layered drink in a drinking container may include a hollow cup with an open top. A circumferential sealing rib may be formed on an exterior surface of a wall of the cup. An opening through the wall may be positioned axially between the rib and the open top of the cup. An outer diameter of the rib may engage with an interior surface of the drinking container.
US08875751B1
A storage and dispensing container includes: a housing having a bottom plate with a feed opening defined therein, and a generally cylindrical outer wall extending around an outer periphery of the bottom plate; a funnel disposed at a lower end of the housing, in flow communication with the feed opening; a drum having an outer wall defining an interior that is partitioned into at least two chambers which are open at upper and lower ends thereof, the wall including a cylindrical portion which is coupled to the outer wall of the housing, such that the drum is rotatable relative to the housing; and a removable cap which closes off the upper end of the drum.
US08875747B2
A gripper head for the insertion of weft threads on a gripper weaving machine as well as a gripper weaving machine with such a gripper head. The gripper head thread clamp for the weft thread is controlled in a contact-free manner and with high transfer reliability of the weft thread even in the machine center.
US08875730B2
A control device is provided with a switching valve mechanism and first and second actuators. The switching valve mechanism is provided with a valve element for switching which is located within a casing. The valve element can linearly move between an open position at which first and second pressure change chambers of the casing are communicated with each other and a closed position at which the communication is interrupted. The valve element is held at the open position and the closed position by a first holding mechanism (toggle spring). When a float ascends to a first water level, the first actuator moves the valve element from the closed position to the open position. When the degree of vacuum within a pressure detection chamber becomes a second degree of vacuum or less, the second actuator moves the valve element from the open position to the closed position.
US08875727B2
A drain assembly includes a drain head, which includes a flange and a cylindrical stem, with the flange extending outwardly from the cylindrical stem. The assembly also includes an adapter. The adapter is configured to engage the cylindrical stem of the drain head to adjustably support the drain head on the adapter and has a support flange, the support flange having a top surface. The assembly further includes a clip having a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the clip is connected to an underside of the flange of the drain head and the bottom end is configured to engage the top surface of the support flange of the adapter to permit downward adjustment of the drain head with respect to the adapter and prohibit upward adjustment of the drain head with respect to the adapter.
US08875726B2
An apparatus for rinsing inverted chemical containers includes two main assemblies, namely a gravity flow valve assembly and a rinse adapter assembly. The gravity flow assembly is inserted into the throat of the container. The rinse adapter assembly is detachably secured to the throat of the inverted container. When the rinse adapter assembly is attached to the throat of the container, the rinse tube of the rinse adapter assembly extends upwardly through the gravity flow valve assembly and into the interior of the container. Rinsing fluid, such as water, is supplied to the rinse tube which sprays the rinsing fluid onto the interior of the container to rinse the chemical residue from the interior of the container. The apparatus may also be used to dilute the liquid chemical in the container so that the diluted chemical will more freely drain from the container.
US08875725B2
A connector for fluids has a pipe through which the fluid flows. The pipe has a diameter, an inlet end, an outlet end, an expanded area relative to the diameter. The connector also has an excess flow cartridge disposed in the pipe, the excess flow cartridge having a housing for receipt within the diameter, the excess flow cartridge minimizing flow in the pipe if flow exceeds a desired limit, and the excess flow cartridge having a radial opening in a side thereof in register with the expanded area such that flow through the opening flows through the cartridge.
US08875720B2
Disclosed is a polycrystalline silicon washing apparatus that sequentially immerses polycrystalline silicon into a plurality of acid baths each of which is filled with an acid to wash the polycrystalline silicon. The temperatures of the acids in the acid baths are set such that the temperature of the acid in a later acid bath of adjacent acid baths is equal to or lower than that of a former acid bath and the temperature of the acid in the last acid bath is lower than that of the acid in the first acid bath. Each of the acid baths is provided with a temperature adjusting unit that controls the temperature of the acid at a constant value.
US08875713B2
An anti-obstructive airway dental orthotic is described. The orthotic includes a maxillary retainer and a mandibular retainer releasably attaching to a plurality of teeth of a wearer. The retainers are attached by at least one strut, either variable in length or of a plurality of lengths, which exert a forward force on the lower jaw, tending to advance the mandible relative to the maxilla. This advancement of the lower jaw promotes a less obstructed airway in the wearer, while fenestrations in the retainers may allow for greater comfort and tongue movement.
US08875702B2
A sonic aerosol generator is provided that provides a constant concentration of particulate aerosol over a long exposure time to an animal. The concentration of aerosols is maintainable for greater than 30 hours at concentrations of 15 mg/m3 or more. The aerosol generator is used to expose subject to high concentrations of aerosols that more accurately represents the levels that may be seen in a workplace environment.
US08875698B2
A gas mist inhaler includes a gas supply device for supplying a gas containing oxygen, carbon dioxide, or a mixed gas of oxygen and carbon dioxide, a gas mist generation device connected to the gas supply device for storing a liquid inside thereof and generating a gas mist prepared by pulverizing and dissolving the liquid stored in the gas mist generation device and the gas supplied from the gas supply device, and an inhalation member connected to the gas mist generation device and containing an inhalation port of inhaling the gas mist into a living organism.
US08875697B2
A drug delivery apparatus includes a mouthpiece portion having an internal conduit for delivering an aerosol including the drug to the patient. The internal conduit has an inlet end and a mouthpiece end that is structured to be received in the patient's mouth. The mouthpiece portion is structured to operate at a substantially fixed inhalation flow rate when the patient inhales through the mouthpiece end. The apparatus further includes an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol from a drug supply and injecting the aerosol into a first region within the mouthpiece portion located between an outlet of the aerosol generator and the inlet end of the conduit. The mouthpiece portion also includes a flow accelerating mechanism that causes a localized flow rate at the first region to be greater than the inhalation flow rate. A method is also provided that increases the local flow rate within the mouthpiece portion.
US08875694B2
A furnace unit that comprises a burner assembly having at least one burner located therein and a heat exchanger having at least one continuous combustion tube. One end of the combustion tube has a first opening that is coupled to the burner assembly. The combustion tube has at least three zones. A first surface of the first zone has a first non-straight angle with a second surface of the second zone. The second surface has a second non-straight angle with a third surface of the third zone. The first zone is nearest of the three zones to the burner assembly and the second zone is in-between the first zone and the third zone. The first, second and third zones are within a flame length configured to be emitted from the burner.
US08875691B1
A stove system featuring a stove component with a burner and an oven. The stove component has a stove microprocessor and a display. The stove microprocessor is adapted to calculate a temperature of the burner. The display has a temperature indicator which functions to display a relative temperature of the burner. When the burner is in a first temperature range the temperature indicator is illuminated in a first color, when the burner is in a second temperature range the temperature indicator is illuminated in a second color, when the burner is in a third temperature range the temperature indicator is illuminated in a third color, and when the burner is in a fourth temperature range the temperature indicator is illuminated in a fourth color.
US08875685B2
A method of combusting a very low cetane number material comprises injecting said material into a combustion cylinder of a heterogeneous-charge compression-ignition engine and supplying to the cylinder inlet port supplying the chamber combustion air or working fluid at a temperature substantially above ambient for substantially the entire time that the engine is running. Other aspects of the invention provide a compression ignition engine for use in the method, and method of using the engine to combust fuels.
US08875682B2
A coupling device for hydraulically and mechanically coupling an injection valve to a fuel rail of a combustion engine has a fuel injector cup with a central longitudinal axis, is hydraulically coupled to the fuel rail and in engagement with the injection valve. A first retaining element is fixedly coupled to the fuel injector cup, a second retaining element is fixedly coupled to the injection valve, the second retaining element being coupled to the first retaining element to prevent a movement of the second retaining element relative to the first retaining element in a first direction of the central longitudinal axis to retain the injection valve in the fuel injector cup, and an interface element which is operable to axially couple the injection valve with the second retaining element in a fixed way. Fuel injection arrangement with a coupling device and an injection valve which is coupled to the coupling device.
US08875676B2
A roller tappet (1) is proposed for a high-pressure fuel pump of an internal combustion engine, having a housing (2), in the case of the drive-side end (3) of which two surfaces (5) which lie diametrically opposite one another and are depressed by an outer shell (4) of the housing (2) are applied with in each case one receptacle (6), in which surfaces (5) a pin (8) is mounted which carries a cam roller (7), wherein an inner shell (9) of the housing (2), axially below the cam roller (7) as viewed in the direction remote from the drive, is penetrated by a bridge piece (10), the output-side end (11) of which has a rest (12) for a tappet following part, wherein the outer shell (4) of the housing (2) which is non-stepped as least as far as possible apart from the surfaces (5) is provided as a closed circumferential ring (14), as viewed in the drive direction immediately above upper sides (13) of the surfaces (5), which upper sides (13) run through the housing (2) in the manner of chords, which closed circumferential ring (14) is adjoined by the drive-side end (3), and wherein the receptacles (6) are present in the surfaces (5) as cut-outs which emanate from their upper sides (13) and nestle around the pin (8) in the manner of half-shells.
US08875674B2
An apparatus and method for a differential stroke combustion engine. The combustion engine including one or more two-part pistons, each two-part piston having a first piston part and a second piston part. The apparatus comprising: piston-lever element mechanically coupled to the second piston part; a plurality of cam-followers assemblies selectively coupleable with the piston-lever element for controlling operation of the second piston part; and wherein selective engagement of one or more cam-followers assemblies defines an operational mode of the second piston part.
US08875673B2
An improvement to the Waissi type opposed piston internal combustion engine is proposed. The engine has at least one pair of aligned and opposed cylinders with one reciprocating double-headed piston assembly in each cylinder pair. The reciprocating motion of the piston is transmitted to the driveshaft by a rotating crankdisk, which is off-centered mounted to the driveshaft. The high friction metal to metal contact between the crankdisk and the piston contact wall is replaced by a combination of a roll resistance and friction under hydrodynamic conditions resulting to a significantly reduced total resistance between the piston and the crankdisk. This is accomplished by utilizing a bearing ring assembly slidably installed on the annular perimeter surface of the crankdisk. The bearing ring is held in place by a linear U-profile groove, which is casted or machined on each the piston contact slot wall of the integrated piston assembly respectively.
US08875670B2
A cylinder head for an engine is provided. The cylinder head may include an upper cooling jacket including at least a first inlet and a first outlet and a lower cooling jacket including at least a second inlet and a second outlet. The cylinder head may further include a first set of crossover coolant passages including one or more crossover coolant passages fluidly coupled to the upper cooling jacket and the lower cooling jacket and adjacent to one or more combustion chambers.
US08875663B2
A pet chew product comprising a molded chewable body formed of a composition including edible resin and natural animal fibers, wherein the natural animal fibers are at least one of: (a) located within the chewable body, and (b) located on an exposed surface of the chewable body, and wherein the natural animal fibers are provided by natural animal hair.
US08875657B2
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a PECVD apparatus. When the RF power source is coupled to the electrode at multiple locations, the current and voltage may be different at the multiple locations. In order to ensure that both the current and voltage are substantially identical at the multiple locations, an RF bridge assembly may be coupled between the multiple locations at a location just before connection to the electrode. The RF bridge assembly substantially equalizes the voltage distribution and current distribution between multiple locations. Therefore, a substantially identical current and voltage is applied to the electrode at the multiple locations.
US08875648B2
The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing oxidation or contamination during a circuit printing operation. The circuit printing operation can be directed to OLED-type printing. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing process is conducted at a load-locked printer housing having one or more of chambers. Each chamber is partitioned from the other chambers by physical gates or fluidic curtains. A controller coordinates transportation of a substrate through the system and purges the system by timely opening appropriate gates. The controller may also control the printing operation by energizing the print-head at a time when the substrate is positioned substantially thereunder.
US08875643B2
The invention relates to a ship comprising a plurality of Magnus rotors. Each Magnus rotor is associated with an electric motor which can be controlled individually and which is used to rotate the Magnus rotor. Each electric motor is associated with a converter in order to control the rotational speed and/or the rotational direction of the electric motor. The ship also comprises a central control unit which is connected to the converters, to control the individual converters, in order to control the rotational speed and/or the rotational direction of the Magnus rotors, independently from the other Magnus rotors. The ship also comprises an electric motor as the main drive of the ship, a converter for controlling the electric motor is associated with the electric motor. Said control unit controls the Magnus rotor in a first operational mode in such a manner that a maximal drive force is reached.
US08875635B2
A method for delivering ballast to a section of railroad track includes measuring an existing ballast profile of a section of railroad track using a remote sensing system, and providing a signal indicative thereof to a first computer. Using the first computer, the existing ballast profile is compared with an ideal ballast profile to compute a track file representing a volume of additional ballast needed as a function of linear position along the section of railroad track, and data representing the track file is transmitted to a second computer of an automatic ballast dump train. Ballast is dumped along the section of railroad track according to the track file under control of the second computer.
US08875633B2
A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing can include a first end having a mouth and a neck extending away from the mouth. Next, a shoulder extends below the neck and away from the first end. The cartridge can have a frangible portion capable of being split upon discharge of a projectile. A projectile can be disposed in the mouth and a relief can be disposed on the neck near the mouth and projectile. The relief can form a gap between the neck and the projectile to receive an adhesive.
US08875632B2
A method for providing permanently colored steel shot for shot shells through anodizing and shells manufactured utilizing the shot.
US08875627B2
The invention describes a machine (10) for the in-line transformation of single-use products, comprising at least one unwinding group (12) for one or more reels (14) of web-shaped material (100), which constitutes the base support for said product, at least one printing group (18), arranged downstream of said unwinding group (12), capable of heat-printing decorative patterns, trademarks and/or inscriptions with a paraffin or natural wax-based ink (W) and/or mixtures thereof on the web-shaped material (100), and at least one folding and cutting group (20), arranged downstream of the printing group (18), wherein the printed web-shaped material (100) is folded and cut to form said products. The printing group (18) is provided with at least one melting or fluidifying group for feeding and heating the coloured waxes and paraffins (W), which need to be fluidified to be able to be applied onto the web-shaped material (100), and with one or more heating means (38; 58, 60, 62) capable of avoiding the cooling, and therefore the solidification, of the coloured waxes and paraffins (W) fed by the melting group before the waxes (W) themselves have been applied onto the web-shaped material (100).
US08875626B2
A machining oil applying apparatus that applies machining oil onto a thin metal plate that is being conveyed toward a press apparatus includes: an upper surface applying unit that is impregnated with machining oil, contacts an upper surface of the thin plate and applies the machining oil onto the upper surface; a lower surface applying unit that is impregnated with the machining oil, contacts an lower surface of the thin plate and applies the machining oil onto the lower surface; and an applying unit moving portion that causes the upper surface applying unit and the lower surface applying unit to move reciprocally in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the thin plate, wherein the upper surface applying unit and the lower surface applying unit always move in respectively opposite directions perpendicular to the conveying direction.
US08875623B2
An apparatus for producing a pasta filata cheese product, such as a Mozzarella-type cheese, in a continuous process without emulsifier or pH regulator additives requires preparing a typical pasta filata-type cheese curd and supplying the curd in cut pieces to one end of a processing chamber (14). The chamber (14) has an agitator (18) which rotates to work, knead, stretch and move the curd through the chamber. At the same time, steam is injected into the curd in the chamber through a plurality of injection nozzles (23) spaced along the length of the chamber (14) to heat and cook the cheese while it is simultaneously mechanically worked. The cooked product exiting from the chamber (14) is molded to a desired shape.
US08875618B2
An appliance for heating and frothing a milk-containing liquid. The appliance includes a steam supply arrangement having an outlet with an opening for delivering into the milk-containing liquid bubbles of steam. The outlet is associated with a valve for adjusting the bubble size of the steam bubbles delivered into the liquid from the steam outlet opening.
US08875616B2
A facility for introducing hop into a tank has a hop receiving tank that can be hermetically sealed and has an outflow and an inert gas supply at its bottom. The facility furthermore has a mixing apparatus that has two inlet pipes on its inflow side and an outlet pipe on the outflow side. This facility is adapted to a method for introducing hop into a tank, in which hop is put into a hop receiving container, air is expelled from the hop receiving container by inert gas and the hop with beer or “young beer” is supplied to the mixing apparatus.
US08875615B1
A two piston cylinder providing asymmetrical expansion and retraction capabilities is disclosed having two linked expansion chambers and a single chamber for retraction. The retraction chamber is situated between the two expansion chambers, and the expansion chambers are linked together by a tube passing through the piston that provides hydraulic fluid to both the retraction chamber and one of the expansion chambers.
US08875614B2
A firearm including a barrel, receiver, indirect gas system and an adjustable gas block. Four positions of adjustment are provided for on the adjustable gas block, each of which provides a different setting to regulate gas flow into the host firearm's operating system. A position of adjustment is selected based on how the firearm is being used. The provided positions of adjustment are calibrated for the standard use of the host firearm, use of a silencer, use of the firearm under hard or adverse conditions or when it is necessary to increase the firearm's rate of fire, and to block the flow of gas into the operating system. The provided gas block is designed to function with an indirect gas operating system, but could be adapted for use with a direct gas impingement system as well. Excess gas from the operating system is not vented from the gas block thereby eliminating the generation of additional muzzle flash and sound. No tool is required to manipulate the adjustment mechanism of the gas block.
US08875613B2
A removable inspection panel for use with a projectile containment assembly in a shoot house or on a firing range where the firing of live ammunition is carried out is provided. The inspection panel is removably attached to a supporting structure between the supporting structure and a projectile containment assembly. The inspection panel is removable from the top of the supporting structure, for example, for periodic inspection of the condition of the inspection panel. Any detectable damage to the surface of the inspection panel facing the projectile containment assembly indicates immanent failure of the projectile containment assembly.
US08875608B2
This invention provides a slitter assembly with automated adjustment of slitter elements that allows for driven rotation of elements on the associated drive shaft during operation while enabling the elements to be moved freely along the drive shaft during setup and subsequently secured to the shaft free of lateral movement. This ensures that adjustment of the slitter elements is accurate, repeatable and reliable. In an illustrative embodiment, the slitter elements each comprise a pair of coaxial members including a blade member and a locking member. The blade member contains a slitter blade and overlies the locking member which is nested therewith. The locking member directly engages the drive shaft surface with a wedge assembly structure. The members are spring-loaded with respect to each other so that the two surfaces are normally biased to cam together and exert a hoop stress on the drive shaft.
US08875604B2
There is provided a machine tool which holds a large number of tools and capable of performing various kinds of works without replacing the tools, which is easy to operate and which allows faster and accurate operations with less number of movable parts. A front tool post (141) and a back spindle (120) are configured to be integrally movable in a Y-axis direction, and a plurality of front working tools (140) and a plurality of back working tools (130) are disposed on the front and back tool posts (141) and (131), respectively, in a plurality of tiers in the Y-axis direction.
US08875600B1
A spiral light bulb changing device includes an elongated member that has a handle connection portion and a bulb engagement portion. The bulb engagement portion has a pair of extension sections forming a slot adapted for receiving a spiral light bulb. Each of the extension sections has an upper surface. The upper surface of each of the extension sections has a plurality of wells therein. The wells are aligned with each other along a line traversing and orientated perpendicular to the slot. A pair of spacing prongs is provided. Each of the spacing prongs is removably positioned in one of the wells such that the slot is positioned between the spacing prongs. The spacing prongs each have a length such that the spacing prongs are adapted to abut a base of the light bulb when the slot receives the straight distal section of the spiral light bulb.
