US07763036B2

An endoscopic instrument to be used with an endoscope. The instrument includes an elongated tube having a distal end and a proximal end, an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated tube, and a handle attached to the proximal end. The handle includes a mechanism for attaching the instrument to a first vacuum source. The handle further includes a second vacuum source integral with the handle for amplifying the first vacuum source, whereby the first and second vacuum sources combine to operate the end effector.
US07763030B2

A system for positioning an implant includes a holding element for holding an implant. The holding element can include a first end having a grip and a second end having a connecting element for establishing a connection to the implant. The system includes a guiding sleeve for guiding the holding element. The guiding sleeve defines a guiding area for guiding the holding element, where the holding element can be introduced into the guiding sleeve and a method for calibrating an element includes connecting the element to at least one navigation element and placing the element in contact with a calibrating device. The element is moved while the element remains in contact with the calibrating device. A device for calibrating an element includes a planar member connected to at least one navigation element.
US07763024B2

An instrument, instrument system and method for cutting a cutout in a vertebral bone adjacent an intervertebral space are provided which make use of a cutting blade. The cutting blade is mounted on a support structure for movement toward and cutting into the vertebral bone. A stop arrangement is also mounted on the support structure and is movable relative to the cutting blade to a position to limit movement of the cutting blade into the vertebral bone. Typically, the limited movement cutting is made after two cutouts are provided in adjacent vertebral bones using a trial implant.
US07763023B2

Apparatus for treating a fracture of a bone of a subject including an intramedullary (IM) elongate member insertable into a medullary canal of a first part of the bone of the subject, and having a proximal head defining at least one hole therethrough. A sleeve includes an engagement mechanism and is arranged to engage one of the at least one hole when the sleeve is within that hole. This engagement restricts rotational and longitudinal movement between the sleeve and the elongate member after the sleeve is engaged with that hole. A screw or pin is movably arranged inside the sleeve for securing a second part of the bone to the first part of the bone, i.e., the part into which the elongate member is inserted.
US07763017B2

A method of scanning a laser beam across a set of cells includes during a first interval, scanning a laser beam across a set of cells; and during a second interval, deflecting the laser beam away from the set of cells. The first interval is selected to cause microcavitation in at least a portion of the cells from the set of cells.
US07763014B2

An ingestible device for delivering a substance to a chosen location in the GI tract of a mammal includes a receiver of electromagnetic radiation for powering an openable part of the device to an opened position for dispensing of the substance. The receiver includes a coiled wire that couples the energy field, the wire having an air or ferrite core.In a further embodiment the invention includes an apparatus for generating the electromagnetic radiation, the apparatus including one or more pairs of field coils supported in a housing.The device optionally includes a latch defined by a heating resistor and a fusible restraint. The device may also include a flexible member that may serve one or both the functions of activating a transmitter circuit to indicate dispensing of the substance; and restraining of a piston used for expelling the substance.
US07763012B2

A catheter comprises an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a deflectable tip at the distal end of the elongate tubular member. The deflectable tip comprises a first helical coil having a first diameter and a second helical coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter. The first and second helical coils are arranged in the manner of a double helix. When viewed in cross-section, the first helical coil and the second helical coil are aligned at a first point on a circumference of each coil and misaligned at a second point on the circumference of each coil, where the second point is approximately 180 degrees from the first point. In certain embodiments the catheter further includes a dilatation balloon. Methods of use for crossing a chronic total occlusion are also described.
US07763008B2

A method for employing a pre-assembled drainage catheter assembly for the insertion of a drainage catheter percutaneously. The assembly includes a trocar, a cannula, a catheter stiffener, and a catheter. The drainage catheter assembly is operated between a pre-assembled condition, a first step condition and a second step condition. In the first step insertion the trocar and cannula are inserted into a patient's body for obtaining a specimen fluid before the catheter is inserted. In the second step the catheter is inserted for collecting fluid.
US07763000B2

A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.
US07762995B2

Apparatus and methods are provided for accessing body lumens and/or for delivering instruments into body lumens, e.g., vessels within a patient's vasculature. A flexible sheath is provided that is expandable from a contracted condition to an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen therein. The sheath is lubricious and has a relatively thin wall, thereby providing a collapsible/expandable guide for delivering fluids and/or instruments through tortuous anatomy and/or into relatively narrow passages. The sheath is advanced from an entry site to a body lumen in the contracted condition. Once the sheath reaches a target body lumen, the sheath is expanded to the enlarged condition, thereby defining a lumen within the sheath, and fluids and/or instruments are introduced into the body lumen via the sheath lumen. Upon completing the procedure, the sheath is removed from the body lumen.
US07762988B1

An improved tamper evident end cap assembly for a drug loaded syringe which assembly includes a syringe cap to close the discharge port in the nozzle of the syringe and an indicator ring about the nozzle connected by chads or tabs to a tubular shield which chads or tabs are adapted to break freeing the ring from the shield to loosely wobble on the nozzle indicating tampering if an axial force of separation is applied to the syringe cap to remove it from the syringe and a one way drive mechanism engaging both the shield and syringe cap so the shield may be rotated to advance the assembly onto a syringe nozzle but which is not responsive to counter rotation to withdraw the syringe cap to open the discharge port and gain access to the drug.
US07762987B2

A safety syringe device with separable needle stem by turning back includes a syringe tube, a push rod, a needle seat, a needle stem and a needle cap. The needle stem is attached to a bushing which is fitted to a core bit thereby fixing the needle seat at its position. The syringe tube and the needle seat that is screw combined are further tightly settled by dexterous positioning means. After finishing syringe, the needle sheet along with the needle stem is withdrawn and hidden in the syringe tube, the push rod can be broken at its brittle neck portion by tapping it against a breaking fringe formed around the syringe tube thereby leaving the needle seat and needle stem inside the syringe tube. By doing so, the used needle stem will never emerge out accidentally to puncture people's skin. The used syringe tube, push rod, needle seat and stem can be thrown away altogether to avoid restoring for reuse.
US07762973B2

An orthotic or prosthetic spacer element including a ventilated and compressible core having first and second opposed surfaces, and a discrete and continuous web-like silicone-based frictional layer secured to the core first surface. The frictional layer and the core first surface have a plurality of coinciding apertures formed in a pattern. The spacer element may include a foam layer secured to the core second surface such that the foam layer and the core have different rigidities. A layer of hook-receivable material may be directly or indirectly secured to the second core surface.
US07762946B2

An electronic endoscope system, which is adapted to observe a fluorescence image of autofluorescence emitted from a body cavity wall irradiated with excitation light as well as a normal image of the body cavity wall illuminated with white light on a display device, includes a display controller whereby the aspect ratio of at least one of a plurality of images to display is converted so that the plurality of images are displayed in conformity with the shape of a display area of the display device when the plurality of images including the normal image and the fluorescence image are displayed on the display device. In the electronic endoscope system, the display controller converts the aspect ratio of at least one of the plurality of images by cutting both horizontal ends of the image to convert.
US07762933B1

A weight-adjustable kettle-shaped dumbbell includes a body. The inner bottom of the body is hollow. With a selector unit, the body is able to hang a desired number of weight pieces for changing the weight of the dumbbell. The selector unit links a cable member to move upward or downward with an operating member for changing the inner and outer positions of specific selection boards in the body so as to attach relative weight pieces to the body. The kettle-shaped dumbbell of the present invention is adjustable in weight for the user's demand.
US07762928B2

Improved climbing structures, systems, and methods for use on an artificial rock climbing arrangement which includes a generally rigid framework removably attached to a support surface located adjacent a body of water. The framework makes use of assist shocks in combination with actuators in order to provide an automated (motorized) easy-up vertical climbing wall. A panel structure is mounted on the framework for defining a climbing surface, the panel surface carrying a plurality of climbing holds. A hinged adjustable support bar is secured between the framework and the support surface for maintaining the framework and the climbing surface in a substantially vertical orientation when a climber scales the climbing surface. The hinged adjustable support bar is diagonally mounted with telescoping and threaded ends.
US07762927B1

A game apparatus including at least one rebound surface and flexible material dividing the rebound surface into at least two play areas includes a rebound surface mounting frame and a flexible material mounting frame coupled to hold the frames in substantially fixed relationship but allow movement of one frame in relation to the other for stress relief between the frames. At least one cross member supports the flexible material between play areas and reinforces the flexible material mounting frame. The individual play areas are formed by separate preassembled flexible material units that are mounted in the flexible material mounting frame and then secured together to for the individual play areas. The flexible material mounting frame includes walk bars and also supports basket assemblies used in game play.
US07762926B2

A hill-hold method and system for a vehicle with manual transmission provides automated brake release timing when the vehicle's clutch is still disengaged to minimize or even prevent backward coasting of such a vehicle on a non-zero grade or hill by delaying full release of the brakes when the vehicle operator is in the transition of releasing the brake pedal and moving to the accelerator pedal.
US07762921B2

An ECU executes a program including the steps of: providing control over an engine coupled to a carrier for driving a first MG coupled to a sun gear in a power split device, and providing control over a second MG for allowing a ring gear to stop; expecting that a shift operation will be performed when a brake operation is performed; and stopping providing the control over the engine for driving the first MG and stopping providing the control over the second MG for allowing the ring gear to stop.
US07762917B2

The present invention broadly comprises a power transmitting assembly for a vehicle, including a transmission power output for a manual transmission in the vehicle and a torque-filling element. The torque-filling element is arranged for connection to an engine in the vehicle, is connected to the transmission power output and is arranged to modify engine torque from the engine and to provide the modified engine torque to the transmission power output during a shift to a gear in the manual transmission. The torque-filling element includes a hydrodynamic torque-transmitting device, a rotation adjustment element to modify rotational speed associated with the engine, and a coupling element to interface the engine torque with torque on the transmission power output. In some aspects, the rotation adjustment element is arranged for connection to the engine. In some aspects, the coupling element is arranged for connection to the engine.
US07762915B2

In a continuously variable transmission, a primary pulley includes a first fixed sheave coupled with an input rotation shaft, and a first movable sheave configured to move on the input rotation shaft in an axial direction of the primary pulley; and a secondary pulley includes a second fixed sheave, and a second movable sheave. At least one of the primary and secondary pulleys further includes an axially fixed wall configured to rotate together with the corresponding rotation shaft; and a movable cylinder configured to move together with the corresponding movable sheave, cooperating with the fixed wall to define a cylinder chamber of the corresponding pulley, and having a cylindrically-shaped opening axially outside of the cylinder chamber, the movable cylinder being laid out to permit the opening to axially overlap with at least a portion of a bearing which rotatably supports the corresponding rotation shaft.
US07762914B2

Various devices for controlling errant ping pong balls during play are disclosed. A first embodiment may be construed as a device, positioned underneath a ping pong table, the device comprising a plurality of faces extending vertically from the ground and meeting at an apex to form a pyramid. Errant ping pong balls become deflected upon striking the plurality of faces.
US07762911B2

The present invention relates to a method and a numerical analysis for predicting golf ball launch conditions, e.g., velocity, launch angle and spin rate. By acquiring pre-impact swing conditions, e.g., club speed, rotational rate and ball hit location, along with pertinent club features, e.g., moment of inertia, and ball impact features, e.g., normal and transverse forces as well as time of contact, the method can predict the resulting trajectory and launch conditions of the golf ball. The predicted ball launch conditions and trajectories can also be used to modify one or more properties of the golf ball or golf club. The time of contact measurements can be corrected to account for drag force.
US07762910B2

A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic inner core layer that has a geometric center hardness greater than its surface hardness to define a first “negative” hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition, typically rubber, and has an inner surface hardness greater than its outer surface hardness to also define a “negative” hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer. The “negative” hardness gradient of the inner core is typically −1 to −5 Shore C and the “negative” hardness gradient of the core layer is typically at least −7 Shore C. The difference between the inner core surface hardness and the outer core inner surface hardness, Δh, should be at least −3 Shore C.
US07762906B2

A golf club including a head, a bore-through hosel insert, and a shaft is disclosed and claimed. The head includes a passage in which the bore-through hosel insert is positioned and retained. The bore-through hosel insert has a specific gravity much lower than the club head specific gravity. This allows mass that would necessarily have been located in the hosel in the heel of the club head to be relocated to more beneficial areas of the club. This allows the club designer to, for example, increase the overall size of the club head, expand the sweet spot, enhance the moment of inertia, and/or optimize the club head center of gravity location.
US07762893B2

When a player is controlling a first object with a pointing device, an in-operation flag indicating that the player is controlling the first object with the pointing device is set as “ON”. When the in-operation flag is set as “ON” and a second object is within a predetermined distance from an input position of the pointing device, the second object is selected. When the in-operation flag is set as “OFF”, that is, when the player stops controlling the first object, the first object is caused to perform a process for exerting an effect on the second object having been selected.
US07762889B2

A table game system comprises a plurality of playing cards and a card shooter apparatus. The cards include an ultraviolet-ray reaction code comprising at least two sets of code elements that are arranged along one side of a face of the card. The code represents at least the number of a card. The card shooter apparatus includes a card housing for containing the cards, a card guide unit that guides cards pulled out one by one from the card housing, one or more card detecting sensors that detect the existence or non-existence of a card pulled out along a card guiding direction of the card guide unit, and one or more black light sensors that read the ultraviolet-ray reaction code from the card guided by the card guide unit.
US07762883B2

The invention provides for the use of a random number generator in a roulette wheel to play a game of roulette. The gaming apparatus may have a random number generator, a roulette wheel, and means for controlling the roulette wheel to indicate a first winning number corresponding to a first random number generated by the random number generator. The roulette wheel may have a top ring, outer ring, separator ring, and an inner ring and each ring may be decoupled from each outer to spin in different directions.
US07762881B2

Ticketing systems and methods are provided specifically relating to a player's ticket and a player's ticket option. One type of player's ticket references at least one player and allows the player's ticket holder to attend all sporting events played in by the at least one player referenced on the player's ticket. Another type of player's ticket references at least one player and at least one potential opponent and allows the ticket holder to attend all sporting events played between the at least one player and at least one opponent. A player's ticket option references at least one player and at least one potential opponent and allows the player's ticket option holder to exercise the option to obtain a player's ticket that allows attending all sporting events played between the at least one player and the at least one potential opponent referenced on the player's ticket option.
US07762879B2

A casino style card game, played in accordance with the standard rules of Blackjack, also known as “21,” and including an auxiliary component allowing additional wagering on the outcome of the dealer's hand for each participating player. Participating players are able to wager on the dealer having a non-breaking hand (i.e., a hand having a value less than 21 in accordance with the rules of Blackjack) containing two, three, four, five, six, or seven cards. Wagers may also be made on the dealer having an even or odd count, or an all red or all black hand. A return is paid on wagers in the auxiliary game only if the dealer hand does not “bust” (i.e., exceed a value of 21). The game is also playable in electronic or other automated versions using, for example, terminals and networks, or slot machines.
US07762877B2

A re-threshing apparatus and method for a combine harvester includes a rotor having threshing elements mounted thereon extending substantially radially. The rotor is rotationally mounted within a housing at least partially surrounding the rotor. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The housing has a wall portion with rasp bars extending toward the rotor. The wall portion is substantially solid, i.e., material re-threshed by the rasp bars remains within the housing until it moves through the housing outlet. The rotor and the housing are configured for tailings to be flung tangentially into the housing against the rasp bars and re-threshed between the threshing elements and the rasp bars within the housing.
US07762869B2

A nozzle for spraying sublimable solid particles and preventing frost from forming at surfaces of the nozzle. The nozzle includes: a cleaning agent block for phase-changing a cleaning agent into a snow containing sublimable solid particles; a nozzle block for growing the cleaning agent snow through adiabatic expansion and spraying the grown cleaning agent snow onto a surface of an object; a carrier gas block for supplying a carrier gas to the nozzle block to mix with the cleaning agent snow; and a heater for heating at least a portion of the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas supply source. Fine dry ice particles and liquid CO2, passing through a solenoid valve from a CO2 reservoir tank and a pressure drop of a flow rate regulation valve, are introduced into the spray nozzle and then mixed with the carrier gas, such as N2 or purified air, and discharged.
US07762868B2

A wall descending toy has a housing and a moveable part. A sticky wheel is located with the housing to facilitate movement of the housing down an inclined or vertical surface. There is a mechanical link moveable with movement of the housing and which causes movement of the moveable part.
US07762867B2

A lever activated toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis and a lever. The chassis accommodates the body and has a front wheel and a rear wheel. A motor is disposed within the chassis and is drivingly coupled to at least one of the wheels. The lever is movably supported on the toy vehicle so as to be accessible by a user for movement between a first position and a second position. The toy vehicle further includes a moveable part and an actuator mechanism. The moveable part has at least a portion on the exterior of the body and a portion on the interior of the body. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled with the motor and the moveable part and is configured to move the moveable part from the concealed position to the revealed position after the lever is moved from the first position to the second position.
US07762866B2

An interactive rocking cradle and doll is disclosed where, when the cradle is rocked with the baby inside of it, the cradle emits music and baby sounds. If the cradle is rocked without the baby, however, then the cradle only emits music but no baby sounds. None of the electronics required to emit the sounds are located in the doll, thereby allowing the doll to be created in a real and life-like manner.
US07762856B2

A terminal assembly includes a terminal and a barrel. The terminal has a coupling portion that fastens to a conductor, a mating portion with compression tabs arranged to form a channel, and an interlocking member on at least one of the compression tabs. The barrel is separate from the terminal and has a bore formed therethrough configured to receive the compression tabs of the mating portion. The barrel includes an interlocking member corresponding to the interlocking member of the at least one compression tab.
US07762850B2

A retention assembly for securing a surface contact card in a portable electronic device includes a main body, a receiving groove defined in the main body, and a locking member rotatably positioned on the main body adjacent to the receiving groove. The locking member can be rotated from a first position at a side of the receiving groove to a second position on top of the receiving groove.
US07762846B1

A connector assembly includes a housing having a front and a rear and openings in an outer periphery of the housing. Contact modules are received in the housing through the rear. The contact modules extend from the rear of the housing. The contact modules have grooves in an outer periphery of the contact modules. A back shell is coupled to the housing and the contact modules. The back shell has housing tabs extending therefrom being received in the openings of the housing to secure the back shell to the housing. The back shell also has contact module tabs extending therefrom being received in corresponding grooves of the contact modules to secure the back shell to the contact modules. The back shell peripherally surrounds the contact modules.
US07762845B1

A thin connector structure includes an upper iron shell, a lower iron shell, a circuit board, a protective layer and a glue layer. The circuit board is interposed between the upper and lower iron shells. Both sides on the inner surface of the lower iron shell are provided with a pin, respectively. Both sides of the circuit board have a fixing hole, respectively. The pins go through the corresponding fixing holes. The protective layer is interposed between the upper iron shell and the circuit board to prevent dissipation of electromagnetic waves. The glue layer is interposed between the lower iron shell and the circuit board for positioning the connector structure.
US07762841B2

A coaxial cable connector includes a housing, a terminal received in the housing, a cover located in the housing and pressed on the terminal and a shell enclosing the housing. The housing has a holding portion defining a bottom board and a tubular portion extending downward from the bottom board. The holding portion has an erect portion which defines a locating cavity thereon and two supporting portions which form a receiving recess therebetween receptively protruding upward at a rear portion and a front portion of the bottom board and a passageway between the erect portion and the supporting portions and penetrating through the bottom board and the tubular portion. The terminal has a base portion located in both the locating cavity and the receiving recess and a mating portion received in the passageway. The base portion defines a plurality of protruding thorns on two opposite sides thereof rubbing against opposite inner surfaces of the locating cavity and the receiving recess for fixing the terminal in the housing.
US07762831B2

A socket, comprising at least two insertion holes and a clasp device rotatably fastened on the socket. The clasp device comprises a clasp body, a cover, a bottom plate, and a connection body. The cover is positioned relative to the bottom plate, and the connection body is positioned between the cover and the bottom plate, wherein the cover, the bottom plate and the connection body define a receiving cavity.
US07762825B2

In one embodiment of the invention, a method of mounting a surgical robotic arm to a set-up arm of a robotic surgical system is provided that includes sliding a pair of guide slots of the surgical robotic arm over a pair of guide tabs in the set-up arm; aligning electrical connectors in the set-up arm to electrical connectors of the surgical robotic arm; and coincidentally mating male electrical connectors to female electrical connectors while finally mating the guide tabs in the set-up arm to flanges of a housing of the surgical robotic arm.
US07762822B2

An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
US07762821B2

An electrified ceiling framework system having a plurality of grid elements forming a grid network arranged in a substantially planar arrangement. A conductive material is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of grid elements. The conductive material is electrically connected to a low voltage power source and has a contact surface connectable to a low voltage device.
US07762820B2

A socket connector (10) utilizes contacts (41) that have a shape similar to an inverted ohm sign and which have two flexible contact arms (43) located at one end thereof for contacting elements such as solder balls (62). The other end of the contact have a closed end and the contacts may be slotted in increase their flexibility or they may be solid.
US07762817B2

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first subassembly having a first housing component. The first housing component has an opening. The electronic device also includes a second subassembly having a second housing component. The second housing component cooperates with the first housing component to enclose components of an electronic device. The at least one internal component is also movable relative to the second subassembly so as to properly align with the opening. The at least one internal component is additionally magnetically attracted towards the first housing component near the opening.
US07762814B2

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tooth prosthesis, for insertion in a jawbone, including an implant and an abutment on top of the implant. The method includes: defining a shape of the prosthesis and its location in the jawbone by using first data from a first CT scan image of the jawbone and second data from a second image of a gypsum cast, correlating first and second data by extracting from the first data first position reference data of a first reference in the first image, and from the second data second position reference data of a second reference in the second image, the second reference being identical to the first reference; performing a geometric transformation on the second data and/or the first data to have a coincidence of the second image with the first image and to combine the first and second data into composite scan data.
US07762807B2

A single-ended, internally recuperated, radiant tube annulus system in which at least part of the heat recovery takes place within the furnace to which the system is attached and in which the oxidant and/or fuel are preheated not only by heat transfer from the exhaust gases, but also directly from the combustion process. The system includes a plurality of concentric radiant tubular members arranged in a manner providing an outer annular region in which the combustion process is carried out, an inner tubular member through which exhaust gases are exhausted from the system, and intermediate annular regions between the inner tubular member and the outer annular region through which preheated oxidant is provided to the outer annular region for the combustion process. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, the internal recuperator is used as a fuel reformer.
US07762802B2

There is disclosed a mold insert stack for use in an injection mold and a coupler thereof. The mold insert stack for use in an injection mold is provided and comprises a core assembly that includes: a core insert that includes: a core body; an inner molding surface that is defined on the core body, the inner molding surface provides, in use, an inner portion of a molding cavity that is shaped to mold a preform; a core-coupler interface that is defined on the core body; a support member that includes: a support body; a support-sliding interface that is defined on the support body; a coupler member that includes: a coupler body; a coupler-core interface that is defined on the coupler body; a coupler-insert interface that is defined on the coupler body; and a complementary sliding interface that is defined on at least one of the coupler body and the core body; the coupler-core interface and the core-coupler interface being configured to cooperate, in use, to mutually locate the coupler body with the core body; the coupler-insert interface being configured to cooperate, in use, with a complementary interface defined on a further mold insert; the support-sliding interface and the complementary sliding interface being configured to cooperate, in use, to establish a slidable coupling that is able to accommodate, in use, a lateral move (S1) between the support-sliding interface and the complementary sliding interface and connect a load path between the support body with at least one of the core body with the coupler body.
US07762800B2

An apparatus for making a spunbond web has a deposition surface, a spinneret above the surface for producing filaments that move downward along a path toward the surface, and a cooling chamber below the spinneret. Cool process air is supplied to the chamber to cool the filaments as they pass downward through the chamber. A laterally closed stretching unit downstream of the cooling chamber has laterally closed side walls that have portions that diverges downward. A connecting region between the stretching unit and the cooling chamber substantially excludes access of air from outside to the filaments as they pass from the cooling chamber to the stretching unit so that the filaments drop from the stretching unit onto the deposition surface.
US07762783B2

A gas turbine airfoil is disclosed. The gas turbine airfoil includes a root section, a separate extension section attached to the root section, and a joint disposed between the root section and the extension section, the joint including at least one of a mechanical interlock and a metallurgical bond.
US07762778B2

A fan impeller having fan blades, a base plate, a support ring and fasteners to releasably hold the fan blades between the base plate and the support ring. The base a plate includes channels each having two or more sockets that receive and releasably seat at least a portion of the fan blade. The position of the fan blade relative the axis of rotation of the impeller can be selected from the two or more sockets. The support ring includes grooves in which at least a portion of the fan blade releasably seats to hold the fan blades static relative the base plate and the support ring. The fasteners can extend between the base plate and the support ring to releasably hold the two or more blades.
US07762771B2

A device for driving a first part of a wind turbine with respect to a second part of the wind turbine includes a driving element for engagement with the first part. The device also includes a driving unit including a housing to be fixedly connected to the second part, a motive generation means for generating motion of the motive element, and a motion transferring means for transferring the motion of the motive element to the driving element; and at least one slip coupling arranged between at least one of the motive element of the driving unit and the motion transferring means, the motion transferring means and the driving element, and within the motion transferring means, wherein the slip coupling is adjusted to slip if a torque acting on the slip coupling due to a movement force acting on the driving element exceeds a predetermined maximum torque.
US07762761B2

A method for assembling a turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine. The method includes providing a turbine nozzle including a plurality of airfoil vanes extending between an inner band and an outer band, wherein the outer band includes a forward hook assembly having a rail and at least one hook, providing at least one scalloped recessed area within the forward hook assembly at least one hook to facilitate reducing stresses induced to the turbine nozzle, and coupling the turbine nozzle into the gas turbine engine using the forward hook assembly such that the turbine nozzle is at least partially supported by the forward hook assembly.
US07762759B2

Device and method to pick up and remove from a bundle one or more bars in order to arrange them for use in an operating machine. The device comprises first magnetic means to separate from the bundle an end segment of a plurality of bars and to arrange at least the end segments of plurality bars on a plane distanced with respect to the bundle. The device comprises second magnetic means to pick up, from the first magnetic means, at least one bar at a time from the plurality of bars and to unload the at least one bar in a desired release position.
US07762754B2

A storage apparatus (1) stores a transported object (220) from a transporting carriage (110), which travels along a track (120) installed on or near a ceiling (210) while gripping the transported object. The storage apparatus is provided with a rack portion (30), on which the transported object is put; and a support member (10), whose upper end is supported by the track or ceiling and whose lower end supports the rack portion. The support member selectively has one of first and second shapes. The first shape allows the transporting carriage to put the transported object onto the rack portion at the predetermined position. The second shape allows the rack portion to move away from a position below the track.
US07762753B2

Rotationally symmetric self-pierce rivet (10) having a rivet head (14) and a rivet shank (12) provided with a centrical recess (16) closed by the rivet head (14), wherein the rivet shank (12) is having an outer contour which generally is following the course of an ellipse (18) externally lined up against the rivet shank the major axis (A) thereof basically extending parallel to the axis of the rivet (10).
US07762743B2

Methods and apparatus for monitoring a remotely operated vehicle umbilical condition in real time allowing for improving of power delivery as well as early detection of threats to integrity of the umbilical. The umbilical may include an optical fiber. Processing equipment may enable distributed temperature sensing along the optical fiber.
US07762742B1

The present invention comprises an apparatus that is designed to hold back flood waters via a series of interconnected long flexible tubular units. Each unit is connected to each other via a sleeve and has a weighted flap portion for additional anchoring. Each unit has its own fill tube and drain plug and is designed to retain water or other liquid to provide an impervious water barrier when in deployment.
US07762736B2

A ball and socket joint is provided for a motor vehicle that has a joint housing (1), in the interior space of which a ball shell (2) is arranged. The ball (3) of a ball pivot (4) is accommodated in the ball shell (2). A sensor device (7), for measuring forces and loads, is arranged on a flexurally elastic printed circuit board (6). The printed circuit board is fastened in the joint housing (1) in a flexurally mobile manner. The sensor device (7) measures deflections and mechanical stresses of the sensor printed circuit board (6). A transmission device introduces forces or a bending moments into the sensor printed circuit board (6) in case of a deformation of the ball shell (2). The process makes possible the permanent determination of the state of wear of the ball and socket joint via measurement of the prestressing force of the ball shell.
US07762735B2

An apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes a socket having at least three ball support points to constrain a ball, and a yoke rotatably coupled to the socket, the yoke having an axis of rotation that intersects the ball when the ball is positioned in the socket, the yoke rotatable to a closed position in which the yoke captures the ball in the socket, and the yoke rotatable to an open position in which the yoke does not capture the ball in the socket. According to some embodiments, the yoke is biased in the closed position such as, for example, by a spring. The yoke may be rotationally coupled to the socket at one or more locations, and the axis of rotation may intersect the ball when the ball is in the socket either through the center of the ball or at an off-center location.
US07762733B2

This invention relates to an apparatus and method capable of appropriately preventing a printing medium from being diagonally conveyed upon feed regardless of changes in printing medium feed conditions. In this invention, the maximum output value of a PWM signal is compared with the sum of a predetermined bias value and the PWM signal when a sensor detects the tip of a fed printing medium. If the sum is smaller than the maximum output value, it is monitored that the value of the PWM signal increases by the bias value. If the sum is equal to or larger than the maximum output value, it is monitored that the conveyance speed of the printing medium becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value. Control is performed on the basis of the monitor results to stop driving a DC motor that supplies a driving force to rollers used for feed and conveyance.
US07762717B2

In a device for processing bulk materials, for example by mixing, shredding, metering and/or screening, with a container (40) and an implement (30) driven therein about a horizontal axis by an external rotary drive (10), it is proposed as claimed in the invention that, arranged between the container (40) and the rotary drive (10), is a connection unit (20), to which the container (40) is detachably fastened, in which a shaft (33) of the implement (30) is detachably retained and is detachably attached to the rotary drive (10), and in which a labyrinth seal (50) is loosely accommodated for the purpose of sealing the container (40) against the implement shaft (33). The device as claimed in the invention is particularly suitable for use in the laboratory and pharmaceuticals sector, where a matter of concern is that the component parts that come into contact with the material to be processed must be capable of being cleaned easily and effectively, and that the delivery and/or discharge of the material can take place inside closed systems, if required. Because of the ease of dismantling of the container (40) and the implement (30), these can also be replaced by differently executed items, and in this way the device as claimed in the invention can also be adapted for different processing tasks. In particular, it is possible to work optionally in batches or continuously.
US07762716B2

In a vessel, such as a flexible bag, a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device and supported by a bearing, such as a roller bearing.
US07762714B2

A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.
US07762712B2

A method for the continuous phase conversion of a product in a kneader mixer, into which the product is introduced, said mixer comprising kneading elements that are mounted on at least one shaft. The product is back-mixed until a predefined viscosity of the product is determined by measurement of the torque of the shaft, or a product with a predetermined viscosity that has already been achieved is back-mixed, the kneader mixer is then switched to a continuous mode, in which optionally and additional component is added and the product is subsequently transported to the discharge point.
US07762703B2

A heads-up display comprises a monochrome display device for generating an image and an optical device for generating a virtual image from the image of the display device. The monochrome display device comprises a display and a backlight for illuminating the display from its backside. The backlight comprises a first light source emitting light of a first color, a second light source emitting light of a second color, a first light guide coupled to the first light source, and a second light guide coupled to the second light source. The first and second light guides are disposed in such close juxtaposition behind the display so that they illuminate together the entire backside of the display and illuminate a first region of the display associated with the first light guide with the first color and a second region of the display associated with the second light guide with the second color.
US07762696B2

