US07922411B2
An end plug mounting structure for writing instrument of the present invention can securely mount an end plug onto a barrel and remove it more easily. Even if assembling and removing is performed repeatedly, tightness for the end plug to be assembled on the barrel can be prevented from weakening. A locking hole is provided around cylindrical rear portion of the barrel, an inserting portion with circular cross section inserted into rear portion of the barrel from rear end of the barrel is provided on the end plug, a locking protrusion locked in a locking hole is provided at periphery of the inserting portion, a groove extending forward from rear end of the barrel and in which the locking protrusion moves is provided on inner surface of rear portion of the barrel, thereby the end plug is assembled on the barrel by means of locking the locking protrusion that moves forward in the groove in the locking hole. The locking hole is configured to be adjacent to the groove, so that the locking protrusion moving forward in the groove moves in circumferential direction so as to be locked in the locking hole. A protruding strip extending in lengthwise direction is configured on side bottom of the groove on the side of the locking hole, so that the locking protrusion can stride over the protruding strip to move along circumferential direction.
US07922406B2
In this image generating apparatus, a driving gear portion is so formed that the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of a first toothless portion is smaller than the tip diameter of a first toothed portion, and so arranged that the first toothless portion thereof slides on a second toothed portion of a driven gear portion of a print head rotating member in the vicinity of a position where a print head presses a platen roller with a pressing portion.
US07922405B2
A joint nozzle that delivers a developer, a rinsing liquid and nitrogen gas is disposed adjacent the spin center of a substrate in plan view. A controller operates electromagnetic switch valves to continue supply of the developer, while spinning the substrate, in a developing process, and to start supply of the rinsing liquid in a rinsing process, immediately after the supply of the developer ends, thereby achieving a shortened period of the developing process. A switching is made to a drying process by starting supply of the nitrogen gas immediately after completion of the rinsing process. Thus, even if the substrate has a large angle of contact, formation of droplets of the rinsing liquid is inhibited to prevent post-develop defects.
US07922396B2
A double row self-aligning roller bearing in which spherical rollers are arranged in double rows between an inner ring and an outer ring, characterized in that the curvature radius of the ridge line of the spherical roller in one row is R1, the curvature radius of the ridge line of the spherical roller positioned in the other row is R2, the curvature radius of the inner ring track surface being in contact with the spherical roller in one row is N1, and the curvature radius of the inner ring track surface being in contact with the spherical roller in the other row is N2, a relation such that N1/R1>N2/R2 is satisfied.
US07922389B2
A method for providing accurate temperature sensing of a substrate utilizing the PN junction of a transistor formed on the substrate is described.
US07922382B2
A method and apparatus for reconstituting consumable powder(s) with a liquid to provide a food liquid such as milk, cappuccino-type beverage, or soup with or without froth. The powder is introduced into a container and pre-wetted by an intersecting liquid spray. Further mixing occurs in the container. The container may have additional liquid streams feeding into the container for increased mixing. This food liquid can then be aspirated by the Venturi effect by steam generation to produce a frothed/aerated food liquid.
US07922378B2
A medical illumination unit (1) has an LED chip (15) and a rod-shaped body (5) with a proximal end (11) and a distal end (7). A distal hollow section (9) begins before the distal end (7) and reaches the distal end (7), and a supply lead section (12) begins at the proximal end (11) and reaches the distal hollow section (9). The LED chip (15) is in the distal hollow section of the rod-shaped body (5) and is supplied with energy through the supply lead (12). A luminescent converter is between the LED chip (15) and the distal end (7) of the rod-shaped or tubular body or at the distal end of the rod-shaped body (5), the converter properties of which are selected to convert light emitted by the LED chip (15) into light with a desired wavelength distribution.
US07922375B2
Light having entered a light transmitting member through a predetermined point on an optical axis undergoes internal reflection in a front surface perpendicular to the optical axis, then undergoes internal reflection again in a rear surface composed of a paraboloid of revolution having a focal point at a position of plane symmetry with the predetermined point, and then exits the front surface. A mirror-finished annular region around the optical axis in the front surface has an outer peripheral edge set to be near a position where the incident angle of the light emitted from the light emitting element is equal to a critical angle, and an inner peripheral edge near a position where the light having undergone internal reflection in the front surface enters a position immediately behind the outer peripheral edge in the rear surface.
US07922364B2
An LED lamp assembly with a substantial heat sink may be inexpensively constructed using sections of extruded metal as the heat sink. The extruded heat sink sections are trapped in latched sandwich structure assuring good thermal contact between the LED light sources and the extruded heat sink and a metal optic. The inexpensive structure may be rapidly assembled.
US07922358B2
An illumination device (1, 1A, 1B) is disclosed. The illumination device (1, 1A, 1B) contains an organic light-emitting component (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2C′) containing a functional layer sequence (23, 23A) for generating light, a light passage area (7, 7A, 7B), which is provided for coupling out light emitted by the organic light-emitting component (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2C′) from the illumination device (1, 1A, 1B) and for coupling ambient light into the illumination device (1, 1A, 1B) a retroreflector (5, 5A, 5B), which is provided for reflecting at least part of the ambient light coupled in through the light passage area (7, 7A, 7B) back to the light passage area (7, 7A, 7B). The organic light-emitting component (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2C′) is embodied such that it is at least partly light-transmissive. The functional layer sequence (23, 23A) of the organic light-emitting component (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2C′) is arranged between the light passage area (7, 7A, 7B) and the retroreflector (5, 5A, 5B). A luminaire (10) and a display device (100) are also disclosed.
US07922352B2
A device and method for emitting output light utilizes multiple light sources to produce original light having different peak wavelengths. A first light source of the device is configured to generate first light having a peak wavelength in the blue wavelength range, while a second light source of the device is configured to generate second light having a peak wavelength in the red wavelength range. Some of the original light emitted from at least the first light source is converted into light having a peak wavelength longer than the peak wavelength of the original light using a photoluminescent material to produce the output light.
US07922339B2
A compact rear projection display which can be used in mobile devices is provided. The compact rear projection display includes a main body unit which generates image signals, an image providing unit which forms and projects an image according to the image signals received from the main body unit, a transparent light guide plate, and a screen disposed at a surface of the transparent light guide plate. The transparent light guide plate guides the image incident from the image providing unit to be displayed on the screen.
US07922336B2
A light source device for a display device for projecting an image on a screen is provided, the light source device for display device including a light source unit operable to output light; an image outputting unit operable to output an image by giving an image signal to the light; and a control circuit operable to switch the image output from the image outputting unit between a normal image and a mirror reversed image formed by reversing the normal image right and left by controlling the image signal, such that outputting type is switched between a front projection in which the image is projected onto the screen from a front on the same side as the viewing side, and a rear projection in which the image is projected onto the screen from a rear plane on the opposite side to the viewing side.
US07922334B2
A projector having optical components, a power source unit, and a light source unit. The projector is capable of lowering its internal temperature utilizing: a first, second, and third fan (41, 42, 43) provided near the optical components for introducing external air from outside the projector to cool the optical components; and a fourth, fifth, and sixth exhaust fan (16, 17, 18). The fourth fan (16) blows the air that was taken in by the first, second, and third fan (41, 42, 43) and has cooled the optical components, onto the light source unit to further cool the light source unit. The fifth and sixth exhaust fans (17, 18) discharge the air that has cooled the light source unit and power supply unit out of the projector.
US07922330B2
An apparatus (10) for monitoring the position of an eye during a laser ablation treatment of the eye is provided. The apparatus includes optic means (110) for directing an incident light beam (102) along an optical path (104) onto the external surface of the eye (35) so as to illuminate a region of said surface that includes a segment of the limbus of the eye, and for directing back along said optical path (104), a return beam (122) comprising light of said incident beam scattered by said surface region; beam separation means (125) for separating the return beam (122) from the incident beam (102). The apparatus also includes at least one detector (120), having one or more detector segments (120a, 120b), for detecting said return beam (122), said detector segment(s) (120a, 120b) recording first and second values for light scattered respectively by the sclera and iris in said illuminated region. Movement of said limbal segment, and therefore of the eye (35), produces a change in at least one of said first and second values allowing such movement of the eye (35) to be monitored. A method corresponding to the apparatus is also disclosed.
US07922320B1
A frame seat unit of an eyegear includes a pair of frame seats and a bridge interconnecting the frame seats. Each of the frame seats defines an accommodation space that opens downwardly and has a frame strip that defines a top side of the accommodation space. The eyegear further includes a pair of lens units, each removably retained in the accommodation space of a respective one of the frame seats and including a lens frame and a lens. The lens frame has a ring portion for holding the lens therein. For each pair of the frame seat and the respective one of the lens units, one of the frame strip and the lens frame includes a releasably lockable tab, and an other one of the frame strip and the lens frame is formed with an engaging slot for engagement with the releasably lockable tab.
US07922317B2
Without newly providing a curling inhibition apparatus or a curling inhibitor and without placing excessive restrictions on a composition of an ink or a printing properties enhancing liquid, curling after printing is suppressed. In an ink jet printing apparatus which performs printing on a printing medium by ejecting from a printing head an ink and a reaction liquid which reacts with the ink, said apparatus comprising; means for on the basis of ink ejection data for ejecting the ink onto an one side of the printing medium, generating reaction liquid ejection data for ejecting the reaction liquid onto an other side of the printing medium.
US07922315B2
Disclosed are an inkjet ink and a method for printing on hydrophobic media such as offset coated media using the inkjet ink. Specifically disclosed is an inkjet containing a pigment, water and a surfactant which is characterized by also containing 40 to 75 weight % of a polar non-protic solvent with a molecular weight of 40 to 130 which has permeability to a hydrophobic surface such as the coating of an offset coated medium. Such an inkjet ink enables better printing on hydrophobic media such as offset coated media than the conventional inks.
US07922306B2
A print ink transport mechanism includes a first ink pipe for transporting a first colored ink, and a second ink pipe for transporting a second colored ink, a rotary module including a first protruding component with a first cavity disposed in a position corresponding to the first ink pipe, and a drive means connected to the rotary module for driving the rotary module. When the drive means drives the rotary module to rotate to a first position, the first protruding component presses the second ink pipe, and the first ink pipe passes through the cavity on the first protruding component, so that the second ink pipe is unable to transport the second colored ink and the first ink pipe is able to transport the first colored ink.
US07922290B2
A printhead assembly comprises an elongate support structure; a series of side wall sections extending a length of the support structure and defining a plurality of ink supply channels, edges of the walls delineating a gap; a plurality of carriers positioned end-to-end in the gap and supported at a bottom surface thereof by said edges of the walls; and a printhead integrated circuit mounted to each carrier. The bottom surface of each carriers defines a plurality of apertures each in fluid communication with a respective ink supply passage defined through the carrier and respective ink supply channels defined by the series of side wall sections.