US08875599B2
A wire stripping apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a clamping device for holding a first portion, a cutter having a plurality of first edges, the first edges being movable toward and away from one another in a first direction wherein the first edges provide a cut in the insulation of the wire at the second portion, and a remover having a plurality of second edges, the second edges being movable toward and away from one another in a second direction different from the first direction wherein the second edges move toward one another to grasp a third portion adjacent to the second portion of the wire away from the first portion of the wire. The remover is movable in the lengthwise direction of the wire wherein the remover moves in the lengthwise direction of the wire away from the first portion to remove the insulation from the wire.
US08875598B2
A unit type wave gear device (1) has a unit housing (2), one end of which is defined by a two-stage cross roller bearing (7). The two-stage cross roller bearing (7) has: an inner cross roller bearing formed by an inner ring (13), an intermediate ring (12), and inner rollers (17) inserted into an inner track (16); and has an outer cross roller bearing formed by an outer ring (11), the intermediate ring (12), and outer rollers (15) inserted into an outer track (14). A flexible externally-toothed gear (22) affixed to the intermediate ring (12) is rotatably supported by the unit housing (2) via the outer cross roller bearing. An input shaft (4) affixed to the inner ring (13) and a wave generator (23) affixed to the input shaft (4) are rotatably supported by the intermediate ring (12) via the inner cross roller bearing. A unit type wave gear device can be realized in which the number of components are reduced and a large moment load is applied.
US08875597B2
A steering wheel has a rim with an armature substantially encapsulated by foam. The foam includes a major foam member and a separate minor foam member. The major foam member has a cross-sectional profile effective to cover a major cross-sectional extent of the armature and define a gap in the foam member adjacent the armature. The gap has a maximum cross-sectional width which is equal to or less than the cross-sectional width of the armature, and is substantially filled by said minor foam member.
US08875595B2
An operating mechanism for a parking brake. The operating mechanism includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block by a tubular holder. The manual brake lever is fixed to the tubular holder. The mechanism also includes a locking device adapted to fix the manual brake lever in a predetermined pivoting position, an activation rod guided inside the manual brake lever and operatively connected to the locking device, and a transfer element connected to the tubular holder. The transfer element is adapted to transmit movement of the manual lever to the parking brake.
US08875580B2
A method and apparatus for evaluating and/or quantifying damage to wire strands of a wire caused during installation of a crimped wire connector, involves launching an ultrasonic wave having known characteristics into a wire at a location that is either the crimp or is adjacent the crimped wire connector, and detecting changes in the characteristics (e.g., amplitude and/or phase shift) of the wave as it is propagates along a length of the wire.
US08875578B2
An apparatus includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device including a mass anchored to a substrate. The MEMS device is configured to generate an output signal indicative of motion of the mass with respect to the substrate. The MEMS device includes a feedback module configured to provide a control signal to the MEMS device. The control signal is based on the output signal. The MEMS device is configured to apply a damping force to the mass in response to the control signal.
US08875575B2
A yaw rate sensor includes: at least one Coriolis element; a drive device connected to the Coriolis element and configured to drive a vibration of the Coriolis element; a detection device having at least one rotor; and a coupling device connected to the detection device and to the Coriolis element. The coupling device is configured to couple a deflection in the plane of vibration of the Coriolis element to the detection device in a direction orthogonal to the vibration, so that when the Coriolis element is deflected a torque for driving the at least one rotor is transmitted from the Coriolis element to the at least one rotor.
US08875569B2
A sensor for determining level of liquid in a reservoir, a reservoir containing such sensor, and a method for determining level using such sensor. The sensor comprises a liquid-proof housing, at least one actuator operatively connected to the inner side of the housing and configured to generate vibrations, and at least one vibration sensor operatively connected town inner side of the housing and configured to measure vibrations. The actuator comprises an electromagnet directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the inner side of the housing, and a permanent magnet movably suspended in the housing, wherein the electromagnet and the permanent magnet are configured such that activation of the actuator creates an oscillating mutual displacement in parallel with a longitudinal center axis of the electromagnet.
US08875564B2
A method and a device detects contaminants in a fluid (1). Fluid (2) with particles is conveyed by a first metering pump (3) to a device (4) for measuring the contamination or the particle density in the contaminated fluid (2). Before entering the device (4) for measuring the contamination, the fluid is mixed with cleaned fluid (5) in a defined mixing ratio. The particle density or the contamination of the mixed fluid (6) is measured. The particle density or the contamination of the contaminated fluid (2) is determined by an arithmetic unit (7).
US08875562B2
The present invention is directed to a method of locating leaks in a substrate (30) having a first and a second surface wherein the substrate (30) is adapted for preventing the flow of a fluid, or components contained in the fluid, through the substrate (30) from the first surface to the second surface, and a system (10) useful in the method, wherein the method comprises: a) isolating the first surface from the second surface; b) creating a pressure differential between the first surface and the second surface wherein the pressure on the first surface is higher than the pressure on the second surface; c) contacting the second surface or the exit (32) of the device (11) containing the substrate (30) with a baffle (23), wherein the baffle (23) has a plurality of interconnected parts which form a pattern and the baffle (23) is of a sufficient size to cover the second surface of the substrate (30) or the fluid exit point (32) of the device the substrate (30) is disposed in and the parts of the baffle (23) create openings that particles (33) can pass through; d) exposing the surface of the baffle (23) to light from a source of diffuse light (24); e) contacting the first side of the substrate (30) with a carrying fluid containing particles (33) of a particle size that the substrate (30) is a designed to retain in the first surface of the substrate (30); f) monitoring the space above the surface of the baffles (23) for the light scattered by particles (33) that have passed through the substrate (30).
US08875555B2
A bossed disc-like member manufacturing method and apparatus with which it is possible to simply form a boss portion with a desired height. The method includes a level difference formation step that moves a second portion, which is positioned on the inner peripheral side of a first portion in a radial direction of a disc-like blank, relative to the first portion in a first direction which is the thickness direction of the blank, thus forming a level difference between the first portion and the second portion. A conical portion formation step moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction, eliminating the level difference. In this manner, a conical portion is formed in the second direction on the inner side of the second portion; and a burring step performs a burring process on the conical portion, thus forming the boss portion.
US08875554B2
A tool and method of hemming a panel wherein the tool engages a flange to apply a compressive force with a stop initially preventing a distal end of the flange from moving inwardly. The hemming tool bends the intermediate portion of the flange between the flange bend and the distal end toward the panel. The stop is withdrawn to allow the flange to be progressively formed toward the panel until the distal end is aligned with the intermediate portion.
US08875553B2
The invention is intended to improve a tool arrangement and method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a molding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, to the effect that the tool arrangement and the method are suitable and simplified for mass production. This object is solved by means of a tool arrangement and a method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a molding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, in which the explosive gas mixture is provided at least partially above the surface of the liquid before the ignition.
US08875552B2
The invention relates to a lock cylinder for a baggage lock having a cylinder housing, furthermore having a cylinder core which is rotatable in the cylinder housing and which has a keyway with a key introduction opening and having a plurality of tumblers which are arranged in two rows which are oppositely disposed along the key channel, with the lock cylinder being able to be actuated by means of an associated dimpled key which comprises, on two mutually oppositely disposed flat sides, a respective coding section provided with dimples and a respective end section adjoining said coding section and extending up to the tip of the key, with the associated key in particular being of the type TSA006 and with the tumbler of at least one of the rows furthest from the key introduction opening being arranged in a section of the key channel which receives the dimple-free end section of the associated key.
US08875548B2
A method and apparatus for at least partially removing residual treating chemistry on an interface between a removable treating chemistry reservoir and a dispensing system of a laundry treating appliance.
US08875547B2
Provided is an ozone generator (47) including two sheets of ozone generating electrodes (156, 157). These two ozone generating electrodes (156, 157) are arranged in a treating passage (152) in series along an air flowing direction. Thus, the air to come in from an air inlet port flows at first along the ozone generating electrode (156) of the first sheet, and receives, while flowing, the creeping discharge of the first ozone generating electrode (156) thereby to generate the ozone. The air thus having generated the ozone further flows in the treating passage (152) to the ozone generating electrode (157) of the second sheet, and receives, while flowing, the creeping discharge of the second ozone generating electrode (157) thereby to generate the additional ozone. The highly dense ozone can be used to clean the washing water.
US08875544B2
Apparatus includes a first and second conduits configured to form an annulus between them. An adjustable structure includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a circumferential surface abutting a portion of the internal surface of the second conduit. The structure is adjustable axially in relation to and removably attached to the first conduit via a hub. The hub defines a central passage for fuel or oxidant. The body has one or more non-central through passages configured such that flow of an oxidant or fuel therethrough causes the fuel or oxidant to intersect flow of fuel or oxidant exiting from the central passage in a region above the upper surface of the body.
US08875526B1
A temperature and humidity air treatment system for air directed to an enclosed environment has a heat exchanger joined with a water vapor remover having a phase change material to cool air and condense water vapor in the air and subsequently heat the cool air by absorbing heat from humid warm air flowing through the heat exchanger.
US08875517B2
A diffuser for a turbine engine that includes two annular webs extending inside one another and connected between them by substantially radial vanes, wherein the downstream peripheral edge of at least one of the webs includes indentions evenly distributed about the longitudinal axis of the diffuser.
US08875512B2
A distribution pipeline power plant, comprising: an input, configured to receive a fluid that has been heated using energy derived from a geothermal field; an expander, configured to extract energy from the fluid that has been heated using energy derived from a geothermal field; and an output configured to transfer at least some of the energy extracted from the fluid that has been heated using energy derived from a geothermal field to a circulator to drive a further fluid along a distribution pipeline.
US08875508B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an electric booster enabling an easy connection of an ECU and a stator. An ECU casing containing boards and (ECU) is attached to the outer surface of the casing body so as to be located near a stator of an electric motor. The opening of the casing body is closed by a rear cover. A flat-portion through-hole (through-hole) is formed through the casing body. Bus bars connecting the stator and the ECU are disposed through the flat-portion through-hole. The bus bars are disposed such that one ends thereof are coupled with the stator while the other ends thereof protrude from the flat-portion through-hole. When the electric booster is assembled, since the stator and the bus bars are disposed at the casing body having the flat-portion through-hole, it is possible to easily assemble the casing body and the rear cover with the bus bars inserted through the flat-portion through-hole.
US08875507B2
A control arm assembly connected with a hydraulic pump allows for the adjustment of pump displacement by turning a threaded adjustment rod clockwise or counter-clockwise to move a half nut connected with a control rod vertically up or down in a slot of an arm to the desired set point. The half nut has a partial thread that engages the thread of the adjustment rod to control the vertical movement. The design allows for the positive repeatable finite adjustment of the half nut with minimal backlash that reduces the difficulty of the setting process in labor and assembly time. Once the desired set point has been met the adjustment rod is clamped tight to the second arm by tightening the nut against the notch to lock up the assembly to prevent any movement.
US08875505B2
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention a method for controlling a speed of an internal combustion engine includes shutting off fuel flow into a cylinder to reduce the speed of the internal combustion engine. The method also includes providing an electrical load to an alternator of the internal combustion engine, further reducing the speed of the internal combustion engine.
US08875501B2
A method of controlling a power system including an engine and an exhaust treatment system having an exhaust treatment device is disclosed. The method includes determining a catalyst parameter indicative of a conversion efficiency of the exhaust treatment device. The method further includes determining a weighted index based on the catalyst parameter. The method further includes determining a plurality of first index values. In the method, each first index value of the plurality of first index values is predicted as a function of a corresponding respective aftertreatment control strategy. The method further includes selecting an aftertreatment control strategy based on a comparison between the weighted index and each first index value of the plurality of first index values. In the method, the selected aftertreatment control strategy changes the catalyst parameter. The method also includes operating the exhaust treatment system according to settings corresponding to the selected aftertreatment control strategy.
US08875500B2
A mounting foot for mounting an after-treatment component to a frame is disclosed. The mounting foot may have a pad connectable to the frame. The mounting foot may also have a slider slidably connected to the pad. In addition, the mounting foot may have a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may have a first end connectable to the after-treatment component and a second end connected to the slider.
US08875496B2
A regeneration control system for an exhaust filter in an internal combustion engine system includes a first sensing mechanism for monitoring an exhaust flow resistance of the exhaust filter, and a second sensing mechanism for monitoring an attenuation of electromagnetic energy transmitted through the exhaust filter. The regeneration control system further includes an electronic controller coupled with the sensing mechanisms and configured to output a filter regeneration command responsive to an amount of particulate matter trapped within the exhaust filter. The electronic controller is further configured to weight data from the first and second sensing mechanisms in determining the amount of particulate matter. Weighting of the data may be responsive to an operating state of the internal combustion engine system. Related methodology is also disclosed.
US08875492B2
An exhaust pipe injection control device for controlling an appropriate fuel injection amount regardless of engine rotation speed. The exhaust pipe injection control device includes: a target injection amount setting unit which sets, according to an engine rotation speed and an exhaust gas flow rate, a target injection amount that is injected in a single injection from an exhaust pipe injector; a base pulse width (“BPW”) map in which a fuel injection time of the exhaust pipe injector is set so that, with respect to the target injection amount and an exhaust pipe injection fuel pressure, fuel in the target injection amount is injected; and an exhaust pipe injection executing unit which performs injection from the exhaust pipe injector by referring to the BPW map based on the target injection amount and the exhaust pipe injection fuel pressure.
US08875483B2
A gas turbine generator set includes a compressor unit including at least one compressor, at least one generator and at least one combustion chamber. Exhaust gases from at least one turbine are recirculated for a further thermal utilization. At least one cooling fluid compressor is configured to compress a cooling fluid including at least one of fresh air and a portion of the recirculated exhaust gases for a cooling of thermally loaded parts.
US08875480B2
The invention relates to a method for drawing a tubular film (1) over a stack of goods (2), wherein the tubular film is first gathered on a gathering device (R/Ü). The gathered tubular film is then drawn over the stack of goods using a covering device, in that the covering device is moved along the stack of goods and the tubular film is thereby ungathered. After reaching an end region of the stack of goods, the covering device is moved along a segment of the stack of goods (Λ) opposite the covering direction, so that a first tubular film segment (15) is laid on the tubular film already contacting the stack of goods. The covering device is then moved along at least part of the segment of the stack of goods in the covering direction again, so that a second tubular film segment (16) is laid on the first tubular film segment.
US08875479B2
A method of filling CARC (chemical agent resistant coating) applicators ensures integrity of the CARC paint. The method incorporates the steps of the steps of pre-priming a container and applicator with a solvent to ensure evacuation of air; pre-reducing the chemical agent resistant coating with a reduction thinning agent to a final viscosity such that the final assembled applicator produces an atomization mist suitable to apply said coating; agitating the pre-reduced coating on a paint shaker; continuously purging a hermetically sealed chamber with nitrogen or another dry inert gas; preheating all items that will come in direct contact with said coating to eliminate any residual moisture within each item; assembling said dry preheated items and immediately transferring them into said chamber inserting steel sphere agitation units into a dried container, such that each container contains three small spheres and one large sphere; transferring the coating into said chamber prior to opening said container; filling said container; and purging the filled container with nitrogen or other inert gas then immediately sealing said container and removing it from said chamber.
US08875473B1
A gutter installation assembly for holding a gutter, a ferrule and a fastener proximate a roof edge includes a holder that may be positioned proximate the roof edge. A vertical portion of the holder may be gripped by a user. A U-shaped portion of the holder is coupled to the vertical portion of the holder. The U-shaped portion of the holder may position the ferrule and the fastener proximate the roof edge. A retainer is coupled to the U-shaped portion of the holder. The retainer may retain the fastener on the U-shaped portion of the holder. A horizontal portion of the holder is coupled to the vertical portion of the holder. The horizontal portion of the holder may support the gutter. The user drives the fastener into the roof edge so the fastener retains the gutter on the roof edge.
US08875471B2
A lifting apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted, positioned atop a road bed, and elevated above the road bed. A lifting apparatus is located at each corner of the panel. Each lifting apparatus has a threaded sleeve extending through the panel to receive a removable threaded lifting bolt by which to establish a lifting point at which a lifting force is applied to lift and position the panel. When the threaded lifting bolt is rotated completely through the threaded sleeve, a pushing force is applied against a base plate, whereby to elevate the panel above the road bed as is necessary to make the panel level with adjacent panels during the construction or repair of a roadway. Grout is pumped through the panel to fill the space between the panel and the road bed.
US08875467B2
A device for use in the fastening of a panel or cladding to a wall is disclosed. The device includes a base plate, a panel connecting plate, and a connecting assembly that connects the panel connecting plate to the base plate and that is constructed and arranged so as to provide minimal thermal bridging between the base plate and the panel connecting plate through an insulation layer that covers the base plate and the wall while simultaneously providing structural integrity for attaching the panel or cladding to the wall.
US08875466B1
A modular elevated walkway system elevates a person and places them in close proximity to an engine compartment to enable the person to conduct maintenance on components of the engine. The system includes a plurality of platform units. Each of the platform units is coupled to an adjacently positioned one of the platform units. Each of the platform units includes a platform having a planar upper surface configured for supporting the weight of a person standing thereupon. A plurality of legs is coupled to and extends downwardly from the associated platform. The legs are configured to support the associated platform above a ground surface.
US08875465B2
Flooring panel or wall panel and a use thereof in a wet room. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove and tongue forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. The groove and the tongue are preferably made of water tight material and formed with a snap-together joint.
US08875464B2
Building panels each comprise an upper first element of solid wood fixed to a lower second element of solid wood. The first and the lower second element are of different wood species. The building panels are provided with a mechanical locking system which comprises a locking strip at a first edge of a first building panel. The locking strip is provided with a locking element configured to cooperate with a locking groove at a second edge of a second building panel for horizontal locking of the first and the second building panels when a tension force is applied. The fiber direction of the first and the lower second elements is essentially along the first and the second edges. The lower second element has about the same or higher moisture shrinkage value than the first element. The locking strip comprises material of the lower second element.
US08875463B2
A building product for attachment to a surface of a building includes a plurality of siding members, and a plurality of spacers, wherein the siding members and spacers are assembled to resemble a plurality of individual siding shingles.
US08875461B2
A foundation wall includes a frame having a front side and a back side. The frame further includes a plurality of vertical stud members having a first end and a second end, a top beam attached to the first end of the plurality of vertical stud members, and a bottom beam attached to the second end of the plurality of vertical stud members to define a plurality of cavities between adjoining vertical stud members. Rigid insulation is adapted for positioning in the plurality of cavities to become a load-bearing part of the frame. One or more structural sheets is affixed to the front side of the frame and to the back side of the frame. A waterproof bond is formed along an interface between edges of the one or more structural sheets and a periphery around the front side and the back side of the frame.
US08875443B2
A seal assembly located at the intersection of an extension room and wall of a recreation vehicle, the seal assembly having a flap seal, a bulb snap-in member attached to the flap seal, and a bulb seal member attachable to the bulb snap-in member in a snap-fit manner The flap seal may be made removable from the bulb snap-in member. Two flap seals may be used to attach to either side of the recreation vehicle wall. The two flap seals may be connectable with each other and adjustable via a longitudinal mating shaft on one flap seal and a longitudinal mating shaft receiving member on the second flap seal. The seal assembly may be manufactured by a multi-extrusion process so that various components can be made of different materials, such as different types of plastic.
US08875441B2
Embodiments of an adaptive ultrasound detecting system for a door assembly include an ultrasound transducer assembly mounted to the door assembly and a controller coupled to the ultrasound transducer assembly. The ultrasound transducer assembly is adapted to emit ultrasound detecting beams within the door path, and to trigger a detecting signal indicative of a body located within the door path when the body intersects at least one of the ultrasound detecting beams. The controller is adapted to receive information indicative of a position of the door along the path, and to vary emitting at least one detecting beam in accordance to the position of the door relative to the ultrasound detecting beams.