A vehicle lamp has a lamp holder, an LED array, an interior heat sink and a heat exchanger. The lamp holder is hollow and has a heat conductive portion. The LED array is mounted in the lamp holder. The interior heat sink is mounted on the LED array and has an inner conductor attached between the LED array and the heat conductive portion. The heat exchanger is mounted on an outer side of the heat conductive portion. Therefore, the vehicle lamp can efficiently dissipate heat generated by the LED array by the interior heat sink and the heat exchanger with little or no dust entering the lamp holder and accumulating on the LED array for improved lifespan and constant heat dissipating performance.
US07762694B2

In a lighting device for a vehicle including a reflector in which an aluminum deposited layer is formed on a surface of a resin member, the resin member is molded through a resin obtained by adding, to a crystalline resin, a filler having a size smaller than a wavelength of a visible light, and a smooth surface and a fine concavo-convex surface are mixed into a surface of the reflector (the resin member) which is molded. The aluminum deposited layer is directly deposited on the surface of the resin, and the smooth surface is formed as a mirror finished surface and the fine concavo-convex surface is formed as a semiglossy surface. As compared with a case in which the reflector is constituted by only the simple mirror finished surface, the semiglossy surface designed to have a proper area is present so that a sense of gloss can be suppressed as a whole and a sense of high quality can be given.
US07762690B2

An LED lamp includes a heat sink, and a plurality of LED modules attached to the heat sink. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base. The LED modules each include a substrate plate thermally attached to the base of the heat sink and a plurality of LEDs mounted on the substrate plate. A housing includes a frame surrounding the base of the heat sink, and cooperates with the heat sink to define a first cavity between the frame and the base of the heat sink. A first waterproof gasket is received in the first cavity and surrounds the base of the heat sink. A hood covers over the LEDs of the LED modules and contacts the frame of the housing. A second cavity is defined among the hood, the frame of the housing and the body. A second waterproof gasket is received in the second cavity.
US07762685B1

An improved lighting system is disclosed for location beneath a surface of a body of water for illuminating the water. The lighting system comprises a light bulb having a cap and a body having a positive buoyancy. An electrical conductor electrically couples the cap of the light bulb to an electrical source. An encasement encapsulates the cap of the light bulb. An elongated conduit sheaths the electrical conductor. An anchor engages the elongated conduit for submerging the light bulb beneath the surface of the water.
US07762681B2

A covering for a skate incorporates a downwardly-directed LED illumination system. The covering is configured to wrap around and/or cover at least the lower portion of the shoe of the skate and may be formed of a flexible material such as cloth, or may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a plastic or the like. The LED illumination system includes a first mount situated on a bottom side of the covering so as to be essentially parallel with a skating surface when the covering is situated on the skate and a second mount situated on another bottom side of the covering so as to be essentially parallel with the skating surface when the covering is situated on the skate. Each mount carries a plurality of LEDs so that the LEDs direct emanating light downward onto the skating surface. Circuitry, including a battery, switch and operating components/circuitry/logic, are carried on the inside of the covering and controls the lighting and/or lighting effects of the LEDs. The LEDs may be white, a single color, multiple colors, or any combination thereof.
US07762673B2

An illumination system designed to remove laser speckle and a projection system including the same. The illumination system includes a laser light source having at least one laser, a diffractive optical element to divide a laser beam emitted from the laser light source into a plurality of sub-beams and to periodically move in such a way as to temporally average the speckle of the laser beam, and an optical fiber bundle including a plurality of fibers with the same length to divide the sub-beams into smaller sub-beams. The illumination system divides the laser beam emitted from the laser light source into sub-beams and temporally or spatially averages the sub-beams, thereby effectively reducing or removing laser speckle. The projection system employing the illumination system can provide improved image quality.
US07762665B2

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising: providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.
US07762660B2

A customizable clip-on accessory for spectacles includes a pair of auxiliary lenses, and clasps for engaging the lenses to join them to a bridge member and to releasably engage the spectacles. The clasps include a pair of parallel posts engagable by a fastener member having a pair of cylindrical lugs with bores extending therethrough to receive the posts in permanent fashion. The lens is drilled with hole to accept the lugs, and the posts are inserted through the bores and trimmed. A tongue extends from each clasp, and may be bent and trimmed to engage the periphery of the spectacles. Alternatively, the tongue may have a tab end that engages a bracket member provided with spaced apart flanges to engage the periphery of the spectacles. The bracket member may also be used with a clamping fastener that has a toothed edge to engage an edge portion of the auxiliary lens.
US07762657B2

An ink set for an inkjet of the present invention comprises an ink and a processing liquid, wherein at least one of the ink and the processing liquid contains a water-soluble non-linear polymer. The non-linear polymer has at least one selected from the group consisting of a branched structure, a cross linking structure and a mesh structure in a molecule.
US07762649B2

A printing head, an ink jet printing apparatus, and an ink jet printing method can achieve high-speed printing while realizing a high-quality image. An ejection port face where an ejection port of the printing head is located is formed so that the normal line thereof intersects with an axis line of a nozzle at a predetermined angle. The ejection port face inclines in a relative moving direction of the printing head with a printing medium as a reference.
US07762647B2

A method and apparatus for delivering a mixture of compressed fluid and marking material and depositing the marking material in a pattern onto a substrate, includes a high pressure source of a mixture of compressed fluid and marking material. A micro-machined manifold includes a plurality of micro-nozzles, a fluid chamber, and an entrance port with portions of a first surface of the micro-machined manifold defining the entrance port with the entrance port being connected in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. Each of the micro-nozzles having an inlet and an outlet with the inlet being connected in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the outlet being located on the second surface of the micro-machined manifold. Each micro-nozzle is shaped to produce a directed beam of the mixture of compressed fluid and marking material beyond the outlet of the micro-nozzle. A housing is connected in fluid communication with the high pressure source and the entrance port of the micro-machined manifold with the connection being a sealed connection. Optionally, a device operable to capture marking material that does not adhere to the substrate can be included.
US07762645B2

Provided are a method of precisely evaluating the performance of an optical sensor including light-emitting elements corresponding to light-emitting wavelengths respectively representing multiple colors as well as a light-receiving element even under a condition in which mists of color inks adhere to the sensor, and a printing apparatus for carrying out the method. To this end, how much the performance of the optical sensor mounted on a carriage decreases is evaluated based on a cumulative number of ejections for each ink color, which number corresponds to the amount of mist, and a degree at which each ink affects each color LED. This makes it possible to precisely evaluate the performance of the optical sensor including the light-emitting elements corresponding to the light-emitting wavelengths respectively representing the multiple colors as well as the light-receiving element even under the condition in which the mists of the color inks adhere to the sensor.
US07762642B2

A method of calibrating a media advance in a printer includes providing a mask to specify a printing configuration of a calibration target; forming a media feed calibration target on the print media by: i. printing the calibration target, ii. advancing the print media, iii. printing the calibration target; iv. advancing the print media by the previous media advance amount plus an offset amount, and v. repeating steps iii. and iv. until the media feed calibration target is complete; measuring the optical reflectance of the media feed calibration target as a function of position along the media feed calibration target; identifying a position along the media feed calibration target corresponding to the location at which a maximum in the optical reflectance occurs; and comparing the location at which a maximum in the optical reflectance occurs to a predetermined location of the media feed calibration target to calibrate media advance.
US07762640B2

One pixel is sub-divided on the basis of ejection ports. Pixel patterns are provided at respective quantization levels, each of which are defined using dots having different sizes. Image data is processed using a pixel pattern selected according to the type of printing medium and image quality to be achieved, and printing is performed using the image data. Only ejection ports ejecting ink droplets in the same size are driven at the same timing for ejection.
US07762639B2

An inkjet printer is provided having a printhead having inkjet nozzles and a plurality of controllers configured to process print data for printing and to output the processed data to the printhead. The plurality of controllers are connected to a common input of the printhead.
US07762633B2

A motor vehicle has an inclinometer to determine the steepness of the slope upon which the vehicle stands, brakes and a driver brake pedal for generating a braking effort in the brakes. The brakes are also controlled by a brake hydraulic control unit and an electronic control unit. The brake hydraulic control unit is arranged to control the release of the braking effort generated to stop the vehicle on a slope by the brake pedal at a release rate which varies as a function of the steepness of the slope determined by the inclinometer following operation of the brake pedal to release the brakes. The vehicle thus achieves controlled descent of a hill after a stationary position. Such a brake control system is particularly advantageous to a motor vehicle having a hill descent mode.
US07762627B2

In certain embodiments, a mobile entertainment system includes a housing configured to be coupled with a mounting plate of a headrest. The housing can define a first hinge portion. In some embodiments, the system further includes a screen assembly. The screen assembly can define a second hinge portion that cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotally couple the screen assembly with the housing such that the screen assembly can rotate relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the system further includes a retaining harness fixedly attached to the mounting plate at a first end and fixedly attached to the screen assembly at a second end. The retaining harness can be configured to limit rotation of the screen assembly relative to the housing. Optionally, in some embodiments, the system includes a headrest configured to be installed in a vehicle. The headrest can include a mounting plate.
US07762626B2

A spa chair having an apparatus for extending and retracting a tray from the spa chair is disclosed along with a method for utilizing the spa chair in one or more manicure and/or pedicure procedures. A pivoting mechanism coupled to the tray includes first attaching members for attaching the pivoting mechanism to the spa chair and a second attaching member for attaching the pivoting member to a tray. The pivoting mechanism also includes a shaft retained by the first attaching members and a spring for biasing a shaft and second attaching member in a particular direction. The pivoting mechanism is operable to lockingly secure the tray in at least one of an extended or retracted position.
US07762616B2

A cross-member for a trailer frame and a frame incorporating the same. The cross-member extends between longitudinally aligned rails designed to pivotally support a dumping body thereon. The cross-member includes a cylindrical tube having a wall defining a bore therethrough. A planar member is received within the bore and is axially aligned therewith. The tube includes one or more axially aligned openings proximate a central region thereof. The planar member is disposed intermediate the openings and is aligned axially with the openings. The cross-member is substantially rigid under tension and at least a portion thereof is flexible under torsion.
US07762612B2

A convertible vehicle according to the present invention includes a vehicle body with a windshield frame with an upper transverse frame part. A convertible roof for the vehicle has a front end. At least one hook part is disposed in the upper transverse frame part and is linearly movable in the upper transverse frame part.
US07762609B2

A straddle-type vehicle that ensures visibility of a flasher lamp while decreasing the possibility of damage due to a fall. A body cowl is formed with a groove that extends longitudinally of. A flasher lamp is outwardly convex in a vehicle width direction and is accommodated in the groove. An outer end of the flasher lamp is positioned inwardly of a side end portion of the body cowl in the vehicle width direction.
US07762603B2

An improved truck bed seating apparatus, wherein a frame is removably attached to a truck bed for supporting seating thereon, and wherein the design allows for easy removal and installation of the frame assembly and provides for a minimal use of space when the apparatus is removed.
US07762601B2

A storage assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle structure, a removable storage container and a container attachment member. The removable storage container is moveable between a retained position and a release position. The container attachment member is coupled to the vehicle structure, and the container attachment member is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container attachment member is configured to engage the storage container and retain the storage container in the retained position when the container attachment member is in the first position. The container attachment member is configured to be disengaged from the storage container for movement of the storage container between the retained and released positions when the container attachment member is in the second position.
US07762594B2

A cinching latch assembly is disclosed herein. The cinching latch assembly having: a housing; a unidirectional motor mounted to the housing; at least one gear operatively connected to the unidirectional motor; at least one cam member operatively connected to the at least one gear; and a latch lever pivotally mounted relative to the housing, the latch lever being operatively connected to the at least one cam member wherein, operation of the unidirectional motor in a first direction rotates the gear causing the cam member to urge the latch lever between a first position and a second position wherein the latch lever rotates a fork bolt into a primary latched configuration.
US07762593B2

A ball coupler having a longitudinal axis and including a male tubular endpiece; a female tubular endpiece; and a tubular sleeve extending the female endpiece and presenting slots for forming a cage for retaining balls for blocking the male endpiece in the female endpiece. A grip is coaxial about the sleeve and mounted to turn about the longitudinal axis of the coupler between at least two angular positions relative to the sleeve, the grip having a housing for each ball. A resilient return device urges the grip into its first position, including in the grip, a ring that is constrained to turn with the grip and that is movable axially relative thereto.
US07762591B2

The invention concerns a security document (7) having a first transparent region (72) in which a first transparent optical element (74) is arranged and a second region (71) in which a second opaque optical element (73) is arranged. The second opaque optical element (73) exhibits a first optical effect. The first region (72) and the second region (71) are arranged in mutually spaced relationship on a carrier (75) of the security document, in such a way that the first and second regions can be brought into mutually overlapping relationship. Upon overlap of the second optical element with the first optical element with a first spacing (26) between the first and second optical elements a second optical effect appears and upon overlap of the second optical element with the first optical element with a second spacing (25) between the first and second optical elements, which is greater than the first spacing (26), a third optical effect (51) which is different from the second optical effect appears.
US07762581B2

The head-protecting airbag apparatus includes an airbag folded up in an elongative contour for covering a window of vehicle upon deployment, and a plurality of cases arranged along the length direction of the folded-up airbag for housing the airbag. The airbag apparatus is mounted on the vehicle by attaching mounting portions of the airbag along an upper periphery of the window together with the cases. The cases are connected by a bendable connecting member and thereby permitting the airbag stored in the cases to be transported in a bent state at the connecting member. The connecting member announces the occurrence of twisting of the airbag between the cases by shortening the distance between the cases for preventing the airbag from being mounted on the vehicle in a twisted state when the airbag apparatus is unfolded for mounting on the vehicle.
US07762579B2

An airbag system for protecting a passenger in a motor vehicle including one or more ejection mitigation devices configured to substantially cover the inside of the front and/or rear window of the motor vehicle. Moreover, the one or more ejection mitigation devices may be attached to a driver's side inflatable airbag and a passenger's side inflatable airbag, wherein the ejection mitigation device is configured to be deployed by the inflation of the driver's and passenger's side inflatable airbags.
US07762571B2

A bottom bracket assembly for use on a bicycle, the assembly provided as a split bracket assembly with an upper portion formed integrally with the bicycle frame and a lower portion detachably connectable to the upper portion, the lower portion completely removable from the upper portion. The bottom bracket assembly provided to capture a crank shaft therein with associated bearings to facilitate the rotation of the crank shaft assembly.
US07762565B2

An improved multi-modular waste container formed at least in part from molded structural-foam. Per conventional waste containers, the improved waste container includes a housing for receiving trash, which will preferably be disposed upon one or more casters. One or more lids are hingeingly engaged to the top perimeter of the housing to provided selective access to the trash receptacle. Detachably fastenable slots may be affixed to opposed sides of the housing to facilitate engagement with and emptying by front-loading garbage trucks. The improved waste containers are substantially lighter, easier to maintain, stronger, chemical and corrosion resistant and possess substantially greater sound deadening characteristics than prior art waste containers fabricated from metal. The container housings are further preferably configured to be stacked within one another to facilitate shipping and handling thereof.
US07762561B2

The Dive Caddy is a two wheeled land vehicle with it's primary purpose being to transport scuba diving equipment across tough terrain such as sandy beaches, rocky trails, and other hard to traverse, or reach scuba diving, or free diving locations. It is different than other prior carts in as that it has a breaking system for traveling down hills, And can be fitted with an auxiliary battery powered booster motor to traverse uphill, or help bring itself out of hard to exit situations, and also has a bench seat to stage a completed scuba unit for the diver to sit on while dawning his equipment. Another new feature of the Dive Caddy is that it has the ability to change tires for different types of terrain, be it sandy beaches, rocky hills, or mud, the Dive Caddy can adapt to them all.
US07762557B2

A method of playing a trivia game includes the step of registering a plurality of players to participate in the trivia game. Then, providing a clue to the plurality of players and receiving an answer from each player participating in the trivia game. Next, eliminating players associated with an incorrect answer and allowing players associated with a correct answer to continue participating in the trivia game. The steps of providing the clue, receiving the answer and eliminating players are repeated until one of only one player who provided correct answers remains before the trivia game ended, at least one player who provided correct answers remains when the trivia game ended and all registered players have been eliminated before the trivia game ended.
US07762552B2

The present application is directed to devices and methods for directing media sheets moving along a media path within an image forming apparatus. In one embodiment, a gate is positioned in proximity to the media path. The gate may include an elongated shape that extends across at least a section of the media path. A fluid damper may be operatively connected to the gate and may include a shaft and a chamber that holds fluid. The shaft is rotationally positioned with a first section within the chamber and a second section extending outward from the chamber. Rotation of the shaft in a first direction may force the fluid within the chamber to move relative to the body and cause the gate to move to a first position in the media path to direct the media sheets towards a first part of the media path. Rotation of the shaft in a second direction may force the fluid within the chamber to move relative to the body and cause the gate to move to a second position to direct the media sheets towards a second part of the media path.
US07762542B2

Tray means for stacking sheets, pickup means for separating and for conveying sheets into a single sheet on the tray means, and sheet conveyance means for conveying a sheet separated by the pickup means to a predetermined processing position are provided. Projecting guide means project from a sheet support surface of the tray means into a notched opening of the sheet is provided; and an oblique surface is formed to prevent a trailing side edge of the opening from catching on a leading side edge of the opening of a lower sheet when feeding an uppermost sheet to the projecting guide means. This makes it possible to feed only the uppermost sheet downstream without an opening edge formed in the uppermost sheet from interfering with an opening edge of a lower sheet.
US07762540B2

When a sheet bundle is being conveyed by any one pair of plural pairs of rollers independently movable toward and away from the bundle sheet, before the bound portion of the sheet bundle passes the pair of rollers, the pair of rollers on the downstream side nearest to the bound portion are separated from the sheet bundle, and the pairs of rollers more downstream than that pair convey the sheet bundle. Thereby, it happens less often that the pairs of rollers gather the air collected between adjacent ones of the sheets of the sheet bundle to the bound portion to thereby cause a slack to the sheets, and the occurrence of wrinkles or twists in the sheet bundle can be reduced. Also, the pair of rollers are separated from the sheet bundle before the bound portion passes the pair of rollers, whereby it happens less often that the pair of rollers are damaged by the bound portion, and the sheet bundle can be conveyed smoothly.
US07762522B2

An apparatus for the transmission of a deflection of an actuator, in particular of a piezoelectric actuator of an injection valve, comprises at least one first lever device which has a first transmission element which transmits the deflection of the actuator. In this case, there is provision for at least one first spring element to be provided for guiding or mounting the first transmission element.
US07762521B2

A method and system for fine-tuning the motion of suction or discharge valves associated with cylinders of a reciprocating gas compressor, such as the large compressors used for natural gas transmission. The valve's primary driving force is conventional, but the valve also uses an electromagnetic coil to sense position of the plate (or other plugging element) and to provide an opposing force prior to impact.
US07762519B2

For installing an apparatus body of an electronic apparatus at a standing state on a supporting surface, the supporting device includes a leg and support. The leg is rotatably provided on a back surface of the apparatus body at the standing state and is used for holding the apparatus body supported by the supporting surface. The support is rotatably provided on the back surface and engaged with the leg for defining an angle of the leg with respect to the back surface. The leg and the support are foldable in substantially parallel to the back surface without overlapping with each other.
US07762517B1

An adjustable picture hanger includes a mounting base that is fastened to the wall using screws or similar fasteners in the general location where the picture or wall hanging is to be hung. Movable inner and outer carriages on the bracket are adjustable in an up/down, and/or left/right directions using two adjustable fastening that allows positioning of the carriage in the X-Y axis. Surface indicia are printed on the mounting base and the outer carriage that define a relative position of said inner and outer carriages so that the user can measure minute distances within a perimeter of said mounting base. Thus, very fine adjustments can be applied to perfectly position any picture or wall hanging.
US07762515B2

The invention discloses an adjustable support apparatus for adjusting an object to a target position. The adjustable support apparatus comprises a metal member, a support member, and a magnetic member. The metal member has an inner space. The support member has a first end and a second end, and is movably disposed in the inner space of the metal member through the first end. The object is attached on the second end. The magnetic member is disposed on the support member and is adjacent to the first end. A magnetic force exists between the magnetic member and the metal member. When an external force capable of overcoming the magnetic force is applied on the object or the support member, the support member moves with respect to the metal member; and when the external force disappears, the magnetic force makes the support member stay at the target position statically.
US07762511B1

A hanger system for holding glasses and a case includes a hanger made from a thin web. A flexible strip is connected to the main body of the web at a hinge point where the strip flexes away from the body. The strip is connected to an arm of the glasses with a fastener, such as a tie wrap. A portion of the body slidably engages the case, wherein the body is located substantially inside the case and the flexible strip is flexed away from the body at the hinge point and located outside the case. An upper edge of the case is located at the hinge point such that the body is inside and the strip is outside the case. The pair of arms opens to accommodate a user trying on the glasses with the case attached.
US07762510B2

An assembly comprising a frame comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being configured to removably couple a motor assembly portion of a handsaw, and the bottom portion being configured to fixedly couple a structure. A method of affixing a handsaw to a structure that includes removably coupling a motor assembly portion of the handsaw to a structure using an assembly.
US07762508B2

A fixing structure of a rod member for use in shower curtains comprises a holder, a connecting member and two cover pieces screwed at the end portions of the holder, wherein the holder includes a fixing groove formed therein and a gap, the width of which is less than the diameter of the fixing grove, arranged at one side thereof, and includes a connecting member axially disposed in the fixing groove thereof and having pivotal shafts mounted at two end portions thereof, and having an insertion notch for inserting a rod member therein secured on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and includes the cover pieces screwed at two end portions thereof and having axial opening in response to the pivotal shafts of the connecting member attached thereon, thereby utilizing the connecting member to fixing various types of rod members.
US07762503B2

A one-piece cable tie includes a locking head and an attached strap, the locking head being adapted to receive and selectively engage a portion of the strap when the tie is formed into a closed loop. The cable tie additionally includes a fastener formed onto the locking head that is designed for connection with the electrical connector for an oxygen sensor for an automotive emissions control system. The fastener includes a flattened platform that is spaced away from the top surface of the locking head by an inverted T-shaped standoff, the flattened platform being sized and shaped to be slidably disposed within a corresponding slot formed in the electrical connector. A ratchet tooth is formed onto the flat top surface of the platform and is shaped to engage the electrical connector in order to retain the fastener secured within the slot in the electrical connector.
US07762501B2

A method and system for optimizing rotor flapping utilizes the collective stick position and true airspeed to determine a commanded longitudinal stick position.
US07762499B1

A satellite thermal management system for dissipating excess heat generated within a satellite. The thermal management system includes a central platform for mounting heat dissipating components. A first thermal radiator panel and a second thermal radiator panel are mounted to the central platform. The first thermal radiator panel is arranged to face East when the satellite is in orbit. The second thermal radiator panel is arranged to face West when the satellite is in orbit. The first and second thermal radiator panels are thermally coupled to the central platform and are configured to radiate heat dissipated by the heat dissipating component mounted on the central platform.
US07762498B1

A high-efficiency spacecraft propulsion system, including includes electric pumps inserted in the oxidizer and fuel lines that increase liquid apogee engine (“LAE”) operating pressure and reduce tank-operating pressure. An on-board computer generates pump drive signals, in response to measured oxidizer and fuel line pressures, that are input to the pump controller electronics. The controller electronics provides current drives to the pump motors. The system uses an LAE that can operate at higher thrust chamber pressures (e.g., 500 psia) than standard LAEs, where pump-fed rocket motors have integrated turbopumps that are fuel operated. The turbopump increases LAE complexity and cost, reduces fuel efficiency, and is not compatible with active thrust and mixture ratio control.
US07762487B2

A manually drivable food cutter includes a cap with a axle journal, a blade shaft including one or more blades disposed thereon, a vessel connected to the blade shaft, a base connecting the cap and the vessel, a gear shaft set above the base, and a gear part transmitting the rotation of the cap to the blade shaft on the base, the gear part including one or more gears. The advantages of the apparatus are that it can be conveniently operated and the units do not fall apart easily.
US07762479B2

The invention provides an adjustable showerhead that provides a variety of distinct discharge water patterns. The showerhead features a ceramic disk assembly that provide long-life and reliable operation to the showerhead. The showerhead includes a wand having a receiver with a discharge outlet and a depending lug. The disk assembly includes an upper ceramic disk fixedly positioned within the receiver, and has a curvilinear groove and a water inlet hole that receives water from the wand's discharge outlet. A lower ceramic disk is movably positioned within the receiver against the upper disk, and has a plurality of outlet holes arrayed along the periphery. A bushing resides within a central opening of the lower disk and operably connects the lower disk to the receiver. An outlet assembly is operably connected to the lower disk, and includes an inner faceplate with a plurality of discharge outlets, and an outer faceplate with a plurality of discharge outlets. An adjusting ring is operably connected to the lower disk. An operator rotates the adjusting ring to move the showerhead between various disk positions to attain the desired water discharge pattern.
US07762478B1

A gasoline unit injector includes a high speed, high force actuator such as a magnetrostrictive or piezoelectric actuator. The actuator operates a positive displacement diaphragm pump. The pumping volume is isolated from a supply rail by an inlet check valve, and is isolated from the engine manifold by an outlet check valve. Each of the check valves includes a disk having a central anchor and a peripheral valve seat. Diaphragm movement reduces pump volume and thereby displaces fuel at high pressure through outlet valve. Fuel spray is formed by geometry of outlet valve, the frequency of actuation, and mass and pressure of the displaced fuel. Relaxation of actuator, and therefore diaphragm, increases pump volume and thereby draws fuel into pump volume through the check valve.
US07762452B2

A validator with a lighted bezel having a series of spaced lighted segments to one side of a banknote slot provides functional information and also defines an attract mode for potential purchasers. The validator is designed to enhance and to complement the traditional advertising used by the associated equipment or systems such as a vending machine. Preferably, a pulsing light sequence for turning lighted bar segments of different lengths is used.
US07762448B2

A composite body which can withstand high thermal stresses is formed by high-temperature soldering at least a part of a high-temperature-resistant, metallic or nonmetallic component and at least a part of a high-temperature-resistant, nonmetallic component. Prior to soldering, a metallic barrier layer, which is impervious to the solder melt, of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Ti, Zr, Hf and alloys thereof, is deposited on that surface of each nonmetallic component which is to be soldered. Solder material, barrier layer and soldering conditions are adapted to one another in such a manner that during the soldering operation the metallic barrier layer remains at least partially in the solid state, so that after the soldering operation it is still present in a thickness of at least 10 μm at least over the majority of the soldering surface.
US07762443B2

When gas is explosively burnt within a combustion chamber, a striking piston is impulsively driven to drive out a fastener from a nose portion. A gas tube is provided between the combustion chamber and a feed cylinder which accommodates a feed piston that reciprocally moves a feed claw engaged with and disengaged from connected fasteners to a nail feed direction for feeding to the nose portion side and an evacuation direction in opposite thereto. A check valve having a restriction hole is disposed on the way of the gas tube so as to be opened and closed. The check valve is normally urged by a spring to a closed direction and opens against the force of the spring by the gas pressure from the combustion chamber.
US07762431B1

A refrigerated liquid dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser has a pump configured for being in fluid communication with a source of a liquid product; a dispensing faucet configured for being in fluid communication with the pump, the dispensing faucet including a cold maintenance device located near the distal end of the dispensing faucet and an insulator device disposed adjacent to the cold maintenance device. The cold maintenance device has a distal end that projects beyond a lower surface of the insulator device. The dispenser also includes a dispensing tower for enclosing the dispensing faucet; and an auxiliary cooling circuit configured to direct cool airflow toward the dispensing faucet, the auxiliary cooling circuit having a passageway that is at least partially located within the dispensing tower and the passageway is configured to deliver cool airflow through the passageway onto the dispensing faucet, to shield the dispensing faucet from ambient temperature, thereby maintaining the dispensing faucet and the passageway at a cool temperature to avoid contamination of the liquid. The dispenser also includes a controller operatively coupled with the pump and the dispensing faucet to control the operation of the refrigerated liquid dispenser.
US07762425B2

A lid apparatus for opening/closing an opening of a main body includes a lid with working and back faces. An arm attaches the lid to the main body to be operable for opening/closing. The arm includes a first axis pivotally supporting the arm on the main body around the opening, and a second axis swingably supporting the back face of the lid on the arm. The second axis is located between the gravity center of the lid and the first axis. A regulatory member intervenes between the arm and the back face of the lid to set the working face of the lid in parallel with the opening.
US07762424B2

A foldable air insulating sleeve for insulating beverage and food containers is herein provided. More particularly, the foldable air insulating sleeve secures a cup in a manner that leaves a pocket of air surrounding the cup. This provides for improved temperature regulation and sufficient thermal insulation to assist the user in firmly grasping and handling the cup despite excess heat or condensation caused by the temperature of the cup's contents. Because the bases of most disposable cups are narrower than their respective rims, more air and thus greater insulation is found towards the bottom of cups secured by foldable air insulating sleeves. The wider base also gives such cups more stability. Printable material can also be affixed on the foldable air insulating sleeve's outer surface for advertising or other purposes. Some embodiments of the foldable air insulating sleeve include a lid to further improve thermal insulation.
US07762421B2

An easy-open sealed container satisfying requests of perfectivity of sealing and readiness of unsealing is provided. The container includes a plastic pack container, a flange portion surrounding an opening of the plastic pack container, a seal film bonded onto an upper surface of the flange portion to thereby seal the pack container, and a peeling film bonded onto a lower surface of the flange portion. The flange portion includes a broken portion including a cut-off line and a connection part formed in a part or a whole of the flange portion. The peeling film includes a peeling-start portion extruding outward or inward of the flange portion.
US07762417B2

A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles and personal water-crafts. The shipping crate includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The crate may include an extension removably connectable to the bottom frame structure. The crate may include at least one pivotally mounted leg.
US07762416B2

A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal water-crafts (PWCs). The shipping crate is completely recyclable and includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The top and bottom frame structures are operable to telescopically engage each another when the crate is empty. Also, leg portions can be placed between the top and bottom frame structures and the leg portions can telescopically engage the top and bottom frame structures at opposite ends thereof.
US07762415B2

For providing a waterproof box, which can prevent penetration of liquid like water through a gap between a box main body and a cover member mounted on the box main body, the waterproof box includes the box main body having an opening formed by surrounding with a plurality of side-walls, a lid mounted on the box main body for covering the opening, a grommet, and a seal member formed into a ring shape to be mounted on the lid for waterproofing between the box main body and the lid. A cutout side-wall has a cutout. The grommet to be mounted on the box main body fills the cutout. The seal member has a contact portion to abut on an edge of the cutout side-wall. A thickness of the contact portion is formed thicker than that of the other portion of the seal member.
US07762411B2

A rack rail system engageable with a post of a rack. The rack rail system includes a rail assembly and a flange provided on at least an end of the rail assembly. The flange includes a pin insertable into an aperture of the post when the flange is adjacent to the post. The rack rail system further includes a clamp pivotably connected to the flange and movable from an open position and a closed position. The clamp receives both the post and the flange in the closed position.
US07762407B2

