US07815711B2
Improved method for separating gases from a gas mixture, whereby the gas mixture to be treated is led through a membrane separator (3) by means of a compressor installation (2) and whereby the compressed gas mixture to be treated is cooled in the compressor installation (2), among others in order to separate condensate from the gas mixture, after which, as it leaves the compressor installation (2), it will be re-heated before it ends up in the membrane separator (3), characterized in that, in order to re-heat the gas mixture to be treated as it leaves the compressor installation (2), use is made of the recuperation heat of the compressor installation (2) itself.
US07815708B2
The invention relates to a process for the separation and recovery of non-ferrous metals from zinc-bearing residues, in particular from residues produced by the zinc manufacturing industry. The process comprises the steps of: —subjecting the residue to a flash or agitated bath fuming step, thereby producing an Fe bearing slag and Zn- and Pb-bearing fumes; and —extracting the Zn- and Pb-bearing fumes and valorising Zn and Pb; characterised in that CaO, SiO2 and MgO are added as a flux before or during the fuming step so as to obtain a final slag composition with: formula (I) all concentrations being expressed in wt %. The invention also relates to a single-chamber reactor for Zn-fuming equipped with one or more submerged plasma torches as heat and gas sources. [ Fe ] [ SiO 2 ] + [ CaO ] [ SiO 2 ] + [ MgO ] 3 > 3.5 ; 0.1 < [ CaO ] [ SiO 2 ] < 1.3 ; and 6 < [ SiO 2 ] < 22 , ( I )
US07815690B2
A composition which provides stain resistance and soil resistance to substrates comprising a copolymer of Formula 1 is disclosed, wherein D, M, R, Rf, x, k, h, i and j are defined as in claim 1.
US07815675B2
A stent for use in a bifurcated body lumen having a main branch and a side branch. The stent comprises a radially expandable generally tubular stent body having proximal and distal opposing ends with a body wall having a surface extending therebetween. The surface has a geometrical configuration defining a first pattern, and the first pattern has first pattern struts and connectors arranged in a predetermined configuration. The stent also comprises a branch portion comprised of a second pattern, wherein the branch portion is outwardly expandable from the stent body.
US07815674B1
An elongated generally cylindrical stent, fabricated of a resilient material, has a pair of side ends with a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end has a central spine along the entire extent of the stent. The central spine has a plurality of interleafing ribs. Each rib has a lower end coupled to the central spine and an upper free end. A holding sleeve shaped in an elongated, generally cylindrical configuration is fabricated of a resilient material. The sleeve is hollow with an inside cylindrical surface and an outside cylindrical surface and has an open application end.
US07815668B2
In a first aspect, a therapy device is provided. The therapy device includes (1) a hyperbaric chamber adapted to expose at least a target tissue area of a patient to a hyperbaric environment; and (2) a light therapy device adapted to expose the target tissue area of the patient to one or more doses of light energy while the target tissue area is within the hyperbaric chamber. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US07815660B2
A separate deliverable embolic protection device filter that attaches to a helical coil at a distal end of a conventional guide, for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filter assembly with a proximal end and a distal end, and a guide wire connector attached to the distal end of the filter assembly. The guide wire connector is able to couple with the helical coil of the guide wire. A restraining sheath placed over the filter assembly in a coaxial arrangement maintains the filter assembly in a collapsed position and delivers the filter assembly separately to the helical coil of the guide wire, and then the guide wire connector is joined to the helical coil. Alternatively, the guide wire can include a rotatable coil section forming a portion of the distal tip coil on the guide wire which is adapted to be coupled to the filter assembly. This arrangement allows the filter assembly to be rotatably mounted onto the guide wire.
US07815658B2
An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a vibrator-assembly which generates ultrasonic vibration, a probe which is detachably mounted to the vibrator-assembly, and has a treatment-portion which performs treatment of a biological tissue in a distal end portion, and a main-body-unit-assembly to which the vibrator-assembly and the probe are detachably mounted, and in which the biological tissue is treated with the treatment-portion when an operator operates the main-body-unit-assembly while the probe is amounted. The main-body-unit-assembly includes a treatment-assembly which has an action-portion in a distal end portion facing the treatment-portion of the probe, and a handle-assembly which is detachably mounted to a proximal end portion of the treatment-assembly, and which brings the action-portion into contact with the treatment-portion of the probe or separates the action-portion from the treatment-portion while the handle-assembly is mounted to the proximal end portion of the treatment-assembly.
US07815654B2
A suturing instrument is configured for to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, or endoscopic surgical procedures. The suturing instrument includes an elongate body member, a needle exit port, a needle receiving port, and a needle deployment mechanism. The suturing instrument eliminates the need for a preassembled needle and suture and reduces or eliminates the possibility of needle loss during suturing.
US07815653B2
A method of implanting a device to maintain a plication within a hollow organ. The method uses an elongated member having an end effector at its distal end. The end effector has an outer cylinder having at least one opening, and an inner cylinder having at least one opening. The inner cylinder is at least partially disposed within the outer cylinder and the cylinders are rotatable with respect to each other. The end effector is detachable from the elongated member such that it can remain within the body cavity. The method involves the step of inserting the end effector within the organ of a patient such that it is in contact with tissue. The method also involves the step of applying vacuum through the elongated member so as to dispose tissue within the inner cylinder. The method also involves the step of creating a plication by rotating the cylinders with respect to each other. The method also involves the step of detaching the end effector from the elongated member.
US07815651B2
Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.
US07815639B2
A urological resectoscope (1) including a tubular, metallic external stem (2) fitted with holes (3) in its distal end zone, a tubular insulating element (7, 27, 37, 47) being affixed distally to the external stem, further including a tubular internal stem (8) configured within the external stem and resting against it in a sealing manner and an electrode support (13) longitudinally displaceable inside the internal stem and supporting a cutting loop (15) in the region of the insulating element (7, 27, 37, 47). The insulating element (7, 27, 37, 47) is configured in a longitudinally mutually overlapping manner within an affixation zone (6) and the insulating element (7, 27, 37, 47) exhibiting a wall thickness distally from the affixation zone (6) larger than the wall thickness of the external stem (2), wherein the inside diameter of the insulating element (27, 47) is the same as the inside diameter of the external stem (2).
US07815638B2
An applicator for an electrosurgical instrument, alternatively for argon-plasma coagulation and cutting, also argon-supported. The applicator includes a gas and high frequency current terminal, a cutting electrode attached to a gas and high frequency current supply pipe, an insulating cap for detachably fastening the applicator on the instrument handle, and an insulating casing tube displaceable relative to the applicator common longitudinal axis for exposing or covering the cutting electrode and surrounding the gas and high frequency current supply pipe over a longitudinal section, and a collar or an external right-angle bend at the casing tube distal end. At least one radially surrounding gas-sealing inhibiting device is arranged between an inside of the casing tube and an outside of the gas and high frequency current supply pipe, allowing that a respective position be frictionally fixed at any location of the displacement path of the casing tube.
US07815633B2
Hair is permanently removed from a patient's skin by transcutaneously focusing high intensity acoustic energy at a hair follicle and applying sufficient energy to destroy the follicle, whereby hair is removed and regrowth is prevented. Typically, a region of a patient's skin would be ultrasonically imaged to show the location of a plurality of individual hair follicles. The individual imaged hair follicles are then treated using a system which automatically directs the high intensity acoustic energy at each follicle.
US07815631B2
An orientation method for corrective eye surgery that registers pairs of eye images taken at different times and with the patient in different positions includes retrieving reference digital image data on an eye of the patient, including image data on an extracorneal eye feature. Real-time image data are collected that include image data on the extracorneal eye feature. A combined image is displayed of a superposition of the data sets, and a determination is made as to whether the combined image indicates an adequate registration between them based upon the extracorneal eye feature data in the two data sets. If the registration is not adequate, one of the data sets is manipulated until an adequate registration is achieved. A system is directed to apparatus and software for orienting a corrective program for eye surgery.
US07815623B2
Described herein are cannulas having a stepped exterior. Also described are methods of making and using these cannulas, for example to deliver one or more materials to the central nervous system of an animal.
US07815622B2
A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module.
US07815621B2
A system allows for the safe, rapid, efficient recovery of a drug solution from sealed vials. The system is closed so that highly potent compounds can later be recovered and reworked without large investment in further engineering controls. The system includes three main components: a recovery device that holds sealed vials containing a solution, and provides means to access the contents of the vials; a peristaltic pump that pumps solution out of the vials; and a recovery tank that receives the pumped solution.
US07815612B2
An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. The occluder may also be configured to allow flow when the infusion set adjacent the occluder is moved sideways relative to the occluder or maintained at an angle relative to the occluder. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an in-line pump may be formed.
US07815607B2
An insertion device for an infusion set, the device including a retention means by which the infusion set can be temporarily held on the device and drive means including a pretensionable spring for providing drive energy for an insertion movement of the infusion set, wherein the infusion set is secured by the retention means by clamping when the retention means is in an engage position and can then be moved, with simultaneous pretensioning of the spring, to an insertion movement starting position, wherein the infusion set is already separated from the retention means at the start of the insertion movement, and wherein the infusion set moves through at least part of the insertion movement free of the retention means.
US07815606B2
A syringe adapter assembly comprises an adapter body and a ram extender. In one embodiment, the adapter body (12) is attached to an injector by a rear connector plate (50). In a second aspect, the adapter body (12, 122) may comprise a drain hole (130) and/or sealing ring (140). In another aspect, the invention comprises a cleaning member (200) having a body (204) and a plurality of cleaning members (210, 220, 230) extending therefrom.
US07815601B2
Methods of and devices for palliating gastrointestinal strictures using rapid exchange type enteral stent placement catheters. The catheter may include an inner member and an outer member, with the two members being slidable with respect to one another. In various device embodiments, a ramp for directing a guidewire out from within the catheter is provided using portions of the outer member or a shaped mandrel. The inner member may take a number of forms, including a tubular distal portion, a skived or integrally attached elongate midsection, and a proximal portion. A mandrel can be used in a portion proximal of the guidewire ramp, with the mandrel taking one of several disclosed forms.
US07815597B2
Stuttering-treatment techniques using neural stimulation and/or drug delivery. One or more electrodes and/or a catheter are implanted adjacent to sites in the brain. A signal generator and the electrode deliver stimulation to a first site. A pump and the catheter deliver one or more therapeutic drugs to a second site. The first and second sites could be: the supplementary motor area, the centromedian circuit, the dorsomedial nuclei, the lateral prefrontal circuit, or other paramedian thalamic and midbrain nuclei. The stuttering treatment could be performed via periodic transcranial magnetic stimulation. A sensor, located near the patient's vocal folds, can be used for generating a signal responsive to activity of the patient's speech-producing muscles. A controller adjusts one or more stimulation parameters in response to the signal from the sensor.
US07815591B2
The present invention relates to methods and articles for anchoring within a natural bodily lumen. An anchor is adapted to provide differing radially-outward forces along its length, a securing force and a transitional force. Production of these forces can be controlled by varying a physical property of the anchor, such as its stiffness, thickness, or shape. For example, the stiffness of an elongated anchor can be varied from a relatively soft value at its proximal and distal ends to a relatively stiff value at its center by varying the diameter of wire forming the anchor, thereby tailoring it to an intended application. Such force tailoring can be combined with external barbs and used to reliably anchor other instruments, such as feeding tubes and intestinal sleeves.
US07815587B2
A below-knee orthosis with fastening devices for fastening the orthosis to the foot and to the lower leg includes an L-shaped support spring made of a resilient material. The L-shaped support spring has an upright branch that defines a contact plane, and is intended to bear on the dorsal aspect of the lower leg. The lower end of the upright branch is adjoined by a horizontal branch designed to engage under the foot. The below-knee orthosis allows for an improved heel-to-toe behavior in the material of the support spring which takes into account the natural outward position of the foot by the upright branch being twisted in the lower area in such a way that the horizontal branch continuing the lower end is turned outward by an angle α from the plane lying perpendicular to the contact plane of the upright branch above the twisted lower area.
US07815578B2
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining a dynamical property of the systemic or pulmonary arterial tree using long time scale information, i.e., information obtained from measurements over time scales greater than a single cardiac cycle. In one aspect, the invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring cardiac output (CO) from a single blood pressure signal measurement obtained at any site in the systemic or pulmonary arterial tree or from any related measurement including, for example, fingertip photoplethysmography.According to the method the time constant of the arterial tree, defined to be the product of the total peripheral resistance (TPR) and the nearly constant arterial compliance, is determined by analyzing the long time scale variations (greater than a single cardiac cycle) in any of these blood pressure signals. Then, according to Ohm's law, a value proportional to CO may be determined from the ratio of the blood pressure signal to the estimated time constant. The proportional CO values derived from this method may be calibrated to absolute CO, if desired, with a single, absolute measure of CO (e.g., thermodilution). The present invention may be applied to invasive radial arterial blood pressure or pulmonary arterial blood pressure signals which are routinely measured in intensive care units and surgical suites or to noninvasively measured peripheral arterial blood pressure signals or related noninvasively measured signals in order to facilitate the clinical monitoring of CO as well as TPR.
US07815576B2
A method for determining haemodynamic parameters from patient pressure signals includes receiving patient pressure signals from a measurement receiver to which vessel pressures measured in the body of a patient are supplied, selecting and determining a patient pressure signal as reference pressure signal from the patient pressure signals sent from the measurement receiver, dividing the patient pressure signals and reference pressure signal into segments, and examining these segments for artifacts with methods in the time range by using the first derivative with respect to time of the pressure signals wherein artifact afflicted segments are discarded. The method further includes determining the start and end of a heart beat by the reference pressure signal and using the non-discarded segments of the patient pressure signals for calculating haemodynamic parameters.
US07815574B2
Systems and methods for noninvasive assessment of cardiac tissue properties and cardiac parameters using ultrasound techniques are disclosed. Determinations of myocardial tissue stiffness, tension, strain, strain rate, and the like, may be used to assess myocardial contractility, myocardial ischemia and infarction, ventricular filling and atrial pressures, and diastolic functions. Non-invasive systems in which acoustic techniques, such as ultrasound, are employed to acquire data relating to intrinsic tissue displacements are disclosed. Non-invasive systems in which ultrasound techniques are used to acoustically stimulate or palpate target cardiac tissue, or induce a response at a cardiac tissue site that relates to cardiac tissue properties and/or cardiac parameters are also disclosed.
US07815565B2
A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.
US07815559B1
Apparatus and method for forming a stackable container from a container blank. The apparatus generally includes a blank feeder configured to place the blank on a conveyor, an index folder configured to pre-fold a plurality of inner fold-down flaps and an index flap over each of two opposing sidewall flaps of the blank, and a pressure former configured to attach a first leading extension to a leading wall of the blank and a first trailing extension to a trailing wall of the blank, wherein the first leading extension and the first trailing extension are foldably attached at an angle of about 90 degrees to one of the inner fold-down flaps or one of the sidewall flaps. Embodiments of the present the present invention can advantageously provide a reliable approach for forming a container from a blank with relatively fewer folding defects.
US07815555B2
A dual action weightlifting machine has a stationary main frame assembly comprising a right side frame and a left side frame on opposite sides of an exercise area, and a traveling frame movably supported on the stationary frame assembly and having right and left sides and a cross bar connecting the right and left sides above the exercise area, each side of the traveling frame having a vertical guide. A weight bearing exercise bar is movably supported on the traveling frame and has spaced first and second vertical slides slidably mounted on the right and left vertical guides. A horizontal slide assembly has dual horizontal guides on each side frame which engage dual slides on each side of the traveling frame. The horizontal slide assembly is located in a lower portion of the stationary frame assembly completely below the vertical travel path of a user engaging portion of the weight bearing exercise bar.
US07815551B2
A seated exercise apparatus comprises a frame having a seat attached to the frame. A pair of opposed cranks are rotatably coupled to the frame such that they rotate about a first axis. A medial portion of each of a pair of elongated members are rotatably connected to the frame at a second axis. A first end of each elongated member has a handle and a second end of each elongated member is rotatably connected to a one end of a respective pedal arm. The other end of each pedal arm is in turn rotatably connected to a respective crank. Each pedal arm also has a pedal adapted to receive a user's foot. In operation, the apparatus provides the user with coordinated seated exercise of both the arms/hands and legs/feet. The feet move in a generally reciprocating up and down motion and the arms move in a coordinated generally arcuate motion.
US07815549B2
Controlling the operation of an exercise apparatus configurable to facilitate a combination of a substantially horizontal and a substantially vertical exercise motion. Such control functions provide for various exercise levels and/or programs and may utilize various mechanisms, sensors, and other control apparatus to control the operation of the exercise apparatus for various exercise routines.
US07815545B2
An automatic transmission hydraulic control apparatus includes an oil pump driven by an engine, a forward clutch arranged to be engaged by an engagement pressure from the oil pump at a start of the vehicle, a hydraulic pressure sensing section configured to sense a hydraulic pressure in the automatic transmission, a filling start judging section configured to judge a start of filling to the forward clutch in accordance with the sensed hydraulic pressure; and an engagement pressure control section configured to control the engagement pressure to go through a filling phase and an engagement phase. The engagement pressure control section shifts from the filling phase to the engagement phase when a predetermined time elapses from the judgment of the start of the filling to the forward clutch.
US07815542B2
A transfer case comprising a rotational input member, a rotational output member, a rotational planetary gear portion operatingly engaged between the input member and the output member, a moveable cam member selectively engagable with the planetary gear portion, whereby the rotation of the planetary gear portion is stopped when the cam member is engaged with the planetary gear portion, the rotational direction of the output member is in the same direction as the input member when the cam member is not engaged with the planetary gear portion, and the rotational direction of the output member is opposite the rotational direction of the input member when the cam member is engaged with the planetary gear portion.
US07815541B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. A first interconnecting member continuously interconnects the third member of the first planetary gear set with the third member of the third planetary gear set. A second interconnecting member continuously interconnects the second member of the first planetary gear set with the third member of the second planetary gear set. A third interconnecting member continuously interconnects the first member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the third planetary gear set. A fourth interconnecting member continuously interconnects the second member of the third planetary gear set with a third member of the fourth planetary gear set. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US07815538B2
A device for use with a vehicle transmission system includes a housing having a clutch provided therein and a first member extending from the housing and configured for coupling to a vehicle differential. The first member includes a generally hollow tube configured to carry a rotatable shaft therein. The device does not include a second member for directly coupling the device to a transmission housing or to the differential.
US07815533B2
A camshaft drive system for an internal combustion engine includes a drive sprocket fixed upon a crankshaft of the engine and a driven sprocket fixed upon a camshaft of the engine. A flexible power transmission element extends between the drive sprocket and driven sprocket. A tensioning device for the flexible power transmission element includes a linear actuator and a number of movable contactors for engaging and tensioning both the slack side and the tight side of the power transmission element, such that proper phasing of the camshaft with respect to the crankshaft is maintained.
US07815530B2
Apparatus for accurately measuring the distance between a golf ball and the hole on a putting green, i.e., for determining proximity, especially in golf competitions to see who can hit their ball onto the green to end up in closest proximity to the hole. An accessory to the measurement device is a proximity sign for recording the proximity measurements. The invention comprises apparatus and method for conveniently storing and using the measurement device(s). For proximity measurements, the device is configured to removably and repositionably attach a tape measure to a flag pin (generally the flag pin in the hole on the green in contest). The proximity sign is similarly configured. For storage of a device when not in use, the devices include spring clips and an optional security ring to impede unauthorized removal from the flag pin.
US07815516B1
A golf training and simulation device measures a signal indicative of the displacement of a club and in an alternate embodiment, the detection of a golf ball after being struck. The measurement system can be used in conjunction with a golf simulator or as a golf training apparatus for diagnosing a golf swing. In one application, a putting stroke training device is described with the object to develop a smooth, consistent putting stroke by feedback to the golfer when the putter head has accelerated or decelerated too rapidly or when the golfer opens or closes the club face when striking a golf ball. Positive feedback can also be provided when the putting stroke is square at impact with the ball. The consistency in the repetition of a stroke may also be measured, statistically analyzed, recorded and displayed and thus used in advanced training.
US07815515B1
Disclosed herein is a golf putter having an alignment means for aligning a golfer's line of sight directly over a golf ball and in line with a desired target. The putter head comprises a striking face and a rearwardly extending body portion. The body portion includes an upper section having an alignment bar protruding away from and perpendicular to the striking face and a lower section having an alignment slot extending away from and perpendicular to the striking face. The alignment bar and slot are centrally positioned and spaced apart from each other such that (i) the slot becomes obscured by the alignment bar when the golfer's line of sight is directly over the striking face and the golf ball at their point of contact, and (ii) the alignment bar and slot are in line with the desired target when the striking face strikes the golf ball.
US07815512B2
A following margin of a following flank of an external thread is shifted more in a screw-rotation direction than a leading margin of a leading flank. Thus, during biting, the following margin bites first, thereby suppressing a force that pushes back a tap and reducing a tapping torque. Because margin portions can be disposed parallel to an axis of a thread forming tap, working is easy and manufacture can be performed inexpensively. When, in forming an external thread by grinding by a grinding abrasive, an inclination angle of the axis of a tap blank and an abrasive axis of the grinding abrasive is equal to a lead angle of the external thread, the margins are formed symmetrically across a root. On the other hand, if the inclination angle is made greater than the lead angle, the following margin can be shifted in the screw-rotation direction, enabling manufacture to be performed as easily and inexpensively as in a conventional case.
US07815496B2
The surface(s) of a polishing pad for polishing an object has a first portion including hydrophilic material and a second portion including hydrophobic material. The first portion of the polishing surface is located in a first region of the polishing pad and the second portion of the polishing surface is located in a second region of the polishing pad juxtaposed with the first region in the radial direction of the pad. The hydrophilic material may be a polymer resin that contains hydrophilic functional groups having OH and/or ═O at bonding sites of the polymer. The hydrophobic material may be a polymer resin that contains hydrophobic functional groups having H and/or F at bonding sites of the polymer. The polishing pad is manufactured by extruding respective lines of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials. The extruders and a backing are moved relative to each other such that the lines form concentric rings of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials.
US07815493B2
An apparatus mounted to a machine for positioning a device near a workpiece during a machining operation, during which the workpiece is movable relative to a machining tool. The apparatus comprises an arm coupled to the machining tool and movable relative thereto to mimic movement of the workpiece relative to the machining tool. The arm includes a shoe for contacting the workpiece during the machining operation. The apparatus further comprises a linear actuator coupled to the arm for moving the arm between a retracted position and an engaged position. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a coolant nozzle assembly. According to another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a workpiece support shoe. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes an in-process gauge assembly.
US07815489B2
A method for the simultaneous double-side grinding of a plurality of semiconductor wafers, involves a process wherein each semiconductor wafer lies such that it is freely moveable in a cutout of one of a plurality of carriers caused to rotate by means of a rolling apparatus and is thereby moved on a cycloidal trajectory, wherein the semiconductor wafers are machined in material-removing fashion between two rotating working disks, wherein each working disk comprises a working layer containing bonded abrasive. The method according to the invention makes it possible, by means of specific kinematics, to produce extremely planar semiconductor wafers.
US07815487B2
A pad for a brassiere has a first layer; a second layer; and an intermediate layer between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer, the second layer and the intermediate layer are connected at predetermined locations to form a first plurality of depressions on the first layer and a second plurality of depressions on the second layer. The brassiere has a pair of back panels, a pair of shoulder straps, and a pair of breast receiving cups. Each of the pair of breast receiving cups has a first layer; a second layer; and an intermediate layer between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer, the second layer and the intermediate layer are connected to form a first plurality of depressions on said first layer and a second plurality of depressions on said second layer.
US07815471B2
An electrical interconnection device (100) includes a first connector (1) having an insulated housing (14) and at least a pogo type contact (15) mounted to the insulated housing; a second connector (2) having base portion (20) and a terminal (25) assembled to the base portion, said terminal having an arc-shaped mating segment; and the first connector pivotally linked to the second connector, with the insulated housing of the first connector disposed adjacent to the base portion of the second connector, the contact (15) pressing onto and sliding along the mating segment of the terminal (25) while the first connector and the second connector are swiveled with respect to one another.
US07815468B2
A connector to be engaged with and connected to an opponent connector, the connector includes a ground plate extending in a first direction; plural signal contacts placed side by side in the first direction, the plural signal contacts being configured to come in contact with corresponding plural signal contacts of the opponent connector; and plural ground contacts placed side by side in the first direction, the plural ground contacts being configured to come in contact with corresponding plural ground contacts of the opponent connector; wherein the ground plate and the ground contacts are formed in a body by processing a single metal plate; and the opponent connector side of the ground plate and the opponent connector side of the ground contacts are electrically connected to each other.
US07815467B2
A connector device includes a first connector and a second connector to be connected the first connector. The first connector includes a first housing, a plurality of first signal terminals arranged in the first housing, and a first shell for covering an outer portion of the first housing. The second connector includes a second housing, a plurality of second signal terminals arranged in the second housing, a second shell for covering an outer portion of the second housing, and a first ground terminal disposed between the second signal terminals for separating the second signal terminals. When the first connector is connected the second connector, the first signal terminals contact with the second terminals.
US07815461B2
Connector for vehicles having a vibration-proof effect against vibration of a shielded electric wire
A connector of the present invention includes: a first terminal electrically connected to a conductor wire of a shielded electric wire; a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal; a housing provided so as to surround a connection part of the first terminal and the second terminal and a peripheral part thereof, composed of a first housing that holds the first terminal and a second housing that holds the second terminal; and a shielded electric wire support member provided in the first housing, for grasping an insulator coating of the shielded electric wire inserted into the first housing, and supporting the shielded electric wire by the first housing in contact with an inner wall of the first housing.
US07815456B2
A semiconductor device socket including lever members connected to a pressing member movably supported by a pressing member support body. The lever members are operated in conjunction with rotation of an engaging pin of an operating lever supported by a common support shaft with the pressing member support body.
US07815453B2
An electrical connector assembly (100) includes a first retaining half (51) securely mounted on a printed substrate, a load plate (60) pivotally attached to the first retaining half, a second retaining half (52) opposite and distant to the first retaining half, a lever (70) pivotally attached to the second retaining half and including a cam portion (706) capable of pushing down a pressed section (610) from the clip toward the printed substrate, and a connector (30) mounted between the first and second retaining halves.
US07815451B2
A system includes a first bus coupler element, a second bus coupler element, and a visual element associated with the second bus coupler element and including a transparent media enabling the second coupler element to be visually aligned with the first coupler element.
US07815445B2
A cable assembly (1000) includes an elongated metallic housing (10A) and a cable holder member (6) attached to a rear portion of the housing (10A); a cable (4) coupled to the housing, with a mounting portion (40) thereof gripped by the cable holder member; and a protective member (5) embedded in the mounting portion of the cable, disposed outside of the wires (42) of the cable.
US07815442B2
A burn-in socket for electrical connecting with package having solder balls, includes a base and a number of contacts received in the base. Each contact has a spring section movable in the base, a contact section extending upwardly from the spring section and a retention section extending downwardly from the spring section. The contact section includes three tips at a top end thereof for contacting with the solder balls of the package thereby supporting the solder balls.
US07815438B2
A first needle-like member includes a columnar member formed by a conductive material such as a metal material with its up-and-down direction being longitudinal, and a contact member formed on a semiconductor integrated circuit (body to be contacted) side with respect to the columnar member, which are integrally formed. In the columnar member, a through hole is formed in the longitudinal direction of the first needle-like member. The through hole has opening ends on both sides thereof Thus, in the process of manufacturing the needle-like member, the contact member is formed on a rod-like body being a raw material from the same direction as a drill insertion direction to form the through hole.
US07815437B2
A spotlight for illumination in film, studio, event or theatre environments, with an electrical terminal for connecting the spotlight to a supply line for supplying electricity to the spotlight, is provided. The electrical terminal is rotatably mounted on the spotlight and can be matched in terms of its alignment, so as to connect the spotlight to the supply line. The position of the electrical terminal can be matched in dependence on the arrangement of the spotlight, in order to supply the electric supply line to the spotlight from different directions.
US07815436B2
An interface device capable of communicating with a computer running a simulation program, such as a surgical simulation program, comprises an instrument capable of being manipulated by a user. The instrument is receivable within an orifice in an instrument receiving member, the instrument receiving member comprising a capture member engageable with the instrument and a sensor to sense a position of the instrument. The position of the instrument is then used by the computer to control a graphic image related to the simulation. In one version, the simulation is a simulation of a surgical instrument insertion procedure, such as an endoscopy procedure.
US07815431B2
A drive system (10) for shutoff needles in injection molds fitted with needle shutoff nozzles comprises an elevation drive element (20) to which can be affixed at least two shutoff needles (16) of two needle shutoff nozzles, said elevation drive element being displaceable—between two longitudinally supported control rails (30) that can be moved in a first direction (R1)—in a second direction (R2) perpendicular to the first direction (R1), at least two glide elements (50) being configured in grooves (40) oblique to said first and second directions (R1, R2) running between the elevation drive element (20) and the control rails (30), said glide elements converting the first motion of the control rails (30) in the direction (R1) into an elevation motion imparted by the elevation drive element (20) in the second direction (R2). In order to assure in particular substantially maintenance free and durably reliable operation of all valve needles, the invention provides that components which move relative to one another and hence are exposed to wear, in particular the control rails (30) and/or the glide elements (50), are made at least in part of a self-lubricating or a diamantine material or are coated at least in part with a self-lubricating or diamantine material.
US07815430B2
A mold for imprinting a pattern onto a resin material applied onto a substrate is constituted by a mold substrate formed of a material transparent to light in at least a part of a wavelength range of light used for alignment, an alignment structure area having an alignment structure comprising a recess portion, a pattern forming area having a pattern, and a coating layer is formed of a material having an optical characteristic different from that of the mold substrate. The coating layer is on a side wall of the recess portion.
US07815424B2
An imprinting machine that brings a mold having a pattern into contact with an object and transfers the pattern onto the object includes a measurement unit that measures a position of the mold when the mold contacts the object.
US07815415B2
A mounting structure for an air separator in a gas turbine includes an air separator and a rotor blade rotary disk. The air separator includes a cylindrical member with a flange at one end. The rotor blade rotary disk has on its outer face a disk recess portion forming an annular recess around the axial center of the rotor. A sealing face is formed on a contact face between a flange outer peripheral face that is provided on an outer periphery of the flange to be parallel to the axial center of the rotor and a disk recess inner peripheral face opposed to the flange outer peripheral face, that is provided on the disk recess portion and is parallel to the axial center of the rotor and formed around the axial center in an annular shape.