US07922287B2
An image having high quality is output, in which density unevenness due to a deflection in an ejecting direction is reduced, in an inkjet printer for forming an image by ejecting small droplets at a high frequency and high density. Thereby, in a mask pattern employed for multi-pass printing, a print permission rate of an ejection port positioned at the end of a ejection port array is set higher than those of ejection ports positioned at the other parts of the ejection port array. Thus, even if extremely small droplets are ejected at a high frequency and high-density, the generated density unevenness is reduced, and an image excellent in uniformity and having high definition can be output at a high speed.
US07922281B2
A protection device for an ink cartridge storage unit having an ink inducing member is provided with a supporting beam, a funnel member having a narrow conical end and a wide conical end, the narrow conical end being connected to a distal end of the supporting beam, and an elastic cap arranged inside the funnel member. The elastic cap seals the ink inducing member in an engaged state. In the course of removing the protection device from the ink cartridge storage unit, the protection device can be lifted in the upper direction. The upper rim of the wide conical end makes contact with the rear surface of the ink cartridge storage unit in due course. As the protection device is lifted further, the part of the elastic cap is constricted, and the upper rim of the wide conical end functions as the fulcrum for the leverage.
US07922280B2
An imaging apparatus includes a frame and a maintenance sled movably coupled to the frame. The maintenance sled includes a carrier engagement member. A printhead carrier is coupled to the frame. A carrier motor is drivably coupled to the printhead carrier. A controller is coupled to the carrier motor. The controller controls the carrier motor to drive the printhead carrier at a first velocity and at a second velocity. The second velocity is lower than the first velocity. The printhead carrier is controlled to move at the first velocity toward the maintenance sled, wherein prior to the printhead carrier contacting the carrier engagement member of the maintenance sled, the printhead carrier is decelerated from the first velocity to the second velocity.
US07922279B2
A inkjet printhead maintenance facility that has an ink storage reservoir for holding ink ejected from the inkjet printhead during a maintenance operation and, an outlet coupling in fluid communication with the ink storage reservoir and configured for connection to a vacuum source to draw ink out of the ink storage reservoir.
US07922273B2
A card-type printing device includes a support structure defining an exposed body portion; an electrical connector located at a first end of the support structure, the electrical connector adapted for insertion into a corresponding electrical socket to send and receive data; a printhead assembly located at a second end of the support structure opposite the first end, the printhead assembly electrically coupled to the electrical connector; a printhead and a feed arrangement for feeding print media to the printhead, the printhead and the feed arrangement included in the printhead assembly; a print media cartridge releasably mounted in the exposed body portion of the support structure, between the electrical connector and the printhead assembly; and a cover engaging the support structure in a releasable manner to cover the printhead assembly. The feed assembly includes a row of ink storage channels provided within an outer ink reservoir, and a channeling structure provided below and in fluid communication with the row of ink storage channels.
US07922271B2
A user's operation burden can be reduced by giving the data recording command and the label printing command by the use of only an interface for writing data to a recording medium. A label printer includes an extraction portion extracting label information from a recording medium image file which stores data to be written to a recording surface of a recording medium and label information to be printed on a label surface of the recording medium. A label information printing portion prints the extracted label information on the label surface of the recording medium. A file writing portion writes the recording medium image file to the recording surface of the recording medium.
US07922270B2
A pull-in and damping device for a displaceable element has a displacement part (2), movable transversely to the displacement direction of the element, with a cam (14), which displacement part (2) is pullable, via spring means (13), from a moved-out position into a moved-in position, the cam (14) co-operating with curved pathways (6, 7), which have a minimum (24) and a maximum (25). The displacement part (2) is held in a clamped way via a clamping device (4) when, during displacement of the displaceable element from the end position into a moved-out position, the cam (14) of the displacement part (2) reaches the maximum (25) of the curved pathways (6, 7), and which clamping holding of the displacement part (2) is released when, during the pushing back of the displaceable element, the cam (14) of the displacement part (2) reaches the maximum (25) of the curved pathway (6, 7).
US07922264B2
The invention proposes equipping a hydraulic vehicle brake system with a pedal travel modulator that has an electromechanically driven piston-cylinder unit. The piston-cylinder unit upon brake actuation “furnishes” additional brake fluid and thereby boosts a pedal travel of the vehicle brake system.
US07922259B2
A vehicular wheel includes a wheel having a rim with first and second flanges respectively extending radially outward from first and second ends of the rim. The first flange includes inner and outer faces and an interconnecting face extending between the inner and outer faces. An annular groove extends from the outer face towards but spaced from the inner face and is in communication with a plurality of fixing holes formed in the interconnecting face. A protective ring includes an annular body covering an inner surface of the first end of the rim and the outer face of the first flange. An annular extension extends from an end of the annular body and is received in the annular groove. The annular extension includes a plurality of positioning holes aligned with the fixing holes, respectively. A fastener extends through each fixing hole and one of the positioning holes.
US07922252B2
A vehicle seat is disclosed with a seat bottom and a seat back. A guide is pivotally mounted to a frame of the seat back. A head restraint extends from the seat back and is mounted to the guide for translation along the guide at a first pivotal position of the guide and for being secured to the guide at a second pivotal position of the guide. A slider is disclosed for sliding upon the guide and for supporting the head restraint. A biasing member is disclosed for urging the head restraint to a retracted position. A release mechanism is provided for rotating the guide shaft and retracting the head restraint for manual adjustment or for tilt of the seat back.
US07922249B2
A workstation for a user comprising a basis, an shaft pivoted on the basis, a seat pivoted on the shaft, a back rest connected to the shaft, at least one shaft piston connecting the basis to the shaft and at least one seat piston connecting the shaft to the seat. The shaft and the seat are arranged to allow a user to sit at the workstation. The at least one shaft piston and at least one seat piston are arranged to allow changing the position of the shaft and of the seat. The orientation of the shaft and the orientation of the seat are adjustable by the user.
US07922247B2
An adjustable chair and a tilt assembly for use therewith typically provides side to side tilting of the chair seat and preferably provides forward and backward tilting of the seat separately or in combination with the side to side tilting. A hydraulic system is provided for controlling the tilting movement. Progressive hydraulic valves are used to control the resistance to the tilting movement whereby the chair is useful for exercise while the user is seated and the rate at which the tilting occurs may be controlled. The seat may be locked in any tilted position or the user may shift weight on the seat to provide a continuous shifting of the tilt angle and tilt direction of the seat.
US07922240B2
A slatted roof for a motor vehicle comprises a plurality of slats connected to one another in a material-bonded manner. The slats are guided laterally in guide rails by pegs and are moveable between a closed position, in which the slats block an opening in the roof, and an open position, in which the slats are pushed and folded together in one region of the roof. Each slat has two first opposed sides and two second opposed sides, and the slats are connected along the second opposed sides. Each first opposed side includes at least two pegs, wherein, for all slats except for an end slat, two of the pegs on each of the first opposed sides are of different dimensions, and wherein two opposed pegs on the first opposed sides of each slat are of identical dimensions.
US07922239B2
A motor vehicle body is proposed with a roof-carrying frame, upon which an adaptor carrier is placed and secured for holding roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants, and an adapter carrier suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body according to the invention. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also proposed for a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame.
US07922235B1
A drag reduction system generally comprises a pair of deflectors that conjunctively compensate for the angular designs typical of currently existing vehicles. In one embodiment, the pair of deflectors includes a first deflector positioned proximate the interface between the vertical grille and the hood, for example, near the upper end of the grille crown at the forward end of the hood and a second deflector positioned on the upper hood surface toward the rearward end of the hood, forwardly of the windshield. The first and second deflectors and function in concert, twice maneuvering an air stream to both avoid direct impact with the vehicle and to displace the stream laterally in such a manner that minimizes the amount of work energy expended in its redirection. In one example, the drag reduction system tailors the air stream around the hood and cab sections of the vehicle.
US07922225B2
Serving tongs that include handles are movable with respect to each other. The serving tongs include a cutting mechanism, a scooping mechanism, and a locking mechanism.
US07922223B2
A security lock having a housing and a cam. The housing includes an indent with a pair of guide portions. The cam is positioned within the indent and includes an axle port. A shaft of an axle is adapted to be inserted into the axle port so that the cam and the axle are rotatable together. The cam includes a sweep arm and a channel disposed on an upper surface of the sweep arm. The sweep arm has an outer wall that is either elongate-shaped or semicircular-shaped. The channel has a semi-circular-shaped inner wall and an elongate-shaped outer wall. Upon rotation of the axle, the cam rotates about the guide portions into a locked posture in the housing. The elongate-shaped outer wall of the channel allows the security lock to be self-locating when the housing and a keeper are misaligned when installed, respectively, on opposing window sashes.
US07922207B2
In order to provide more secure binding of physical media, activation and deactivation mechanisms for media binders are presented. As such, internal spine clamp deactivation mechanisms for deactivating a spine clamp in a media binder are presented, the mechanism including: a tension sheet configured to operate the spine clamp in response to opening the media binder in a range of approximately 270 to 360 degrees (°), normally, greater than approximately 270°; a tear line disposed along the tension sheet and oriented along the spine clamp wherein when the tension sheet is torn at the tear line, the spine clamp is deactivated. In some embodiments, the mechanism further includes a cosmetic sheet disposed between the tension sheet and a cover of the media binder for providing a cover for the spine clamp such that when the tension sheet is torn, the spine clamp remains covered.
US07922199B2
A control device for modifying the deployment characteristics of an inflatable cushion of an airbag module, the control device comprising: a releasable retention device, a first end of the releasable retention device being releasably secured to an inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a first location, the releasable retention device being configured to limit deployment of the inflatable cushion in a first direction when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion; and a sensing device for releasing the releasable retention device from the first location, the sensing device being fixedly secured to the inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a second location remote from the first location and releasably secured to the releasable retention device, the sensing device being configured to release the releasable retention device from the first location when the second location of the inflatable cushion travels a predetermined distance during inflation.
US07922197B2
A vehicle airbag device includes: an airbag which is housed in a folded state when a gas generation portion is not activated, and which inflates and deploys by receiving gas when the gas generation portion is activated, and whose two side portions are provided with gas outlet vent holes; and a tether that includes pair of left and right side portions extending along internal side surfaces of the two side portions of the airbag, and an intermediate portion interconnecting occupant-side end portions of the pair of left and right side portions. The airbag devices closes the vent holes by moving the pair of left and right side portions relative to the internal side surfaces of the two side portions of the airbag when the pressing force on the intermediate portion of the tether is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.
US07922194B2
An air-bag cover arrangement is disclosed which comprises a moveable cover element (25) for covering an air-bag module (5), and design element (15) which is positioned adjacent the cover element. The design element has an overlapping part (16) which overlaps part of the cover element. The arrangement is characterised in that the cover element is moveable relative to the design element but is held by a stop element (18) in a rest position in which the cover element does not contact the overlapping part of the design element but rather a space from the design element.