A display device which includes an elongate strip of sheet material having a plurality of product carrying pockets each pocket being provided with a pair of laterally spaced front sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of an adjacent rear section of the elongate strip, each front section being attached to the rear section at its upper edge respectively, by way of upper bridge portions, further attachment between a further section of the rear section and the front sections is provided by a lower bridge portion intermediate the front sections and which is attached adjacent the lower edges thereof.
US07762406B2

A modular folding shoe rack includes first and second side rails; first and second arms pivotably connected with the side rails at a first end of the arms; a first crossbar connected with the opposite ends of the arms; and a second crossbar connected with the side rails. Each side rail may also include complementary male/female connectors at its opposite ends to allow for connection of one side rail to another, resulting in a modular design.
US07762404B2

An apparatus for separating crystals from their suspension in contaminated crystal melt with purification, in which a hydraulic wash column has distributor aids in a distributor space.
US07762400B2

A packaging tray including an outer tray (1), having a base (4) and side walls (2) defining a packaging space and false bottom (10) of the tray defining a discrete exudate-collection compartment immediately above the base and reducing the packaging space by the size of the discrete compartment. The false bottom is peripherally connected to the walls and provided with an array of perforations (36) in a discrete minor central region (20) to allow exudate to pass through itself into the exudate-collection compartment. In addition, the tray includes means (28, 30) for gas transfer between the exudate-collection compartment and the packaging space, in addition to and separate from the perforations in the false bottom, and including means inhibiting flow exudate back into the packaging space.
US07762392B2

An article for holding and displaying a neck tie that includes a narrow end and an opposite broad pointed end includes a base portion and an insert. The base portion has a compartment for receiving and holding the folded neck tie and is open along a top thereof. The insert has a pair of upstanding leg portions and a top wall that extends between the upstanding leg portions. The top wall has a pointed slit formed therein that defines a depressable tab portion. The insert is inserted into the base portion such that the folded neck tie is disposed between the upstanding leg portions and a space is formed between a first end of the insert and one end wall of the base portion through which the neck tie extends. The neck tie is folded across the top wall and through the slit such that the broad pointed end of the tie is disposed with the compartment of the base portion underneath the insert. The pointed slit and an adjacent end section of the top wall define a pointed tie portion that resembles but is not the broad pointed end of the tie that is located underneath the insert and is not visible.
US07762386B2

A magnet assembly for a conveyor system transporting a ferromagnetic container includes a housing having a unitary configuration. The housing defines a pocket, and a magnetic circuit is disposed in the pocket. The magnetic circuit produces a magnetic field having a magnetic flux. The magnetic circuit attracts the ferromagnetic container being transported by the conveyor system. In addition, a method of forming the magnet assembly to radiate the magnetic field includes providing the unitary housing having an opening and inserting the magnetic circuit into the unitary housing. The method further includes encapsulating the magnetic circuit in the unitary housing to form the magnet assembly.
US07762382B2

Method and system for transferring items (2) from an inlet flow or a bulk of items at a first area to a second area, from which the items are transferred in an orderly flow of items, whereby a plurality of gripping means (18) are used for transferring said items and whereby said method comprises the steps of moving at least one of said plurality of gripping means (18) towards at least part of said first area or vice versa, engaging one of said items by said at least one of said plurality of gripping means (18), moving said engaged item away from said first area, or vice versa, placing said engaged item at a selected position, and whereby said item is moved away from said second area in an orderly flow with at least one further item handled by another of said plurality of gripping means.
US07762378B2

An elevator installation with an elevator car and a counterweight, a suspension cable suspending the elevator car and the counterweight, and a compensating cable compensating the effect of the weight of the suspension cable, is equipped with a compensating cable guide which for the purpose of guiding the compensating cable has at least one brush.
US07762377B2

A transfer car in a conveyance system for metal coils, having a support saddle, a chassis that can be moved along a conveyance path by a drive and a mechanism for raising and lowering the support saddle along a linear vertical guide on a plate-like base frame. A steel slab is used as the plate-like base frame, on which a scissor unit is mounted for the purpose of linear vertical guidance and so as to not take on any lifting forces. Two lifting cylinders are installed some distance apart as the drive and act directly on the support saddle to provide the sole lifting forces to raise and lower the support saddle.
US07762376B2

An elevator has at least two elevator cars, which are disposed one above the other in a shaft, which cars are vertically movable and which each have a drive, a counterweight and a traction device, wherein one drive is fixed at a first shaft wall and a second drive is fixed at an opposite second shaft wall and each drive has at least one drive pulley. At least one first deflecting roller is associated with each drive and is positioned the shaft wall that is opposite the drive and above the counterweight associated with the drive. The traction device is led from the counterweight over the deflecting roller to the drive pulley and from there to the elevator car.
US07762365B2

An electric vehicle drive control device that includes a first electric motor; a second electric motor; a differential device that includes first, second, and third rotational elements, wherein the first rotational element is connected to the first electric motor, the second rotational element is connected to the second electric motor via a transmission shaft, and the third rotational element is connected to an engine; a transmission for shifting that shifts a speed of a rotation transferred to from the transmission shaft; and a controller that: controls electric motor control processing means for controlling a rotation speed of the first electric motor in conjunction with shifting performed by the transmission; and adjusts electric power adjustment processing means for adjusting an electric power consumptions generated in the first and second electric motors, by controlling an output supplied to the second electric motor in conjunction with the control of the rotation speed of the first electric motor.
US07762364B2

A hybrid vehicle comprises a deceleration mechanism adapted to decelerate a wheel of the vehicle and adapted to drive an air compressor attached to the vehicle from the wheel deceleration. An engine of the vehicle comprises at least one cylinder assembly having a cylinder with an air in-take opening, and the cylinder assembly being adapted to rotate at least in part a crankshaft which is adapted to apply torque to the wheel of the vehicle. An air passage connects the compressor directly to the in-take opening, and the compressor comprises a flow regulator adapted to control an amount of air which passes from the compressor into the cylinder through the in-take valve.
US07762360B2

A method and system are described for calibrating speed controls for a vehicle having a pair of drive means on opposite sides of the vehicle driven by independent speed controls and where relative speed of the drive means is used to direct the vehicle. In one aspect, angular motion of the vehicle is detected using at least one of a gyroscopic angular sensor and a pair of accelerometers to determine a rate of yaw; a speed control output for controlling the relative speed is adjusted so that the rate of yaw is lower than a threshold when speed control inputs for controlling the relative speed are equal; and one or more speed control adjustment parameters are determined and stored for use during operation for controlling the relative speed of the drive means. A microcontroller may be used to receive sensor outputs (e.g. from the gyroscope and/or accelerometers) and speed control inputs and to determine the speed control adjustment. During operation, the microcontroller may control the relative speed, applying the speed control adjustment(s) to speed control inputs.
US07762357B2

A system for controlling drilling mud density in drilling operations that combines a base fluid of lesser/greater density than the drilling fluid required at the drill bit to drill the borehole to produce a combination return mud in a riser. Concentric tubular members are disclosed, wherein one tubular member, such as the drill string, is utilized to inject the drilling fluid into the wellbore. Another tubular member carries the combination fluid to the surface for separation by a centrifuge system. By combining appropriate quantities of drilling mud with another fluid, the density of the combination fluid carrying drill cuttings to the surface can be regulated. During separation by the centrifuge, a weir plate having an adjustable height is utilized in the centrifuge to regulate the separation of the base fluid from the drilling fluid, producing a high density fluid and a low density fluid. The adjustable centrifuge permits the densities of the two fluids to be readily altered as desired for well drilling operations.
US07762352B2

The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for controlling drilling parameters when rock drilling. The arrangement is arranged such that a drill tool is connectable to a drilling machine by means of one or more drill string components, wherein the arrangement comprises means for rotating the drill tool during rock drilling and for providing a tightening torque for tightening joints between one or more from the group: drill tool, one or more drill string components and drilling machine. The arrangement is arranged to control the rotational speed of the drill tool based on available tightening torque.
US07762351B2

The perforation gun is comprised of a tubular carrier, a charge holder, a plurality of sealed charges, and a detonating cord. The tubular carrier has a length and a plurality of openings. The charge holder has a length and is comprised of a plurality of mounting locations which are each capable of receiving one of the sealed charges. The charge holder is capable of being secured within the carrier. The detonating cord is coupled to at least one sealed charge. In the mounted position and when the charge holder is secured within the carrier, the charges are aligned with the openings in the carrier such that, upon detonation, charge blasts emitted from the charges exit though the carrier openings and perforate a well casing and cement. In one aspect of the invention, the carrier openings are spirally arranged and spaced along the length of the carrier. In still another aspect of the invention, the openings are vertically arranged and spaced along the length of the carrier. In still another aspect of the invention, the carrier is closed at the top and bottom. In still another aspect of the invention, the carrier is capable of capturing debris created by a charge blast emitted from the sealed charges.
US07762346B2

The present invention relates to a method for controlling drilling parameters during an initial phase of rock drilling with a drilling machine. In accordance with the invention the percussion pressure and feed pressure of the drilling machine are controlled as continuously increasing functions during the initial phase. The present invention also relates to such a system.
US07762344B2

A swellable packer construction for continuous or segmented tubing. A method of constructing a swellable packer on a continuous tubular string includes the steps of: attaching a swellable seal material to the tubular string to thereby form the packer; and then wrapping the tubular string with the packer on a spool. A swellable packer includes a tubular body portion for incorporation into a tubular string, and a seal material wrapped about the body portion, the seal material being swellable in response to contact with a fluid. A method of constructing a swellable packer for a tubular string includes the steps of: wrapping a seal material about a tubular body portion to thereby form the packer; and then swelling the seal material in response to contact with a fluid. A continuous tubular string includes a seal material attached to a body portion of the tubular string to thereby form a swellable packer; and the packer wrapped with the tubular string on a spool.
US07762341B2

An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular includes a flow path associated with a production control device; an occlusion member positioned along the flow path that selectively occludes the flow path, and a reactive media disposed along the flow path that change a pressure differential across at least a portion of the flow path by interacting with a selected fluid. The reactive media may be a water swellable material or an oil swellable material. The reactive media may be selected or formulated to change a parameter related to the flow path. Illustrative parameters include, but are not limited to, (i) permeability, (ii) tortuosity, (iii) turbulence, (iv) viscosity, and (v) cross-sectional flow area.
US07762337B2

The invention relates to a riser pipe section comprising a main tube (2), at least one auxiliary line element (3) substantially parallel to said main tube (2) and at least two fastening means (7, 8) that connect the ends of said element (3) to main tube (2). The section is characterized in that fastening means (7, 8) allow longitudinal stresses to be transmitted from said element (3) to main tube (2) and in that at least one of fastening means (7, 8) allows at least a rotating motion of said element (3) in relation to said main tube (2), the rotating motion following an axis perpendicular to the plane passing through axis (4) of the main tube and through the axis of auxiliary line element (3).
US07762324B2

Fracturing tools for fracturing multiple zones of a wellbore are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the fracturing tools comprise two or more crossover subs coupled together and having a crossover sub window alignment assembly operatively associated with either an isolation sleeve disposed within the bores of the crossover sub-assemblies or with the crossover sub assemblies themselves. Actuation of the crossover sub window alignment assembly opens and closes the windows of each of the crossover sub-assemblies so that different crossover sub-assemblies can be activated to fracture various wellbore locations.
US07762322B2

A swellable packer with variable quantity feed-throughs for lines. A packer assembly for use in a subterranean well includes a generally tubular swellable seal element having an outer generally cylindrical surface, one or more cavities extending longitudinally through the seal element, and one or more longitudinally extending splits in the seal element between the outer surface and each of the cavities. One or more elongated plugs are positioned within at least one of the cavities. A method of sealing a fluid passage in a subterranean well includes the steps of: inserting one or more elongated plugs in one or more cavities which extend longitudinally through a swellable seal element of a packer assembly; and installing the packer assembly in the well. The installing step includes removing a selected number of the plugs from the cavities, and replacing the selected number of the plugs with a corresponding number of lines.
US07762320B2

A bearing cooling system comprises a bearing assembly, a heat exchanger, a coolant flow circuit apparatus and a lubricant flow circuit apparatus. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within a well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached thereto. The bearing assembly includes bearings and a lubricant flow path configured for allowing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The heat exchanger has a lubricant core portion and a coolant core portion, which are jointly configured for allowing heat transfer between respective fluids of the core portions. The coolant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the coolant core portion and is configured for circulating coolant through the coolant core portion. The lubricant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the lubricant core portion and lubricant flow path, and is configured for circulating lubricant through the coolant core portion and the lubricant flow path.
US07762319B2

A wellhead seal assembly forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. An energizing ring has a C-ring captured on its outer surface. When the energizing ring is moved further into the slot, the C-ring is forced from its pocket and engages a profile on the seal ring, locking the energizing ring to the seal assembly.
US07762314B2

A cooling apparatus and method of fabrication are provided for facilitating removal of heat from an electronic device. The cooling apparatus includes a manifold structure having a plurality of inlet and outlet passageways for injecting coolant onto, and exhausting coolant after impinging on, a surface to be cooled. The coolant inlet and outlet passageways are interleaved in the manifold structure, and coolant is injected and exhausted through a common edge of the manifold. The manifold structure further includes coolant inlet and outlet plenums, with coolant passing through the inlet passageways from the inlet plenum in a first direction and coolant passing through the outlet passageways to the outlet plenum in a second direction, the first and second directions being perpendicular to the surface to be cooled and being opposite directions, and wherein the manifold structure is contained within a rectangular volume defined by a projection of the common edge.
US07762309B2

A hybrid cast component (10) including both a columnar grained region (12) and a single crystal region (14) integrally formed and joined along a metallurgical boundary (32) in a single casting operation without the need for any weld or braze. A gas turbine blade formed as such may include a columnar grained airfoil and a single crystal platform without any necessity for a thermally formed joint at the blade fillet area.
US07762297B2

It aims to provide a heavy duty pneumatic tire with block patterns and capable of improving deflected wear resisting performances without sacrificing wet grip performances or on-snow performances and that can particularly be favorably used for all seasons. The present invention comprises block patterns employing at least three types of blocks 4 comprised of central blocks 4C delimited by the central longitudinal groove 2M, the intermediate longitudinal grooves 2M, and the central lateral grooves 3C, intermediate blocks 4M delimited by the intermediate longitudinal grooves 2M, the outer longitudinal grooves 2S and the intermediate lateral grooves 3M, and outer blocks 4S that are delimited by outer longitudinal grooves 2S, outer lateral grooves 3S that extend from this outer longitudinal grooves 2S to the tread ends E, and wherein longitudinal length ratios (L4/W4) of blocks 4, groove width ratios of longitudinal grooves and lateral grooves (w2/w3), maximum widths of blocks, minimum widths of blocks and ratios thereof (W4max/W4min), and circumferential edge components and tire axial edge components and ratios thereof (EC/EL) at respective stages of wear are defined to be within specified ranges.
US07762296B2

This invention provides a tire for agricultural vehicles that employs a tread design having a flattened contact surface across the width and a plurality of curved lugs that alternately extend from each sidewall to a location nearly adjacent to the opposing side wall. Each lug curves so that a central section at the center of the tire width is located on the surface ahead on the circumference of adjoining sections of the lug that extend toward each of the opposing sidewalls. In this manner, each lug appears to have a curved “banana” shape that extends across the width of the tire contact surface in a generally axial alignment. The grooves between lugs extend generally axially across the width, as a result. They are narrowed, having a circumferential width that is between approximately 20% and 30% of the average circumferential width of a lug. This geometry places more lug surface in contact with the road for better handling and longer tread life and provides less groove space to retain mud and detritus. This geometry also causes more accumulated mud and detritus to be squeezed from, and ejected out of, the tire prior to the transition onto hard road from soft ground, thereby reducing undesirable tracking on the road surface.
US07762292B2

A dispensing device for free-flowing or pourable products, said device comprising a dispenser opening for the products, which is situated in a recess on the front of the device and a support that can be removed from the recess and has at least one first tray surface for a container that is to be filled from the dispenser opening. The support comprises a base part that is detachably fixed in the recess and a tray part, on which the first tray surface is formed. Said tray part is connected to the base part in such a way that it can be displaced between a first position, in which the first tray surface lies opposite the dispenser opening at a first distance and a second position, in which the tray surface lies opposite the dispenser opening at a second distance that is greater than the first.
US07762289B2

A method and related system of filling therapeutic gas cylinders. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are a method comprising determining, by a cylinder fill device, a rated pressure of a therapeutic gas cylinder, and filling the cylinder with the cylinder fill device substantially to the rated pressure.
US07762282B2

A closure for a plumbing cleanout includes a riser pipe having an interior surface defining an interior bore. A cylindrical plug is provided having a first end, a second end, and an exterior surface. A peripheral flange is positioned at the second end of the cylindrical plug which is adapted to limit the distance the first end of the cylindrical plug can be inserted into the interior bore of the riser pipe. Seals are provided for sealing fluids within the riser pipe. Stops are provided for limiting axial movement of the cylindrical plug relative to the riser pipe.
US07762275B1

The present invention may be used to protect fluid flow valve stem shafts. A telescoping element may include a telescoping cover attached to a base. The base may have a bottom with a shaft aperture and an upstanding wall attached at a peripheral edge. A telescoping element housing may have a plurality of clips attached to a first end. The telescoping element housing may be inserted in the base with the clips engaging a plurality of apertures in the upstanding wall. A plurality of telescoping members may each have a lower outward extending flange and an upper inward extending flange and may be disposed in the telescoping element housing. A cap may be disposed in the telescoping members positioned for attachment to an upper end of a stem shaft.
US07762272B2

A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.
US07762263B2

A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper airway. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.
US07762254B2

A mask mounting mechanism for use in connection with a patient interface device having a mask and a mask attachment assembly with at least one strap for retaining the mask in a sealed position on a user's face. The mask mounting mechanism includes a button element extending from the mask, and the button element includes a shaft and a cap having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft. A clip element includes a clip element arm and a buckle. A second end of the arm includes an orifice extending therethrough. The buckle is attached to a first end of the clip element arm for engaging the strap of the mask attachment assembly. The clip element is engageable with a button element by engaging the orifice of the clip element arm over the cap and adjacent the shaft of the button element.
US07762250B2

A double oven combination is configured to be “built-in” an area of a household—in other words, permanently secured relative to the household area and integrated with other elements of the household area to provide a consistent decorative appearance. The double oven combination comprises an upper oven and a lower oven each of which may be a convection or non-convection oven that cooks and heats food and other substances via radiant and convective heating, and a control panel. The double oven combination has an integrated cooling air and exhaust air flow arrangement for efficiently guiding exhaust air away from the upper oven and the lower oven while at the same time effectively flowing cooling air relative to the double oven combination to promote desired cooling of the double oven combination.
US07762247B2

A firing assembly for a paintball gun has a dynamic piston assembly that moves forward relative to a stationary guide assembly as the gun is being fired. The piston assembly contains a compressed gas storage compartment located entirely within the piston assembly. As the gun fires, air from the gas storage compartment blows into a breech to propel the paintball forward from the breech.
US07762236B2

The present invention provides a fuel injector, comprising a housing having a sealable injector seat; a fuel injector pin disposed within the housing proximate to the injector seat such that the injector seat may be sealed and unsealed by displacing the fuel injector pin; a resilient element biasing the fuel injector pin in an unsealed direction; a piezoelectric actuator disposed within the housing proximal to the fuel injector pin configured to actuate to force the injector pin towards the injector seat to seal the injector seat; and a thermal compensating unit disposed within the housing proximal to the actuator and configured to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of a component of the fuel injector.
US07762231B2

A vehicle power control that includes a throttle mounting portion and a throttle that is movably mounted to the throttle mounting portion and configured for manipulation and operation by a rider. The power control also includes a sensor in contactless association with at least one of the throttle and throttle mounting portion. The sensor is configured for sensing a position of the throttle with respect to the mounting portion, in the contactless association, and generating a signal based on the sensed position for controlling motive power of a vehicle.
US07762226B2

A method for adjusting a camshaft of an internal combustion engine during a stop phase and during a subsequent new startup phase of the internal combustion engine. Such methods are used, in particular, in so-called start-stop designs for combustion engines. The camshaft controls intake valves and/or exhaust valves of the internal combustion engine and is adjustable by a camshaft adjuster. By a desired startup position of the camshaft adjuster, control time points of the intake valves and/or the exhaust valves are defined in which mechanical work necessary for starting the internal combustion engine is reduced and/or pollutant emissions of the internal combustion engine are reduced. In the method according to the invention it is provided that the camshaft adjuster is set in a desired stop position during the stop phase. During a first section of the startup phase, the camshaft adjuster is set from the desired stop position into the desired startup position. During a second section of the startup phase, a setting of the camshaft adjuster is performed as a function of measured operating parameters of the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the invention relates to an internal combustion engine with a camshaft that can be adjusted by a camshaft adjuster.
US07762220B2

A two-stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed having first and second cylinders having respective exhaust ports. A valve assembly comprises at least one valve actuator. First and second valves are operatively connected to the at least one valve actuator. The first and second valves are each movable between a first position wherein the valve extends a first distance in the respective exhaust port and a second position wherein the valve extends a second distance in the respective exhaust port. A valve connecting member is rigidly connected to the first and second valves and movable therewith via a translational motion while maintaining a substantially constant angular orientation relative to the cylinder block. A position sensor has a first portion connected to the cylinder block and a second portion connected to the valve connecting member. An electronic control unit (ECU) electrically connected to the position sensor.
US07762215B2

A clip configuration including a contoured case forming a support opening for a movable clasp element defining a universal clip. A winding mechanism within the casing includes a spring urged spool having a retractable cord which extends with an attachment ring positioned on its free end.
US07762213B2

A self-cleaning litter box is disclosed which provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to use a cartridge which may include a litter compartment and a waste compartment. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be non-compartmentalized. The cartridge may be disposable, thus eliminating the need for the user to clean the litter tray and handle heavy litter containers. In other embodiments, the system includes a rake assembly configured with a drive assembly that is protected from contamination. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.
US07762209B2

The plasma processing apparatus M2 has a first and a second elongate electrodes 30, 30. A processing gas is introduced from a first aperture 30b formed between upper first edges of the electrodes 30, 30 into a gap 30a between the electrodes 30, 30. An electric field is applied and a plasma is generated between the electrodes 30, 30. The processing gas is blown-off from the gap 30a through a second aperture 30c formed between lower second edges of the electrodes 30, 30. A first side surface on the first edge of the first electrode 30 is covered by an insulative cover 22 including a cover main body 22A and a plasma-proof member 26 which is formed of an insulative material which is higher in plasma-proof property than the cover main body 22A. The plasma-proof member 26 forms a processing gas introducing hole which is continuous with the first aperture 30b. The plasma-proof member 26 is contacted with the first side surface. The plasma-proof member 26 is extended in the first direction in parallel with said electrodes.
US07762205B1

Novel prefabricated structural components such as precast concrete boxes having forms including rectangular parallelepipeds and hexagonal cylinders are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,736 and 6,491,473 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, levees and breakwaters. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes and arrays thereof are disclosed, including modular vessels having bow and stern sections which can be connected directly together or mounted to a mid-section containing assemblies of such boxes, other structural elements or other vessels such as floating drydocks. Modular vessels can be assembled with any or all of the bow, midship and stern sections comprising honeycomb arrays of vertically-oriented hexagonal boxes.
US07762202B2

An embroidery sewing system includes an embroidery data processing apparatus and a sewing apparatus. The embroidery data processing apparatus generates and processes embroidery data used to sew an embroidery pattern on a work cloth. The embroidery data processing apparatus includes an embroidery data generation device that generates embroidery data including pattern data for specifying a color and a shape of the embroidery pattern, and a data writing device that writes the embroidery data into an RFID tag attached to the work cloth. The sewing apparatus includes a sewing device that sews the embroidery pattern based on the embroidery data, a data reading device that reads out the embroidery data written into the RFID tag by the data writing device, and a control device that controls the sewing device based on the embroidery data read out from the RFID tag.
US07762201B2

The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
US07762199B2

A feeder assembly (28) for projecting solid fuel, such as coal (24), into a combustion chamber (11) of a furnace (10) includes a distributor (44) and a feeder (42) disposed in a housing (40). The distributor (44) includes a rotor (48) having blades (46) extending outwardly therefrom, and the rotor (48) is rotatable to project the solid fuel into the combustion chamber (11). The feeder (42) includes a conveyor assembly (50) for providing the solid fuel to the rotor (48). The housing (40) includes an aperture (41) disposed therein, through which the solid fuel is projected into the combustion chamber (11). The housing (40) also includes a portion (45) movable between: a first position wherein the aperture (41) is open to allow the solid fuel to be projected into the combustion chamber (11), and a second position wherein the movable portion (45) closes the aperture (41) to shield the rotor (48) from heat emitted from the combustion chamber (11) and allow maintenance and/or replacement of the distributor (44).
US07762195B2

A gas generating propulsion system includes an igniter containing an igniter propellant and an auto igniter. A rocket motor is coupled to the igniter and has a housing containing a main propellant, a rocket motor throat and a nozzle. A release port extends through a portion of the rocket motor. This gas release port has a variable diameter through bore in fluid communication with the main propellant. In this way, the through bore has a variable area that forms an unobstructed open area with a cross-section effective to discharge gas generated by the main propellant such that a pressure increase within the housing remains below a safety value for the housing.
US07762190B1

A MEMS mechanical initiator having a striker arm extending from a striker body. The tip of the striker arm is adjacent to, but does not touch, the side of a microdetonator. A cocking and release mechanism moves the striker body such that the striker arm pulls away from the side of the microdetonator against the action of a set of springs connected to the striker body. Thereafter the cocking and release mechanism releases the striker body such that the tip of the striker arm swipes the side of the microdetonator causing initiation thereof.
US07762175B1

Lightweight, ballistic resistant articles are provided. More particularly, armor structures incorporating two or more spaced apart, ballistic resistant panels, having superior impact and ballistic performance at a light weight. The panels are spaced by air or by an intermediate material.
US07762171B2

A rotating shaft (23) is inserted through an axial center of a cutter wheel tip for scribing a brittle object. The rotating shaft (23) is integrally provided with the cutter wheel tip. The rotating shaft (23) is inserted into supporting holes (14) provided in side walls (11) of a tip holder (11) so as to be supported. A groove (13) is formed in an upper portion of each supporting hole (14) along an axial direction of the supporting hole (14).
US07762162B2

A pair of locking pliers having an adjusting device that utilizes a cam assembly. The pliers, preferably, include a trolley disposed in a first handle member that defines a channel. The trolley is structured to be coupled to a link assembly wherein the position of the link assembly relative to the distal end of the first handle member affects the spacing of the pliers' jaws. The cam assembly is, preferably, a planar disk-like body having a radially extending handle and, preferably, a plurality of flats about the circumference. The cam assembly is disposed, preferably, in the plane defined by the first handle member and the second handle assembly. The cam is coupled to the first handle member at the distal end of the handle portion and its' axis extends generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the first handle member and the second handle assembly. At this location, the cam plurality of flats are structured to engage the trolley/cam follower as the cam handle extends beyond the first handle member distal end. Rotation of the cam causes the trolley, and therefore link assembly, to move relative to the distal end of the first handle member.
US07762160B2

An open-throat power tong for making up or breaking apart an oilfield tubular connection, includes a cage plate lock system. The lock system connected to each cage plate extends across the space provided by the open throat in the cage plate when locked in the closed position. This provides support for the cage plates, resisting their tendency for expansion. The cage plates are mounted on the ring gear for rotation about a common center. The support provided to the cage plates for resisting expansion is communicated to the ring gear, thus providing support to the ring gear against expansion.
US07762158B2

A self-locking device for a table elevating screw includes a rotatable disk disposed on a screw having a nut thereon, a wedged body disposed on the rotatable disk, an outer cover moveably disposed on the rotatable disk and the wedged body and a stop plate disposed on the outer cover. When the rotatable disk rotates in relation to the screw in a direction or a reverse direction, the wedged body ascends or descends in relation to the rotatable disk, maintaining a gap between the stop plate and the outer cover or generating a frictional force therebetween. By the frictional force occurred when the screw rotates in a single direction, the self-locking device can achieve a precise self-locking device for the screw in a lifting/lowering positioning task.
US07762157B2

A shift operating device for a bicycle comprises a mounting member structured to be mounted to the bicycle, a cable coupling member coupled to the mounting member for moving a cable in a cable pulling direction and a cable releasing direction, a positioning unit that selectively maintains the cable coupling member in a plurality of operating positions, and an input member that moves in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, and an action member rotatably coupled to the mounting member and separate from the input member. The action member rotates to transmit movement of the first operating member to the positioning unit such that the cable coupling member moves from an origin operating position toward a destination operating position when the first operating member moves in either of both the first direction and the second direction.
US07762155B2

A partial gear bearing including an upper half, comprising peak partial teeth, and a lower, or bottom, half, comprising valley partial teeth. The upper half also has an integrated roller section between each of the peak partial teeth with a radius equal to the gear pitch radius of the radially outwardly extending peak partial teeth. Conversely, the lower half has an integrated roller section between each of the valley half teeth with a radius also equal to the gear pitch radius of the peak partial teeth. The valley partial teeth extend radially inwardly from its roller section. The peak and valley partial teeth are exactly out of phase with each other, as are the roller sections of the upper and lower halves. Essentially, the end roller bearing of the typical gear bearing has been integrated into the normal gear tooth pattern.
US07762152B2

Methods for measuring thickness of an epitaxial layer of a wafer. An example method applies photoresist over the epitaxial layer, and then portions of the photoresist within a sacrificial region of the wafer are removed. Next, the epitaxial layer is isotropically etched through the removed portions of the photoresist until a portion of the silicon handle layer is exposed. The remaining photoresist layer is removed. Then, the silicon handle layer is anisotropically etched to form a well. Profile information of the epitaxial layer and the etched handle layer generated. Next, the thickness of the epitaxial layer is determined based on the profile information. The acceptability of the epitaxial layer may be determined based on the determined thickness of the epitaxial layer. If the epi layer is acceptable, then the geometry of devices that are to be etched into the epitaxial layer are determined based on the determined thickness.
US07762148B2

A magnetostrictive torque sensor having a first magnetostrictive film and a second magnetostrictive film, which are both provided on a shaft and have different magnetic anisotropies. A first detection coil and a second detection coil are arranged to face the first magnetostrictive film, and a third detection coil and a fourth detection coil are arranged to face the second magnetostrictive film. The first and second detection coils are wound around the same coil bobbin, while the third and fourth detection coils are wound around another common coil bobbin.
US07762142B2

Characteristics of a multi-layer structure are detected, such as for detecting mechanical and/or corrosive damage of the multi-layer structure. In an example embodiment, an integrated in-situ sensor device senses characteristics of a multi-layer structure during operation thereof. The device includes a mechanical coupler and a sensor circuit. The mechanical coupler couples layers of the multi-layer structure together via an opening traversing the multi-layer structure. The sensor circuit inserts into the opening with the mechanical coupler, and induces an electrical response in a portion of the multi-layer structure adjacent the opening. This induced electrical response is indicative of characteristics of the multi-layer structure, and is sensed to provide a signal characterizing characteristics of the multi-layer structure.
US07762121B2

A hydrogen sensor and/or switch fabricated from an array of nanowires or a nanoparticle thick film composed of metal or metal alloys. The sensor and/or switch demonstrates a wide operating temperature range and shortened response time due to fabrication materials and methods. The nanowires or nanoparticle thick films demonstrate an increase in conductivity in the presence of hydrogen.
US07762120B2