US07815411B2
A multiple function landscaping method and system is capable of operating with or without a dump box. A lower lift, crane or hoist can be utilized by itself or in combination with an upper positioned dump box. The novel usage of a single truck bed to achieve such functions as tree delivery, debris removal and top soil delivery enables landscaping to be more efficiently and economically performed, thus providing a significant advantage to the environment.
US07815410B2
A vehicle parking apparatus for parking a vehicle comprises a main structure having a plurality of storage racks capable of storing vehicles lined up in a vertical direction, a lift cage capable of being mounted with a vehicle, a coupling mechanism having a second coupling member, a first coupling member capable of making contact with the second coupling member from a lower side and capable of relative movement in a downward direction from a position of making contact with the second coupling member, and an urging mechanism causing a prescribed urging force to act in a downward direction on the first coupling member; a wire capable of suspending the lift cage in an elevator shaft H next to the storage racks via the coupling mechanism, and winding apparatus capable of winding the wire up and down. The first coupling member is fixed to one end of the wire, and the second coupling member is fixed to the lift cage. This makes it possible to provide a vehicle parking apparatus and elevator apparatus capable of being stably driven with a simple configuration.
US07815394B2
The invention relates to a device for a watercraft for picking up and launching boats. The device comprises an extension arm that is coupled in such a manner that it can swing freely on the watercraft, that extends at an acute angle in relation to the surface of the water and floats in water by means of floats. The extension arm comprises guide tracks for a boat retrieving device that is maintained on the extension arm in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The boat retrieving device comprises a holding head that is articulated in a displaceable manner on a running part guided on the guide rails, about an axis that is horizontal and approximately transversal in relation to the extension arm. The running part is connected to the drive means for longitudinally displacing the boat retrieving device. The holding head comprises at least one adjusting means that acts upon its adjusting movement about the horizontal axis.
US07815392B2
Disclosed herein is a system and method for a seamless curb system suitable for a sanitary environment while providing an energy absorbing structure. The multicellular structure has a substantially uniform cross section. The structure is formed of hi-density, energy absorbing, expanding polypropylene foam, similar to bumper systems used in cars and trucks. An outer shell is disposed over at least a front portion of the structure. The outer shell may be stainless steel or a polyurea/polyaspartic reinforced coating, as examples. The elements are sealed to each other in an end to end relationship adjacent to a wall to form an energy absorbing protective barrier to the wall. At least one anchor is disposed in a slot in the floor of the manufacturing facility to provide support.
US07815388B2
A retractable writing surface system including a binding mechanism and a pocket directly bound to the binding mechanism, the pocket having an inner cavity. The system further includes a polymer writing surface at least partially received in the pocket. The writing surface is movable between an extended position wherein at least part of the writing surface is exposed for writing upon by a writing instrument, and a retracted position wherein less of the writing surface is exposed for writing upon by the writing instrument compared to when the writing surface is in the extended position. At least part of the writing surface is located in the cavity when the writing surface is in the retracted position.
US07815385B2
A chuck unit (4) for grasping a writing lead (10) and a rotor (6) arranged to be movable in a direction of rotation and an axial direction within a body cylinder (1) are provided. First and second cam faces (6a) and (6b) are respectively formed at one end face and another end face of the rotor in the axial direction, and first and second fixed cam faces (13a) and (17a) are arranged on the body cylinder side to face the first and second cam faces respectively. The first cam face in the rotor is brought into abutment with and meshed with the first fixed cam face by retreat operation of the chuck unit under writing pressure, and the second cam face in the rotor is brought into abutment with and meshed with the second fixed cam face by releasing the writing pressure, so that the rotor rotates, whereby the writing lead also rotates.
US07815373B2
A symmetric ultra-precision spindle design in which all forces of constraint are, within the tolerances of manufacturing and assembly processes, symmetrically arranged about its axis. Additionally this design may require little or no external power other than the forces to rotate the spindle.
US07815360B2
A material processing plant comprises two screw-type extruding machines (1, 2) which are interconnected by means of a link (29). The link (29) is movable from a position of connection into an open position of release of the casing bores (12). Provision is further made for a mover (38) which acts on the link (29) for implementation of the motion.
US07815357B2
A high quality surface light source in which various kinds of unevenness in luminance due to use of small number of spot-like primary light sources for reducing power consumption is eliminated, and a light guide for use therein. The planar light guide (4) guides light emitted from a plurality of spot-like primary light sources (2) and has an incoming end face (41) of lights emitted from the primary light source (2) and an outgoing face (43) of guided light. A high light diffusion region (431) extends substantially along the direction of directivity of light entering the light guide (4) in a plane extending along the outgoing face (43), in the vicinity of the incoming end face of at least one of the outgoing face (43) and its rear surface (44) on the opposite side. The high light diffusion region (431) has a mean inclination angle larger than that of an adjacent region (434).
US07815356B2
A hand-held power tool includes a housing with a tool fitting for receiving an insertion tool, and at least one illuminating element for illuminating the working area of the hand-held power tool; wherein the at least one illuminating element is located in the region of the tool fitting.
US07815349B2
A rear light assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The rear light assembly is disposed on a rear portion of the motor vehicle and includes a signaling device and one or more light devices. The signaling device can be either a reflector or include a light. In some cases, the signaling device can be centrally mounted. In some cases, the light devices can be mounted next to the signaling device.
US07815346B2
A method for calculating out an optimum arrangement pitch between each two LED chip package units, including: providing a backlight module with a predetermined brightness value and a predetermined material information that a customer needs; determining what brightness level and amount of LED chip package units need to be used by a designer according to the brightness value and the material information of the backlight module; and dividedly arranging the LED chip package units determined by the designer on a light-entering area of the backlight module in order to define what the optimum arrangement pitch between each two LED chip package units is.
US07815344B2
A high visibility emergency signaling device includes a base configured to be secured to an external support raised above ground level, light-emitting means mounted thereto for generating at least one light beam, and power supply means for such light-emitting means. Optical means are further provided, operating on the at least one light beam to model and orient it in such a manner as to illuminate a substantially circular area in space and/or on the ground.
US07815338B2
A LED lighting unit including an elongated heat sink having two spaced apart longitudinal grooves, the grooves facing tangentially or at an angle greater than an angle between a tangent of the lighting unit at the groove and a radius of the lighting unit at the groove. At least one LED is mounted to the heat sink between the grooves, and the at least one LED is enclosed by a lens having bulged longitudinal edges by sliding the bulged longitudinal edges into the grooves.
US07815337B2
A flashlight apparatus including a body portion formed from a woven material, the body portion having a longitudinal length and forming at least part of an adjustable cavity for containing at least one battery, and a head portion coupled to the body portion and having at least one of an illumination source for providing illumination and a connector for connecting the flashlight to another device. Accordingly, the flashlight can supply power to the another device. The body portion can adjust (e.g., its length and diameter—or area) to the size and number of battery cells contained therein.
US07815334B2
A wristband mountable accessory is provided which includes a body, a flashlight in said body, and an upper compartment sized and shaped to hold medications (such as tablets, pills, lozenges, etc.) and paper upon which medical and/or emergency information can be written. Mounting wings extend from opposite sides of the body to enable the accessory to be mounted to a wristband by threading the wristband through the mounting wings. The mounting wings are provided with sizing pegs so that the accessory can accommodate a variety of sizes (widths) of wristbands.
US07815328B2
A decorative light and a method for making a decorative light having layers of distinct flexible materials on a bulb are disclosed.
US07815326B2
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly, a casing, a transflective reflective element, a compass sensor and a control. An information display disposed behind said reflective element whereby information displayed by the information display is viewable through the transflective reflector by a driver of a vehicle when the information display is displaying information. At least a portion of the control is disposed within the mirror casing and behind the reflective element, and another portion of the control is disposed at the mounting structure. The other portion of control may include a forward facing imaging array that is part of at least one of (a) a headlamp controller of the vehicle, (b) an object detection system of the vehicle, (c) a rain sensor of the vehicle and (d) a lane departure warning system of the vehicle.
US07815321B2
An antiglare film is disclosed comprising of an antiglare layer having a surface irregularity on a transparent base material, wherein the antiglare layer includes a binder matrix, an organic particle A and a particle B, and the value that an average particle size of the organic particle A is divided by an average film thickness of the antiglare layer is in the range of 0.4 to 0.7, and the value that an average particle size of the particle B is divided by an average particle size of the organic particle A is in the range of 0.3 to 0.7, and the content of the particle B relative to the organic particle A in the antiglare layer is in the range of 50 wt % to 200 wt %.
US07815318B2
A projector capable of adjusting brightness and brightness uniformity includes a light module, a light pipe, a first lens module, a second lens module and an image module. The light module generates a light ray. The light pipe includes an entrance and an exit. The light ray is converged onto the entrance of the light pipe and outputted through the exit of the light pipe. The first lens module has a first focal surface, which overlaps the exit of the light pipe, and receives the light ray outputted through the exit of the light pipe. The second lens module has a second focal surface and receives the light ray outputted through the first lens module. The image module is disposed on the second focal surface of the second lens module and receives the light ray outputted through the second lens module.
US07815295B2
A liquid discharge device includes a casing, a carriage, a discharge head, a sub tank, an energy supply device, and a controller. The casing has a space for housing a main tank. The carriage is capable of moving. The discharge head is arranged on the carriage. The sub tank is arranged on the carriage. The sub tank communicates with the discharge head. The sub tank is connected with the main tank when the carriage is located at a predetermined position. The sub tank is disconnected with the main tank when the carriage is located at positions other than the predetermined position. The energy supply device supplies energy to liquid within the main tank such that the liquid within the main tank is discharged. The controller controls the energy supply device such that the ink within the main tank is supplied to the sub tank when the carriage is located at the predetermined position. The controller controls the energy supply device such that the liquid within the main tank is discharged before the carriage arrives at the predetermined position.
US07815291B2
A inkjet printhead integrated circuit that has a wafer substrate with a fluid ejection surface, and an array of drop ejectors for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate, the array being formed on the fluid ejection surface of the wafer substrate. Each drop ejector has a nozzle through which the drops are ejected, an actuator for ejecting drops through the nozzle and, a drive transistor for energizing the actuator with a drive pulse. The area of the drive transistor projected onto the fluid ejection surface is less than 37 times the area of the nozzle.
US07815290B2
An inkjet printhead includes a nozzle chamber structure defining a nozzle chamber. The nozzle chamber structure further defines a pair of ink ejection nozzles and an ink supply channel in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A movable paddle is disposed within the nozzle chamber at a location between the ink ejection nozzles. An actuator is attached to the paddle and, upon actuation, can reciprocate the paddle toward and away from a first one of the ink ejection nozzles so that ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected out through that first nozzle.
US07815289B2
A substantially planar micro-fluid ejection device, where the micro-fluid ejection head is hermetically sealed and bonded to a support material, and a method of bonding a silicon device, such as a micro-fluid ejection head, to a support material.
US07815284B2
A liquid drop ejecting head includes a cavity section which is formed by laminating a plurality of plates including at least first and second manifold plates adjacent to each other in a laminating direction. Each of the first and second manifold plates includes an opening. The openings overlap with each other when viewed in the laminating direction. At least one of the openings includes: a first opening which extends in the first direction and serves as a common liquid chamber; a second opening which is adjacent to the first opening and serves as a supply path; and a partitioning portion disposed between the first opening and the second opening.
US07815274B2
A method for detecting malfunctioning nozzles of an inkjet printer does not need any sensors, scanning means or processor time. The method includes printing a test pattern with an inkjet printer having at least one array of at least two nozzles, and for each array printing the test pattern includes selecting a nozzle of the array to be investigated, identifying for the nozzle a number of compensating nozzles, each compensating nozzle being suitable to replace the nozzle for printing a dot, and printing a row that includes at least two dot groups and each dot group includes at least one dot. At least one dot group is printed by the nozzle and at least one other dot group is printed by a nozzle of the number of compensating nozzles.
US07815272B2
A stable voltage can be supplied from a voltage converter circuit and an increase in the area of the entire element body can be suppressed even if the number of recording elements increases and the element body becomes longer. An element body for a recording head includes a plurality of arrayed recording elements, and a voltage converter circuit which converts an externally input voltage. The voltage converter circuit includes a reference voltage generating section and a voltage converter section, and the voltage converter section is formed from a plurality of distributedly arranged voltage converter elements.
US07815271B2
A recording medium driving device includes a recording and/or playback unit for performing at least one of recording of a data signal on the recoding surface of a recording medium, and playback of a data signal from the recording surface, a printing unit for printing visible information on the main surface different from the recording surface of the recording medium using an inkjet method, a driver for performing driving as to the recording medium, and a drive control unit for switching the driving speed of the driver by a printing mode for printing visible information on the main surface or a recording/playback mode for recording or playback of the data signal on/from the recording surface.
US07815269B2
A refrigerator includes a heat-insulating housing and at least one heat-insulating door fastened thereto. The door and the housing each have an outer cladding, an inner cladding, and a heat insulation layer produced therebetween by foaming and into which is introduced vacuum insulation panels on the door and/or on the housing. Vacuum insulation panels are disposed on the inner claddings of the doors and housings.
US07815262B2
A track chain assembly (22) has a track shoe (25) and a pair of parallel links (26) that are fixed to a non ground-engaging surface of the track shoe (25) with bolts (36). A connecting shaft (27) is fixed to shaft holes (31) that are provided on end portions each of which is included in the links (26). A reinforcing member (48) connects the links (26) with the bolts (36) so as to reinforce an open side between the links (26). Therefore, the links (26) are prevented from being damaged due to concentration of stress on a specific portion of each link (26).
US07815259B2
An office chair is provided with includes a chair arm assembly on each opposite side thereof for supporting the arms of a user. The arm assemblies each include a latching assembly to permit adjustment of the height of an arm cap thereof while maintaining the arm cap at a selected elevation. The latch assembly is engageable with an inner liner provided within a support post. Further, the armrest assembly has a plurality of interconnected and relatively movable plates which permit adjustment of the angular orientation of the arm cap along with adjustment of the arm cap in the front-to-back direction and the side-to-side direction.
US07815255B1
A seat for a combat vehicle includes a generally rectangular rigid base including front and rear ribs disposed on opposite, longer sides of the base, the base including a pair of slot openings disposed adjacent opposite, shorter sides of the base; a generally rectangular inner cushion disposed on a top surface of the base; a generally U-shaped outer cushion disposed on a top surface of the inner cushion and along outer surfaces of the front and rear ribs; a cover disposed over the outer cushion; and a pair of support assemblies for supporting the seat in the vehicle.
US07815247B2
Deformation by camber recovery etc. due to non-uniform residual stress is suppressed, and occurrence of crack and burr is suppressed by improving press forming property of a roof side T-shaped portion, so that a reinforcing member having a predetermined shape accuracy is manufactured easily and inexpensively by pressing. A reinforcing member (12) is constructed by three members, i.e. an upper member (20), a lower member (22) and a central member (24). A tensile strength of the upper member (20) is selected lower than that of the central member (24), and is higher than that of the lower member (22). In comparison to a case where the upper member (20) and the central member (24) are constructed integrally by an ultra-high tensile steel plate, fluctuation of internally generated residual stress is made small. Shape accuracy is thereby improved by the reduced deforming amount due to camber recovery etc., thus press forming being facilitated. Also, a roof side T-shaped portion constructed by the upper member (20) is improved in the drawing property, and the door frame corner portions (30) and (32) are improved in the outer trimming property. Thus, the shape accuracy is improved, and yield and productivity is increased by suppression of crack generation.
US07815222B2
Embodiments provide a fluid storage tank trailer including a base including a set of rear wheels, a tank supported by the base, the base including a set of skids adapted to engage the ground forward of the rear wheels when the trailer is not connected to a tow vehicle, the skids being adapted to support the tank bottom in relation to the ground, a forward frame extending from generally beneath the tank to the front end, the forward frame including a nose bar at the front end, the forward frame being adapted to be towed by a tow vehicle, a forward platform elevated above the forward frame, a first forward access ladder extending from the forward platform to the first side, and a second forward access ladder extending from the forward platform to the second side.
US07815215B1
This disclosure describes a work site utility carrier that configures as a dolly or hand truck in its retracted mode and a work bench in its elevated mode. Pivoting arm pairs enable the carrier's lower and upper receptacles to be transitioned between modes. Two “wheelbarrow” handles are pivotally attached at the lower outer end of the upper receptacle. When oriented at right angles to the upper receptacle bottom, the handles lessen the effort needed to maneuver the carrier. In a “semi-inclined” position the carrier rests in part on the handle outer ends, with much of the mass of the upper receptacle already elevated. Full elevation is facilitated by moving the lower receptacle toward the handle outer ends which act as brakes to keep the carrier stationary during the elevation.
US07815212B2
An adapter for coupling an actuator having an actuator rod that is linearly translatable along a first axis to a coupler having a lever arm with a contact face adapted to contact the draw arm and move the draw arm translationally along a second axis that is at an angle with respect to the first axis in the range of 1 degree to 120 degrees, the coupler mounted to an existing structure, the adapter including a base plate configured for attachment to the structure; a support plate depending from the base plate and adapted to receive the pneumatic actuator; at least one brace attached to the base plate and to the support plate; and a rotatable cam adapted to transfer force from the actuator rod as it moves along the first axis to the lever arm to cause the draw arm to move along the second axis and into contact with the hook on the coupler.
US07815211B2
A hitch storage device for securing a hitch to a vehicle that minimizes risk of accidental painful contact between the hitch and the operator of the vehicle. The hitch storage device includes a connecting member, a male hitch member, a hitch-support bracket, and a male protrusion member. The hitch storage device incorporates an integral passive securing mechanism whereby a hitch is secured without having to use an active hitch-securing device such as a bolt to secure the hitch shaft to the hitch storage device of the present invention. In a further embodiment, the male hitch member and hitch-support bracket are integrated to provide an L-shaped bracket with an integral sidewall.
US07815209B2
The invention concerns a standing wheelchair for handicapped and invalid people, that includes a chassis supporting an articulated structure which includes a seat support structure, a footrest support structure, a backrest support structure, and support and maneuvering resources of the articulated structure. The support and maneuvering resources are located between the articulated structure and the chassis and which are designed to move the articulated structure from a sitting position to a standing position set back in relation to the sitting position, and vice versa. According to the invention, the standing wheelchair includes resources for setting the angle (α) between the footrest and the seat in the standing position.
US07815203B2
A knuckle includes two steering bosses (i.e., upper and lower), each having a continuous channel, connecting, respectively, separate channel openings where the channels taper outward from an inner diameter to each of their respective openings. A hollow first adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the upper steering boss, and a hollow second adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the lower steering boss. As a result of this structure, the knuckle may be used on either side of a vehicle, allow for entry of a steering arm/tie rod arm from forward to rear (rearwardly directed) or vice versa in either of the steering bosses, and may be applied to various sizes of knuckle-steer axle assemblies.
US07815202B2
An improved utility cart for use in auto body repair facilities. The cart includes an upright frame from which one or more shelf or basket members extend generally horizontally. Extensions on the spaced apart legs of the cart include at least two elongate upright posts which are spaced apart sufficiently to receive a thin auto body part such as a hood panel or windshield. Elongate support arms may be attached to the upright members of the frame by inserting tabs of the arms into slots in the upright members. The shelf and basket members are supported on a pair of side brackets which have tabs which are received in slots in the upright members. The legs may be adjusted from a parallel position to one which has the legs diverging. The legs are supported by casters mounted at the ends of the legs and at the ends of the leg extensions. A small parts drawer may be carried in a drawer support which can be suspended from either a shelf or a basket member. S-hooks and elastic cords may be attached to cross bars separating the upright members, or from the elongate support arms or the side brackets of the shelf or basket members.
US07815194B2
A mechanical seal 4 includes a rotary sealing ring 8 which is fixed to a rotary shaft body 2 and a stationary sealing ring 9 which is movably held to a tubular case body 1 in an axial direction thereof, and seals a space between inner and outer peripheral areas 5 and 18 of a relative rotation portion by means of the relative rotation of opposite end faces 21 and 27 of both sealing rings 8 and 9. A drive pin 24a which is engaged with a recessed portion 23 formed in an outer periphery of the stationary sealing ring 9 is fixedly supported to the case body 1 at both sides of a place engaging with the recessed portion 23 so as to prevent the stationary sealing ring 9 from rotating relatively to the case body 1. The drive pin 24a is made of a metal or plastic material according to the conditions of use. The rotary prevention function of the stationary sealing ring 9 is stably achieved by the drive pin 24a, and the plastic material that enables to prevent a contamination may be used as the constituting material of the drive pin 24a.
US07815189B1
This patent discloses a playing card game accessories kit. The kit may include a playing card handler, a gunfighter figurine, a card deck, an advanced card deck, a card cover, chips, and a game card rules book that may provide instructions on how to play continuous draw poker. The playing card handler may include a housing, a controls areas supported by the housing, a distribution area supported by the housing and positioned adjacent to the controls area, and electrical components such as a memory and processor. The controls area may include a two-screen monitor and control keys. The distribution area may include a distribution area divided into a deck tray and a card tray. Arranged rollers may pass cards between the deck tray and card tray. A bridge having a mode screen may divide the deck tray and a card tray.
US07815184B2
A take-out device includes a take-out mechanism which takes out postal matters supplied to a take-out position at one end of a deposit section one by one, a separating mechanism which separates second and subsequent postal matters that are carried along with a postal matter to be taken out from the take-out position, and an auxiliary mechanism which applies a negative pressure to the postal matter on the take-out position so as to feed it in both forward and opposite directions. The separating mechanism applies a negative pressure to the postal matter on the conveyance path via a plurality of adsorption holes of a separating roller so as to adsorb it, and applies a separating torque in an opposite direction to the take-out direction thereto.
US07815181B2
A recording apparatus includes a recording head, a transport driving roller, and a transport driven roller. The recording head discharges ink onto a transported recording medium, thereby performing recording. The transport driving roller is provided on the upstream side of the recording head in the transport direction and includes driving side roller portions and depressed portions. The driving side roller portions are rotationally driven, thereby transporting the recording medium. The diameter of the depressed portions is smaller than that of the driving side roller portions. The driving side roller portions and the depressed portions are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium in such a manner that at least one driving side roller portion alternates with at least one depressed portion. The transport driven roller is provided opposite the transport driving roller and includes driven side roller portions and presser rollers.
US07815174B2
A vibration isolator which is capable of stably opening and closing an orifice is provided at low manufacturing cost. A plunger for opening and closing an idle orifice is disposed in a manner that is slidably engaged with the inner wall surface of an orifice-forming member. A shaft portion extending downward is formed in the central portion of the plunger. A convex portion which is formed with a through-hole in which the shaft portion is slidably is provided on the bottom of the orifice-forming member so as to provide a bearing portion. The shaft portion of the plunger and the bearing portion of the orifice-forming member constitute a guide member for guiding the reciprocating motion of this plunger.
US07815173B2
A cooler includes a body, a water tank installed in the body for storing cooling water, a pump fixed in the water tank, a water pipe connected to the pump and extending upward, a spray pipe connected to the water pipe, at least one gas cooling device located above the spray pipe, at least one fan fixed on top of the body, at least one wind hole formed in a side of the body, at least one cooling pipe uprightly installed in the body and having an upper portion passing through heat-dispersing chips of the gas cooling device and a lower portion passing through heat-dispersing chips of the water cooling device, and at least one water-heat exchanger below the spray pipe and having a heat-dispersing element. The cooler has two stages of cooling by air and water, having a high effect of swift cooling high temperature to low temperature.
US07815169B2
A quick coupling, for example of a female type, to be connected with a counterpart, of a male type, comprises, inside a valve body, downstream of an inlet fitting for receiving a pressurized fluid flow (F), a guide and conveying body (7) having a parabolic cross section, and a plurality of radially outwardly extending ribs, delimiting, circumferentially of the guide and conveying body, a plurality of flow channels communicating with an annular chamber (6) closed by a valve body (3).
US07815164B2
A low noise valve assembly (24) mitigates noise induced by near sonic gas flow encountering stagnant flow in the region of the valve (24). An inlet tube (10) terminates in an annular chamber (12). An outlet tube (17) has a generally annular valve seat (14) disposed within the chamber (12). The valve (24) moves toward and away from a closed condition in direct contact with the valve seat (14). The valve (24) includes an insert body (26) that is spatially segregated from direct contact with the outlet tube (17) while partially filling the flow channel (16) of the outlet tube (17) when the valve (24) is in its closed condition. The insert body (26) has a generally circular base with a diameter that is larger than the throat diameter (T), which is the internal diameter of the flow channel (16) adjacent the valve (24).
US07815157B2
A method for reinstating a pole standing in ground comprising, abutting an inner surface of a sleeve against an outer surface of the pole so as to have a lower portion of the sleeve penetrating the ground and an upper portion of the sleeve projecting above the ground, and sliding a secondary member against an outer surface of the sleeve so that the secondary member locates against the sleeve and projects above the ground and into the ground, wherein the construction is such that the sleeve and secondary member located against the sleeve jointly form a bridging beam incorporating a box section reinforcement of the bridging beam. The formation of this box section substantially improves the strength of the bridging beam above what would be expected from the strength of the individual components.
US07815150B2
Systems and methods are described for controlling flow disturbances emanating from a protrusion, such as a beam propagating device. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a flow control element at least partially around a base portion of a protrusion, wherein the flow control element includes at least one flow expanding feature. A reduced pressure zone is generated proximate an aft portion of the protrusion by expanding at least a portion of a flowfield. One or more flow disturbances emanating downstream from the protrusion are deflected using the at least one reduced pressure zone.
US07815149B1
A mechanism uses a magnetic field to dock a satellite to a host vehicle. A docking component of the mechanism residing on the host vehicle has a magnet that is used to induce a coupled magnetic field with a docking component of the mechanism residing on the satellite. An alignment guide axially aligns the docking component of the satellite with the docking component of the host device dependent on the coupled magnetic field. Rotational alignment guides are used to rotationally align the docking component of the satellite with the docking component of the host device. A ball-lock mechanism is used to mechanically secure the docking component of the host vehicle and the docking component of the satellite.
US07815147B2
Reinforced cover for cut-outs in an aerodynamic contour of a vehicle, with a first attachment section 1a attachable to a structural element (2,5) of the vehicle (11); a second elastic section 1c which covers the cut-out (4) which is located between a fixed part 5 and a moving part (6, 12) of the vehicle (11), and provided with a low-friction layer (8) on its inner surface (1e), which comprises a first area (1i) in a rectangular configuration and a second area (1j) with a second cross-section smaller than that of the first area (1i); an outer surface (1k) with a fiberglass layer (7a); a main internal body (9) of a flexible material, a transition section (1g) thickened between the first and the second section, (1a, 1c); flushing the outer surface (1k) of the second section (1c) with the outer surface (5a).
US07815143B2
Methods of reducing aircraft noise from landing gear during take off and landing maneuvers. An actuated multi-axle landing gear truck is oriented such that a plane through the axles is substantially parallel to the aircraft water line during approach and takeoff. The embodiment retains the capability to re-orient the truck “toes up” or “toes down,” as may be required, just before touchdown to facilitate rapid application of braking and speed brake/spoiler deployment. It also maintains the capability to re-orient the truck during gear retraction after take off to fit into the aircraft wheel wells. The invention may be retrofitted to existing aircraft or deployed on new aircraft.
US07815133B2
A crushing and reducing device, especially cone crushers, used in the building and ore-dressing industries. A method includes providing a crusher with proximity sensors and a disc rigidly secured to the unbalanced-mass vibration generator of the crusher such that the plane thereof is always perpendicular to the rotation axis of the vibration generator. The method includes measuring a distance to the disc, calculating the three-dimensional position of the disc plane, calculating the amplitude of the circular vibrations of the internal cone according to the position, calculating the size of a crushing gap according to the calculated amplitude, comparing the size with the specified parameter of the gap and, if required based on comparison results, outputting a control command to hydraulic cylinders to modify the position of an adjustment ring. The adjustment ring position is controlled by a proximity sensor which is mounted on the flange of a body top part.
US07815125B2
The microprocessor card includes a first microprocessor and a second microprocessor, the first microprocessor including elements for commanding the second microprocessor. In embodiments, the card includes electrical contacts adapted to carry command signals, these electrical contacts being connected exclusively to the first microprocessor. In embodiments, the first microprocessor includes elements for commanding the second microprocessor via commands conforming to the ISO 7816 standard. The first microprocessor uses a lower level of security than the second microprocessor.
US07815124B2
The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to pre-printing processing covert images, such as UV or IR images, provided on such identification documents. In one implementation, the invention includes a method of processing a digital image that is to be printed on a surface of an identification document as a fluorescing-capable image to improve the quality of the image. Edges or boundaries are detected within the image, the detected edges or boundaries forming an intermediate image. The edges or boundaries within the image are emphasized, and the emphasized image is used for printing the covert image. In some implementations of the invention, a digital watermark is embedded in the covert image.
US07815123B2
This disclosure is directed towards a method and apparatus provided for improved sterile labeling on medications, solutions and medical supplies. The apparatus includes a sterile label, including associated corresponding medical product information. The sterile label is contained inside a sterile cavity housing which is formed from a first and second sheet of flexible plastic or other material. The flexible plastic material is bound together along its peripheral edges by an adhesive or heat sealing process. In this form, the flexible plastic or other material creates a package which may be peeled apart, enabling the label to be delivered or flipped to a sterile field while maintaining sterility. The label may contain on it many types of information corresponding to a medication. Furthermore, information can be added by a user. The disclosure makes the medication labeling system more accurate, safe and legible.
US07815117B2
The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting against counterfeit products and for methods and apparatus for providing counterfeiting protection for an object. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) accessing an object including an identifying mark having a first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion includes an encrypted feature; (b) reading the first portion to thereby obtain a first set of information; (c) transmitting the first set of information to a remote location; (d) receiving from the remote location a second set of information; and (e) reading the second portion using the second set of information to thereby determine the authenticity of the object.
US07815107B2
In some embodiments, the present application relates to card-free programs provided by a merchant to a customer, whereby the customer has access to functions such as payment options and/or loyalty program benefits without needing to present a physical card at a point of sale. For example, a customer may make a card-free purchase of goods or services from a merchant, whereby the customer need not present a card such as a debit card, credit card, loyalty card, or other physical tender to make a purchase. Further, the customer need not provide biometric data or otherwise use an electronic device or identifier to make a purchase. Alternatively or additionally, the customer may access a loyalty program without needing to provide a physical card or data associated with a card.
US07815104B2
A cash dispensing automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user.