US07922189B1
A vehicle grip assist handle is provided with a grip assist body and a first gap hider. The grip assist body includes a gripping portion and a first attachment portion. The first gap hider is attached to the first attachment portion of the grip assist body. The first gap hider is configured to at least partially cover a first assist grip opening in a vehicle interior trim panel when the first attachment portion of the grip assist body is positioned in the first assist grip opening.
US07922186B2
A coupler for removeably attaching a motorcycle foot platform to a motorcycle is provided. The coupler includes a mounting surface that is positionable directly adjacent to the motorcycle and a coupling surface located opposite the mounting surface. The coupling surface includes a first pin bore that is offset from a longitudinal axis of the coupler, and the first pin bore is sized to receive a motorcycle foot platform pin. The coupler also includes a mounting aperture extending through the coupler, the mounting aperture sized to receive a fastener that removeably couples the coupler to the motorcycle, and a foot platform aperture that extends through the coupler, the foot platform aperture located adjacent to the pin bore, and sized to receive a fastener that removeably couples the motorcycle foot platform to the coupler.
US07922183B2
A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame and supporting the frame above a floor, a wheel, a push handle that is coupled to the frame and that is gripable to maneuver the patient support apparatus along the floor, and a brake handle coupled to the push handle and movable to move a brake to impede rotation of the wheel.
US07922182B2
A device for transporting a child in a child seat includes a main frame for supporting the child seat, a swivable push bar for pushing the main frame from different sides, and pivotable wheels or wheel sets for supporting the main frame whereby the wheels or wheel sets are provided with pivot locks and brakes. The push bar has a brake handle for activating the brakes and the device includes a mechanism for activating the pivot locks of the wheels or wheel sets under the push bar and for simultaneously coupling only the brakes on these wheels or wheel sets with the brake handle.
US07922181B2
A first rotor (24; 124) and a second rotor (25; 125) are arranged in a coaxial and mutually rotatable relationship and are provided with a first driven gear (41; 141) and a second driven gear (42; 142), respectively. A drive shaft (31; 131) is also provided with a first drive gear (43; 143) and a second drive gear (44; 144) which are commonly connected to an output shaft of an electric motor (32; 132), and mesh with the first and second driven gears, respectively, at slightly different gear ratios. The first and second rotors are connected via a thread feed mechanism (36; 136) that converts a relative rotation between the first and second rotors into an axial linear movement between the first and second rotors that is used for changing a distance between a vehicle body part and a corresponding end of a suspension spring in a vehicle height adjusting system (9; 109). Owing to a differential rotation of a high gear ratio between the first and second rotors, a significant torque amplification is possible with a compact arrangement. The use of spur gears instead of a worm gear mechanism minimizes torque loss.
US07922179B2
A cast-in-place gasket is provided for an associated pipe joint. The gasket is mounted to a first associated pipe and adapted to provide a seal between the first associated pipe and a second associated pipe. The gasket includes a gasket body formed into an annulus from a resilient material. A first sealing head and a second sealing head protrude from the body in an axially rearward and radially inward direction. The first sealing head is axially spaced from the second sealing head. Each of the first sealing head and the second sealing head include a sealing surface. A first mounting foot and a second mounting foot protrude from the body in a radially outward direction. The first mounting foot is axially spaced from the second mounting foot. An open annular cavity is defined in the body between the first sealing head and the second sealing head. A first lip protrudes from the body proximal to a base of the first sealing head and extends in an axially forward and radially inward direction. A second lip protrudes from the body proximal to the sealing surface of the second sealing head and extends in an axially rearward and radially inward direction. The first lip and the second lip cooperate to inhibit the flow of an associated casting material from contacting the sealing surfaces of the gasket during casting of the associated first pipe.
US07922177B2
Strips of two-ply instant lottery tickets are provided that have features which encourage multiple ticket purchases. Strips of purchased tickets can be opened in one motion, revealing the ticket results without needing to scratch off any material. Ruler markings along edges of the strips of tickets, and ticket indicia that spans multiple tickets further encourage multiple ticket purchases. Security panels flank one or more edges of the tickets which discourage tampering with unpurchased tickets.
US07922174B2
An apparatus comprises a vacuum belt having belt edges and a contact surface between the belt edges. The contact surface is adapted to contact sheets of print media and the sheets of print media have sheet edges and a central sheet region. The contact surface has a central belt region located where the central sheet region of the sheets of print media contacts the contact surface of the vacuum belt. The contact surface has border regions located where the sheet edges of the sheets of print media contact the contact surface of the vacuum belt. The central belt region is located between the border regions. The contact surface has vacuum holes, and the vacuum holes comprise an irregular pattern, such that a different density of holes is located within the border regions relative to the central belt region.
US07922173B2
An apparatus for handling documents of value comprises at least a first device, which has a transport path portion, along which a document of value is transported to and/or from the first device and/or into the first device, at least a second device, which has a transport path portion, along which a document of value is transported to and/or from the second device and/or into the second device, wherein the devices are arranged such that a document of value can be transported from the transport path portion of the first device into the one of the second device and/or from the transport path portion of the second device into the one of the first device, and at one coupling end of the respective transport path portion in a fixed position in relation to the respective transport path portion a pair of rolls mounted to be rotatable around a rotation axis, between the rolls of which a document of value is clamped when transported and the rolls of which in a section through the rotation axis have a comblike structure, the pairs of rolls being arranged and formed such that the rolls of a first of the pairs of rolls and the respective rolls of a second of the pairs of rolls in the coupling position intermesh in a combing fashion.
US07922171B2
A slide cassette is slidably provided in a main cassette of a sheet cassette. When a sheet with a size larger than that of a sheet which may be stored in the main cassette is stored, the slide cassette is sled and moved to extend the sheet cassette. There is provided a fixing portion which may fix the slide cassette and the main cassette in a state in which the sheet cassette is in a shortened or an extended state by sliding the slide cassette. The fixing portion releases the fixing by an operation in which the slide cassette is sled in a shortening direction or extending direction.
US07922170B2
A sheet type handling apparatus which handles various sheets includes an apparatus body having an introduction port for introducing the sheets; a first lid member rotatably attached to the apparatus body for supporting the sheets introduced into the introduction port; and a second lid member connected to the first lid member for covering the introduction port in association with an action to close the first lid member.
US07922167B2
A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes first and second conveying units configured to hold and convey a sheet, a first sheet conveying path between the first and second conveying units, and a registration unit to change a positional condition of the sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit. In at least one embodiment, the second conveying unit includes a moving and guiding unit and a rotary conveyance unit facing each other and forming a sheet holding section therebetween to hold and convey the sheet, and the moving and guiding unit and the rotary conveyance unit are disposed in the vicinity of the first conveying unit so that a distance between the second conveying unit and the registration unit is relatively increased.
US07922163B2
A pressing unit presses vicinity of a trailing edge of a stack of sheets stacked in a tray. An aligning unit aligns the stack of sheets stacked in the tray. A stapling unit binds the stack of sheets aligned by the aligning unit. A discharging unit discharges the stack of sheets bound by the stapling unit. A control unit controls the pressing unit to keep a constant distance from a surface of a top sheet of the stack of sheets when the discharging unit discharging the stack of sheets.
US07922156B2
A mount has an inner metal and an outer metal with an elastomeric bushing disposed between them. The elastomeric bushing includes a first pair of interconnected passages to control the damping rate during axial motion and a second, separate pair of interconnected passages to control the damping rate during motion orthogonal to the axial direction.
US07922154B2
A fuel supply assembly for a two-stroke crankcase scavenged combustion engine that is operated with layered scavenging is presented. The assembly includes a housing and a first and second parallel channels extending through the housing. The first channel is for a fuel/air mixture and the second channel is for auxiliary air. The assembly also includes a partition wall extending in a plane between the first and second channels and arranged upstream and downstream of at least one butterfly valve. The assembly also includes a protruding section which extends across the butterfly along the axis of rotation at least on the downstream side of the butterfly. The housing includes fuel-conveying idling ducts that open in the first channel in the region where the butterfly valve, sealing member on the partition wall, substantially contacting the protruding section at least on the downstream side of the butterfly.
US07922147B2
A flush valve diaphragm of a flush valve includes a body having a segmented insert within a flexible body portion and a central passageway. The body further includes a peripheral sealing portion with the flexible body portion within the peripheral sealing portion. The peripheral sealing portion can include an integral filter, an exit chamber and a bypass arrangement, such that water flowing through the filter flows through the bypass arrangement. The integral filter version will retard clogging of the bypass arrangement. The segmented insert includes a plurality of trapezoidal members with outward protrusions. The plurality of trapezoidal members are connected to each other on their outermost edge by a runner.
US07922141B1
The mouse pad apparatus removably attaches to a laptop computer via spaced apart flex clips affixed to one side of the platform border. The mouse pad platform is optionally transparent and textured and provides for use of a mouse with a laptop computer. The flex clips provide a positive, cushioned, frictional engagement of the apparatus with the edge of the computer. The slot within the platform provides for the pull out tray which can retain a writing surface, photo, or other material, visible through the transparent platform surface.
US07922139B2
A mount for attaching a projection device to an overhead structure includes a device interface operably attachable to the projection device and a device orientation adjustment structure operably coupled with the device interface. The device orientation adjustment structure has structure defining up to three independent axes for adjustment of projector pitch, roll, and yaw. A single selectively adjustable friction element may be provided to enable projector position to be fixed about for any one or all of the independent axes. A gear adjustment mechanism may be provided to enable fine adjustment of projector position. Moreover, any one or all of the independent axes may pass through the projector device, preferably proximate its center of gravity so that it is self balanced on the mount to ease adjustment.
US07922136B2
A connection device includes a fixing board connected to a rear end of a box, a main part and a clamping unit. A locking member extends through the front board and a spring contacts against between the locking member and a rear board. Two push rods extend from a lower end of a button and slidably connected with inclined surfaces of the locking member. A safety member is connected to a mediate portion of the button and includes a spring plate which contacts against the button. The clamping unit includes two collars which are securely engaged with the adjustment plate. A bridge member is connected between the two toothed members and supported on a lower side of a handlebar stem. The clamp pieces is located at an inner side of the toothed members and mounted on a handlebar.
US07922123B2
A releasable deployment line for a parachute system is provided. The releasable deployment line may include a first segment of material including an aircraft end configured to be operably connected to an aircraft, and a release end configured to be operably connected to a first section of a multi-ring release system. The replaceable deployment line may further include a second segment of material including a container end configured to be operably connected to a parachute container, and a ring end configured to be operably connected to a second section of the multi-ring release system and a third segment of material. The third segment of material may include a parachute end configured to be operably connected to a parachute within the parachute container, and a pin end configured to be operably connected to a retaining pin associated with the first section of the multi-ring release system.