The invention relates to tapered reference standards, and methods for their manufacture and use. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for tapered, composite materials may include a member having at least one tapered section. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The tapered reference standards may substantially mimic the affect on ultrasonic sound passing through tapered sections in composite laminates.
US07762109B2

Front-loading laundry washing machines or the like comprises a cylindrical perforated strip for letting through the water flow, at least one crusher, a rear drum closing disk, and means for joining the disk to the strip in the area of the end of the crusher nearest to the disk. The joining means comprise a rear joining support, a stop opposite the joining support on the other side of the disk, and pressure means which join the stop to the rear joining support, with the disk and part of the end of the crusher lying there between. The stop is concave and its edges are at least in part in contact with the end of the crusher.
US07762104B2

A modular setting diamond jewelry includes a noble metal base with the bottom thereof being in a shape of taper. A plurality of diamond holes is defined in the top of the noble metal base for receiving diamonds therein. A protrusion is formed between each two adjacent diamond holes which locate at the circumference of noble metal base. The peripheral setting diamonds overlap against the central diamond with inner edges thereof. The outer edge of each peripheral diamond is aligned to the peripheral edge of the noble metal base. One diamond hole is defined in the center of the noble metal base, and eight diamond holes are defined around the central diamond hole. The modular setting diamond jewelry of the present invention is ready to make with low cost, since the diamond holes defined in the noble metal base and the protrusions formed between the peripheral diamond holes can install several diamonds and the diamonds together with the noble metal base form an artistic whole to have the same effect as a big grain diamond.
US07762102B2

A soft freeze assembly for a refrigerator including a freezer storage compartment having a first temperature includes a second storage compartment positioned within the freezer storage compartment. A heat source is positioned with respect to the second storage compartment and configured to heat air within the second storage compartment to a second temperature greater than the first temperature within the freezer storage compartment. A controller is in operational control communication with the heat source and configured to operate the heat source.
US07762099B2

A first and a second expansion and compression machine (30, 40) having different volume ratios (Vc/Ve) are connected in parallel to a refrigerant circuit (10) of a refrigeration apparatus. Expanders (31, 41) of the expansion and compression machines (30, 40) are connected in parallel. Compressors (32, 42) of the expansion and compression machines (30, 40) are also connected in parallel. Upon variation in the operating condition of the refrigeration apparatus, the ratio of rotation speed between the expansion and compression machines (30, 40) is controlled by a controller (60). This, as a result, allows the refrigeration apparatus to operate at a COP close to an ideal condition.
US07762098B2

According to one aspect, there is provided a refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber formed at a relatively upper portion of a refrigerator body and a freezing chamber formed at a relatively lower portion of the refrigerator body, which comprises an ice-making chamber which is partitioned in the refrigerating chamber by insulating walls and includes an icemaker for making ice and an ice storage for storing the ice made in the icemaker. The temperature in the refrigerating chamber can be accurately controlled, the loss of cold air can be minimized and the structures for supplying water into the icemaker and the dispenser can be simplified.
US07762097B2

An ice maker for a refrigerator includes a first shaft rotatably fastened to an inside of an ice bank, a second shaft fastened to an end of the first shaft and rotated by a driving motor, and a plurality of blades formed along a longitudinal direction of the second shaft. The blades are spaced apart a predetermined distance along the second shaft and have a spiral surface which acts to push ice as the second shaft rotates. The first shaft may be formed of a material such as steel, which has good torsional elasticity. The second shaft and the blades may be formed as one molded piece.
US07762093B2

A variable capacity air conditioner compressor is controlled by setting a car target indoor temperature; sensing car indoor and outdoor temperatures and solar radiation with sensors at predetermined car positions; calculating a vent target discharge temperature using the target temperature, sensed car temperatures and solar radiation; calculating a target evaporator temperature and blower voltage based on target discharge temperature; calculating a control duty based on the target evaporator temperature; calculating target evaporator temperature and blower voltage change rates; determining whether or not the compressor conies under a sudden variable condition based on the control duty, and target evaporator temperature and blower voltage change rates; and setting a control duty change rate maximum value to an accelerative slew rate greater than and equal to a basic slew rate when sudden and not sudden variable conditions are respectively determined.
US07762089B2

A refrigerant charging system and method for charging a refrigeration system with a vapor-phase refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, an input line, a sensor and a pressure regulator. The input line connects the refrigerant source to the refrigeration system. One or more valves are disposed between the refrigerant source and refrigeration system to regulate the pressure of the refrigerant being introduced into the refrigeration system, and the sensor measures the pressure of the refrigerant entering the refrigeration system. A pressure regulator can also be used to regulator the flow of refrigerant. Once the pressure of the refrigerant reaches a predetermined pressure, the refrigeration system is fully charged, and the transfer of refrigerant to the refrigeration system is stopped. The system and method are used to charge the refrigeration system of, e.g., an automotive vehicle, and the refrigeration is carbon dioxide.
US07762082B1

An apparatus and method is disclosed for recovering a flammable vapor emanating from a vent of a tank. The apparatus comprises an input conduit for connecting to the vent of the tank. An input manifold connects the input conduit to an input of a compressor with an output manifold connecting an output of the compressor to an input of a storage tank. An output conduit connects an output of the storage tank to the turbine generator for generating electrical power by burning the flammable vapor. An electrical connector directs electrical power from the turbine generator to drive the apparatus as well as to supply surplus power to an external load.
US07762078B2

Nozzles that offer shape variability to maintain or purposely change the pressure drop across the throat are obtained by constructing the nozzles with components that change their shape, angle, or curvature in response to temperature changes that occur during the flow of combustion products through the nozzle. The temperature change may be the gradual heating of the nozzle wall from hot combustion gases, and the shape change may result in a decrease in the throat diameter or an expansion of the throat diameter. A decrease in throat diameter will be useful when the depletion of propellant as burning proceeds causes a drop in the pressure or flow rate of the combustion gas and there is a need to compensate for this drop to maintain the pressure drop across the throat. An increase in throat diameter will be useful when an initial high thrust is no longer needed and depletion of the fuel by itself is insufficient to lower the thrust to its desired reduced level. An example of a temperature-responsive material is a shape memory alloy; other examples are presented as well.
US07762069B2

A method and apparatus for increasing the torque of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, is described. The method and device includes compressing air from a charge air line or from a second air inlet by using the charge air compressor, storing the air compressed by the charge air compressor in a storage device, and blowing, in a timed manner, blow air which is stored as compressed air in a storage device into the cylinder through an inlet valve of the cylinder, thereby increasing the torque of the engine.
US07762067B2

A turbocharger having a turbine housing defining a chamber for receiving exhaust gas, and a nozzle leading from the chamber. Exhaust gas flows from the nozzle through a turbine wheel in the chamber and changes direction from a radially inward direction in the nozzle to an axial direction downstream of the turbine wheel. A divider in the nozzle divides the nozzle into first-stage and second-stage nozzles. The divider has an upstream surface to guide exhaust gas through the first-stage nozzle and an opposite downstream surface to guide exhaust gas flowing through the second-stage nozzle. An axially slidable tubular piston, disposed in the turbine housing, has a radially inner surface extending along the axial direction and a non-flat upstream end surface. The piston also includes a curved flow-guiding surface causing the exhaust gas to change direction. In a closed position, the piston abuts the divider to close the second-stage nozzle.
US07762066B2

A regeneration system for use in a vehicle having a reciprocating-piston engine. The regeneration system captures energy (e.g. braking energy), stores the energy, and subsequently uses the stored energy to generate motive power for the vehicle. The motive power can be generated in conjunction with motive power provided by the engine. The regeneration system comprises a variable displacement pump/motor that is connected to a connecting rod in each cylinder of the engine. The pump/motor comprises a fluid chamber, a primary piston mechanically coupled to the connecting rod and a slave piston coupled to the primary piston via resilient means. A control unit controls a plurality of valves to direct the exchange of pressurized hydraulic fluid between the pump/motor and a hydraulic accumulator in synchronous timing with the operation of the engine.
US07762065B2

A stator support device for a torque converter having a stator wheel and a non-rotating member has a one-way clutch and a bearing race. The one-way clutch includes an outer race disposed along the inner periphery of the stator wheel, an inner race connected to the outer periphery of the non-rotating member to prevent rotation of the inner race relative to the non-rotating member, and an end bearing provided between the outer race and the inner race. The bearing race is disposed at a side face of the outer race. The bearing race is supported so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. A gap is formed between the bearing race and the stator wheel.
US07762064B2

An exhaust system for an engine, comprising of a first exhaust passage providing a first flow area, a second exhaust passage communicatively coupled to the first exhaust passage, the second exhaust passage providing a second flow area greater than the first flow area, wherein the second exhaust passage is arranged downstream of the first exhaust passage, wherein a first wall surface of the first exhaust passage defines at least a first opening for transferring air external the first exhaust passage to within the first exhaust passage and a second wall surface of the second exhaust passage defines at least a second opening for transferring air external the second exhaust passage to within the second exhaust passage, a first protrusion disposed within the first exhaust passage upstream of the first opening, and a second protrusion disposed within the second exhaust passage upstream of the second opening.
US07762063B2

A housing for an exhaust gas purification component encloses an interior space in which at least one receptacle is formed by the housing at the outside. An exhaust system includes at least one first exhaust line section and the housing having the exhaust gas purification component. The first exhaust line section is in engagement with the receptacle, and the first exhaust line section and the receptacle are connected to one another in a materially integral manner. A motor vehicle having the exhaust system is also provided.
US07762059B2

The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-74 prepared using a hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N-methyl-N-pyrrolidinium) dication as a structure-directing agent, and its use in treating engine exhaust.
US07762051B2

A control system for the header flotation and lift hydraulics of an agricultural windrower that manages the effective and efficient removal of the header.
US07762050B1

The present subject matter discloses devices and methods for controlling the operation of a lawnmower or other walk-behind power machines without the use of a bail or operator presence control. A control device for a walk-behind machine can include a handle for a walk-behind machine, a sliding cam movable within the handle, a cable connected to the sliding cam and to a machine control component of the walk-behind machine, and an actuator movably attached to the handle. Movement of the actuator against a cam surface of the sliding cam can move the sliding cam within the handle to move the cable and operate the machine control component.
US07762046B2

Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller.
US07762042B2

A quick-connect system for connecting two or more sections of wireway in generally longitudinal alignment along an X-axis. The system involves the a series of screws in the bottom and side walls of a generally U-shaped connector receivable in corresponding slots in the bottom and side walls of the two wireway sections. In one embodiment, the bottom wall slots are closed-ended slots and the side wall slots are open-end slots extending in from respective end edges of the wireway sections. The side walls slots are configured such that they have longitudinal centerlines having X-axis and Y-axis components.
US07762040B2

A method for installing siding panels to a building includes providing a foam backing board having alignment ribs on a front surface and a drainage grid on a back surface and then establishing a reference line at a lower end of the building for aligning a lower edge of a first backing board and tacking thereon. Tabs and slots along vertical edges of the foam backing board align and secure adjacent backing boards to each other. A siding panel is butted against one of the lower alignment ribs and secured thereto. Another siding panel is butted against and secured to an adjacent alignment rib to form a shadow line between the adjacent siding panels on the building.
US07762036B2

Natural wood sandwiched engineered flooring utilizes all natural wood as the raw material which is made into several components which are combined to make this product. The components are a single or multilayer top veneer bottom or base layer and a middle layer. The four sides of the natural wood sandwiched engineered flooring strip consist of either a tongue and a groove or an interlocking system. The middle layer consists of two parallel solid wood strips, and located perpendicular to and between the parallel solid wood strips are small pieces of soft wood, which are glued together. The small soft wood pieces can be of fast growing soft wood, and as such saves treasured hardwood lumber. The production cost of the raw material is much lower than other types of engineered flooring. Further, an enhanced stabilization of the hardwood flooring is provided which is more suitable for radiant heat.
US07762029B2

An anchor for a post tension reinforcement is disclosed. The anchor includes an anchor base having at least one wedge receiving bore therein. The wedge receiving bore is tapered in diameter at a single selected taper angle. An axial length of the wedge receiving bore is selected so that a minimum internal diameter of the wedge receiving bore is at least as large as an external diameter of a sheath on a reinforcing tendon. In another aspect, the wedge receiving bore is positioned in the anchor so that its longitudinal center is approximately collocated with a load bearing basal surface of the anchor.
US07762019B2

This invention relates to a plant protective cover of a translucent polymeric material including at least one transmission spectrum modifier for minimizing the transmission in the ultraviolet range up to 350 nm; and for adjusting the transmission in the visible light range between 350 nm and 750 nm in accordance with photosynthetic and photomorphogenic requirements of plants to be cultivated underneath the plant protective cover, to enhance the growth conditions of such plants. The cover further includes a transmission spectrum modifier for minimizing the transmission in the infrared range above 750 nm. The transmission in the visible light range between 350 nm and 750 nm is adjusted by decreasing the transmitted green and yellow wavelengths and by changing the ratio of blue to red wavelengths transmitted towards a 2:3 ratio. The cover optimises growing conditions for plants cultivated underneath the cover thus providing relatively enhanced plant growth and performance.
US07762016B2

A system and method for installing a decorative exterior on a standard signpost is disclosed. A first exterior shell is mounted on one side of the post, and a second exterior shell is mounted on the other. Discs halves are also provided which, when installed between the post and the shells, cause the shells to be securely fastened to the post.
US07762001B2

A hair clipper includes three blade blocks each including comb-like blades mutually overlapped for making sliding contact with each other, each blade block having a skin contact surface parallel to a projecting direction of the comb-like blades; and a main body including a drive unit for reciprocating one of the comb-like blades. The blade blocks include first, second and third blade blocks. The second blade block has a skin surface contact angle between a longitudinal axis of the main body and the skin contact surface acute and greater than that of the first blade block. The third blade block has a skin surface contact angle same as that of the second blade block. The third blade block has a cutting width smaller than that of the first and second blade blocks. The main body includes an attachment unit for detachably attaching one of the blade blocks to the main body.
US07761999B2

A razor system is provided for shaving facial and body hair, the razor system having a handle and a razor cartridge. The razor cartridge has a primary group of blades and a second group of blades, such that the primary group of blades makes a first common plane and the second group of blades makes a second working plane. The first common plane and the second working plane are directionally-opposed. The present invention further relates to a method of shaving with the razor system.
US07761996B2

Methods of making tungsten carbide-based annular jewelry rings including sinterable metal and/or ceramic powder materials compressed into a predetermined configuration and then sintered to form an annular jewelry ring to which softer precious metals, stones, crystals or other materials suitable for use in jewelry may be affixed. Such items of jewelry may have multiple facets and can be fabricated using various disclosed techniques and various combinations of materials.
US07761989B2

A method for repairing a gas turbine engine component includes the steps of repairing one of a suction side or a pressure side of the component; repairing internal geometry of the component after one of the suction side or the pressure side of the component is repaired; and repairing the other of the suction side and the pressure side of the component after the internal geometry of the component is repaired, wherein a backing material is utilized to preserve the internal geometry of the component when the other of the suction side and the pressure side of the component is being repaired.
US07761986B2

A method of probing an electrical device using a membrane probing system having an improved contact. A membrane probe forms a contact having a ridge with a pair of inclined surfaces defining an acute angle such that, when pressed into an electrical pad of a device to be tested, the ridge penetrates into the electrical pad, shearing away any oxide on the surface of the pad. The device may then be tested.
US07761983B2

The present invention relates to a method of assembling a probe for testing of integrated circuits or other microelectronic devices.
US07761975B2

The method for making a stator includes making individual strip-shaped laminas (15) for it; stacking the laminas (15) to form a stator core (13) with grooves (18) on one side extending through the core; producing a subassembly by inserting a stator winding (17) into the grooves (18); bending the subassembly to form a cylindrical cavity so that the grooves (18) end in the cavity and connecting two ends (23) of the stator core (13) to each other by a welding seam (20) to maintain this configuration. To produce a welding seam of sufficient strength which does not exert excessive influence on magnetic properties, the welding seam depth (TS) is given by TS=0.5 mm*(Hyoke/mm−1)±ΔTS, wherein Hyoke is yoke height and ΔTS is a tolerance value. An electric machine including the stator made by this method is also described.
US07761974B2

A process generally includes contacting a surface of at least one workpiece with a reconfigurable pad of a fixture device, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to conform to the surface of the at least one workpiece, and fixturing the contacted workpiece.
US07761971B2

An article of cookware is fabricated by a combination of a deep drawing a metal sheet or laminate to form a fluid retaining preform and then using an impact bonding process to attach a medallion to the outside bottom surface of preform. In another aspect, the impact bonding process alternatively provides a means to achieve a slightly concave exterior bottom surface, while maintaining a substantially flat and/or slightly concave interior bottom surface to minimize the use of cooking oil.
US07761970B1

A method of electrosurgical implements consists of a step of formation of an integral module consisting of a plurality of space from each other interconnected implements, arranged in such manner that a multiplicity of operational spaces are defined between facing each other narrow edges of each pair of adjacent implements. In a coating step a coating is directed normally to the broad planar sides of the implements and substantially parallel to the narrow edges of the implements arranged in the operational spaces.
US07761969B2

Methods for making refractory crucibles capable of managing thermal stresses and suitable for melting highly reactive alloys, the method involving providing a crucible having at least a facecoat and a backing, heating at least one retaining ring, applying the at least one retaining ring about at least a portion of the backing of the crucible; and allowing the at least one retaining ring to cool and shrink-fit about the crucible.
US07761963B2

Assembly for forming a box, comprising a bottom wall, two longitudinal walls, two end walls and an upper wall, wherein the walls are each plate-shaped and provided with coupling parts directly cooperating with each other and situated in the plane of the plate in question. All walls have been obtained from the same plate material.
US07761958B2

The invention relates to a door hinge system which includes an integral exposed vertically oriented pin as a portion of a doorframe bracket, and a central latch bracket as engaged to a door. The pivotal manipulation of the door engages the latch of the central latch bracket to the pin, to secure the door to the doorframe. The central latch bracket includes a channel for receipt of the pin which is securely and releasably retained in the channel by the leading cam edge of the latch and safety slide. Disengagement of the latch from the pin enables a door to be easily separated from doorframe for re-hanging at a future time.
US07761953B2

An insert is provided for a mop bucket application to capture dirty water and/or clean water during floor mopping. The insert can be made of flexible PVC vinyl or of a similar substance giving the user the ability to quickly install the insert into a mop bucket. When the insert has collected the dirty water, the wringer can be quickly removed. Since the insert's bottom is flat, it will remain upright even when unsupported. The insert and contained dirty water can easily be removed by lifting the handles on the insert's two sides. The slick inside surface of the insert enables the dirty water to be poured with ease in a direct, substantially v-shaped stream. The structure of the insert preferably includes a body section which is connected at its two ends. A bottom portion forms a base for the body section, and side handles are affixed to the upper edge of the body section. A handle is secured to the outer side of the bottom portion.
US07761952B2

An auto side-window washing system includes a worm gear having a spiral surface, the gear having a rotational output of a reciprocating wiper motor. The system also includes a spiral gear rotationally secured to a pivot point on a system platform, the gear having a cylindrical surface proportioned for complemental engagement with the spiral surface of the worm gear, a first rigid linear element is secured to the spiral gear along a radius. A wiper arm is provided that includes a first end and a second end, the second end pivotally secured at an outer end of the rigid element. Also provided is a second rigid linear element having a first end and a second end which end is pivotally secured to the wiper arm at a distance from its end generally equal to a length of the second linear element. An auto window wiper blade is pivotally coupled at about a middle of the wiper arm.
US07761949B1

The brush and handle assembly described herein are specifically designed to scrub and clean all interior surfaces of a bathtub. The elongated handle and brush-head are designed and constructed to permit pivoting the brush-head relative to the handle, but the pivoting movement is confined to a range of 0° to less than 180°. In the preferred embodiment of the disclosed brush, the range of pivoting movement is about 135°. Limiting the pivotal movement of the brush-head relative to the handle enables the user of the disclosed bathtub brush to scrub and clean, easily and efficiently, all interior surfaces, including the interior far-side, the interior near-side, the interior ends and the bottom surface of the typical bathtub without uncomfortable body contortions.
US07761945B2

A mattress and temperature control system for preventing pressure ulcers is provided. The mattress and temperature control system may include at least two chambers that may be alternately pressurized to each independently support a patient's body reclined on the mattress at different times. In some embodiments, the chambers may be implemented as an inflatable tubing system including at least two inflatable tubing circuits each having inflatable tubes disposed adjacent one another in an alternating manner. The tubes may be inflated with liquid or gas fluids. The system may include a tube pressurizing control device for controlling the inflation of the at least two inflatable tubing circuits in an alternating manner. A gas permeable membrane may encapsulate the inflatable tubing system and may be used to move air between the patient and the mattress for cooling and to remove any moisture.
US07761943B2

A headrest assembly for supporting a head of a user of a massage device includes a frame assembly and a resilient assembly. The frame assembly is selectively coupled to the massage device, and the resilient assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The resilient assembly includes an upper resilient member and a headrest platform that supports the upper resilient member. The headrest platform includes a first side section, a second side section, a middle section that is positioned substantially between and is coupled to the first side section and the second side section, and a hinge assembly that connects the side sections to the frame assembly. The hinge assembly allows the middle section to flex substantially downward and the side sections to pivot relative to the hinge assembly when the headrest platform is supporting the head of the user.
US07761938B1

An apparatus and method for an integral flush-mounted waterspout, specifically for tubs is herein disclosed. The water spout is flush-mounted, contoured and angled appropriately to contain the discharge of water and subsequent drippage within the tub. No extended spigot or spout would be evident. The advantage of such a system, besides that of home fashion, is the elimination of injury to a person entering or exiting a tub. The flush-mounted waterspout could be alternatively embodied for sinks, showers and similar fixtures.
US07761937B2

A modified shower head provides a timepiece imbedded within a shower head insert allowing a person showering to keep track of time and also to monitor water usage. It also provides the person showering with a timing mechanism to determine the length of time for use of hair products, tints, dyes and treatments without having to reference an outside timepiece. The insert comprises a timepiece within an encased water-proof enclosure within the shower head insert.
US07761932B2

An ear protection device (18) that includes a pair of ear protectors (23), each ear protector (23) having a pocket (64) associated therewith that is sized and shaped to be received over the top of the user's ear to support the device (18) on the ear; and a band (22) connected to the pair of ear protectors (23), the band (22) formed of lightweight resilient material and configured to position the ear covers in alignment with the user's ears and with the pockets (64) positioned over the tops of the respective ears. A selectively positionable door (30) is provided on the exterior of each ear protector (23) to cover and uncover an opening in each protector to facilitate the passage of sound to the user's ear through the ear cover when the door (30) is in an opened position.
US07761930B2

A garment, in the form of an apron, holds an electrical cord out of the way. The apron includes an elongated length of material having a front panel, a rear panel, and a neck portion adapted to fit about a person's neck and a plurality of releasable fasteners for securing the cord to the elongated length of material. The length of material is adapted to cover a person's torso. The releasable fasteners may be attached to the neck portion and to the elongated length of material. Each of the fasteners may include a strap adapted to hold the cord and hook and loop type fasteners.
US07765606B2

A scanning probe apparatus for obtaining information of a sample, recording information in the sample, or processing the sample with relative movement between the sample and the apparatus, the apparatus is constituted by a probe; and a scanning stage including a drive element for moving a sample holding table for holding the sample and a movable portion movable in a direction in which an inertial force generated during movement of the sample holding table is cancelled. The scanning stage further includes a memory for storing characteristic information of the scanning stage and is detachably or replaceably mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus.
US07765604B2

A client receives encrypted content from content server. The header of the content includes license-identifying information for identifying a license required to utilize the content. The client requests a license server to transmit the license identified by the license-identifying information. When receiving the request for a license, the license server carries out a charging process before transmitting the license to the client. The client stores the license received from the license server. The stored license serves as a condition for encrypting and playing back the content. As a result, content can be distributed with a high degree of freedom and only an authorized user is capable of utilizing the content.
US07765603B2

A communication system by which a plurality of apparatuses owned by the same user can be registered efficiently are provided. In the communication system, when a terminal ID of a content processing apparatus is registered in a management server and a content reproduction apparatus is to be registered into the management server through the content processing apparatus, transmission of user information is not performed, but a registration request is transmitted which includes the terminal ID and a device ID for identification of the content reproduction apparatus. The management server specifies a registration record based on the terminal ID included in the registration request information, registers the device ID into the registration record and transmits registration completion information to the content processing apparatus. The content processing apparatus then adds a group ID of the content processing apparatus itself to a second source ID list of the content reproduction apparatus.
US07765598B2

The present invention discloses a method of online detecting MP3 music transmissions and an architecture thereof, wherein the packets transmitted over network segments are intercepted by an MP3 packet sniffing technology; the feature values of the MP3 packets are extracted out via an MP3 music feature value extraction technology and then compared with an MP3 feature value database, and thereby, the IP addresses of the sender and the receiver, which perform an illegal MP3 transmission, are detected and recorded in order to implement investigation and protect intellectual property.
US07765587B2

Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for glyphword-based security. Embodiments include establishing a glyphword comprising a plurality of glyphs; and creating a plurality of glyphsheets wherein each glyphsheet includes one or more glyphs included in the established glyphword and one or more glyphs not included in the established glyphword; and for each glyphsheet: presenting to a user the glyphsheet; receiving from the user at least one selection of a glyph included in the glyphsheet; determining whether the glyphsheet is the last glyphsheet if the glyph selected by the user is not included in the glyphs of the glyphword; and providing access to a resource if the glyphsheet is the last glyphsheet.
US07765586B2

A method and system for incorporating trusted metadata in a computing environment is described. One illustrative embodiment is a system comprising at least one functional module configured to query a personalized database of trusted metadata including at least one report from an informer network that includes the computer user and at least one informer, each informer in the informer network being trusted by the computer user either directly or indirectly, each indirectly trusted informer being trusted directly by at least one other informer in the informer network, each of the at least one report including a subjective assertion regarding the quality of an item or an expression of a degree of trust in an informer; and at least one functional module configured to perform a task in the computing environment based at least in part on results of a query of the personalized database of trusted metadata.
US07765585B2

Run-as credentials delegation using identity assertion is presented. A server receives a request from a client that includes the client's user identifier and password. The server authenticates the client and stores the client's user identifier without the corresponding password in a client credential storage area. The server determines if a run-as command is specified to communicate with a downstream server. If a run-as command is specified, the server retrieves a corresponding run-as identity which identifies whether a client credential type, a server credential type, or a specific identifier credential type should be used in the run-as command. The server retrieves an identified credential corresponding to the identified credential type, and sends the identified credential in an identity assertion token to a downstream server.
US07765584B2

A secure distributed single-login authentication system comprises a client and a server. The client collects a user name and password from a user and tests that user name and password at a variety of potential authentication servers to check where the login is valid. It combines the password with a time varying salt and a service specific seed in a message digesting hash and generates a first hash value. The client sends the hash value along with the user name and the time varying salt to a currently selected server. The server extracts the user name and looks up an entry under the user name from the selected server's database. If an entry is found, it retrieves the password and performs the same hash function on the combination of the user name, the service specific seed, and the retrieved password to generate a second hash value. Then, it compares two hash values. If these two values match, the user is authenticated. In this way, the system never sufficiently reveals the password to authentication agents that might abuse the information.
US07765582B2

A system is provided that uses identity-based encryption (IBE) to support secure communications. Messages from a sender may be encrypted using an IBE public key and IBE public parameter information associated with a recipient. The recipient may decrypt IBE-encrypted messages from the sender using an IBE private key. A host having a service name may be used to store the IBE public parameter information. The sender may use a service name generation rule to generate the service name based on the IBE public key of the recipient. The sender may use the service name to obtain the IBE public parameter information from the host.
US07765581B1

Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide dynamic security policies that change the granularity of the security at the node level, process level, or socket level. Specifically, a channel number and virtual address are associated with various processes included in a process table. Since a security policy is required for all processes, secure and insecure processes located on the same channel may communicate with one another. Moreover, processes located on different channels may communicate with one another by a gateway that connects both channels. This scalable blanketing security approach provides an institutionalized method for securing any process, node or socket by providing a unique mechanism for policy enforcement at runtime or by changing the security policies.
US07765574B1

A technique for automated analysis of multimedia, such as, for example, a news broadcast. A Broadcast News Editor and Broadcast News Navigator system analyze, select, condense, and then present news summaries. The system enables not only viewing a hierarchical table of contents of the news, but also summaries tailored to individual needs. This is accomplished through story segmentation and proper name extraction which enables the use of common information retrieval methodologies, such as Web browsers. Robust segmentation processing is provided using multistream analysis on imagery, audio, and closed captioned stream cue events according to a finite state model indicative of the presentation class.
US07765571B2

Continuous selection graphs are described. In embodiment(s), a continuous selection graph can be displayed that includes a similarity continuum to indicate media content that is progressively similar. The continuous selection graph can also include an axis of identifying criteria for the media content by which to associate the media content along the similarity continuum. Similar media content that is associated with the identifying criteria can be determined, and selectable indicators of the similar media content can be displayed to indicate a relationship between the identifying criteria and the similar media content along the similarity continuum.
US07765561B1

A dynamic collaboration of processes in a concurrent computing environment is disclosed. A user can modify the size of collaboration or the number of processes that execute a computational job after the processes have been launched on the concurrent computing environment. A launched or running process can establish a communication channel with other processes in the collaboration so that the launched or running process can join the collaboration to execute the job. The user can also release a process from the collaboration so the released process can join a new collaboration to execute a different job. Once a job is completed, the processes can leave the collaboration, and the processes are then free to join a new collaboration subsequently.
US07765558B2

Systems for handling an event in a computer system which has a kernel-mode and a user-mode. The systems comprise at least one computing device. The computing device is configured to suspend an occurrence of the event in the kernel-mode of an operating system running thereon. The computing device is also configured to cause the event to occur in the user-mode of the operating system. The computing device is further configured to determine if an occurrence of the event in the kernel-mode will compromise the computer system by analyzing the occurrence of the event in the user-mode. If it is determined that the occurrence of the event in the kernel-mode will compromise the computer system, then the computing device executes at least one security measure.
US07765546B2

A multi-streaming processor has a plurality of streams for streaming one or more instruction threads, a set of functional resources for processing instructions from streams; and interstream control mechanisms whereby any stream may effect the operation of any other stream. In various embodiments the interstream control mechanisms include mechanisms for accomplishing one or more of enabling or disabling another stream, putting another stream into a sleep mode or awakening another stream from a sleep mode, setting priorities for another stream relative to access to functional resources, and granting blocking access by another stream to functional resources. A Master Mode is taught, wherein one stream is granted master status, and thereby may exert any and all available control mechanisms relative to other streams without interference by any stream. Supervisory modes are taught as well, wherein control may be granted from minimal to full control, with compliance of controlled streams, which may alter or withdraw control privileges. Various mechanisms are disclosed, including a mechanism wherein master status and interstream control hierarchy is recorded and amended by at least one on-chip bit map. In this mechanism each stream maintains and edits a bitmap granting or withdrawing control privileges for each other stream, the settings valid for any stream but a Master stream, which will ignore the settings.
US07765532B2