US07815102B2
An inputting device for a refrigerator, comprises: a display having one or more button regions; and an optical sensor for sensing the button region selected by a user according to whether optical signals have been shielded; and a controller for receiving a signal indicating the sensed state from the optical sensor thereby controlling an operation of a refrigerator. Since the optical sensor for sensing the button region selected by a user is provided, an operation error is reduced. Furthermore, since the optical sensor has a low cost, a fabrication cost is reduced.
US07815093B2
The present invention relates to a guiding device (40) configured to guide equipment units for joining pipe sections which are arranged in a substantially upright position. The guiding device comprises a stationary body (41), one or more movable carriers being movably supported on said stationary body and configured to revolve one or more equipment units about a pipe section, a pipeline engagement device (63) configured to engage said guiding device with said pipe section and to support said stationary body, and one or more adjustable supports (44), said one or more adjustable supports being configured to make adjustment possible of a working plane of one or more equipment units (47, 48, 49) mounted on or to be mounted on said one or more carriers with respect to a pipe section on which the guiding device is mounted.
US07815087B2
A nail gun includes a body, a handle, a nail ejection member, and a nail magazine unit. The nail magazine unit includes two parallel cranks connected pivotally to the nail ejection member, and a link having two ends connected respectively and pivotally to free ends of the cranks.
US07815079B2
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus including a nozzle defining an interior space and having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the interior space and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the interior space and a substantially conical valve movable relative to the nozzle between different positions with respect to the nozzle and shaped to reduce turbulence and/or provide improved dispensing control.
US07815078B2
A tap having a body, a horizontal inlet, and primary and secondary downwardly-extending spouts, the tap having primary and secondary flow paths. The primary flow path is adapted to dispense a bulk portion of beverage and includes a horizontally oriented primary valve having a primary valve stem and a primary valve seal. The secondary flow path is adapted to dispense a foamed portion of beverage and comprises a flow restriction for inducing turbulence in a beverage flowing through the secondary flow path to produce foam, the secondary flow path including a horizontally-oriented secondary valve with a secondary valve stem and a secondary valve seal. The primary and secondary valves operate independently and have valve stems sliding on spaced apart axes. The primary valve is operatively connected to a handle oriented perpendicular to the horizontal inlet, such that, rotation of the handle in a substantially vertical plane causes the primary valve to open or close and actuation of the secondary valve, for example, by pushing a button operatively connected to the secondary valve stem, causes the secondary valve to open or close.
US07815077B2
A soap dispensing assembly has a container housing having an interior that retains soap. The container housing has an opening which communicates with the interior. A pump unit secured to the top of the container housing at a location separate from the opening. The pump unit includes a dispensing assembly through which soap from the interior is dispensed. A lid that is removably coupled to the opening to allow for a quick replenishment of the soap without having to remove the pump unit. The pump unit can also include an actuator that has a soap outlet, with the actuator is pivoted to draw soap from the interior of the container housing to the soap outlet.
US07815075B2
A personal squeeze bottle dispenser has a clamshell housing adapted to receive a squeeze bottle having a push/pull dispensing valve. A slide mechanism is received within the housing and has a collar at one end engaging the push/pull valve, and a spring at the other end to effect automatic return of the slide mechanism upon termination of a dispensing cycle. The spring biases the push/pull valve to the closed position. The clamshell housing is configured with an opening for a thumb pad of the slid mechanism to achieve opening of the push/pull valve and accommodating pressure upon the squeeze bottle. An opening on the backside of the housing, opposite the thumb pad, is also provided to allow the user's fingers to access the squeeze bottle for the application of dispensing force.
US07815073B1
A convenience container device is disclosed. The device has a food container selectively coupled to a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes a spoon at an end of a handle pivotally coupled to a trigger handle. The food container comprises one or more chambers, and the chambers include solid foods and fluid foods. The chambers communicate with one another so that the solid foods and the fluid foods are mixed. Single-handed manipulation of the trigger handle by a user displaces the spoon having a mixture of the solid and fluid foods along a predefined path to conveniently deliver the food mixture to the user. A method of using the convenience container device is disclosed. Furthermore, a convenience consumer device kit comprises one or more convenience container devices or one or more components of one or more convenience consumer devices, or combinations thereof.
US07815061B1
A push and turn child resistant closure is provided which includes a combined over cap and under cap, the under cap freely rotational within the over cap and the combined closure installed on the container. For removal of the combined closure, both downward and counter-clockwise rotational force is applied to the over cap, the rotational force imparted on the under cap more readily by utilization of a friction ring at the engagement area between the over cap and the under cap while also having an outer gripping ring of highly frictional material making it much more easily rotatable and graspable by a user. The use of a highly frictional material more readily imparts rotational force on the under cap when utilized as depicted herein.
US07815060B2
A case flow bed for the handling of merchandise. The case flow bed including (a) a loading end and, opposite thereto, an unloading end; (b) a roller bed positioned between the loading end and unloading end for supporting and permitting sliding movement of merchandise from the loading end to the unloading end; and (c) apertures associated with at least the loading end for removably receiving at least one lane divider in any of a plurality of laterally extending positions for delimiting lanes of travel for the sliding movement of the merchandise.
US07815059B2
A rack for supporting a plurality of containerized plants has at least one brace supported by and extending between a pair of longitudinally extending rails. The brace is moveable relative to the rails for adjusting the longitudinal position of the brace along the rails such that the brace is positioned to engage at least one of the containers of the containerized plants. In use, one of the containerized plants may be placed in a receiving area defined in part by the brace. The brace may be moved along the rails until the brace engages the container. Then the brace is secured to the rails to resist movement of the brace away from the container along the rails. Some embodiments of the rack are relatively easy to assemble and disassemble. The rack may also be modular to facilitate expansion of the rack to support additional plants.
US07815041B2
A conveyor line for products such as bottles, cans or similar containers with at least one guide railing that is adjustable across the direction of conveyance and is operable by at least one actuator drive, whereby stops which can optionally be moved into several preset positions in the adjustment path of the guide railing or the at least one actuator drive which define various railing positions and thereby delineate the adjustment path.
US07815024B1
The collapsible balikbayan box apparatus is especially suited to surrounding and transporting a square cornered cardboard balikbayan box. The pliable ends, front, and back provide for collapse when the apparatus is not laden. The top is permanently affixed to the back and removably affixed to the two ends and the front. A unique hook latch provides for latch and release via stretching the pliable front and top. The rigid, removable bottom insert provides greater apparatus rigidity in use. Partially recessed wheels are fitted to the bottom. Straps encircle the bottom and extend up a majority of the sides, where the straps and handles are reinforced, so that the apparatus can be pulled or carried by the straps.
US07815018B2
A mechanical brake actuator realizing the miniaturization of the entire device and the reduction of the parts costs is provided. When the brake lever rotates in the cable releasing direction, the connecting pin can be connected with the free end of the brake lever from one facing plate side while the other facing plate restricts the movement of the connecting pin, and the clip (30) is set on one facing plate (23b) so as to restrict the movement of the connecting pin after connecting the brake cable and the brake lever via the connecting pin.
US07815017B2
A lifting station for vertically moving an object, in particular a vehicle body, in a surface treatment installation includes a fixed support structure and a vertically movable lifting cradle which is supported on the support structure and on which at least one conveying device is arranged. Energy for actuating the conveying device can be stored in an energy accumulator arranged on the lifting cradle. In this way, a trailing cable which supplies the conveying device with energy in different lifting positions is not required.
US07815014B2
A construction platform comprising a stationary support structure adapted to be fixedly secured to the floor of a building under construction and project from the edge of the building to a predetermined maximum extent, and a movable deck mounted on the stationary structure which may be extended as a cantilever therefrom or retracted into at least substantial registration therewith.
US07815006B2
To provide a seat belt winding method, a seat belt retractor, and a seat belt apparatus capable of stopping the motor even when the seat belt is being wound and restarting the winding of the seat belt, and capable of reducing excess repetition of stopping and starting of the motor.A seat belt winding method comprises a start signal detecting step (S1) for detecting a buckle release signal, a starting step (S2) for actuating a motor based on a buckle release signal, an overload detecting step (S3) for detecting overload on the motor, a stopping step (S4) for stopping the motor when overload is detected, a waiting step (S5) for stopping the motor for a certain period of time, a storage checking step (S6) for checking the completion of the winding of the seat belt after a lapse of the certain period of time, and a restart determining step (S7) for counting up the number of times the motor is restarted and terminating the winding operation of the seat belt (S8) when the number of times the motor is restarted reaches a predetermined value.
US07815002B2
A snowmobile is provided that includes rearward portion comprising at least one vehicle component (e.g., a seat, or a fuel tank). The snowmobile also includes an exhaust pipe, a radiator, a fan, and a duct. The exhaust pipe extends from an engine compartment in a forward portion to the rearward portion of the snowmobile. The radiator is positioned in the engine compartment. The fan is positioned near the radiator and the duct is provided on a rear side of the fan. The duct extends from the engine compartment to the rearward portion of the snowmobile. The fan and the duct cause air to pass through the radiator and to be discharged outside of the engine compartment. The duct is located between the exhaust pipe and the at least one vehicle component.
US07815000B2
A track driven vehicle has an undercarriage transmission assembly that has a central transmission housing forming a one piece all welded housing. The central transmission housing has upright side wall portions with multiple layers of plates or walls in a sandwich construction on which drive motors are mounted. The drive motors are on the interior of the transmission housing, with track driven sprocket assemblies on the exterior of the side walls. Track mounting pods or frames are welded to the exterior of the side walls of the transmission housing.
US07814999B2
A hydraulic traction system for vehicles is described. The system comprises a hydraulic vane motor mounted at each wheel of the vehicle, and equal number of identical hydraulic vane motors operated as engine driven pumps, and a control system for regulating the flow and direction of hydraulic oil during operation. The hydraulic motor is of a novel design that has a hollow non-drive shaft that accepts incoming hydraulic oil, this allows internal components of the hydraulic motor to be arranged in such a way to improve the efficiency of the hydraulic traction system.
US07814986B2
A powered hammer includes a housing, a tool holder coupled to the housing and configured to hold a tool, a motor within the housing, a cylinder disposed within the housing, and a piston slideably mounted within the cylinder. A drive mechanism converts rotary output of the motor into a reciprocating motion of the piston. The drive mechanism includes a crank shaft rotationally driven by the motor, a drive pin eccentrically mounted on the crank shaft, and a con rod with a first end connected to the drive pin and a second end connected to the piston. A ram is slideably mounted forward of the piston that is reciprocatingly driven by the piston. A beat piece is slideably mounted forward of the ram. The beat piece is repetitively struck by the reciprocating ram, which in turn repetitively strikes an end of the tool when held in the tool holder to transfer the momentum of the ram to the tool. Lubrication fluid covers at least part of the drive mechanism. A rear piston chamber is formed within an end of the cylinder, rearward of the piston, the volume of which repetitively changes as the piston moves within the cylinder, causing air within the housing to be at least one of drawn into and blown out of the rear piston chamber. The movement of air causes the lubrication fluid to move within the housing. A longitudinal passageway defined in at least one of the crank shaft and the drive pin enables passage of air and the lubricating fluid to assist in movement of the lubrication fluid within the housing.
US07814983B2
A fire protection system comprises a supply pipe having a first fluid pressurized to a first pressure and a network of pipes having a plurality of sprinklers. The network of pipes have a second fluid being pressurized to a second pressure at approximately 5.5 times the first pressure. The system further comprises a dry pipe valve including a body defining a passage extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet coupled to the supply pipe and an outlet coupled to the network of pipes. The inlet has an inlet diameter of approximately WD inches and a seat disposed in the body has a seating surface with a diameter AD approximately less than two times WD inches. The dry pipe valve further includes a clapper pivotable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis between a first position occluding the passage when the ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is at least 5.5 and a second position permitting fluid flow through the passage when the ratio is less than 5.5.
US07814981B2
Disclosed herein is an equalizer and fracture valve system. The system includes, a tubular, at least one fracture valve disposed at the tubular is openable and closeable to flow therethrough, and at least one equalizer disposed at the tubular is openable to flow therethrough.
US07814980B2
Methods of forming and utilizing micro-crosslinked gels are disclosed, including a method comprising: providing a micro-crosslinked gel that comprises micro-domains; and placing the micro-crosslinked gel into a subterranean formation via a well bore penetrating the formation at a desired pressure. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions that include a micro-crosslinked gel comprising a jigsaw configuration of micro-domains and particulates.
US07814973B2
A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (48). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having at least one opening (60) and an internal flow path (44). A swellable material layer (46) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (42). A fluid collection subassembly (50) is disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (46). The fluid collection subassembly (50) is in fluid communication with the internal flow path (44). A filter medium (62) is operably associated with the sand control screen assembly (40) and is disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (40) and the internal flow path (44). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (46) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (50) to contact the wellbore (48).
US07814967B2
A heat exchanger having an active surface over which a fluid flows to affect an exchange of heat between the active surface and the fluid. In some embodiments, the active surface includes a logarithmic spiral wherein the radius of the logarithmic spiral measured at equiangular radii unfolds at a constant order of growth. Further embodiments exhibit an active surface conforming to the internal or external surface of particular classes or genera of shells.
US07814960B2
In a mold oscillating apparatus according to the present invention, a connecting plate for interconnecting a moving bearing housing rotated by eccentric rotation of an eccentric shaft and a mold table oscillated by rotation of the moving bearing housing is supported by the mold table from one end of an upper end part thereof to the other end, and supported by the moving bearing housing from one end of a lower end part thereof to the other end. By such a configuration, torsional deformation of the connecting plate is prevented and a stress generated in the connecting plate is eased.
US07814958B2
A roll-up sunroof shade is provided that includes two guide rails running along the sides of the shade sheet. The shade sheet is cut wider than corresponds to the clear distance between the guide rails. While being pulled out, the shade sheet is forced by an appropriate geometry at the inlet end of the guide rails to form a tube-like loop around a piping member that moves along with it. Due to the wrapping of the piping member, the shade sheet is held in place perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the guide rail.
US07814956B2
An apparatus comprising a first door panel; a second door panel coupled to the first door panel such that the first door panel and the second door panel form a hollow portion of a door panel assembly; and an insulating material placed within the hollow portion of the door panel assembly. An apparatus comprising a door panel assembly including a front side, a back side, a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side; a door frame surrounding the door panel assembly at the bottom side, the left side and the right side of the door panel, the door frame including a bottom portion, a left portion and a right portion; means for magnetically coupling the left side of the door panel assembly to the left portion of the door frame; means for magnetically coupling the right side of the door panel assembly to the right portion of the door frame; means for magnetically coupling the bottom side of the door panel assembly to the bottom portion of the door frame.
US07814955B2
A woven corrugator belt having a fabric body that has a base layer fabricated from a polyester material and has at least 1 layer of the polyester that runs in both the machine direction and cross machine direction of the belt. The fabric body has a first end and a second end that are joined by use of an inline seam. A material having greater hydrolysis resistance than the polyester may be woven into side portions of the belt for improved hydrolysis resistance.
US07814954B2
A sheet sticking apparatus 10 comprises a sheet feed-out unit 12 that feeds out an adhesive sheet S to a position facing a surface of a semiconductor wafer W and a press roller 14 that presses the adhesive sheet S to stick the adhesive sheet S onto the wafer W. The sheet feed-out unit 12 includes a tension measuring means 35 for measuring a tension of the adhesive sheet S between the sheet feed-out unit 12 and the press roller 14 and a sticking angle maintaining means 37 provided with a feed-out head 49 for maintaining a sticking angle θ. After measuring and adjusting the tension immediately before sticking the adhesive sheet S, the feed-out head 49 is lowered in proportion to the movement amount of the press roller 14, thereby the sticking angle θ is maintained, and thus the tension is maintained at a constant level.
US07814952B2
The present invention provides a run-flat support body and a tire/wheel assembly whose weights can be respectively reduced. The run-flat support body includes an annular shell and elastic rings, the annular shell having an outer peripheral side as a support surface and an inner peripheral side formed in fork-shaped open legs, the elastic rings being attached respectively to the legs portions of the annular shell, and the elastic rings being designed to be mounted on a rim of a wheel. The annular shell is formed of a porous structural material having fine voids. The run-flat support body is attached to an inside of a pneumatic tire mounted on the rim of the wheel.
US07814951B2
A pneumatic tire which can enhance performance on snow while assuring performance in wet or dry condition is provided.A plurality of inclined lateral grooves 16 which extend from the tread edge 12E toward the tire equatorial surface CL, being inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction, are arranged in the tread 12 to establish the rotation directionality, whereby high performance in wet condition is obtained. In traveling on snow, the snow is got into the inclined lateral grooves 16, resulting in a force for shearing the snow column being obtained, thus basic performance in traveling on a snow covered road surface is provided. In the land portion 18 between inclined lateral grooves 16 adjoining in the circumferential direction, convexly curved line fine grooves 20 and sipes 22 are formed on the treading-in side, whereby a great edging effect is obtained in treading in the snow, which can enhance traction performance on snow. In addition, in the land portion 18, the kicking-out side is provided with less grooves than the treading-in side, having a higher rigidity, thus the land part rigidity as the entire land portion is assured, resulting in maneuvering performance in wet or dry condition being ensured.
US07814949B2
Handbags with multi-function strap systems and methods of utilizing handbags with multi-function strap systems are provided herein. According to one embodiment, a handbag with multi-function strap system includes a bag portion having an inside and an outside, a ring coupled to one side of the bag, and first and second fasteners coupled to the bag portion. The first and second fasteners are accessible at the inside of the bag, the first fastener is relatively distant to the ring, and the second fastener is relatively near the ring. A strap has first and second ends, and a hook is coupled to the strap adjacent the first end. A third fastener complementary to at least one of the first and second fasteners is coupled to the strap adjacent the strap second end. A fourth fastener complementary to at least one of the first and second fasteners is also coupled to the strap.
US07814941B2
A fluid transfer system includes a fluid container to receive a liquid and an apparatus for pressurizing liquid in the container including a deformable envelope defining a space for receiving a gas. Deformation of the envelope contracts the space to a contracted condition such that, when the space includes the gas, deformation of the envelope contracts the space to effect a transfer of a portion of the gas to the container to effect pressurization of the liquid in the container. A dispensing nozzle includes a fluid passage having a nozzle inlet and outlet, and an orifice defined by a valve seat. The nozzle inlet is in fluid communication with the container for effecting a discharge of the liquid from the container. A sealing member is biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat for sealing fluid communication between the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet.
US07814938B2
A safety line hose to which a worker can be attached and which includes a passageway for communicating an air compressor with a pneumatic tool. The safety line includes an elongated flexible pneumatic hose, an elongated flexible tubing enveloping the pneumatic hose, and an elongated, flexible, wear resistant sheath enveloping the tubing. A compressor air hose connector is attached to the end of the pneumatic hose located at the first end of the safety line hose, and is adapted to be connected to the outlet of an air compressor hose. A pneumatic tool connector is attached to the end of the pneumatic hose located adjacent the second end of the safety line hose, and is adapted to be connected to a pneumatic tool. A fastening member is attached to the first end of the safety line hose and is adapted to be releasably fastened to a safety line attachment member.
US07814935B2
A coupling is provided preferably for a vortex valve for use on an outlet pipe in a sewerage system. The coupling comprises an outer component for insertion into a bore of a pipe, and an inner component which is inserted into the outer component, ramp means being provided between the two components, whereby the outer component is expanded to seal against the bore when the inner component is inserted into the outer component so as to engage the second ramp portion. The ramp means comprise first and second portions of different inclinations. The vortex valve has a circumferential inlet which is adjustable.
US07814930B1
A liquid refill control for a holding tank includes a pneumatic solenoid valve for delivering liquid to the tank in an open state and restricting delivery of the liquid to the tank in a closed state. The solenoid valve has a pneumatic exhaust. A container mounted in the tank includes an inlet for introducing liquid from the tank into the container and an outlet formed below the inlet. A discharge valve is operably mounted to the tank for alternately closing and opening the outlet. A lower float closes the discharge valve when the liquid is at or above a predetermined level in the tank and opens the discharge valve when the liquid is below the predetermined level to discharge liquid from the container. A pneumatic exhaust valve alternately opens and closes the pneumatic exhaust which in turn changes the state of the pneumatic solenoid valve. An upper float mounted in the container maintains the pneumatic exhaust valve in one of the open and closed conditions when the liquid in the container is at or above a threshold level and maintains that valve in the other condition when the liquid in the container is below the threshold level.
US07814927B2
Disclosed are faucets having a housing with a hollow main body, a lower inlet, a hollow side arm, and an upper outlet. A control valve is mounted to the side arm. A waterway subassembly is removably mounted in the main body using a catch located in the side arm which is accessible from outside the side arm and moveable between a first position that prevents the waterway from dropping out of the housing lower inlet and a second position that permits the waterway to drop out of the housing lower inlet.
US07814919B2
An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus which cleans a material at a surface by supplying an ultrasonic wave from an ultrasonic wave application head to a cleaning liquid on the surface, and cleans the surface, wherein the ultrasonic wave application head has an ultrasonic wave transmission member which is provided opposite the surface, and has a curved portion on a first plane placed close to the surface, an ultrasonic transducer which is provided on a second plane placed opposite the first plane of the ultrasonic wave transmission member, and generates and applies an ultrasonic wave to a cleaning liquid on the surface through the ultrasonic wave transmission member, and a preventive portion which is provided in the ultrasonic wave transmission member, and prevents the ultrasonic wave applied to the cleaning liquid and reflected on the surface from entering the ultrasonic transducer through the ultrasonic wave transmission member.
US07814918B2
In a method of cleaning an ejection face by supplying a head liquid on a surface (ejection face) of an inkjet head provided with ink ejection outlets, and then by performing wiping operations thereon, an ink residue on the ejection face is efficiently and surely removed from the ejection face to achieve a sufficient cleaning thereon. For this purpose, a first wiping operation is first performed such that a wiper (9A) is relatively largely bent, and slidingly contacts the ejection face at an abdomen thereof to efficiently perform the application, stirring and mixing of the head liquid. Then, a second wiping operation is performed such that an edge portion of the top end of a wiper (9B) slidingly contacts the surface to efficiently scrape the mixture of the head liquid and the ink residue.
US07814913B2
A condom may include pouch having a wall and a frame. The pouch may have an open end and a closed end and the frame may be positioned proximate the open end. An anchoring device may be secured to the pouch proximate the closed end. Further, a harness or accessory attachment may be provided to assist in securing the condom to a user. At least one condom accessory, for stimulating at least one of the five senses, may also be positioned on or in at least one of the pouch, frame, anchor or harness using a variety of attachment methods.
US07814910B2
A nose cap includes a hollow body having a first opening, a second opening communicating with the first opening via a first passage and an outer covering having a third opening communicating with the first opening of the hollow body and a fourth opening communicating with the third opening via a second passage. An air chamber is formed between the hollow body and the outer covering after extension of the hollow body into the second passage. The air chamber is able to provide comfort to a patient.
US07814908B2
In a method and device for reducing the carbon dioxide content in a dead volume intended for connection to the respiratory system of a patient, and an anesthesia apparatus embodying such a device, a flow of gas is generated from an outlet associated with the dead volume and the gas is conducted through a carbon dioxide absorber, and the gas after passing through the carbon dioxide absorber is returned to an inlet associated with the dead volume.
US07814901B2
The present invention provides a nebulizing drug delivery system for delivering an aerosolized drug to a user having various features to increase the capacity of the drug delivery device. The drug delivery system includes a heater to increase the viscosity of the drug, a double aerosolizing system to double the capacity of the device, and a valve system to continuously replenish drug to the aerosol generator thereby providing a high speed delivery.
US07814899B1
In a first embodiment a framed solar panel is retained by a rod inserted through a hole in the panel frame. The rod is attached to the top of a bracket, which is mounted at its bottom to a substantially flat surface. In a second embodiment, a framed solar collector panel is retained by a clip which is designed to fit over the top edge of the frame. The clip is then attached to the top of a second bracket. In a fourth embodiment a tether is fastened between the through hole and the flat surface. These embodiments may be used at either or both ends of the frame. Each embodiment may include a safety tether that is connected between the frame and the bracket.
US07814898B2
A high capacity snow melting apparatus has a hopper with one or a plurality of dedicated heater/blower units coupled to a plurality of commingled heat radiant conduits for contact with snow, ice and water, and manifolds connected to the conduits for additional heat exchange and to direct heated air onto snow in the hopper. Terminal sections of the conduits are elevated to an upper region of the hopper and have downwardly directed exhaust ports for substantial and efficient preheating of new snow loads. Heat exchanger passages through the heated air conduits allow water to flow in the path of heated air in the conduits to substantially increase snow and ice melting efficiency of the conduits. A water bath in the bottom of the hopper is level controlled to cover the conduits and drain water from the hopper.
US07814888B2
A method for operating an internal combustion engine having a fuel system which feeds fuel at a given pressure to a metering valve provides that a controller defines the opening time and the closing time of the metering valve and correspondingly actuates the metering valve so that the metering valve opens and closes at the defined times. In order to permit precise metering of fuel even in high-speed internal combustion engines there is provision for the controller to define at least one of the times for the opening or closing of the metering valve while taking into account the counterpressure actually prevailing at the outlet opening of the metering valve.
US07814887B2
In a method and a device for controlling a pump (14, 20) connected to a fuel rail (12) in an internal combustion engine, in order to provide a predetermined quantity of fuel in the fuel rail (12) for a predetermined operating state, the following steps are provided: determining whether a process occurs that switches the internal combustion engine into a next predetermined operating state; determining a pump output of the pump (14, 20) if the process for switching the internal combustion engine into a predetermined operating state was detected, whereby the pump output of the pump (14, 20) is selected such that the predetermined quantity of fuel is provided for the operating state; and actuating the pump (14, 20) so that the pump (14, 20) provides the predetermined quantity of fuel when the predetermined operating state is reached.
US07814886B2
A shut-off valve of the flow rate of a fuel pump for an internal combustion engine; the shut-off valve is provided with: a tubular cylindrical body, which is closed on top, displays a cylindrical seat, the lower portion of which performs the function of fuel pipe, and comprises a number of radial through holes to allow the introduction of fuel within the cylindrical seat; a lower plate, which is arranged within the tubular cylindrical body and underneath the radial holes and has a central through hole which defines an outlet opening of the fuel; and a cylindrical shutter, which is coupled to the lower plate and is mobile between an open position, in which the outlet opening is in communication with the radial holes, and a closed position, in which the outlet opening is isolated from the radial holes.
US07814880B2
A cover assembly for an internal combustion engine application and method of construction therefore provides one construction for a valve cover assembly, and another construction for an end cover assembly for a crankcase. The cover assemblies include at least one rigid metal carrier having a plurality of bolt openings and a plurality of load limiters located about said openings. A material is overmolded on the carrier and about the load limiters, with the material forming an exposed sealing surface for direct engagement with a seal gasket.
US07814879B2
A cylinder crankcase for a four-stroke engine is disclosed. The cylinder crankcase includes a cylinder head, cylinder block, and crankcase which are monolithic. A half-crank crankshaft bears in a crank arm, which is included in the crankcase. The cylinder crankcase includes a belt driven valve train and crank arm that includes a pocket containing a crank gear attached to the crankshaft for driving the belt.
US07814878B2
A method of operating an engine having an adjustable balance shaft may comprise adjusting operation of the balance shaft during engine operation in response to an engine combustion mode. For example, balance shafts may be disabled during SI mode and enabled during HCCI mode. Various alternative examples may also be used.
US07814871B2
A portable powered device such as a tool, comprising a housing within which is defined a combustion chamber (8) for combustion of a mixture of fuel and a combustion-supporting gas, which mixture is compressed so as to be subjected to a pressure in excess of the ambient atmospheric pressure prior to combustion, combustion of the fuel/combination-supporting gas mixture providing the power by which the device performs its intended task, and wherein the combustion and/or a further combustive event provides the power to compress a successive fuel/combination-supporting gas mixture, such that a successive cycle of operation of the device may be performed without requiring manual compression of a fuel-combustion-supporting gas mixture by the user.
US07814869B2
The present invention provides a hot water supply system using at least two water heaters having versatility to realize switching between a single hot water supply operation mode and a connected hot water supply operation mode of the water heaters and connected operation control after switching to the connected hot water supply operation mode with a simple configuration. Two water heaters D1, D2 each includes a dip switch operated when setting the connected hot water supply operation mode of the two water heaters. When each dip switch is in the ON state to set the connected hot water supply operation mode, hot water supply control by the connected operation is performed under the mutual communication via a communication cable L in the two water heaters D1, D2.
US07814868B2
A fuel-fired water heater has a draft inducer fan assembly with a housing having an inlet for receiving hot combustion gases discharged from the water heater, and an outlet for discharging the combustion gases. A normally closed damper member within the housing is openable by fluid pressure force created by operation of a draft inducer fan portion of the assembly. With the damper in its open position the fan exhausts the received combustion gases through a housing outlet. When the damper closes it prevents convective outflow through the housing outlet of flue-heated air. In alternate embodiments of the assembly the fan is operative to also draw in dilution air that cools the fan motor and the discharged combustion gases, with the assembly having an internal configuration preventing convective outflow of flue-heated air through the housing dilution air inlet during standby periods of the water heater.
US07814867B2
The present invention is an apparatus and method for producing a steam and CO2 mixture, as a super heated dry steam mixture. The apparatus includes a rotatable vessel having a combustion section and a steam producing section. There may also be a dry solid removal, a steam production and solid scrubbing vertical vessel, and a heat exchanger. The vessel is partially filled with spherical bodies, and the sections are partially separated by a partition. A discharge section is located at an end of the steam producing section. A homogenizing section has at least one partition wall guiding flow of gases. The process for producing the steam mixture includes mixing a low quality fuel with an oxidation gas, combusting in a rotating drum filled with spherical bodies, and mixing low quality water with a controlled temperature to generate steam. All liquids convert to gas so that there is no liquid discharge.
US07814863B2
Methods and systems for providing liquid feed to livestock deliver the liquid feed to a feeding station at a temperature below that of the mother's natural milk to encourage use of the liquid feed by the young as a supplement and not a replacement. A second reservoir expands the capacity of the system without increasing the size of the mixing reservoir. The second reservoir is equipped with selectively operable refrigeration and heating elements to facilitate cooling of the liquid feed or heating of a cleaning solution. A peroxide doser introduces small quantifies of peroxide to clean the liquid feed and prevent gorging. Orifices through which feed is discharged at feeding stations decrease in cross sectional area along the circulation line in the direction of flow to counteract variation in discharge flow rates caused by a pressure differential in the liquid feed along the line.
US07814861B2
A device for coating printed circuit boards with a fluid coating compound applied to the board surface is disclosed. The device has a conveyor for the printed circuit boards, a sprayer arranged over or under the conveyor, and a covering element on at least one side over an edge area of the printed circuit boards, wherein the area of the covering element covering the edge area of the printed circuit board can be moved away from the printed circuit board. The device also has a wiper, which wipes the coating compound moved away from the printed circuit board off from the covering element and supplies it to a holding tank.