US08875431B2
The present invention relates to artwork preservation, and more particularly to an artwork preservation system that utilizes vacuum and is particularly suited to framed artwork. The artwork preservation system includes: a pair of corrugated planar members constructed and arranged to overlap a front side and back side of an artwork; at least one securing element, such as hook and loop fastener, for mating the first and second corrugated boards when the artwork is placed there between; a layer of air cushioning; and a sealable bag. The system may further include a vacuum pump for removing air from the sealable bag.
US08875426B2
A signage system (10) including one or more visual display devices (11), each mounted for display behind the windshield (15) of one or more parked and ignition-off vehicles (16). Each sign (11) has a visual display surface (12) that is capable of forming an illuminated graphic display (13) on the visual display surface (12). The visual display surface (12) would be visible to observers in front of the vehicle (16). The system (10) includes wireless communication hardware (60) that allows the visual display (11) to be programmed by a remote programming device (41). Each of the display devices (11) can be programmed to have a separate message and each message would scroll from left to right across the display surface (12) in a time coordinated manner so that the message appears to scroll consistently from left to right across the visual field of the plurality of display surfaces (12).
US08875423B2
A ground engaging tip of a tooth assembly for a base edge of a ground engaging implement, is provided, wherein the tooth assembly includes an adapter configured for attachment to a base edge of the ground engaging implement and having a forwardly extending adapter nose. The adapter nose and an adapter cavity of the tip may be configured with surfaces to increase retention when downward forces are applied to the tip.
US08875412B1
A dryer burner apparatus includes a gas supply line that is fluidly coupled to a gas supply. A burner tube is fluidly coupled the gas supply line and has a top side and a bottom side. The burner tube has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and the apertures are positioned in the bottom side. An air mixer is positioned below the burner tube. The air mixer has a plurality of air openings extending therethrough. A blower directs air upwardly to the burner tube so that the air can be heated by the burner tube.
US08875405B2
A surgical knife safety handle device comprises a handle body being essentially solid. A movable guard engages with the body for longitudinal movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The guard encloses a knife blade. The operation is an intuitive push/pull to extend or retract guard. The guard is formed of a clear material with a low profile that does not interfere with vision in use. The guard includes a leaf spring. The spring has a hemispherical protrusion on its underside that engages with a slot on the handle for positive engagement and an audible “click” when it seats.
US08875399B2
A dental implant device for insertion into a bore defined in bone for use with a prosthetic tooth or dental appliance includes an abutment with a plurality of male keys disposed about the distal end of the abutment capable of being affixed to the prosthetic tooth or dental appliance, an implantable anchor having a proximal and distal end, a plurality of female keyways defined into the proximal end of the anchor, the keyways capable of coupling to the male keys of the abutment and thereby preventing relative rotation of the abutment and anchor; an interlocking thread helically defined around a longitudinal axis of the anchor, the thread being adapted to couple to the bore defined in the bone and means for coupling the abutment to the implant anchor.
US08875393B2
A method for forming at least one cooling channel in a wall which is cooled by cool air flowing in the channel is provided. The channel includes a hole and a diffusion portion, the hole opening out at one end into the inside surface of the wall, and at its other end into the diffusion portion where it forms an orifice. The diffusion portion flares around the orifice and opens out into the outside surface of the wall. The diffusion portion has a bottom whose front end is substantially plane, sloping, and extending in front of the orifice, and also has a margin extending behind, round the sides, and in front of the orifice, the margin joining the sides of the front end.
US08875391B2
A method of making a stimulation lead includes attaching multiple segmented electrodes to a carrier. Each of the segmented electrodes has a curved form extending over an arc in the range of 10 to 345 degrees. The method further includes attaching conductors to the segmented electrodes; forming the carrier into a cylinder with segmented electrodes disposed within the cylinder; molding a lead body around the segmented electrodes disposed on the carrier; and removing at least a portion of the carrier to separate the segmented electrodes.
US08875388B1
An apparatus and method are described for inserting angle plates in transverse duct flanges. The apparatus is especially useful in inserting angle plates into transverse duct flanges of duct fittings. Packages for holding angle plates are also described.
US08875386B1
An HSA transport comb includes an alignment pin extending from the comb body into a tooling hole of the actuator arm, and a separator finger in contact with a suspension assembly of an HGA with the transport comb in a second angular orientation with respect to the actuator arm, but not in a first angular orientation. The transport comb includes a restraining tower extending into a mass-reduction opening of the actuator arm. The restraining tower includes a first lobe that fits within the mass-reduction opening with the transport comb in the first angular orientation, but not with the transport comb in the second angular orientation. The restraining tower also includes a first neck that fits within the mass-reduction opening with the transport comb in either angular orientation, and has a neck height that is greater than the actuator arm thickness.
US08875382B2
A method for assembling a superconducting bearing, wherein the superconducting bearing has a first bearing ring including a first body made of a type-2 superconducting material and a second bearing ring including a second body made of a type-2 superconducting material, the method including the following steps: assembling the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring; and, applying an external magnetic field, which permeates both bodies to the first body and to the second body.
US08875379B2
Methods of manufacturing a fluid flow measuring device are provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, shields are disposed to prevent or reduce circulating electrical currents from causing a voltage difference that would adversely affect the measured voltage difference between two adjacent electrodes. Groups of sensors, e.g., two or more, may be placed within the shield. The shields may have any cross-section shape. A magnetic field source is disposed proximate the electrodes such that the magnetic field source is oriented to generate a magnetic field substantially orthogonal to an imaginary line intersecting each pair of electrodes. A voltage measuring circuit is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured to measure a voltage difference between each pair of electrodes.
US08875375B2
A method for using a fire engine hose connector system is reported. The system allows for rapid connection between the fire hose and the fire engine, and more importantly the system enables even more rapid disconnection. The fire engine and fire fighting personnel may make a rapid escape form an overtaking wildfire. The ability to rapidly disconnect and escape from the fire scene allows the fire engine and personnel to access hydrant supplies that would otherwise not be available due to safety procedures that preclude connection when the long disconnect time requirements of prior art connectors place the escape of the fire engine and personnel at risk in a rapidly moving fire.
US08875364B2
A pipe coupling apparatus for coupling together first and second opposing pipe flanges includes a number of gripping elements which are connected to the second pipe flange and are engageable with the first pipe flange. A locking element is displaceably arranged on the second pipe flange to lock the gripping elements to the first pipe flange when the pipe flanges are coupled together, and an insulating element extends around the second pipe flange and is connected to the locking element. The apparatus includes an actuating tool for displacing the first insulating element and thus the locking element.
US08875359B2
A rotary drum for a fiber-stacking device includes a drum body, pattern plates each having a single fiber-stacking depression, and holding mechanisms each detachably holding a corresponding pattern plate on the outer circumferential surface of the drum body. Each holding mechanism has a fixed hook and a moveable hook. The fixed hook is immovably attached to one side of the drum body and forms a first groove with the drum body. The movable hook is attached to the other side of the drum body to be moveable between a holding position and a release position, forms a second groove with the drum body at the holding position, and opens the second groove at the release position. When the movable hook is at the holding position, the two side parts of the pattern plate are accommodated inside the first and second grooves.
US08875357B2
A clip and a method for using the clip is shown and described herein. The clip may include a base, a pair of flaps, a pair of arms and at least one wing. The pair of flaps may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each flap includes a tab. The pair of arms may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each arm includes a tab. The method may utilize a clip to secure a first component to a second component. The method may include rotating the clip or the first component in a first direction thereby securing each other together. The second component may be placed onto the clip. The first component and clip may be serviceable by rotating the first component in a second direction opposite that of the first to remove the first component from the clip.
US08875353B2
Described herein are axially and radially swivelable detangling connector devices that are suitable for preventing entanglement, or detangling, of a device or means that is used to secure one or more mobile objects or subjects to one or more objects or subjects. Methods of making and using the disclosed devices are also provided herein.
US08875352B2
A braking structure for a turning body includes an engagement device rotatably engaging a movable-side portion of a rotation damper with a base at a rotation center of the movable-side portion; a first fixing device fixing the movable-side portion relative to the turning body; and a second fixing device fixing a stationary-side portion of the rotation damper relative to the base. The engagement device includes an axis protrusion provided on one side of either the movable-side portion or the base, and a receiving portion provided on the other side of either the movable-side portion or the base, and receiving the axis protrusion from a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotation. Also, an inserting path for the axis protrusion continuing to the receiving portion is adapted to expand in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis by an elastic deformation when the inserting path receives the axis protrusion.
US08875342B2
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a cyclone comprising a cyclone air outlet and positioned in the air flow passage downstream of the dirty air inlet. A suction motor is provided in the air flow passage downstream of the cyclone. A pre-motor filter is upstream of the suction motor and downstream of the cyclone. The pre-motor filter has an upstream side and a downstream side. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a bleed valve having an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is positioned between the suction motor and the downstream side of the pre-motor filter and facing the downstream side of the pre-motor filter.
US08875339B2
A dustpan (10) comprises a body (12), a blade (20), and a rear support (22). The body (12) receives materials that are removed from a surface (24). The blade (20) and the rear support (22) are coupled to the body (12). The blade (20) includes a first end (20F), a second end (20S), a first contact point (25A) near the first end (20F), and a second contact point (25B) near the second end (20S). The rear support (22) includes a third contact point (25C) and a fourth contact point (25D). Each of the contact points (25A), (25B), (25C), (25D) contact the surface (24) when the dustpan (10) is in a resting position. Downward pressure on the dustpan (10) establishes firm and continuous contact between the blade (20) and the surface (24) along the length of the blade (20) from the first contact point (25A) to the second contact point (25B).
US08875337B2
A long-handled personal holder device for personal cleaning, hygiene, and daily living, and is made of resilient material with extendable finger-like grips. The grips are configured to surely grip a tool, but also to release (e.g., so that a user does not have to soil their hands). The curved handle allows proper reach, and is designed for easy break-down, rinsing and cleaning, and for placement in a compact carry bag. The grips can grip a larger personal hygiene flushable wipe, a smaller flushable pad, a sponge for shower use, and/or a an ointment pad; and are also able to hold more rigidly-handled personal tools, such as a toothbrush, shaver, makeup applicator, pencil, pen, brush, and similar items.
US08875333B2
A method of controlling a washing machine to perform shower rinsing, including repeatedly performing a process to store water supplied to a washing tub in the washing tub and discharge the water from the washing tub while rotating the washing tub during the shower rinsing is described. In a state in which laundry clings to the washing tub by a spin-drying operation, it may be possible to rinse the laundry clinging to the upper part of the washing tub using water supplied to the washing tub rotating at the predetermined velocity, to rinse the laundry clinging to the lower part of the washing tub using the water stored in the washing tub according to the off operation of a drainage unit, and to periodically replace water necessary to rinse the laundry by discharging the used water from the washing tub according to the periodic operation of the drainage unit.
US08875326B1
A sheet that includes an upper portion, a lower portion, four side portions and at least one strap is disclosed. The four side portions correspond to a first pair of sides and a second pair of sides. The first pair of sides corresponds to a top side and a bottom side opposite of each other. The second pair of sides corresponds to a left side and a right side opposite of each other. The upper portion is opposite the lower portion. The lower portion has an opening. At least one strap is attached to a point in the lower portion and an opposite point in the lower portion and extends across the opening in lower portion. At least one strap has a single indicator. The indicator indicates the position and/or size of the sheet.
US08875320B2
A pressure flange is provided for installing toilets. The pressure flange includes a sealing ring disposed so as to make direct contact with a bottom of a toilet base. A rigid main column is configured to connect the toilet to a sewer line in a bathroom facility, with the column having an upper tube section with a larger inner diameter section above a vertical tube section having a smaller inner diameter. The column has an oval shaped collar at a top of the upper tube section, with the collar having oppositely extending ears. A flex-line type pressure gasket is disposed around at least the vertical tube section of the column. The pressure gasket is an accordion or corrugated-type of gasket that enables the pressure flange to be fitted into the sewer line by applying downward pressure, wherein the pressure flange can be installed without the use of tools by pushing the pressure flange down into the sewer line in the bathroom and tightening and connecting the pressure flange with anchor bolts and wing nuts to a toilet base.
US08875319B2
A user wearable article of protective equipment for protecting a portion of a body of the user. The article of protective equipment generally conforms to the portion of the body of the user to be protected when worn by the user. The article of protective equipment includes: (i) an energy absorbent core, the core having a body-facing side and an opposing non-body-facing side, the core comprising a polymeric foam; and (ii) an outer shell generally covering the non-body-facing side of the core, the outer shell being deformable during the use of the article of protective equipment by the user.
US08875316B2
Methods of forming collapsible hats are provided. One method includes forming a front portion of the collapsible hat, and forming at least one band portion of the collapsible hat extending from the front portion. The method further includes forming a plurality of top portions of the collapsible hat extending from the at least one band portion. The plurality of top portions are formed to be coupled at a single point in a use configuration of the collapsible hat to form a top portion of the collapsible hat. The single point at which the plurality of top portions are configured to be coupled is proximate to a center of the top portion of the collapsible hat.
US08881309B2
Processes for identifying and recovering a lost transient storage device are provided. In some processes, information regarding the owner of the device is obtained. The device ownership information may be stored on a remote service with which the device is registered and/or may be stored on the device itself. In one process, the remote service provides the device with customized device-executable code when the device is registered. The device may also contain information regarding trusted systems. The process includes obtaining status information indicating whether a device is lost when the device is connected to a host system. In some processes, the status is determined by a remote service. In other processes, the status is determined by the device. If the device is lost then a device recovery plan is executed. Portions of a device recovery plan may be executed on the remote service, the host system, and/or the device.
US08881303B2
The subject embodiments provide a method such as a web service method. The method is used to execute two or more web services that have respective web user interfaces, and are operationally independent of each other. The method comprises: (i) executing the two or more web services under manual operation of a user; (ii) recording a script based on activities of the user in the execution; (iii) securing the recorded script; and (iv) executing the two or more web services by playing said secured script without individually executing them. The method is user friendly; highly customizable; and safe with respect to document retrieval and submission.
US08881295B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a garbled circuit for a client in a leakage-resilient manner, for use in secure function evaluation between the client and a server. The garbled circuit is generated by obtaining a token from the server, wherein said token comprises a leakage-protected area; querying the token gate-by-gate, wherein for each gate of said garbled circuit, the token interacts with the leakage-protected area to generate a garbled table for the gate; and receiving the garbled circuit from the token. The client can interact with the server to obtain garbled inputs; and then evaluate the garbled circuit on the garbled inputs to obtain a garbled output. A final output can be obtained by matching the garbled output with an output table in the garbled circuit.
US08881294B2
Methods and systems for securely uploading files onto a vehicle such as an aircraft are provided. In one embodiment, a system for transmitting files to a remote vehicle comprises: a communication system onboard the remote vehicle; at least one processor onboard the remote vehicle coupled to the communication system; and at least one storage device comprising a database, the at least one storage device further comprising computer executable instructions which when executed by the at least one processor implement a data checking functionality process comprising: generating a security file at the remote vehicle from an uplinked file received by a communication system; verifying integrity of the uplinked file using the security file; when integrity of the uplinked file is confirmed, accepting the uplinked file; and when integrity of the uplinked file is not confirmed, rejecting the uplinked file.
US08881292B2
“Known bad” data, “known good” data, or both can be stored in a database. A technique for evaluating data compares the data to the “known bad” data, “known good” data, or both. Based on the comparison, the data may or may not be allowed to be processed by a mobile device.
US08881285B2
A content delivery system includes an upload module, a content delivery module, and a monitoring module. The upload module is configured to receive content from a content provider, detect content containing malicious software or proprietary information, and provide information about the content to a monitoring module. The content delivery module is configured to detect content containing malicious software or unauthorized changes, detect operational changes to the content delivery module, provide information about the content and the operational changes to the monitoring module, receive a request for the content from a client system, and provide the content to the client system. The monitoring module is configured to monitor a network for potentially malicious traffic, receive information from the content delivery module and the upload module, correlate the information and the potentially malicious traffic to identify a security event, and trigger a response to the security event.
US08881284B1
A method and apparatus for secure network access using a virtual machine are disclosed. The method includes provisioning a virtual machine, downloading content to the virtual machine, and sending information from the virtual machine. The information that is sent from the virtual machine is configured to allow the display of output from the virtual machine. The output from the virtual machine is based on the content. The apparatus includes a number of virtual machine servers. Each of the virtual machine servers is configured to support at least one of a number of virtual machines. A first virtual machine of the virtual machines includes an antivirus module. The first virtual machine is configured to download content. The antivirus module is configured to detect a virus by virtue of being configured to analyze the content.
US08881282B1
Exemplary systems and methods for malware attack detection and identification are provided. A malware detection and identification system can comprise a controller. The controller can comprise an analysis environment configured to transmit network data to a virtual machine, flag input values associated with the network data from untrusted sources, monitor the flagged input values within the virtual machine, identify an outcome of one or more instructions that manipulate the flagged input values, and determine if the outcome of the one or more instructions comprise an unauthorized activity.
US08881277B2
A method and system are described for collecting addresses for remotely accessible information sources. Messages, such as emails, carried by a messaging network (N1) are intercepted before reaching a destined terminal. Addresses for remotely accessible information sources (i.e. URLs) are identified from the intercepted email messages. The messages are analyzed to be classified as either a first type of message (e.g. spam or virus messages) or a second, different, type of message. If the intercepted message is classified as the first spam/virus type then data indicative of the identified address (URL) is transmitted to a filtering system (100) which controls access to the remotely accessible information sources. As a result, addresses (URLs) are gleaned from transmitted messages such as spam e-mail and supplied to a filtering system (100) which controls access to the resources accessible at those addresses.
US08881275B2
Techniques for verifying work performed by untrusted computing nodes are provided. A central computing system determines a first computation that is to be performed, at least in part, by a first untrusted computing node. The central computing system also determines a transformation function that is applied to the first computation to produce an equivalent second computation that is to be performed, at least in part, by a second untrusted computing node. The central computing system assigns the first computation to the first untrusted computing node and the second computation to the second untrusted computing node while keeping the transformation function secret. The central computing system receives a first result for the first computation and a second result for the second computation. The central computing system analyzes the first and second results to verify the work performed by the first and second untrusted computing nodes.
US08881271B2
A system and method for employing memory forensic techniques to determine operating system type, memory management configuration, and virtual machine status on a running computer system. The techniques apply advanced techniques in a fashion to make them usable and accessible by Information Technology professionals that may not necessarily be versed in the specifics of memory forensic methodologies and theory.
US08881267B2
A method for supporting pre-boot log in is described herein. The method includes receiving a password, via an operating system of the computer system, selected by a user for use in a pre-boot log in. The method includes determining whether the password can be entered by the user prior to completion of booting of the computer system. If the password cannot be entered by the user prior to completion of the booting, the method includes signaling that the password is unacceptable.
US08881264B2
A method for controlling the execution of an applet for an IC Card including a java card platform, includes a phase for downloading the applet inside the IC Card, a phase for executing the applet through the java card platform and a phase for storing an identification platform number inside a memory portion of the IC Card. The phase for executing the applet has a first step for detecting the identification platform number to perform the phase for executing the applet with or without restrictions, respectively if the identification platform number is not or is detected by the step for detecting. The applet is a java card applet or a SIM toolkit applet.