An Induced Multi-threading (IMT) framework may be configured to induce multi-threaded execution in software code. In one embodiment, the IMT framework may include a concurrent code generator configured to receive marked code having one or more blocks of code marked for concurrent execution. Software code initially intended for sequential execution may have been automatically marked by an automated code marker and/or marked manually to generate the marked code. The concurrent code generator may be configured to generate concurrent code from the marked code. The concurrent code may include one or more tasks configured for concurrent execution in place of the one or more marked blocks of code. In one embodiment, the IMT framework may also include a scheduler configured to schedule one or more of the tasks for multi-threaded execution.
US07765520B2

A method and memory for storing data for access by an application program being executed on a computing device, comprising: a data structure stored in said memory, said data structure including information that embodies software project dependency relationships used by said application program and including: a plurality of nodes, each of said nodes including at least one of: a list of one or more source files associated with a project and a binary-path; and wherein the binary-path can include at least one of: a directory, an identity of an entity where source code can be found, and a reference to another CPL node.
US07765519B2

Software and methods for building a multiplatform installation program are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention create a novel class as a proxy for the Archive builder support method and call the methods in this new class for the build methods of custom beans instead those of the archive builder support. This proxy archive builder support method keeps a list of classes which have already been added for a given build. If the class is already been added, it is ignore on subsequent calls. If the class has not been added, it is passed to the archive builder support method to process and add it to the archive. In addition, Java provides APIs to inspect a class and find its dependencies programmatically. When the archive builder support method is called on a class, the class is also inspected for its dependencies. Any dependent classes are added as well using archive builder support method. This process is also performed recursively so dependencies of dependencies (and so on) are added as well.
US07765518B2

A method for implementing optical rule checking to identify and quantify corner rounding errors includes receiving corner rounding data based on established ground rules; determining a simulated shape for a semiconductor device feature produced on a wafer, the simulated shape based on a designed shape for the semiconductor device feature; selecting a corner feature associated with the designed shape, and drawing one or more triangles at the selected corner feature. For each triangle, the presence or absence of an intersection between the triangle and the simulated shape is determined, wherein a degree of corner rounding is determined by a pair of successively sized triangles for which one of the pair intersects with the simulated shape and the other does not; and comparing the determined corner rounding with the corner rounding data for the designed shape to determine whether the simulated shape results in a rule violation.
US07765516B2

The present application is directed a method for preparing a mask pattern database for proximity correction. The method comprises receiving data from a design database. Mask pattern data describing a first photomask pattern for forming first device features is generated. The first photomask pattern is to be corrected for proximity effects in a proximity correction process. A second set of data is accessed comprising information about second device features, wherein at least a portion of the second set of data is relevant to the proximity correction process. The second set of data is manipulated so as to improve the proximity correction process, as compared with the same proximity correction process in which the second set of data was included in the mask pattern database without being manipulated. At least a portion of the mask pattern data and at least a portion of the manipulated second set of data is included in the mask pattern database.
US07765513B2

In at least one hardware definition language (HDL) file, at least one design entity containing a functional portion of a digital system is specified. The design entity logically contains a latch having a respective plurality of different possible latch values. With one or more statements in one or more files, a configuration entity is associated with the latch. The configuration entity has a plurality of different settings and each setting reflects which of the plurality of different possible values is loaded in the associated latch. A controlling value set for at least one instance of the configuration entity is also defined in one or more files. The controlling value set indicates at least one controlling value for which presentation of a current setting of the configuration entity instance is restricted. Thereafter, in response to a request to present at least a partial state of the digital system, a current setting of the configuration entity instance is excluded from presentation by reference to a configuration database indicating the controlling value set.
US07765505B2

Disclosed is a rule management apparatus which acquires a design rule for regulating a part shape from systems such as a CAD system 401, converts the acquired deign rule into data having a hierarchical node format, calculates relationship strength which indicates strength of a relationship between the design rule converted into data having a hierarchical node format and another node, sets to the relationship strength between design rules which are substantially the same but described in different systems to be a maximum value, and stores in an integrating rule DB 300 the relationship strength and the design rules in association with one another.
US07765503B2

A design tool for reducing half-cycle common path pessimism includes program instructions storable on a computer readable medium. The program instructions may be executable by a processor to receive a timing report for the IC. For each source clock path and destination clock path of each half-cycle timing path, the design tool may identify common circuit elements, and determine a process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) path delay value corresponding to PVT scaling of each identified common circuit element. The design tool may sum together the PVT path delay values of each identified common circuit element to obtain a total PVT compensation value. The design tool may also generate a new total skew value by subtracting the total PVT compensation value from a total compensated skew value, and generate a corrected timing report that includes the new total skew values.
US07765493B2

A system and method for navigating among hierarchies of palette windows displayed on a display. Palette windows may include one or more palette window selection items that, when selected, open child palette windows of the current palette window. Palette windows may include one or more items for navigating in the hierarchy. The navigation items may include back navigation items, forward navigation items, and up navigation items. The navigation items may be used in navigating to previously displayed palette windows and/or to higher palette windows in the hierarchy. A search mechanism for locating palette windows and/or palette window content may be provided. From the search mechanism, the user may locate and open palette windows in one or more hierarchies. The current palette window is closed when a new palette window is opened. Thus, at most one palette window in a hierarchy is displayed at one time.
US07765492B2

A system for consolidating associated buttons on a screen into easily accessible groups includes: a control button and at least one other button that appears when the control button is selected, where the at least one other button is contiguous with the control button. A user can quickly and conveniently select buttons. Furthermore, a significant amount of on-screen real estate is saved because the buttons used are small and square rather than long and rectangular. Further, the configuration of nested menus is such that it takes up little space on the screen. In addition, the menu is ergonomic because the buttons are contiguous, and as such selections can be made without the mouse pointer needing to move very far across the screen.
US07765491B1

A technique for selecting and/or displaying an exact point or a range is provided wherein a slider widget comprising a thumb with a left edge and a right edge lying in proximity to the left and right edges of the thumb is provided such that a user may utilize the widget to display an exact point or a range.
US07765482B2

The present invention, generally speaking, provides an improved web-based media submission tool. As with some existing tools, operation of the tool is drag and drop or the user can “click” to browse a directory to select media objects. Unlike existing tools, the tool provides the user an opportunity to confirm the submission, for example by generating a thumbnail image of an image file that has been dragged and dropped. Batch submission is provided for in which a user drags and drops a plurality of images or other media objects. Submission from a web page to a web page is also provided for. The submission tool is configurable to perform a variable amount of intelligent preprocessing on media objects prior to upload. In the case of digital images, the tool can perform sizing and formatting, for example. Information capture is performed with information being uploaded together with the media objects. In an exemplary embodiment, information capture is both user-transparent (e.g., user ID and/or password) and user-visible (e.g., the user can provide captions for media objects). The submission of information about the user and the media objects facilitates automatic integration of the media objects within existing databases.
US07765481B2

An aspect of the present invention relates to the methods and systems involved in receiving an indicator of an attempt by a user to execute an electronic commerce transaction and, upon receiving the indicator of the attempted transaction, presenting indicia of the reputation of another entity involved in the electronic commerce transaction.
US07765475B2

A computer-implemented method for a list display with redundant text removal, the method including firstly displaying within a display area on a computer display at least a portion of a first item of a group of consecutive list items that share either of a common prefix and a common suffix, and a secondly displaying in a next list item display location of the display area an abbreviation indicator contiguous with a portion of a next item in the group, where the portion is at least partially unique to the next item with respect to positionally-corresponding portions of the other items in the group.
US07765470B2

Methods and apparatuses for generating rendering layout specifications for content items to be rendered, using display containers, and/or rendering the content items using the generated rendering layout specification are disclosed. In various embodiments, the generating of a rendering layout specification may include one or more of selecting a display container for a content item, selecting a content item for a display container, and selecting a display container for a display container.
US07765454B2

A method and apparatus for managing X4 or larger types of memory first receives a data word to be stored in the memory, and then generates a check datum, which is a function of the data word and a set of encode data. After storing the data word in memory, the method and apparatus use the check datum and the data word to generate a syndrome. The method and apparatus then determine if the data word in the memory is correct as a function of the syndrome.
US07765449B2

A test apparatus that tests a plurality of device under tests includes: a common pattern generating section that generates a common pattern being the pattern of a test signal common to the plurality of device under tests; an additional pattern storage section that previously stores therein an additional pattern to be added to the common pattern; and an each pattern adding section that reads the additional pattern for each of the device under tests based on a result signal outputted from the device under test and provides the additional pattern added with the common pattern to the device under test.
US07765448B2

An integrated circuit includes a test pattern input unit for inputting a test pattern into cells, a clock distributing unit for distributing a clock signal to the cells, a first cell that receives the clock signal distributed by the clock distributing unit, a second cell that receives the clock signal after the clock signal is received by the first cell, a data transfer unit for transferring a data signal from the first cell to the second cell, a clock transfer unit for distributing the clock signal to the first cell and the second cell and transferring the clock signal in the same direction as the transfer direction of the data signal, and a failure detecting unit for inputting the test pattern into the cells and detecting failures of the cells on the basis of the results of the test pattern output from the cells.
US07765447B2

A TAP linking module (21, 51) permits plural TAPs (TAPs 1-4) to be controlled and accessed from a test bus (13) via a single TAP interface (20).
US07765441B2

A technique for determining a symbol erasure threshold for a received communication signal containing symbol information begins by performing a first threshold calculation to produce an initial symbol erasure threshold, then performing a first margin calculation to produce an initial symbol erasure margin and then modifying the initial symbol erasure threshold using the initial symbol erasure margin to produce a modified symbol erasure threshold. By then periodically modifying the modified symbol erasure threshold adaptively via updating the symbol erasure threshold and/or symbol erasure margin based on various error quantities, the technique can compensate for time-variant considerations, such as drifting noise levels.
US07765431B2

Systems and articles of manufacture for preserving error data on a computing platform that lacks non-volatile storage (e.g., a “diskless” platform) are provided. In response to detecting a platform error (e.g., automatically by hardware, software, or manually by a user when a wait or loop condition is suspected), platform error data may be gathered and temporarily stored in volatile storage accessible on the platform. In order to preserve the platform error data in the event power is lost after the error, the platform error data is transferred to a target system with access to non-volatile storage. Once the target system indicates the platform error data has been stored in non-volatile storage, the volatile storage used to temporarily store the platform error data may be freed-up.
US07765429B2

Disclosed are a method and system for parallel execution of recovery in a non-homogeneous multi-processor environment. The method defines criteria how to decide which recovery actions are to be performed, and on which processor. If multiple recovery actions are pending, the goal is to execute them in parallel on multiple processors. This is much more efficient than the traditional approach of one processor doing all the required recovery. In addition, in large, non-homogeneous systems such a single processor capable of doing the complete recovery might not be existing at all due to technical limitations. The method of this invention also defines rules and mechanisms how multiple processors executing recovery in parallel can access shared resources while avoiding deadlock situations. This includes accessing resources that are currently owned by another processor.
US07765426B2

Apparatus and methods, such as those that read data from non-volatile integrated circuit memory devices, such as NAND flash. For example, disclosed techniques can be embodied in a device driver of an operating system. Errors are tracked during read operations. If sufficient errors are observed during read operations, the block is then retired when it is requested to be erased or a page of the block is to be written. One embodiment is a technique to recover data from uncorrectable errors. For example, a read mode can be changed to a more reliable read mode to attempt to recover data. One embodiment further returns data from the memory device regardless of whether the data was correctable by decoding of error correction code data or not.
US07765424B2

A memory test system injects phase jitter in memory command, address and write data signals in respective pin groups. A phase interpolator receiving a clock signal is provided for each of the pin groups to generate respective delayed clock signals. The phase shift produced by each of the phase interpolators is determined by delay control values, which are passed to the phase interpolators from respective memory arrays. Each of the memory arrays stores at each address a next address along with a delay control value. The next address is used to access the memory array to obtain next delay control value. The delayed clock signals are applied to a clock input of a respective set of registers for each pin group, and a data input of each of the registers receives one of the memory device signals in the respective pin group.
US07765414B2

A circuit for an integrated interface of a PDA and a wireless communication system is suitable for integrating the PDA and the wireless communication system. The circuit includes a first serial port has two terminals, in which one of the two terminals is electrically connected to the PDA, and another one of the two terminals is electrically connected to the wireless communication system. The first serial port is used to bi-directionally transmit a control signal between the PDA and the wireless communication system. A second serial port has two terminals, in which one of the two terminals is electrically connected to the PDA, and another one of the two terminals is electrically connected to the wireless communication system. The second serial port is used to bi-directionally transmit data between the PDA and the wireless communication system.
US07765412B1

Methods and systems for operating a semiconductor device (e.g., a processor) are described. The device is operating at a first operating condition and device temperature. The first operating condition for the device can be dynamically changed to a second operating condition. The second operating condition is selected considering the design operating life of the device.
US07765385B2

An apparatus and method for overcoming a torus network failure in a parallel computer system. A mesh routing mechanism in the service node of the computer system configures the nodes from a torus to a mesh network when a failure occurs in the torus network. The mesh routing mechanism takes advantage of cutoff registers in each node to route node to node data transfers around the faulty node or network connection.
US07765372B2

Upon receiving a primary/secondary switching command from a secondary host system, a secondary storage control device interrogates a primary storage control device as to whether or not yet to be transferred data that has not been remote copied from the primary storage control device to the secondary storage control device is present. In the event that yet to be transferred data is present, the secondary storage control device receives yet to be transferred data from the primary storage control device and updates a secondary volume. The primary storage control device then manages positions of updates to the primary volume due to host accesses to the primary volume occurring at the time of the secondary storage control device receiving the primary/secondary switching command onwards using a differential bitmap table.
US07765369B1

A method and system are provided for selectively deleting data stored to storage media, such as a tape, in a network storage system. An instruction to delete selected data is received and the location of the data selected for deletion is identified. The location of the data is obtained by consulting an index of storage data. The selected data is retrieved, together with any other data on the tape that precedes the selected data. The retrieved data, excluding the selected data, is copied to a tape. The index is updated to reflect the changes in the stored data on the tape.
US07765358B2

An interconnect apparatus is provided for connecting at least one peripheral device to a multi-channel interface. The apparatus includes an incoming connector having a first incoming channel connector and at least one second incoming channel connector, wherein the incoming connector is operable to detachably connect to an interface cable, a first outgoing connector having a first outgoing channel connector, at least one second outgoing connector having at least one second outgoing channel connector, and routing logic operable to propagate a first signal between the first incoming channel connector and the first outgoing channel connector, and to propagate at least one second signal between the at least one second incoming channel connector and the at least one second outgoing channel connector; wherein a position of the first outgoing channel connector in the first outgoing connector corresponds to a position of the at least one second outgoing channel connector in the at least one second outgoing connector.
US07765353B2

A method and apparatus are provided for conveying low level signals from a first circuit card to a second circuit card. The low level signals are encoded using a simple integer value N, and the low level signals are then communicated to the second circuit card as a sequence of N alternating values. A binary counter is used to generate the sequence of alternating values using the output of a single pin of the counter, although a second pin may be used to generate a clock signal. The invention allows all low level signals to be communicated in a robust yet simple way, minimizing the chance of spurious signals being generated upon hot insertion or extraction without complicated ad hoc solutions.
US07765351B2

A system and method for dynamically managing movement of semaphore data within the system. The system includes, but is no limited to, a plurality of functional units communicating over the network, a memory device communication with the plurality of functional units over the network, and at least one semaphore storage unit communicating with the plurality of functional unites and the memory device over the network. The plurality of functional units include a plurality of functional unit memory locations. The memory device includes a plurality of memory device memory locations. The at least one semaphore storage unit includes a plurality of semaphore storage unit memory locations. The at least one semaphore storage unit controls dynamic movement of the semaphore data among the plurality of functional unit memory locations, the plurality of memory device memory locations, the plurality of semaphore storage unit memory locations, and any combinations therof.
US07765348B2

A telecommunications system and constituent two-wire interface module. The two wire interface module includes a logic component configured to communicate over the same pair of wires using different two-wire interface protocols depending on an input signal presented on a configuration input. This configurability allows the two-wire interface module to use the same two wires to communicate with a variety of other two-wire interface modules, even if those two-wire interface modules communicate using different two-wire interface protocols.
US07765341B2

A Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive comprising a controller including a USB interface and a nonvolatile computer readable medium interface. The USB flash drive may also comprise a nonvolatile computer readable medium in communication with the nonvolatile computer readable medium interface and storing data and a USB connector in communication with the USB interface. The USB flash drive may also comprise a transmitter for transmitting at least a portion of data from the nonvolatile computer readable medium to an external device external to the USB flash drive. The transmitter may be substantially simultaneously operable with the USB connector, may send a modulated data signal, and/or may send the at least portion data in a compressed format.
US07765334B2

An electronic apparatus which makes it possible to reduce start-up time for starting the electronic apparatus, without necessitating installment of a plurality of CPUs in the electronic apparatus. A main CPU 45 controls a digital camera implementing the electronic apparatus. A storage medium for storing information can be detachably attached to a connector 97. A medium detection circuit 85 monitors a status of attachment and detachment of the storage medium to and from the digital camera, irrespective of a status of operation of the main CPU 45. The sensed status of attachment and detachment of the storage medium is stored in a register 115 of the medium detection circuit 85.
US07765330B2

An apparatus for playing media and method of setting resources thereof are disclosed, by which an application is able to substantially control a media player in a manner that a specific resource used for a media player is set to be allocated by the application. The present invention includes creating a player controlling media signals, setting at least one specific resources to be used by the created player, and executing the created player using the set specific resource.
US07765328B2

A network content service apparatus includes a set of compute elements adapted to perform a set of network services; and a switching fabric coupling compute elements in said set of compute elements. The set of network services includes firewall protection, Network Address Translation, Internet Protocol forwarding, bandwidth management, Secure Sockets Layer operations, Web caching, Web switching, and virtual private networking. Code operable on the compute elements enables the network services, and the compute elements are provided on blades which further include at least one input/output port.
US07765310B2

Mechanisms for external and distributed protection of Web application data against prying, tampering, and impersonation using cryptographic mechanisms are provided. The protection is offered opaquely so as to not expose the cryptographic mechanism to the Web application. Protection against prying prevents users from looking at data the Web application considers private. When protected against prying, protect data may be sent to the client but the user will not be able to understand it. Protection against tampering, guaranties the Web application that the data it is receiving originated from a trusted source, usually the Web application itself. A user session state stored client-side is a good candidate for tampering protection. Protection against impersonation ensures the Web application that the data it is receiving comes from a specific user.
US07765306B2

A technique enables bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) between first and second edge devices in a computer network, wherein the second edge device is not configured for BFD. According to the novel technique, a BFD Echo session is established from the first edge device to the first edge device via the second edge device, i.e., along a monitored path (e.g., a single link). Also, an external border gateway protocol (eBGP) session is established between the first and second edge devices over an alternate path (e.g., an eBGP multi-hop session). The first edge device determines that the monitored path is down upon not receiving a returned BFD Echo message from the second edge device. In response, the first edge device notifies the second edge device that the monitored path is down through the eBGP session over the alternate path. Notably, upon notifying the second edge device that the monitored path is down, the first edge device breaks the eBGP session, and upon receiving the notification, the second edge device also breaks the eBGP session.
US07765304B2

Business applications running on a content delivery network (CDN) having a distributed application framework can create, access and modify state for each client. Over time, a single client may desire to access a given application on different CDN edge servers within the same region and even across different regions. Each time, the application may need to access the latest “state” of the client even if the state was last modified by an application on a different server. A difficulty arises when a process or a machine that last modified the state dies or is temporarily or permanently unavailable. The present invention provides techniques for migrating session state data across CDN servers in a manner transparent to the user. A distributed application thus can access a latest “state” of a client even if the state was last modified by an application instance executing on a different CDN server, including a nearby (in-region) or a remote (out-of-region) server.
US07765297B2

A system for providing online service reports to user subscribers. The service reports contain service information about services rendered by one or more service providers operating at the direction of a service administrator. The system includes a service hub coupled between the service administrator and the one or more service providers. The service hub receives an access message that defines access rights for the user subscribers. A decoder decodes the service information from one or more operational messages exchanged between the service administrator and the one or more service providers. A network server is coupled between the service hub and the user subscribers via a communication network. The network server receives a request from a selected user subscriber, and in response, provides at least a portion of the selected service information to the selected user subscriber based on the access rights.
US07765286B2

An asset management system comprising data storage means capable of storing data and arranged to store asset data relating to a plurality of assets and datacenter data relating to at least one datacenter comprising at least one element, processing means capable of processing data and generating an output, the processing means being arranged to process the asset data and the datacenter data and generate an output comprising an acceptable location for each of said assets within at least one datacenter based upon a comparison of at least one asset parameter associated with the asset and at least one element of the datacenter, the system further comprising display means capable of displaying the output, the display means being arranged to display the acceptable location to a user of the system.
US07765285B2

In order to simplify prevention of unauthorized or malicious electronic mail transmission, a mail server comprises a password conversion table which shows registered correlation among user ID, a formal password, and a virtual password different from the formal password, both assigned to each user for user authentication by a general-purpose mail server. A user is informed of only a virtual password. When electronic mail having a virtual password and addressed to an outsider of a company is sent from a client PC, a password conversion processor converts the virtual password into a corresponding formal password with reference to the password conversion table, and the virtual SMTP server function processor sends the electronic mail now having the formal password to the general-purpose mail server. A user at a client PC cannot access the general-purpose mail server using a virtual password as the user is not authenticated using the virtual password.
US07765280B2

A system that downloads device drivers for peripheral devices to a media client device includes, among other things, a memory with logic, and a processor configured with the logic to download a peripheral device driver to a media client device in response to a peripheral device interfacing with the media client device.
US07765274B2

A method for transmitting a web page to a client device is described. Template information, sub-template information, and delta information are identified based on a request for information from the client device. The template information includes seldom changing elements of a web page. The sub-template information includes: (i) information that changes less frequently than delta information, and (ii) elements of a web page shared by several templates. At least one of the template information, sub-template information, and delta information is retrieved from a location other than an originating server that is the original provider of information requested by the client device. The request is responded to by sending to the client device the template information, sub-template information and delta information. In addition, a system for transmitting a web page to a client device is described.
US07765267B2

A mechanism for controlling the saving of an instant messaging session transcript to a log file. The system includes a session locking feature that allows a participant (e.g. the session initiator) to lock the entire contents of a session transcript saved into a log file. The system further includes a message locking features that allows a participant to selectively lock a specified portion the contents of the session transcript saved to a log file. The locking participant is able to indicate which other participants can unlock the content in the session transcript stored in the log file that they have locked, and those specified other participants are accordingly sent the necessary key to unlock such locked content. The system further allows users to subsequently request locks to unlock content in a session transcript stored in a log file, and for the locking participant to selectively allow or disallow such requests.
US07765261B2

Systems, apparatus and methods related to multiple-party communications conducted between client computers in a computer network. For example, a method and apparatus for supporting multiple-party communications in a computer network including a first server, at least a first client computer in communication with the first server, and a second server are disclosed. The method involves receiving a first input message at the first server, the first input message representing user input received at the first client computer. The method further involves producing a first output message representing the user input provided by the first input message, and transmitting the first output message to the first client computer and to the second server.
US07765260B2

A method of enabling conferencing using printed forms includes, in a computer system, receiving indicating data generated by a sensing device through interaction with conference information and coded tags printed on a first form, determining a parameter relating to the conference information and outputting a second form with coded tags and information on the parameter and a form version hierarchial tree. Each tag encodes an identity of, and the location of that tag on, the respective form. The indicating data includes the first form's identity and a sensing device position relative to the tags sensed on the first form. The computer system has a form description associated with the first form's identity and produces the hierarchical tree by associating the second form's identity with the form description by determining whether any other form is associated therewith. The parameter is determined from the indicating data and digital description.
US07765258B2

During a presentation conducted between a presentation computer and a user/participant computer, synchronization of displayed pages on the presentation computer and a user/participant computer is achieved consistent with allowing the user/participant to browse the presentation pages by storing a page identifier responsive to each page change at the presentation computer and, at each such page change, sending a “go to [page number]” command to the user/participant computer to display the current page, after which browsing may be resumed, if desired. Automatic selection between available communication links including links provided through telephone handsets or other telephone infrastructure including wireless links and wireless integration with presentation and/or user/participant computers for communicating the “go to [page number]” command is also provided.
US07765256B2

A troubleshooting system. In particular implementations, a method includes collecting, from a first wireless network element, PEM state associated with a wireless client having a connection problem, and collecting log data associated with the wireless client from the first wireless network elements and one or more other wireless network elements. The method further includes correlating the PEM state and log data based on a network security protocol employed by the wireless client, where the network security protocol corresponds to an expected sequence of events. The correlating includes correlating events and messages collected based on the expected sequence of events, and comparing the correlated sequence of events to a data store of diagnostic information to identify one or more possible causes of the connection problem.
US07765254B2

A method and apparatus are disclosed for integrating an legacy application hosted on an application server onto a network, such as the Internet. This allows one or more remote computers to access the legacy application over the network. The disclosed method and apparatus do not require changes to be made to the legacy application, due to the fact that the legacy application is accessed using messages in the form produced by the native operating system.
US07765253B1

An object name system (ONS) for locating one or more servers associated with an Electronic Product Code (EPC) is described. The system utilizes translation format strings to translate an EPC to an EPC domain prefix. The ONS server matches the EPC number to the address of a second server which has extensive information about the product. The second server recognizes the incoming EPC's as belonging to a particular object or service.
US07765222B2

A mechanism for structured query language tagging is provided. The mechanism comprises a parsing unit for parsing a structured query language string into components, an analysis unit for analyzing the components and applying associated tags to the components, and a string generation unit for concatenating the components with associated tags into a new string.
US07765221B2

Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, for normalizing computer-represented collections of objects. A first minimum value can be normalized based on a second minimum value of a universal set object that corresponds to the first set object. The second minimum value is both a minimum value supported by a data type (e.g., 1-byte integer) and a minimum value defined to be in the universal set object (e.g., 0 for a universal set of all natural numbers). Similarly, a first maximum value can be normalized based on a second maximum value of the universal set object where the second maximum value is both a maximum value supported by a data type and in the universal set object. Intervals can be normalized, which can involve replacing half-open intervals with equivalent half-closed intervals. Also, a consecutively ordered, uninterrupted, sequence of values of a set object can be normalized.
US07765217B2

Each of the sites interconnected to one another through a wide area network includes at least one client, a switch device logically disposed between the client and at least one server including a storage device, for providing to the client a file access virtually unifying of a plurality of storage devices, and an analysis device connected to the switch device. The switch device takes log information on the file access from the client. The analysis device determines data to be migrated to the server in a site to which the client belongs or the server in a site in vicinity of the site to which the client belongs, and commands the switch device to migrate the data. The switch device migrates the data based on the command from the analysis device.
US07765210B2

A method for operating a computer system (100) to consolidate data records received from at least one network element (NE1, NE2) in consolidation node (200), wherein incoming data records are distributed to different links (L1, L2, L3) in the consolidation node (200) by routing the data to be processed in sub-flows (201,202,203), data to be consolidated is routed to the same sub-flow, and the data records of the respective sub-flows are consolidated in parallel.
US07765209B1

A system may receive a feed associated with a blog. The system may extract information from the feed and the blog and create a hybrid document based on the extracted information. The system may further use the hybrid document to determine a relevance of the blog to a search query.
US07765203B2

The present invention is directed to a method and system for managing context information in a web portal or enterprise portal comprising a hierarchical structure of portal pages and portlets for accessing web content or enterprise content accessible via the portal. A method for collecting context information based on user behavior and using the collected context information within the web portal environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: sensing context information during navigation of a user when the user is interacting with the portal elements; automatically storing, using a context producer component, context information in a context storage device accessible to the context producer component, wherein the context information is organized according to a queryable ontological context model managed by a context service component, which context model stores the context information according to semantic features; and automatically interacting with the context service component, using a context consumer component, wherein the context service component distributes specific context information to the context consumer component based on coincidence of semantic identity or similarity between a stored semantic feature and a semantic feature processable by the context consumer component.
US07765198B2

A data processing apparatus is disclosed, that has a reading section, a transmission section, a reception section, and a search information storage section. The reading section reads data from a storage medium on which a plurality of songs of song data and song identification data that identify the plurality of songs of song data have been recorded. The transmission section transmits song identification data that have been read by the reading section to an external database. The reception section receives partial song data corresponding to the song identification information from the external database. The search information storage section stores the received partial song data.
US07765197B2

In a method of producing a data replica, data processing requests are issued from application programs running in application servers. Data processing corresponding to each of the data processing requests is executed in each of database servers, and a result of the data processing is replied as a response to one of the application programs which has issued the data processing request. The supply of the data processing requests to the database servers is controlled to keep the process order of the requests between the database servers.
US07765188B2

A repository 10 stores metadata, including at least one taxonomy definition 16 and records 14, which may be classified using the defined taxonomies. An editor 20 may be used to edit taxonomy definitions, using a local copy 22. To check the edit, a taxonomy search service in repository 10 may be called to check for consistency, whether or not the data in the repository 10 exposed on repository interface 18.
US07765185B2

In one embodiment, an enterprise solution framework is provided. A configuration segment is provided for specifying a configuration of an enterprise. The configuration segment includes a system for centrally managing core enterprise reference data, including: (1) a centralized master repository containing the reference data; (2) an internal services framework providing internal services for managing the reference data, the internal services having direct access to the reference data for management purposes; and (3) an infrastructure services layer providing bulk data transfers of reference data between the repository and external operational systems according to enterprise-level business workflows, the external operational systems being permitted indirect access to the reference data for operational purposes. A planning segment is provided for planning according to the configuration specified in the configuration segment. An execution segment is provided for execution according to output of the planning segment. A monitoring segment is provided for monitoring according to output of the execution segment. External operational systems embody the planning, execution, and monitoring segments.
US07765179B2

A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing persistent storage of Web resources. Uniform Resource Locators (“URLs”) that identify Web resources are augmented to include a time stamp. A web browser and a web server are disclosed that accommodate a time stamp parameter and allow a user to refer to any Web address with a precise target date. The disclosed Web browser can optionally include a mechanism to facilitate the specification of the desired date and time, or the user can manually append the time stamp to the URL indicated in the “Location” window of the browser. The persistent Web servers (i) receive URLs containing a time stamp, (ii) extract the time stamp, (iii) retrieve the correct Web page from the archive, and (iv) return the requested page to the client. The persistent Web servers include a persistent archive for storing all of the versions of Web resources that will be persistently available to Web users. A persistent domain name server (PDNS) allows a user to refer to historical Web resources. The persistent domain name server (PDNS) utilizes the dated URL to determine where the historical information of a given company is located following a domain name change for the requested time period and translates the request to a new machine containing the historical information of the company.
US07765174B2

A programmable logic unit (e.g., an ASIC or FPGA) having a feedforward linear associative memory (LAM) neural network checking circuit which classifies input vectors to a faulty hardware block as either good or not good and, when a new input vector is classified as not good, blocks a corresponding output vector of the faulty hardware block, enables a software work-around for the new input vector, and accepts the software work-around input as the output vector of the programmable logic circuit. The feedforward LAM neural network checking circuit has a weight matrix whose elements are based on a set of known bad input vectors for said faulty hardware block. The feedforward LAM neural network checking circuit may update the weight matrix online using one or more additional bad input vectors. A discrete Hopfield algorithm is used to calculate the weight matrix W. The feedforward LAM neural network checking circuit calculates an output vector a(m) by multiplying the weight matrix W by the new input vector b(m), that is, a(m)=Wb(m), adjusts elements of the output vector a(m) by respective thresholds, and processes the elements using a plurality of non-linear units to provide an output of 1 when a given adjusted element is positive, and provide an output of 0 when a given adjusted element is not positive. If a vector constructed of the outputs of these non-linear units matches with an entry in a content-addressable memory (CAM) storing the set of known bad vectors (a CAM hit), then the new input vector is classified as not good.
US07765168B1