US07814849B1
A seed tube having a front wall defining a portion of a seed pathway therethrough and having a concave interior surface having a first radius of curvature. The concave surface may extend only partially across the width of the front wall, such that a portion of the front wall lacks a substantially concave surface. Alternatively, the entirely of the front wall defining a portion of the seed pathway may have a concave surface. In this embodiment, the front wall has an asymmetrical cross-section. For example, a first portion of the concave surface may have a first radius of curvature and a second portion of the concave surface may have a second radius of curvature, with the second radius of curvature being greater than the first radius of curvature.
US07814848B2
Biodegradable solid soil amendment material such as poultry litter may be disposed of in soil using an apparatus which includes a soil cutter for cutting a trench and a dispenser for transporting the material and simultaneously grinding or shearing the material and distributing it to the trenches in the soil. The receptacle includes a plurality of troughs across its bottom surface, each having an outlet at one end thereof, and corresponding screw augers therein for distributing and transporting the material to the outlets. As the material is transported toward each of the outlets by the augers it is crushed or ground to a small size. This apparatus allows the material to be dispensed through the multiple outlets at a substantially steady, uniform rate.
US07814847B2
A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.
US07814842B2
A hopper car gate for discharging cargo from a hopper car having a length greater than its width. The gate has opposed generally upright side walls and opposed generally upright end walls coupled with the side walls. The coupled walls present a top opening and a bottom opening. A first rail extends between and is coupled with the side walls adjacent the bottom opening. A first door is supported on the first rail and is moveable in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of the hopper car that the gate is joined with between a closed position which blocks the bottom opening and an open position which allows cargo to exit through the bottom opening.
US07814840B2
A magnet arrangement for a magnetic levitation vehicle is described. The magnet arrangement comprises a plurality of magnet poles (11) being combined to form groups (11a to 11f), wherein according to the invention each group contains one magnet pole (11a to 11f) or two magnet poles (11a to 11f). The windings (12a to 12f) of each group are controlled by a control circuit (18) individually assigned to it (FIG. 8).
US07814839B2
A conveyor is powered by a rotating, generally horizontal drive tube or shaft engaged by angularly disposed trolley wheels, in which trolleys support the conveyed products or materials above the drive tube and clear of any parts of the conveyor structure that would interfere with the desired path of travel. Each of the trolleys is provided with load wheels which ride on load rails above the drive tube and associated drive wheels, thereby providing a structure upon which a platform or other support may be mounted for bearing the transported products.
US07814831B2
A printing module provided with a frame (12), an impression roller (13), a plate cylinder assembly (22), an anilox roller and a doctor roller, wherein the printing module comprises two receiving units disposed on opposite sides of the plate cylinder, which are connected with the frame, while fixation means are provided for fixating the plate cylinder assembly in the receiving units, the fixation means (26, 27) being situated substantially under the plate cylinder assembly (22), the fixation means preferably comprising two rods (46,46′) which, at an upwardly directed end, are provided with a hook (47,47′), the two hooks, on opposite sides of the plate cylinder, engaging a stationary shaft of the plate cylinder assembly, while on the rods a pull force is exerted for pressing the plate cylinder assembly into the receiving units.
US07814830B2
A printing plate suitable for retaining ink in an imagewise fashion on a main surface thereof defines an array of pixel-sized cavities. Each cavity has associated therewith a quantity of a light-induced shape-memory polymer. When a cavity is exposed with energy, such as from an imaging laser, the quantity of polymer changes shape and/or position, thereby allowing a relatively greater quantity of ink to be retained in the cavity. The printing plate is then inked, to from a transferable image. The apparatus as a whole enables a gravure-like printing plate to be repeatedly imaged using digital image data.
US07814825B2
An oil delivery system for a popcorn popping machine to deliver cooking oil to a kettle of the popping machine. In one embodiment, the oil delivery system includes more or more containers of oil which are supported within a cabinet of the popping machine so that the outlet of each container is facing downwardly so as to be oriented along a vertical axis. Flexible tubing is provided to connect the outlets of the containers to a pump of the oil delivery system. Each container may comprise a flexible bag which is enclosed in a rectangular box. The outlets of the flexible bags include quick connect/disconnect connectors which are connected with quick connect/disconnect connectors provided on the flexible tubing. The oil delivery system is provided with a flow sensor to detect when a container of oil is empty and provide an alert to an operator to remove and replace the container with a filled container. An electronic valve is provided in the oil delivery system to control the flow of oil from the containers.
US07814814B2
A kit for removal of a broken spark plug from a cylinder head includes first and second tools. The first tool is designed to position a broken porcelain element into the spark plug tip so that the second tool may be utilized to engage the tip by threading into the tip and thereafter axially withdraw the plug tip from the cylinder head by rotation of the tool.
US07814809B2
A plastic gear having a gear peripheral portion including a tooth portion is constituted by a plastic material, and a gear inner circumferential member with an annular shape or a disk shape is provided at the inner circumferential side of the gear peripheral portion. The gear peripheral portion includes an inner core and a surface layer member, the inner core being covered with the surface layer member and made of plastic with high elastic modulus and high strength, and the surface layer member being made of plastic with relatively low elastic modulus. The inner core is revolvably fitted around the gear inner circumferential member so as to revolve around the gear revolving axis, and an engaging portion is provided at an interface of the surface layer member and the gear inner circumferential member for preventing relative revolution around the gear revolving axis.
US07814807B2
A starter is provided, which includes an intermediate gear connected to an intermediate shaft, and engaging with and driven by a pinion gear which is connected to an output shaft of a motor. The intermediate gear engages with a ring gear of an engine to crank up the engine when shifted together with the pinion gear in axial directions of these shafts via a retainer which is slidably supported by both of these shafts. A clutch supported by the shaft of the motor causes this shift by pushing the retainer in its axial direction. The clutch and the intermediate gear, each being defined by its outermost diameter, overlap with each other in the radial direction between these shafts. This overlap reduces stress acting on the retainer when the intermediate gear engages with the ring gear, thus reducing thickness of the retainer and the axial length of the starter.
US07814799B2
The present invention relates to a method for the determination of the stresses occurring in wood when drying or being dried. With the method in accordance with the invention, electrodes are used to generate an electric field in drying wood in order to measure the electric complex spectrum using the impedance spectroscopy method while at the same time employing sensors to measure acoustic emissions from drying wood and using the results for calculating the parameters required for determining the stress state existing in the wood and for monitoring and/or controlling the drying process.
US07814796B2
Provided is a partial pressure measuring method and a partial pressure measuring apparatus by which a partial pressure distribution is easily measured in a vacuum chamber. The partial pressure measuring method and the partial pressure measuring apparatus includes: moving a local plasma source dedicated to partial pressure measuring provided in the vacuum chamber, to a location at which the measuring is to be performed; and measuring a partial pressure distribution in the vacuum chamber, by receiving emission of plasma generated by the local plasma source through a window which is formed in a wall part of the vacuum chamber and through which the emission passes, and thereby performing emission spectral analysis on intensity of the emission.
US07814782B2
Apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting gas in return fluids. A semi-permeable interface is disposed on a tool sub, the semi-permeable interface being in communication with a fluid cell and with a return fluid in an annular region defined by an outside the tool sub and a borehole wall. A sensor responsive to a gas carried by the return fluid is disposed in the fluid cell to sense the gas that enters the fluid cell from the return fluid via the semi-permeable interface.
US07814774B2
A method of evaluating a measuring device for measuring, in normal operation, a diffusion capacity of a person's lungs by measuring a change of concentration of a gas species in a mixture, when the mixture is inhaled and subsequently exhaled by the person or imposed by an artificial ventilator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving the mixture in a compartment; (b) circulating gas from the compartment back to the compartment through a circulation circuit; and (c) selectively reducing partial pressure of the gas species in the circulation circuit to a predetermined level. A device for implementing the evaluation method is also disclosed.
US07814767B2
An induction furnace capable of drawing large diameter preforms of up to 130 mm is described. The induction furnace has top and bottom chimneys surrounding the entire preform during operation of the furnace with an inert conditioning gas which is introduced into the top chimney and flows downward through the furnace body and bottom chimney without significant turbulence. A distributor ring inside the top chimney redirects flow from a circumferential direction to a downward direction. The top chimney also includes a resilient seal to releasably hold the top of the preform. The bottom chimney has a smoothly decreasing cross-sectional area preventing turbulence at the furnace exit. The furnace insulation is preferably a rigid self-supporting graphite cylinder. A method of drawing large diameter preforms either to an optical fiber or to a preform of smaller diameter using such a furnace is also described.
US07814759B2
A computer-implemented method for cooling a modular computer system having multiple cooling devices and multiple heat-generating modules is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining the number of cooling device installed in the system; determining the positions of the installed cooling devices; applying predefined cooling device placement rules and signaling an error condition if a cooling device is in an unacceptable location; determining locations of all installed heat-generating modules; and applying the predefined cooling device placement rules and signaling an error condition if an installed heat-generating module is in an unacceptable location.
US07814757B2
A method of operating a directed relief valve to ventilate a refrigerant by sensing the concentration of refrigerant leakage from the air conditioning system, and if the first concentration exceeds a threshold, by sensing a second concentration. If the first and second concentrations exceed a predetermined concentration, the system will send a leak message to the operator and/or ventilate the refrigerant to the surrounding atmosphere. The system continuously monitors the refrigerant leakage concentration when the vehicle engine is operative, but only periodically monitors the refrigerant leakage concentration when the vehicle engine is inoperative.
US07814747B2
An exhaust gas aftertreatment installment and associated exhaust gas aftertreatment method utilizes a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter and an SCR catalytic converter. A particulate filter is provided upstream of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or between the latter and the SCR catalytic converter or downstream of the SCR catalytic converter. The time of regeneration operating phases of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter can be determined as a function of the nitrogen oxide content of the exhaust gas downstream of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or of the SCR catalytic converter and/or as a function of the ammonia loading of the latter. Moreover, a desired ammonia generation quantity can be determined for a respective regeneration operating phase. The installation and method are adopted for use for motor vehicle internal combustion engines and other engines which are operated predominantly in lean-burn mode.
US07814746B2
An exhaust device for a diesel engine supplies liquid fuel (6) from a supply source (5) of the liquid fuel (6) to a gas generator (3) which converts the liquid fuel (6) to flammable gas (7) and from which a flammable-gas supply passage (8) is conducted, the flammable-gas supply passage (8) having a flammable-gas outlet (9) communicated with an exhaust-gas route (1) upstream of a diesel-particulate-filter (2), the flammable gas (7) flowed out of the flammable-gas outlet (9) being burnt in exhaust gas (10) to generate combustion heat which can burn fine particles of the exhaust gas (10) remaining at the filter (2). In this exhaust device for a diesel engine, a case (11) for containing the filter (2) accommodates at least part of the gas generator (3).
US07814744B2
An exhaust after-treatment system for an internal combustion engine includes a lean NOx catalyst having an exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine flowing therethrough. A NOx absorber catalyst is downstream of the lean NOx catalyst. The NOx absorber is selectively regenerated to increase a NOx reduction efficiency of the exhaust after-treatment system.
US07814739B2
A riding type mower includes: a vehicle body, a driver's seat mounted on the vehicle body; an operation part arranged around the driver's seat; a mower unit provided on the vehicle body; a shutter for closing a discharge port; a shutter moving mechanism for moving the shutter between a close position closing the discharge port and an open position opening the discharge port; and a lock mechanism for locking the shutter at the close position. The mower unit includes: a mower deck; a cutting blade installed inside the mower deck; the discharge port formed in the mower deck, through which mown grass cut by the blade is discharge from the mower unit to outside. A shutter operating tool for remotely operating the shutter moving mechanism to open and close the shutter is provided in the operation part. The lock mechanism is remotely operable from the operation part.
US07814734B2
A packaging system (10), and associated components and methodology, that provides for automatic detection of a full, overfull, closed or partially closed container, even when mixed with other containers. An exemplary packaging method includes the following steps: (a.) determining the dimensions of a container; (b.) detecting a height of the container and its contents in one or more locations within a scan area of an open side of the container; (c.) comparing the detected height of the container and/or its contents to pre-specified criteria; and (d.) when the detected height exceeds the pre-specified criteria, generating a signal that indicates that the scan area includes a height that exceeds the pre-specified criteria.
US07814729B2
A stiff panel (1) comprises a skin (2) and at least one stiffener (3) of composite material on said skin. Free surface (311) of web (31) of stiffener (3) on the stiff panel according to the invention comprises a deformable core (33) and a covering (34) which covers core (33) and joins said core with structural part (35) of web (31). The width of core (33) is equal to or greater than the width of structural part (35) of web (31) of stiffener (3), depending on the shock energy against which panel (1) must be protected.
US07814727B2
A wall panel structure which is easily assembled and disassembled and is constructed from a plurality of frame assemblies, each frame assembly comprising a first frame component having a first wall and an adjacent second wall, the first wall having an externally accessible abutment surface; and a second frame component having an angled cross section defined by first and second arms, the first arm having an inwardly extending flange configured to engage said abutment surface of the first frame component, and the second arm configured to engage the second wall of the first frame component.
US07814720B2
A device for bridging a difference in height between two floor surfaces (1, 3) is described, with said device comprising a profiled cover (4) that is provided with a covering flange (5) which covers the edge of each of the two floor surfaces (1,3), with at least one clamping extension (6) that protrudes downward from the covering flange (5), extends longitudinally with respect to the profiled cover (4), and clamps into and engages with a fixture (7), with said device also comprising a compensating strip (10) located between the covering flange (5) of the profiled cover (4) and the lower of the two floor surfaces (1, 3). In order to create advantageous construction conditions it is proposed that the fixture (7) forms a clamping seat (11) for the compensating strip (10).
US07814716B2
A system for mounting a prefabricated construction unit in an aperture in a building structure comprises a plurality of clips. The clips have exterior ends adapted to be affixed to a frame of the construction unit and interior ends adapted to be affixed to the building structure. The exterior ends may be bent to provide deep grooves which receive a flange of the construction unit. The clips permit a construction unit to be installed without the need for a worker to insert fasteners through the flange from outside the building structure.
US07814712B2
A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base, a sliding holder assembly and a connecting device. The first base has an elongated first sliding channel in a first direction. The second base is parallel to the first base and has an elongated second sliding channel in a second direction. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first and second sliding channels. The sliding holder assembly is mounted between the connecting device and at least one of the bases. The first base is connected with one of the convex ends of the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in a first unidirectional sliding direction. The second base is connected with the other convex end of the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a second unidirectional sliding direction.
US07814711B2
A leveling assembly for an interior wall system is disclosed. The wall system is composed of a number of wall panels configured for installation in a building having a ceiling and a floor. The assembly includes at least one elongate floor channel secured to the floor and a floor rail longitudinally disposed within the floor channel. The floor rail supports one or more of the wall panels. A number of levelers are positioned along the floor channel. The levelers permit the floor rail to be vertically spaced apart from the floor channel. The levelers are adjustable to level the floor rail in relation to the floor.
US07814694B2
A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal.
US07814681B2
The invention is a surf booty with integral one-way flow valves. The invention operates such that when the wearer of the boot steps onto a surface, the pressure thus directly created, with no other pumping provision, drives fluid trapped within the boot out through a valve or valves that are configured to only pass fluid in the outward direction.
US07814670B2
A laser level detection system which detects a reference plane of laser at an arbitrary position includes a plurality of level detection units and an operation unit which displays a detection result of each of the level detection units and can operate each of the level detection units, and the laser level detection unit, which has detected the reference plane of the laser, outputs the detection result and an own identification signal of the level detection unit, and the operation unit displays the detection result and a receiving result of the identification signal of the level detection unit.
US07814668B1
An eye alignment assembly for aligning a tool with a user. The eye alignment assembly is mounted to the tool. The eye alignment assembly includes a sight point of an optical fiber positioned a distance behind an alignment indicia on a lens. An adjustment system is provided to reposition the sight point of the optical fiber relative to the alignment indicia on the lens. The eye alignment assembly provides an indication of orientation of the user relative to the tool in at least two degrees of freedom.
US07814666B2
Preferred embodiments of a reciprocating drive apparatus are disclosed that comprise a housing, a rotatable drive shaft assembly located in the housing an elongated plunger located in the housing for reciprocating motion, the plunger having a front end portion for attaching a tool thereto, a rotary joint rocker mechanism supported in the housing and operatively connected to the plunger and the drive shaft assembly so that rotation of the drive shaft assembly produces reciprocating motion of the plunger. Another preferred embodiment includes a reciprocating counterweight.
US07814642B1
A method of manufacturing an electric rotating machine having a stator that includes a stator core having slots formed at an inner periphery thereof, and a stator winding constituted by conductive wires wound on the slots. The stator winding includes in-slot portions accommodated in the slots and turn portions each connecting each adjacent two of the in-slot portions outside the slots. The stator core includes a core member having at least three tooth portions extending in a radial direction of the stator core and a core back portion integrally connecting the tooth portions at a radially end side thereof. The core member is configured such that each of the first tooth portions folded toward the core back portion is capable of unfolding to extend between a corresponding adjacent two of the in-slot portions when the core member is at a predetermined axial position with respect to the stator winding.
US07814640B2
In order to manufacture a die for forming recesses in a metallic plate which are adapted to be pressure generating chambers in a liquid ejecting head, it is prepared a metallic block adapted to allow a plurality of dies arrayed in a first direction to be cut out, and having a flat end face extending in the first direction. The dies are cut out from the metallic block. A distance between a first part of each of the dies which is adapted to be working members for forming the recesses and the flat end face is made uniform.
US07814637B2
An installation apparatus for installing a wire harness over a fixed structural body and a movable structural body which is slidingly movable to the fixed structural body, the installation apparatus includes a case that receives the wire harness such that the wire harness extends in a sliding direction of sliding movement of the movable structural body, and is folded back into a generally U-shape; and a slider that holds a distal end-side portion of the wire harness extending from the folded-back portion toward a distal end of the wire harness, and is slidably supported on the case so as to move in the sliding direction of the movable structural body, and is operatively connected to the movable structural body so as to move in accordance with the sliding movement of the movable structural body. A slit is formed in a wall of the case, and extends in the sliding direction of the movable structural body. The slit is arranged so as to intersect the folded-back portion of the wire harness in view of above of the wall in which the slit is formed. The distal end-side portion of the wire harness is led out from the case through the slit.
US07814636B2
This invention relates specifically to a seating system or assembly which utilizes a modularized system of standard sized components. The system reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies storage and shipping and improves assembly efficiencies. The system of modularized components allows flexibility in seating use and design.
US07814631B2
Objects of the present invention provide an attachment for power tools that places and sets expansion anchors. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a new and improved attachment apparatus for a rotary-hammer type drill, the attachment including a first anchor setting end, a second attachment end, and a handle portion connecting the setting end to the attachment end. The attachment apparatus can be efficiently and easily mounted to the rotary-hammer type drill to simplify the installation of expansion anchors.
US07814606B2
A toothbrush including a brush head, bristle clusters protruding from a cleaning surface of the brush head and a depression disposed in the surface and surrounding at least one bristle cluster, the depression having a bottom into which the bristle cluster penetrates and in which the bristle cluster is fixed.
US07814595B2
There is provided a towel presenting, washing and drying machine, including first and second spaced-apart rollers each rotatable in a clock-wise and counter-clockwise sense; a bath having liquid inlet and outlet ports located between the rollers supporting a plurality of rod members for guiding a towel section in a meandering fashion in the bath; means for cleaning the towel section in the bath; at least one drying drum disposed outside the bath between the rollers, at least one motor and transmission means coupled to the rollers and the drying drum, and a controller for timely selectively operating each of the rollers and the drying drum. A method for automatically presenting a clean towel section for drying purposes and for washing and drying soiled towel sections in a towel presenting and washing machine, is also provided.
US07814591B2
A patient positioning device is provided. The patient positioning device includes a patient positioning top and a u-shaped undercarriage that includes first and second parts that can be displaced relative to each other. An undercarriage length is adjustable with the first and second parts.
US07814587B2
An apparatus for applying a motion simulating a moving vehicle to an infant's carrier. A platform supporting the carrier is suspended on flexible members in an open-topped enclosure. A pair of crank shafts with cranks upon which are mounted frictional members positioned under the platform. The frictional members cause the platform to rise and fall and sets it into complex motion on the flexible members while the motion of the frictional members gently bounces an infant in the carrier. By varying the length of the flexible members and the speed of the crank shafts, a user may find a setting effective at calming the infant and inducing sleep.
US07814576B2
A pair of tights restrains the knees from wobbling motions, stabilize running motions, and can be comfortably worn for a long time without causing fatigue. The pair of tights includes front parts for covering the front side of the body between the waistline and the front sides of the ankles, back parts for covering the back side of the body between the waist and the back sides of the ankles, outer side parts each covering a side region between the greater trochanter and the outer side of the ankle, back waist projections each formed integrally with the outer side part and projecting from the upper end of the outer side part over the back side of the waist, inner side parts each covering a region between the crotch and the inner side of the ankle, outer knee support parts for supporting the outer side of the knee, inner knee support parts each for supporting the inner side of the knee, and sartorius and adductors support parts each covering the back side of the waist, the sartorius and the adductors, and extending to the upper end of the inner knee support part. The outer side parts, the back waist projections, and the outer and inner support parts are formed of a stretchable material having a high elastic modulus higher than that of a material forming the rest.
US07814572B2
Adjustable padding systems for garments, incorporating a pocket and a pad. The pocket is coupled to the garment and has a wide, proximal portion and a narrow, distal portion. The pad has corresponding wide and narrow portions. The narrow portion of the pad is longer than the length of the narrow portion of the pocket, but is adjustable in length. Accordingly, the location of the wide portion of the pad along the length of the garment can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the narrow portion of the pad.
US07814571B2
A lightweight thin flexible latex glove article having a polymeric latex coating that penetrates the front portion of a knitted liner half way or more through the liner thickness and for at least a portion of the knitted liner, not penetrating the entire thickness. For example, the liner can be knitted using an 18-gauge needle with 70 to 221 denier nylon 66 multi-filament yarn. The polymer latex coating can be 0.75 to 1.25 times the thickness of the knitted liner. Over 30% reduction of glove thickness is achieved resulting in three times greater flexibility. The polymer latex coating may be foamed with 5 to 50 vol % air content. Open celled foamed latex coating may be coated with a dispersion of fluorochemical dispersion to prevent liquid permeation into the glove. The process can include steps to gel the latex emulsion at interstices of the yarn to prevent further penetration of the emulsion into the liner.
US07818810B2
Control of an original document content having permissives includes systems, computer program products and methods that include limiting extractions from the original document to discrete defined portions by enforcing one or more extraction permissives associated with the document and decrypting the document to allow displaying the document only through a document control editor that is capable of identifying and enforcing the extraction permissives. The method may further include assembling a manuscript having an extracted portion from the original document and one or more extraction permissives associated with the extracted portion, wherein the extracted portion can be displayed in decrypted form only through the document control editor. The manuscript may be sent to a publishing authority of the original document for receiving permission to publish the manuscript containing the extracted portion and further receiving a new permissive in the manuscript inserted by the publishing authority and directed to the extracted portion.
US07818808B1
In one embodiment, a processor mode is provided for guest software. The processor mode enables the guest software to operate at a privilege level intended by the guest software. When the guest software attempts to perform an operation restricted by the processor mode, the processor mode is exited to transfer control over the operation to a virtual-machine monitor, which runs outside this processor mode.
US07818804B2
A system is described for dynamically generating an application-specific, system-level privilege profile that describes the aggregate exercise of system-level privileges by a plurality of software application instances. In particular, the system includes a plurality of client computing devices for capturing empirical information relating to the exercise of privileges by the plurality of software application instances executing on top of a plurality of instances of a platforms residing within the plurality of client devices. The plurality of client devices each uploads the empirical information to an EPP server, which is also included within the system. The empirical privilege profiler system dynamically generates the profile based the empirical information. In this way, the system may facilitate adherence to the Principle of Least Privilege by revealing system-level privilege use by an application, monitoring of system-level privilege use, and detection of system intrusions.
US07818801B2
Automated file system event tracking and reporting techniques are described in which file system events requested by a user application are intercepted and recorded prior to the request being permitted to pass to the file system for execution. Similarly, file system responses to a prior captured file system event are also intercepted and recorded. Predefined patterns of file system event may be aggregated and reported as a single event.
US07818795B1
An apparatus having a corresponding method and computer program comprises one or more ports each to transmit and receive packets of data; a classifier to determine one or more attributes for each of the packets of data; one or more counters for each of the ports, wherein each counter counts a number of the packets of data passing through the respective one of the ports and having a predetermined attribute, wherein a respective counter threshold is associated with each of the counters; and a security circuit to cause each of the ports to perform at least one of a plurality of predetermined actions when a count of a respective one of the counters exceeds a respective counter threshold.
US07818785B2
Enhanced network security is provided through an intermediate network device, such as a switch or router, which stores in local memory a session key created based on session parameters. Subsequent attempts to communicate information through the session require authorization at the intermediate device by verification of the session key. For example, selected parameters from a protocol data unit are extracted to form a key, such as an IP address, MAC address, VLAN ID, socket number and application fields. Network accessible memory physically located in an infrastructure device provides an alternative repository for session-based information to enhance network communication security.
US07818783B2
The global access control system and method presents a solution to synchronizing the physical access devices that federal agencies must try to meet Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 201 requirements. The method encompasses wire and wireless technology, IP Security (IPSec), the assignment of IPv6 addresses to every device, integrating with logical access control systems, and providing a homogeneous audit and control format. As part of FIPS 201, Government identification badges (Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards) will include an IPv6 address that uniquely identifies every card holder. By assigning an IPv6 address to every access device and using the card holder's IPv6 address, every access device can be used for global access control. Moreover, common and interoperable audit records throughout an entire enterprise (logical and physical) are possible. This unique combination of technologies provides a mechanism for integrating heterogeneous systems to provide merging of physical and logical access control systems.
US07818777B1
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
US07818768B2
An interactive television system transmits and displays a television program having an associated channel. The system also transmits and displays an interactive television mode indicator if the displayed television program supports an interactive television mode. The interactive television mode is activated in response to a request from a viewer of the television program to activate the interactive television mode. The system updates a channel status list to indicate that the television program is being viewed in the interactive television mode. The system is also able to handle requests for activating an online television mode. When changing channels, the channel status list is used to restore a previously activated interactive television mode or online television mode for a particular television channel. Two different indicators may be transmitted and displayed to indicate whether the television program supports an interactive television mode and/or an online television mode.
US07818763B2
According to the invention, a method is disclosed for playing a video program for a user that has an associated commercial that can be avoided to some extent if the user is authorized. In one step, the video program is received with the associated commercial and made available for display. An attempt by the user to avoid normal playback is detected. A playback point in the video program for the associated commercial is determined. The attempt is correlated to the playback point in the video program for the associated commercial. It is determined whether the user is authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial. If the user is not authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial, the attempt is thwarted.
US07818760B2
A data writing system includes an array of cells for storing data and a write transducer that moves over a selected cell in the array of cells. The write transducer includes a writer producing a write magnetic field that intersects the selected cell. The write transducer also includes a plasmon resonator that is adjacent the writer. The plasmon resonator is shaped to receive lower power density radiation and to provide plasmon radiation at a higher power density to an optical spot intersecting with the selected cell. The plasmon radiation heats the selected cell above a write temperature.
US07818759B2
A server system facilitates an exchange of messages with a remote client application. The server system includes a plurality of application servers hosting a plurality of applications. A plurality of Application Program Interfaces (APIs) provides programmatic access to the plurality of applications, each of the APIs being configured to receive request messages compiled by the remote client application. First and second request messages, respectively addressed to first and second APIs of the plurality of APIs by a remote client application, each comprise at least one common data component. Further, the first request message includes a first payload specific to the first API, and the second request message includes a payload specific to the second API.
US07818754B2
A system and method for logging events processed by an operating system is provided. The events logged can include interrupt and non-interrupt events, and can include user-defined events. Information concerning the interrupt events is initially written, during event handling time, into a first buffer while information concerning non-interrupt events is initially written, during event handling time, into a second buffer. Information from the two buffers is then written to a third buffer not during event handling time. Separating the interrupt event buffer from the non-interrupt event buffer rather than having one buffer, and writing relatively small amounts of data during event handling time to memory, rather than transporting data to slower non-memory mapped devices allows the event logger to be less intrusive and facilitates greater accuracy in event logging. Data stored in the third buffer can be accessed by a viewing component, which facilitates displaying data in a manner useful to diagnose operating systems.
US07818752B2
Provided are a system and article of manufacture, wherein a first application and a second application are executed in a first process space in a node, wherein a third application is capable of executing in a second process space. A common interface to the first, the second, and the third applications are provided by a remote proxy class. The third application is executed in the first process space by securing a plurality of attributes for the third application from the common interface.
US07818749B2
In reference, update, and insertion processing, the lock of an un-transferred object is released, and then the lock of a transferred object is set when the pointer is traced for transfer between objects to thereby improve the parallel execution capability of the reference, update, and insertion. At that time, the IS-mode (in the case of reference processing) or the IX-mode (in the case of update and insertion processing) is set at the starting of the processing, and the lock is released at the time of completion of the processing. Furthermore, in deletion processing, after the pointer to a deletion target is separated or replaced and all the processing that acquires the lock of an object group has been completed, the region of the deletion target object is released.
US07818741B1
A method and a system is provided of monitoring installation of a software program on at least one user computer. The software program may be subject to a license agreement that specifies a number of permitted installations of the software program. The method may comprising receiving an installation identifier identifying a useable installation of the software program on the at least one user computer and determining if the installation identifier is one of a set of installation identifiers. The set of installation identifiers may comprise at least one monitored installation identifier and the set may be created or generated when a number of user installations exceeds a limit of installations (e.g., a number of permitted useable installations). When the received installation identifier is one of the set, the method may comprise modifying the set so that the received installation identifier is no longer a monitored installation identifier.
US07818735B1
A method, system, or computer program product for controlling access to software component features is disclosed. There are three available states for selectable component features. The three available states, of which one is selected, are: (i) enabled access to the selected software component features for users and other software component features on a data storage system, (ii) enabled access to the selected software component features by other software component features on a data storage system, or (iii) disabled access to the software component features.