US07922122B2
Systems and methods for distributing loads from fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits. An aircraft configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a fuel tank carried by least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The aircraft also includes a spar carried by at least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The spar includes a first spar rib and a second spar rib spaced apart from the first spar rib. The aircraft further includes a fluid conduit proximate to the spar and operably coupled to the fuel tank. A support member carrying the fluid conduit is operably coupled to the spar. The support member can be positioned to transfer at least approximately all of the axial loads from the fluid conduit to at least one of the first spar rib and the second spar rib.
US07922119B2
A stowage bin arrangement for fastening a stowage bin for an aircraft, includes a stowage bin unit with a first direction of extension. The stowage bin unit may be fastened to an aircraft structure and be designed such that the stowage bin unit is capable of being telescopically extended along the first direction of extension.
US07922118B2
A system for the provision of process air comprises a first cooling system (2) with a first heat exchanger, which is arranged in a channel (3) that serves as a cooling sink, and a cooling system (8), integrated in the first cooling system (2), wherein said cooling system (8) comprises a heat exchanger (9) which is integrated in the channel (3) either upstream or downstream of the first heat exchanger.
US07922115B2
The present invention is an unmanned air vehicle designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, data acquisition, and general research. The air vehicle is a monoplane that consists of several pieces that can easily be assembled using a minimal amount of tools. The air vehicle consists of a forward and aft fuselage section, two identical horizontal stabilizers, and four identical wing sections. The aircraft can fly with all four wing sections, or with just two wing sections (the short wing configuration). Each of the four wing sections of the air vehicle can be interchanged with any of the other wing sections for the purpose of minimizing assembly time and spare parts.
US07922106B2
A misting system has a reservoir located above the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The reservoir, which is capable of containing water and compressed gas, has a horizontally sloped bottom wall and a trough located at the bottom of the bottom wall. The trough has a trough wall that is vertically sloped so as to form a console that depends from the bottom of the reservoir. One or more misting nozzles are located in the trough wall and direct mist across the upper portions of the passenger compartment. By providing a trough, the possibility of water sloshing away from the misting nozzles and compressed gas leaking through the misting nozzles is reduced during vehicle movement. A valve is associated with each misting nozzle. The valve allows the regulation of the flow of mist from off, to partially open, to full open.
US07922102B2
The invention relates to a rail support point for a rail-guided vehicle for anchoring in a wooden tie, including a plate as a support for the rail, which plate is anchored on both sides of the rail by means of fastening bolts that pass through the plate, the plate having on its bottom side collars that surround the fastening bolts and that engage in correspondingly shaped depressions in the wooden tie, the plate being configured as a ribbed plate having raised ribs that are arranged lateral to the rail foot and that guide the latter and being made of plastic, and the collar being embodied as a slitted ring. Also disclosed is a rail fastening using the rail support.
US07922099B1
Systems and methods for associating content with an image bearing surface. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a method, operable at an electronic interactive device, comprises accessing a first image, e.g., identifying the content, on a surface, wherein the surface comprises an encoded pattern of location information on the surface for providing location information to the electronic interactive device. The method further comprises decoding the first image to associate the location information with second image information, e.g., of the content, of a second image on the surface.
US07922092B2
An integrated circuit, a non-contact IC card, a reader/writer, a wireless communications method, and a computer program are provided to improve communication. The integrated circuit configured to execute wireless communication by means of magnetic field. The integrated circuit has a resonance circuit having resonance frequencies of a plurality of levels, a confirmation block configured to confirm whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a switching block configured to change the resonance frequencies if the predetermined condition is found satisfied as a result of the confirmation.
US07922082B2
As described herein, a card services provider dynamically generates a card verification value (CVV) for a transaction card and sends the dynamically-generated CVV to a cardholder. The card services provider generates the dynamically-generated CVV such that the dynamically-generated CVV is substantially unpredictable based on other dynamically-generated CVVs for the transaction card. The dynamically-generated CVV is only valid for a limited period of time and/or for a limited number of economic transactions. The cardholder uses the dynamically-generated CVV as part of an economic transaction with a merchant. Because the dynamically-generated CVV is only valid for a limited number of economic transactions and/or for a limited period of time, it may be difficult for a thief to repeatedly use the transaction card to make economic transactions.
US07922081B2
A ticket system using an IC card includes a terminal, such as an entrance gate, and a server. A ticket incorporates an IC chip having read-only identification information and the server manages a table of the correspondence between identification information printed on the surface of the ticket and identification information the IC chip has and a table of the correspondence between new identification information and old identification information which are accompanied by a reissue. By distributing data of the correspondence tables to a terminal such as an entrance gate, a cheap ticket system capable of performing mechanical processing can be provided.
US07922080B1
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read card data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser and the machine carries out transaction functions for consumers including dispensing cash. The automated banking machine may generate a password for the machine responsive to randomly generated data.
US07922067B2
A tailor weld blank assembly and method for making the blank assembly include providing a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet having at least one different characteristic from the first sheet. Complementary interlocking structures are provided on adjoining edges of the first and second sheets and the sheets are mechanically interlocked together by making a weld along the adjoining interlocked edges. Thereafter the permanently affixed together sheets are formed to make a formed sheet metal product. The provision of both a mechanical interlock and a weld provide a blank assembly that is strong for forming into a stamped product, and a metal product that is strong for its intended use.
US07922063B2
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function.
US07922062B2
Described herein are endoscopic staplers used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications are formed, medical devices may optionally be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.
US07922059B2
A hand-held drive-in power tool for driving-in fastening elements includes a drive-in ram (13) displaceably arranged in a guide (12), a drive (30) for driving the drive-in ram (13) and having at least one driving spring member (31) for displacing the drive-in ram (13) and formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic material, and a device (70) for preloading the driving spring member (31).
US07922057B2
Embodiments include a stapler with a built-in staple remover, the staple remover movable between a non-operational position where it is retracted in a stapler body of the stapler and locked by a locking device and an operational position where it is partly extended from the stapler body, the staple remover being acted upon by a first elastic unit which is tensioned when the staple remover is in the non-operational position and which pushes the staple remover to the operational position when the locking device is released in the non-operational position.
US07922026B2
The present invention discloses a container comprising a circular end wall, a peripheral body wall, and an annular rolled end seam. A channel is created in the rolled end seam and is in communication with the interior of the container. A one-way valve forms a seal between the rolled end seam and an outer surface of the body wall. The one-way valve allows gases from the interior of the container to escape from the container during packaging.
US07922004B2
A diesel filter includes a filter member and a water reservoir formed below the filter member. The filter member has a case, a cap for closing the opening of the case, an element, and an element-holding member for holding an upper part of the element, and is detachably housed in the case. The element-holding member has an opening that allows fuel to flow out, and the fuel introduced from a fuel inlet port to a portion above the element-holding member is then introduced to the water reservoir via a passage formed between the inner peripheral surface of the case and the outer peripheral surface of the element.
US07921997B2
A case apparatus attachable to a portable device enabling the storage and transport of a variety of articles. The apparatus is optimally configured with releasable components enabling interchange of various features including those which facilitate attachment to the device allowing a single case implementation to securely fit various device implementations. The apparatus includes a large utility panel which receives attachment of all other case components, smaller utility panels which receive attachment of various articles, compartment enclosures which cover the smaller utility panels while allowing easy access to their contents, a large presentation panel to cover and conceal the entire case assembly and contained contents but having openings to allow access to the compartment enclosures and either a strap and clasp retention assembly to bind the case around the device or a clip fastening assembly which attaches to corresponding fittings on an adapted device to fasten the case to the device.
US07921984B2
A conveying arrangement for conveying packages or groups of beverage bottles or containers, and a method of operation thereof. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US07921973B2
An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.
US07921972B2
The invention concerns a system, in particular suitable for high power engines, comprising at least a rotor and means comprising active sections fit for making the rotor(s) rotate by their synchronized deformation, characterized in that the rotor material comprises an Al, Fe alloy with at least one other element, the alloy comprising at least more or less 80% in weight of Al and at least between 0.1 and 15.0% in weight in Fe.
US07921971B2
An electromagnetically released spring-loaded brake for cooperation with a motor or similar, with the manual release of the brake being effected in a tangential direction by means of a manual release lever 9, and with actuation of the manual release lever 9 causing armature disc 3 to be urged towards coil carrier 1 via three or more transmission levers 10 mounting rolls 16 and camming surfaces 14 on armature disc 3. As a result, the width of the air gap between armature disc 3 and coil carrier 1 is reduced so that rotor 6 with its hub 4 will be free to rotate between friction linings 7 on armature disc 3 and flange plate 8. The object was to create a lockable manual release feature the actuation of which requires a low manual force on manual release lever 9, is very flat and compact in structure, has a relatively small diameter and is actuated in a tangentional direction (FIG. 1).
US07921969B2
A method for restricting the output of an electrical drive and for protection of an elevator are provided. The electrical drive includes a motor as well as a power supply appliance of the motor. In the method for restricting the output of an electrical drive the stator voltage vector is restricted to its limit value restricting only the component of the stator voltages in the direction of the q axis. In the protection of an elevator, the elevator includes a machinery brake, a safety brake of the elevator car, and also an electrical drive. The protection method includes determination of at least one limit value, restriction of the output of the electrical drive on the basis of at least one determined limit value, and restriction of the movement of the elevator car on the basis of at least on determined limit value.
US07921968B2
An elevator traffic control technique includes destination grouping that is selectively implemented during selected traffic condition. One example includes determining when up peak traffic conditions exist. If so, the passenger-to-car assignments are grouped based upon the passengers' desired destinations, which are determined before the passengers enter elevator cars, Arranging sectors responsive to current traffic conditions in one example is based upon elevator passenger traffic patterns over the most recent five minutes.
US07921962B2
In an appliance, such as a cyclonic vacuum cleaner, a motor is arranged to drive an impeller fan located in a motor and fan unit. The rotation of the impeller may cause nuisance tones to be generated. A silencing arrangement is provided to control such noise and includes a plurality of discrete passive silencers in the form of tube silencers arranged in a first set and a second set. The tube silencers have open end portions arranged to face the fan and the silencers of the first set are spaced from the silencers of the second set in both axial and radial directions. This combination gives the same effect as an array of closely spaced tube silencers—however, by spacing the silencers in two directions, fluid is allowed to flow freely.
US07921961B2
A chromate-free resin composite damping material is provided having a multilayer structure. The material can include an viscoelastic resin composition provided between two metal plates as an intermediate layer, where the viscoelastic resin composition can include a thermosetting resin further including an amorphous copolymerizable polyester resin and a curing agent. A surfaces of each metal plate contacting the resin composition can be provided with a chromate-free adhesion boundary film which includes between about 5 and 50 mass % of silica, between about 5 and 50 mass % of a polyester resin, between about 1 and 50 mass % of tannic acid, and between about 0 and 30 mass % of a silane coupling agent. Such damping material can provide excellent durable adhesion properties.