A system and method for the control and distribution of expiring free postage in a PC postage system is disclosed. According to the invention, a predetermined portion of the expiring free postage is transferred to a postage meter and the remainder of the expiring free postage is stored in a free postage account that may be reset upon expiration of the free postage.
US07765163B2

A system and method for effecting a transaction between a person and a provider of goods or services over a network are provided. The method includes establishing, from a communication device, a communication link over the network with the provider, entering into the communication device information pertinent to effecting the transaction and activating in conjunction with effecting the transaction a biometric device to generate a unique identification trait (UIT) associated with the person. The method further includes, in response this activating, automatically transmitting from the communication device over the network to the provider both the information and a signal corresponding to the UIT. This signal may be a coded or uncoded signal verifying the person's identity. A communication device for performing this method also is provided.
US07765154B2

Methods and apparatus for funding transactions are presented herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an account information unit to store information about an account, the account being associated with a first financial institution. The apparatus can also include a transaction processor to receive a request for a debit amount, to determine that the account is associated with one or more funding sources, and to determine if the one or more funding sources authorize the request for the debit amount. The one or more funding sources are associated with one or more financial institutions other than the first financial institution.
US07765153B2

An apparatus and method for verifying a customer's financial information is disclosed wherein a seller accepts information about the details of price and quantity of the goods to be purchased, and accepts information about customer's financial account. Payment is authorized for desired goods in two or more separate transactions, the amount of each transaction totaling the total price of the goods. Then the amount of each transaction is received from the customer and compared to the amount charged to the bank. If the two amounts match then the goods are shipped to the customer and payment is settled. In an alternative embodiment a ratio of the two amounts received from the customer is used rather than the amounts themselves to compensate for currency variations.
US07765150B2

Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of receiving at least one warrant in exchange for executing at least one trading activity in a marketplace, in which the warrant may be converted into at least one ownership share of an entity associated with the marketplace; receiving information associated with the execution of the trading activities in the marketplace; receiving an indicia indicating a quantity of warrants eligible for conversion into ownership shares, in which the quantity of eligible warrants is determined based on the received information; and receiving a quantity of ownership shares of the entity, in which the quantity of ownership shares is determined based on a conversion ratio.
US07765145B2

An improved optimization method for maximizing the profit available to an informed securities or commodities trader as a result of unique information known by the trader about a traded unit which enables the trader to formulate the true per-unit value the security or commodity whereby the effect on the market parameters of a given trading period had by the trader's future trade activity when the trader has knowledge of the specific probabilities that the trader will engage in trade activity during at least one subsequent trading period is taken into account for any set of such probabilities having constituents greater than 0% and at least one constituent less than 100%.
US07765123B2

To perform forecasting, a first data collection having data values at first intervals is received, and a first forecasting model is built based on the first data collection. A second forecasting model is built based on a second data collection having intervals aggregated from intervals of the first data collection, wherein the second forecasting model is at a different aggregation level than the first forecasting model. At least one metric is computed by performing at least one test based on at least one of the first and second data collections to indicate which of the first and second forecasting models has a better forecast quality.
US07765119B2

In one embodiment, a method that can be performed on a system, is provided for predictive booking or reservations based on historical aggregation and events. In one embodiment, the method comprises surveying prices paid for traveler purchases or reservations to identify price increases for travel purchases or reservations, wherein the price increases include a increase in a price of a travel purchase during an identified period of time; identifying a correlation between identified price increases for travel purchases or reservations and identified events; predicting of future price increases in select travel bookings based on the identified correlation between the identified price increases for travel purchases or reservations and identified events; and determining whether to purchase or reserve a set of travel bookings based on the predicting of the future price increases.
US07765108B2

The system distributes workload amongst a plurality of pharmacy resources that are connected by a computer network. Work orders are queued at each pharmacy resource and redistributed based on existing workload distribution, capacity of pharmacy resources, and/or product demand.
US07765104B2

Spatial information associated with an audio signal is encoded into a bitstream, which can be transmitted to a decoder or recorded to a storage media. The bitstream can include different syntax related to time, frequency and spatial domains. In some embodiments, the bitstream includes one or more data structures (e.g., frames) that contain ordered sets of slots for which parameters can be applied. The data structures can be fixed or variable. The data structure can include position information that can be used by a decoder to identify the correct slot for which a given parameter set is applied. The slot position information can be encoded with either a fixed number of bits or a variable number of bits based on the data structure type.
US07765100B2

A method and an apparatus for recovering a line spectrum pair (LSP) parameter of a spectrum region when frame loss occurs during speech decoding and a speech decoding apparatus adopting the same are provided. The method of recovering an LSP parameter in speech decoding includes: if it is determined that a received speech packet has an erased frame, converting an LSP parameter of a previous good frame (PGF) of the erased frame or LSP parameters of the PGF and a next good frame (NGF) of the erased frame into a spectrum region and obtaining a spectrum envelope of the PGF or spectrum envelopes of the PGF and NGF; recovering a spectrum envelope of the erased frame using the spectrum envelope of the PGF or the spectrum envelopes of the PGF and NGF; and converting the recovered spectrum envelope of the erased frame into an LSP parameter of the erased frame. The method and apparatus can improve the quality of a recovered speech signal, be applied to a variety of technologies, and provide a method of recovering an LSP parameter for development of an algorithm for speech decoding.
US07765094B2

Performance profiling of software by producing a performance profile of a software processing unit and performing statistical analysis on the performance profile by matching the performance profile with at least one additional performance profile. An algorithmic approach is used to match data related to processes and/or threads and/or similar processing units (PU) over multiple performance profiles. One purpose of the matching algorithm is to identify such PU in order to enable computation of an accumulated or averaged dataset over multiple profiling periods. Various matching strategies, filters, and preprocessing techniques are described, together with level of reliability estimation.
US07765091B2

A multi-scale finite-volume (MSFV) method simulates nonlinear immiscible three-phase compressible flow in the presence of gravity and capillary forces. Consistent with the MSFV framework, flow and transport are treated separately and differently using a fully implicit sequential algorithm. The pressure field is solved using an operator splitting algorithm. The general solution of the pressure is decomposed into an elliptic part, a buoyancy/capillary force dominant part, and an inhomogeneous part with source/sink and accumulation. A MSFV method is used to compute the basis functions of the elliptic component, capturing long range interactions in the pressure field. Direct construction of the velocity field and solution of the transport problem on the primal coarse grid provides flexibility in accommodating physical mechanisms. A MSFV method computes an approximate pressure field, including a solution of a course-scale pressure equation; constructs fine-scale fluxes; and computes a phase-transport equation.
US07765069B2

Methods and systems are provided for detecting the accidental use of short and long samples in the clinical analysis of a sample, specimen, or assay. The systems can include a clinical analyzer for determining one or more values for one or more measurable characteristics of a sample. These values are used in combination with reference data stored in a data module to generate a probability that the sample tested is a short sample, a long sample, or an acceptable sample. This probability and/or the status of the sample as a short sample, a long sample, or an acceptable sample are output to a user.
US07765064B2

A computer is disclosed comprising a processor able to support multithreading and concurrently programmed in at least two threads with respective GPS signal processing programs which are each capable of processing GPS signal samples outputted from the same source.
US07765061B1

In one aspect, the flight display system comprises a navigation map that includes a time window for a required time of arrival (RTA) waypoint. The time window has a proximal end indicating the aircraft's position at the RTA using a defined lowest speed and a distal end indicating the aircraft's position at the RTA using a defined highest speed. In another aspect, a pop-up time map displays flight plan waypoints mapped out along a time line adjacent to a plurality of time markers. The waypoint scrolls along the time line during flight. In another aspect, the flight display system includes a full format time map for displaying at least one flight plan waypoint mapped out along a time line adjacent to a plurality of time markers. In another broad aspect, a time/bearing map includes a plurality of concentric “range” rings corresponding to selected times in the future; a plurality of radially spaced bearing ticks positioned at selected locations about the concentric rings; and, a relative time ring presentable about a central axis of, and internal to, the concentric rings. The relative time ring represents a fixed increment in time. Selected waypoints are presentable at their relative bearing to the airplane and at their range (in time) from the airplane.
US07765058B2

A method of driver training to improve fuel economy performance of a vehicle, the method including, receiving selected vehicle and driver operating data indicative of driving conditions and operator inputs captured during previous vehicle operation, processing the received selected vehicle and driver operating data, and generating driving recommendations to improve fuel economy performance based on the processed vehicle and driver operating data.
US07765057B2

A redundancy computing part 22 computes a redundancy between respective detectable regions D of perimeter monitoring sensors 10 mounted in a plurality of vehicles, while a driving schedule creating part 26 creates such a driving schedule as to lower the redundancy between detectable regions D computed by the redundancy computing part 22, thus making it possible to create a driving schedule which reduces parts where the respective detectable regions D of the perimeter monitoring sensors 10 of the vehicles overlap, thereby increasing areas where obstacles can directly be detected by the perimeter monitoring sensors 10 of the vehicles.
US07765056B2

A system for measuring a magnetic signature of a vehicle, including: at least a first set of sensors (Cxi) that are stationary and arranged along at least a first direction; at least a second set of sensors (Cyj) that are stationary and arranged along at least a second direction that intersects the first direction; a common sensor (Cxy0) arranged at a location where the first set of sensors and the second set of sensors intersect, said common sensor belonging to the first and the second sets of sensors, wherein the first set of sensors and the second set of sensors are arranged so that the vehicle passes above at least part of the sensors of the first and second set of sensors; and a calculation device for calculating a relation between a time signature So(t) of the vehicle passing above the common sensor and a spatial profile So(x) resulting from measurements made by the first set of sensors.
US07765050B2

In one example, a traction control system for a vehicle is shown. The system adjusts a relationship between powertrain output and pedal actuation in response to at least one of road grade and direction of wheel spin.
US07765044B2

Systems and methods for reducing drag in vehicles, typically trucks, such as tractor-trailers, have moveable moving drag reducing apparatus. This movable drag reducing apparatus is for movement into and out of various positions, in accordance with the location of the vehicle with respect to its distance from an obstacle.
US07765043B2

When first and second ignition switches are turned from on to off, a first or second CPU determines whether an abnormality has occurred in an electronically controlled brake system. When the first or second CPU determines that an abnormality has occurred, the first and second CPUs immediately turn off first and second main relays, respectively. When both the first and second CPUs determine that operation is normal and an occupant detection switch is off, the first and second CPUs keep the first and second main relays on for a predetermined period of time as a self-maintaining process during normal operation. In this self-maintaining process during normal operation, the period during which the first and second main relays are kept on is changed according to the voltage of a vehicle battery.
US07765027B2

A method and apparatus for estimating a position and an orientation of a mobile robot. The apparatus includes: a ceiling image grabber for obtaining a ceiling image of an area where the mobile device travels; a mark detector for detecting a retro-reflective artificial mark from the ceiling image, the retro-reflective artificial mark including a first mark and a second mark, each including a non-reflective portion and an infrared reflective portion; and a position & orientation estimator for estimating a position and an orientation of the mobile device using a position of the artificial mark or encoder information according to whether detection of the artificial mark is successful.
US07765025B2

Systems, methods and computer program code for the programming of motion control in load transportation systems are provided which may include programming motion control by specifying desired load motions.
US07765023B2

A robot controller according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a base; a first link; a first actuator which drives to rotate the first link relative to the base; a first torque transmission mechanism which transmits the torque of the first actuator to the first link at a speed reducing ratio of N1; a first angular sensor which detects a rotating angle θM1 of the first actuator; a first angular velocity sensor which detects an angular velocity ωA1 of the first link rotating relatively to the base; and a processor which calculates an angle of the first link relatively to the base by using a high frequency content of an integrated value of ωA1 and a low frequency content of θM1*N1, the high frequency content being equal to a first frequency or higher and the low frequency content being equal to a first frequency or lower.
US07765022B2

The present invention incorporates one or more diode lasers for the high-power CO2 or Nd-YAG lasers currently used in closed-loop DMD systems. Being semiconductor-based, such devices are almost instantaneously responsive to the electrical input. As such, a DMD system driven by a diode laser according to the invention provides a much faster response compared to other sources. The faster response time, in turn, provides for enhanced dimensional control and capability to produce intricate components with better dimensional accuracy.
US07765017B2

An apparatus for processing physical documents, comprising: at least two processing modules, at least two module control units, each arranged for controlling a processing module. The module control units are each provided with a function memory for storing function data and limitation parameters. The function data represent processing functions to be performed by the processing module. The limitation parameters represent limitations of the processing functions. The module control units are further arranged for receiving function control data and controlling the separate functions of the respective processing module on the basis of the function control data. The apparatus further comprises a central control unit which is arranged for sending the function control data to the module control units.
US07765015B2

A medical electrical lead configured for use in stimulating the left side of the heart (i.e., the left ventricle). In one embodiment, the lead includes an elongate lead body including an inner surface. An inflatable member is disposed on the outer surface of the body between its proximal and distal ends, the inflatable member being adapted when inflated to impart a radial force on and frictionally engage a surface of the coronary sinus or coronary vein for fixation of the distal end of the lead therein. The lead further includes a conductive member extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, and an inner insulating layer positioned between the conductive member and the inner surface of the body. Separation between the inner insulating layer and the inner surface of the body defines an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the inflatable member.
US07765005B2

A feedthrough terminal assembly for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) includes a plurality of leadwires extending from electronic circuitry of the AIMD, and a lossy ferrite inductor through which the leadwires extend in non-conductive relation for increasing the impedance of the leadwires at selected RF frequencies and reducing magnetic flux core saturation of the lossy ferrite inductor through phase cancellation of signals carried by the leadwires. A process is also provided for filtering electromagnetic interference (EMI) in an implanted leadwire extending from an AIMD into body fluids or tissue, wherein the leadwire is subjected to occasional high-power electromagnetic fields such as those produced by medical diagnostic equipment including magnetic resonance imaging.
US07765002B2

A cardiac rhythm management system can be used to detect episode beats associated with cardiac events in a subject's body. These events may be monitored and depolarization morphology information can be derived for candidate arrhythmic beats in an arrhythmia episode. An arrhythmic beat morphology template may be formed from selecting at least one of the candidate arrhythmic beats based upon user's labeling according to specific morphologies of one or more candidate episodes. Methods of use are also presented.
US07764997B2

A system and method which employs atrial discrimination algorithms to distinguish between different atrial arrhythmias occurring in a patient for selecting an optimal pacing therapy corresponding to the type of arrhythmia identified. In response to the detection of an atrial rate above the atrial tracking rate, discrimination criteria are applied to a detected atrial activity signal to distinguish between different types of supraventricular tachycardia, such as fast atrial flutter and other atrial flutter at a relatively slower rate, which may be occurring in the patient. The pacer is controlled to provide pacing therapy to a heart in a manner corresponding to the type of supraventricular tachycardia identified. The output of an atrial discrimination algorithm may be tracked and the trend thereof used to improve therapy timing. Various embodiments are disclosed herein.
US07764996B2

The health state of a subject is automatically evaluated or predicted using at least one implantable device. In varying examples, the health state is determined by sensing or receiving information about at least one physiological process having a circadian rhythm whose presence, absence, or baseline change is associated with impending disease, and comparing such rhythm to baseline circadian rhythm prediction criteria. Other chronobiological rhythms beside circadian may also be used. The baseline prediction criteria may be derived using one or more past physiological process observation of the subject or population of subjects in a non-disease health state. The prediction processing may be performed by the at least one implantable device or by an external device in communication with the implantable device. Systems and methods for invoking a therapy in response to the health state, such as to prevent or minimize the consequences of predicted impending heart failure, are also discussed.
US07764981B2

A mobile terminal includes a processor capable of operating a link manager. The link manager is capable of at least partially operating a wireless connection between the terminal and an access point in an active mode, where the access point is coupled to a network. The link manager is also capable of transitioning the connection from the active mode to a standby mode or hibernate mode. In this regard, transitioning the connection includes entering the mobile terminal in a power-saving mode of a bearer of the connection, such as a Bluetooth power-saving mode, and directing the access point to reduce traffic flowing from the network across the connection to the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is otherwise capable of receiving the traffic.
US07764976B2

Provided is a radio communication system and method for a multimedia broadcast and multicast (MBMS) service in which when a terminal having set a dedicated channel in an SRNC moves and is then connected to an RNC by which an MBMS service can be supported, the RNC to which the terminal has moved notifies the terminal whether the MBMS service is available, and accordingly the terminal can select a desirable service (i.e., a previous service or the MBMS service) according to a state thereof on the basis of the corresponding information, whereby it is possible to solve the problem in the conventional art in which the terminal can not receive information of its desirable service and thus can not receive the service, by providing the terminal that can not receive both two dedicated channels (i.e., does not have sufficient capability) with information of a new service.
US07764966B2

Disclosed is a method for operating a mobile station with a base station, as well as apparatus for performing this method. The method includes, when the mobile station is in an Autonomous mode of operation, autonomously transmitting from the mobile station to the base station of a reverse access channel or a reverse supplemental channel (Transition 3); in response to receiving an acknowledgement indication from the base station, that comprises a reverse channel assignment message for the mobile station, switching the mobile station to a Scheduled mode of operation (Transition 4) and transmitting data from the mobile station on an assigned reverse channel.
US07764961B2

An area event handler informs when a target mobile enters or leaves a network covering a pre-defined target area, and re-aims an original area event request. When the event occurs, the mobile sends a location report to an initiator of the request. A PLMN list with estimated geographic coverage areas is stored in a Home GMLC, and sent to each relevant mobile. When a mobile enters new network coverage, it uses this list for network access selection. When the Home GMLC discovers that the currently visited PLMN does not serve the original target area, it modifies the area event to the that mobile, so that the Home GMLC will be notified when the target mobile once again enters a PLMN that serves the original target area. Then, after being so notified, the Home GMLC re-sends the original area event location service request to the target mobile.
US07764958B2

A network of wireless sensor nodes for wireless transmission to a base station is provided. The sensor nodes can provide real time streaming of data over separate frequency links that can all be received by the base station. The base station includes a receiver for receiving at multiple frequencies, error detection or correction, and analog outputs so sensor data can be provided to standard analysis systems that require analog signals as would be provided by wired sensors. The base station also provides an output indicating the presence of transmission error.
US07764953B2

The embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for speech Codec negotiation in a communication system in which a calling user initiates the speech Codec negotiation with a called mobile station. The method includes: receiving by a mobile switching center emulation in the communication system an originating call signal from a calling user, the originating call signal carrying a number of a called mobile station; obtaining a latest speech Codec list used by the called mobile station from a database storing mobile station information in accordance with the number of the called mobile station; determining a speech Codec to be used in a communication between the calling user and the called mobile station; and establishing a voice bearer in the speech Codec for the calling user and the called mobile station. The method avoids a bearer update process and improves switching speed. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention also disclose a system and a device for speech Codec negotiation in a communication system.
US07764949B2

Disclosed is a method of preventing a replay attack during a handoff in a communication system using a Mobile IPv6 protocol. A mobile node creates a CoA (Care of Address) by handoff and sends the CoA to a correspondent node, thereby creating a binding entry. Upon receipt of a binding update message including a HoA and a CoA from the mobile node or an attacker, the correspondent node searches a binding cache for a binding entry having the same HoA (Home Address) and CoA as included in the binding update message. If it is determined that the binding entry has the same respective HoA and CoA as contained in the binding update message, the correspondent node checks a Used field of the binding entry. If it is determined that the Used field of the binding entry is equal to a predetermined value, the correspondent node sends a reauthentication command message to the mobile node.
US07764948B2

An authentication system and method in a communication system are provided. The authentication system includes an authenticator for receiving from a first Foreign Agent (FA) a location change notification notifying that an Mobile Station (MS) has moved to the service area of the first FA, after the MS completes initial access to a second FA using an authentication scheme with an Authorization, Authentication and Accounting (AAA) server in the service area of the second FA; and transmitting to the first FA a first key and a second key of the MS generated during the initial access of the MS in response to the location change notification.
US07764933B2

A spacer for use in a mobile device fills the space between a component assembly and a housing. The spacer includes a layer of compressible material for insertion between the component assembly and the housing. A plurality of compressible features are provided on a face of the layer. Upon insertion of the component assembly and assembly of the housing, the compressible features are compressed to fill a gap between the component assembly and the housing without over-compressing the main body of the spacer, allowing the body of the spacer to cushion any subsequent impact to the mobile device.
US07764918B2

A cleaning device includes a first cleaning portion provided at a position where a belt transfer body is moved after transfer, and includes a second cleaning portion having a cleaning member which contacts the belt transfer body, which is located at an end of the belt transfer body in the perpendicular direction to the moving direction of the belt transfer body. There is a fixing member for pressing the belt transfer body to the cleaning member. The fixing member is located at a position opposing the cleaning member with the belt transfer body therebetween.
US07764916B2

In an image forming apparatus having a fixing rotor (22) that is driven to rotate and fixes an image by heating a recording paper while conveying the paper pressurized against the rotor, an excitation coil (24) that is provided extending in an axial direction along the fixing rotor (22) and causes induction heating by applying an alternating magnetic field to the fixing rotor (22), and a demagnetizing coil (25) that is provided superposed on an end of the excitation coil (24) and is able to partially diminish a magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil (24), by making the shape of the portion that belongs to the demagnetizing coil (25) and overlaps the excitation coil (24) has an asymmetrical shape have no axis of symmetry in the direction in which the recording paper is conveyed, a trouble due to overheating and defective fixing due to a shortage in the generation of heat can be reduced even when a plurality of kinds of recording papers of slightly different sizes are used.
US07764901B2

A layer-thickness regulating member may include a thin plate member and a projection member. The projection member includes a first pressure contact portion that comes into pressure-contact with each of seal areas, a second pressure contact portion that comes into pressure-contact with each of side end areas, and a third pressure contact portion that comes into pressure-contact with a central area. A notched portion is formed at a position of the distal end of the thin plate member where each of the second pressure contact portions is formed, by cutting the thin plate member from an end edge of the distal end toward a downstream side of the rotation direction of the developing agent carrier.
US07764880B2

An image pickup apparatus, for controlling actual flash amount at the time of exposure based on an amount of reflected light from a predetermined metering region of a screen, comprises a first screen dividing section for dividing the screen into a first region, constituting a candidate for the metering region, and a second region other than that by comparing first feature data of image data that has been acquired by performing pre-flash before actual flash and second feature data of image data taken without performing pre-flash, a second screen dividing section for dividing the screen into a third region, being a region of an image having a predetermined feature, and a fourth region other than that, an image evaluation section for evaluating whether to include in the metering region or remove from the metering region based on different evaluation criteria according to whether the image of the third region or the fourth region belongs to the first region, or belongs to the second region, and a flash amount control section for controlling actual flash amount based on reflected light amount from regions that have been included in the metering region by the image evaluation section.
US07764876B2

An image-pickup apparatus includes a first detector generating first information corresponding to a contrast state, a focus lens controller, a second detector outputting second information used for calculating an in-focus position, and a focus lens position detector. If the difference between the detected focus lens position and the calculated in-focus position is equal to or greater than a first value, the controller moves the focus lens towards the calculated in-focus position, and if the difference is less than the first value, the controller repeats focus control using the first information without using the second information. The apparatus reduces discontinuous movements of the focus lens.
US07764873B2

A radiant electric heating element for use in a toast making appliance comprises a base plate (2) of stainless steel to one or each face of which there is printed a first ceramic track (3) with an electrically conductive track (5) printed on the face thereof remote from the base plate (2), and a second ceramic track (4) is printed upon and surrounds the heating track (5) thus hermetically sealing with the heating track between the two ceramic tracks. Such an element provides adequate radiant heat for efficiently toasting bread while the bread may be in direct contact with the element but is electrically insulated therefrom by the second ceramic track (4). By providing a further ceramic coating (6) on the opposed face of the base plate (2), mechanical integrity is maintained to prevent warping of the element and thus uneven toasting.
US07764865B2

A system, method, and computer-readable medium which reduce the occurrence of incomplete recordings of television programs by video cassette recorders (VCR) (130), or other types of video recorders, by adding margins (6, 7) to the programmed start and end times (1, 2) of the recording. The margins (6, 7) cause the recording to start earlier than the programmed start time (1) by a specified amount of time (ΔTB), and to stop later than the programmed stop time by another specified amount of time (ΔTE). Therefore, when a television program starts a few minutes earlier, or ends a few minutes later than scheduled, the present invention helps ensure that the entire television program will be recorded by the video recorder, despite the fact that the video recorder was programmed in accordance with to the scheduled times (1, 2).
US07764864B2

An information storage medium which stores data structures supporting multi-angles includes clip AV streams for respective angle data of multi-angle motion picture data. As additional information for each clip AV stream, clip information is recorded on a separate storage area from that of the clip AV streams. The clip information includes jumping-point information for jumping into another angle. Each of the clip AV streams may be recorded in a contiguous recording area, or divided into smaller interleaved units that are interleaved with units of the other clip AV streams.
US07764861B2

A photonic crystal device according to the present invention includes: a first dielectric substrate 104 having a first lattice structure, of which the dielectric constant changes periodically within a first plane; a second dielectric substrate 105 having a second lattice structure, of which the dielectric constant changes periodically within a second plane; and an adjustment device (pivot 303) for changing a photonic band structure, defined by the first and second lattice structures, by varying relative arrangement of the first and second lattice structures. The first and second dielectric substrates 104 and 105 are stacked one upon the other.
US07764855B2

An optical fiber having: a) a glass portion; and b) at least one protective coating layer disposed to surround the glass portion, the protective coating layer having a modulus of elasticity value between −40° C. and +60° C. between 5 MPa and 600 MPa, preferably not higher than 500 MPa, more preferably not higher than 450 MPa and much more preferably not higher than 300. Preferably the protective coating layer is a single protective coating layer which is disposed in contact with the glass portion.
US07764854B2

An optical fiber that exhibits reduced mode distortions as the fiber is bent is formed by properly defining its refractive index profile during fabrication. The as-fabricated profile is defined as a “pre-distorted” profile that takes into account the gradient introduced by bending the fiber. A parabolic index profile is one exemplary bend-resistant profile that exhibits a quadratic form. A raised-cone index is another profile that may be used as the “as-fabricated” profile. In any properly configured form, factors such as bend loss and mode distortion are significantly reduced, since the profile undergoes a shift of essentially constant gradient as a bend is introduced. The resultant effective area of the inventive fiber is substantially improved over state-of-the-art fiber that is subjected to bending during installation. The as-fabricated profile may be incorporated into various types of fibers (birefringent, photonic bandgap, etc.), and is particularly well-suited for use in a fiber amplifier arrangement.
US07764851B2

An optical modulator has an optical waveguide substrate having a pair of principal surfaces, a pair of side surfaces an incident face and exit face of light, the substrate being composed of a ferroelectric material; a channel optical waveguide having at least a pair of branch sections, a multiplexing section of the branch sections and an exit section provided on the downstream of the multiplexing section, the waveguide being formed on the principal surface of the optical waveguide substrate; a modulation electrode electrodes for applying a signal voltage for modulating light propagating in the branch sections; and a reflective groove for reflecting leaked light of off-mode emitted from the multiplexing section and emitting the light from a principal surface of the optical waveguide substrate. An operating point of the optical modulator is controlled by changing a DC bias applied on the modulation electrode based on optical output of the leaked light of off-mode.
US07764845B2

In a signal processing device for performing inverse orthogonal transform for a combination of orthogonal transform coefficients obtained by orthogonal-transforming a signal, a pixel signal value for a combination of orthogonal transform coefficients high in appearance is stored in advance in a pixel signal table together with an index assigned thereto. If a pixel signal value corresponding to a combination of orthogonal transform coefficients received via an input terminal is stored in the pixel signal table, an index generation circuit outputs a flag to a selection circuit and also outputs an index to the pixel signal table. The pixel signal table outputs the pixel signal value corresponding to the received index, and an image signal generation circuit generates a combination of pixel signal values as a restored signal. A selection circuit selects the output of the pixel signal generation circuit.
US07764842B2

Image encoding apparatus 10 according to the present invention is an image encoding apparatus 10 for dividing image signals into blocks, performing an orthogonal transform of each block, reading resultant orthogonal transform coefficients to obtain a coefficient string, and performing entropy coding, which has block selector 14 for selecting a size of a block for the orthogonal transform, out of a plurality of blocks of different sizes; coefficient string divider 12 for, when a block of a size larger than a minimum size is selected by block selector 14, dividing a coefficient string in the block into a plurality of coefficient strings of a length equal to that of a coefficient String in a block of the minimum size; and encoder 13 for performing entropy coding adapted to the coefficient string in the block of the minimum size.
US07764833B2

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for data compression that includes representing each sub-pixel of each pixel with a pointer corresponding to an attribute of the sub-pixel, the attribute being a floating point binary number. An overall attribute of each pixel is then determined. The determining of the overall attribute of each tile may include any one of assigning the attribute of the sub-pixels to the overall attribute of the pixel when the sub-pixels are represented by an identical pointer, and resolving the overall attribute of the tile by the attributes of the sub-pixels when the sub-pixels are represented by non-identical pointers of the pixel.
US07764823B1

A system and method for automatically detecting cracks in components produced by a stamping process. A substantially uniform backlighting of the component can be produced, even when direct backlighting is partially blocked by structure used to support the component during inspection. One or more image detectors simultaneously image the component from a top side while it is backlit. One or more images of the current component are then compared to a master image of the component. Light passing through or visible through cracks in the component will cause the system to see a difference between the current image(s) of the component and the master image(s), thereby indicating a crack(s). A user is automatically notified upon detection of a crack.
US07764819B2

A method for classifying pulmonary structures in digitized images includes providing approximate target structure locations of one or more target structures in a digitized 3-dimensional (3D) image, fitting an anisotropic Gaussian model about said approximate target locations to generate more precise 3D target models and center locations of said one or more target structures, warping each said 3D target model into a 3D sphere, constructing a bounding manifold about each said warped 3D sphere, and identifying clusters on said bounding manifold wherein said one or more target structures are classified.
US07764817B2

The present invention is directed to a method for automatic detection and segmentation of a target anatomical structure in received three dimensional (3D) volumetric medical images using a database of a set of volumetric images with expertly delineated anatomical structures. A 3D anatomical structure detection and segmentation module is trained offline by learning anatomical structure appearance using the set of expertly delineated anatomical structures. A received volumetric image for the anatomical structure of interest is searched online using the offline learned 3D anatomical structure detection and segmentation module.
US07764810B2

A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database and a processor. The processor may cooperate with the geospatial model database for inpainting data into at least one void in geospatial model terrain data based upon propagating contour data from outside the at least one void into the at least one void.
US07764809B2

A surveying instrument, comprising an optical system for collimating a measuring point, a driving unit for performing scanning in a measurement range the optical system, a distance-measuring unit comprising a light wave distance measuring system, an image pickup unit for taking an image in the measurement range, an image processing unit for performing image processing to extract edges from the image picked up, and a control arithmetic operation unit for selecting a point near the edge as a measuring point on the image picked up and for controlling the distance-measuring unit to carry out surveying operation of the measuring point.
US07764800B2