US07818731B2
A computer implemented method, system and computer program product for accessing threadprivate memory for threadprivate variables in a parallel program during program compilation. A computer implemented method for accessing threadprivate variables in a parallel program during program compilation includes aggregating threadprivate variables in the program, replacing references of the threadprivate variables by indirect references, moving address load operations of the threadprivate variables, and replacing the address load operations of the threadprivate variables by calls to runtime routines to access the threadprivate memory. The invention enables a compiler to minimize the runtime routines call times to access the threadprivate variables, thus improving program performance.
US07818728B1
A method, computer program product and system for minimizing system resources used to decompress read-only compressed analytic data in a relational database table. An i-code list associated with a relational database table is converted into a programming language. The programming language is compiled in object code and stored in a module in the user's system. The object code is called with a pointer designating the particular row in the database containing the compressed data to be decompressed. The compressed data designated by the pointer is decompressed upon execution of the object code. By having the source code for decompressing the compressed data stored as object code in the user's system, the interpretation step (as used in the i-code method) is avoiding thereby reducing the number of machine cycles used to decompress the compressed data. As a result, query programs will be able to access large amounts of data more quickly.
US07818727B2
An integrated circuit card is used with a terminal. The integrated circuit card includes a memory that stores an interpreter and an application that has a high level programming language format. A processor of the card is configured to use the interpreter to interpret the application for execution and to use a communicator of the card to communicate with the terminal.
US07818724B2
Methods and apparatus provide for translating a software program page by page from a first instruction set architecture (ISA) into a second ISA using one or more of a set of processors of a multi-processor system; and executing the translated software program using a dedicated other processor of the multi-processor system.
US07818709B2
Circuit-pattern-data correction method and semiconductor-device manufacturing method which prevent excessive correction from being made when model-based proximity-effect correction (OPC) is applied to a corrected circuit pattern, the excessive correction being caused by a step (difference in level) close to a circuit-pattern corner in the corrected circuit pattern, and the step being produced when rule-base OPC is applied. The rule-based OPC is applied to input design data in step S1; a step close to a circuit-pattern corner, produced by the rule-based OPC is detected in step S2; the step is removed in step S3; and the model-based OPC is applied and exposure data is generated in step S4.
US07818699B1
A circuit configuration for a pipeline core to be implemented in a programmable integrated circuit (IC) is dynamically specified by providing a single code set embodying an expanded netlist representative of a dynamic circuit configuration of the pipeline core. The code set, which includes one or more parameter variables that determine the length and width of the implemented pipeline core, is synthesized by setting the parameter variables to selected constant values to generate a reduced netlist embodying a static circuit configuration for the implemented pipeline core.
US07818695B2
A method to redistribute current demand is presented. The method includes a first step of determining timing arc data for one or more timing arcs of a circuit design. The method includes a second step of checking the timing arc data for delay shift target cells. The method includes a further step of swapping a delay shift target cell with a delay shift cell.
US07818694B2
Optimizing an integrated circuit design to improve manufacturing yield using manufacturing data and algorithms to identify areas with high probability of failures, i.e. critical areas. The process further changes the layout of the circuit design to reduce critical area thereby reducing the probability of a fault occurring during manufacturing. Methods of identifying critical area include common run, geometry mapping, and Voronoi diagrams. Optimization includes but is not limited to incremental movement and adjustment of shape dimensions until optimization objectives are achieved and critical area is reduced.
US07818684B1
Systems and methods which implement rendition-based graphical layout management techniques are shown. According to an embodiment, desired resizing of items within a program's user interface is managed through a developer graphically describing a plurality of different sized renditions of a desired user interface and other different sized renditions of the user interface being dynamically interpolated and/or extrapolated through operation of the program. According to embodiments, linear interpolation and/or extrapolation is provided with respect to windows sized differently than constraint images provided by a developer. In embodiments where more than two constraint images are provided, piece-wise liner interpolation and/or extrapolation may be provided. Non-linear interpolation and/or extrapolation may be implemented according to embodiments of the present teachings.
US07818681B2
Web browser information for the display of the web page is contained in HTML Meta tags of a web page for which access is desired. A web designer may incorporate preferred browser information within the meta tags. When the web page is accessed, the meta tags are inspected for such web browser preference information. When the preferred browser information is identified, availability of the preferred web browser on the particular computing device is determined. When the determination is that the preferred web browser is available, the web page is retrieved and display on the computing device using the identified preferred web browser.
US07818677B2
A user interface (UI) in the form of a single navigable window enables a user to navigate to and between multiple different functionalities that are provided by a single application program. Novel use is made of a navigation model that manages the user's navigation activities to and between the different functionalities. Navigation instrumentalities enable the user to navigate among the different functionalities and include links to each of the different functionalities as well as browser-like navigation buttons. Context-sensitive command sets can also be provided along with the single navigable window. The context sensitive command sets include commands that automatically change as the user's computing context changes, e.g. as the user moves from functionality to functionality. The single application can be defined as a software platform that is extensible to receive and incorporate different functionalities. The functionalities can be provided as software modules that can be sent over a network such as the Internet. The extensible software platform provides a basis to offer a subscriber or fee-based service where different subscribers can, for a fee, access different functionalities via a network such as the Internet.
US07818673B2
The claimed method and system provides a graphical user interface that illustrates network topology information, including connection paths between devices on the local network and an external network such as the Internet. The claimed method and system may use a three column format for presenting the topology that is more intuitive for a user. Also, the claimed method and system may aggregate context and connection information from multiple different protocols to provide the topology display. Further, the claimed method and system may use a device registry to enable customized and extensible representations of the network devices.
US07818665B1
A method includes transforming, based on a first transform, a first markup language document associated with a first version of a schema to generate a second markup language document associated with a second version of the schema. The second markup language document is representative of a third markup language document associated with the second version of the schema and the first transform represents a transform from the first version of the schema to the second version of the schema. The method further includes comparing the second markup language document to the third markup language document to identify whether at least one discrepancy exists between the second markup language document and the third markup language document. The method additionally includes determining a suitability of the first transform based on the comparison of the second markup language document to the third markup language document.
US07818658B2
A multimedia presentation system. The multi-presentation system is used to display a presentation using a presentation script and a plurality of presentation assets. The presentation script defines how the presentation assets are used to create a complete presentation. The presentation may be edited by editing the presentation script without editing the presentation assets. The separation of a presentation into a presentation script and presentation assets facilitates exchanges of presentations without necessarily exchanging all of the presentation. The multimedia presentation system may be used by a single user for replay of presentations. A plurality of multimedia presentation systems may also be coupled through a network to facilitate exchange of presentation scripts and presentation assets.
US07818656B2
The invention relates to a circuit for comparing two n-digit binary data words x[1](t), . . . , x[n](t) and x′[1](t), . . . , x′[n](t), which in the error-free case are either identical or inverted bit-by-bit with respect to each other, with a series connection of a combinatorial circuit for implementing a first combinatorial function, a controllable register and a combinatorial circuit for implementing another combinatorial function.
US07818653B2
In a nonvolatile memory system, data is read from a memory array and used to obtain likelihood values, which are then provided to a soft-input soft-output decoder. The soft-input soft-output decoder calculates output likelihood values from input likelihood values and from parity data that was previously added according to an encoding scheme.
US07818652B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system, an image processing apparatus, a determination device, and image processing method that are capable of preventing users' convenience from reducing even when an image forming apparatus prints a coded image with a low print precision. A first MFP is connected through a LAN to a second MFP for performing error-correcting coding of original information, for creating a coded image by imaging the original information with the error-correcting code, and for forming the created coded image on a sheet. The first MFP extracts the original information from the coded image on the sheet obtained by reading the sheet on which the coded image is formed. Thereafter, the first MFP transmits to the second MFP an error detection rate at the time when the original information is extracted.
US07818643B2
A method includes compressing control patterns describing values required at the control signals of blocking logic gates, by linear feedback shift register LFSR reseeding; bypassing blocking logic gates for some groups of scan chains that do not capture unknown values in output response of scan test patterns for testing circuits; and reducing numbers of specified bits in densely specified ones of the control patterns for further reducing the size of a seed of the LFSR.
US07818635B2
In a digital broadcast receiver, when a bit error rate (BER) is larger than a threshold in a BER determining part, power is supplied to a first tuner and a second tuner for diversity reception. When the BER is smaller than the threshold, power supply to one of the first tuner and the second tuner is stopped for single reception. This structure allows power supply to one of the tuners to be stopped in excellent reception environments, thus reducing power consumption.
US07818627B2
System and methods are disclosed for gathering debug information of a storage system of a computer system without requiring additional external hardware directly connected to the controller of the storage system.
US07818625B2
Techniques are provided for performing memory diagnostics. A portion of physical memory is locked using functionality included in an operating system. At least one memory diagnostic test is executed on the portion producing a result. It is determined, in accordance with the result, whether a memory problem exists for the portion of physical memory.
US07818619B2
A test system includes a debugging system and a system under test (SUT). The debugging system includes a debugging processor that couples to an SUT processor in the SUT via a memory mapping interface bus therebetween. In one embodiment, the debugging processor operates as a master to conduct test operations on the SUT via the memory mapping interface bus. The debugging processor and the SUT processor operate together in a cluster mode to provide non-invasive debugging of the (SUT) while the SUT executes application software in a real time environment.
US07818615B2
A redundant host pair runtime arrangement is disclosed for a process control network environment. The arrangement includes a primary network. A first partner of a fail-over host pair operates on a first machine communicatively connected to the primary network. The first partner hosts a set of executing application components in accordance with an active role assigned to the first partner. A second partner of the fail-over host pair operates on a second machine communicatively connected to the primary network. The second partner hosts a non-executing version of the set of executing application components in accordance with a standby runtime role. A monitoring process, operating separately upon the first machine, senses a failure of the first partner, and in response, initiates a notification to the second partner to take over the active role.
US07818613B2
An arrangement and method for interconnecting fail-uncontrolled processor nodes in a dependable distributed system. A node has a bus guardian with input switches which act in combination with a logic element as an input multiplexer under the control of a control unit.This provides the advantage of transferring the problem of fault containment from the output interface of a potentially faulty processing node to the input interface of fault-free processing nodes. By doing so, problems encountered by spatial proximity faults or functional dependencies within a faulty processing node that may jeopardize fault containment at its output interface are mitigated.
US07818612B2
An apparatus and system are disclosed for performing a storage device maintenance operation. A management module receives a command through an interconnection module configured as a non-blocking switch. The management module performs a maintenance operation on a storage device through the interconnection module in response to the command. In addition, the management module may receive queries on the status of the maintenance operation through the interconnection module and report the status of the maintenance operation through the interconnection module.
US07818610B2
Recovery is expedited for crashes involving flash memory. Rather than requiring an entire flash memory to be read to reconstruct lost information, only a subset of the memory need be read thereby reducing system down time, among other things. In particular, state information such as a logical to physical mapping is captured via a checkpoint operation periodically. Moreover, a deterministic usage pattern is employed to facilitate recovery of actions performed after a checkpoint.
US07818599B2
A circuit and a method for detecting noise events in a system with time variable operating points is provided. A switched capacitor filter comprising a plurality of capacitor units, samples a first voltage to determine an average of a set of voltage measurements, forming an average voltage. A filter control unit controls the plurality of capacitor units in the switched capacitor filter. A comparing unit compares the average voltage to the first voltage to form a comparison. A signaling unit generates a signal to instruct circuits in a processor to initiate actions to keep the first voltage from drooping below a threshold level in response to the comparison.
US07818598B2
A semiconductor device provided on a semiconductor substrate having a cell placing area disposed on a semiconductor substrate, the cell placing area including a plurality of basic cells supplied with power from a local power supply line, a global power supply line to supply power to the local power supply line, at least one switch cell having a terminal electrically connected to the global power supply line, another terminal electrically connected to the local power supply line and a switch to turn on and off power supply from the global power supply line to the local power supply line and a repeater circuit disposed in the cell placing area, the repeater circuit supplied with power from the global power supply line without interposing the switch.
US07818593B2
A method of operating a shared bus comprises sending a wake-up signal on the shared bus. The wake-up signal comprises a sequence of signals, each signal of the sequence being one of a signal indicating the bus is free and a signal indicating the bus is busy. A microcontroller to effect this method is also contemplated. A wake-up device for a shared bus has a first latch to recognize a signal indicating one of said shared bus being free and said shared bus being busy and selectively output a recognition signal and a second latch to, after receipt of the recognition signal, recognize a signal indicating another of the shared bus being free and the shared bus being busy and selectively output a power-on signal. The latches may be D-type flip flops.
US07818582B2
A mechanism eliminates the number of times a user must login to individual services after initially logging into a computer system. A user only logs once into a computer system, and subsequent login requests by multiple services are handled automatically and transparently by the system. In one implementation, a user need only present a card to a card reader and enter a PIN, and the user is logged-in after presenting the card and a valid PIN. The system generates a token that is valid for this particular login session of the user, and when the user accesses a permissioned service, the system automatically logs-in the user to the application using the token. The system can perform the automatic login the user to a variety of applications including legacy applications, web-enabled applications, and commercial, off-the-shelf applications.
US07818581B2
A data management system and method are provided. Specifically, the present invention includes a system for controlling access to data and ensuring that the confidentiality of the data maintained. In addition, the present invention provides a system for updating data so that confidential data, which has become non-confidential, can be identified and exposed.
US07818570B2
An (n,k,r,t)-exclusive set system over a set U includes elements Sƒ each of corresponds to a polynomial ƒ(u) in one or more coordinates of uεU. The polynomial is zero on U\Sƒ but is not zero on Sƒ. In some embodiments, an asymptotically low key complexity k is provided.
US07818569B2
A digital value is generated in an integrated circuit such that the generated value substantially depends on circuit parameters that vary among like devices. The generated digital value is then used, for example, to access protected information in the device or to perform a cryptographic function in the integrated circuit.
US07818562B2
A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for synchronizing time in a network data processing system. A request for time synchronization is received at a target data processing system. A current target time at the target data processing system is placed in a reply. The reply is sent to the source data processing system. A current source time from when the reply is received at the source data processing system is compared to the current target time to generate a comparison. A synchronization factor is generated using the comparison.
US07818561B2
A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that, in an embodiment, receive service data at a computer system from an RFID tag, where the service data was sent to the RFID tag from an RF transmitter while the computer system was powered off. The RFID tag includes tag memory and an antenna, and the RFID tag is attached to the computer system. In another embodiment, the computer system sends the service data to the RFID tag, and the service data is received by an RF scanner from the RFID tag via the antenna while the computer system is powered off. In various embodiments, the service data identifies the computer system or a product within the computer system. In another embodiment, the service data includes log information associated with the computer system. In this way, in an embodiment, service data associated with a computer system, such as vital product service data and log information may be accessed and updated even while the computer system is powered off.
US07818559B2
A first device discovers the capabilities of a second device. The first device determines which of the first device and the second device is to execute a controlling boot image based at least in part on the capabilities of the first device and the second device. A first boot image is executed by the first device when the first device is determined to execute the controlling boot image, the second device to be a resource for the first boot image. The first device sends a second boot image stored on the first device to the second device when the second device is determined to execute the controlling boot image, wherein the first device to be a resource for the second boot image.
US07818557B2
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for re-imaging a computer system. In one example, a method is provided for replacing an active system of a computer with a new image. The method may include copying files from the new image into a re-imaging directory on the active system. Processes of the active system that are not needed to keep the active system in a functioning state may be stopped. Files are moved from a top level space of the active system into a temporary directory after stopping the processes, and files from the re-imaging directory are moved into the top level space. The active system is then rebooted.
US07818556B2
Firmware FW1 and FW2 is separately stored in a non-volatile memory, in which a boot code for start-up and a restoration code are stored, and a first magnetic disk. A copy of the firmware FW1 stored in the non-volatile memory is stored in the first magnetic disk, and a copy of the entire firmware FW1 and FW2 stored in the first disk medium is stored in the second magnetic disk. When an error occurs during firmware update, upon next power-on, whether the volatile memory, the first magnetic disk, and the second magnetic disk are normal or abnormal is determined, and valid firmware is read and allocated to the volatile memory so as to perform start-up by a start-up mode corresponding to the determination contents.
US07818555B2
Machine-readable media, methods, apparatus and system for caption detection are described. In some embodiments, during a non-quiesce state of a system, a configuration data for a configuration update of a configurable device of the system may be calculated, and it may be determined whether the configuration data is final configuration data or intermediate configuration data, wherein the final configuration data may be used to directly enact the configuration update during a quiesce state of the system, while the intermediate configuration data is used to indirectly enact the configuration update during the quiesce state of the system. Further, during the non-quiesce state of the system, if the configuration data is the intermediate configuration data, then codes associated with the configuration data may be determined, wherein the codes may be used to operate the configuration data to obtain the final configuration data during the quiesce state of the system.
US07818542B2
A mechanism for superscalar decode of variable length instructions. The decode mechanism may be included within a processing unit, and may comprise a length decode unit. The length decode unit may obtain a plurality of instruction bytes. The instruction bytes may be associated with a plurality of variable length instructions, which are to be executed by the processing unit. The length decode unit may perform a length decode operation for each of the plurality of instruction bytes. For each instruction byte, the length decode unit may estimate the instruction length of a current variable length instruction associated with a current instruction byte. Furthermore, during the length decode operation, for each instruction byte, the length decode unit may estimate the start of a next variable length instruction based on the estimated instruction length of the current variable length instruction, and store a first pointer to the estimated start of the next variable length instruction.
US07818540B2
A vector processing system for executing vector instructions, each instruction defining multiple value pairs, an operation to be executed and a modifier, the vector processing system comprising a plurality of parallel processing units, each arranged to receive one of said pairs of values and, when selected, to implement an operation on said value pair to generate a result, each processing unit comprising at least one flag and being selectable in dependence on a condition defined by said at least one flag, wherein the modifier defines the condition under which the parallel processing unit is individually selected.
US07818539B2
A processor implements conditional vector operations in which, for example, an input vector containing multiple operands to be used in conditional operations is divided into two or more output vectors based on a condition vector. Each output vector can then be processed at full processor efficiency without cycles wasted due to branch latency. Data to be processed are divided into two groups based on whether or not they satisfy a given condition by e.g., steering each to one of the two index vectors. Once the data have been segregated in this way, subsequent processing can be performed without conditional operations, processor cycles wasted due to branch latency, incorrect speculation or execution of unnecessary instructions due to predication. Other examples of conditional operations include combining one or more input vectors into a single output vector based on a condition vector, conditional vector switching, conditional vector combining, and conditional vector load balancing.
US07818538B2
A serial decoding technique may employ one or more circular shift register strings in which an input to an element of a shift register string may be gated by either an address input or the inverse of the address input. An output word line of the decoder may be driven by a respective shift register stage in the case of a single shift register string, or by a logical combination of shift register stages from respective shift register strings in the case of multiple shift register strings.
US07818537B2
A method and system for dynamically determining hash values for file transfer integrity validation. In response to a request for a transfer of a data file between a first computing system and a second computing system, the first computing system loads a first portion of the data file to a buffer. The first computing system determines a first hash function value based on the first portion. The first computing system loads a second portion of the data file portion to the buffer and determines a second hash function value incrementally based on the first and second data file portions. The first and second data file portions are non-overlapping portions of the data file being transferred.
US07818523B2
The various embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology. More specifically, the various embodiment and examples of the invention relate to memory devices, systems, and methods that protect data stored in one or more memory devices from unauthorized access. The memory device may include third dimension memory that is positioned on top of a logic layer that includes active circuitry in communication with the third dimension memory. The third dimension memory may include multiple layers of memory that are vertically stacked upon each other. Each layer of memory may include a plurality of two-terminal memory elements and the two-terminal memory elements can be arranged in a two-terminal cross-point array configuration. At least a portion of one or more of the multiple layers of memory may include an obfuscation layer configured to conceal data stored in one or more of the multiple layers of memory.
US07818513B2
Transactional memory (TM) may be used in conjunction with various synchronization mechanisms, such as that copy a current version of an object, update the copy, and then cause the copy to become current atomically by changing a “current version” indicator. Software operations to modify an object may first make a private copy of the object, modify the private copy, and atomically make the private copy the current version while verifying that no other software operation or transaction has concurrently updated the object. A transaction may be used to update the current copy of a collection of data “in place” and thereby avoiding the necessity to make a copy of the data being modified. If the transactional memory mechanism is unable to complete the transaction to modify the collection of data in place, a set of software operations may be used to modify the collection of data.
US07818511B2
A cache, system and method for reducing the number of rejected snoop requests. A “stall/reorder unit” in a cache receives a snoop request from an interconnect. Information, such as the address, of the snoop request is stored in a queue of the stall/reorder unit. The stall/reorder unit forwards the snoop request to a selector which also receives a request from a processor. An arbitration mechanism selects either the snoop request or the request from the processor. If the snoop request is denied by the arbitration mechanism, information, e.g., address, about the snoop request may be maintained in the stall/reorder unit. The request may be later resent to the selector. This process may be repeated up to “n” clock cycles. By providing the snoop request additional opportunities (n clock cycles) to be accepted by the arbitration mechanism, fewer snoop requests may ultimately be denied.
US07818510B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that selectively monitors store instructions to support transactional execution of a process, wherein changes made during the transactional execution are not committed to the architectural state of a processor until the transactional execution successfully completes. Upon encountering a store instruction during transactional execution of a block of instructions, the system determines whether the store instruction is a monitored store instruction or an unmonitored store instruction. If the store instruction is a monitored store instruction, the system performs the store operation, and store-marks a cache line associated with the store instruction to facilitate subsequent detection of an interfering data access to the cache line from another process. If the store instruction is an unmonitored store instruction, the system performs the store operation without store-marking the cache line.
US07818501B2
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, where a plurality of extents are stored in a first set of storage units coupled to a controller. A determination is made that a second set of storage units has been coupled to the controller. The plurality of extents are distributed among all storage units included in the first set of storage units and the second set of storage units.
US07818496B2
In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises one or more processors supporting a system management mode, system management memory, and software controllable caching of memory, one or more memory modules, a memory controller, and a communication bus to couple the one or more memory modules to the memory controller. Other embodiments may be described.
US07818486B2
A method and apparatus are provided to enable a plurality of standard USB peripheral devices, utilizing the USB specification, to be distributed at various nodes across a network, wherein communications across the network may take advantage of any pre-existing network connectivity of a standard, non-modified USB host computer. In particular, a reflector function is added in order to reflect data communications towards a pre-existing transceiver. As a result, the host computer establishes a first profile and second profile for data communication purposes, and uses these profiles to communicate across the network using pre-existing data communication components.
US07818483B2
Methods and apparatuses for improving detection of a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (“SATA”) target device by a storage initiator over a link. The storage initiator receives a Frame Information Structure (“FIS”) and determines whether the FIS is valid. In direct response to a determination that the FIS is invalid, the storage initiator immediately resets the link to the SATA target device.
US07818480B2
Disclosed is a wireless remote network management system for interfacing a series of remote devices (e.g., computers, servers, networking equipment, etc.) to one or more user workstations. The system is multifunctional to allow multiple users to control remote devices through serial access or keyboard, video, and cursor control device access via wireless and hard-wired connections. The remote devices are preferably coupled to a wireless-enabled remote management unit through a chain of computer interface modules, and each user workstation includes a wireless user station coupled to a keyboard, a video monitor and a cursor control device. The remote management unit and user stations preferably communicate via a wireless network, which enables a user workstation to access, monitor and control any of the remote devices.
US07818475B2
A storage switch is disclosed that facilitates mirroring of data. For example, a target is mirrored when an identical (or almost identical) copy of the data is stored in two or more separate physical data stores. Because the various data stores may not be homogenous, they may provide for different burst sizes. To accommodate the different burst sizes, the switch provides different sequence counts for data packets sent to the different data stores that store the mirrored data.
US07818470B2
A serial buffer is configured to transmit a plurality of received data packets through a data packet transfer path to a host processor. A doorbell controller of the serial buffer monitors the number of data packets transmitted to the host processor through the data packet transfer path, and estimates the number of data packets actually received by the host processor. The doorbell controller generates a doorbell command each time that the estimated number of data packets corresponds with a fixed number of data packets in a frame. The doorbell commands are transmitted to the host processor on a doorbell command path, which is faster than the data packet transfer path. The doorbell controller may estimate the number of data packets actually received by the host processor in response to a first delay value, which represents how much faster the doorbell command path is than the data packet transfer path.
US07818469B2
In a USB device comprising a plurality of functional modules that includes a control circuit for switching a functional module to be activated from among the functional modules included in the USB device according to a potential level of a power applied from a host connected to the USB device. The control circuit includes: a voltage detector for discriminating a voltage value of power; a switch for controlling powers to be applied to the respective functional modules; and memories for storing descriptors relating to the USB device. The control circuit makes power applied to a functional module to be activated by the switch into ON state according to a discrimination result of the voltage value of the power by the voltage detector, thereby transferring the descriptors stored in the memories to a host.
US07818462B2
A method and apparatus for transmitting a signal to a remote location. The method splits the signal into a multitude of signals that are transmitted down cables. The split signals are collected into a single signal at the receiving end at the remote location. An apparatus for splitting the signals and collecting the split signals is illustrated.
US07818456B2
A method and system for processing a communication comprising a file attached to an electronic document, the communication having been transmitted from a first link to a second link of a chain of links. The method is performed by a data processing system at the second link. The file is selected and an existing filename of the selected file is determined. The existing filename has a generic filename component denoted as Filename.ext that does not relate to any characteristic of any link in the chain. Referential data is selected from at least one field of the document, encoded according to an encoding rule and at least one lexicographic rule, and merged with Filename.ext to generate a new filename. The referential data includes at least one characteristic of the first link. The file is renamed with the new filename, detached from the document, and stored in the data processing system.
US07818454B2
A host migration system having an first server, a second server and a relay server is provided. The first server is currently hosting an internet service having a predetermined domain name. The first server has a first IP address. The second server has a second IP address and the relay server has a third IP address. The first data packet of a request from users is redirected to the first server from the third server and a second data packet of the request is redirected to the second server from the third server. The data packet redirection may occur as an IP address mapped to the domain name is changed from the first IP address to the second IP address via the third IP address. The host migration system may provide substantially minimized downtime and data loss and corruption may be prevented.
US07818450B2
The present invention discloses a method for selecting a real-time service data transmission path, comprising establishing an independent bearer control layer comprising more than one bearer network resource manager between a service control layer and a bearer network. The method further comprises: after a source bearer network resource manager which is connected to the service control layer receives a connection request for a real-time service, orderly selecting and determining, from the source bearer network resource manager towards a destination bearer network resource manager, an intra-domain route path for the real-time service in a management domain corresponding to each bearer network resource manager, and an inter-domain route path between adjacent management domains corresponding to adjacent bearer network resource managers. In addition, the present invention discloses six methods for selecting a real-time service data transmission path based on different strategies. The methods according to the present invention can increase success ratio of routing, and can obtain an optimal route in simple and flexible manners, thus can guarantee reasonable allocation of resources.
US07818447B1
Described is an end-to-end broadcast-based messaging technique used in controlling message flow in a data storage system. Each node stores flow control state information about all the nodes which is used in determining whether to send a data transmission to a receiving node. The flow control state information includes an indicator as to whether each node is receiving incoming data transmissions. If a node is not receiving incoming data transmissions, the flow control state information also includes an associated expiration time. Data transmissions are resumed to a receiving node based on the earlier of a sending node determining that the expiration time has lapsed, or receiving a control message from the receiving node explicitly turning on data transmissions. Each node maintains and updates its local copy of the flow control state information in accordance with control messages sent by each node to turn on and off data transmissions. Each node sends out control messages in accordance with predetermined threshold levels taking into account hardware and/or software resources for message buffering.
US07818445B2
Obtaining a broadcast-like streaming content by an assembling device from a distributed storage. The assembling device obtains erasure-coded fragments associated with sequential segments of streaming content from fractional-storage servers, approximately at the same rate that the fragments are being stored on the servers and shortly after the fragments are stored. And wherein the streaming content is segmented, encoded into the fragments, and stored on the servers progressively as the streaming content is made available.
US07818439B2
The present invention provides a transmission/reception apparatus capable of achieving both a high processing speed and good extensibility in performing communication protocol processes. Used for transmitting data in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol and receiving data transmitted in accordance with the predetermined communication protocol, the transmission/reception apparatus has a configuration capable of executing communication protocol processes by using hardware (in first and second communication-protocol-processing units) and software (in first and second control units). The hardware or the software can be selected properly in accordance with the type of data. For example, a communication protocol process for data regarded as a heavy processing load can be carried out by using the hardware at the high processing speed whereas a communication protocol process for data regarded as a light processing load can be carried out by using the software, which offers the good extensibility.
US07818436B2
Methods and systems for managing user access to a storage system controller are provided. In particular, user login requirements and permissions are administered, and individual user and external user interface pairs are tracked, through a user table and a session table established as part of the storage system controller. The external user interfaces may be interconnected to the storage system controller through different networks and/or protocols. User authentication and access levels are established with reference to a user table, while sessions for different user and external interface pairs are maintained in the session table.
US07818418B2
Anomalous behavior in a distributed system is automatically detected. Metrics are gathered for transactions, subsystems and/or components of the subsystems. The metrics can identify response times, error counts and/or CPU loads, for instance. Baseline metrics and associated deviation ranges are automatically determined and can be periodically updated. Metrics from specific transactions are compared to the baseline metrics to determine if an anomaly has occurred. A drill down approach can be used so that metrics for a subsystem are not examined unless the metrics for an associated transaction indicate an anomaly. Further, metrics for a component, application which includes one or more components, or process which includes one or more applications, are not examined unless the metrics for an associated subsystem indicate an anomaly. Multiple subsystems can report the metrics to a central manager, which can correlate the metrics to transactions using transaction identifiers or other transaction context data.
US07818416B2
A communications system and method includes a database for storing problem magnitudes relating to failed attempts at accessing servers using connection engines. An intelligent routing engine could be a server operative with the database, which queries the database and delays any further attempts at accessing the server using the first connection engine if the problem magnitude exceeds a predetermined threshold. Reattempts can be made after a sufficient delay. A plurality of connection engines can be used by a client for accessing a server. The connection engines are preferably distributed among a plurality of subnets and/or IP addresses and a different connection engine can be chosen based on a desired route with minimum problems.
US07818414B2
The present invention provides an account management system and method for use within a computer network that allows for automated provisioning, configuration, and maintenance of the servers and other devices connected to a computer network. This account management system and method make use of a master directory structure which is replicated by way of a directory structure replication hub to multiple remote data centers in the form of multiple copies of a directory structure. The directory structure allows access to various customers, who may access information contained only within that particular customer's account. Authentication information for each of the customers is located within the copies of the directory structures contained at each customer data center, and therefore transmitting authentication information is not required.