US08881263B2
A location-dependent security method and system for a portable electronic device is disclosed. Without requiring that the user enter any location information, the system determines one or more familiar areas for the device based on locations where the device has received at least a threshold amount of successful user authentication entries. Thereafter, when a user attempts to access the device or an application of the device, the device will implement a first authentication process if the device is in one of the familiar areas, or a different authentication process if the device is not in one of the familiar areas.
US08881261B1
A system and method which includes monitoring an existing first connection to a secured network domain. A first network configuration is employed to access the secured network domain via the first connection. An available second connection to the network domain is detected, whereby the system and method automatically switch to the second connection to access the secured network domain upon detecting a termination with the first connection. Access to the secured network domain, via the second connection, is established by employing a second network configuration. In an aspect, the first connection is by cable and the first network configuration is associated with direct access to the secured network domain. In an aspect, the second connection is a wired or wireless signal and the second network configuration is associated with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.
US08881253B2
Method and apparatus for accepting a digital identity of a user based on transitive trust among parties are described. One aspect of the invention relates to managing a digital identity of a user. The digital identity is provided to a first party, where the digital identity includes a self-asserted claim. An acceptance token is obtained from the first party. The acceptance token purports authenticity of the self-asserted claim according to the first party. The digital identity and the acceptance token are provided to a second party to request validation of the self-asserted claim by the second party based on the acceptance token.
US08881247B2
Architecture that utilizes the strong authentication mechanisms of network operators to provide authentication to mobile applications by identity federation. When a mobile client initiates request for access to an application outside the network operation infrastructure, the request is passed to an associated application secure token service. The application secure token service has an established trust and identity federation with the network operator. The application secure token service redirects the request to a network operator security token server, which then passes the request to a network operator authentication server for authentication against an operator identity service. Proof of authentication is then issued and returned from the network operator security token server to the application secure token service and the application, which allows the mobile client to access the application.
US08881243B2
A method and apparatus for controlling data traffic in a communications network. The server determines that network conditions are suitable for sending delay tolerant data traffic, and as a result of the determination, it transmits a grant message to at least one client device, the grant message informing the client device that it is permitted to send or receive delay tolerant data traffic.
US08881242B2
A node apparatus of an information communication system in which a content is distributed and stored by an overlay network configured by a plurality of node apparatuses and which has a center server that manages the content to be submitted to the overlay network, the node apparatus includes: a first creation unit configured to create meta-information that is used in submitting the content to the overlay network; a transmission unit configured to transmit the meta-information created by the first creation unit to the center server; a first reception unit configured to receive the meta-information and an electronic signature verifying the meta-information, which is determined to be proper by the center server, from the center server, and a permission unit configured to permit the meta-information received by the first reception unit to be acquired on the overlay network.
US08881231B2
Techniques for automatically performing one or more actions responsive to a successful login. In one embodiment, an action automatically performed responsive to the login uses content created prior to the login.
US08881215B2
A system and method are described below for encoding interactive low-latency video using interframe coding. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method for performing video compression comprises: detecting a maximum data rate of a communication channel between a server and a client; dynamically selecting a tile size for encoding a sequence of images based on the detected maximum data rate; logically subdividing each of the sequence of images into a plurality of tiles sized according to the selected tile size, each of the tiles having a defined position within each of the sequence of images; encoding each tile within each image of the sequence of images using a first compression format or a second compression format, wherein a tile at a particular position of a first image in the sequence of images is encoded using the first compression format and the same tile within one or more subsequent images is encoded using the second compression format.
US08881201B2
An interactive television program guide method and system is provided in which a viewer may direct a media guidance application to display program listings independent of scheduled broadcast time. Selectable options are presented to viewer on the screen, allowing the user to select a subset of content providers and view associated listings. The media guidance application removes duplicate listings from the listings display, in accordance with the viewer's preference. Listings may be displayed in a variety of arrangements, including alphabetical order by title, by genre, or by day scheduled for broadcast. Listings can also be sorted according to several criteria and displayed for further convenience to the viewer. The viewer may specify a broadcast time interval to further narrow the subset of listings that are displayed. Additional options displayed on the screen allow the viewer to re-sort listings on the display screen.
US08881200B2
A television set (100) includes a determination section (330) and a notification section (340). The determination section (330) determines, as program information to be notified to a user, a plurality of pieces of program information each of which matches a search condition set beforehand, from among a plurality of pieces of program information. The notification section (340) notifies the user of the television set (100) of the plurality of pieces of program information thus determined by the determination section (330).
US08881197B2
An apparatus and method for processing augmented broadcast content. The apparatus includes: a broadcast content receiving unit configured to receive broadcast content and a first reference signal from a broadcast content provider, the first reference signal including information used to recognize a target object in the broadcast content and composite the broadcast content and augmented content associated with the target object; an object identifying unit configured to identify the target object in the broadcast content by analyzing the broadcast content using an image or sound analysis algorithm with reference to the first reference signal; an augmented content acquiring unit configured to acquire the augmented content associated with the target object; and an augmented content compositing unit configured to composite the acquired augmented content into an augmentation region determined based on the first reference signal.
US08881194B2
A method, computer readable medium, and system for advertisement and content distribution are provided. Supplementary content is synchronized with advertisement slots, or commercial intervals, of a program stream and distributed via separate multicast group addresses. The program content is distributed via an alternative multicast group address during commercial intervals. Ports associated with respective users are mapped or otherwise associated with multiple multicast group addresses in a forwarding table thereby allowing distribution of supplementary content, or alternatively the program content, during commercial intervals.
US08881192B2
A method and system implements supplementary media channels to Internet-protocol television (IPTV) channels. An IPTV user may receive a selected IPTV program on an IPTV channel. The IPTV program may be correlated in time with metadata describing the content of the IPTV program. At a point in the IPTV program, the metadata may match with user configuration information for receiving supplemental content. A supplementary media channel may be used at such point to provide the supplemental content to the IPTV user during the IPTV program. Supplemental content may include additional storyline content for the IPTV program or an advertising message, a redeemable coupon, a promotional offer, or an order invitation. The supplementary media channel may include a telephone connection with the IPTV user, an email message, a text message, or an instant message sent to the IPTV user, or a voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) connection with the IPTV user.
US08881188B2
An advertisement providing system includes a storage unit storing advertisements; a pull-type display managing unit that displays an advertisement designated by a viewer, a counting unit that counts the frequency an advertisement is displayed, a generating unit that generates a display schedule for the advertisements based on the frequency the advertisements are displayed, and a push-type display managing unit that displays the advertisements according to the display schedule.
US08881186B2
This disclosure describes methods and systems for improved media distribution. More specifically, this disclosure sets forth methods and systems for distributing video to a third party.
US08881183B2
A disc-visible type disk drive apparatus is disclosed. The disk drive apparatus includes: a main body casing having a first slot provided at a first side surface to load a disc; a protection cover having a first cover provided on the first side surface of the main body casing, wherein the first cover covers a portion of the disc exposed outside the main body casing through the first slot and forms a passage through which the disc passes during loading and unloading; a disc detecting sensor disposed in the first cover which detects the disc; and a disc loading unit disposed in the main body casing and having a loading roller which is driven so as to load the disc if the disc is detected by the disc detecting sensor.
US08881181B1
A virtual space may be presented within a plurality of virtual environments provided by different platforms without requiring idiosyncratic APIs associated with the virtual space for each different platform. An API adaptor module may be configured to facilitate interfacing between a single virtual space API and platform APIs associated with two or more different platforms. A space module may be configured to execute an instance of a virtual space, and to implement the instance of the virtual space to determine view information defining views of the instance of the virtual space for presentation via two or more virtual environments provided by the two or more platforms. Facilitating user interactivity with the virtual space via a given virtual environment provided by a given platform may include interfacing between the virtual space API and a platform API associated with the given platform.
US08881180B1
Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems that execute a cross-platform application programming interface (API) that supports a plurality of applications are described. The cross-platform API implements a request from an application for a device to participate in a unique conversation, the unique conversation being identified by a topic and independent of a unique identifier for entities. The cross-platform API further provides the application an abstracted discovery mechanism by which the application causes the device to discover an entity that is accessible on the local network participating in the unique conversation. The cross-platform API further provides the application with a message passing mechanism by which the application causes the first device to exchange messages related to the unique conversation with the entity.
US08881166B2
An improved method to compensate for coupling overhead in a distributed computing system offering a raw processing capacity, comprising an effective processing capacity (404) and the coupling overhead, is disclosed, wherein the distributed computing system comprises at least one computer system and at least one coupling facility. The method comprises determining a coupling efficiency, determining and adding an amount of missing processing capacity to the effective processing capacity based on the coupling efficiency in a way that the effective processing capacity of the raw processing capacity corresponds to a billable target processing capacity.
US08881165B2
For managing a storage server having improving overall system performance, a first input/output (I/O) request is received. A first priority level is dynamically assigned to the first I/O request, the first I/O request associated with a performance level for an application residing on a host in communication with the storage server. A second I/O request of a second priority level is throttled to allow at least a portion of a predetermined amount of resources previously designated for performing the second I/O request to be re-allocated to performing the first I/O request. The second priority level is different than the first priority level.
US08881162B2
Provided is an apparatus and method for managing resources in a containment framework environment, more particularly, an apparatus and method for managing resource allocation and resource de-allocation in a containment framework environment including a plurality of applications having life cycles. The apparatus includes an identifier generating unit generating a unique identifier of an application to which a predetermined resource is allocated; an application managing unit binding or unbinding the resource to or from the unique identifier; a resource managing unit that increases a counter for the use of the resource when the binding is established and decreases the counter for the use of the resource when the resource is unbound from the unique identifier; and a resource de-allocating unit de-allocating the resource when the counter is 0.
US08881145B2
A technique generates application-level dependencies in one or more virtual machines (VMs). An intercepting module in a VM monitor intercepts a guest operation system (OS) at TCP send and close related operations. An introspecting module in the VM monitor performs VM introspection for TCP connection and thread information by checking running thread and processing socket kernel objects. It generates an application trajectory and exports application dependencies from the application trajectory for a selected application.
US08881141B2
Hardware transmit and/or receive queues in a self-virtualizing IO resource are virtualized to effectively abstract away resource-specific details for the self-virtualizing IO resource. By doing so, a logical partition may be permitted to configure and access a desired number of virtual transmit and/or receive queues, and have an adjunct partition that interfaces the logical partition with the self-virtualizing IO resource handle the appropriate mappings between the hardware and virtual queues.
US08881139B1
A legacy application rehosting system for operating a legacy operating system application on modern operating systems without substantially rewriting the legacy operating system application. The legacy application rehosting system generally includes transferring the source code from the legacy platform to the new platform, transferring the data from the legacy platform to an internal database of the legacy application on the new platform, execution of the legacy application on the new platform and remediating exceptions, migrating data from the internal database to a new database and deploying the system.
US08881137B2
Systems and methods for significantly disrupting both the execution and distribution capabilities of computer viruses across computer networks and devices are provided. According to one embodiment, a computer program is installed within a computer system in a locally unique form having altered semantics based on a diversity mechanism. Execution of the computer program will fail to perform as intended on the computer system unless the locally unique form of the computer program is first transformed into an executable form of the computer program having correct semantics using the diversity mechanism. Use of the diversity mechanism differentiates an execution or loading environment associated with the computer system from that of other computer systems by affecting operational behavior of computer programs attempting to execute on the computer system. Responsive to an attempted execution of the computer program, it is transformed into the executable form by a protected pre-execution process.
US08881130B2
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mobile media with both dedicated readable and writeable user data space and dedicated readable and writeable drive device space. The mobile data storage media adapted for operatively working with a drive device comprises a data space accessible by an end user and a drive software space accessible by the drive device and inaccessible by an end user. The drive software space is adapted to accommodate firmware for use by the drive device in addition to the reading and writing of software by the drive device. The media is adapted to receive and store software from the drive device or, alternatively, is adapted to transmit software to the drive device.
US08881129B1
Updating integration metadata in a multi-tenant system includes determining at a multi-tenant services management platform that a service provider software code has changed in a manner that affects a canonical feature provided by the multi-tenant service management platform with respect to a service of the service provider to end users associated with one or more tenants of the multi-tenant services management platform, wherein the canonical feature is provided at least in part by interacting with the service provider on the behalf of a user; and implementing at the multi-tenant services management platform, with respect to at least a subset of said one or more tenants, an accommodation that enables the canonical feature to be provided subsequent to the service provider software code having been changed.
US08881122B1
A matching library of a code analysis system defines a number of predicates applicable to an abstract syntax tree (AST) corresponding to program code being analyzed. The predicates represent whether or not nodes of the program code's AST have corresponding properties, such as representing a class that inherits from another given class. The code analysis system obtains an AST to analyze, a predicate expression query that includes predicates of the matching library, and action code. The code analysis system identifies nodes of the AST that match the predicate expression query by executing code of the matching library and executes the action code against the identified nodes.
US08881115B2
Debugging source code includes: tracking, by a debugger during a debug session, duration of user examination of source code locations; providing, by the debugger to an optimizing compiler, a source code examination profile specifying source code locations examined by the user during the debug session; and receiving, by the debugger from the optimizing compiler: compiled source code for debugging, the compiled source code comprising, at each of one or more source code locations specified in the source code examination profile: a snapshot before the source code of the source code location, followed by an expanded snapshot, the expanded snapshot including computer program instructions to enable, during a debug session, examination of variable values changing during execution of the source code at the source code location; and a recording of snapshot locations and expanded snapshot locations.
US08881107B2
Memory leak detection can be automated by assigning and recording an increasing sequence number to each memory allocation requested by an action. Call stacks associated with the action are also recorded. Several repetitions of the action can be executed. Allocations that occur in each action and that have similar or matching callstacks are defined as leaks. Allocations that do not have matches can be ignored.
US08881106B2
Methods and apparatus relating to debugging parallel software using speculatively executed code sequences in a multiple core environment are described. In an embodiment, occurrence of a speculative code debug event is detected and a speculative code execution debug module is executed in response to occurrence of the event. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US08881105B2
The test case manager interfaces with an application under test via an automation tool manager and is automation tool independent. Scripts are installed from a library based on the automation tool and the application type. The scripts perform the actions of learning the application objects, play back/validation, and automate test case creation. In a preferred embodiment, the test case manager drives the actions of the scripts. Scripts can be modified by customizing application specific actions and invoking them through the test case manager format.
US08881100B2
A legacy machine-oriented language interface definition of a new module to be implemented within a legacy machine-oriented language application using an object-oriented language is received at a processor. An object-oriented class definition and bridging code that interfaces the object-oriented class definition to the legacy machine-oriented language interface definition is generated by the processor. An updated version of the object-oriented class definition is received that includes object-oriented code that implements functionality of the new module. A new version of the legacy machine-oriented language application is created that includes the new module as a new object accessible using the legacy machine-oriented language interface definition and as implemented by the object-oriented code in the updated version of the object-oriented class definition.
US08881095B1
A method of software defect prediction by a computer is provided. The method comprises identifying software test organizations scheduled to perform testing on an application or applications, where the scope of the software testing varies between different test organizations, identifying the type of test cases to be executed by each test organization, where the test types comprise at least one of new functionality test and regression test, and identifying a planned number of test cases to be executed for each test type. A forecast number of defects are modeled by a computer based on the planned number of test cases to be executed and a defect rate for each test type. The development staffing level capable of fixing forecast defects by the scheduled completion of testing is calculated by the computer based on a fix capacity of a software development organization. Development resources are assigned to fix defects based on the calculated development staffing level.
US08881090B2
The technological fabrication of the integrated circuit includes a fabrication of the integrated circuit in a reduced technological version of a native technology including at least a first dimensional compensation applied to the reduced channel length and to the reduced channel width of each transistor originating from a transistor, referred to as a “minimum transistor”, designed in the native technology and having in this native technology an initial channel length equal to a minimum length for the native technology and an initial channel width equal to a minimum width for the native technology. The fabrication obtains a transistor having a channel length equal, to a given precision, to the initial channel length and a channel width equal, to a given precision, to the initial channel width.
US08881088B2
Methods and apparatuses for circuit design to reduce power usage, such as reducing temperature dependent power usage, and/or to improve timing, such as reducing temperature dependent delay or transition time. At least one embodiment of the method implemented on a data processing system for circuit design, the method comprises determining for a first design of a circuit a first temperature solution and a first power dissipation solution, the first power dissipation solution and the first temperature solution being interdependent, and transforming the first design of the circuit into a second design of the circuit using the first temperature solution to reduce leakage power of the circuit under one or more design constraints.
US08881085B1
A method of evaluating a layout cell for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection can include identifying at least one feature of the layout cell for use in implementing an integrated circuit (IC) and comparing the at least one feature of the layout cell to an ESD requirement for the IC. The method can include indicating whether the feature of the layout cell complies with the ESD requirement.
US08881083B1
A design methodology for routing for an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes placement of cells having double diffusion breaks, which create an extended intercell region. Metal layer prohibit zones are defined to prohibit any M1 structures in the prohibit zones. Metal layer allow zones are placed adjacent to outer metal lines, and jogs are formed in the metal layer allow zones. Vias and viabars may then be applied on the jogs.
US08881081B1
A delay parameter extracting apparatus includes a schematic composing unit, a layout composing unit, a verification unit, and a parameter extracting unit. The schematic composing unit is configured to: facilitate design of a schematic circuit; and generate a first net list based on the design of the schematic circuit. The layout composing unit is configured to: facilitate design of a layout based on the schematic circuit; and generate a second net list based on the design of the layout. The verification unit is configured to verify the layout by comparing the first net list to the second net list. The parameter extracting unit is configured to: extract capacitance (C) values from the layout; and extract delay parameters based on the C values with respect to respective nets according to types of delay parameters associated with the respective nets.
US08881076B2
Software method to identify presence of multiple digital drivers disposed in a manner that creates multiple conflicting current paths in complex electronic circuit designs. Digital drivers are analyzed by expanding backwards to build a logical tree representation of the previous predecessor circuit portions that drive the digital driver's state. The previous level of predecessor circuit node states earlier in the circuit are checked to see if they simultaneously create pull up paths to power nets and pull down paths to ground nets, thus logically determining if a contention configuration is possible. This back-trace analysis is then repeated for the next previous level of predecessor circuit portions, further seeking logical contention issues within the expanding logic tree. This is continued until either no predecessor circuit portion that causes contention is found, or until a portion that does cause logical contention is found, in which case the contention digital drivers are reported.
US08881073B1
Roughly described, a method for approximating stress-induced mobility enhancement in a channel region in an integrated circuit layout, including approximating the stress at each of a plurality of sample points in the channel, converting the stress approximation at each of the sample points to a respective mobility enhancement value, and averaging the mobility enhancement values at all the sample points. The method enables integrated circuit stress analysis that takes into account stresses contributed by multiple stress generation mechanisms, stresses having vector components other than along the length of the channel, and stress contributions (including mitigations) due to the presence of other structures in the neighborhood of the channel region under study, other than the nearest STI interfaces. The method also enables stress analysis of large layout regions and even full-chip layouts, without incurring the computation costs of a full TCAD simulation.
US08881070B1
Aspects of the invention relate to techniques for applying edge fragment correlation information to optical proximity correction. Conventional edge adjustment values for the edge fragments are first derived from edge placement error values. Neighbor-aware edge adjustment values for the edge fragments are then computed based on the edge placement error values, the conventional edge adjustment values and edge fragment correlation information. The computation comprises: calculating pseudo edge placement error values by subtracting neighboring edge movement contribution values from the edge placement error values and calculating the neighbor-aware edge adjustment values based on the pseudo edge placement error values. The computed neighbor-aware edge adjustment values are combined with conventional edge adjustment values and the edge fragments are adjusted accordingly. The process may be repeated for a number of times.