US07921960B2
The present invention is an acoustic cabinet for the storage of musical instruments. Acoustic cabinet can have a storage portion having a plurality of individual storage units contained therein. One or more grill doors can cover the open end of acoustic cabinet. The size, shape, and arrangement of grill bars of door can be configured to reduce the effect of resonance. Rear panel of acoustic cabinet can include one or more sound-absorbing panels that absorb sound as it passes through acoustic cabinet. A protective backing can also be disposed between sound-absorbing panels and individual storage spaces to protect the panels from damage when instruments and other objects are inserted into the storage spaces. A combination of a grill door and sound-absorbing panels can allow acoustic cabinet to have a net-absorptive effect on a rehearsal room. One or more acoustic cabinets can be strategically positioned throughout a rehearsal room for optimal acoustic performance.
US07921959B2
A stethoscope protective device is for easily and hygienically covering the head and at least a portion of the connector tube of a stethoscope. The device can be quickly applied to the stethoscope while eliminating or minimizing the need for contact by a patient of the head and connector tube during examination. In a single-handed operation, the stethoscope head and connector tube can be readily slipped into and secured within the protective device. The device is constructed at least in part of a material that is acoustically transmissive and provides a barrier for reducing the transmission of microorganisms.
US07921954B2
The present invention relates to a mobile vehicle or wheelchair having the ability to provide stabilized transport to at least one individual on a variety of surfaces, slopes and/or terrains. In one aspect, the invention provides adjustment features allowing the mobile vehicle or wheelchair to accommodate individuals of various sizes and shapes. For example, the invention comprises a seat and an adjustable footrest which can be lengthened or shortened to accommodate different size individuals, including children. In one embodiment the distance between the footrest and the seat can be increased or decreased to accommodate different leg lengths of different individuals. The mobile unit or wheelchair of the invention may travel across smooth and very rough surfaces, slopes of varying or different angles and various outdoor terrains (including grassy, rocky, sandy, muddy and/or hilly terrains). In one aspect of the invention, the height of any part of the unit or the overall height of the device may be adjusted preferably to raise or lower the center of gravity. For example, the height of the device may be lowered to provide more stable transportation. In another aspect, the device may be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the footprint (or any part of the footprint) of the device. For example, the footprint of the device may be enlarged to provide more stable transportation. Preferably, both the height of the device (or any part of the device) and the size of the footprint (or any part of the footprint) may be adjusted preferably to provide more stability.
US07921953B2
A personal mobility device comprising an open frame having a front structure, a rear structure, and a side structure. The side structure has an upper rail and a lower rail coupleable to the front structure and the rear structure. In one embodiment, a main mobility wheel is coupled to the side structure, and a knee rest is rotatably coupled to the front structure. The knee rest is adjustable from a first substantially-vertical position coupled to the front structure to a second rearwardly and downwardly-angled position from the front structure.
US07921952B2
A parking assistance system includes front and rear auxiliary wheel assemblies mounted to a chassis of the vehicle and adjacent front and rear wheels of the vehicle. Each of the front and rear auxiliary wheel assemblies includes two auxiliary wheels and an auxiliary motor coupled to the auxiliary wheels for driving the auxiliary wheels to rotate in a forward or backward direction. A plurality of lift devices are mounted between the auxiliary wheels and the chassis and control upward and downward movement of the auxiliary wheels. At least one parking assistance controller is coupled to the auxiliary motors. A control unit is coupled to the at least one parking assistance controller and manually operable to control a rotating direction and speed of the auxiliary motors via the at least one parking assistance controller, controlling a moving distance and direction of the auxiliary wheels in the forward or backward direction.
US07921950B2
A drive train includes an internal combustion engine (“ICE”) coupled to a transmission having a power takeoff port. A transfer device couples an electric motor to the transmission via the port. The electric motor is enabled in a certain configuration to selectively power the drive train during at least certain intervals when the ICE is powered off.
US07921940B2
A swing-out apparatus for a drill rig, typically for drilling water wells. It includes a sled which is formed to be driven vertically on a drill mast of a vehicle carrying the sled, a casing hammer, and a hinge securing the casing hammer on the sled. To provide for displacement of the casing hammer relative to the sled, a drive is provided for swinging the casing hammer on the hinge from a deployed position to an inactive position. The drive comprises a motor connected for driving one relative to another.
US07921936B2
A method for controlling a drilling apparatus comprising the steps of applying a rotation force to a drilling part of the drilling apparatus, applying a feed force to the drilling part with the feed force comprising a predetermined modulating frequency signal and predetermined feed force, wherein optimum predetermined feed force is determined periodically from sensed data relating to at least one of the rotation force and feed force to optimise the penetration rate of the drilling apparatus.
US07921932B2
An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly.
US07921928B2
A horizontal dry fire protection sprinkler includes a housing having a vertical segment and a horizontal segment extending generally perpendicular to the vertical segment. The vertical segment defines an inlet opening. A plug member is disposed in the inlet opening for sealingly closing the inlet opening. A sprinkler is attached to the horizontal segment and includes a base having a passage extending therethrough and defining an outlet opening. A cap is disposed in the outlet opening and a heat sensitive trigger engages the cap. A translation mechanism is disposed in the housing and engaging the cap and supporting the plug member in the inlet opening, wherein when the heat sensitive trigger releases support of the cap, the translation mechanism is allowed to move within said housing to allow the plug member to dislodge from the inlet opening.
US07921927B2
A fire suppression system includes a gaseous extinguishing agent and a liquid extinguishing agent. At least one emitter is in fluid communication with the liquid and gas. The emitter is used to establish a gas stream, atomize and entrain the liquid into the gas stream and discharge the resulting liquid-gas stream onto the fire. The emitter has a deflector surface with a closed end cavity.
US07921926B2
A jointed spearhead assembly can include a base portion that is adapted to be connected to a down-hole object and a spearhead portion having a first end and a second. The second end includes a follower tab with a non-convex first follower interface. The spearhead portion can be pivotally coupled to the base portion.
US07921925B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for expanding a tubular. In one aspect, embodiments of the prevent invention provide an expander tool having at least two expansion members radially extendable from the expander tool into contact with a surrounding inside surface of the tubular, the at least two expansion members radially extendable at different times and axially spaced after radially extending. In another aspect, embodiments include a method for isolating a first portion of a wellbore from a second portion of a wellbore comprising locating an expandable tubular within the wellbore between the first and second portions, the expandable tubular having a weakened portion therein, isolating the first portion from the second portion of the wellbore, and expanding the expandable tubular proximate to the weakened portion to sever the expandable tubular.
US07921918B2
A rigless support for a downhole operation, such as cutting of an underwater casing in preparation for plug-and-abandonment. The unit has a movable base that can be positioned on a floating structure, such as a barge or a marine vessel and delivered to the site. A pair of piston rams support a swivel unit therebetween, with the swivel unit being driven by a hydraulic motor and driving a casing cutter.
US07921902B2
The invention relates to a frame part (10) for a tubular heat exchanger. The frame part (10) according to the invention is designed for being fastened (10) to a tubular body that is constituted of a number of parallel tubes through which a heat-exchange medium flows. The tubes run at both ends into a collecting tube which extends at an angle to the tubes. The tubular heat exchanger is provided with a frame part (10) on at least one of the sides of the tubular body that runs parallel to the tubes. Said frame part occludes the tubular heat exchanger from the exterior and can be at least indirectly linked with the collecting tubes. According to the invention, the frame part (10) has at least one predetermined breaking point (20). Said predetermined breaking point (20) is configured in such a mailer that, in the case of rupture, the frame part (10) is divided into two frame sections and that in the area of the predetermined breaking point (20) a frictional connection between the two otherwise separate frame sections is established.
US07921891B2
In a pneumatic tire for traveling on an off road, including a tread pattern in which a plurality of blocks are formed by at least three vertical grooves extending along a tire circumferential direction and a lateral groove intersecting the vertical grooves, each of the lateral groove arranged among the three vertical grooves and the vertical groove arranged in a middest portion has a groove wall surface forming a step portion, and a projecting stripe continuing approximately at an identical height is provided at a whole of each groove bottom thereof.
US07921887B2
A guide system for cutting return bends directly into the underlayment panels of a radiant floor heating system is provided that eliminates the need for the installation of separate return panels. The guide system includes a guide panel having a guide rail on its bottom surface and a pivoting guide on its top surface. The pivoting guide is pivotally movable through a 180-degree arc relative to the guide panel and is configured to receive a router with a plunge or dovetail bit installed therein. In this manner, the router is pivotably movable through a controlled 180-degree semi-circular arc from a point that is aligned with a groove in which the guide rail is installed to a groove in an adjacent underlayment panel allowing the user to pivot the router to cut a return bend into the underlayment in the desired location.
US07921875B2
In the fluid coupling for connecting the fluid passages of a plug (1) and a socket (2), a valve (33), a valve holder (31) and a spring (32) disposed in a compressed state between the valve (33) and the valve holder (31) are accommodated inside each of the plug (1) and the socket (2) to be connected to each other the plug (1) is inserted into the socket (2), the valve (33) of the plug (1) and the valve (33) of the socket (2) make contact with each other so that the valves (33) are retracted resisting an urging force of the spring (32). This fluid coupling further includes conical members (32, 51) which form a conical external shape along a line connecting the outside diameter portion of the valve (33) and the outside diameter portion of the valve holder (31) when the valve (33) of the plug (1) and the valve (33) of the socket (2) make contact with each other, so that the springs (32) are compressed between the valve (33) and the valve holder (31).
US07921867B2
An elbow fluid flow valve exhibiting reduced flow loss and including a body having a specified shape and size and defining a short radius associated with an elbow shaped fluid passageway characterized by a first fluid flow inlet and a second fluid flow outlet. A cover secures over the valve body, and such that a generally sleeve shaped annulus is defined therebetween. A light-weight and linearly translatable sleeve is mounted exteriorly of the valve body and within the intermediately defined annulus. The sleeve is operable to be displaced between a first location permitting fluid flow to the outlet and a second location interrupting fluid flow. A control element is operably connected to a pair of access ports, in turn communicated with one or a pair of interior regions in communication with locations of the displaceable sleeve and, upon experiencing at least one of a pressure and flow disparity between valve inlet and outlet, facilitates displacement of the sleeve to the second (flow interrupting) location.
US07921866B2
A first stage pressure regulator for a two-stage underwater breathing apparatus, comprises a second movable wall (16, 18) for separating a balance chamber (10) from an ambient exposed chamber (17) . The second movable wall is formed by a disk-shaped piston (16) which is slideably and non sealingly guided along the peripheral walls that delimit the balance chamber (10), and by an elastically deformable diaphragm (18), which overlies the side of the piston (16) facing forward the ambient exposed chamber (17) . The elastically deformable diaphragm (18) forms with said piston (16) a diaphragm type pressure relief valve (20, 318).