US07818413B2
A system for authenticating a requesting entity in a subnet communications environment includes determining a client identification of a client node associated with the requesting entity, and determining whether the requesting entity associated with the client node is acting in a supervisor capacity. A key to the requesting entity is returned from a resource provider node upon determining that the client identification of the client node indicates that the client node is permitted to access one or more resources of the provider node, and that the client node is acting in a supervisor capacity.
US07818411B2
The content management application is an intranet application which provides a process for implementing changes to an internet website of a company by providing the company the ability to define and enforce a common style of page layout. The application can be accessed via a desktop browser and multiple users may access the application for multiple reasons at the same time. The application also dynamically generates new page designs and new component design with various people assigned to groups or teams enabling the continuous creation and processing of content. Once the content is created and reviewed, it is then launched onto the company's internet site for viewing by the internet users accessing the company's web page.
US07818409B2
A system and method for dynamically managing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in a manner enabling subscriber access to VPN services on an as needed basis.
US07818408B1
Virtual interfaces on a cluster of servers in a mass data storage system are automatically reconfigured by transferring an internet protocol (IP) address hosting responsibility from one operative port to another operative port within the cluster, in response to a change in operative status of any port within the cluster.
US07818406B2
A computer-implemented method of negotiating locale settings among a plurality of users communicating over a communication network can include determining a locale for each of a plurality of remotely located users, identifying at least one locale setting for each of the plurality of users according to the locale of each respective user, wherein the locale setting for each of the plurality of users forms at least one locale setting group, and determining whether each locale setting group is exclusive or non-exclusive. For each locale setting group that is exclusive, a locale setting from the locale setting group can be selected and, for each locale setting group that is non-exclusive, a locale setting union can be generated by taking a union of all locale settings of the locale setting group. The selected locale setting and/or the local setting union can be applied to a message exchanged between the users.
US07818389B1
In managing and buffering packet data for transmission out of a host, descriptor ring data is pushed in from a host memory into a descriptor ring cache and cached therein. The descriptor ring data is processed to read a data packet descriptor, and a direct memory access is initiated to the host to read the data packet corresponding to the read data packet descriptor to a data transmission buffer. The data packet is written by the direct memory access into the data transmission buffer and cached therein. A return pointer is written to the host memory by the direct memory access indicating that the data packet descriptor has been read and the corresponding data packet has been transmitted. In managing and buffering packet data for transmission to a host, descriptor ring data is pushed in from a host memory into a descriptor ring cache and cached therein. Data packets for transmission to the host memory are received and cached in a data reception buffer. Data is read from the data reception buffer according to a data packet descriptor retrieved from the descriptor ring cache, and the data packet is written to a data reception queue within the host memory by a direct memory access. A return pointer is written to the host memory by the direct memory access indicating that the data packet has been written.
US07818382B2
A method is proposed for automatically updating and maintaining contact information for various contacts stored in a contact database without requiring an individual to manually update their contacts by using an automated reply process for the maintaining of contact information, as well as only requiring one individual to be a member of the service. Updating of the contacts with the automated reply process installed is more frequent.
US07818377B2
Embodiments provide for extending the architecture of a legacy messaging system that otherwise communicates message rules to a client as rows in a rule table. Due to architectural limitations of some messaging systems, rules larger than a specified size are prevented from being streamed between a server and a client. Example embodiments provides for extended rules that represent a combination of conditions, actions or exceptions to be performed on messages and are created by a client as message objects. Because they are created by a client as message objects, rather than rows on a table, the extended rules are allowed to be streamed between the client and server, thus extending the architecture of a legacy messaging system. The client also sets a property value on the message object created, thereby allowing the server to identify the message object as including the extended rule. The system, however, still supports legacy clients.
US07818370B2
An event server receiving input streams of events and producing output streams of events is adapted to be clustered with other event servers. The event server uses configuration data to control the event processing. The event server multicasting updates of the configuration data to the other event servers of the cluster and receiving multicasted configuration updates from one of the other event servers of the cluster.
US07818365B2
A system, method and computer program product for exchanging data between a client and information sources via a server. The invention operates by obtaining data objects from a plurality of sources, wherein the data objects have native data formats specific to the sources. The data objects are converted to a common data format, and are then transmitted to the client. At the client, the data objects are modified. The modified data objects are compliant with the common data format. The modified data objects are transmitted to the server, where they are converted to the native data formats specific to the sources associated therewith. Then, the converted modified data objects are transmitted to the associated sources.
US07818363B2
A communications system which allows data transfer not using a terminal ID assigned by an access network but using routing information distinct from the terminal ID is provided. The communications system transmits data including, as a destination address, a second terminal ID, from a first terminal to the second terminal via a plurality of transfer devices. A first transfer device includes a first memory for storing the second terminal ID and routing information for routing the data to a second transfer device, associating them with one another, and a routing processor for adding to the data the routing information for routing the data to the second transfer device associated with the second terminal ID included in the data, and transferring the data to the second transfer device.
US07818358B2
A microprocessor includes a storage element that accumulates a variable number of bytes of random data. The microprocessor also includes a counter that maintains a count of the variable number of bytes accumulated in the storage element. The microprocessor also includes an instruction translator that translates an instruction specifying an address in a memory coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor also includes a store unit that stores to the memory at the address the variable number of bytes of random data from the storage element in response to the instruction translator translating the instruction. In one embodiment, the microprocessor atomically stores the count and the bytes accumulated in said buffer to the system memory. In one embodiment, an interrupt unit disables interrupts after the instruction translator translates the instruction and enables interrupts after execution of the instruction.
US07818350B2
A method, server, and user interface associated with creating a collaborative playlist between one or more users based on user interaction with a media program. In one embodiment, the media program is an instant messaging application.
US07818333B2
A method and system for parsing of input addresses for further automated processing. A relevant locale for an input address is determined. Based on the locale, an applicable parsing tree is provided so that different address formats can be tested against the input address. The parsing tree is generated from a local address format specification that defines permissible formats for the locale. The local address format specification and the local address component rules are provided to a parsing engine to determine one or more potential parsed addresses based on compliance with specifications. The local address component rules specification is applied to the input address to determine one or more branches of the parsing tree for which the input address matches criteria of the component rules specification. Penalties may be assigned to branches of the tree when disfavored matches occur. The various branches can be ranked based on their penalties to determine the best matches to be provided to the geocoding system.
US07818324B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for searching indexed and non-indexed content. One method includes updating an index of a corpus of resources from time to time to generate an updated index for use by a search engine. Change data specifying changes made by users affecting resources are recorded. An index search result based on the most-recently updated index is received in response to a user search query. The change data is searched to identify any changes to the resources made by the user that relate to the search query and if any such changes are found, a revised search result is generated from the changes and the index search result and provided to the user as a response to the first query.
US07818321B2
The present invention provides rich media presentations to a requesting device when required. Attributes of the requesting device are determined and used to create optimized code for the requesting device. The attributes may include information relating to the operating system of the requesting device; a media player; a bandwidth parameter; presence or absence of a firewall, permissions related to the requesting device, and the like. A virtual player is created that includes code to play media files. A presentation package is created that sets the presentation attributes for the multimedia experience. A media package is created that instructs the virtual player what multimedia content to play.
US07818320B2
The present invention provides for enhanced search results in response to a search request based on a search term. The enhanced search results generate a search results page including a plurality of document identifiers including a hyperlink and an abstract, each abstract including a plurality of abstract terms. The method and apparatus, upon receipt of the search request, accesses a relevancy factor database that includes relevancy factors. The relevancy factors are determined by accessing feedback logs for search results based on the same search term, calculating a popularity factor for each of the plurality of phrases in the abstracts and user selection activity and relevancy factors are based on the popularity factors. Thereby, the method and apparatus generates the search results page with the sequence of the document identifiers based on the relevancy factors.
US07818314B2
Search results are assigned scores based on visual aspects of surrogate representations of the search results which are to be displayed to a query submitter in a search results summary overview. That is, the surrogate representations are relatively short summaries or excerpts of the search results that may be presented in place of the search results themselves, thus enabling an overview of various search results to be perceived by a user concurrently. The search results are assigned scores based on the presence, position, and form of some or all of the query within the corresponding surrogate representations. The search results may be sorted or filtered based on the assigned scores. Assigning scores to the search results based on visual characteristics of the surrogate representations mimics how a user may assess the relevance of the search results when viewing a search results summary page.
US07818307B1
The present invention provides a system and method of providing electronic access to one or more documents. In one embodiment, a storage device retains eligibility information relating to each document. Eligibility information provides the system with information such as the document type, the applicable line of business, governmental regulations, time sensitive information, and security requirements. If a given document is determined to be eligible, the processing unit of the present invention retrieves one or more preference instructions provided by the customer. The preference instructions are reviewed to confirm 1) whether the customer has authorized electronic access to a given document and 2) the mode of electronic transmission favored by the customer. In one embodiment, the present invention is connected to a computer network such that the customer may be provided electronic access to his or her documents through a web interface.
US07818304B2
A document generation system for generating a customised document using content elements selected by rules operating on input information, the content elements comprising conditional and unconditional text is provided. The system provides means to generate a program structure, containing information about the space characters to be inserted between the conditional and unconditional text in the generated document. The program structure is evaluated to determine the positions of the space characters. The program structure may be an XML structure.
US07818302B2
A system and method for performing File System checKing (FSCK) allows a file system to be accessed while the file system is being checked for consistency in the background. In the event that a file is accessed prior to having been checked for consistency by the background FSCK process, the background FSCK process is interrupted, and an in-context FSCK is performed on the accessed file. In addition, an in-context FSCK method and system is described which uses a snapshot block bitmap, FSCK block bitmap and FS block bitmap to check block consistency in the context of handling a block access to handle consistency and corruption issues as part of the file access.
US07818301B2
Disclosed is a data processing system-implemented method, a data processing system and an article for manufacture for directing a data processing system to roll back to a savepoint located in a unit of work having a boundary generated by a boundary generator. The data processing system-implemented method includes examining a savepoint status indicator associated with the savepoint, and rolling back past the boundary to the savepoint depending on whether the examined savepoint status indicator indicates rolling back past the boundary towards the savepoint is permitted.
US07818300B1
Consistent retention and disposition of managed content and associated metadata is disclosed. An indication that a retention policy is to be applied to a selected item of content comprising a body of managed content is received. The selected item of content and its associated metadata are retained automatically in parallel in accordance with the retention policy.
US07818297B2
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system for refreshing a table to produce a refreshed table. The system may include a refresh log that may contain a plurality of entries that each comprise an epoch identifier. The system may also include a refresh manager that may be adapted to perform a refresh operation on the table using entries that have corresponding epoch identifiers.
US07818289B2
A shared storage device stores therein a correspondence between data retrieved by data collectors bys previously searching a data controller and a search target data identification (ID) for searching the data controller. The data collector first accesses the shared storage device and uses the search target data ID to search the shared storage device. Upon corresponding data being stored in the shared storage device, the data collector retrieves the data and transmits the retrieved data and the search target data ID to a load-dispersing device. Upon the corresponding data not being stored in the shared storage device, the data collector uses the search target data ID to search the data controller. After retrieving the data from the data controller, the data collector transmits to the load-dispersing device and further transmits to the shared storage device, the read data and the search target data ID used to search the data controller.
US07818280B2
A linear regression equation, η1=α(ε×h)+β, is obtained based on a depth h to a water zone of a predetermined water temperature, respective densities ρ1 and ρ2 of upper and lower layers above and below the water zone, and an absolute dynamic topography η1 obtained based on data measured by satellite (ε=(ρ2−ρ1)/ρ2). Further, h′ (depth of the water zone of the predetermined water temperature at each of a large number of spots) is determined according to this equation, η2=α(ε′×h′)+β, based on ε′ for each of the large number of spots calculated based on historical data, an absolute dynamic topography η2 at each of the large number of spots based on data measured by satellite, and the values α and β.
US07818272B1
A method for discovery of a cluster of objects in an arbitrary undirected graph. A subset of the objects is determined by performing a random walk starting from a first object of the objects and following a plurality of random edges of subsequent objects, the subset comprising the first object and the subsequent objects. An enlarged subset is determined by enlarging the subset to include other objects well-connected to the subset. It is determined whether the enlarged subset is a cluster.
US07818266B2
Methods and systems are provided for creating and processing an electronic customs declaration manifest. These methods and systems include creating a image of the customs declaration form, converting the image of the customs declaration form into an electronic customs manifest, and transferring the electronic customs manifest to a database. In addition, a image is may also be forwarded electronically to a remote encoding center, where the customs declaration form data is manually converted into an electronic file for storing in a database. Customs services of both the originating and destination countries review the declared information stored in the database. When the international mailpiece arrives at the border, domestic customs service may find a matching unique identifiers on the international mailpieces and customs declaration forms stored in the database. The service provider may load an international mailpiece into an airplane, if a domestic customs service allow the international mailpiece having a matching unique identifier to leave the originating country. A service provider may return an international mailpiece to the domestic customs service if an international mailpiece is not allowed to leave the originating country.
US07818264B2
A method for using a secondary PAN is disclosed. The method includes providing a secondary PAN associated with a primary PAN, where the secondary PAN has at least one end portion that is the same as the primary PAN, but has a middle portion of that is different than the primary PAN.
US07818263B2
In a mailing system for franking a postage indicium serving as a proof of postage, postal data including the postage needs to be communicated through such an indicium. Illustratively, the postal data is categorized into (a) invariable postal data, e.g, a device ID identifying the mailing system, which is unaffected by a franking transaction, and (b) variable postal data, e.g., the postage, which may change from one franking transaction to another. To avoid latency of the franking operation, the invariable postal data is preset for initial printing of the postage indicium, and the variable postal data is determined and set for printing in real time. In printing the postage indicium, the invariable postal data and the variable postal data are presented in that order in one or more symbols.
US07818262B2
A system and method for providing a flexible licensing system for digital content is described. In some cases, the system utilizes tokens or other valuations to facilitate the purchase or exchange of content.
US07818260B2
A system for managing subscriber access to content. The system may include a number of access points through which the subscribers access the content, a digital rights feature located remotely from the access points for storing digital rights of the subscribers to the content. Optionally, the digital rights feature is configured to control access to the content by the access points as function of digital rights individually associated with the subscribers.
US07818255B2
A method of avoiding a second login of user information in an encrypted disk computer system includes a communications path for transferring user login information. The login information is acquired and used by a first software module which authenticates the user to decrypt a disk with an encrypted operating system. The same login information is transferred using the communications channel to a second use which logs the user into the decrypted operating system. The method also supports multiple users through maintenance of multiple users credentials.
US07818254B1
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for receiving and assessing an application made by an applicant. In one aspect, the apparatus includes: computing means configured or programmed to present a plurality of application forms to the applicant, to receive the forms once completed from the applicant and to assess the application; input means for the applicant to complete and return the forms to the computing means; and communication means for communicating or sending the assessment of the application to the applicant; wherein the computing means is configured or programmed to construct second and subsequent forms of the plurality of forms progressively on the basis of information provided by the applicant by means of the input means in the completed and received forms, to assess the application, and to communicate the assessment by means of the communication means.
US07818251B2
A payment processing method comprises receiving at a host computer system payment information from a client computer, wherein the payment information relates to a payment from a consumer. The method further comprises verifying at least a portion of the payment information and storing at least a portion of the payment information in a database. The method further comprises transmitting a first electronic file comprising at least a portion of the payment information to a financial institution, thereby initiating processing of the payment and transmitting a second electronic file comprises at least a portion of the payment information to a client computing system. The method also comprises responding to a request for historical information by transmitting to a user computer system a third electronic file comprising at least a portion of the payment information.
US07818239B1
Methods of allocating dividends to a set of long positions. The methods may comprise the steps of identifying a set of short positions and matching the set of short positions with selected long positions from the set of long positions. The methods may also comprise the step of allocating a manufactured dividend to each of the selected long positions. Each manufactured dividend may originate from one of the set of short positions. The methods may additionally comprise the step of allocating a real dividend to any long positions remaining in the set of long positions.
US07818222B2
A method includes providing to a user a set of computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user's electronic device, generate a user interface displayable on a display device coupled to the user's electronic device, presenting to the user via the user interface a plurality of solicitations for a set of personal information describing characteristics of the user, receiving via the user interface the personal information set, and, based on the personal information set, generating to the user interface a checklist of tax return preparation information to be compiled by the user.
US07818218B2
A buying community is established by discerning customers having the same or similar business types. The business type of a customer may be discerned from a corporate, business, or other entity name that is associated with the customer. Once a buying community is established, behaviors of customers within that buying community are discerned. These behaviors may include product purchasing behaviors, on-line navigation behaviors, on-line searching behaviors, etc. The discerned behaviors of the customers within the buying community may then be used to provide catalogs customized for those members and/or on-line services customized for those members.
US07818213B2
A server system in the form of an automatic vending machine is disposed in a store. A distributor has a main server. A reproducing and connecting device is disposed in a home. The server system and the main server are connected through a bi-directional dedicated line and whole music information (music data and additional information) is transmitted therebetween. The main server 2 and the reproducing and connecting device are connected through the Internet. Additional information of music information is transferred from the main server to the reproducing and connecting device. The user searches for a song that he or she will buy corresponding to the additional information and decides to buy the selected song. In the store, the user can record a song that he or she has decided to buy corresponding to buying information to a record medium.
US07818211B2
A system and method for providing sales-related data over a network. The method includes the steps of receiving a request for sales-related data from a user, receiving request-related information from the user and generating the sales-related data based on the received request-related information. The request may be from a user at a broker address. The method further includes the steps of accessing broker information from a broker information database based on the broker address and displaying at least a portion of the broker information with at least a portion of subsequent information presented to the user.
US07818210B2
A novel Keno game is disclosed in which additional bonus numbers are randomly chosen and displayed in addition to twenty numbers randomly picked for game play. When there are a first predetermined number of matches between the additional bonus numbers and the random twenty numbers the player is awarded a bonus, and the type is bonus is identified by a selection made by the player. The type of bonus is printed out on a bonus ticket that is dispensed to the player. In a subsequent round of Keno game play a player is prompted to insert certain types of bonus ticket if there is a second predetermined number of matches between the additional bonus numbers and the twenty random numbers the player is prompted to insert into the Keno game machine types of bonus tickets that they hold. When the player inserts a bonus ticket it is read and retained and a subsequent round of Keno game play is modified according to the type of bonus identified.
US07818205B2
A computer-implemented method including receiving a search request for a product; processing the search request with a processing device; generating a message containing information regarding at least one product offered by a retail vendor; transmitting the message; automatically providing the user with an option to play a game to win a selected product from the product information without the user first making any payment or requesting the option; electronically calculating a dynamic probability of winning the selected product by the user based on one or more factors; electronically and randomly generating a trial outcome for a game of chance; generating an outcome indicator; displaying the outcome indicator to the user; and in response to a winning trial outcome, purchasing the selected product for the user from the independent third-party retail vendor at no cost to the user.
US07818204B2
A vehicular traffic control server includes monitoring means, tariff adjusting means in communication with the monitoring means, and notifying means in communication with the tariff adjusting means. The monitoring means is configured to monitor at least one traffic congestion parameter of a roadway having a road tariff. The tariff adjusting means is configured to adjust the road tariff in accordance with the monitored traffic congestion parameter. The notifying means is configured to notify at least one motorist of the adjusted road tariff.
US07818198B2
A method, system, and computer program product for autonomically managing a meeting calendar. An Autonomic Meeting Scheduling (AMS) utility detects a set of pre-scheduling data. The AMS utility generates an optimal meeting schedule based upon the set of pre-scheduling data. A meeting invitation is communicated to at least one meeting invitee. The AMS utility detects an invitation reply data from a meeting invitee. Based upon the pre-scheduling data and the invitation reply data, the AMS utility generates and outputs one of at least a meeting probability value (MPV) and a MPV curve. The MPV is a measure of how probable a scheduled meeting will occur. Moreover, a meeting owner may enable the AMS utility to determine whether the MPV has reached a threshold to execute a scheduling decision (i.e., retain a scheduled meeting, reschedule a meeting, or cancel/extinguish a scheduled meeting).
US07818179B2
Devices and methods are provided for automatically analyzing a user's conversation or verbal presentation and providing feedback to the user, in real-time and/or off-line, to make the user aware of improper speech habits and thus enable the user to acquire better language habits while speaking. For example, a device for providing user awareness of speech habits may be a portable device, which can be worn or carried by the user, has various functions for monitoring and analyzing a speech session (e.g. conversation, verbal presentation) of a user and providing notification to the user of improper speech or language habits that are identified during the speech session.
US07818170B2
A method for distributed voice searching may include receiving a search query from a user of the mobile communication device, generating a lattice of coarse linguistic representations from speech parts in the search query, extracting query features from the generated lattice of coarse linguistic representations, generating coarse search feature vectors based on the extracted query features, performing a coarse search using the generated coarse search feature vectors and transmitting the generated coarse search feature vectors to a remote voice search processing unit, receiving remote resultant web indices from the remote voice search processing unit, generating a lattice of fine linguistic representations from speech parts in the search query, generating fine search feature vectors from the lattice of fine linguistic representations, performing a fine search using the coarse search results, the remote resultant web indices and the generated fine search feature vectors, and displaying the fine search results to the user.
US07818161B2
An information processing apparatus includes: a processor configured to run an operating system; a reconfiguration module configured to rewrite a capability pointer of a PCI device configuration to set a controller compatible of controlling a non-UART device to be incompatible; a virtualization module configured to virtualize one or more UARTs; and a recognition module configured to cause the operating system to recognize the UARTs virtualized by the virtualization module by altering hardware information.
US07818151B2
A process of obtaining short-range flare model parameters representing a short-range flare which degrades a contrast of an image generated by a lithography tool, is disclosed. Short-range flare is measured from the image to obtain measured short-range flare data. A simulation is performed based on short-range flare model parameters to obtain simulated short-range flare data. The simulated short-range flare data is compared with the measured short range flare data. It is determined whether the short-range flare model parameters used in the simulation is appropriate based on the comparison result. The short-range flare model parameters is optimized according to the measured short-range data and the simulated short-range flare data if the short-range flare model parameters used for the simulation is not appropriate.
US07818128B2
Methods and related systems are described for predicting a response of a gamma ray measurement tool located in a borehole surrounded by a subterranean formation. A response of the tool is calculated according to one or more properties at a plurality of spatial locations in relation to the measurement tool using a forward model that assumes a non-linear relationship between the one or more properties at the plurality of spatial locations and the corresponding response of the tool.
US07818124B2
A method of operating a navigation system determines a route between an origin and a destination and provides a photographic image showing a geographic area through which the route passes. The photographic image is obtained from a geographic database, and the photographic image shows the geographic area from a land-based viewpoint. The method overlays a route highlight on the photographic image identifying a path to be traveled. The route highlight extends along the path for a distance visible in the photographic image.
US07818123B2
A routing guide system has memory means provided outside a mobile body for storing data of images at a plurality of guide points. The routing guide system also has distance measuring means for measuring the distance from the current position of the mobile body to the next guide point. The routing guide system also has image request generation means for generating an image request for the next guide point when the distance measured by the distance measuring means is not more than a first predetermined distance. The routing guide system also has transmission means provided outside the mobile body for reading from the memory means an image of the next guide point in response to the image request and for transmitting that image to the mobile body. The routing guide system also has display control means for causing the mobile body to receive the image transmitted from the transmission means and causing a display device to display the image.
US07818113B2
A valve timing control apparatus for a valve timing adjustment mechanism that adjusts timing of opening and closing an intake or exhaust valve of an engine includes an output-side rotor, a cam-side rotor, a hydraulic pump, a control device, a control valve, a storage device. The control device outputs a signal associated with rotation of one of the rotors relative to the other one. The control valve controls the speed of the rotation. The storage device prestores standard data indicating a predetermined relation between a dead zone width and a parameter correlated with the dead zone width for each hydraulic oil temperature. A value of the parameter of the adjustment mechanism during a hold state is learned by changing the signal. The control device computes the signal based on the value learned, the standard data, and hydraulic oil temperature.
US07818112B2
An HCCI engine operated in HCCI and SI combustion modes. The engine includes an external EGR apparatus for performing external EGR. A control unit executes combustion control by specifying either one of HCCI and SI combustion ranges based on the driving state of the engine and a combustion range map for specifying the combustion range in accordance with the driving state. The map includes the HCCI and SI combustion ranges and a switch preparation combustion range, which is included in the SI combustion range and extends along a boundary between the SI combustion range and the HCCI combustion range. The control unit lowers the temperature in the combustion chamber when the switch preparation combustion range is specified by reducing the amount of internal EGR or performing the external EGR.
US07818107B2
A method for controlling the driving dynamics of a vehicle provides that a steering movement is carried out on the basis of a set value, which is calculated as a function of a deviation between a desired value and an acquired actual value of a vehicle state variable.In this method, at least one membership degree of an acquired value of a steering angle, which is set by a driver, and/or of a steering angle gradient, which is set by the driver, in a predetermined fuzzy set, are/is determined, and a value of the set value is changed as a function of the membership degree.
US07818101B2
A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.
US07818100B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for optimizing runway exiting. Prior to landing, the pilot may choose to input one or more new landing parameters. Then, based on current landing parameters (e.g., any new landing parameter(s) and remaining default landing parameters) and the aircraft performance parameters, predicted landing performance can be updated and indicia of the updated predicted landing performance can be displayed to the pilot on an updated airport map and display. The updated predicted landing performance can include, among other things, a display of AUTOBRAKE landing performance. When no further changes to the current landing parameters are desired, the automatic braking system can be set to provide dynamic braking to slow the aircraft to a selected velocity at a selected position on a particular runway.
US07818091B2
A process and a device are provided for determining the pose as the entirety of the position and the orientation of an image reception device. The process is characterized in that the pose of the image reception device is determined with the use of at least one measuring device that is part of a robot. The device is characterized by a robot with an integrated measuring device that is part of the robot for determining the pose of the image reception device.
US07818077B2
A method for recording and playing back spatial sound data associated with an object in a scene of a virtual environment from the perspective of a character controlled by a user. Different types of spatial sound data can be encoded for different types of objects, e.g., fast moving, directional, slow moving and stationary objects. Based on at least the position, distance, and direction of the object in regard to the character, at least two channels of an audio file can be recorded with spatial sound data for subsequent playback in the virtual environment.
US07818072B2
A press control system includes at least one sensor for registering current states of at least one component of a press and at least one regulating and control device for generating actuating signals for actuating the at least one component of the press. A press simulator is integrated into the press control system for training purposes and/or diagnostic purposes on the press.
US07818068B2
An implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) used with a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery having an anode electrode with a substrate made substantially from titanium. Such battery construction allows the rechargeable battery to be discharged down to zero volts without damage to the battery. The implantable medical device includes battery charging and protection circuitry that controls the charging of the battery so as to assure its reliable and safe operation.
US07818063B2
A method of treating a neurological disorder in a patient is provided. The method comprises intravascularly delivering a stimulation lead within the head of the patient, and placing the stimulation lead adjacent brain tissue (e.g., cortical brain tissue or deep brain tissue), the stimulation of which will treat the neurological disorder. The stimulation lead can be placed into indirect contact with the brain tissue (e.g., through a blood vessel) or indirect contact with the brain tissue (e.g., when placed within the ventricular cavity or by being introduced through an exit point within a vessel wall). Optionally, the method comprises implanting a source of stimulation within the patient's body, and then electrically coupling the proximal end of the stimulation lead, which conveniently extends from the access point within the circulatory system, to the implanted stimulation source. Using the stimulation lead, the brain tissue can then be stimulated in order to treat the neurological disorder.
US07818060B2
Techniques for determining whether a medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to a particular program throughout a useable voltage range of a power source of the medical device are described. According to some examples, the medical device charges a charge pump to a level sufficient to provide a stimulation output according to a stimulation program, determines a length of time that the charge pump charges at the present power source voltage level, and determines a time between stimulation pulses of the stimulation program. Whether the medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to the program when the power source is at a power source voltage level lower than the present voltage level is determined based on the length of time the charge pump charges at the present voltage level of the power source and the time between stimulation pulses.
US07818059B2
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for an implantable medical device comprising means for selecting between an atrial chamber reset (ACR) test and an atrioventricular conduction (AVC) test to provide atrial capture management and means for switching between an atrial-based pacing mode and a dual chamber pacing mode based on detecting relatively reliable atrioventricular conduction.
US07818056B2
Systems and methods are described for classifying a cardiac rhythm. A cardiac rhythm is classified using a classification process that includes a plurality of cardiac rhythm discriminators. Each rhythm discriminator provides an independent classification of the cardiac rhythm. The classification process is modified if the modification is likely to produce enhanced classification results. The rhythm is reclassified using the modified classification process.
US07818052B2
Methods of automatically identifying whether a neural recording signal includes a neural response signal include fitting an artifact model to a neural recording signal to produce a fitted artifact model signal, determining a strength-of-response metric that describes a distance of the neural recording signal from the fitted artifact model signal, and identifying the neural recording signal as including a neural response signal if the strength-of-response metric is above a pre-determined threshold. Corresponding systems are also described.
US07818050B2
A fetal heart monitor device includes a channel to receive a first signal representative of acoustic energy principally from a maternal heartbeat and a second signal representative of acoustic energy including a fetal heart beat. The device includes a computing device including a processor, a memory operatively coupled to the processor and non-volatile storage operatively coupled to the processor, the non-volatile storage storing a computer program including instructions to cause the processor to process the first and second electrical signals into an electrical signal representative of the acoustic energy emitted by the fetal heart.
US07818038B2
A handheld electronic apparatus with multiple operational configurations is provided. The handheld electronic apparatus includes a first body, a second body, a straight track, and a curved track. The second body overlaps the first body. The straight track is sandwiched in between the first body and the second body. The first body permits a translational motion relative to the second body along with the straight track so as to shift between a first operational configuration and a second operational configuration. The curved track connected to the straight track is sandwiched in between the first body and the second body. The first body permits a rotational movement relative to the second body along with the curved track so as to shift between the second operational configuration and a third operational configuration.
US07818035B2
A satellite phone holder, particularly for mechanical vehicles, attachable to other electronic devices, particularly to a hands-free mobile phone kit. The holder comprises a locking module (2), composed of a disc (9) with a lever (10); this disc is located, by means of a ring (7), in a rotatable socket (3) in the base (1) and is provided with a rotatable plug (8), into which an antenna core (11) is inserted. On the bottom surface of the disc (9) there is an insert (14), which, when the locking module (2) is in “blocked” position, reflects the light from a photodiode (20) to a detector (21), which activates an electronic module (4) of the holder and switches between the mobile phone's operating modes.