US08881068B2
An approach for providing a fragmentation scheme for lithographic fills is provided. In a typical embodiment, a plurality of shapes in a lithographic (e.g., dummy) fill will be grouped/classified into a first set of shapes (e.g., a representative set of shapes) and a second set of shapes (e.g., a similar set of shapes). A set of points will be identified along the edges of the first set of shapes (e.g., at corners of the edges and at positions along the edges that are in alignment with corners of adjacent shapes) to yield an initial mask output. This initial mask output will be copied to the second set of shapes to yield a final mask output which may then be outputted using such an optimized fragmentation scheme.
US08881064B2
A method of providing a user interface for controlling a system (1;27) includes observing a presence of a body or body part of a user in a certain environment of a device (6,14-17;30). At least a perceptible part (28,34) of the user interface is made available to the user in association with a particular functionality for interacting with the system (1;27) controlled by the user interface in dependence on a rate of displacement of the body or body part of the user observed in the certain environment.
US08881059B2
A virtual object display determination unit identifies from real object display determination information a priority corresponding to a movement of a user indicated by user movement information notified by a state communication unit and, at the same time, identifies from real object attribute information a priority corresponding to a state change indicated by state change information notified by the state communication unit. By comparing the two identified priorities, the virtual object display determination unit determines whether or not to change a display mode of a virtual object. A UI generation unit generates a UI to be presented to the user based on a determination result of the virtual object display determination unit, and causes the UI to be displayed by a UI display unit.
US08881056B2
Methods and apparatus for displaying objects in client GUI. A lead selection and scoping information is used to determine whether the object is viewable, and the object is rendered only if it is at least partially viewable. The lead selection and scoping information is used to determine whether data is needed to render the object, and data is received from a corresponding object on a server only if it is needed to render the object. Determining whether the object is viewable in the GUI can be based on declaratively marked entities within the object's view and on view calculation rules. Determining whether data is needed to render the object can be based on declaratively marked entities within the object's data model such as flags indicating whether the data field is valid or whether the binding of the data field to a data source is valid.
US08881046B2
A method and system for displaying a virtual PIN pad and a virtual non-PIN pad on a touch screen having a screen area. Electronics in electrical communication with the touch screen are operative to provide the virtual PIN pad on the touch screen in a payment mode and provide the virtual non-PIN pad in a non-payment mode. The virtual PIN pad has a first plurality of virtual buttons and the virtual non-PIN pad has a second plurality of virtual buttons, the first plurality of virtual buttons being greater than the second plurality of virtual buttons. The electronics are operative in the payment mode to render the virtual PIN pad having the first plurality of virtual buttons and determine a numerical sequence entered by a user at the virtual PIN pad. The electronics are operative in the non-payment mode to render the virtual non-PIN pad having the second plurality of virtual buttons determine selections entered by a user at the virtual non-PIN pad.
US08881040B2
A system and method involves detecting operational social disruptive events on a global scale, assigning disease event staging and warnings to express data in more simplistic terms, modeling data in conjunction with linguistics analysis to establish responsive actions, generating visualization and modeling capabilities for communicating information, and modeling disease propagation for containment and forecasting purposes.
US08881039B2
Parameters associated with sub-elements of a composite shape may determine how the sub-element is scaled during resizing of the composite shape. A graphical display editor may use the scaling parameters to calculate various scaling factors that are then applied to the sub-elements of each composite shape during resizing. The editor may apply the scaling parameters to the sub-elements for resizing in one or more axes (e.g., the length, width, and height or X, Y, and Z axes, etc.) to adjust the composite shape for a particular graphical display. The editor may apply the scaling parameters directly to each sub-element to prevent any distortion of those sub-elements. The configured scaling parameters may then be linked to the composite shape so that, at runtime, the parameters are applied to the composite shape and its sub-elements. The scaling parameters may be applied to both composite shapes and animations associated with the composite shapes.
US08881034B2
A widget engine renders widgets using operating system platform-specific attributes. A widget application written at least partly in platform non-specific code is rendered by the widget engine through a series of system calls and callbacks. Upon interpreting particular code, the widget engine issues a system call to a module for performing a particular type of action. The module, based on the operating system platform, calls a platform-specific library that specifies how to carry out the action according to the operating system platform. Thereafter, using the returned platform-specific data, the widget engine renders the widget.
US08881032B1
Computer-implemented methods for grouping web page viewing windows in a web browser are provided. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a request to open a web page viewing window within a web browser that has multiple previously opened web page viewing windows. The method also includes automatically grouping each tab indicator associated with a subset of the web page viewing windows into a group based on an amount of viewable display space within the web browser to display each tab indicator associated with each of the web page viewing windows. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided.
US08881028B2
Reverse metadata viewing by multiple parties, in one aspect, determines one or more second users that share one or more concerns of the first user, enable the first user to select said one or more second users. One or more concerns of said selected one or more second users are determined based on metadata information in electronic artifacts associated with said selected one or more second users. The first user is enabled to explore said one or more concerns of said selected one or more second users.
US08881024B2
A system and methodology for collaboration and display among a plurality of users. The system is comprised of mapping logic defining a mapped structure for storing a plurality of separate layers of data in a plurality of data layers; and, storage for storing layer data in selected ones of said plurality of separate data layers, responsive to the mapping logic. The mapping logic associates user image data for each of at least two of the plurality of users for storage as respective said layer data in a respective one of the separate data layers. The system is further comprised of display definition logic controlling which of the plurality of data layers are utilized in providing a display presentation to at least one of the plurality of users. In an alternate embodiment, the system is further comprised of display mapping logic determining a hierarchial structuring for utilization within the display presentation of each respective said one of the data layers, placed within the combined display presentation according to the mapping logic, to appear atop one another within the display presentation, with a precedence of display presence, for providing a combined display presentation; and, display generation logic responsive to the display definition logic, the storage, the mapping logic, and the display mapping logic, for providing the combined display presentation comprising the display presentation associated with a first said data layer of the plurality of data layers appearing within the combined display presentation.
US08881023B2
A method and system is disclosed for synchronizing the virtual and physical mouse cursors of a local computer and a remotely controlled computer. Video signals generated by a host computer are transmitted to a client computer in order to allow the user of a client computer to have a virtual presence on the host computer. However, the signals transmitted by the host computer may contain errors that can cause a physical mouse to lose synchronization with a virtual mouse. Therefore this virtual presence architecture uses USB protocol and human interface descriptors that support the movement of a mouse to an absolute position in order to synchronize a virtual mouse cursor with a physical mouse cursor.
US08881011B2
A method for use in providing content includes hosting a network site on a computer network, displaying on the network site links to one or more videos, and displaying on the network site at least an on-demand preview of a first video in response to a corresponding one of the links being selected. A storage medium stores a computer program for use on a client computer. Several other methods, systems and programs are also disclosed.
US08881008B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device including a memory, a display device and a controller. The controller is programmed to provide to a first server a request for User Interface (UI) device configurations, provide to the first server configuration criteria associated with the request, receive configuration data associated with target UI device configurations from the first server, present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the display device based on the configuration data where the GUI displays selections for each of the target UI device configurations, provide a selection from among the selections of the target UI device configurations, and receive provisioning information from the first server that allows for implementing the selection of the target UI device configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08881006B2
A method includes searching a data instance in a modular interactive document to identify completed digital signatures, validating the identified completed digital signatures, generating a signature information table that associates nodes of the data instance with signature information including an indicator of a digital signature status associated with each of the nodes, retrieving a page of the modular interactive document, retrieving data associated with the page and identifying nodes of data associated with user interface elements of the page, retrieving the digital signature status associated with the identified nodes of data associated with the user interface elements of the page from the signature information table, and presenting the page of the modular interactive document to the user on a display, the presented page including data corresponding to the identified nodes and an indication of the digital signature status associated with the data corresponding to the identified nodes.
US08880999B1
Computer-implemented methods relating to interactive graphical designs are provided. One method includes adding a widget to a graphical instantiation of a web page design that is being displayed in a graphical design environment. The method also includes generating an encoded instantiation of the web page design using a compiler and the graphical instantiation. The method also includes rendering the encoded instantiation in a player. A portion of the encoded instantiation is used by the player for an aspect of an interaction between a viewer of the web page design and the widget. The method also includes generating a notification to describe that aspect of the interaction. The notification is a more cogent description of that aspect of the interaction than the portion of the encoded instantiation.
US08880997B2
A method of operating a service registry and repository based on a triplestore comprises: receiving a request to aggregate a service document; shredding elements of the service document to create logical objects within the triplestore; for each logical object, searching for all policy attachments logical objects that have a relationship with the logical object; for each located policy attachment, retrieving details of the policy and building a list of policies and associated logical objects in the repository; and returning an indication of the list of polices and associated logical objects. The list of logical objects and associated polices is used to compile a service document containing details of policies that have relationships with the selected service document logical objects. Objects that have associated polices are rendered with a hypertext policy icon next to the object and selection of the hypertext policy icon opens a new window with the policy details.
US08880990B2
An information processing device that acquires data constituting a Web page that is to be provided to a terminal device via a network and is designed for displaying predetermined content information. The information processing device then acquires a script that is programmed to allow reference to correspondence information associating candidate content information that is set beforehand as a candidate for content information to be displayed on the Web page, with variation information specifying variations of at least the display form of an object to be displayed on the Web page. The information processing device incorporates the script into the page data in an executable manner. In response to a request from the terminal device, the information processing device transmits the page data having the script incorporated thereinto, to the terminal device.
US08880987B2
A method for encoding data bits includes computing checksum parity bits based on the data bits. A set of equations satisfied by the data bits and the checksum parity bits corresponds to a dense parity-check matrix. The dense parity-check matrix comprises sums of permutation sub-matrices.
US08880985B2
A Quasi-Cyclic, LDPC, large girth, soft-decision decoder and accompanying methods.
US08880979B2
A method and system are disclosed in which a first non-volatile memory includes blocks that store data, and a second memory that stores overhead information related to the blocks storing the data. The amount of the second memory storing the overhead information related to the at least one block of the plurality of blocks is varied.
US08880972B2
A serial transmission apparatus, which transmits data through a serial communication line, includes a transmission unit configured to transmit data stored in a transmission data buffer to a transmission destination apparatus, a time-out detector configured to detect a time out when a response to the transmitted data from the transmission destination apparatus is not received within a specified period of time, a recovery state detector configured to detect a recovery state representing that the serial communication line is in a link recovery process, and a retransmission request unit configured to request the transmission unit to transmit again the data which has been stored in the transmission data buffer when the time-out detector detects the time-out or when the recovery state detector detects the recovery state of the serial communication line.
US08880966B2
An optimized JTAG interface is used to access JTAG Tap Domains within an integrated circuit. The interface requires fewer pins than the conventional JTAG interface and is thus more applicable than conventional JTAG interfaces on an integrated circuit where the availability of pins is limited. The interface may be used for a variety of serial communication operations such as, but not limited to, serial communication related integrated circuit test, emulation, debug, and/or trace operations.
US08880965B2
A low power scan flip-flop cell includes a multiplexer, a master latch, a scan slave latch and a data slave latch. The master latch is connected to the multiplexer, and used for generating a first latch signal. The scan slave latch is connected to the master latch, and generates a scan output (SO) signal. The data slave latch is connected to the master latch, and generates a Q output depending on a scan enable (SE) input signal and the first latch signal. The Q output is maintained at a predetermined level during scan mode, which eliminates unnecessary switching of combinational logic connected to the scan flip-flop cell and thus reduces power consumption.
US08880959B2
When an abort of a transaction occurs, a determination is made as to whether diagnostic information is to be stored in one or more transaction diagnostic blocks (TDBs). There are different types of transaction diagnostic blocks to accept diagnostic information depending on the type of abort and other considerations. As examples, there are a program-specified TDB in which information is stored if a valid TDB address is provided in a transaction begin instruction; a program interruption TDB, which is stored into when the program is aborted due to an interruption; and a program interception TDB, which is stored into when an abort results in an interception.
US08880953B2
A method for processing data includes storing a type information of a configuration element of a first data process system in association with an identification information of the configuration element in a configuration information storage part, determining the type information corresponding to a message output from the first data process system, the message including the identification information, comparing a first message group including a plurality of first messages and a second message group including a plurality of second messages, the plural second messages being stored in association with the type information of a second data process system in a message group storage part, determining whether the plural first messages match the plural second messages, and determining whether the type information of the plural first messages match the type information of the plural second messages when the plural first messages do not match the plural second messages.
US08880951B2
In one embodiment, a user interface includes at least one instance of each of at least one widget. Recording a plurality of widget interaction instances (WIIs) for the user interface, each WII resulting from a user interaction applied to a particular instance of a particular widget. Clustering the plurality of WIIs based on a text value and a path value of each WII, such that each cluster of WIIs is associated with a particular widget. Determining, for each of at least one cluster of WIIs, whether the particular widget associated with the cluster of WIIs is erroneous based on whether user interactions corresponding to the WIIs in the cluster have produced responses from a software application that includes the user interface.
US08880948B2
Terminal diagnosis self correction is disclosed. A service inquiry is received regarding a problem with a terminal from a user. Terminal statistics are obtained remotely from the terminal and stored in a site diagnosis log. An initial diagnosis is determined with a site diagnostic tool using the terminal statistics. The initial diagnosis is stored in the site diagnosis log. A technician is dispatched to repair the terminal. Terminal statistics are obtained locally at the terminal and stored in an onsite validation tool log. An onsite diagnosis is determined using an onsite validation tool and stored the onsite validation tool log. The initial and onsite diagnoses are compared. In response to a difference between the initial and onsite diagnoses, the remotely and locally obtained terminal statistics are compared. The site diagnostic tool is adjusted based on the initial diagnosis, the onsite diagnosis, and the remote and local terminal statistics.
US08880945B2
Exemplary customer premises equipment (“CPE”) diagnostic, recovery, and reporting systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes a technical support server subsystem aggregating, over time, technical support data representing technical issues of CPE devices and operations performed to resolve the technical issues, identifying a subset of the technical support data, and providing the identified subset of the technical support data to a CPE device for local storage by the CPE device, locally stored technical support data configured to be used by the CPE device to self-recover from a future technical issue associated with the CPE device. In certain embodiments, the CPE device may be configured to function as a media server device and/or as an intermediary technical support device at a customer premises. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
US08880942B2
A method for ensuring guaranteed services for real-time traffic on an interconnect with errors is provided. The real-time traffic comprises a first and second traffic class (HRT, SRT). Real-time traffic of the first and/or second traffic class (HRT, SRT) is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver. It is detected by the receiver whether an error has occurred during the transmission of the real-time traffic and the error is reported to the transmitter. At least part of the real-time traffic of the second traffic class (SRT) is re-transmitted by the transmitter if the transmitter has received an error report from the receiver within a predetermined time period.
US08880933B2
The problem signature extraction technique extracts problem signatures from trace data collected from an application. The technique condenses the manifestation of a network, software or hardware problem into a compact signature, which could then be used to identify instances of the same problem in other trace data. For a network configuration, the technique uses as input a network-level packet trace of an application's communication and extracts from it a set of features. During the training phase, each application run is manually labeled as GOOD or BAD, depending on whether the run was successful or not. The technique then employs a learning technique to build a classification tree not only to distinguish between GOOD and BAD runs but to also sub-classify the BAD runs into different classes of failures. Once a classification tree has been learned, problem signatures are extracted by walking the tree, from the root to each leaf.
US08880931B2
A distributed system includes: nodes each having a memory, running distributed processes, and checkpointing to create checkpoint data for each process; a selection unit selecting spare nodes for future failure recovery for each process; an allocation unit allocating and transmitting the checkpoint data to the spare nodes to make the spare nodes store the checkpoint data before failure; and a recovery unit selecting one checkpoint data for recovery, activates the selected checkpoint data to run a process on the spare node, or partitions the existing stored checkpoint data, when any checkpoint data is not suitable for recovery, the partitions of the checkpoint data as a whole being integrated into a complete checkpoint data; and transmitting the partitions from the spare nodes to a new node, and reorganizing the partitions into complete data to be activated to run a process on the new node.
US08880925B2
Techniques for energy consumption monitoring and analysis. Energy consumption of one or more energy consuming devices corresponding to a user is monitored. User profile information and user statistical information is utilized to analyze the monitored energy consumption to generate a personal energy usage profile for the user. The personal energy usage profile is transmitted to a computing platform associated with the user.
US08880924B2
A method of hot-plugging a multi-core processor includes monitoring respective workload levels of multiple processor cores, hot-plugging off a first core among the processor cores upon determining that its workload level has fallen below a lower reference value, and hot-plugging on a second core among the processor cores upon determining that its workload level has risen above an upper reference value while the first core is hot-plugged off.
US08880920B2
Systems, methods and devices for limiting current consumption by a different ramp rate upon power-up
Embodiments are described including those for controlling peak current consumption of a multi-chip memory package during power-up. In one embodiment, each memory device of the multi-chip package includes a power level detector used to compare an internal voltage signal to a threshold. A current limiter controls the ramping rate of the internal voltage signal in response to the power level detector as the internal voltage signal ramps up towards the threshold.
US08880918B2
A method and an apparatus for communication between an Automatic Configuration Server (ACS) and a Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) over an Internet-based network are provided. A CPE determines in a power standby state whether an inform request message transmission period is received. If the inform request message transmission period is received, the CPE transitions from the power standby state to an active state and transmits an inform request message to an ACS. The CPE receives an inform response message from the ACS in response to the inform request message, and upon receiving the inform response message, transitions from the active state to the power standby state.
US08880917B2
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for producing and delivering packetized power within a DC computing environment. Within the DC computing environment a power requirement or request is communicated to a power router. The power router then determines a power source capable of fulfilling the power requirement and then causes the power to be delivered in packetized form. The packetized power is appended to a message header which allows the power packet to be received by the requesting device.
US08880914B2
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a processor, a non-volatile storage unit, a receiving unit, a judging unit, and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit receives from the processor an inquiry about accessibility of the storage unit. The judging unit judges, upon receipt of the inquiry, whether the storage unit is accessible on the basis of a start-up time period between starting power supply to the storage unit and activation of the storage unit. The transmitting unit transmits a judgment result obtained by the judging unit to the processor.
US08880910B2
A power management system includes a plurality of electronic devices, a power distribution unit, a power management unit and a power control unit. The power distribution unit is connected with the electronic devices for providing electricity to the electronic devices. The power management unit is connected to a network and the electronic devices, so that the electronic devices are connected with the network through the power management unit. The power control unit is connected with the power management unit through the network. The power control unit is configured for controlling the power management unit, thereby sequentially starting the electronic devices.
US08880905B2
According to one aspect of the invention, a file received from a first user is stored in a storage device, where the file includes private metadata encrypted by a secret key associated with a second user. A private metadata identifier is stored in a predetermined storage location, indicating that private metadata of the file has not been decrypted and indexed. In response to an inquiry subsequently received from the second user, the predetermined storage location is scanned to identify the private metadata identifier based on the inquiry. The encrypted metadata identified by the private metadata identifier is transmitted to the second user for decryption. In response to the metadata that has been decrypted by the second user, the decrypted metadata is indexed for the purpose of subsequent searches of at least one of the metadata and the file.
US08880903B2
A removable drive such as a USB drive or key is provided for connecting to computer devices to provide secure and portable data storage. The drive includes a drive manager adapted to be run by an operating system of the computer device. The drive manager receives a password, generates a random key based on the password, encrypts a user-selected data file in memory of the computer device using the key, and stores the encrypted file in the memory of the removable drive. The drive manager performs the encryption of the data file without corresponding encryption applications being previously loaded on the computer system. The drive manager may include an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cryptography algorithm. The drive manager generates a user interface that allows a user to enter passwords, select files for encryption and decryption, and create folders for storing the encrypted files on the removable drive.