A sound synthesizer for a vehicle includes a driving operation detector that detects an operation amount of a driving operation input device by a driver. A speed calculator calculates a revolution speed of a drive unit based on the detected operation amount. A sound controller outputs a sound control signal based on an input of the operation amount and based on the revolution speed. A memory stores drive sound data in advance. A synthesized sound output generator reads out drive sound data from the memory and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to a sound pressure signal. The sound controller outputs sound control signals so that the drive sound data within a range of the operational state corresponding to the inputted operation amount and the revolution speed is repetitively played.
US07764792B1

An apparatus having a corresponding method comprises a transmit circuit to transmit data, the transmit circuit comprising a transmit input circuit to input the data, and an address for the data, to the transmit circuit, an encoder to encode the data according to the address for the data, comprising an encode select circuit to select one of a plurality of keys based on the address for the data, and an encoding circuit to encode the data using the key selected by the encode select circuit, and a transmit output circuit to output the encoded data.
US07764790B2

A robust technique to prevent illicit copying of video information notwithstanding the use of image scaling. A watermark is embedded into the video signal (e.g., DVD's content or other video sources) at different scales (i.e., sizes). The watermark is maintained at each scale for a predetermined time duration that is sufficient to allow the detector circuit in a DVD-recorder, DVHS recorder, DVCR, or any other digital format recorder to detect, extract, and process information contained in the watermark. At the end of the predetermined time duration, the watermark is changed to a different scale preferably on a pseudo-random basis to ensure that each one of all the scales in a predetermined scaling range is achieved a predetermined number of times.
US07764784B2

An embodiment of a handset cradle includes a base component and a handset component configured to couple with the base component. The handset component provides an interface with a particular type of handset selected from a plurality of handset types. This interface enables an exchange of data between the base component and a handset interfacing with the handset component.
US07764780B2

A telecommunication call center handles a call from a telecommunication network. The call center comprises a call center processor and a call center destination system. The call center processor receives and processes a message from the telecommunication network for the call to select a route code and to select a key, wherein the route code and the key are separate from one another. The call center processor transfers the route code and the key to the telecommunication network. The call center processor transfers the key and call-handling information for the call to the destination system. The destination system receives the key and the call from the telecommunication network, and associates the call with the call-handling information based on the key.
US07764777B2

A caller ID based call routing feature is described for blocked and non-blocked caller ID's. A processing system in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) receives first identifying information for identify the source of a telephone call and associates additional information stored in a memory with the first identifying information. The additional information may be information about the calling party initially downloaded to the memory by a subscriber. Once retrieved from the memory by the processing system, the additional information may then be transmitted to the subscriber via the Internet for display on a monitor or to the subscriber's telephone for display on a telephone display. Another feature described is a branch calling feature where the subscriber may program a processing system within the PSTN to forward an incoming call to two or more end units (e.g., telephones) simultaneously. If the call at an end unit is answered, answer supervision signaling is transmitted back to the processing system which then terminates all other calls. The processing system then connects the calling party to the subscriber. The branch calling may be made for any combination of local, long distance, and cellular telephone numbers.
US07764775B2

A distributed intercom system including a centralized interconnection unit with a central control device for receiving, processing and transmitting signals, a power distribution device for transmitting a power signal for distribution and at least one cable connection port for receiving a cable connection therein. The system includes a cable with a cable connection element for connection to the cable connection port, and the cable transmits a control signal, a line-level, analog audio signal and the power signal. One or more remote user interface units are connected to and in communication with the centralized interconnection unit through the cable, and the remote user interface unit includes an amplifier, a speaker device and a microphone device. At least one component of the remote user interface unit is powered by the power signal transmitted by the power distribution device.
US07764771B2

The method of the present invention allows inventors to orally document innovative concepts. The method reduces the need to have inventors write out details of an invention in an invention disclosure form. The method also assists inventors in quickly and conveniently recording ideas and preparing invention disclosure forms based on the ideas. In some example forms, inventors are able to pick up a telephone and connect to a network. Once connected to the network an inventor can dictate the concepts of the idea over the network. The dictation is converted into text, such as by a voice analysis program, and then inserted into an invention disclosure form which is dated and archived.
US07764760B2

Systems and method for tensioning jet pump beam bolts in a nuclear reactor are disclosed. The nuclear reactor may include at least one jet pump with each jet pump having a jet pump beam and a jet pump beam bolt. The system may include an actuating apparatus and a tensioning apparatus. The actuating apparatus may include a socket member for engaging the jet pump beam bolts, a sleeve member for engaging a handling pole, and an actuator hex positioned between the socket member and the sleeve member. The tensioning apparatus may include a base block having an opening for accommodating the jet pump beam bolt, a top plate having an opening for accommodating the actuator hex, and a hydraulic actuator for providing tension to the jet pump beam bolt in accordance to measurements of the actuating apparatus.
US07764757B2

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a signal includes receiving an input data signal and applying an offset compensation to the input data signal to generate an output signal. The method also includes, using a clock signal, sampling the output signal to generate a plurality of boundary values, each value comprising either a high value or a low value based on the sampling of the output signal. The method further includes, based at least on the high or low value of a boundary value, adjusting the offset compensation applied to the input data signal.
US07764748B2

A receiver includes a memory for storing DC offset amounts in accordance with a DC offset component remaining in a received signal; a first DC offset component-removing unit configured so as to generate a first DC offset amount from the DC offset amounts stored in the memory and to remove the first DC offset amount from the received signal; an amplifier for amplifying a signal output from the first DC offset component-removing unit; and a second DC offset component-removing unit configured so as to generate a second DC offset amount from the DC offset amounts stored in the memory in view of a gain of the amplifier and remove the second DC offset amount from the signal amplified by the amplifier.
US07764740B2

A fast block mode determining method for motion estimation, and an apparatus thereof. A cost of motion estimation for an input image frame is predicted by Kalman filtering, and one block mode is selected from a plurality of block modes. A cost for the motion estimation of the input image frame is calculated. The predicted cost and the calculated cost are compared with each other, and the block mode for performing the motion estimation is determined. In an H.264 moving picture encoding device, the operation load is reduced and time wasted for calculation is shortened, because it is not necessary to perform the motion estimation for all the block modes.
US07764738B2

Disclosed herein is an adaptive motion estimation and mode decision apparatus and method for an H.264 video codec. The apparatus includes a background image detection unit, an inter mode inspection unit, an intra mode inspection unit and a mode inspection skip unit. The background image detection unit inspects whether a fixed background or slowly and regularly moving block exists, and skips the step of dividing a first corresponding macroblock into smaller sized blocks and performing block mode inspection. The inter mode inspection unit inspects whether an irregularly or fast moving macroblock exists, and determines whether to divide a corresponding macroblock into smaller sized blocks and to perform block mode inspection on the smaller sized blocks. The intra mode inspection unit performs AZCB inspection on the macroblocks, and determines whether to divide a corresponding macroblock into smaller sized blocks block and to perform mode inspection on the smaller sized blocks. The mode inspection skip unit skips the block mode inspection for the smaller sized blocks.
US07764731B2

The present invention provides an equalizer and a semiconductor device, that can suppress a decrease in S/N ratio of a reception signal, can facilitate a disconnection test by a direct current signal, and are excellent in reproducibility of a transmission signal. A low-pass filter receives a reception signal supplied from a reception end to output a signal obtained by removing a high frequency component from the reception signal. A subtraction unit subtracts an output signal from the low-pass filter from the reception signal. An addition unit adds the reception signal from the reception end to an output signal from the subtraction unit. Thus, an output signal from the addition unit has a frequency characteristic of emphasizing the high frequency component. Then, an amplifier amplifies the output signal from the addition unit to transmit it to an output end.
US07764727B2

An accurate total error rate performance can be measured using a computed error vector magnitude (EVM) per stream. Using this EVM, the receiver or the transmitter can advantageously generate an optimized modulation and coding scheme (MCS) that corresponds to a specific number of streams, modulation and coding rate for the transmitter. For example, the receiver can compute an SNR from the EVM and then use an SNR vs. MCS table to determine the optimized MCS. In contrast, the transmitter can receive an EVM-to-RSSI mapping and an EVM-to-MCS mapping from the receiver. These mappings and an EVM can facilitate selecting the optimized MCS.
US07764717B1

A multiplexing system having an input unit, a storage unit and control unit. The input unit receives data units corresponding to multiple source data streams and extracts packets from the data units. The control unit computes data rate estimates for the source data streams based on timestamps in the source data streams. The storage unit stores a packet count and previous timestamp value for each source data stream. The control unit computes a preliminary data rate estimate for a source data stream based on samples of a local clock if timestamps are not received promptly. The control unit also computes scheduling rates based on the data rate estimates. The scheduling rates are used to control the rates of allocation of data from the source data streams into a multiplexed output stream. The control unit computes scheduling rates in a way that avoids oversubscription of the output channel.
US07764714B2

The present technology relates to protocols relative to utility meters associated with an open operational framework. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to protocol subject matter for advanced metering infrastructure, adaptable to various international standards, while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field. The present subject matter supports meters within an ANSI standard C12.22/C12.19 system while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field, all to permit cell-based adaptive insertion of C12.22 meters within an open framework. Cell isolation is provided through quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network. Additional features relate to apparatus and methodology subject matters relating to crystal drift compensation in a mesh network.
US07764713B2

Synchronization of related packet data network streams is provided. Synchronization is achieved by inserting synchronization packets into data streams that are to be aligned with one another after transmission of those data streams across a network. More particularly, corresponding synchronization packets are inserted into the corresponding data streams at the same time, to serve as markers for performing synchronization of the data at the receiving end. The corresponding data streams may comprise an audio data stream and a corresponding video data stream.
US07764709B2

A plurality of packets associated with a plurality of protocols are received, wherein the plurality of packets are to be processed by a plurality of processors. Packets associated with a first protocol are sent to be processed by at least one of the plurality of processors before sending packets associated with a second protocol to be processed, in response to determining that the packets associated with the first protocol have a higher priority for processing than the packets associated with the first protocol.
US07764708B2

A header-information adding unit adds a device ID for identifying a device at a sending node and a device ID for identifying a device at a receiving node to a header of a packet sent by the sending node. The packet is transmitted to a data-format converting device by a packet transmitting unit. In the data-format converting device, the packet is received by a packet receiving unit, and is sent to a unique-information detecting unit. The unique-information detecting unit detects the device IDs from the header of the packet, and sends them to a data-format converting unit with the packet data. The data-format converting unit determines the data formats used by the sending node and the receiving node based on the detected device IDs, and converts the data format of the packet sent by the sending node into the data format of by the receiving node.
US07764707B2

A simplified QAM signal constellation symbol-wise remapping scheme for data packet retransmissions to improve performance at a high coding rate. The simplified QAM signal constellation symbol-wise remapping scheme takes advantage of the separate I and Q labeling bits in a QAM signal to reduce the complexity of a receiving node. A method for adaptive switching between bit-wise and symbol-wise constellation remapping for data packet transmissions according to channel coding rate to achieve optimum performance across the range of channel coding rates.
US07764691B2

Methods and systems for allowing clients behind a network address translation device to communicate when those clients are assigned Teredo Ipv6 addresses.
US07764686B1

Flexible migration from IPv4 to IPv6 is facilitated for the Internet and other data networks employing Internet Protocol. In one implementation, certain IPv4 nodes are enhanced by use of a dual address including a globally significant realm address and a locally significant address used only within a particular realm. This dual IPv4 address may be readily mapped to or from an IPv6 address. The enhancement and address mapping scheme may be used to automatically tunnel IPv6 packets through IPv4 infrastructure and to use enhanced IPv4 nodes to contact IPv6 infrastructure.
US07764684B2

A switching apparatus distributes incoming calls to end point terminals that belong to a service group and that interact with the switching apparatus via messages. The messages query the end point terminals by specifying a range and asking those end point terminals that meet a criterion associated with the range to respond. By iteratively narrowing the range, for example, in a binary search fashion, one of the end point terminals is selected. In one embodiment, the range relates to fixed sequence IDs of the end point terminals and the criterion relates to whether an end point terminal is idle or not. In another embodiment, the range incorporates the idle/not idle state of the end point terminals by specifying idle time durations.
US07764678B2

A computer system that forwards data packets is described. During operation, the system receives a data packet on a first interface and classifies the data packet to determine a corresponding destination. This classification is based on dynamically configured classification rules that include multiple attributes corresponding to multiple layers in an Open System Interconnect (OSI) Reference model. Then, the system provides the data packet on a second interface corresponding to the destination.
US07764677B2

The present invention advantageously provides a method, system and apparatus for allocating addresses to secure unique local networks by providing a brokered federated policy and identity management system, the brokered federated policy and identity management system having an address domain manager that allocates network addresses, the address domain manager arranged to interoperate with a network identity management module, the network identity management module providing management of identity at an application level, receiving an authorization from the brokered federated policy and identity management system, and assigning a network address to a unique local network based on the authorization from the brokered federated policy and identity management system. The method, system and apparatus may further include authenticating a user, wherein authenticating a user includes passing an assertion token to a device of the user. The method, system and apparatus may yet further include providing user policies to a policy enforcement point in a network.
US07764673B1

A method for communicating data is provided that includes receiving a plurality of bits associated with a communications flow and applying a variable size codebook for stateful compression or for stateless compression. The method also includes determining if a match exists between the plurality of bits and a selected one of a plurality of bit patterns and communicating a payload present (PP) header bit pattern corresponding to the selected bit pattern in place of the plurality of bits associated with the communications flow.
US07764660B2

A system for employing a wireless local area network (WLAN) as a cellular network routing area includes a cellular network, which is capable of determining a location where a service request is made. The cellular network includes a packet-based support node B, which determines if the request can be serviced through a WLAN, which is identified in the cellular network as a routing area. Packet data protocol context is maintained while servicing the request using the WLAN to provide smooth interworking between the WLAN and the cellular network.
US07764655B2

A communications network comprises two or more cell sites for communication with wireless terminals. At least one of the cell sites has multiple receive antennas. A central site has one or more interface controllers and a switch system through which the controllers are connected to the cell sites. For each controller in communication with a wireless terminal, a cell site is selected for reception of signals from the terminal, and for each selected cell site having more than one receive antenna, an antenna within the site is selected for reception from the terminal.
US07764653B2

A method and apparatus for autonomously determining a coverage area of each of a plurality of access points (APs) in a wireless communication system are disclosed. Each of a plurality of APs transmits loud packets to, and receives loud packets from, other APs. Each AP measures received powers of the loud packets received from the other APs. Each AP estimates path losses from the other APs using the measured received powers and calculates the range of the AP from the estimated path losses from the other APs.
US07764652B2

A method for processing a resource receiving, by a mobility management network element of a packet switched (PS) network, a Release Request message sent by an access network of the PS network when a user equipment (UE) is handed over from the PS network to a CS network. After receiving the Release Request message, resources of the UE are processed in the PS network.
US07764651B2

Disclosed is a method for controlling a reverse data rate by a mobile station in a mobile communication system supporting high-rate packet data transmission. The method includes receiving average loading information (FRAB) from a particular base station when the mobile station attempts an initial access to the base station; setting the received average loading information as average loading information for the base station; and upon receiving reverse activity information (RAB) from the base station, controlling a rate of reverse data using the received reverse activity information and the set average loading information.
US07764642B2

Method and apparatus for arranging wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) capability distribution between point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services. The method addresses PtP/PtM specific and common capabilities shared between PtM and PtP. The method utilizes procedures and different scenarios to coordinate establishment/release of PtP and PtM services and distribution of WTRU PtP/PtM capabilities within a universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN).
US07764638B2

A monitoring unit connected via a communication line to monitored units and serially receiving notifying information given from each of the monitored units with time division multiplexing communications, includes a receiving unit receiving information related to each of the monitored unit via the communication line from each monitored unit, a determining unit determining a timeslot length to be allocated to each monitored unit on the basis of the information related to each of the monitored units, and a notifying unit notifying each of the monitored units of the timeslot length via the communication line, wherein the receiving unit receives the notifying information from each of the monitored units at the timeslot based on the timeslot length that is notified of each monitored unit.
US07764628B2

A method that measures ratio, relative to a peering network, of traffic burden of incoming traffic to traffic burden of outgoing traffic, where traffic burden takes into account traffic volume and distance that the traffic traverses through the network. A determination is made from this ratio as to whether an imbalance exists with the peering network. With the assistance of a simulation of changes in routing policy and their effects, an existing or impending imbalance is remedied by changing the routing policy relative to particular customers, for example from a “hot potato” routing policy to a “best exit” routing policy.
US07764623B2

To enhance quality of service management in support of application sessions running on top of bearer services, according to the present invention it is suggested to, firstly, execute a bearer service analysis in support of automatic quality of service class management. Heretofore, a bearer service carrying packet switched service traffic in support of an application session is analyzed for identification of different types of services by the application session. Related analysis information derived at an analysis unit 10 is then forwarded to a quality of service management unit 16, which is adapted to automatic quality of service class management. In particular, the quality of service management unit 16 determines and manages a quality of service class according to the identified quality of service class as forwarded by the bearer service analysis unit 10.
US07764622B2

An interplanetary communications network, an interplanetary communications backbone network of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) nodes, an ANN node and a method of managing interplanetary communications. The backbone network operates as a neural network with each node identifying optimum paths, e.g., end-to-end through the backbone network from a distant planet to an earth node. Each node maintains a window matrix identifying reoccurring (e.g., periodically) communications windows between nodes and a propagation delay matrix identifying time varying propagation delays between nodes. Each node determines whether and how long to store packets locally to minimize path delays. Each node also maintains a link cost matrix indicating the cost of links to neighboring nodes and further determines whether and how long to store packets locally to minimize path delays at minimal link cost.
US07764620B2

The invention relates to a device and a method for testing for wire breakage with a redundant signal output. To ensure the most fail-safe output in particular of a digital signal, whilst at the same time supplying a diagnosis function, it is proposed that two digital output modules should be connected in parallel, in particular with a diode integrated in each channel. The diagnosis function is enabled by a driver, which, in the event of a target value for the digital signal of logical “1”, connects the channel with a logical “1”, while setting a channel connected parallel thereto briefly to logical “0” and at the same time carrying out an interrupt test on the channel with logical “1”.
US07764619B2

System and method for analyzing routing in a system. Routing information for the system, received, e.g., from a user and/or tool, is analyzed, where the routing information specifies a plurality of routes in the system, and where each route comprises one or more routing resources in the system. A routing conflict between two routes of the plurality of routes is determined based on the analyzing, where the routing conflict is with respect to a routing resource comprised in each of the two routes, e.g., incompatible reservations and/or incompatible specified configuration of a routing resource included in each of the two routes. An error message useable in debugging routing for the system is output indicating the routing conflict, where the error message includes identification of the two routes, e.g., respective names, sources and destinations, and/or routing resource sequences, of the two routes, and may optionally include identification of the routing resource.
US07764615B2

Mechanisms for distributing rate limits and tracking rate consumption across members of a cluster are provided. One member of the cluster is responsible for controlling the distribution of rate capacity across members of the cluster. Rate capacity may be distributed in a hierarchical fashion to account for the needs of the various services, applications, and/or operations provided by the cluster members. A hierarchical tree structure may be formed by distributing rate capacity among a plurality of nodes arranged at a global, service, application or operation level of the tree. In some cases, rate capacity may also be distributed at a requester level to account for the needs of requesters who are granted access to the services, applications and operations provided by the cluster members.
US07764612B2

Methods and systems for controlling access to a host processor is disclosed. One exemplary method comprises the steps of receiving a plurality of signaling packets and controlling access to a host processor, via a first and a second path, for at least a portion of the packets in accordance with a bandwidth limit for the respective path. An exemplary system comprises: a host processor; and a traffic manager coupled to the host processor via a first path and a second path. The traffic manager is configured to communicate at least a portion of the packets to the host processor via a selected one of the paths. The traffic manager is further configured to regulate traffic along the first path such that the bandwidth limit of the first path is respected, and to regulate traffic along the second path such that the bandwidth limit of the second path is respected.
US07764609B1

A system comprises a plurality of processing modules, one of which is designated to be the primary processing module and the others are designated to be secondary processing modules. During operation, state is maintained in the primary processing module and at least one of the secondary processing modules. A switchover controller causes outputs from the secondary modules to be discarded. When the switchover controller receives an indication that the primary processing module has failed, it designates one of the secondary processing modules to be the primary processing module. Because the newly designated primary processing module already has current state information at switchover, the module is able to operate with minimal delay.
US07764607B2

A connection control method is achieved by receiving from a first terminal, a call request for a communication with a second terminal to notify the call request from a connection control server to an application server; and executing at least a program to receive the call request from the connection control server, to request a connection state data of the second terminal to a storage server in response to the received call request. A connection control instruction for the first and second terminals is issued to the connection control server when there is no connection state data of the second terminal in the storage server or the second terminal in a free state. A connection control between the first and second terminals is performed by the connection control server in response to the connection control instruction; and the connection state data of each of the first and second terminals is stored in the storage server when the connection state between the first and second terminals is changed.
US07764603B2

When a ringlet with a high frame transfer quality is selected as a switching candidate for each station of a transfer destination from information on frame transfer quality for each ringlet, when it is determined that a fundamental ringlet is in a preceding stage of degradation of the frame transfer quality from information on the frame transfer quality of the fundamental ringlet, and if the fundamental ringlet is different from the switching candidate, a ringlet for transferring a frame to a station of the transfer destination is switched from the fundamental ringlet to the switching candidate.
US07764600B1

A communication system receives packets transmitted by a user device. The packets implement a named service application to provide a communication service. The system transmits the packets to a packet network and identifies a communication problem. The system transmits information for delivery to the user device indicating that the named service application will be inhibited due to the communication problem and offering an alternative service application to provide the communication service. The system receives an acceptance transmitted by the user device, and in response, transmits the alternative service application for delivery to the user device. The system receives additional packets transmitted by the user device. The additional packets implement the alternative service application to provide the communication service. The system transmits the additional packets to the packet network.
US07764596B2

A method for restoring a virtual path, provisioned between a source and a target node, in a mesh optical network is described. The method, in one embodiment, forwards a resource request in the network to identify an alternate route. Each node identifies and allocates resources for failed virtual path and the virtual path is provisioned using these resources. The constant update of nodal topology by each node may provide a fast identification of nodes with required bandwidth for failed virtual path.
US07764592B2

An optical recording medium that allows information to be recorded and played back properly, even when a type of recording medium in which information is recorded to grooves is used along with a type of recording medium in which information is recorded to lands, as well as a method for recording and playback with this medium. Recording track information is recorded in advance, indicating whether information is to be recorded in the grooves or the lands, whichever of the grooves and lands is best suited to the recording of information is selected on the basis of the recording track information that is read out, and the recording or playback of information is performed.
US07764588B2

An optical disc apparatus having a construction that lowers a peak value of a laser beam applied to an optical disc and controls a current supplied to the laser. Provisions are made to prevent recorded marks on the optical disc from degrading by utilizing the laser beam radiated onto the optical disc. Provisions are also made to minimize gradual deterioration of the laser itself that would otherwise be caused by the emission of laser beam, to minimize unwanted radio waves that would otherwise be produced from the optical disc apparatus by the emission of laser beam, and to prevent the responsiveness of the optical disc apparatus from being impaired.
US07764582B2

A focus servo apparatus which comprises an optical pickup having a power lens that changes an incidence angle of laser light incident on an objective lens and a power lens actuator that drives the power lens along an optical axis direction. In a focus search operation, the focus servo apparatus controls the power lens actuator to drive the power lens along the optical axis direction and detects having been brought into the focus servo area on the basis of a focus error signal obtained from photo-reception outputs from a photo-detector of the optical pickup, and then allows a focus servo to be in lock and returns the power lens to its initial position with driving the objective lens so as to maintain the lock state.
US07764580B2

HMW demodulation is effected more reliably with a simple configuration. A reproduced wobble signal is caused to pass through a BPF previously set to a center frequency 2fwob, to thus enhance a second harmonic component. The wobble signal having passed through a BPF is multiplied by a second harmonic signal. Subsequently, a peak envelope signal and a bottom envelope signal of the multiplied wobble signal are extracted. The peak envelope signal is discriminated from the first preset threshold value. A result of this discrimination becomes a signal used for detecting an HMW[1] wobble waveform. Similarly, a bottom envelope signal is discriminated from a preset second threshold value. The result of discrimination becomes a signal used for detecting an HMW[0] wobble waveform.
US07764576B2

An optical information recording and reproducing apparatus includes a light source for emitting a light beam, a head unit, including an objective lens and a solid immersion lens, that allows a light beam from the light source to reach an optical recording medium as evanescent light, and a photodetector that detects returning light that returns from a bottom surface of the solid immersion lens for detecting a gap and a tilt between the optical recording medium and the solid immersion lens. The photodetector has a first section and a second section, along a direction in which the returning light is moved in the photodetector, when the solid immersion lens is driven in a tracking direction with respect to the optical recording medium. An area of the returning light in the first section and an area of the returning light in the second section is constant, even when the solid immersion lens is driven in the tracking direction. The photodetector is divided into two halves in the direction in which the returning light is moved when the solid immersion lens is driven in the tracking direction, and has divided sections that are parallel to the direction in which the returning light is moved. The divided sections are disposed inside the inner circumference of the returning light in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the returning light is moved. The apparatus further includes a tilt control circuit to control the tilt on the basis of a light intensity obtained by the photodetector.
US07764568B2

In an address signal decoder for a RAM memory, address signals are decoded in a “bucket brigade” address decoding architecture in which the address signals or bits are sequentially sent along the same address decoding path. The inventive architecture comprises a set of node switches linked into a binary tree. The address signals enter at the root node of the binary tree. As each address signal reaches a node switch at the end the path, it sets the path direction for that switch node so that subsequent address signals that follow the path will use that path direction. The decoder can be used with classical or quantum RAM memories.
US07764562B2

A semiconductor memory device includes a row path circuit, a reset signal generating circuit and a column path circuit. The row path circuit is initialized in response to a power-up signal. The reset signal generating circuit delays the power-up signal to generate a column reset signal. The column path circuit is initialized in response to the column reset signal. The semiconductor memory device can reduce a peak value of a surge current by initializing a row path circuit and a column path circuit at different time points. Therefore, the semiconductor memory device may have a relatively short setup time of an internal power supply voltage.
US07764548B2

A semiconductor memory device having two refreshment modes of auto-refreshment and partial self-refreshment imposed on memory cells includes a command decoder which detects one of the refreshment modes from an input command, outputs type data which indicates the detected refreshment mode, and outputs a refreshment signal which indicates the start of refreshment; a mode register in which the type data is set; a signal selection circuit which determines whether or not the refreshment signal is to be delayed, in accordance with the type data set in the mode register, and outputs the refreshment signal, which is delayed or not delayed in accordance with the result of the determination, as a refreshment start signal; and a control circuit which reads the type data set in the mode register based when receiving the refreshment start signal, and performs refreshment corresponding to the type data.
US07764546B2

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method of utilizing a flash memory array to decrease programming time while maintaining sufficient read speeds. An array of cells is programmed and read in pages that are oriented in the column direction, parallel to the bit lines in the array. An erased cell in the present invention is a cell in the “off” state. According to the present invention a cell is programmed by lowering the threshold voltage of the cell, thereby turning the cell “on.” An array of cells is programmed read in a sector-by-sector method, wherein a sector consists of units situated diagonally adjacent to each other, and a unit consists of multiple parallel column-oriented pages.
US07764545B2

An address replacing circuit includes a sub-bank region selecting unit that allows a first sub-bank region or a second sub-bank region to be selectively activated, in response to a row address and first and second bits of a column address in accordance with operation modes a first column region activating unit that generates a first column region activating address and a second column region activating address from the first bit of the column address, a second column region activating unit that generates a third column region activating address and a fourth column region activating address from the second bit of the column address, and a column region selecting unit that allows at least one of first to fourth column regions of the first sub-bank region and first to fourth column regions of the second sub-bank region to be selectively activated, in response to the first to fourth column region activating addresses.
US07764543B2

A memory device and a method of reading multi-bit data stored in a multi-bit cell array may be provided. The memory device may include a multi-bit cell array including a least one memory page with each memory page having a plurality of multi-bit cells, and a determination unit to divide the plurality of multi-bit cells into a first group and second group. The first group may include multi-bit cells with a threshold voltage higher than a reference voltage. The second group may include multi-bit cells with a threshold voltage lower than the reference voltage. The determination unit may sequentially update the first group and second group while changing the reference voltage.
US07764541B2

One time programmable memory devices are disclosed that are programmed using hot carrier induced degradation to alter one or more transistors characteristics. A one time programmable memory device is comprised of an array of transistors. Transistors in the array are selectively programmed using hot carrier induced changes in one or more transistor characteristics, such as changes to the saturation current, threshold voltage or both, of the transistors. The changes to the transistor characteristics are achieved in a similar manner to known hot carrier transistor aging principles. The disclosed one time programmable memory devices are small and programmable at low voltages and small current.
US07764536B2

A method and system for providing a magnetic memory are described. The method and system include a plurality of magnetic storage cells, a plurality of bit lines, at least one reference line, and at least one sense amplifier. Each magnetic storage cell includes magnetic element(s) and selection device(s). The magnetic element(s) are programmable using write current(s) driven through the magnetic element. The bit and source lines correspond to the magnetic storage cells. The sense amplifier(s) are coupled with the bit lines and reference line(s), and include logic and a plurality of stages. The stages include first and second stages. The first stage converts at least current signal to at least one differential voltage signal. The second stage amplifies the at least one differential voltage signal. The logic selectively disables at least one of the first and second stages in the absence of a read operation and enabling the first and second stages during the read operation.
US07764530B2

A memory circuit arrangement and fabrication method thereof are presented in which the parts of the memory circuit arrangement are situated on two different substrates. An integrated memory cell array is situated on one substrate. An integrated control circuit that controls access to the memory cells is situated on the other (logic circuit) substrate. The control circuit controls sequences when reading, writing or erasing content of a memory cell. The logic circuit substrate also contains a CPU and encryption coprocessor. The memory circuit contains a sense amplifier, with the aid of which the memory state of a memory cell can be determined, and a decoding circuit that selects a word or bit line.
US07764525B2

An apparatus of dynamic feedback control charge pump is provided. The apparatus of dynamic feedback control charge pump receives an input voltage through a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator regulates the input voltage to a base voltage according to a control signal. The charge pump receives the base voltage and provides multiple of the base voltage to an output voltage. A feedback unit provides the control signal to the voltage regulator according to the output voltage.
US07764520B2

A power converter control method and apparatus is disclosed. An example power converter controller according to aspects of the present invention includes feedback sampling circuitry to be coupled to an output of a power converter. The feedback sampling circuitry is to generate feedback signal samples after a conduction of a power switch is terminated during enabled switching cycles. Switch conduction control circuitry is coupled to the feedback sampling circuitry. The switch conduction circuitry includes switch conduction enable circuitry that is coupled to enable or disable the conduction of the power switch during a switching cycle in response to the feedback signal samples. The power switch is caused to conduct during at least a portion of an enabled switching cycle and prevented from conducting during an entirety of a disabled switching cycle. Switch conduction termination circuitry is also optionally included in the switch conduction circuitry and is coupled to terminate the conduction of the power switch during enabled switching cycles in response to the current through the power switch. Switch conduction scheduling circuitry is also included in the switch conduction circuitry and is coupled to determine a varying number of future enabled and disabled switching cycles in response to the feedback signal samples from a present switching cycle and one or more past switching cycles.
US07764516B2