US07818017B2
A location beacon database and server, method of building location beacon database, and location based service using same. Wi-Fi access points are located in a target geographical area to build a reference database of locations of Wi-Fi access points. At least one vehicle is deployed including at least one scanning device having a GPS device and a Wi-Fi radio device and including a Wi-Fi antenna system. The target area is traversed in a programmatic route to avoid arterial bias. The programmatic route includes substantially all drivable streets in the target geographical area and solves an Eulerian cycle problem of a graph represented by said drivable streets. While traversing the target area, periodically receive the GPS coordinates of the GPS device. While traversing the target area, detecting Wi-Fi signals from Wi-Fi access points in range of the Wi-Fi device and recording identity information of the detected Wi-Fi access point in conjunction with GPS location information of the vehicle when the detection of the Wi-Fi access point was made. The location information is used to reverse triangulate the position of the detected Wi-Fi access point; and the position of the detected access point is recorded in a reference database.
US07818008B2
A mobile services control platform supports an enhanced service, Voice Forwarding to Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Voice. Functionally, the service allows a subscriber to use a Wi-Fi device to receive voice calls directed to his or her mobile number. In a representative example, when the user connects over a Wi-Fi network, e.g., using his or her laptop or other such device, he or she selects “Wi-Fi Voice” option from a client. As a result, future voice calls directed to the user's mobile number get routed to his or her laptop over Wi-Fi, without the caller being aware that the user has connected over a different network. Similarly, voice calls made by the user from his or her laptop Wi-Fi (e.g., through a softphone) are delivered to the recipient's device as if they originated from the mobile phone number.
US07818003B2
The embodiments contemplate a negotiation and reconnection method between two devices for use when an original call connection is dropped. In order to allow a reconnected call to be easily made without multiple calls from each user, a negotiation between the two devices is made during the original call, assigning reconnection authority to one of the devices. If the original call is inadvertently dropped, due to for example environmental conditions, the assigned device initiates reconnection by bypassing voicemail options that are typically encountered in a reconnection situation. The reconnection may be used when each of the two devices is attempting to reconnect. Alternatively, if the device that lost coverage is without coverage for an extended period of time, a message may be sent to the other device to inform the user of that device of the situation.
US07818002B2
A method in a communication system wherein a user (1) is arranged to register with a control entity (22) comprises sending a message from the communication system to the user (1) requesting that the user re-register with said communication network. The user is caused to re-register with said network in response to said message.
US07818001B2
An active set of base stations may be controlled based on whether data is unavailable at base stations within the active set. The base station may transmit an indicator indicating whether data is unavailable at the base station and/or a mobile station may monitor a channel characteristic of at least a portion of a channel between the base station and the mobile station.
US07817993B2
Disclosed is a method for setting up a substituted ring back tone (RBT) provided from a predetermined communication provider, and more particularly, a method and system for recognizing a first substituted RBT of a first subscriber and setting up the first substituted RBT as a substituted RBT of a second subscriber, between subscribers of different communication providers. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily copy a substituted RBT from another user's substituted RBT and set up the same as a user's own substituted RBT. In this instance, the substituted RBT is provided according to a request for a call setup of a mobile terminal. Also, it is possible to set up a substituted RBT of a subscriber of a different communication provider as a user's substituted RBT, while not receiving predetermined information from the communication provider.
US07817979B2
Systems and methods for DC offset correction in analog and digital direct conversion RF receivers. A time derivate and subsequent integration of in-phase and quadrature phase signal path components is performed to effectively remove DC offset from the resultant down converted baseband signal.
US07817974B2
A Method and Apparatus for Enhancing the Detection of Weak Emitters provide an enhanced method to eliminate the fake hits of a moving weak signal detection system. The method and apparatus have the abilities stated in the previous U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/332,801 filed by this author, to do moving detection of weak signals, even in dense urban environments. Secondly, the method and apparatus includes additional antennas and hardware boards, in order to verify authenticity of detected targets. Thirdly, the method and apparatus include appropriate DSP algorithms loaded to program the mission. Fourthly, the method and apparatus are enabled to accurately determine the tangential distance of the target from me vehicles centerline. Finally, the method and apparatus provide the ability to continually discard false targets based upon the information provided by these approaches.
US07817970B2
The transmitting/receiving device has a polar modulator with a variable predistorter (11, 12) and an amplifier (8) which can be modulated, a reception path (25) which can be operated both during conventional reception and for the purposes of adjustment of the predistorter (11, 12) in order to determine a measurement signal (35) which is dependent on the output signal from the amplifier (8), and a coupling path for coupling of the reception path (25) to the output from the amplifier (8). A control and evaluation means (34, 36) is additionally provided for adjustment of the predistorter (11, 12).
US07817957B2
The invention provides a double feed sensing device capable of sensing double feed of paper sent out for the first time. The double feed sensing device includes a thickness sensing unit for sensing thickness of cut paper conveyed, a rigidity sensing unit for sensing bending rigidity of the conveyed paper, and a double feed determining unit for comparing a value of the thickness of the paper sensed by the thickness sensing unit and a value of the bending rigidity of the paper sensed by the rigidity sensing unit with threshold values of thickness and rigidity of the paper set based on values of thickness and bending rigidity of one sheet of the paper and values of thickness and bending rigidity of stacked sheets of the paper, so as to determine whether the paper is double-fed or not.
US07817955B2
An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member to bear a latent electrostatic image, a charging member to charge a surface of the image bearing member, an irradiation member to irradiate the image bearing member to write the latent electrostatic image, a development member to develop the latent electrostatic image with a toner to form a visualized image, a transfer device to transfer the visualized image directly or via an intermediate transfer body to a recording medium, a fixing device to fix the transferred image transferred on the recording medium and a cleaning device to remove residual toner remaining on the image bearing member. In the image forming apparatus, the cleaning device includes an elastic member having a blade forming a front end which is in contact with the image bearing member at a pressure of from 2 to 6 MPa and the toner is granulated in an aqueous phase and contains a laminar inorganic mineral having ions between layers at least part of which is modified by an organic ion and an average of a form factor SF-1 of the toner is from 130 to 160.
US07817952B2
A fixer configured to fix an image on an recording medium passing through a fixing nip includes a holder including an elastic layer, a fixing rotator including a heating layer, provided overlying the holder, and a pressurizer configured to pressurize the holder via the fixing rotator to form the fixing nip. A part of the pressurizer, which forms the fixing nip, has a length not less than a length of the heating layer in a width direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the recording medium.
US07817938B2
A developer cartridge includes a developer roller, a receiving unit for receiving a driving force, a transmitting unit for transmitting the driving force from the receiving unit to the developer roller, and a transferring unit for transferring the drive force from the receiving unit to the transmitting unit. The transferring unit is connected with both the receiving unit and the transmitting unit. A relative position of the receiving unit and the transmitting unit is movable while the transferring unit is connected to both the receiving unit and the transmitting unit.
US07817930B2
In an image forming apparatus, a type of paper conveyed through a conveying path is determined based on combination of sensing signals obtained from a plurality of sensing units. Each of the sensing units is movable between an actuating position and a retracting position as a paper is conveyed through a conveying path. Based on the type of paper determined based on combination of sensing signals obtained from the plurality of sensing units, a control unit of the image forming apparatus controls an image forming unit forming an image on the conveyed paper.
US07817925B2
An optical signal, which is a low-speed signal superimposed on a high-speed phase modulated optical signal by intensity modulation, is used. In an optical receiver apparatus 40, a received signal is split, and one of the split signals is O/E converted and low frequency component alone is extracted via a filter 46. A clock is extracted from low-frequency component by CDR, and is compared with a preset frequency. Using the frequency difference obtained, dispersion compensation is performed with low accuracy. Next, the amount of phase control of the delay interferometer 21 is adjusted so that the amplitude of the electrical signal is maximized. An error rate is measured, and fine adjustment is performed to improve the error rate.
US07817914B2
The present disclosure relates to an image capture device and a technique for capturing an image. The technique includes selecting at least one subject displayed on an image capture device as an image trigger condition and entering a threshold level corresponding to the at least one image trigger condition. The technique further provides monitoring a signal from at least one sensor detecting the at least one image trigger condition and obtaining at least one digital image upon detecting the sensed image trigger condition meeting the threshold level.
US07817902B2
An apparatus and a method of generating a video-reproducing clock signal from a 480p signal. The apparatus generates a video-reproducing clock signal from a 480p signal that includes a vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signals, and copy guard signals. The apparatus includes a coast signal generating unit and a clock signal generating unit. The coast signal generating unit generates a plurality of coast signals with pulse widths, each of which covers the different number of copy guard signals on the basis of the present copy guard signal in one frame signal of the 480p signal. The clock signal generating unit generates horizontal synchronization signals at the same period as that of the horizontal synchronization signals generated in a previous frame, while the corresponding coast signal is being generated.
US07817887B2
A thin-profile, optically efficient lighting device for use with, among other things, flat information displays, includes a combination of three optically coupled light propagating structures, fabricated of electromagnetic flux transmitting materials. The first structure may be a generally elongated optical pipe adapted to receive light from at least one light source such as a light emitting diode. Radiation from additional sources is coupled into the first structure by a second structure which injects the radiation thereinto. Light injected into the first structure is directed into the third structure where it is redirected so that it propagates out of the third structure uniformly and efficiently and in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the third structure. A device can include multiple bodies of any or all three structures.
US07817883B2
An optical assembly includes a first transparent substrate having first and second surfaces, a second transparent substrate having substantially parallel third and fourth surfaces, a reflective portion on the second transparent substrate, a plurality of filters between the first substrate and the reflective portion, the plurality of filters filtering light beams incident thereon, the plurality of filters and the reflective portion forming a bounce cavity within the second transparent substrate, a collimating lens for collimating light beams to be input to the bounce cavity, a tilt mechanism for introducing tilt to light beams input to the bounce cavity; an input port receiving light beams and an output port transmitting light beams. The tilt mechanism may be between the first and second substrate.
US07817876B2
A noisy signal analysis in which a threshold value is set to evaluate the presentation of the display device. The analysis can produce the range of noise level of the image for measuring the distortion block of image caused by the display devices. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a step function generator for producing step functions, a transforming unit for changing threshold value in step functions, and a display for showing the image corresponding to both the high value and low value.
US07817872B2
An image processing apparatus includes an edge-direction detector that detects an edge direction in an original image; a confidence detector that detects a confidence of the edge direction; a contrast detector that detects a contrast intensity; a texture-contrast-weight setter that sets a texture-contrast weight; an edge-contrast-weight setter that sets an edge-contrast weight; a texture-weight setter that sets a texture weight; an edge-weight setter that sets an edge weight; a texture filter that performs texture filtering to generate a texture-filter image; an edge filter that performs edge filtering to generate an edge-filter image; a texture combiner that combines the original image and the texture-filter image to generate a texture-combination image; and an edge combiner that combines the texture-combination image and the edge-filter image to generate an edge-combination image.
US07817870B2
Fractal decompression and the Retinex algorithm are combined to produce a color constancy method. By using this approach, color constancy and image compression can be achieved simultaneously.
US07817867B2
According to a picture coding method of the present invention, a coded picture identified by a picture number is stored, as a reference picture, into a storage unit; commands indicating correspondence between picture numbers and reference indices for designating reference pictures and coefficients used for generation of predictive images are generated; a reference picture being used when motion compensation is performed on a current block in a current picture to be coded is designated by a reference index; a predictive image is generated by performing linear prediction on a block being obtained by motion estimation within the designated reference picture, by use of a coefficient corresponding to the reference index; a coded image signal including a coded signal obtained by coding a prediction error being a difference between the current block in the current picture to be coded and the predictive image, the commands, the reference index and the coefficient is outputted. At that time, information indicating the maximum reference index value is coded and included into the coded image signal, and the commands indicating correspondence between at least one picture number and a plurality of reference indices are generated.
US07817862B2
A pattern retrieving unit includes an acquiring unit that acquires a representative pattern image; a setting unit that sets a use condition of a type of shape feature of the representative pattern image; a receiving unit that receives a query pattern image used as a query; a determining unit that determines the type of shape feature of the representative pattern image to be the type of shape feature of the query pattern image, based on the use condition; a retrieving unit that retrieves a pattern image identical or similar to the query pattern image, using determined type of shape feature; and an output unit configured to output a result of retrieval by the retrieving unit.
US07817860B2
Disclosed is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for realizing high-precision dimension measurement of a sample, such as an ArF exposure photoresist, that requires the measurement of a dimension by a low S/N signal waveform. To this end, partial waveforms (or partial images) of sample signal waveforms (or an images) acquired from a dimension measurement target sample and a sample material of the same kind are registered in advance, a measurement target signal waveform (or an image) obtained from the dimension measurement target sample and the sample registration waveform are combined, and a dimension of the dimension measurement target pattern is calculated based on the combination result.
US07817858B2
It is shown how to select and insert a non-textual, e.g. a smiley, into an application such as a chat application in a communication terminal. A smiley insertion area in the form of a hand writing input area is displayed under the control of a user interface application. After recording that a stylus, or similar device, has been used in drawing on the touch sensitive display, the drawing is matched in an interpretation process against a pattern library consisting of smileys and other non-textual symbols. After a successful match, the smiley symbol is appended to the text that is being input.
US07817857B2
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve handwriting recognition operations. Handwritten input is received in training mode and run through several base recognizers to generate several alternate lists. The alternate lists are unioned together into a combined alternate list. If the correct result is in the combined list, each correct/incorrect alternate pair is used to generate training patterns. The weights associated with the alternate pairs are stored. At runtime, the combined alternate list is generated just as training time. The trained comparator-net can be used to compare any two alternates in the combined list. A template matching base recognizer is used with one or more neural network base recognizers to improve recognition operations. The system provides comparator-net and reorder-net processes trained on print and cursive data, and ones that have been trained on cursive-only data. The respective comparator-net and reorder-net processes are used accordingly.
US07817843B2
A mobile platform is provided which has at least one component having an array of distributed piezoelectric transmitters and an associated array of distributed receivers. The receivers are configured to receive ultrasonic transmissions from the transmitters. Data from the receivers is stored in memory and processed through an algebraic reconstruction tomography algorithm which forms an image of the defect within the component. An algorithm is used to determine the position and size of the defect.
US07817825B2
A person verification apparatus having: a biological information input section to receive an input of biological information of a person and to obtain a data of the biological information as a data to be verified; an ID input section to receive an input of ID of a person; and a control section to compare the data to be verified with plural pieces of referential data registered in advance, and to obtain referential data corresponding to the ID received by the ID input section and compare whether the referential data corresponding to the ID matches with the data to be verified when the data to be verified does not match with the plural referential data.
US07817818B2
A method for embedding a watermark into digital data, when the watermark is to be embedded in a digital image, independently changes real number components and imaginary number components of each of coefficient values of a complex watermark coefficient matrix using key, from the watermark to be embedded in the digital image, a step for performing a discrete Fourier inverse transform on the sequence matrix of the changed watermark and generating a watermark pattern; and a step for adding like tiling the water mark pattern to the original image, and generating an embedded image.Further more, a watermark detection method for detecting a watermark from a digital data, a step for separating a block from an arbitrary position on the detected object image, a step for performing a discrete Fourier transform on the block and obtaining a sequence matrix, a step for generating position information for a component that is to be detected and that is specified by the key, a step for detecting a position marker sequence by calculating a phase difference of a sequence by an amount of parallel displacement, for each item of the position information, and extracting offset information which is the amount of parallel displacement when there is agreement between a start point of an embedded watermark and a start point of the block cut from the detected object image, and a step for detecting the embedded watermark cut from the detected object image.
US07817811B2
The present invention aims to stabilize sound-electricity conversion characteristics of a diaphragm-type sound-electricity conversion device as well as to decrease the noise level of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using the sound-electricity conversion device. The sound-electricity conversion device is configured by a capacitor cell including a lower electrode formed on a silicon substrate and an upper electrode over the lower electrode, the lower and upper electrodes sandwiching a cavity. An electrode short-circuit prevention film is formed on the upper electrode on the cavity side. The electrode short-circuit prevention film is formed of a material with an electrical time constant shorter than 1 second and longer than 10 microseconds, such as silicon nitride containing a stoichiometrically excessive amount of silicon. As a result, the electrode short-circuit prevention film has small electric conductivity, and thus it is made possible to prevent the film from being charged with electric charge and to avoid the drift of the electric charge. Consequently, the sound-electricity conversion characteristics of the sound-electricity conversion device stabilize, and further the sound noise level of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus decreases.
US07817807B2
An audio output driver includes an audio amplifier for generating an amplified signal. A virtual ground generator generates a virtual ground signal in response to a virtual ground reference. A combiner produces an output signal, based on the amplified signal and the virtual ground signal, that is coupled to an audio output device. A voltage equalizer equalizes the virtual ground reference and the output signal when the supply voltage compares unfavorably to a supply voltage threshold.
US07817800B2
A cryptographic key split binder includes key split generators that generate cryptographic key splits from seed data and a key split randomizer for randomizing cryptographic key splits to produce a cryptographic key, and a process for forming cryptographic keys. Key split generators can include a random split generator for generating a random key split based on reference data, a token split generator for generating a token key split based on label data, a console split generator for generating a console key split based on maintenance data or a biometric split generator for generating a biometric key split based on biometric data. Any key split can further be based on static data, which can be updated. Label data can be read from a storage medium, and can include user authorization data. A cryptographic key can be, for example, a stream of symbols, at least one symbol block, or a key matrix.
US07817795B2
Systems and methods for performing agent data synchronization in a customer center having a plurality of agents. In this regard, a representative method comprises: storing agent data on a customer center network; sending the agent data to a plurality of workforce applications that are coupled to the customer center network, at least one workforce application including agent data; and updating the agent data of the plurality of workforce applications according to the received agent data such that synchronization of the agent data is maintained among the plurality of the workforce applications.
US07817792B2
A hyperlink is added to user interface code to provide a user with an easy way to access various functions of a communication application. The hyperlink can provide target telephone numbers in different formats, specify a web page to be displayed during a call, specify rules to be used to identify a telephone number from a set of telephone numbers, and include commands to manage the communication application.
US07817784B2
A software interface is provided for managing audio resources used in one or more voice applications. The software interface includes a first portion thereof for mapping the audio resources from storage to use-case positions in the one or more voice applications, a portion thereof for accessing the audio resources according to the mapping information and for performing modifications thereof, a portion thereof for creating new audio resources; and a portion thereof for replication of modifications across distributed facilities. I a preferred application a developer can modify or replace existing audio resources and replicate links to the application code of the applications that use them.
US07817778B2
An interactive method for radiation treatment planning is disclosed. The method applies to staged treatment planning algorithms, as used, for example, with arc therapy. It allows the user to hold the optimization algorithm at a stage in order to make adjustments to the objective function before advancing to the next stage. If adjustments are made, the user can revert to an earlier stage and re-run the optimization process using the adjusted objective function. While a hold is imposed, the treatment planning software may continue optimization at the current stage.
US07817763B2
Embodiment for forming an aggregate signal from a plurality of starting signals, comprising: acquiring said starting signals through respective sensors of a homogeneous sensors group; converting acquired signals in respective digital signals having data represented with a predetermined bits number; processing the digital signals to form aggregate signal. The processing step comprises the operations of: modifying digital signals changing the data format of each such digital signals from a first format to a second format, each data in the second format having been obtained from a respective data in the first format through an operation of permuting the bits position according to a permutation scheme associated with said data and to the specific digital signal comprising that data; forming aggregate signal obtaining said aggregate signal data by means of a bitwise logic operator acting upon said modified digital signal respective data.
US07817756B2
A circuit and method for suppressing interference components in a received signal are provided. The circuit includes an adaptive filter configured to process a first quantity of digital signal samples per unit time when the adaptive filter is operating in a first mode, and a second quantity of digital signal samples per unit time when operating in a second mode, wherein the first quantity is less than the second quantity. The method includes implementing an adaptive filter configured to operate in an adaptive mode and in a second mode having a reduced adaptability compared to the adaptive mode; operating the adaptive filter in the adaptive mode to process a first quantity of digital signal samples per unit time; and operating the adaptive filter in the second mode to process a second quantity of digital signal samples per unit time; wherein the first quantity is less than the second quantity.
US07817753B2
A reception quality estimating apparatus, a wireless communication system and a reception quality estimating method wherein the communication qualities in a case where different communication schemes are used to have communication can be artificially estimated without switching the communication schemes to be used for the communication. A wireless communication apparatus (100) comprises a reception processing part (110), an artificially decoded error estimating part (120), and an upper-order layer processing part (130). An orthogonal vector data sequence (152), which is generated by a demodulating part (111) from a received signal (150), for each symbol in the current modulation scheme is used to artificially generate a likelihood metric value (155) obtained in a case of using a second communication scheme, which has a larger number of modulation multi-values than the current communication scheme, to perform a signal point arrangement. An artificially decoding part (122) then uses the likelihood metric value (155) to perform an artificial error correction decoding process, a result of which (156) is then subjected to an error detecting process.
US07817750B2
A method, algorithm, architecture, circuits, and/or systems for using a delay-locked loop (DLL) for phase adjustment in a direct conversion radio receiver are disclosed. In one embodiment, a receiver circuit can include: (i) a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) for providing a reference clock; (ii) a delay element that can receive the reference clock and provide a delay adjustment signal; (iii) a first channel for receiving a radio signal and providing a recovered radio signal from the radio signal and the delay adjustment signal, where the first channel includes a first mixer and a first filter; and (iv) a second channel for receiving the radio signal and a phase adjustment signal derived from the delay adjustment signal and for providing a delay control signal to the delay element from the radio signal and the phase adjustment signal, where the second channel includes a second mixer and a second filter.
US07817749B2
A digital tuner unit receiving a digital signal in a reception channel having a predetermined bandwidth is connected at a subsequent stage of an antenna device containing radiation conductors and varactor diodes. A digital reception signal output from the digital tuner unit is input to a demodulation circuit and subjected to demodulation. An SP level detection unit of the demodulation circuit detects levels of a plurality of spread pilot signals in the bandwidth of the reception channel, and obtains a correction amount for a tuning voltage so that a level difference can be reduced to a predetermined value or less using the correction amount. The SP level detection unit reports the correction amount to an antenna tuning control unit so that the tuning voltage to be supplied to the antenna device can be corrected using the correction amount.
US07817734B2
A fixed-point IFFT device in an OFDMA digital modulator is disclosed, which comprises a sub-carrier activity detector configured to detect a number of active sub-carriers in an OFDMA symbol set being transmitted in a given OFDMA symbol period, a scale termination calculator configured to generate an output for determining at which stage to terminate the IFFT scaling as a predetermined function of the number of active sub-carriers, a scaling controller configured to generate a plurality of control signals based on the output of the scale termination calculator, and an IFFT unit having a plurality of scaling stages each of which is controlled by one of the generated control signals.
US07817733B2
A system (100) and method (400) for peak limiting suitable for use in a communication system is provided. The method can include modulating (402) a symbol vector to produce a modulated waveform (500), wherein the symbol vector contains at least one symbol in at least one subcarrier (130), computing (404) at least one symbol adjustment that is based on at least one peak overshoot (512) of the modulated waveform, and applying (406) the at least one symbol adjustment to the symbol vector in accordance with an assigned weighting for reducing a peak power of the modulated waveform. The method limits an energy in the at least one subcarrier to a prespecified level of distortion.
US07817728B2
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting data in the form of at least one pulse sequence Tsgk (for k=1 to K). The method according to the invention includes at least one symbol decoding step in the course of which at least one modulation value Pwk representative of an amount of power carried by each pulse sequence Tsgk is computed and compared to at least one predetermined threshold value Thvk, which will be computed beforehand by equating a first and a second probability density function representing a likelihood for the transmitted signal to carry a first symbol and a likelihood for the transmitted signal to carry a second symbol, respectively. The method according to the invention enables to limit the processing time and power needed for performing the demodulation of a power-modulated UWB signal.
US07817720B2
A method of simplifying the arithmetic operation in a global motion compensation process approximates the motion vector field of the whole image without using many parameters. Motion vectors in the global motion compensation are found by the interpolation and/or extrapolation of the motion vectors of a plurality of representative points 602, 603 and 604 having particular features in the spatial distance thereof. Since the shift operation can be substituted for the division for synthesizing a predicted image of global motion compensation, the processing using a computer or a dedicated hardware is simplified.
US07817718B2
A method and system of encoding and decoding digital video content. The digital video content comprises a stream of pictures which can each be intra, predicted, or bi-predicted pictures. Each of the pictures comprises macroblocks that can be further divided into smaller blocks. The method entails encoding and decoding each of the smaller blocks in each picture in said stream of pictures in either frame mode or in field mode.
US07817717B2
Video encoding techniques are described. In one example, a video encoding technique includes identifying a pixel location associated with a video block in a search space based on motion vectors associated with a set of video blocks within a video frame to be encoded, wherein the video blocks in the set are spatially located at defined locations relative to a current video block of the video frame to be encoded. A motion estimation routine can then be initialized for the current video block at the identified pixel location. By identifying a pixel location associated with a video block in a search space based on motion vectors associated with a set of video blocks within a video frame, the phenomenon of spatial redundancy can be more readily exploited to accelerate and improve the encoding process.
US07817708B2
Orthogonal Code Division Multiplexing (OCDM) transceiver system with Complementary Code Keying (CCK) and method for baseband OCDM-CCK encoding and decoding are provided. The OCDM-CCK method comprises a serial-to-parallel data converter converting a stream of M*n-bit serial data to n-bit parallel data in ‘M’ parallel baseband paths, and encoding each n-bit data segment with a distinct complementary code using CCK modulation for spreading. The CCK encoded baseband signals are all summed and transmitted simultaneously on the same carrier frequency and spread spectral bandwidth. The OCDM-CCK method of encoding and transmission of information, results in enhanced datarates of 33 Mbps, 88 Mbps, 176 Mbps and higher multiples of 5.5 Mbps with backward compatibility for IEEE 802.11b WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and wireless communication networks supporting real time Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS).
US07817701B2
An active element for a laser source, the active element comprising an elongated bar with a reflective lateral surface, doped to be able to absorb at least a pumping beam being propagated at least approximately longitudinally in the bar in order to amplify at least a laser radiation also being propagated longitudinally; and a jacket in contact with the lateral surface of the bar and presenting a refractive index smaller than that of the bar, in the reflective lateral surface of the bar, there is at least one dull-ground diffusing zone able to interrupt the paths of spurious laser modes being propagated in the bar by total internal reflections on the lateral surface.
US07817691B2
It is enabled to provide that a light emitting device have an electron blocking layer (106) positioned between tunnel junctions (107, 108) and an active layer (104). The electron blocking layer (106) has an energy of conduction band edge higher than that of the active layer (605), and is composed of a material containing substantially no aluminum. It suppresses leakage of electrons from an n-type layer through a p-layer to an n-type layer. It is also enabled to provide that a light emitting device is capable of preventing the electron blocking layer (106) from being oxidized in the process of manufacturing by using a layer containing no aluminum for the electron blocking layer (106).
US07817678B2
A network entity, which comprises an input configured to receive from an upstream network entity a stream of first media data elements; an output configured to release towards a downstream network entity a stream of second media data elements; a processing engine configured to effect processing tasks on the first media data elements, thereby to generate the second media data elements, the processing tasks being effected in a set of processing intervals; and a control entity. The control entity is configured for receiving a request for a first phase adjustment from the downstream network entity; modifying the set of processing intervals in which are effected the processing tasks in an attempt to accommodate the first phase adjustment; determining a second phase adjustment based on arrival characteristics of the first media data elements and the modified set of processing intervals; and releasing towards the upstream network entity a request for the second phase adjustment.
US07817677B2
Adaptive De-Jitter Buffer for Voice over IP (VoIP) for packet switch communications. The de-jitter buffer methods and apparatus presented avoid playback of underflows while balancing end-to-end delay. In one example, the de-jitter buffer is recalculated at the beginning of each talkspurt. In another example, talkspurt packets are compressed upon receipt of all remaining packets.
US07817669B2
A method and apparatus for radio link control (RLC) re-segmentation are disclosed. An original RLC protocol data unit (PDU) is generated from at least one RLC service data unit (SDU). The RLC PDU size is within a flexible maximum RLC PDU size. The original RLC PDU is stored in a retransmission buffer. If transmission of the original RLC PDU fails and the original RLC PDU size is larger than an updated maximum RLC PDU size, the original RLC PDU is segmented to segmented RLC PDUs. If transmission of one of the segmented RLC PDUs fails, the original RLC PDU may be re-segmented to smaller size RLC PDUs, or the segmented RLC PDU may be sub-segmented. Alternatively, the failed RLC PDU may be processes as an RLC SDU to generate encapsulating RLC PDUs for carrying the RLC PDU. Alternatively, an RLC SDU corresponding to the failed RLC PDU may be re-segmented.
US07817668B2
A communication terminal device includes: a path information manager unit for managing TCP control information related to each of the plurality of paths; a transmission segment manager unit for storing segments generated by dividing data to be transmitted to the receiving terminal device; and a segment transmitter unit for extracting the segment from the transmission segment manager unit and transmitting the extracted segment to the receiving terminal device. The transmission segment manager unit makes a reservation for transmission of the segment based on the TCP control information, by storing the segment in association with a path used for the transmission of the segment, and the segment transmitter unit extracts the segment from the transmission segment manager unit and transmits the extracted segment to the receiving terminal device along the path associated with the segment.
US07817660B2
A first interface for receiving downlink data packets from a core network, a second interface for transmitting data packets to user entities, a processor comprising a scheduler, a first memory partition comprising and parameter data pertaining to a first subset of allocated priority queues, a second memory partition comprising parameter data pertaining to a second subset of allocated priority queues, is provided. The processor is transferring parameter data between the first and second memory partitions, and vice versa, whereby parameter data for priority queues having no data packets in corresponding buffers is prioritized for being transferred to the first memory partition, parameter data for priority queues having data packets in corresponding buffers is prioritized for being transferred to the second memory partition, the processor performing scheduling based on a selection of priority queues whose parameter data is residing in the second memory partition.
US07817659B2
A method and apparatus aggregate a plurality of input data streams from first processors into one data stream for a second processor, the circuit and the first and second processors being provided on an electronic circuit substrate. The aggregation circuit includes (a) a plurality of ingress data ports, each ingress data port adapted to receive an input data stream from a corresponding first processor, each input data stream formed of ingress data packets, each ingress data packet including priority factors coded therein, (b) an aggregation module coupled to the ingress data ports, adapted to analyze and combine the plurality of input data steams into one aggregated data stream in response to the priority factors, (c) a memory coupled to the aggregation module, adapted to store analyzed data packets, and (d) an output data port coupled to the aggregation module, adapted to output the aggregated data stream to the second processor.