US08880881B2
A method of establishing secure communication between a first mobile computing device and a second mobile computing device includes generating a first self-signed key at the first mobile computing device, pairing the first device with a second device, the pairing including receiving user input of a passcode and after receiving the user input sending the first public key to the second mobile computing device and receiving a second public key from the second mobile computing device, storing the second public key in a database of trusted devices, the database of trusted devices being stored in the first mobile computing device, receiving in the first mobile computing device a list of mobile computing devices connected to a mobile network, matching the list of mobile computing device against the database of trusted devices, and establishing secure communication between the first mobile computing device and the second mobile computing device.
US08880880B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided for facilitating access controls for digital objects stored within a peer-to-peer overlay network. A privacy-preserving method is provided for matching identities between a first peer node and a second peer node in a peer-to-peer network. Such identity matching may be used, for example, to ascertain whether the first peer node should provide access to certain digital object stored in the peer-to-peer overlay network. Rather than providing its identities in an unprotected format, the second peer may provide its identities to the first peer node in a concealed representation so as to prevent the first peer from learning about non-matching identities. Such concealed representation may be a data structure that cryptographically conceals one or more identities of the second peer node or a user of the second peer node within a shared data space of the data structure.
US08880876B2
To support authentication of a mobile device, an application server obtains an application identifier and password and creates an encrypted value by encrypting a combination of the password and a lime based value. The application server transmits the application identifier and encrypted value over a communication network to the mobile device as a credential, and the mobile device sends the credential over the network to a secure server providing an application assistance service. The secure server independently computes an encrypted value by encrypting the combination of the password and the time-based value. If the encrypted value front the received credential matches the encrypted value computed by the secure server, that server grants access to the assistance service for the mobile device.
US08880875B1
A method for secure transmission of a message encrypted under an attribute based encryption scheme is provided. A first and a second authority parameter may be received from one or more authorities. A policy is generated based on the parameters. The generated policy comprises a flexible access control structure. A ciphertext is constructed based on the policy. To decrypt the ciphertext, key components are received from one or more authorities, the key components associated with a decryptor identifier. A decryption key is generated based on the policy and the key components. A plaintext is generated by decrypting the ciphertext.
US08880867B2
Disclosed is a protocol for a fault-tolerant, private distributed aggregation model that allows a data consumer to calculate unbounded statistics (weighted sums) over homomorphically encrypted sensitive data items from data producers. The data consumer can choose to calculate over an arbitrary subset of all available data items, thus providing fault tolerance; i.e., failing data producers do not prevent the statistics calculation. A key-managing authority ensures differential privacy before responding to the data consumer's decryption request for the homomorphically encrypted statistics result, thus preservation the data's producer's privacy. Security against malicious data consumers is provided along with aggregator obliviousness, differential privacy in a unidirectional communication model between data producers and data consumers.
US08880860B2
A processor reset control circuit is configured to automatically capture a pre-reset value of processor information stored in one or more hardware registers, as part of a reset operation state machine and prior to changing the processor information to its architecturally required post reset value. Such pre-reset processor information includes, for example one or more pre-reset values of the processor program counter (PC) and one or more pre-reset values of an operating-state mode register, both of which may be captured in one or more pre-reset capture storage devices which are then made available for evaluation purposes. Such pre-reset capture storage devices store pre-reset information in response to the reset and maintain the stored pre-reset information until another reset occurs.
US08880855B2
A processor includes a first and second execution unit each of which is arranged to execute multiply instructions of a first type upon fixed point operands and to execute multiply instructions of a second type upon floating point operands. A register file of the processor stores operands in registers that are each addressable by instructions for performing the first and second types of operations. An instruction decode unit is responsive to the at least one multiply instruction of the first type and the at least one multiply instruction of the second type to at the same time enable a first data path between the first set of registers and the first execution unit and to enable a second data path between a second set of registers and the second execution unit.
US08880853B2
A wake-and-go mechanism is provided for a data processing system. The wake-and-go mechanism recognizes a programming idiom that indicates that a thread is spinning on a lock. The wake-and-go mechanism updates a wake-and-go array with a target address associated with the lock and sets a lock bit in the wake-and-go array. The thread then goes to sleep until the lock frees. The wake-and-go array may be a content addressable memory (CAM). When a transaction appears on the symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) fabric that modifies the value at a target address in the CAM, the CAM returns a list of storage addresses at which the target address is stored. The wake-and-go mechanism associates these storage addresses with the threads waiting for an event at the target addresses, and may wake the thread that is spinning on the lock.
US08880850B2
One embodiment of the present includes a heterogeneous, high-performance, scalable processor having at least one W-type sub-processor capable of processing W bits in parallel, W being an integer value, at least one N-type sub-processor capable of processing N bits in parallel, N being an integer value smaller than W by a factor of two. The processor further includes a shared bus coupling the at least one W-type sub-processor and at least one N-type sub-processor and memory shared coupled to the at least one W-type sub-processor and the at least one N-type sub-processor, wherein the W-type sub-processor rearranges memory to accommodate execution of applications allowing for fast operations.
US08880849B2
The present invention concerns configuration of a new category of integrated circuitry for adaptive computing. The various embodiments provide an executable information module for an adaptive computing engine (ACE) integrated circuit and may include configuration information, operand data, and may also include routing and power control information. The ACE IC comprises a plurality of heterogeneous computational elements coupled to an interconnection network. The plurality of heterogeneous computational elements include corresponding computational elements having fixed and differing architectures, such as fixed architectures for different functions such as memory, addition, multiplication, complex multiplication, subtraction, configuration, reconfiguration, control, input, output, and field programmability. In response to configuration information, the interconnection network is operative to configure the plurality of heterogeneous computational elements for a plurality of different functional modes.
US08880848B2
A memory control device that transfers data from an external memory to a data processing unit having plural processing mechanisms, includes an absolute address storage unit that stores an absolute address serving as a common reference value in a given data transfer period; a differential address storage unit that stores plural differential addresses therein; a differential address selection unit that selects any one of the plurality of differential addresses in a given order; a memory address generation unit that combines any differential address selected by the differential address selection unit with the absolute address to generate a memory address; and a data transfer unit that inputs the memory address generated by the memory address generation unit to the external memory, reads the data from the memory address, and transfers the data to the data processing unit.
US08880844B1
A chip multiprocessor includes a plurality of cores each having a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) and a prefetch buffer (PB). Each core is configured to determine a TLB miss on the core's TLB for a virtual page address and determine whether or not there is a PB hit on a PB entry in the PB for the virtual page address. If it is determined that there is a PB hit, the PB entry is added to the TLB. If it is determined that there is not a PB hit, the virtual page address is used to perform a page walk to determine a translation entry, the translation entry is added to the TLB and the translation entry is prefetched to each other one of the plurality of cores.
US08880843B2
A method for providing redundancy in a virtualized storage system for a computer system is provided. The method includes determining a first set of first logical addresses to provide a virtual storage volume. A redundancy schema is then selected to provide redundancy data for primary data stored in the first set of first logical addresses. A second set of second logical addresses is determined to provide logical storage for the primary data and for the redundancy data. The first set of first logical addresses and the second set of second logical addresses are then mapped and a set of physical storage addresses is selected from a set of physical storage elements. Mapping between the second set of second logical addresses and the set of physical addresses is then performed to provide physical storage for the primary data and the redundancy data stored in the virtual storage volume.
US08880841B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to forecast a potential demand for partitioned/sharded data and to distribute the data among a set of data partitions based on forecasted demand to optimize network characteristics (e.g., network bandwidth) and/or expedite data retrieval. For example, the data may be distributed among the partitions based on a quantity of trends/requests/hits on the data, so that requests for the data can be balanced among the partitions geographically.
US08880834B2
Persistent data storage is provided by a computer program product that includes computer program code configured for receiving a low latency store command that includes write data. The write data is written to a first memory device that is implemented by a nonvolatile solid-state memory technology characterized by a first access speed. It is acknowledged that the write data has been successfully written to the first memory device. The write data is written to a second memory device that is implemented by a volatile memory technology. At least a portion of the data in the first memory device is written to a third memory device when a predetermined amount of data has been accumulated in the first memory device. The third memory device is implemented by a nonvolatile solid-state memory technology characterized by a second access speed that is slower than the first access speed.
US08880831B2
A method and apparatus for training read latency of a memory are disclosed. A memory controller includes a command FIFO configured to convey commands to a memory, a data queue coupled to receive data from the memory, and a register configured to provide a value indicative of a number of cycles of a first clock signal after which data is valid. During a startup routine, the memory controller is configured to compare data received by the data queue to a known data pattern after a specified number of cycles of the first clock signal have elapsed. The memory controller is further to configured to decrement the first value and repeat conveying and comparing if the data received matches the data pattern. If the received data does not match the data pattern for any attempted read of the memory, the memory controller is configured to program a second value into the register.
US08880830B1
A storage system monitors the first access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a first period, and the second access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a second period shorter than the first period. Along with performing data relocation among the tiers (levels) in the first period cycle based on the first access frequency of occurrence, the storage system performs a decision whether or not to perform a second relocation based on the first access frequency of occurrence and the second access frequency of occurrence, synchronously with access from a host device. Here the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the first relocation is different from the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the second relocation.
US08880820B2
Techniques for using sparse files during snapshots are provided. Snapshots are managed and maintained for a source volume via sparse files. Metadata defines the sparse files and operations of a file system are used to create, define, and manipulate the metadata. When a write operation is detected during a snapshot, sparse files are used to copy the write operation before the write operation is performed on the source volume; the sparse files server as the snapshot data.
US08880819B2
Memory apparatuses that may be used for receiving commands and ordering memory responses are provided. One such memory apparatus includes response logic that is coupled to a plurality of memory units by a plurality of channels and may be configured to receiving a plurality of memory responses from the plurality of memory units. Ordering logic may be coupled to the response logic and be configured to cause the plurality of memory responses in the response logic to be provided in an order based, at least in part, on a system protocol. For example, the ordering logic may enforce bus protocol rules on the plurality of memory responses stored in the response logic to ensure that responses are provided from the memory apparatus in a correct order.
US08880810B2
A storage system includes a first storage apparatus and a second storage apparatus. The first storage apparatus includes a capacity pool that is partitioned into multiple pool pages and includes a storage area of an external logical volume provided by at least one storage apparatus. The second storage apparatus provides first virtual volume which is a virtual logical volume comprising multiple first virtual areas. In a case of receiving a write request from the computer to a virtual area in the first virtual volume to which a page is not allocated, an unallocated pool page of the external logical volume is allocated to the virtual area. An authority to allocate the unallocated pool page of the external logical volume is assigned to the first storage apparatus.
US08880803B2
A generation-code storage unit stores therein a generation code in association with identification information for identifying the block datum. A generation-code managing unit assigns a new generation code to a detected consecutive data set and any block datum included in writing data other than the consecutive data set and stores the assigned generation code in the generation-code storage unit. A data writing unit adds the new generation code to the block datum or consecutive data set included in the writing data and writes it to a storage unit. A determining unit determines whether the generation code added to a read block datum or consecutive data set is accordant with the generation code of the read block datum or consecutive data set stored in the generation-code storage unit. A data transmitting unit transmits, when the generation codes are accordant, the read block datum or consecutive data set.
US08880794B2
Apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a data storage system having a memory that includes a first addressable storage space and a second differently addressable storage space. A controller selectively accesses stored instructions that when executed transfer some user data sets with the first addressable storage space in accordance with a dense allocation of the first addressable storage space, and transfer other user data sets with the second addressable storage space in accordance with a sparse allocation of the second addressable storage space that allocates a predefined reserved storage capacity between adjacent stored non-sequential user data sets.
US08880793B2
Storage management systems and methods are presented. In one embodiment, a storage management method comprises: establishing a cluster including one or more logical unit number storage components (LUNs) communicatively coupled to one or more host nodes, wherein one of the one or more nodes is a master host node; performing a LUN naming process wherein a master host node assigns a name to each of the one or more LUNs respectively, even if the one or more LUNS are communicatively coupled to a slave host node; and operating the cluster, wherein the one or more host nodes refer to the one or more LUNs by the name. In one embodiment, the master host node stores information associated with the name in a computer readable medium. The cluster can include one or more slave host nodes.
US08880790B2
A computer-implemented method for transferring data from a computer system programmed to perform the method includes receiving in a memory buffer in a first memory module hosted by the computer system, a request for data stored in RAM of the first memory module from a host controller of the computer system, retrieving with the memory buffer, the data from the RAM, in response to the request, formatting with the memory buffer, the data from the RAM into formatted data in response to a defined software transport protocol, and initiating with the memory buffer, transfer of the formatted data to a storage destination external to the first memory module via an auxiliary interface of the memory buffer, bypassing the host controller of the computer system.
US08880784B2
Disclosed is a method for managing logical block write requests for a flash drive. The method includes receiving a logical block write request from a file system; assigning a category to the logical block; and generating at least three writes from the logical block write request, a first write writes the logical block to an Erasure Unit (EU) according to the category assigned to each logical block, a second write inserts a Block Mapping Table (BMT) update entry to a BMT update log, and a third write commits the BMT update entry to an on-disk BMT, wherein the first and second writes are performed synchronously and the third write is performed asynchronously and in a batched fashion.
US08880765B2
In one embodiment, a network device having a plurality of hardware interfaces is disclosed. The network device includes a central processing unit and a main circuit board. The main circuit board has expansion slots that receivably connect corresponding secondary circuit boards to the main circuit board. The main circuit board also has sensors for detecting predetermined parameters. A voltage regulator is operative to regulate one or more particular expansion slots, in response to detection of a predetermined parameter associated with respective slots.
US08880764B2
A computing apparatus identifies that a first physical processor of a host has forwarded information regarding a device interrupt for a device to a second physical processor executing at least one of a virtual processor that controls the device or an application thread that controls the device. After identifying that the first physical processor has forwarded the information regarding the device interrupt to the second physical processor and in response to determining that one or more update criteria have been satisfied, the computing apparatus updates at least one of the device or an interrupt controller to cause at least one of the device or the interrupt controller to send future device interrupts for the device to the second physical processor.
US08880762B2
A system and method for processing seismic data on one or more co-processor devices that are operatively coupled to a host computing system via a communications channel. The compression of input data transmitted to the co-processor device and/or the size of the storage provided on the co-processor device may enhance the efficiency of the processing of the data on the peripheral device by obviating a bottleneck caused by the relatively slow transfer of data between the host computing system and the co-processor device or by the relatively slow transfer of data within the co-processor device between the co-processor information storage and the co-processor.
US08880759B2
An apparatus includes first, second, and spare ports, where first data having a data length less than a predetermined value is transmitted from the first port and second data having a data length not less than the predetermined value is transmitted from the second port. The apparatus obtains a first determination result indicating whether input data is the first data or the second data and a second determination result indicating whether a transmission rate of each of the first and second ports is equal to or greater than a threshold. The apparatus sorts the input data to one of the first, second, and spare ports, based on the first and second determination results. The apparatus fragments the second data and transmit the fragmented second data to the spare port when both the first data and the second data are sorted to the spare port.
US08880757B1
Mechanisms are provided for remote direct memory access (RDMA) resource leak detection. A user space context is generated comprising a user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure. A kernel context is generated comprising a kernel RDMA resource hierarchical data structure. The kernel RDMA resource hierarchical data structure comprises nodes of the users space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure. A request to close a RDMA resource is received and the user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure is traversed to determine whether the RDMA resource has child RDMA resources allocated in the user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure. A resource leak is detected in response to determining, based on at least one of the user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure or the kernel RDMA resource hierarchical data structure, that the RDMA resource has a child RDMA resource allocated in the user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure.
US08880755B2
A transmission device includes: an FPGA that configures a port processing circuit in a line interface which communicates with an XFP; and a flash memory that stores configuration information for configuring, in the FPGA, a measurement circuit that measures and acquires a transmission parameter for use in communication between the XFP and the port processing circuit; and an FPGA control unit that configures the measurement circuit in a portion of the port processing circuit based on the configuration information read from the flash memory, upon detecting a loop-back connection with the XFP. The measurement circuit measures and acquires a transmission parameter. The FPGA control unit sets the acquired transmission parameter to the line interface, and reconfigures the measurement circuit in the port processing circuit.
US08880750B2
A multi-function peripheral (MFP) sets an enterprise number that responds to an external device regardless of a specific rule corresponding to a request when the MFP receives the request for acquiring management information base (MIB) information in which a specific object identifier (ID) is designated from an external device. The MFP receives the request for acquiring MIB information from a PC and responds the set enterprise number to the request.
US08880749B2
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a plurality of pads adapted to send or receive signals, and a plurality of mixed signal interface blocks, each of which is coupled to a corresponding pad in the plurality of pads. Furthermore, each mixed signal interface block in the plurality of mixed signal interface blocks is adapted to be configurable to provide selected functionality independently of the other mixed signal interface blocks.
US08880743B2
A method for providing a service executed in various service modules, and a home gateway using the same are provided. The service providing method displays a function result of a service module mounted to a module port to which a variety of service modules are selectively mountable, in a display connected. Hence, various services executed in various service modules can be provided reasonably and effectively.
US08880737B1
Multicast delivery of channels of information using an Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) is improved by implementing a smart immediate leave to avoid either excessive bandwidth utilization or undesired gaps in deliver of an IGMP channel to a host, such as a set top box. The smart immediate leave technique checks a channel-host list associated with a network interface of a proxy or a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) to ensure continued delivery of IGMP channel information to remaining hosts connected to the IGMP channel on the network serviced by the network interface.
US08880736B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems of backing up applications and their associated data installed on a device, such as a mobile device. In particular, data for a backed-up application is stored on a remote archive host and can be restored to dynamically managed containers of securely installed applications on the device. Upon request, the archive host may provide a package of files to the device. The device may then restore the application based on the contents of the package. The package may comprise all the files needed to install the application including the program code, data, and documents. Alternatively, the package may simply comprise just some of the files, such as just the data or documents for an application. After installation, a secure installer framework may be used to verify the applications and authorize the application's execution on the device.
US08880735B2
A solution is provided wherein standard mail servers may be used to assist the synchronization of application data across multiple devices. This allows the synchronization of application data without requiring contemporaneous operation of the synchronization partner devices. This may be accomplished by generating a record for each change to a database on a first device. Upon synchronization of the first device with the mail server, the changes since the last synchronization may be uploaded to the mail server and stored in a mailbox for a user associated with the device. If a second device associated with the user then attempts to synchronize with the mail server, the records may be downloaded and the corresponding changes implemented in the database on the second device.
US08880722B2
In general, this disclosure describes techniques of dynamically selecting versions of media content based on data transfer policies of a media content provider that provides the media content. As described herein, a media content provider may establish a variety of data transfer policies for a variety of purposes. When requests are received, versions of media assets indicated by the requests are selected such that an overall bandwidth utilization of the media content provider is likely to be substantially equal to a desired bandwidth utilization established by one or more of the enterprise data transfer policies.
US08880716B2
Sending a data stream from a sending endpoint to a receiving endpoint, wherein both of the sending endpoint and the receiving endpoint each have multiple physical interfaces connecting the sending endpoint and the receiving endpoint to multiple networks, respectively, is provided. The data stream is split into a series of data packets and sent over the multiple physical interfaces. A next available data packet of the series is sent over a fastest one of the multiple physical interfaces. A data packet from further back in the series is extracted in accordance with a determined expected difference in arrival time, and sent on a corresponding slower one of the multiple physical interfaces. The next available data packet is sent from the sending endpoint nearly simultaneously as the extracted data packet is sent from the sending endpoint.