US07921859B2
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for an ultraviolet cleaning tool. The cleaning tool includes ultraviolet source spaced apart from a surface having contaminant particles. The ultraviolet source can create ozone between the surface and the ultraviolet source which breaks the chemical bonds between particles and the surface. The apparatus includes a gas feed which introduces a gas to aid the chemical bond. Additionally, the gas feed can introduce a gas to remove the particles from the surface.
US07921856B2
A cigarette casing for independent making of a Russian cigarette by a smoker or for bulk production. The casing of the Russian cigarette has an empty mouthpiece and a connected empty envelope and at least a part of the cavity of which is intended for the allocation of the smoking material. It contains a separating partition selectively penetrable for the smoke, installed so that at least a part of the cavity of the mouthpiece could be detached from at least a part of the cavity of the envelope, and so that it is possible to overlap at least a part of a cross section of the cavity of the mouthpiece. Its design impedes minor changes in the composition of the smoke, the penetration of the particles of the smoking material located in the cavity of the envelope into the cavity of the mouthpiece while filling the casing with the smoking material and into the mouth of the smoker during smoking. The casing of the Russian cigarette has an empty mouthpiece and a connected empty envelope, and the length of the mouthpiece is not less than the length of the envelope. The envelope overlaps the mouthpiece with all its length. The mouthpiece and the envelope are installed so that it is possible to move them relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis. The mouthpiece impedes the deformation of the part of the cavity of the envelope intended for the allocation of the smoking material before the placing of this smoking material.
US07921855B2
A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.
US07921852B2
The invention relates to a method for forming curved sections in a transparent material, especially in a cornea, by producing optical breaks at various points in the material by means of pulsed laser beams focused into the material. The laser beam is deviated in a two-dimensional manner from a deviation point in order to form the section by arranging the optical breaks in a sequence. The two-dimensional deviation occurs such that the areas of the optical opening along a curve, whereon the optical openings are arranged in a sequence, are arranged at a distance in relation to the deviation point according to an angle function which is not linear and which is adapted to the curvature of the section. The areas along the curve adjacent to optical openings inside a specific tolerance range are arranged at an even distance.
US07921846B1
A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.
US07921832B2
A control system for a plant can include a feedback control input which can be calculated so that a controlled output of said plant coincides with a target value. A hold control input can be calculated according to an operating condition of said plant. A control input to said plant is set to the feedback control input when a control deviation between the controlled output and a target value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and the control input is set to the hold control input when the control deviation is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value. The feedback control input is made to gradually approach to or coincide with the hold control input when the control input is set to the hold control input.
US07921831B2
A hydrogen-oxygen fuel supplying system includes a water hydrolyzing apparatus, a heat dissipation apparatus connected to the water hydrolyzing apparatus, a filter connected to the water hydrolyzing apparatus, a supercharger connected to the filter, a hydrogen-oxygen container connected to the filter, and a pressure adjusting means connected to the hydrogen-oxygen container. The water hydrolyzing apparatus is used to hydrolyze water thereby producing a mixture gas of hydrogen, oxygen, and water vapor. The heat dissipation apparatus is used to dissipate heat generated in the water hydrolyzing apparatus. The filter is used to filter water vapor in the mixture gas. The supercharger is used to compress the hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen-oxygen container is used to store the hydrogen and oxygen. The pressure adjusting means is used to regulate an output of the hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen-oxygen fuel supplying system can reduce pollution of air and environment.
US07921823B2
The hydraulic play compensation device, having an outer cylinder part which is closed on one side by a base and in which a piston element which lies on its inside is guided so as to be longitudinally displaceable, with a guide gap, having an oil pressure space having an oil inlet which supplies the oil supply space, and having a connecting duct controlled by a nonreturn valve between the oil supply space and the oil pressure space. For optimized removal of air which is introduced via the oil inlet, it is proposed that a ventilation path which connects the oil supply space and the guide gap is formed in the piston element downstream of the oil inlet and upstream of the connecting duct.
US07921822B2
The switchable dual lifter has two hydraulic lash adjusters, one which is fixed within the common housing, and the other which is movable to allow for deactivation of one of the two valves acted on by the dual lifter. Using the dual lifter with a switchable hydraulic lash adjuster allows for closing of one of the adjacent valves while allowing the other of the adjacent valves to operate.
US07921820B2
A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving rotation member, a driven rotation member, an advance angle chamber displacing a rotation phase of the driven rotation member relative to the driving rotation member in an advance angle direction, a retard angle chamber displacing the relative rotation phase in a retard angle direction, a groove provided on at least one of an inner surface of the driving rotation member and an outer surface of the driven rotation member for supplying the hydraulic fluid to a sliding contact portion formed by the inner surface of the driving rotation member and the outer surface of the driven rotation member, an advance angle oil passage, a retard angle oil passage, and a groove oil passage for supplying the hydraulic fluid to the groove.
US07921817B2
An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power.
US07921811B2
Described is an electronic pet door for automatically granting a selected animal access to a through-way defined by the electronic pet door and denying a non-selected animal access to the through-way. The selected animal carries a transmitter. The electronic pet door includes a corresponding receiver and a frame that defines the through-way, which has a tapered contour. A flap, which has a tapered contour corresponding to the through-way, is disposed within the through-way and is capable of a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the flap denies access to the through-way. When unlocked, the flap grants an animal access to the through-way. The flap is locked and unlocked by way of a locking mechanism that shifts the flap longitudinally between the less tapered and most tapered portions of the through-way. The locking mechanism shifts the flap in response to the receiver.
US07921809B2
A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.
US07921790B2
A tank (10) of a ship (1) is provided with an inflow port (6) and an outflow port (7) opening through a bottom of the ship (13). The inflow and outflow ports are spaced apart from each other in a headway direction of the hull. The ports are equipped with closure means (9), which closes the ports so as to ensure hull buoyancy by means of air in the tank. The ports allow seawater outside the ship to flow into the tank through the inflow port and the seawater in the tank to flow out of the ship through the outflow port, with use of headway motion of the ship. A partition (2) provides a weir extending in a widthwise direction of the hull in the tank, and divides a region in the tank into an inflow area (3) and an outflow area (4). The tank, partition, inflow port, outflow port and closure means constitute a ship buoyancy control system.
US07921786B2
The invention includes a grate system for a boiler. The grate system includes a grate unit and a side header guard. The grate unit supports fuel during combustion thereof, and has an upper surface, a lower surface, and upturned lateral edges. The side header guard is arranged along a side wall of the boiler and has upwardly and downwardly projecting fin portions. The upwardly projecting fin portion is adapted and configured to extend over and protect the boiler side wall from abrasion by fuel. The downwardly projecting fin portion is adapted and configured to extend over the upturned lateral edge of the grate unit, inhibiting passage of fuel therebetween.
US07921776B2
This invention relates to a detonating cord (10) having a core (12) of reactive material and a composite jacket around the core, and the method of its manufacture. The composite jacket includes an interior jacket (14) in contact with the core and a sacrificial jacket (20) disposed over the interior jacket. The sacrificial jacket prevents the cord from being cut off by the detonation of another detonating cord of like core load disposed adjacent thereto. The sacrificial jacket is separable from the interior jacket beneath it under the force of the adjacent detonating cord, thus absorbing energy and allowing the first detonating cord to remain intact. The detonating cord may have a core load of not more than 3.2 grams/meter (15 grains/ft) or, optionally, less than 1.25 g/m (6 grains/ft). The interior jacket may be free of metal jacket layers. Optionally, the outer cross-sectional diameter of the cord may be not more than about 3.8 mm (0.15 inch) so that it can be inserted into a standard detonator. The sacrificial jacket may be made from polyethylene and may have a thickness of about 0.25 mm (0.01 inch).
US07921772B2
A cover for an automatically re-inked stamp is design to be mounted detachably on an automatic re-inked stamp and provides a function of preventing the automatic re-inked stamp from inadvertent stamping. The cover has a base having an inner surface and a surrounding edge and two mounting tabs being oppositely mounted on and protruding perpendicularly from the inner surface of the base along the surrounding edge. Each mounting tab has a pulling recess being formed in an inward surface of the mounting tab adjacent to an inner end edge. The pulling recesses make the cover easier to be detached from the automatic re-inked stamp. That makes the automatically re-inked stamp more convenient to use.
US07921768B2
A stand-alone oven capable of being utilized in both the horizontal and vertical orientations/positions to, among other functions, provide for rotisserie cooking of foodstuffs. The oven includes a rotisserie attachment that is adjustable to rotate in the oven in the horizontal and vertical orientation. A control panel is coupled to the oven to control the operation of the oven and includes a screen that is rotatable to be viewable in the horizontal and vertical orientation of the oven.
US07921764B2
A rotation prioritizing valve serving as a flow rate control valve of a hydraulic pilot type is provided on the meter-in side of an arm cylinder. At the time of a combined operation of arm pulling and rotation, the rotation prioritizing valve is activated by rotation pilot pressure so that a meter-in flow rate of the arm cylinder is throttled to prioritize rotation movement. On the premise of the above, a switching valve is provided in a pilot line of the rotation prioritizing valve and switched so as to release a throttling effect of the rotation prioritizing valve when boom lowering movement is added to the combined operation of arm pulling and rotation so that a rotation prioritizing function is cancelled.
US07921761B1
A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) is disclosed having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The GWS includes a second elevation drive elevating the sighting system independently of the elevation of the weapon cradle by the first elevation drive. A network of multiple, mobile target sensors located remotely from the GWS provide coordinates or location of a target to the control unit of the GWS.
US07921760B2
A compact gas block with rail interface has a first longitudinal bore for receiving a firearm barrel, the barrel having a gas port, the gas block having a second longitudinal bore for receiving a gas tube or operating element. The block includes a vertical bore aligned with the barrel gas port and connecting the first and second block bores and permitting passage of cartridge gas from the barrel gas port to the gas tube. The improved gas block includes a military rail, forward of the gas tube, the forward location permitting rail and accessories to lie close to the barrel, enabling handguard installation and removal, improving handling, and reducing firearm bulk.
US07921759B2
Armor systems for protecting against various threats, including projectiles and explosive devices. An armor system includes one or more ballistic panels, one or more wire mesh layers and a backing on a side of the armor system facing away from potential threats that helps to absorb force impacting on the first ballistic panel. The first ballistic panel includes a core that provides strength and rigidity for the first ballistic panel and that distributes and dissipates force impacting on the first ballistic panel, a grinding layer comprising grinding media situated within and positioned on at least one side of the core facing towards potential threats, and a bonding layer that encapsulates the grinding layer. The one or more wire mesh layers contain the ballistic panel, increasing the durability and re-usability of the ballistic panel.