A synchronous regulation circuit is provided. A secondary-side switching circuit is coupled to the output of the power converter to generate a synchronous signal and a pulse signal in response to an oscillation signal and a feedback signal. An isolation device transfers the synchronous signal from the secondary side to the primary side of the power converter. A primary-side switching circuit receives the synchronous signal to generate a switching signal for soft switching a transformer. The pulse signal is utilized to control a synchronous switch for rectifying and regulating the power converter. The synchronous switch includes a power switch and a control circuit. The control circuit receives the pulse signal for turning on or off the power switch. The power switch is connected between the transformer and the output of the power converter. A flyback switch is operated as a synchronous rectifier to freewheel the inductor current of the power converter. The flyback switch is turned on in response to the off state of the power switch. The turn-on period of flyback switch is correlated to the turn-on period of the power switch.
US07764515B2

A power converter includes a transformer, a primary switch, an auxiliary switch, first and second resonance capacitors, and a secondary side rectification means. A switch mode power supply is formed to use reflected voltage and parasitic capacitance as an energy source for a transformer resonance. The auxiliary switch effectively exchanges energy between the primary inductance of the transformer and the first and second resonant capacitors. The auxiliary switch effectively switches the transformer resonance between two distinct frequencies. In one embodiment of the invention, the power converter can be, but is not limited to, a flyback converter and further includes a comparator and a driver. The comparator is for detecting the voltage across the second resonance capacitor and the driver is configured to drive the auxiliary switch based on the output state of the comparator. The resonant nature of the converter provides zero voltage (ZVS) for the primary switch as well as for the auxiliary switch.
US07764513B2

Disclosed is a high frequency wave tuner module including a circuit board having an approximately rectangular shape, which is made of ceramic material and a shield cover to shield an interfering wave by covering a circuit part mounted on a board surface of the circuit board, and a position of the shield cover in a height direction with respect to the board surface is determined by fixing the shield cover to the board surface at four corner positions of the circuit board, and a position of the shield cover in a board surface direction with respect to the circuit board is determined by engaging at least two side walls of the shield cover which extend in a thickness direction of the circuit board, with end surfaces of the circuit board, which correspond to the two side walls.
US07764507B2

A portable electronic device (100) includes a circuit board (102) and a subassembly (10) electronically connected to the circuit board. The subassembly includes a flexible printed circuit (FPC) (13), a speaker (11), and a vibrator (12). The FPC is electronically connected to the circuit board. Both the speaker and the vibrator are fixed to the FPC and electronically connected to the FPC to form the subassembly.
US07764506B2

Systems and methods for providing a dynamically modular processing unit. A modular processing unit is provided as a platform that is lightweight, compact, and is configured to be selectively used alone or oriented with one or more additional processing units in an enterprise. In some implementations, a modular processing unit includes a non-peripheral based encasement, a cooling process (e.g., a thermodynamic convection cooling process, a forced air cooling process, and/or a liquid cooling process), an optimized circuit board configuration, optimized processing and memory ratios, and a dynamic back plane that provides increased flexibility and support to peripherals and applications. The modular processing unit is customizable and may be employed in association with all types of computer enterprises. The platform allows for a plethora of modifications that may be made with minimal impact to the dynamically modular unit, thereby enhancing the usefulness of the platform across all type of application.
US07764505B2

The invention relates to a joint which can be subjected to the temperature influences of an external medium (20) and joins an especially ceramic component (2) to an especially metallic component (1). Said joint consists of a first adhesive joint (14) between the metallic component and the ceramic component, and a second adhesive joint (22), the adhesive (16) of the second joint having a higher elasticity than that (10) of the first adhesive joint (14), and the second joint being arranged in such a way that it prevents direct contact between the first adhesive joint (14) and an external medium (20). The inventive joint can preferably be used, for example, preferably in a sensor module of a measuring appliance which can be introduced into a medium to be analyzed.
US07764503B2

A securing device includes a securing member defining a securing hole, and a fastener. The fastener includes a spring, and a bolt having a main portion, a bottom fixing portion, and a top head portion. The securing hole includes an inner portion and an outer portion extending horizontally from the inner portion to an outside. A width of the outer portion is smaller than the fixing portion and larger than the main portion. The main portion enters into the inner portion through the outer portion. The fixing portion abuts against a bottom of the securing member. The spring is compressed between a top of the securing member and the head portion. A concave is depressed from the securing member and surrounds the inner portion. A lower portion of the spring is fittingly received in the concave.
US07764501B2

An electronic device including a base and a pluggable unit is provided. The base includes a first heat sink having a first heat-transfer contacting surface. The pluggable unit includes a second heat sink and a heat source. The second heat sink has a second heat-transfer contacting surface. When the pluggable unit is plugged in the base, the first heat-transfer contacting surface gets in contact with the second heat-transfer contacting surface.
US07764497B2

A transit container, such as a rack-mount style container, includes a temperature control system for maintaining a desired temperature within the container such that any cargo within the container remains operational at selected times and possibly in selected locations. The temperature control system includes support or mounting brackets, a temperature control assembly, shock isolation devices for shock attenuation of the temperature control assembly, exhaust assemblies that include exhaust fans and exhaust/intake louvers, and a mounting plate attachable to a lid of the transit container. The temperature control assembly and the aforementioned components may be arranged to have a low-height profile or envelope, which in turn permits the temperature control system to be located in a cavity or chamber of the lid.
US07764452B2

A cemented lens is produced by cementing a first lens having a concave surface with a second lens having a convex surface. The second lens is placed on the concave surface of the first lens to align the concave surface with the convex surface. Adhesive is dropped in each predetermined place around the second lens by a predetermined quantity to abut against an outer circumferential end of the second lens. The position of the second lens is adjusted. The adhesive is irradiated with ultraviolet light. Thus, the outer circumferential end of the second lens is bonded with the concave surface of the first lens. There is no bonding layer between the cementing surfaces as in the related art. There is no fear that light passes through the bonding layer. It is therefore unnecessary to consider deterioration of optical performance caused by deformation of the adhesive exposed to intensive light.
US07764436B2

A device for light processing includes a first housing having a reflective bottom surface and walls defining a first cavity. A first fluid or gel has a meniscus disposed within the first cavity. A control means is coupled with the first fluid or gel for adjusting the curvature of the meniscus. The bottom surface is configured to reflect an incident light beam through the first fluid or gel and toward the meniscus.
US07764433B2

A system and method for correcting optical aberrations in optical devices, such as wide-field microscopes, optical tweezers and optical media devices, such as DVD drives. The system uses adaptive optics to correct optical aberrations, such as spherical and space-variant aberrations. Spherical aberrations can be corrected using one adaptive optical elements and space-variant aberrations can be corrected using numerous adaptive optical elements in tandem. The adaptive optical elements may be of several types, such as a liquid lenses, deformable membrane mirrors or various liquid crystal phase and amplitude modulators. Adaptive optics can also be used to simultaneously shift the focus of the optical device and correct optical aberrations.
US07764432B2

A laser apparatus (10) has a plurality of light sources (11a to 11c) that include laser array stacks (12a to 12c). Laser beams (32b, 32c) are respectively deflected by a slit mirror (14) and a polarizing beam splitter (16) and synthesized with other laser beams (32a). These laser beams have optical axes that are inclined with respect to each other and slow axis directions that are mutually parallel. A converging optical system (20) converges the laser beams from the respective light sources at positions that are separated along a direction perpendicular to the slow axis directions.
US07764431B2

A head mounted display is disclosed that utilizes a single video display screen to transport images to both eyes. Multiple reflections are created by illuminating the display screen form a plurality of directions, or by illuminating the display screen with light beams of differing polarizations. The reflections of the display screen are focused in order to reduce the splitting volume and then redirected by a plurality of reflective surfaces located near the focal point of the display images. Different images may be sent to each eye of a user by interlacing multiple data streams for the display and linking each data stream with a specific illumination direction, or specific polarization.
US07764427B2

An optical system, such as, for example, an illumination system or a projection lens of a microlithographic exposure system. The optical system can have an optical axis and include at least one optical element that includes an optically uniaxial material having, for an operating wavelength of the optical system, an ordinary refractive index no and an extraordinary refractive index ne. The extraordinary refractive index ne can be larger than the ordinary refractive index no. The optical element can absorb, at least for light rays of the operating wavelength entering the optical element with respect to the optical axis under an angle of incidence that lies within a certain angle region, a p-polarized component of the light rays significantly stronger than a s-polarized component of the light rays.
US07764421B2

A wavelength-converted light generating apparatus 1A includes: an excitation light source 10 supplying excitation light L0 of a predetermined wavelength; and a wavelength conversion element 20, in which an aggregate 22 of crystals of a dye molecule is held by a holding substrate 21 and which, by incidence of the excitation light L0, generates converted light L1 that has been wavelength-converted. The excitation light source 10 supplies the excitation light L0 of a wavelength longer than an absorption edge of the dye molecule to the wavelength conversion element 20. The wavelength conversion element 20, by incidence of the excitation light L0 on the crystal aggregate 22, generates and outputs the converted light (for example, visible light) L1 that has been wavelength-converted to a shorter wavelength than the excitation light (for example, near-infrared light) L0. A wavelength-converted light generating apparatus and generating method capable of favorably generating light of a shorter wavelength than incident light of a predetermined wavelength by wavelength conversion is thus realized.
US07764419B2

The preservation method of microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices according to the present invention includes preserving microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices in a water-based medium having an electric conductivity of 500 μS/cm or lower. The preservation under such conditions makes it possible to preserve microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices over a long period of time without deteriorating their electrophoretic properties. The microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices, which have been preserved by the preservation method of the present invention, can be used, as its applications, for sheets for electrophoretic display devices and electrophoretic display devices using the sheets.
US07764417B1

An adaptive optics system is provided, comprising a spatial light modulator configured to modulate an incoming beam with an aberrated wavefront, a beamsplitter configured to receive the modulated beam from the spatial light modulator and to divide the modulated beam into a measurement beam and a reference beam, a spatial filter configured to spatially filter the reference beam, and to interfere the spatially filtered reference beam with the measurement beam to form an interferogram, an imaging device configured to capture an image of the interferogram, and a processor configured to determine the aberrated wavefront and to provide control signals to the spatial light modulator to mitigate aberrations in the aberrated wavefront.
US07764416B2

An electrode is described. The electrode includes a substrate having a first and a second surface, a conductive layer, multilayer structure having alternating layers of at least one polymer layer and at least one electroactive chemical bound nanoparticle layer. The conductive layer is disposed on the second surface of the substrate, and the multilayer structure is disposed on the conductive layer.
US07764408B2

A document reading apparatus includes a document feed device configured to separate documents and to feed the documents one by one from a paper feed tray, an image reading device configured to read an image of each the documents at a reading position provided on a reading glass plate, and a document holding member arranged on a front surface side of the reading glass plate at a position opposing the image reading device. The document reading apparatus also includes a first and a second reading pattern mark provided on the document holding member at a first and second position opposing the surface of the reading glass plate, respectively. The first and second reading pattern marks have a length which is greater than a width of each of the documents. Moreover, the document reading apparatus includes a control device configured to determine the width of each of the documents by determining a first and second boundary of a left side edge and right side edge of the documents with respect to the first and second reading pattern marks when each of the documents passes over the first position and the second position.
US07764406B2

An image forming apparatus includes a sheet discharge unit, a reading unit disposed above the sheet discharge unit, an operating panel, and an opening portion formed between the reading unit and the sheet mount unit such that the sheet can be taken out from the front side of the apparatus. The operating panel extends to the front side of the apparatus in the reading unit so that the tip thereof is located at the same position as the front end portion side of the sheet mount unit or projects from the front end portion side. There is provided an area where the projection amount from the reading unit is set to be smaller than the maximum projection amount of the operating panel.
US07764405B2

An image processing device includes an analog processing unit configured to perform line-clamping on an analog electric signal representing image data and to output the line-clamped analog electric signal as an analog image signal, and a fixed electric potential supplying unit configured to supply a fixed electric potential. There is also a variable electric potential supplying unit configured to supply a variable electric potential, a first switch configured to start and stop the line-clamping, and a second switch configured to select the fixed electric potential or the variable electric potential. The image processing device is configured to turn on the first switch at such a timing that an influence of a distorted response waveform, which distorted response waveform is generated when the variable electric potential is switched to the fixed electric potential by the second switch, is reduced.
US07764404B2

When an image including a specific image is created and stored, it is determined whether or not the height/width ratio of the specific image has been changed by a user in the image that includes the specific image. Whether or not to store the image including the specific image is controlled based on the results of the determination.
US07764400B2

A method for representing out of gamut colors in a original printed image for an output device includes sampling the original printed image to identify colors for the original image, comparing the identified colors of the sampled original printed image with an output profile of an output device to identify out of gamut colors for the output device, and displaying a preview of the original printed image in which out of gamut colors for the output device are identified.
US07764392B2

An image transmission apparatus, which is capable of transmitting image data via a network and via a public line, including an image data input section capable of inputting the image data in a color mode and in a monochrome mode; a destination designation section for receiving a destination designation of broadcast transmission; a determination section for determining whether a destination, which is incapable of receiving the image data transmitted via the network, is included in destinations having been received by the destination designation section; and a transmission control section which allows the image data input section to input the image data relating to the broadcast transmission in a monochrome mode, and transmits the image data to each destination of the broadcast transmission, when the determining section determines that the destination incapable of receiving the image data transmitted via the network is included.
US07764391B2

A facsimile apparatus configured to exchange email data via a network includes a system control unit which controls an operation of the facsimile apparatus, a communication management unit which stores communication management information in response to occurrence of a facsimile communication, an address registration unit which registers an email address to which email is transmitted, and a data-format conversion unit which converts the communication management information stored in the communication management unit into data in a text format, wherein the system control unit sends the communication management information in the text format to the email address registered in the address registration unit by email.
US07764385B1

A system for aligning a segmented mirror includes a source of radiation directed along a first axis to the segmented mirror and a beamsplitter removably inserted along the first axis for redirecting radiation from the first axis to a second axis, substantially perpendicular to the first axis. An imaging array is positioned along the second axis for imaging the redirected radiation, and a knife-edge configured for cutting the redirected radiation is serially positioned to occlude and not occlude the redirected radiation, effectively providing a variable radiation pattern detected by the imaging array for aligning the segmented mirror.
US07764380B2

A hair-detection device with a source of electromagnetic radiation, an imaging sensor and a radiation selection means. The selection means improves a ratio between a part of emitted radiation that is coupled into a skin which reaches the sensor and thus provides an image of the skin, and the part that reaches the sensor via other ways, such as reflection at the skin surface. The radiation may have a wavelength between about 700 nm and 1100 nm. The radiation selection means may for example include a separate wall around at least one of the source and the sensor, such as crossed polarizers. By means of this selection, the contrast of the image may be improved, and may be made less dependent on skin color and skin artifacts, thus enabling easier detection of for example, white hairs on a fair skin.
US07764349B2

An array substrate for an in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device and its fabrication method are discussed. According to an embodiment, the array substrate includes a gate line and a data line crossing the gate line on a base substrate, so as to define a pixel region; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed in the pixel region and connected to the thin film transistor; a common line extending substantially parallel to the gate line; and a plurality of common electrodes alternately arranged with the plurality of pixel electrodes in the pixel region, wherein the plurality of common electrodes include at least one first common electrode adjacent to the data line and connected to the common line, and at least one second common electrode extending substantially parallel to the date line and not directly connected to the common line.
US07764346B2

A liquid crystal display device comprising: a peripheral electrode 31 that is formed around the outside of a display region 1a on a liquid crystal panel 1 and that generates an orientation state that is equivalent to that of the display region 1a; and an inverted electrode 32 that is formed around the outside of the peripheral electrode 31 and that generates an orientation state that has polarity opposite to that of the display region 1a; wherein the peripheral electrode 31 and the inverted electrode 32 have bipectinate construction and are arranged on both sides of a non-oriented buffer region 33. Orientation defects that are generated in a seal are trapped inside the buffer region 33 due to the existence of the peripheral electrode 31 and inverted electrode 32 that have different growth directions, so the orientation defects do not intrude into the display region 1a.
US07764340B2

An optical interference filter whose major component is a film member. The film member includes a plurality of window regions arranged discretely in a surface direction selectively transmit, using an effect of optical interference, light having a waveband that substantially belongs to a visible spectrum, the plurality of window regions being arranged discretely in the surface direction, and one or more boundary regions selectively transmit, using the effect of the optical interference, light having a waveband that substantially belongs to an invisible spectrum excluding the visible spectrum, the one or more the boundary regions being located between adjacent window regions.
US07764316B2

A CCD containing circuit and method for making the same. The circuit includes a CCD array and a protection circuit. The CCD array is constructed on an integrated circuit substrate and includes a plurality of gate electrodes that are insulated from the substrate by an insulating layer. The gate electrodes are connected to a conductor bonded to the substrate. The protection circuit is also constructed on the substrate. The protection circuit is connected to the conductor and to the substrate and protects the CCD array from both negative and positive voltage swings generated by electrostatic discharge events and the like. The protection circuit and the CCD can be constructed in the same integrated circuit fabrication process.
US07764313B2

An image capturing apparatus is provided having an auto-focusing device and an image displaying device. The auto-focusing device focuses a lens on a photographing object automatically. The image displaying device displays an input image which corresponds to the photographing object and is updated periodically in a display, and displays an ornament image which covers all or part of the circumference of the input image in the display. The image displaying device displays the parts of the input image superimposed by the ornament image before said auto-focusing device finishes focusing the lens on a photographing object due to the ornament image semi-transparency, and displays the ornament image superimposed with opaque on parts of the input image after said auto-focusing device has focused the lens on a photographing object.
US07764312B2

Even when the light intensity of the light source varies, the flicker correction can thus be made flexibly. The present invention provides a flicker correction method comprising the steps of predicting, from an image of a present flicker-corrected frame, a flicker of an image of a next frame to generate two types of flicker images having flickers different in level from each other added thereto, detecting a flicker component through comparison between the generated two types of flicker images and an image of an input next frame, generating a flicker correction value on the basis of the detected flicker component, and making flicker correction by adding the generated flicker correction value to an input image frame by frame.
US07764310B2

An apparatus takes in a plurality of still image frames, to generate an interpolated image frame. Next, moving addition of the still image frame and an interpolated image frame is performed in time-axis direction, to generate a superimposed image frame. At this time, high spatial frequency components in the superimposed image frame are suppressed strongly as alienation of motion between the still image frames becomes larger. Movie is reproduced by sandwiching these superimposed image frames between the still image frames. As a result of this, the movie reproduction with smooth motion is made possible even from a group of the still images photographed by an electronics still camera and the like.
US07764296B2

A charge source is used to create a latent image on an imaging surface. A volume between the charge source and the imaging surface may be pressurized while the latent image is being created.
US07764292B2

The present invention provides a three dimensional graphics processing apparatus for performing an anti-aliasing processing in an sufficient manner, without using the conventional area DDA, by using a line buffer as an area for storing display image data to reduce the required memory area, while the increase of the calculation time is restricted by performing calculation suitable for the polygon edge without degrading the precision of the calculation. In the three dimensional graphics processing apparatus, the coordinates of the intersection points between the polygon edge and the scanning lines are calculated from information on the starting vertex and the ending vertex of the polygon edge and information on the scanning lines. The calculation method is changed in accordance with the characteristics of the polygon edge. Further, a blending coefficient for the anti-aliasing process is obtained by calculating an area ratio of an internal region of the polygon occupied within a pixel.
US07764290B2

An external memory system for use with an imaging system, and methods for archiving digital content are provided. The external memory system has a communications link adapted to exchange data with the imaging system; an archival memory device interface adapted to store data using an archival memory; and an external memory system processor adapted to automatically obtain content data files from the imaging system that have not yet been stored by the external memory system, to prepare the obtained content data files for archival storage and to cause the archival memory device interface to store the prepared content data files without guidance from an ancillary device; wherein said external memory system processor maintains a record of each content data file that has been stored using the external memory system and wherein the external memory system processor uses the record to identify content data files that have not yet been stored.
US07764288B2

A method for a computer system includes determining an animation response subspace within an animation response space for an animation variable responsive to training data for the animation variable, determining calculation key points for navigating within the animation response subspace, calculating animation response values for the calculation key points in response to input data for the animation variable, predicting animation response values for points within the animation response space in response to animation response values for calculation key points, determining a difference between a predicted animation response value and a calculated animation response value for a point in the points and in the calculation key points, and when the difference exceeds a first difference, combining the predicted animation response value and the calculated animation response value to form the animation response value for the point.
US07764284B2

In a method and system for aligning first and second images with a 3D reference model, the first image is gathered from a first viewpoint, the second image is gathered from a second viewpoint and the first and second images are aligned with the 3D reference model. The image alignment comprises computing prediction error information using the first and second images and the 3D reference model, and minimizing the prediction error. A method and system for detecting and localizing 3D changes in a scene use the above method and system for aligning first and second images with a 3D reference model, determine, in response to the prediction error information and for a model feature of the 3D reference model, whether the prediction error is greater than a selected threshold, and identify the model feature as a 3D change when the prediction error is greater than the selected threshold. Finally, in a method and system for evaluating detected 3D changes, the above method and system for detecting and localizing 3D changes in a scene are used, and the importance of the detected 3D changes is evaluated.
US07764274B2

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
US07764273B2

A touch panel includes a TFT array having a plurality of thin film transistors; a plurality of signal lines disposed within the TFT array, each of the signal lines being electrically connected to a respective one of the transistors; a transparent conductive pattern layer disposed above the plurality of signal lines and electrically connected to each of the transistors; a flexible conductive layer; and a spacing pattern layer supporting flexible conductive layer to space the flexible conductive layer apart from the transparent conductive pattern layer. When pressure is applied onto the flexible conductive layer, the flexible conductive layer contacts the transparent conductive pattern layer to transmit an electrical signal via the signal lines into the TFTs to indicate the point of contact.
US07764271B2

Manufacturing an optical module includes providing a frame, attaching a light-emitting diode chip and a sensor chip to the frame, and forming overcoats on the light-emitting diode chip and the sensor chip. Each of the overcoats includes a lens. The overcoats can prevent internal chips from being damaged and suffering dust contamination during manufacture.
US07764268B2

Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback in a user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a manipulandum, a rotor in communication with the manipulandum, an actuator in communication with the rotor, and a biasing element disposed between the manipulandum and the rotor. The actuator may be configured to vary a force on the rotor. The biasing element may be configured to store at least a portion of energy input to the apparatus when the actuator increases the force on the rotor, and to provide at least a portion of the stored energy to the manipulandum when the actuator decreases the force on the rotor, or when the manipulandum is released.
US07764266B2

In the liquid crystal display device having a back-light source for illumination, image data is provided to the panel in successive frames such that the optical response of the liquid crystal in each pixel within a frame period has an impulse-like shape. The back-light source is controlled to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel such that the illumination is provided to the pixels for only part of the frame period. The optical response curve has a rising portion followed by a falling portion, and the back-light source is controlled by a timing control module such that the back-light is turned off at least when the optical response curve is in the falling portion. It is also possible to remove the image data from the pixels, or to control the charging and discharging of the electrodes to produce the impulse-like shape.
US07764265B2

The present invention relates to a driving apparatus for a display device and a display device including the same, as well as a method of driving a display device. The driving apparatus for a display device including a plurality of pixels each with a switching element has a driving voltage generator for generating a first driving voltage at a temperature higher than a reference temperature relative to a predetermined ambient temperature and a second driving voltage higher than the first driving voltage at a temperature lower than the reference temperature, and a gate signal generator for generating a plurality of gate voltages based on the driving voltage. In this manner, power consumption can be reduced by increasing a driving voltage only at a temperature that requires low temperature driving.
US07764262B2

A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel; a mth gate line, a (m+1)th gate line, a (m+2)th gate line and a (m+3)th gate line in the liquid crystal panel, wherein m is a natural number; at least one data line crossing the mth gate line, the (m+1)th gate line, the (m+2)th gate line and the (m+3)th gate line; a timing controller generating a data signal, a control signal, a first flicker signal and a second flicker signal; a gate driver generating a mth gate signal and a (m+2)th gate signal using the first flicker signal and generating a (m+1)th gate signal and a (m+3)th gate signal using the second flicker signal, the mth gate signal and the (m+2)th gate signal being supplied to the mth gate line and the (m+2)th gate line, respectively, the (m+1)th gate signal and the (m+3)th gate signal being supplied to the (m+1)th gate line and the (m+3)th gate line, respectively.
US07764256B2

An apparatus for overdrive computation and method therefor. The overdrive computation apparatus is used for generating a desired overdrive gray-level value and includes first and second addition/subtraction devices, a priority encoder, and a computation device. The first addition/subtraction device outputs a difference value indicating difference between a first overdrive gray-level value OD1 and a second overdrive gray-level value OD2. The priority encoder determines a decision signal according to the difference value. The computation device receives first gray-level data, determines a first computation according to the decision signal, and performs the first computation on the first gray-level data to output operated gray-level data. The first gray-level data indicates a value lying between the ith first gray-level index value X(i) and the (i+1)th first gray-level index value X(i+1). The second addition/subtraction device receives the operated gray-level data and the first overdrive gray-level value OD1 to produce the desired overdrive gray-level value.
US07764254B2

An electro-optical device includes a first sub pixel and a second sub pixel. A pixel is configured by the first sub pixel and the second sub pixel only, and the first sub pixel and the second sub pixel emit light of different colors.
US07764251B2

A display apparatus includes: a pixel array section including a row of scanning lines, a column of signal lines, and pixels in a matrix, with each of the pixels disposed at an intersection of both of the lines; and a drive section. The drive section performs line progressive scanning on the pixels. The pixel includes a light emitting device, a sampling transistor, a driving transistor, a switching transistor, and a holding capacitor. The sampling transistor samples a video signal in the holding capacitor, the driving transistor changes the device to a luminous state, the switching transistor becomes ON in advance of the sampling of the video signal to change the light emitting device to a non-luminous state, and the sampling transistor takes in the OFF voltage from the signal line to the driving transistor, thereby preventing a penetration current from flowing from the power source toward the fixed potential.
US07764248B2

In a display in which pixel circuits each including a drive transistor, switching transistors and a capacitor are arranged in rows and columns, two-stage mobility correction is implemented in which mobility correction with an intermediate grayscale level (gray level) is executed before mobility correction is executed with an input signal (Vsig) level being written to the gate of the drive transistor when the switching transistor is in the conducting state. Thus, even if the mobility correction period is constant, mobility correction can be implemented for all the grayscales within the mobility correction period. This feature allows achievement of a uniform image quality free from streaks and unevenness attributed to variation in the mobility from pixel to pixel.
US07764242B2

A broadband antenna system includes a ground plane, a metal plate parallel to the ground plane, and constituting a capacitance load against the ground plane, and a radiation structure connected perpendicularly to the ground plane and the metal plate. The radiation structure includes a feed conductor to supply an electric signal, a short-circuit stub to transfer the supplied electric signal to the ground plane, a conducting bridge to interconnect the feed conductor and the short-circuit stub, which is separated from the metal plate, and a radiating conductor connected to the ground plane the metal plate, and coupled to the supplied electric signal to thereby radiate electromagnetic waves.
US07764236B2

Broadband antennas and handheld electronic devices with broadband antennas are provided. A handheld electronic device has integrated circuits, a display, and a battery mounted within a housing. The housing has a planar inner surface. A broadband antenna for the handheld electronic device has a ground element and a resonating element. The ground element and resonating element may have the same shape and may have the same size. The ground element and resonating element may lie in a common plane and be separated by a gap that lies in the common plane. The plane in which the ground element and resonating element lie may be parallel to the planar inner surface of the housing. Electronic components such as the integrated circuits, display, and battery can be mounted in the handheld device so that they do not overlap the gap between the ground element and the resonating element.
US07764234B2

An antenna structure is disposed on a substrate. The antenna structure includes a -shaped radiation body and a first radiation body, and both share a feeding end and a grounding end. The feeding end and the grounding end are disposed to a side edge of the -shaped radiation body. The positions of the feeding end and the grounding end allow the -shaped radiation body to form the operation of two frequency bands. Moreover, the first radiation body is vertically extended from the side edge near the feeding end disposed to the -shaped radiation body, and continuously extended from an end to keep a spacing between periphery of the -shaped radiation body and the first radiation body, and extended to a front of an opening of the -shaped radiation body, thereby vertically extending toward the opening. Therefore, the first radiation body could provide the operation of another frequency band.
US07764233B2

The present invention discloses an antenna adapted for use in a wireless network device. The antenna includes a base and two antenna portions. Each antenna portion includes a radiation section and a ground section. The ground sections of the two antenna portions are connected with the same base and substantially perpendicular to the base. The radiation section is connected with the ground section and substantially parallel to the base with a difference in height formed between the radiation section and the base. The antenna is a single component integrally formed by stamping an electrically conductive thin metal plate, which not only facilitates fabrication thereof, but also the assembly of the antenna to a substrate of the wireless network device, thereby increasing the gain of the wireless network device along a vertical direction.
US07764230B2

According to a method for localizing a transmitter inside a building, a transmitter emits rays which undergo multiple reflections with the walls, ceilings and floors of the building. Each of K receivers receives rays from the transmitter, and the receivers estimates the AOA (Angle of arrival), TOA (Time of Arrival) and power of each ray. At least one of the receivers uses a known blueprint of the building and material characteristics of the walls to localize the transmitter to a higher degree of accuracy by applying a backward ray tracing algorithm.
US07764226B1

Disclosed is a system and method for processing signals received from different global navigation satellite systems. The receiver includes a number of universal digital channels. The universal digital channel can be used to receive and process different code signals of each of the three navigation satellite systems GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO. The universal digital channels have the same structure. Each of them can be tuned to receive different signals. The core of the universal digital channel is a code generator and a universal strobe generator.
US07764225B2

For enhancing the transmission of time related information, a message is received or assembled, which includes a reference time identifier. The received or assembled message is provided for transmission. At a receiving end, the reference time identifier and additional information are extracted from a received message, and the additional information is processed taking account of the reference time identifier. Alternatively or in addition, the message may include a reference time, which is indicated in units of seconds.
US07764221B2

An apparatus includes a plurality of sensor modules that are disposed at spacings with respect to one another, each sensor module having a local oscillator device. The oscillator device generates an oscillator signal that is passed on to a transmit/receive device, and the oscillator signal is radiated. The transmit/receive device is set up such that it can receive signals reflected from the object. A phase detection device is coupled at one input to the oscillator device and at a second input to the transmit/receive device. Based on the oscillator signal and the received reflected signals, the phase detection device determines a phase signal. A control and signal-processing device determines, based on the spacings of the sensor modules with respect to one another and the phase signals, a direction of the object with respect to the sensor module.
US07764219B2

A radar/laser emission detector is augmented with a cellular communications capability to provide the capability to share emission detection information amongst drivers to give other drivers even more advanced warning. A network of a plurality of cellular augmented radar/laser emission detector devices may be formed, each having the capability to source the location of radar or laser emission detections to others requesting access to such information, and each being warned when within a proximity of a recent radar or laser emission detection reported by at least one of the plurality of hybrid radar/laser detector devices.
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