US08880715B2
A host computer is remotely controlled by a remote client device over a network that carries transmissions in a connection-oriented protocol and a connectionless protocol. The host computer establishes a connection to the remote client device using a connection-oriented protocol, and receives commands from the remote client device over the connection-oriented protocol and implements the commands so as to affect a display of the host computer. The host computer transmits content of the display to the remote client device using the connection-oriented protocol. In addition, the host computer identifies one or more rapid-change areas in the display of the host computer in which the display is changing more quickly than a predetermined threshold rate of change, and transmits content of each rapid-change area to the remote client device using a connectionless protocol at a rate higher than the connection-oriented protocol.
US08880708B2
A method and system are provided for denying an application service request, such as a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) request, on wireless and wireline Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) networks. In one example, the method includes receiving a request for an application service from a user via a transport network, determining to deny the request, and providing a response corresponding to the denial of the request to the user via the transport network.
US08880701B2
Disclosed are a network service architecture and a service supporting method to embody a dynamic program that allows a service provider to provide various services. The present invention suggests a network service architecture that is configured by a service producer, a service provider, a network device, and a network service store and provides a processes of making a program required for the service using an open API and an interface, notifying the service to the network service store, and dynamically installing the program in the network device based on the network service architecture. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to diversely make and install a dynamic program, which are demanded by the service provider, in the network devices.
US08880700B2
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for the delivery of user-controlled resources in cloud environments via a resource specification language wrapper. In embodiments, the user of a client machine may wish to contribute resources from that machine to a cloud-based network via a network connection over a limited or defined period. To expose the user-controlled resources to one or more clouds for use the user may transmit a contribution request encoding the user-controlled resources in a specification language wrapper, such as an XML (extensible markup language) wrapper. The specification language wrapper can embed the set of user-controlled resources, such as processor time, memory, and/or other resources, in an XML or other format to transmit to a marketplace engine which can place the set of user-controlled resources into a resource pool, for selection by marketplace clouds. The specification language wrapper can indicate access controls or restrictions on the contributed resources.
US08880692B2
The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for transferring authorization rights to access a file. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: designating a location to store the file; creating a file-transfer-reference for the file based on the location; creating an authorization protocol for the file; selecting at least one recipient of the file-transfer-reference; and forwarding the file-transfer-reference to the at least one recipient according to the authorization protocol. The method may optionally include defining a validity period for which for access to the file.
US08880684B2
An IP gateway, attached to a source network and a destination network, handles an application session between a source client device and a destination client device. Application-level control messages in the existing application session may be time stamped by the IP gateway. Individual network round-trip delays (RTDs) associated with the attached networks may be calculated or determined utilizing the resulting time stamps. The IP gateway may time stamp one or more of the application-level control messages in the existing application session whenever transmission and/or reception of the application-level control messages occurs at the IP gateway. The resulting gateway related time stamps such as the gateway-to-source receive time stamp and the gateway-to-destination transmit time stamp may be stored. An individual RTD associated with the destination network may be calculated or determined utilizing the stored gateway related time stamps and processing delay measurement extracted from one of the application-level control messages from the destination client device.
US08880679B2
Techniques for provisioning and decommissioning web servers in an automated manner. In one embodiment, a threshold value relating to an operational metric of a web server can be stored. The metric can be monitored as the web server receives requests. If the metric exceeds the threshold value, additional web servers can be automatically provisioned to handle a portion of the requests. If the metric falls below the threshold value, the additional web servers can be automatically decommissioned. In another embodiment, information can be logged pertaining to web server requests received over time. Based on this information and a threshold value, patterns of high/low server load can be determined and a policy can be generated identifying time intervals during which additional web servers should be provisioned (or existing web servers should be decommissioned). The policy can be used at server runtime to provision or decommission web servers at the identified intervals.
US08880670B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing a group membership discovery service. Join requests are received from clients, including a respective group and value pair. A respective count for each received pair is updated, the count indicating a count of a join events received by servers for the pair. Notification is sent to one or more other clients that have requested such notification, wherein the notification includes a first group and value pair having a respective count that was updated for a first time. A notification is received from a server regarding a different second group and value pair received by the server and a respective count for the second group and value pair is updated.
US08880668B2
An approach is provided for integrating data. Data is collected from one or more source systems and workflow data is extracted from the collected data. One or more predetermined tasks associated with execution of a workflow based on the workflow data are identified. Status information relating to progress of the workflow towards completion is estimated by correlating the workflow data with the one or more predetermined tasks.
US08880662B1
Methods, media, and network devices are provided for automatically re-provisioning a network device. The network devices include several triggers for re-provisioning the network device. When a trigger is satisfied, the network devices may switch communication networks by replacing current provisioning credentials with provisioning credentials for other communication networks. After the switch, the home address for the network devices point to the other communication networks.
US08880660B2
An information-processing device comprises: a storage unit that stores first location data for identifying a server on a network; a conversion unit that converts a source code into an object code; a transmitting unit that, if an object code to be generated by the conversion unit is directed to a mobile communication terminal, transmits a request to upload a file, including an object code generated by the conversion unit, to the server identified by the first location data stored in the storage unit over the network; a receiving unit that receives a response to the request transmitted from the server; and a control unit that, if the receiving unit receives the response, causes a display unit that displays information to display a screen showing second location data indicating a location of the file on the network.
US08880652B2
A method and computer readable medium are disclosed for predictive caching of web pages for display through a screen of a mobile computing device. A load request is received at a mobile computing device, where the load request includes a current timestamp and an address. The address points to a remote server storing a current copy of the address content. The mobile computing device determines whether there is an existing copy of the address content is pre-cached on the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device determines whether a difference between the current timestamp and a pre-cache timestamp is greater than a heuristic timeliness value. If it is, the mobile computing device pre-caches the current copy of the address content from the remove server at the address on the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device then provides the current copy of the address content for display on its screen.
US08880647B2
The present invention includes apparatuses, methods, computer readable media and systems comprising means for rapid data acquisition from a server are discussed herein. This rapid data acquisition can be achieved using a combination of bulk data requests and small data requests. A hybrid approach that uses simultaneous bulk and small data requests can provide random access to data files while achieving the high download speeds of a large data transfer.
US08880646B2
An integrated device control service acquires output data, information related to the address of a first receiver and a first style sheet for the first receiver, and information related to the address of a second receiver and a second style sheet for the second receiver from an application and a style sheet database that stores a plurality of style sheets describing information conversion rules. In accordance with the success or failure of first conversion data distribution, the integrated device control service sends second conversion data, which is the output data converted according to the second style sheet, to the second receiver.
US08880640B2
The automatic transmission of communications between a mobile device and a social networking system is regulated based on the communication mode of the mobile device. A communication for transmission between the mobile device and the social networking system is detected. A communication switch setting, such as a switch position, is determined for the mobile device. A communication mode for the mobile device is determined based on the communication switch setting. For example, if the switch is in a first position, the mobile device is determined to be in a social mode. Likewise, if the switch is in a second position, the mobile device is determined to be a manual mode. If the mobile device is in the social mode, the communication is automatically transmitted. If the mobile device is in the manual mode, the communication is transmitted only in response to authorization from the user of the mobile device.
US08880635B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus for selectively requesting cached versions of resources. In one aspect, a method includes transmitting, by a user device, a resource request for a resource hosted by a first server; determining whether the first server provided response data; in response to determining that the first server provided response data: determining whether a cache request condition has occurred; in response to determining that a cache request condition has occurred: transmitting a request for a cached version of the resource to a cache server; and receiving cache data that causes the user device to display the cached version of the resource; and in response to determining that the first server did not provide response data: transmitting a request for a cached version of the resource to the cache server; and receiving cache data that causes the user device to display the cached version of the resource.
US08880629B1
System communications tailored to individual users may be dynamically provided responsive to trigger events in a virtual space. A given system communication may include one or more of a third-party advertisement, an offer for in-space products, an offer in-space services, an informative message, and/or other system communications. Trigger events may include specific user actions defined as trigger events. Current states may be obtained responsive to trigger events occurring within the virtual space. A given current state may include (1) information associated with the virtual space at a given moment, (2) information associated with a user character at a given moment, and/or (3) information associated with a user at a given moment. It may be determined whether individual current states correspond to one or more of a plurality of system communications. System communications may be provided for presentation to users via one or more communication channels.
US08880615B2
A method and system for managing a workflow using instant messages to determine the statuses of interdependent tasks. First and second tasks of the workflow are determined to be interdependent, whereby the first task is required to be completed before the second task is started. After receiving a first instant message (IM) that responds to an IM-based first query requesting a status of the first task, the first IM is determined to include key word(s) indicating that the first task is completed. An IM-based second query requesting a status of the second task is sent. After receiving a second IM that responds to the second query, the second IM is determined to include the key word(s) indicating that the second task is completed.
US08880606B2
Disclosed is a flexible, multi-modal system useful in communications among users, capable of synchronizing real world and augmented reality, wherein the system is deployed in centralized and distributed computational platforms. The system comprises input devices to generate signals representing speech, gestures, pointing direction, and location of a user, and transmit the same to a multi-modal interface. A plurality of agents and one or more databases are integrated into the system, where at least some of the agents receive signals from the multi-modal interface, translate the signals into data, compare the same to a database, generate signals representing meanings as defined by the database, and transmit the signals to the multi-modal interface. Finally, a plurality of output devices are associated with the system to receive and process signals from the multi-modal interface, some of said signals representing messages to the user to be communicated by means of an output device.
US08880599B2
A system and method are disclosed for providing a collection digest summarizing a shared media collection for presentation to a user. In one embodiment, a user device of a user joins a media sharing system including the user device and one or more other users devices, each associated with a sharing user and hosting a shared media collection of the sharing user. The user device obtains a collection digest from at least one of the other user devices that summarizes the shared media collection hosted by the at least one of the other user devices and presents the collection digest to the user. The collection digest may be used to assist the user in determining whether to access the shared media collection.
US08880594B2
An apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program code which when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to effect the method, for pre-fetching web content. Preferably, a proxy server performs the pre-fetching. Techniques such, for example, as executing Javascript in pre-fetched pages, modifying pre-fetched pages to address URL generation involving random numbers or dates, using cookie information or browser specifics when performing pre-fetching of pages, and injecting Javascript to measure response time may be performed, by way of example.
US08880591B2
The workflow management system provides automatic management and execution of workflows that include both automated and user-driven actions. The system monitors connected external systems and/or users for the occurrence of events, which trigger the execution of one or more workflow plans. Each workflow plans consists of a plurality of actions and user actions to be performed in a sequential manner. Actions are executed automatically by the system, but user actions are executed asynchronously due to the inclusion of users in the workflow plan. The system handles the asynchronous nature of user actions by maintaining a pending user action database that users can access to view pending user actions, complete user actions, and reserve user actions for subsequent completion.
US08880579B2
A monitor (10) for capturing audience research data from a computer (2-8) having AV presentation capability is attached to the computer by a connector (12). The connector (12) allows to download software stored in the monitor (10), The software watches AV signals played back by the computer and furnishes data the AV signals to the monitor (12). Optionally, or instead of the software, the data detectable on the connector (10) may be analyzed if they relate to AV signals played back.
US08880576B2
A patient monitoring system may receive a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal including samples of a pulse waveform. A plurality of morphology metric signals may be generated from the PPG signal. The system may generate an autocorrelation sequence for each of the morphology metric signals. An autocorrelation metric may be generated from each of the autocorrelation sequences and may represent the regularity or periodicity of the morphology metric signal. The autocorrelation sequences may be combined to generate a combined autocorrelation sequence, with the weighting of the autocorrelation sequences based on the autocorrelation metric. The combined autocorrelation sequence may be used to determine physiological information.
US08880571B2
One or more continuous mappings are defined at a digital media encoder to convert input digital media data in a first high dynamic range format to a second format with a smaller dynamic range than the first format. The encoder converts the input digital media data to the second format with the smaller dynamic range using the continuous mapping and one or more conversion parameters relating to the continuous mapping. The encoder encodes the converted digital media data in a bitstream along with the conversion parameter(s). The conversion parameter(s) enable a digital media decoder to convert the converted digital media data back to the first high dynamic range format from the second format with the smaller dynamic range. Techniques for converting different input formats with different dynamic ranges are described.
US08880566B2
An assembler for generating a complex signature of an input multimedia data element comprises a first interface for receiving a plurality of signatures respective of a plurality of minimum size multimedia data elements, wherein each of the plurality of the minimum size multimedia data elements is a minimal partition of the input multimedia data element; an assembly unit for combining the plurality of signatures respective of the plurality of minimum size multimedia data elements to generate the complex signature; and a second interface for storing at least the complex signature in a storage unit connected thereto.
US08880561B2
A computerized method for accessing a business object for a user defined process includes receiving at a computer system a request for generation of a user process for access to a business object, and generating via the computer system an SADL (Service Adaptation Definition Language) from a data mapping of business object data of the business object, wherein the data mapping includes a mapping of the data mapping. The computer method further includes generating via the computer system a plurality of artifacts to support the user process, wherein the SADL file is an artifact for designing the user process at a design time and for run time execution of the user process.
US08880559B2
A computer system that includes a computer that couples with a database. The computer includes program code or modules to gather location and activity content from disparate sources, and through text analytics, extract associations from the content and populate the database with the associations between locations and activities. Further modules provide end user interaction through presentation of a search user interface specific to locations and activities. Additional modules provide the capability to search the database, rank the results of the search and present the results to the user.
US08880553B2
Techniques are described for data redistribution. Embodiments store a first set of receiver location identifiers mapped to a document identifier and assigned to a first set of receiver locations storing relational data referencing the document identifier. Embodiments store a second set of receiver location identifiers mapped to the document identifier and assigned to a second set of receiver locations storing document data corresponding to the document identifier referenced by the relational data. Sender index keys are received separately from the relational data and the document data, the sender index keys referencing the document identifier and containing sender location identifiers. Embodiments determine, from the first set of receiver location identifiers and the second set of receiver location identifiers, which receiver location identifiers are mapped to the document identifier referenced by the sender index keys. The sender location identifiers are then replaced with the determined receiver location identifiers.
US08880552B2
A database control method comprising a first main system processing in which, upon first data being stored in a second storage unit included in a second server communicably connected with the first server, the first data is stored in a first storage unit following instructions from a host computer, a first inhibiting processing in which, upon detecting an abnormality in communication with the second server, storing the first data in the first storage unit following instructions from a host computer is inhibited, a first query processing performing a first query to an arbitrating device arbitrating between the first server and the second server, and a processing executing or stopping the first main system processing in accordance with instructions from the arbitrating device.
US08880530B2
One embodiment provides a system for searching related documents. During operation, the system receives a source document. The system then searches related documents based on semantic entities extracted from the source document. Next, the system receives user-adjusted search criteria and updates search results of related documents based on the user-adjusted search criteria.
US08880529B2
A method for generating and maintaining hierarchical tags with community-based ratings is provided. Tags for media streams are organized into a hierarchical format. Users may select tags from the hierarchical tag database that describes a particular multimedia content. If the user is unable to locate a desired tag, the user may submit a new tag. Upon submission of the new tag, a librarian approves the tag before storing and placing the tag in the hierarchical tag database. Users are also able to rate the quality of the association between the tag and the multimedia content. If a tag is rated low, the tag may be removed from the hierarchical tag database. If the tag is rated highly, display of the tag in a list of tags becomes more prominent.
US08880521B2
This invention is generally directed to one or more methods or systems relating to collections of linked databases. This invention is further directed to methods and systems for conducting social-network analysis. Still further, this invention is generally directed to one or more systems or methods relating to personal communication networks and the analysis of personal-communication-network data.
US08880509B2
A method of generating predictive reports includes recording a user identification, a timestamp including a connection date, and a query associated with report requested by a user from a database system for each connection of the user identification to the database system during a predetermined period. A plurality of intervals is defined in the predetermined period. Retrieved are instances of the user identification associated with connections of the user identification to the database system during a threshold number of the plurality of intervals based on a position that a current date occupies in a current interval, such that a position of each connection date in a respective interval is the same as the position that the current date occupies in the current interval. The query is executed to generate the report from the database system on the current date prior to a request for the report from the user.
US08880508B2
Devices, methods and systems for processing database queries formatted differently than the database storage model being queried are disclosed. Processing database queries independent of the storage model of the queried database may be performed by receiving a query for one or more data items stored in a database, determining whether to use at least one query operator that uses data having a format different from the storage model format of at least one of one or more data items stored in the database and converting the format of the data used by the at least one query operator to a format that matches the storage model format of at least one of one or more data items stored in the database. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.
US08880506B2
A query may be rewritten to leverage information stored in a structured XML index. An operator in the query may be analyzed to determine an input source database object for the operator by traversing an operator tree rooted at the operator. The path expressions associated with the operator tree may be fused together to form an effective path expression for the operator. If the effective path expression directly matches a path expression derived from the index, the query may be rewritten using references to the index. Operators in a query that have effective paths that refer to data in the same index table may be grouped together. A single subquery may be written for a group of operators. Also, a structured XML index may be used as an implied schema for indexed XML data. This implied schema may be used to optimize queries that refer to the indexed XML data.
US08880502B2
Methods for searching a range in a set of values in a network with distributed storage nodes. An example of a method for searching a range in a set of values in a network with distributed storage nodes according to the invention comprises the following steps. First, the range is divided up into a set of subranges by means of a hierarchical structure. Then, a query packet is generated for said set of subranges and transmitted to the distributed storage nodes for performing the query.
US08880495B2
Audio information is recorded in an overwriteable circular buffer of a computing device. Construction of a search query is initiated by receiving a user input. The user input includes one or more keywords forming a user-defined portion of the search query. At least a portion of the audio information recorded in the overwriteable circular buffer is processed to obtain one or more additional keywords forming an expanded portion of the search query. The portion of the audio information containing the additional keywords is received and recorded in the overwriteable circular buffer prior to receiving the user input. The search query including the user-defined portion and the expanded portion is supplied to a search engine. A response to the search query is received from the search engine. The response is generated by the search engine based on the user-defined portion and the expanded portion of the search query.
US08880493B2
Multi-stream analytics is disclosed. An example method of multi-stream analytics with a query engine includes punctuating unbounded streaming data into data chunks, each of the data chunks representing a bounded data set in the unbounded streaming data. The method also includes processing one of the data chunks. The method also includes rewinding a query instance for processing another of the data chunks.
US08880490B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including executable instructions encoded on one or more machine-readable storage media, for correlating transportation data are described. A transportation schedule that includes planned records for first trips and associations between the first trips and corresponding first trip IDs may be accessed. A transportation status update that includes actual records for second trips and associations between the second trips and corresponding second trip IDs may be received. Information relating one or more of the first trip IDs to one or more of the second trip IDs may be obtained. The information may be used to identify a trip that is common to both the transportation schedule and the transportation status update. An update for the trip using the transportation status update may be provided.
US08880488B1
A technique manages access to a B-tree structure within a data storage apparatus. The B-tree structure maintains mappings of data blocks of a file system to data blocks of a snapshot storage area. The technique involves imposing a lock on the B-tree structure in response to a snapshot operation which copies a contiguous range of file system data blocks to a set of snapshot data blocks to save primary data of the file system as snapshot data. The technique further involves inserting multiple objects into the B-tree structure while the lock is imposed, each object including a key value which (i) identifies a respective file system data block of the contiguous range and (ii) operates as a search key to facilitate searching of nodes of the B-tree structure. The technique further involves releasing the lock imposed on the B-tree structure after the objects have been inserted into the B-tree structure.