US07921756B2
The present invention relates to a film cutter assembly in which a blade housing slides along a pair of rails. The blade housing is formed of an upper portion for housing the blade. Either end of the upper portion has a rounded inclined shape from a bottom edge to form a sled shaped runner. The sled shaped runner extends beyond the blade such that the user is prevented from touching the blade. A lower portion of the blade housing slidables bilaterally in a cavity formed below the rails. A clearance is formed between the blade and the rails to allow the blade housing to easily slide over a film to be cut even if the film bunched or doubled over. The upper portion of the blade housing has a concave shape for allowing a user's fingers to easily grip the blade housing. Preferably, the rails are formed of a material which provides an attractive charge to attract the film to the rail and help hold the film flat before and after cutting. For example, the rails can be formed of flexible vinyl or acetal.
US07921753B2
A screw locking tool includes a main body composed of a shank to be combined with a hand tool and a sleeve. The shank has front end continually connected with the sleeve having its surface disposed with an annular recess with an O-shaped ring fitted therein and bored with insert holes communicating with an accommodating cavity of the sleeve for receiving positioning steel balls, with an elastic element fixed in the accommodating cavity. A screwing element secured with the accommodating cavity has a shank with a minor-diameter and a medium-diameter annular recess for receiving steel balls to prevent the screwing element from slipping off. A receiving groove at the front end of the screwing element is bored with insert holes respectively for fitting a positioning steel ball and has an annular recess fitted therein with an O-shaped ring for positioning the steel balls.
US07921748B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a pedal device which can alleviate fatigue of a driver's ankle due to a frequent acceleration by differently setting the amount of reaction force applied when the driver presses and releases a pedal, by adjusting pre-compression force against a return spring disposed at a hinged portion of a pedal arm and adjusting a friction force on a hinged portion of the pedal arm, and satisfying a user's preference by properly adjusting the reaction force. In order to accomplish the above-mentioned object, the invention provides a pedal device with a function of adjusting a pedal effort and hysteresis that includes: a housing fixed to a car body; an arm hinged to the housing; an elastic member disposed between the housing and the pivot end of the pedal arm, and providing a return force to the pedal arm; a pedal effort adjusting unit disposed in the housing and pressing an end of the elastic member to adjust a pre-compression force to the elastic member force; and a hysteresis adjusting unit movably disposed in the housing to press the hinged portion of the pedal arm and adjusting the amount of change in stroke-to-pedal effort while the pedal arm operates.
US07921746B2
An actuating device (1) for a technical system, especially for selecting gears of a shift-by-wire speed-change gear includes an actuating element (2) with at least two shift positions and a locking device (8). The locking device (8) has at least one actuator (7) driven with auxiliary energy and is used to reduce the shifting path of the actuating element (2) or to lock the actuating element (2). The actuator (7) has at least three different shifting states to make it possible to embody the necessary locking functions of the actuating lever with a reduced number of actuators and hence with a comparatively low design effort. Space, weight and costs can thus be saved.
US07921735B2
The measuring tube of the in-line measuring device is lined internally with a liner. The liner is made of a polyurethane produced using a catalyst that contains metal-organic compounds. The metals that are brought into the liner and remain there are chemically, especially atomically, bonded to carbon chains formed in the liner. The in-line measuring device is thus especially suited for measuring drinking water.
US07921734B2
A magnetic flowmeter is disclosed that includes a pair of electrodes coupled to a process fluid and a diagnostic circuit coupled to the pair of electrodes to monitor a common mode signal. The diagnostic circuit is adapted to detect a poor ground connection associated with at least one electrode of the pair of electrodes based on line noise associated with the common mode signal.
US07921729B2
A sensor assembly for sensing relative movement between adjacent panels includes a base and first and second arms pivotally mounted to the base. An electrical connecting element is attached to the first and second arms and holds the first and second arms in a first position to indicate a first condition. When the first and second arms have moved relative to each other by a predetermined amount, the electrical connecting element breaks to indicate a second condition.
US07921728B2
A flexible apparatus and method to enhance capacitive force sensing is disclosed. In one embodiment, a force measuring device includes a sensor capacitor having a fixed surface and a moveable surface substantially parallel to the fixed surface, at least one spring assembly (e.g., may deflect longitudinally and/or perpendicularly to a direction of the force) positioned between the fixed surface and the movable surface (e.g., the spring assembly may alter in height in response to a force applied perpendicular to the movable surface and to cause a change in the gap between the fixed surface and the movable surface), and a circuit to generate a measurement of the force based on an algorithm that considers a change in a capacitance of the sensor capacitor. A reference capacitor may adjust the measurement of the applied force based on one or more environmental conditions.
US07921726B2
A fluid detection device is herein disclosed as including a sensor mount, a flexible deflection sensor rigidly connected to the sensor mount and a stiffener. The stiffener is arranged together with the flexible deflection sensor such that the flexible deflection sensor is preconfigured to deform in a predetermined manner when the fluid detection device is exposed to a fluid. An amount of the deformation of the flexible deflection sensor determines a property of the fluid.A pressure sensing apparatus is herein disclosed as including a rigid perimeter, a flexible membrane forming a surface area bounded by the perimeter, and a sensing means in communication with the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is configured to elastically deform when a pressure force is exerted on the surface area, and the sensing means is configured to measure an amount of deformation of the flexible membrane.
US07921708B2
The object of the invention is to provide an alternative method for durability testing of an engine block. The engine block comprises cylinder cavities, which cylinder cavities are separated from each other by intermediate walls, each intermediate wall comprising a bolt hole. The method comprises the step of: removing a test specimen from an area of the intermediate wall of the engine block, such that the test specimen comprises the bolt hole.
US07921702B2
The invention provides, particularly although not exclusively in the context of a fuel injection system of a compression-ignition internal combustion engine, a method for detecting anomalous behaviour of a dynamic system (40), the method including i) determining a system model including plurality of characteristic parameters to define the dynamic system (40), ii) calculating one or more metrics indicative of the current system performance based on the plurality of characteristic parameters, iii) comparing the one or more derived metrics with one or more predetermined metrics indicative of anomalous system behaviour and iv) identifying a predetermined system fault condition if one or more of the derived metrics corresponds to one or more of the predetermined metrics. The invention also provides an apparatus for implementing the aforesaid method.
US07921691B2
A method of determining properties of a formation fluid based on measurements of fluid sound speed, a measurement of fluid density, or both. The properties include compressibility, thermal conductivity, and gas oil ratio. The compressibility of a fluid is equal to the reciprocal of the product of the sound speed squared and fluid density. The density and the sound speed can be measured acoustically. The method further includes a manner of processing data including applying the Savitzky-Golay method and utilizing a variable thresholding technique.
US07921688B2
Roll forming a round tube to a square tube without applying excessive load to the raw tube scheduled portions to become corner portions and shoulder portions. This invention structures the curvature of the rotation axis direction of the forming roll surface in a way that in relation to other raw tube locations (straightening precedes for the raw tube locations adjacent to the corner portion scheduled locations of the square tube. It disposes stands of four-direction roll structure at the forming roll stand furthest upstream and furthest downstream sides and disposes stands of upper-lower and left-right two-direction roll structure between the upstream and downstream roll stands, and by adopting forming roll with a structure having a curvature for constricting the raw tube locations to become the shoulder portions adjacent to the corner portions of the square tube at a smaller curvature than that constricting the raw tube portions to become the side portion centers of the square tube cross section.
US07921686B2
A highly scalable application network appliance is described herein. According to one embodiment, a network element includes a switch fabric, a first service module coupled to the switch fabric, and a second service module coupled to the first service module over the switch fabric. In response to packets of a network transaction received from a client over a first network to access a server of a data center having multiple servers over a second network, the first service module is configured to perform a first portion of OSI (open system interconnection) compatible layers of network processes on the packets while the second service module is configured to perform a second portion of the OSI compatible layers of network processes on the packets. The first portion includes at least one OSI compatible layer that is not included in the second portion. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US07921685B2
A latch assembly for releasably securing a closure element with a striker element in a closed position. The latch assembly consists of first and second latch elements mounted to a housing for movement relative to each other and the housing, with the first latch element being movable relative to the housing between a latched position and a release position, and cooperating structure on the release lever for moving the second latch element relative to the housing and, in response thereto, causing the first latch element to move from its latched position to its release position. A guard plate is positioned between the housing and the first latch element to more securely retain the striker element and prevent tampering or theft.
US07921681B2
A washing-drying/drying machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub for receiving laundry; a cooling water supply unit for supplying cooling water to condense moisture in air discharged from the drum; and a condensing plate mounted between the drum and an inner wall of the tub for receiving the cooling water to condense the moisture in the air.
US07921678B2
A compressible resilient fabric can include a ground layer of knitted yarn, and a loop layer comprising a plurality of loops of yarn, each loop having a point knit into the ground layer. The fabric can be compressible from an non-compressed configuration, in which each loop has an apex extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the ground layer, into a compressed configuration, in which each loop is collapsed onto the ground layer. The fabric can further be resilient so as to substantially resume the non-compressed configuration when compression is relieved. The loop layer yarn can include a multifilament yarn having a high denier per filament ratio. The ground layer yarn can include a yarn shrinkable substantially more than the loop layer yarn. The loops can be densely knit so as to support the extension of the loops outward from the ground layer.
US07921674B2
There is provided a method of manufacturing an optical waveguide, the method including: allowing a beam to be incident in an optical waveguide direction of an optical waveguide material; generating an optical soliton in the optical waveguide material by adjusting intensity of the incident beam according to the optical waveguide material; allowing the incident beam to be re-incident at an intensity higher than an intensity of the incident beam after checking generation of the optical soliton in the optical waveguide material; and increasing a refractive index of an optical soliton-generating area of the optical waveguide material by the re-incident beam to thereby form an optical waveguide.
US07921669B2
A refrigeration delivery system for use with portable food storage systems having an L-shaped body with a hollow vertical tower portion and a hollow horizontal flat lower portion. The internal volume of the body is suitable for the storage of ice and a combination of ice and melt water. In one embodiment, a hand-powered pump and spout is provide through a top of the tower portion to pump chilled water for drinking or to remove it from the delivery system. A second embodiment incorporates a flexible straw arrangement through a top of the tower portion. A third embodiment incorporates both a hand-powered pump and spout as well as a flexible straw arrangement through a top of the tower portion.
US07921659B2
Self-contained refrigeration units include evaporator modules, condenser modules, compressor modules, control subassemblies, and all other refrigeration components in compact interconnected modular packages. The modules, which are assembled in rigid or flexible self-contained monoblock refrigeration units, are installable, removable and replaceable as complete self-contained refrigeration units without requiring transport downtime for servicing and repairing of the refrigeration units. Vehicles with refrigeration systems arrive at a distributor and have malfunctioning units removed and complete units replaced and installed and are back on the road within minutes. Dealers' inventories are small and non complex and dealers' workers need not be skilled transport refrigeration mechanics. Dealer trucks have light cranes to remove and replace complete self-contained refrigeration units on site.