US07817651B2
A data queue controlling apparatus including a plurality of input interfaces and a method of controlling the data queue controlling apparatus is provided. The apparatus performs effective data queue controlling without use of a single common data queue and solves the problems in LSI yield, operation frequency and power consumption by providing a plurality of data queues which are less than the number of input interfaces and also providing a means for equally sharing the packet data inputted from each input interface to each data queue.
US07817645B2
On a LAN which supports the transmission of data, including multimedia, and digitalized telephone communications, in an integrated way, a method of handling telephone communications and related equipments provides for the exclusive installation in the central processing unit, or network server, specific software dedicated to controlling, monitoring and handling of telephone communications and related equipments. The method provides for the activation of the specific software using a standard Internet browser for sending commands and for the exchange of data on the network, through immediate interaction on bar type graphs (21) on the visualization means of the LAN peripheral computers. The software enables the continuous visual monitoring of the status of the telephone communication in progress or other communications on arrival or on hold.
US07817635B2
A SIP header reduction protocol operating on a communication network to compress the SIP header fields on SIP control messages used to initiate a SIP communication session. The new protocol is implemented on the mobile use equipment (UE) (301) and P-CSCF proxy SIP server (302). The prior SIGCOMP compression dictionary is used to compress those header field parameters defined by the SIGCOMP dictionary. A new 3G Dictionary is implemented with header field parameters for several wireless specific data elements and parameters necessary to access various wireless technologies and services which are missing from the SIP/SDP based SIGCOMP dictionary. Finally, an Encoding Assistant (EA) (310, 355) function is implemented on the UE and P-CSCF that operates a standard encoding and decoding of SIP message header fields to reduce those SIP header fields that are dynamic over time but are essentially static in terms of most user communication. The EA parameters can be updated periodically, while the 3G and SIGCOMP dictionary are static and not updated.
US07817630B2
A method, communications node, and memory for updating and respectively storing a dynamic dictionary for use in text-based protocol message compression/decompression. A message is received by the compression/decompression module from a local client module or from another's node, and the compression/decompression module determines if sequences from the received message match sequences from a dictionary, then determines if any matching sequences are successive in the message. If so, the compression module concatenates the matching successive sequences from the message and copies the resulting combined expression into a dynamic dictionary, thus creating a longer expression to be used in subsequent message compression and decompression. The compression module uses real traffic messages and creates longer string expressions. In one variant, the matching sequences comprise one or more string expressions constituted of one or more data bytes and the invention first detects message's individual expressions matching individual expressions from the dictionary.
US07817626B2
Deadlock is avoided in a grid storage system having superior scalability. Provided is a storage subsystem connected to a host computer for receiving a write or read access from the host computer. This storage subsystem includes a plurality of modules respectively having a storage resource, a switch for connecting the plurality of modules, a controller for controlling the transfer of a packet based on the write or read access from the host computer to a target module among the plurality of modules via the switch, and a memory storing a transfer rule of the packet. The controller controls the transfer of the packet based on the transfer rule.
US07817620B1
A network device having delayed call establishment is disclosed. The network device includes a port to allow the device to communicate with a called endpoint and a processor. The processor sends a call request message associated with a call to the called endpoint and receives a notification that a delay point has been reached. Alternatively, the network device includes a port to allow the device to communicate with a calling endpoint and a processor. The processor receives a call request message associated with a call from the calling endpoint, responds with a notification of delayed call establishment availability; and processes the call to a delay point. Once the delay point has been reached the processor determines if the call is to be established, and if the call is to be established, notify the called endpoint.
US07817617B2
A multi-participant service creator Application Server embeds routing information within a service identifier provided to enable invitation of users to a multi-participant service such as conference calling or push-to-talk communication. A multi-participant service routing function associated with the Serving Call Session Control Function receiving a request to join the multi-participant service checks the embedded routing information and ensures that the join request is routed to the service creator Application Server.
US07817615B1
What is disclosed is a system and method wherein a wireless access system configured to receive a data packet with a first quality-of-service indicator value from a wireless device over a wireless link, provide a first level of service to the wireless device over the wireless link based on the first quality-of-service indicator, and transfer the data packet with the first quality-of-service indicator. The communication system includes a core packet network configured to receive the data packet with the first quality-of-service indicator and determine if the first quality-of-service indicator is consistent with a quality-of-service policy for the wireless device. The core packet network is configured, if the first quality-of-service indicator is not consistent with the quality-of-service policy for the wireless device, to determine a second quality-of-service indicator consistent with the quality-of-service policy for the wireless device, and transfer the data packet with the second quality-of-service indicator. The wireless access system is configured to receive the data packet with the second quality-of-service indicator, and provide a second level of service to the wireless device over the wireless link based on the second quality-of-service indicator.
US07817610B2
A communication system which can control a data transmission properly and to which a Delayed Block ACK mode is applied, and a communication device constituting the communication system. A radio LAN base station (100) as the communication device comprises a transmission control unit (115) for transmitting a block ACK request, a pilot generation unit (104) for generating a pilot signal to measure a reception quality, and the transmission control unit (115) for transmitting the pilot signal before the block ACK having the reception quality information of the pilot signal added thereto is returned from a reception side in response to the block ACK request. A station (200) as the communication device comprises a transmission control unit (207) for controlling the transmission timing of the block ACK answering the block ACK request, a reception quality information generation unit (211) for generating the reception quality information of the pilot signal, and a block ACK generation unit (208) for adding the reception quality information to the block ACK.
US07817607B1
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for providing a private mobile IP connection in a shared-pool environment are provided. Embodiments include authenticating a mobile subscriber at a common router or home agent and establishing a communication protocol which is configured to link the authenticated subscriber to a private network such that only communications originating from the private network or passing through the private network are communicated to the subscriber. Utilizing embodiments hereof, mobile subscribers can access a private network through a common router or home agent knowing that stateless attacks will be blocked while still benefiting from the efficiencies of utilizing a shared-pool environment.
US07817589B2
Systems and methods for establishing IT services in edge environments are described. A system of at least one embodiment comprises a transportable housing capable of being carried by personnel, a plurality of commercial off-the-shelf components contained in the housing and coupled together and configured to provide the broadband communications network, a management subsystem operatively coupled to the plurality of components, a network connection subsystem defined by at least a first portion of the plurality of components and configured to establish access to the broadband communications network, and a connection subsystem defined by at least a second portion of the plurality of components and that provides a user with a connection to the broadband communications network via the network connection subsystem.
US07817588B2
A system for broadcasting wireless data service in a mobile communication system includes sending a request call for a wireless data service from a mobile terminal to a mobile switching center, identifying whether the terminal is registered in the mobile switching center, transmitting authentication code information indicating that the terminal is registered in the base transceiver station, and releasing the corresponding call in the terminal receiving the authentication code information and receiving the wireless service data. The authentication code information may include a Walsh code and a long code necessary for allowing the terminal to reconstitute the data. Through this case information, the system can broadcast wireless service data throughout an entire region and be assured that only mobile terminals storing compatible code information will be able to access the data.
US07817576B1
A method, system, and computer-readable media are provided for transitioning between multiple data streams of a media channel. Techniques disclosed include transmitting multimedia content of a media channel across a plurality of data streams, wherein the plurality of data streams include a random access point data stream, a main data stream, and a low resolution data stream. The techniques disclosed further include detecting a client-condition of a client device and transmitting data packets from a data stream to a client based on the detected client-condition.
US07817570B1
Method and apparatus for providing automated diagnostics of networks using multiple virtual circuits
A method and system for providing automated diagnostics of networks using multiple virtual circuits are disclosed. For example, the method receives a ticket indicating a problem. The method then determines if the problem is associated with a configuration mismatch and determines if the problem is associated with at least one physical channel supporting a plurality of virtual circuits. The method then verifies status of each of the plurality of virtual circuits if the problem is not associated with the configuration mismatch or the at least one physical channel. The method then reports a result of verifying the status of each of the plurality of virtual circuits.
US07817569B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of determining arrival time of data packet when a digital broadcast data stream is recorded. According to the present invention, two program clock reference values are extracted from a transport packet sequence, an average packet interval time is obtained based on both the difference between the two program clock reference values and the number of packets between two packets from which the two program clock reference values are extracted, and an arrival time of each packet between the two packets is determined by t(0)+I*t_av, where t_av is the average packet interval time, t(0) is the program clock reference value of the preceding one among the both packets, and I is an index indicative of the order of packet between the both packets.
US07817565B2
A data integrity checking system in a frame-switched on-board network, including at least first and second asynchronous transmitter terminals, with the second transmitter terminal being in charge of monitoring the first transmitter terminal, and at least first and second receiving terminals, with the second receiving terminal being in charge of monitoring the first receiving terminal. The system includes a first multicast virtual link connecting the first transmitter terminal to the receiving terminals, a second virtual link connecting the first receiving terminal to the second transmitter terminal, the second virtual link not passing through any of the switches that are common to the branches of the first virtual link, a third virtual link connecting the second transmitter to the first receiving terminal in order to transmit thereto the result of an integrity check on the data received by the first receiving terminal.
US07817561B2
Systems and methods are described that reduce the amount of forwarding table state on components within routers. This is performed by having a router line card generate a prefix-request message to its central processor which contains a full routing table. Line cards only populate their forwarding tables for packets needed to transmit. By being only concerned with information of packets that are traversing each line card, the amount of required memory and processing required may be reduced for a complete forwarding table.
US07817558B2
In one embodiment, a method includes detecting packet congestion in a network device that includes a switch, and a plurality of components operable to transmit and receive data packets from and to the switch. The method includes, in response to detecting packet congestion, transmitting an Ethernet pause frame to at least one of the plurality of components, the at least one component identified as a source of a data packet that caused the packet congestion, and transmitting a backward congestion notification (BCN) packet to the at least one component, the BCN packet including some data payload of the data packet that caused the packet congestion. The method includes regulating an offending packet stream originated from the at least one component relative to a non-offending packet stream originated from the at least one component to lower traffic load of the offending packet stream relative to the non-offending packet stream, where the data packet that caused the packet congestion belonging to the offending packet stream.
US07817540B1
The present disclosure relates an improved cable data switching unit that provides a fail-over system whereby one line card can protect a plurality of US (upstream) or DS (downstream) channel line cards, providing N+1 protection, with one linecard being able to protect N number of working linecards. When a failure is detected in a working linecard, the signals being routed by the failing linecards are re-routed seamlessly to a protect linecard. This disclosure provides for data to be passively routed, providing for data flow even if power is lost.
US07817531B2
In an information recording medium comprising at least a substrate, a recording layer, and a resin layer, the substrate is formed with at least a pit corresponding to a read only area 31 and a groove corresponding to a recording/reproducing area 32 without overlapping with each other. A reflectivity of the recording layer is specified to be more than 10%. The recording layer and the resin layer are continuously adhered over both the read only and recording/reproducing areas 31 and 32. The information recording medium is characterized in that both push-pull signal outputs T1 and T2, which are reproduced from the read only area 31 and the recording/reproducing area 32 respectively, are more than 0.1 and satisfy an inequality 1.5≧T1/T2≧0.5.
US07817530B2
The invention provides an optical disc and a registering method for labeling on a label side of the optical disc. More particularly, the label side has a plurality of turns of wobbled grooves connected in series to form a spiral track. The turns of the wobbled grooves are then to provide a registering reference.
US07817518B2
A write-once read-many information recording medium is provided, which is capable of easily searching for a latest DDS and a latest defect list. At least one disc management working area is sequentially allocated in a predetermined direction on the write-once read-many information recording medium of the present invention. The latest defect list and the latest DDS are provided in a recorded disc management working area neighboring a border between the recorded disc management working area and an unrecorded disc management working area, where the latest defect list precedes the latest DDS in the predetermined direction.
US07817511B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides a phase difference detection circuit for detecting a phase difference between input data and an input clock generated based on the input data, including: an input data edge position detecting part detecting an edge position of the input data based on an N-phase clock obtained by dividing a predetermined period into N areas (N is an integer of 2 or more); an input clock edge position detecting part detecting an edge position of the input clock based on the input clock and the N-phase clock; and a phase difference detecting part detecting the phase difference between the input data and the input clock based on the edge position of the input data and an edge position of the input clock.
US07817510B2
A record apparatus includes a media writing unit to record on a disc media information to be recorded stored in a predetermined storage location; a control circuit to record storage-location information of the media information to be recorded on the disc with the media writing unit in a RFID circuit element being attached to the disc and having an IC circuit part to store information and an antenna to transmit and receive information; a radio frequency circuit; and an antenna.
US07817497B2
Embodiments for determining the bearings to targets from a remote location are disclosed. The apparatus consists of an array of acoustic sensors that is capable of autonomous flight. The array may be large in diameter, approximately one meter or greater. The apparatus is capable of navigating its flight to arrive at a predetermined location, measuring acoustic sound waves emitted by targets both during flight and after landing. The apparatus may then calculate the bearings to the targets and transmit this information to a remote location.
US07817487B2
An exemplary motherboard includes a driving module, a first slot module arranged for mounting a first type of memory and connected to the driving module via a first channel, a second slot module arranged for mounting a second type of memory and connected to the driving module via a second channel, and a voltage regulator electronically connected to the first slot module and the second slot module. The first memory and the second memory are alternatively mounted on the motherboard, the voltage regulator detects which type memory is currently mounted on the motherboard and outputs voltages suitable for the type of the memory mounted on the motherboard accordingly.
US07817480B2
For a nonvolatile memory permitting electrical writing and erasing of information to be stored, such as a flash memory, the load on the system developer is to be reduced, and it is to be made possible to avoid, even if such important data for the system as management and address translation information are damaged, an abnormal state in which the system becomes unable to operate. The nonvolatile memory is provided with a replacing function to replace a group of memory cells including defective memory cells which are incapable of normal writing or erasion with a group of memory cells including no defective memory cell, a numbers of rewrites averaging function to grasp the number of data rewrites in each group of memory cells and to so perform replacement of memory cell groups that there may arise no substantial difference in the number of rewrites among a plurality of memory cell groups, and an error correcting function to detect and correct any error in data stored in the memory array, wherein first address translation information deriving from the replacing function and second address translation information deriving from the numbers of rewrites averaging function are stored in respectively prescribed areas in the memory array, and the first address translation information and second address translation information concerning the same memory cell group are stored in a plurality of sets in a time series.
US07817476B2
A non-volatile memory device capable of reading and writing a large number of memory cells with multiple read/write circuits in parallel has an architecture that reduces redundancy in the multiple read/write circuits to a minimum. The multiple read/write circuits are organized into a bank of similar stacks of components. Redundant circuits such as a processor for processing data among stacks each associated with multiple memory cells are factored out. The processor is implemented with an input logic, a latch and an output logic. The input logic can transform the data received from either the sense amplifier or the data latches. The output logic further processes the transformed data to send to either the sense amplifier or the data latches or to a controller. This provides an infrastructure with maximum versatility and a minimum of components for sophisticated processing of the data sensed and the data to be input or output.
US07817472B2
An operating method of a memory array is provided. The operating method includes performing a programming operation. The programming operation is performed by applying a first voltage to a bit line of the memory array and a second voltage to a plurality of word lines of the memory array to cause simultaneously programming a plurality of selected memory cells in the memory array.
US07817467B2
Self-calibration for a memory controller is performed by writing a voltage to a selected cell. Adjacent cells around the selected cell are programmed. After each of the adjacent programming operations, the voltage on the selected cell is read to determine any change in voltage caused by systemic offsets such as, for example, floating gate-to-floating gate coupling. These changes are averaged and stored in a table as an offset for use in adjusting a programming voltage or a read voltage in a particular area of memory represented by the offset. Self calibration method for temperature is determined by writing cells at different temperatures and reading at different temperatures to generate temperature offset tables for the write path and read path. These offset tables are used to adjust for systematic temperature related offsets during programming and during read.
US07817465B2
A phase change random access (PRAM) memory may include a memory cell array having a plurality of phase change memory cells, and a data read circuit including a compensation unit and a sense amplifier, the compensation unit configured to provide a sensing node with a compensation current to compensate for a decrease in a level of the sensing node caused by a current flowing through one of the plurality of phase change memory cells, and the sense amplifier configured to compare a level of the sensing node with a reference level and output a result of the comparison.
US07817456B2
A program lock circuit for inhibiting programming of memory cells. A memory array can have both mask programmable and one-time programmable memory cells connected to the wordlines and the bitlines. Since the one-time programmable memory cells are convertible into mask programmable memory cells through mask programming, such as diffusion mask programming or contact/via mask programming, these mask programmed cells are still electrically programmable, thereby destroying the originally stored data. The programming lock circuit inhibits programming of the mask programmed cells by detecting an activated wordline during a programming operation, and then immediately disabling or decoupling the high voltage supply that is provided to the wordline drivers. Mask programmed transistor elements coupled to each wordline detect the wordline voltage and disable the high voltage supply. A mask programmable master lock device can be provided to inhibit all the rows in the memory array from being programmed.
US07817444B2
A cable manager for arranging a plurality of electronic data cables in fixed positions for presentation to corresponding connection positions of an electronic communications connector block, including a plurality of cable guides for securing sections of the cables in spaced apart positions so that they converge at a common location remote from the cable manager.
US07817437B2
In a semiconductor device such as a high-frequency power amplifier module, a plurality of amplifying means are formed on a semiconductor chip which is mounted on a main surface of a wiring substrate, and electrodes of the semiconductor chip are electrically connected by wires to electrodes of the wiring substrate. In order to make the high-frequency power amplifier module small in size, a substrate-side bonding electrode electrically connected to a wire set at a fixed reference electric potential is place at a location farther from a side of the semiconductor chip than a substrate-side output electrode electrically connected to an output wire. A substrate-side input electrode electrically connected to an input wire is located at a distance from the side of the semiconductor chip about equal to the distance from the side of the semiconductor chip to the substrate-side output electrode, or at a location farther from the side of the semiconductor chip than the substrate-side bonding electrode is.
US07817433B2
A mounting device includes a chassis, a transfer card electronically connected to a motherboard, and a mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly includes a clamping member and a fastening member. The clamping member clamping a first end of the transfer card and restricting movement of the transfer card in a first direction. The fastening member fastening an opposite second end of the transfer card to restrict movement of the transfer card in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US07817431B2
A chassis configured to receive an electrical component for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The chassis includes an upper portion and a lower portion that releasably attach to a central portion using tabs. The chassis is constructed of a conductive plastic that facilitates RF shielding and sufficiently reduces the weight of the chassis.
US07817427B2
A fastener includes a fastener post, a sleeve, a nut and an elastic element. The fastener post includes a shaft, a tapered portion and a threaded portion. The sleeve includes a smooth portion and a clamp portion having a number of resilient strips. The nut is threaded onto the threaded portion. The elastic element is disposed around the sleeve and compressed between the nut and an ear of a heat sink to generate a resilient force. The resilient force moves the tapered portion of the fastener post into the sleeve such that the strips of the clamp portion of the sleeve are tilted outwardly to tightly abut against a bottom of a printed circuit board on which the heat sink is mounted.
US07817423B2
Disclosed is a design for a computer enclosure. Heat is passed from the heat-generating components directly to a non-conductive liquid coolant. Some of the heat is expelled directly to the environment via a heatsink “chimney”, and some is expelled with the help of a thermoelectric heat pump.
US07817421B2
A motor controller capable of relaxing the temperature of a heat source which generates heat by driving the motor controller, and capable of realizing miniaturization and low price is provided. In a motor controller in which a power semiconductor module (2) which closely contact a heat sink (1) is mounted on a substrate (4), and a fan (6) is attached to the heat sink (1) by a fan case (8), portions of fins (1g) of the heat sink (1) are formed with a bell mouth (1c) and a circular-arc-shaped guide (1h), and the radiating capability of the fins (1g) is improved by effectively using the wind of the fan (6).
US07817418B2
An electronic device can include a housing and support members. In an embodiment, the housing includes an opening extending through an exterior wall. The opening can include a wider portion that is spaced apart from the opposite ends of the opening. The housing can include a recessed region that lies along a perimeter of the opening. A support member lies within the opening, and a portion of the support member lies within the recessed region. The shapes of the opening and the support member can be such that the support member can be inserted relatively easily into the opening, yet still resist accidental removal of the support members during normal use and handling of the electronic device. In a particular embodiment, the support member can be a single piece of elastomeric material and help to provide acoustical isolation.
US07817394B2
A method according to one embodiment may include discovering, by software, at least one variable from at least one component populated on a shelf system. The method may also include performing, by the software, at least one shelf management function based on at least one variable. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
US07817376B2
Provided is a thin-film magnetic head capable of suppressing ATE while ensuring sufficient controllability of the magnetic pole width and sufficient write field intensity. The head includes an electromagnetic coil element comprising: upper and lower magnetic layers; a write gap layer; and a write coil layer, the lower magnetic layer comprising: a lower yoke layer, a non-magnetic portion formed on an end portion on the ABS side of the lower yoke layer and extending to a head end surface on the ABS side; and a lower magnetic pole layer, an upper surface of the lower magnetic pole layer being in contact with the write gap layer, and an end surface in the head end surface of the lower magnetic pole layer having a shape whose width along a track width direction is defined by a predetermined magnetic pole width.
US07817375B2
A magnetic recording head includes a spin wave oscillator having a lamination film including a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer, and a pair of electrodes adapted to inject a current between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer to generate a spin wave in one of the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and a recording magnetic pole provided on one side with the spin wave oscillator, the spin wave oscillator locally heating the recording track prior to recording by the recording magnetic pole.
US07817371B2
Magnetic disk drives and associated methods are described for performing an active flying height compensation process for a slider of a magnetic disk drive. For the flying height compensation process, a control system in the disk drive detects a reduction in flying height of a slider in the disk drive. The control system then calculates a compensation heating power to apply to one or more heating elements that are fabricated in the slider to compensate for the reduction in flying height. The control system then applies the compensation heating power to the heating element(s) in the slider to alter the ABS (i.e., generate a protrusion) and increase the flying height of the slider.
US07817368B1
Systems and techniques relating to interpreting signals on a channel having an asymmetrical signal amplitude response can include generating multiple asymmetry matrices that model asymmetry in a received analog signal, including an effect of asymmetry spreading in a read channel; comparing the multiple asymmetry matrices; and selecting indicators of asymmetry from the matrices based on the comparing. Systems and techniques can include saving in memory an indication of the selected indicators of asymmetry.
US07817362B2
An inspection apparatus and method are disclosed for inspecting a magnetic disk or a magnetic head. A first reference signal generating source generates reference signals of a controllable oscillating frequency, and a signal switching means selects either a reference signal or test data reproduced by the magnetic head. Factors such as offsets and gain differentials among signal distribution paths, phase shifts of sampling clocks supplied to a plurality of AID converters, and frequency-dependence of the transfer function and phase response of signal paths are identified so that errors due to these factors can be detected. Based on the detected values of these factors and errors, reference signals are utilized to compensate test data errors.
US07817358B2
A lens actuator includes a lens barrel for accommodating the lens, a coil wrapped around the lens barrel, four magnetic sheets, a bracket, a first resilient plate and a second resilient plate respectively connected between the bracket and the lens barrel to hold the lens barrel on the bracket. The bracket includes a hollow cubic frame body, an accommodating room extending through the top side and the bottom side of the frame body, four mounting holes in communication with the accommodating room respectively defined in the four side faces of the frame body, and a beveled edge formed on an edge of an opening of each mounting hole on the outside of the frame body. The four magnetic sheets are respectively mounted in the four mounting holes. The bracket and the lens barrel are held between the first resilient plate and the second resilient plate.
US07817355B2
The present invention provides an afocal lens for an optical head that can ensure WD while satisfying NA, the optical head, an optical disk apparatus, a computer, an optical disk player, and an optical disk recorder. Using a blue-violet laser beam source with wavelength of about 400 nm, and in an optical head compatible to optical disks having different protective substrate thickness, an afocal lens that expands a diameter of light flux of light from a collimating lens and emits the light as substantially parallel light to an objective lens is provided between the collimating lens and the objective lens. The configuration makes it possible to ensure WD while satisfying NA.
US07817354B2
An optical imaging system and method for producing panoramic images exhibiting a substantial field of view.
US07817335B2
A microscope apparatus including a light source device, a storage table, and a setting controller is provided. The light source device includes a light intensity adjuster which changes light intensity of an illumination light of plural different wavelength regions selectively extracted from light emitted from a light source, and thereby emitting the illumination light including light of the plural different wavelength regions in such a manner that a light intensity ratio of light of one wavelength region to light of another wavelength region is variable. The storage table stores therein set values of the light intensity adjuster for each of combination patterns of the wavelength regions of the illumination light emitted from the light source device. The setting controller makes the light source device change a setting of the light intensity adjuster based on the set value stored in the storage table according to wavelength designation information which designates a combination pattern of the wavelength regions.
US07817327B2
A vehicular glazing comprising two panes of glazing material spaced apart from one another, an electrically conductive coating provided on a surface of the glazing, and an electrical device mounted with respect to the electrically conductive coating, and having a solar control function. The solar control function may result from the presence of a solar control coating or at least one pane of glazing material being body-tinted. The glazing may be a laminate or a double glazing unit and it may also include a functional layer, such as a liquid crystal film.
US07817315B2
A method for adjusting a controller of a scanner includes obtaining a scan of a predefined image. The method further includes moving the sensor-element signals of the control signal pattern generated by the controller earlier in the pattern by at least one unit and obtaining an additional scan. The obtaining and moving are repeated until a comparison of a latest additional scan to the image is worse than a comparison of a second-latest additional scan to the image. Another method obtains a noise-reducing heuristic which modifies a time parameter of a sensor-element signal. A set of repeated scans of a same scan line is obtained, noise is measured there from, the time parameter is modified by one predetermined unit, and the process repeats until the noise measured from the latest set of repeated scans is worse than that from the second-latest set of repeated scans.
US07817311B2
A scanning apparatus has a light source part scanning a scanning beam on an original document. A frame has a light input part and a light output part. A reflection mirror is arranged in the frame and reflects the scanning beam inputted through the light input part to the light output part along a predetermined light proceeding path. A light receiving part is supported on the light output part, and receives the scanning beam reflected by the reflection mirror. A light source supporting member supports the light source part on the frame so that the beam scanned by the light source part and reflected on the original document passes through the light input part and proceeds along the light proceeding path. The light source supporting member mounts the different light source parts in the frame.
US07817301B2
Information relating to print contents is presented to the user in an easily understandable manner. A demultiplexer separates picture data, speech data and other data from received data. Such data include EPG data, data broadcast data, print contents data and supplementary information on the print contents data. A data stream process unit decodes the supplementary information on the print contents data and the print contents data. An image construction unit constructs an image signal of an image frame, providing a list display of transmission schedule and supplementary information of the print contents. The image signal is supplied through a display controller to an image display unit and displayed as an image.
US07817300B2
In the conventional printing application, it is impossible to easily overview which image is printed in which page, so that there is a drawback that a user is required to perform the printing while imagining printing result. An idea for more quickly providing the printing result at the same time when the printing is performed by simple operation has not been sufficiently made. In order to solve the problems, a printing apparatus includes decoding means for, before an instruction is given, decoding the image to be printed in at least a first sheet with the layout selected by layout selecting means among images selected by image selecting means and printing controlling means for effecting the printing of image data decoded by the decoding means, and a printing method includes steps to be executed in the printing apparatus.
US07817299B2
In the image forming apparatus, a plurality of pages of data are reduced and created as collected data, and specific information corresponding to a sheet of print medium is created. The collected data and the specific information are edited in a data editing section and transmitted to a printing section. Even when a plurality of the pages of data is printed in a sheet after reduced, the specific information is printed on non-reduced condition, thus making it possible to print the specific information which is easily distinguished.
US07817294B2
A data processing apparatus has an input unit to input settings which are used for a print process, a recognizing unit to execute a printer driver and recognize a conflict of the settings inputted to the input unit, and a notifying unit to notify an application of a reason of occurrence of the conflict recognized by the recognizing unit.
US07817289B2
A method of determining a thickness of a residue layer on a substrate includes: (1) taking a first set of optical scatterometry measurements on the substrate after an etching procedure; (2) taking a second set of optical scatterometry measurements on the substrate after a post-etch cleaning procedure; (3) calculating a difference measurement between the first set and second set of optical scatterometry measurements; (4) determining an initial thickness measurement of the residue layer based on the difference measurement by applying a first dispersion model; and (5) adjusting the initial thickness measurement by applying a second dispersion model based on a material composition of the residue layer. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US07817279B2
The present invention relates to a method of sensing a disturbance along an optical link including the steps of: using a first interferometer arrangement connected to an optical source so as to generate pairs of signal copies, which signal copies of a given pair are temporally delayed relative to one another; transmitting the time-displaced signal copies from the first interferometer arrangement onto the optical link; receiving the time-displaced signal copies transmitted over the optical link; and, using a second interferometer arrangement to temporally recombine the received signal copies from a given pair so as to generate an interferometer signal, which interferometer signal is representative of environmental effects on the optical link.
US07817276B2
While objects travel through an optical cavity, the cavity provides output light that is affected by the objects, causing the output light to have a varying intensity function. The output light is photosensed to obtain sensing results that depend on the varying intensity function. The sensing results are used to distinguish at least one object, such as from its environment or from objects of other types. The objects can, for example, be particles or biological cells, and their optical characteristics, such as refractive index or absorption, can affect the output light, so that information about them is included in the output light. The output light can, for example, have a laterally varying intensity function with peaks whose features change due to the objects. The sensing results can also be used to track objects, together with other information, such as about the speed of a fluid that carries the objects through the cavity.
US07817273B2
Systems, including methods, apparatus, and algorithms, for spectrally imaging a two-dimensional array of samples are disclosed. In one such system, a method of sample analysis includes directing light from a two-dimensional array of examination sites onto a detection area such that dispersed light of known spectral composition from each site falls on the detection area. The method further includes assigning a corresponding two-dimensional array of regions of the detection area for detecting spectra from the examination sites based, at least in part, on the known spectral composition. The method also includes placing samples into the two dimensional array of examination sites and obtaining spectral data for each sample based on the detection area.
US07817266B2
A small internal volume cell having fluid entry, and exit ports wherein bubble traps are present in a bifurcated fluid pathway continuous with the fluid exit port. There further being present input and output apertures, for entering and exiting electromagnetic radiation, positioned to allow causing a beam of electromagnetic radiation to impinge on a sample substrate at a location thereon at which, during use, fluid contacts; as well as methodology of its use.
US07817259B2
An apparatus and associated method for measuring spatial characteristics of a test object with stacked features. First and second measurement assemblies for measuring opposing first and second planar features, respectively, of a test object, by directing light beams into a gap between the features to measure a position and a static attitude of each feature.