US08880484B1
A system for managing a storage system comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive storage system information from a deduplicating storage system. The processor is further configured to determine a compression forecast based at least in part on the storage system information. The processor is further configured to provide a capacity forecast. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.
US08880482B2
Various embodiments for replicating deduplicated data using a processor device are provided. A block of the deduplicated data, created in a source repository, is assigned a global block identifier (ID) unique in a grid set inclusive of the source repository. The global block ID is generated using at least one unique identification value of the block, a containing grid of the grid set, and the source repository. The global block ID is transmitted from the source repository to a target repository. If the target repository determines the global block ID is associated with an existing block of the deduplicated data located within the target repository, the block is not transmitted to the target repository during a subsequent replication process.
US08880476B2
A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for reliable asynchronous solid-state device based de-duplication. Responsive to receiving a write request to write data to the file system, the mechanism sends the write request to the file system, and in parallel, computes a hash key for the write data. The mechanism looks up the hash key in a de-duplication table. The de-duplication table is stored in a memory or a solid-state storage device. Responsive to the hash key not existing in the de-duplication table, the mechanism writes the write data to a storage device, writes a journal transaction comprising the hash key, and updates the de-duplication table to reference the write data in the storage device.
US08880468B2
Some embodiments provide a system for managing several switching elements. The system includes a network information base (NIB) data structure for serving as a primary storage structure for storing data for managing the several switching elements. The system includes a secondary storage structure for storing a copy of a set of data stored in the primary storage structure for managing the several the switching elements.
US08880463B2
Legacy computing system archive files may have unique data structures designed for long-term data retention purposes and not particularly suited for data mining, querying, and other data collection functions needed to prepare certain types of reports. A report specific template may be created to facilitate the extract of specific legacy system data necessary to complete report that is stored in legacy system archive files. Once the data objects containing information relevant to the report have been identified, a hierarchical list of tables and fields of each table associated with each identified data object may be obtained from an external data source for further selection. Copies of the selected table and/or field data may then be extracted, compared, and merged with other data, such as other field and table data, obtained from other sources.
US08880461B2
A method and system for providing a consistent flow documents and data content across different organizational units of a company or agency where the documents and data come from different enterprise systems and data stores but are related to linked processes that share models for organizing the content in the business context and in a format that enables a user to relate the content to the process step or steps they are performing. The system includes a network service that enables a configuration utility to automatically discover the objects and metadata and provides for a mapping of selected fields of the metadata to regions displayed in the user interface view with provision for filtering the data by mapping selected fields to a user input form. Thereby, a business analyst can create solutions without writing and maintaining complex program logic for each combination of presentation environment, enterprise system and data store.
US08880451B2
The present invention discloses a fast algorithm for mining high utility itemsets, wherein some transaction data and item utilities are recorded in a tree structure. The method to construct a tree structure is recording on a node the item utilities appearing from the root node to the node. Some techniques are used to reduce the mining space, whereby the fast algorithm can directly generate high utility itemsets from the tree structure without generating any candidates. The fast algorithm of the present invention is more efficient than the existing highest-efficiency algorithm. The present invention further proposes a compression method to effectively save memory space.
US08880441B1
An improved technique trains a fraud detection system to use mouse movement data as part of a user profile. Along these lines, a training apparatus receives sets of mouse movement datasets generated by a legitimate user and/or a fraudulent user. The training apparatus assigns each mouse movement dataset to a cluster according to one of several combinations of representations, distance metrics, and cluster metrics. By correlating the clusters with the origins of the mouse movement datasets (legitimate or fraudulent user), the training apparatus constructs a robust framework for detecting fraud at least partially based on mouse movement data.
US08880435B1
False honeytoken data is generated, stored, and disseminated to a criminal organization such as an online banking fraud ring. After dissemination of the data, access attempts using the false honeytoken data are identified at an online banking web server or other organization resource. Data associated with the fraudulent access attempt, such as a source IP address, physical address, or related customer account numbers, are retrieved and stored so that this data may be compiled, analyzed, and used for tracking fraud rings.
US08880434B2
A system and method is provided for authorizing a payment for a point of sale transaction by authenticating the user of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. The present invention authenticates the consumer and verifies that he is authorized to conduct a transaction at the point of sale by means of the consumer's mobile device.
US08880432B2
A system and method of using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to complete payment for goods and services. An example method of operating a transaction terminal includes identifying items selected by a customer for purchase, determining a required payment amount for the items, obtaining identification information from the customer, obtaining contact information and payment information, including bank account information and bank routing number information, from a customer profile associated with the identification information, creating a check image, sending a request for payment message providing access to the check image and the payment information to a mobile communication device of the customer using the contact information in the customer profile, and receiving a reply message from the mobile communication device authorizing payment for the items via electronic funds transfer and including a 2D barcode containing the check image and the payment information.
US08880426B2
A method includes obtaining data from a portable electronic device in which the data regards information obtained using the portable electronic regarding the transaction, and information obtained using the portable electronic regarding at least one of a physical location of the portable electronic device when obtaining the information regarding the transaction and the time of the day when obtaining the information regarding the transaction, and processing the transaction based on the data regarding the information regarding the transaction and the at least one of the information regarding the physical location of the portable electronic device when obtaining the information regarding the transaction and the time of the day when obtaining the information regarding the transaction. The method may be employed in a point-of-sale transaction for the purchase of products at checkout.
US08880413B2
The invention is aimed at improving the quality of the filtering by transfer functions of HRTF type of signals (L, R) compressed in a transformed domain, for binaural playing on two channels (L-BIN, R-BIN), using a combination of HRTF filters (hL,L, hL,R) including a decorrelated version (HRTF-C*, HRTF-E*) of a few of these filters. For this purpose, a decorrelation cue is given with spatialization parameters (SPAT) accompanying the compressed signals (L, R). The Decorrelation comprises applying a different phase shift to each subband of the input signal combined with addition of an overall delay. The invention makes it possible to improve the broadening in the binaural rendition of audio scenes initially in a multi-channel format.
US08880400B2
Voice recognition is realized by a pattern matching with a voice pattern model, and when a large number of paraphrased words are required for one facility, such as a name of a hotel or a tourist facility, the pattern matching needs to be performed with the voice pattern models of all the paraphrased words, resulting in an enormous amount of calculation. Further, it is difficult to generate all the paraphrased words, and a large amount of labor is required. A voice recognition device includes: voice recognition means for applying the voice recognition to an input voice by using a language model and an acoustic model, and outputting a predetermined number of recognition results each including a set of a recognition score and a text representation; and N-best candidate rearrangement means for: comparing the recognition result to a morpheme dictionary held in a morpheme dictionary memory; checking whether a representation of the recognition result can be expressed by any one of combinations of the morphemes of the morpheme dictionaries; correcting the recognition score when the representation can be expressed; and rearranging an order according to the corrected recognition score so as to acquire recognition results.
US08880392B2
A method and apparatus for automating the acquisition, reconstruction, and generation of knowledgebases of associated ideas and using such knowledgebases in many application including machine translation of human languages, search and retrieval of unstructured text, or other data, based on concept search, voice recognition, data compression, and artificial intelligence systems.
US08880379B2
Methods of controlling a variable speed wind turbine generator connected to a power grid. The method may include measuring the frequency, f, of the power grid, controlling the speed of the generator for optimizing the power delivered to the power grid, and setting limits for the generator speed. The setting of the limits for the generator speed is performed in dependency of the measured frequency of the power grid. This provides a dynamical set of limits providing improved possibilities of optimizing the power production.
US08880376B2
An apparatus and method for identifying a human being and an animal are disclosed to properly identifying whether or not a target is a human being or an animal. The apparatus for distinguishing between a human being and an animal includes: a target stimulation unit generating a stimulation signals for selectively stimulating the senses of a human being and an animal and providing the generated stimulation signal to a target; and a target identifying unit detecting the reaction of a target to the simulation signal to identify whether or not the target is a human being or an animal.
US08880375B2
Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test having a plurality of output terminals. The test apparatus comprises an executing section that executes a test command sequence for testing the device under test; a storage section that stores a plurality of pieces of setting data designating one or more output terminals among the plurality of output terminals; a detecting section that detects whether a value of an output signal from an output terminal designated by one of the pieces of setting data matches an expected value; and a selecting section that selects different pieces of setting data in the storage section when at least two detection commands, which change execution sequencing of the test command sequence according to the detection results of the detecting section, are executed, and supplies the selected pieces of setting data to the detecting section.
US08880369B2
A method is disclosed for triggering upon signal events occurring in frequency domain signals. The method includes repeatedly sampling a time-varying signal and generating a plurality of digital frequency domain spectrums based on the samples of the time-varying signal. A frequency domain bitmap for the time-varying signal is repeatedly updated via application of the digital frequency domain spectrums. The method further includes selecting a portion of the frequency domain bitmap, determining a signal occupancy in the selected portion, and triggering a capture of the time-varying signal based on and in response to the occupancy determination for the selected portion of the bitmap.
US08880344B2
A method for displaying images (15, 18, 21) on a display device (3) of a driver assistance system (2) in a motor vehicle (1) is made available. Navigation data is received by the driver assistance system (2), and sensor data relating to the surroundings (10 to 13) of the motor vehicle (1) is acquired by at least one sensor (5a to 5d) of the driver assistance system (2). A control device (4) processes the sensor data to form a surroundings image (15, 18) which shows at least a surrounding area (16, 19) next to the motor vehicle (1′). A map image (21) which is generated while taking into account the navigation data on stored map data is displayed on the display device (3). Enlargement and/or zooming in of the map image (21) take/takes place on the display device (3). After a predetermined mapping scale (zoom factor) of the map image (21) has been reached, there is a change from the map image (21) to the surroundings image (15, 18). A driver assistance system (2) which serves to carry out the method is also made available.
US08880342B2
A moving body position detection system including an unit acquiring dead reckoning navigation information including a moving body direction; a unit identifying a moving body position based on the dead reckoning navigation information on the moving body; a unit predicting a predicted arrived position of the moving body after a predetermined interval from the position of the moving body based on the dead reckoning navigation information on the moving body; a unit calculating a difference direction angle between a direction from the position of the moving body to the predicted position and the direction of the moving body; a unit correcting the difference direction angle if it is equal to or larger than a threshold; and a unit updating the moving body position based on the difference direction angle.
US08880318B2
A vehicle controlling system includes an engine serving as a power source of a vehicle; an electric storage device; an assist device that assists an operation of a driver by consuming power from the electric storage device so as to operate a running device that changes the running condition of the vehicle; and a starting device that consumes power from the electric storage device so as to start the engine, wherein the starting device automatically starts the engine based upon a physical quantity concerning the engine, and the start of the engine is inhibited while the assist device operates the running device, when the execution of an inertial running in which the engine is stopped to allow the vehicle to run with inertia.
US08880304B2
A method for determining numbers of gear steps N for a gearbox in a motor vehicle. The vehicle has an engine connected to drive the gearbox. The numbers of gear steps N is the number of downshifts or the number of upshifts which the gearbox effects at an upshift point or a downshift point. A downshift point represents a first engine speed at which the gearbox effects a downshift. An upshift point represents a second engine speed at which the gearbox effects an upshift. The numbers of gear steps N are determined on the basis of a predicted acceleration a for the motor vehicle during a time period T. The invention relates also to a system, a motor vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product thereof for performing the method.
US08880301B2
A front wheel power system which may enable independent control of power to each wheel as well as yield direct control over average and differential front wheel torques.
US08880299B2
A combine side-shaking control system and a method for controlling operation of a side-shaking mechanism in a combine. The control system includes at least one sieve for separating crop material from other materials and a movable side-shaking mechanism coupled to the at least one sieve and configured to move the at least one sieve in a side-to-side motion. The control system also includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one operating condition of a combine system. The control system further includes a controller for receiving the at least one operating condition and causing the side-shaking mechanism to stop moving the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion or start moving the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion based on the at least one operating condition.
US08880284B2
A vehicle data acquisition system that stores, in a memory device, vehicle data acquired by way of a vehicle-mounted information processor. A data acquisition program assisting the acquisition of the vehicle data is dynamically incorporated in the vehicle-mounted information processor. A probe section, which can be replaced with another command, is positioned as an invalid command in one or a plurality of positions in an application program incorporated in advance in the information processor. The data acquisition program replaces the probe section with a vehicle data acquisition command and stores the acquired vehicle data in chronological order in the memory device. The data acquisition program re-replaces the probe section with an invalid command after the vehicle data is acquired.
US08880283B2
A deployable airfoil unit is disclosed. It has a housing comprising a front surface and a rear surface joined by a top surface, two opposing side surfaces, and a bottom surface. The top surface and the front surface form an acute angle, and the top surface is larger than the bottom surface. A memory is configured to store flight data or cockpit voice data. A center of mass in the unit is configurable.
US08880281B2
An event data recorder (EDR) system includes an event identification module, a parameter selection module, and an event recorder module. The event identification module identifies occurrences of a first event and second event of M predetermined events based on operating conditions of an automotive vehicle. The parameter selection module selects a first set of parameters to record from N predetermined parameters when the first event occurs. The parameter selection module selects a second set of parameters to record from the N predetermined parameters when the second event occurs. The event recorder module records data corresponding to the first set of parameters when the first event occurs and records data corresponding to the second set of parameters when the second event occurs. M and N are integers greater than 1 and the first set includes at least one parameter that is different from the parameters included in the second set.
US08880279B2
A vehicle event recorder is provided that includes a camera for capturing a video as discrete image frames, and that further includes a managed loop memory and a management system for generating a virtual ‘timeline dilation’ effect. To overcome size limits in the buffer memory of the video event recorder, the maximum time extension of a video series is increased by enabling a reduction in temporal resolution in exchange for an increase in the temporal extension. Memory cells are overwritten in an ‘interleaved’ fashion to produce a reduced frame rate for the recording of certain time periods connected to an event moment. In time periods furthest from the event moment, the resulting frame rate is minimized while in time periods closest to the event moment, the resulting frame rate is maximized.
US08880276B2
A powertrain control module determines engine oil properties based on friction in an engine. The powertrain control module includes an engine combustion module that models engine torque based on engine speed and engine pumping losses due to intake and exhaust gasses. A transmission module models transmission torque applied to the engine based on transmission speed and gear. An accessory loads module models torque applied to the engine by accessory loads including at least one of a power steering pump, an air conditioning compressor, a water pump, and an alternator. An oil viscosity module determines engine oil viscosity based on a friction torque and predetermined engine data that coincides with reference oils. The friction torque is based on the engine torque, transmission torque, and accessory loads torque.
US08880272B1
A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of an autonomous vehicle. According to one aspect, the autonomous vehicle may track the trajectories of other vehicles on a road. Based on the other vehicle's trajectories, the autonomous vehicle may generate a representative trajectory. Afterwards, the autonomous vehicle may change at least one of its speed or direction based on the representative trajectory.
US08880265B2
Disclosed is a hybrid construction machine including: an engine, a generator-motor, a hydraulic pump, an electric storage device, a power control device which controls electric power between the generator-motor and the electric storage device, a temperature detector which determines a temperature of the electric storage device, an unload valve provided between a discharge port of the hydraulic pump and a tank, an unload-valve control device, and a relief valve. The power control device controls an electric power to be supplied from the electric storage device to the generator-motor, under abnormal circumstances where the temperature of the electric storage device is low, to a power obtained by adding an additional discharge power to a power to be supplied under normal circumstances. The unload-valve control device closes the unload valve, under abnormal circumstances. The relief valve controls the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump to the set pressure, under abnormal circumstances.
US08880263B2
A control device is provided for controlling a hybrid vehicle including an engine, a motor generator, and a battery arranged to be charged by and to discharge to the motor generator. The control device includes an abnormality judging section configured to judge whether or not an abnormality is generated in the engine. The control device further includes an assist prohibition section configured to prohibit the motor generator from being used as a power source when the abnormality is generated in the engine.
US08880262B2
Disclosed herein is a system and method for incipient drive of a slow charger for a vehicle. Specifically, an incipient drive entry of the slow charger used when a battery is charged in an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) may be performed. The method includes operating, by a controller, a regulator by outputting a control pilot (CP) signal from electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Additionally, the method includes operating, by the controller, a flip-flop by outputting a driving signal from the regulator and operating a switching mode power supply (SMPS) by outputting a driving signal from the flip-flop. The method further includes resetting, by the controller, the flip-flop by outputting a reset signal from a central processing unit (CPU) turned on by the SMPS.
US08880261B2
An electrically driven vehicle equipped with electric motors (1, 4) for driving or braking drive wheels (3, 6), and an electric motor controller (33) for controlling the electric motors includes: wheel speed detectors (9 to 12) for detecting the wheel speed of the drive wheels and that of idler wheels (7, 8); computing means (22 to 28, 35 to 38) for computing the slip ratio of the drive wheels based on the wheel speed of the drive wheels and that of the idler wheels; and a determiner (29) for determining that the drive wheels are slipping if the slip ratio exceeds a slip ratio determination value. If the wheel speed of the idler wheels is lower than set speeds Va2, Vb2, then the determiner (29) changes the slip ratio determination value to a value having as the same sign as, and a larger absolute value than, the values λa2, λb2 used when the wheel speed of the idler wheels is higher than the set speeds Va2, Vb2. This structure shortens acceleration time during acceleration traveling and reduces braking distance during deceleration traveling while inhibiting vibrations of the electrically driven vehicle.
US08880253B2
A method of controlling an electric vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a battery having a state of charge (SOC) and an open circuit voltage (OCV), includes establishing a system for estimating battery SOC. The system includes (i) a parameter estimation subsystem including a recursive parameter estimator for identifying battery parameters and (ii) an OCV estimation subsystem including a nonlinear adaptive observer for estimating battery OCV. Estimated battery OCV is related to estimated battery SOC by a mapping. An output is generated based on the estimated battery SOC.
US08880249B2
In one embodiment, an engine management system (EMS) can use a human machine interface (HMI) to modify operating parameters of a set of engine generators controlled by an engine control unit (ECU). The HMI can permits authorized users to adjust a plurality of operating parameters of the engine generators in accordance with an authorization level of the authorized users. The ECU can be a standalone system operable independent of the EMS. A communication network (e.g., ARCnet) can link the EMS to the ECU, wherein the changes of the operating parameters input via the HMI are maintained over a power-cycle of the EMS. Further, changes of the operating parameters input via the HMI can be maintained even when communications over the communication network linking the engine.
US08880248B2
An auxiliary power unit and a method of providing auxiliary power to a locomotive are disclosed. The auxiliary power unit assembly for a locomotive includes an auxiliary power unit removably coupleable to a rail car chassis. The auxiliary power unit includes a housing, and an auxiliary engine-generator set positioned within the housing. The auxiliary engine-generator set is configured to provide an auxiliary power to the locomotive. The auxiliary power unit also includes an auxiliary controller electrically coupled to the auxiliary engine-generator set. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive a command and control at least one aspect of the auxiliary power unit in response to the command.
US08880238B2
A person is to be assisted in planning a journey with an electric vehicle. Information relating to an overall region with destinations within reach of the electric vehicle are outputted. For this purpose, a starting region is determined, from which a boundary can be reached with the electric vehicle from a current vehicle location and based on a current state of charge of the energy storage device without recharging. Locations of charging stations are then determined in the starting region. For each charging station, the boundary of a region is determined that can be reached indirectly from the respective charging station without further recharging, based on a state of charge that changed when the electric vehicle was recharged. The overall region is composed of the starting region and regions that can be reached indirectly.