US07921651B2
The present application provides a method of operating a dual gas fuel delivery system comprising selecting a manifold and fuel flow split; setting the stroke of a high-energy gas control valve based on the fuel split; measuring the primary manifold nozzle pressure ratio across a primary manifold nozzle outlet; comparing the primary manifold nozzle pressure ratio against a primary manifold specification limit; adjusting the stroke of a primary low energy gas control valve to maintain the pressure ratio across the primary manifold nozzle outlet within the primary manifold specification limit; measuring the secondary manifold nozzle pressure ratio across a secondary manifold nozzle outlet; comparing the secondary manifold nozzle pressure ratio against a secondary manifold specification limit; and adjusting the stroke of a secondary low energy gas control valve to maintain the pressure ratio across the secondary manifold nozzle outlet within the secondary manifold specification limit.
US07921649B2
A method for increasing and/or suppressing a natural frequency of a fuel injector feed strip while increasing in the axial direction the flexibility of the feed strip, without the use of additional structure or damping devices. More particularly, and by way of example, the present invention provides a fuel feed strip that is shaped in a shape corresponding to a first vibration mode (e.g., a bow shape) of a fuel feed strip of a desired shape (e.g., a straight fuel feed strip). By forming the fuel feed strip in a shape corresponding to a first vibration mode of the fuel feed strip of a desired shape, a vibration mode of the fuel feed strip is suppressed while the axial flexibility of the fuel feed strip is increased.
US07921647B2
An internal combustion engine exhaust gas system includes an EGR arrangement adapted to lead a first flow of exhaust gas, the EGR flow, from an outlet side of the engine to an inlet side of the engine, an exhaust gas conduit adapted to lead away a second flow of exhaust gas, the exhaust flow, from the outlet side of the engine, and an energy recovering unit, such as a turbo, associated with the exhaust gas conduit. The unit is adapted to recover exhaust gas energy from the exhaust flow. The system includes a heat exchanger adapted to allow heat exchange between at least a part of the EGR flow and at least a part of the exhaust flow, the heat exchanger being associated with the exhaust gas conduit at a position downstream the energy recovering unit.
US07921638B2
A bi-propellant rocket motor having controlled thermal management is disclosed. The rocket motor produces thrust using a solid or gel-phase primary propellant that can be either fuel- or oxidizer-rich, with a complementary self-pressurizing secondary propellant selected to balance the primary propellant in terms of the equivalence ratio. The motor houses multiple propellant grains arranged in such a configuration that each chamber containing a primary grain serves as both propellant storage and the main combustion chamber for that propellant grain as it burns with the secondary propellant. The secondary propellant is stored separately, and the flow routed past the primary propellant chamber to provide cooling for adjacent primary propellant chambers limiting the temperature rise in the motor structure.
US07921635B2
A tip turbine engine (40) provides a peripheral combustor (30) with a more efficient combustion path through the combustor and through the tip turbine blades (34). In the combustor, the core airflow is received generally axially from compressor chambers in hollow fan blades (28) and then turned radially outwardly into a combustion chamber (112), where it is then mixed with the fuel and ignited. The combustor has a combustion path extending axially from a forward end of its combustion chamber through a combustion chamber outlet (122) and through a turbine (32) mounted to the fan. Thus, when the core airflow begins to expand in a high-energy gas stream, it has a substantially axial path from the combustion chamber through the turbine.
US07921631B2
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method of recovering energy from a FCC unit having a reactor and a regenerator for overall CO2 reduction is provided. The method comprises cooling syngas to a predetermined low temperature to define cooled syngas. A turbo-expander including a first compressor is provided. The turbo-expander train is configured to combust and expand gas to drive the first compressor. The cooled syngas is compressed with the first compressor to define compressed syngas. A first stream of gas comprising CO2 and a second stream of gas comprising CO are separated from the compressed syngas. O2 and the first and second streams of gas are introduced to the turbo-expander train. The first stream of gas is expanded and the second stream of gas is combusted and expanded with the O2 to recover energy, driving the first compressor and producing the syngas.
US07921627B2
A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.
US07921624B2
The present invention relates to a method of producing a transportable container for bulk goods. A bag is placed through a former opening of a slip frame former which surrounds a portion of the bag. The bag receives the bulk goods from a feed source. A stretch wrap is disposed radially about a bottom support and a portion of the slip frame former to initially form the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. During filling, the slip frame former is maintained at a position surrounding the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. As the fill level increases in the bag, previously disposed portions of stretch wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the bag and lock together the bulk goods as additional portions of stretch wrap are disposed around the slip frame former.
US07921620B2
A method of affixing a frame around a wall penetration such as a window box before siding panels are affixed to the wall. The frame has front and back faces and inner and outer edges, a primary channel extending along the outer edge, and a flange extending along the outer edge, The steps include: placing the window frame around the window box; affixing the flange to the wall; placing a first panel against the wall and inserting a vertical edge of the first panel into a primary channel of the frame; affixing the first panel to the wall; inserting a vertical edge of a second panel into the primary channel and engaging a longitudinal edge of the second panel with a longitudinal edge of the first panel; affixing the second panel to the wall; and repeating steps until the all sides of the frame engage siding panels.
US07921617B2
A structural panel and method of making the same are disclosed wherein the structural panel has at least one frame member with receptor pockets extending therein. Ribs protruding from a lath are resiliently engaged within the receptor pockets thereby securing the lath against the frame member. A structural coating is secured to the lath thereby providing a labor-efficient, low-cost structural panel available for use for a number of different construction projects.
US07921616B2
A column support footing, and a method for utilizing the same, allows structural columns to be installed after a cement floor is poured rather than pouring the floor after the columns are set. The column support footing comprises an apparatus which is utilized for setting the column after the concrete floor has been poured. The apparatus comprises a column support sleeve which has an upwardly facing open end for receiving the bottom end of the column. Extending downwardly from the apparatus is an anchor member, which is set within a concrete footing member. The concrete floor may be poured after the first concrete footing member has set around a portion of the anchor member. The concrete floor provides lateral support to the column support sleeve. The column may then be placed and secured within the column support sleeve after the concrete floor has been installed for the structure.
US07921615B2
An improved panel is disclosed. The panel is of the type for use with a bracket and which, in use: forms a wall surface as part of an assembly for partitioning or dividing a space; defines a horizontal groove; and is adapted to releasably, securely, receive, via the horizontal groove, said bracket. The improvement comprises a metal sheet and a metal bolster. The metal sheet has a front and a rear face, the front face defining said wall surface in use and said sheet defining a horizontal slot in use. The metal bolster is secured to the rear face of said metal sheet to define, in combination with the metal sheet, said horizontal groove.
US07921610B2
An A-frame assembly for constructing a building comprises only five major components that are formed from square, galvanized steel hollow tubing. These components include corner braces, side braces, a top brace, beams, and straight tubing. The straight tubing interconnects the other components to form a triangular frame assembly. The corner braces are secured with concrete footings or a complete foundation. A number of the frame assemblies are arrayed to form the basis of a structure. The frame assemblies are spaced apart from each other, joined with additional square tubing, and include an attic space and service spaces between the corner braces. A roofing structure is secured to the joined frame assemblies to complete the structural phase of the assembly.
US07921604B2
An aluminum-foam structural housing unit that is storm-proof, self-contained, and built to withstand natural disaster conditions resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire, and then assist its inhabitants immediately thereafter when interruptions in public utility system service can be experienced. The combined use of aluminum alloy and foam as its building materials gives the unit its great strength, as well as the versatility needed to face natural disaster conditions while providing absolute resistance to heavy winds, flooding, earthquake and fire. Since the unit is buoyant, during flooding conditions it lifts from the ground and is guided by vertical poles to maintain a horizontal orientation. The unit also automatically disconnects from public utility systems as lifting occurs, and it then provides its inhabitants with self-contained sources of water, electrical energy, and sewage management. Thus, the unit is designed to adjust to the flow of nature, instead of working against it.
US07921598B2
A gel-coated seed is provided, which has sufficient strength for handling just after the production thereof and after the recovery following the storage under drying, and has a good property in terms of standing-up of seedling. The gel-coated seed includes: a seed of a plant; a coating gel-layer, which coats the seed, consisting of alginic acid-based aqueous gel gelled in the presence of a multivalent metal ion; and grains consisting of water-containing hydrophilic polymer, which is resistant to the multivalent metal ion, distributed in the coating gel-layer.
US07921590B2
A chamber reinforcement for composite firearm barrel and method for forming the same. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner tube defining a bore that provides a bullet path and an outer sleeve preferably made of a material lighter in weight than the tube. In some embodiments, the inner tube is made of a material that preferably has a greater density and strength than the outer sleeve. The reinforcement in one embodiment may be in the form of an end cap disposed on a portion of the sleeve. The reinforcement preferably is made of a material comparable to the inner tube in density and strength to reinforce the area where a chamber is formed for receiving a cartridge. In the preferred fabrication, the reinforcement, tube, and sleeve are forged together to provide a strong and unitary structure for withstanding combustion pressures and forces associated with discharging the firearm.
US07921580B2
A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.
US07921578B2
A nebulizer assembly for use in a fabrics revitalizing system having a fabric treatment chamber comprises a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid; an air flow channel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a mist generator configured to generate a mist in the fluid reservoir; and a fan in fluid communication with the air flow channel to draw air through the air flow channel and transport the mist to the interior of the fabric treatment chamber. The nebulizer assembly can include a transitional assembly that communicates the nebulizer assembly with the fabric treatment chamber.
US07921576B2
A drying and freezing method without cooling medium comprises the steps of removing moisture, separating cold air from hot air and mixing the cold air with the hot air. Under the condition of no cooling medium, the above-mentioned steps separate the moisture from the compressed air, separate the cold air from the hot air and mix the cold air with the hot air. The system using the drying and freezing method without cooling medium comprises at least one air dryer having an air-moisture separation chamber for separating air from moisture and at least one separator having a separation chamber for separating cold air from hot air. The separator is connected to a pipeline to mix the cold air with the hot air.
US07921574B2
A tool for aiding marking or cutting is described. A V-shaped member having an edge formed at an exterior apex of the V for guiding a marker or cutting tool. The exterior surfaces of the V-shaped member may have a material applied having a higher coefficient of friction than that of the V-shaped member. The edge at the apex of the V may have two substantially planar surfaces, each of which forms a complimentary angle with the interior apex angle of the V, or a thin metal portion formed in the exterior apex of the V so that an edge thereof protrudes sloping towards a surface on which the tool is laid. A graduated scale may be applied to an exterior surface of the tool at a location near the apex.
US07921570B1
An eye alignment assembly for targeting systems. A sight point of an optical fiber is positioned within a housing behind an alignment indicia on a lens. An adjustment system permits the sight point of the optical fiber to be repositioned relative to the alignment indicia on the lens. The eye alignment assembly provides an indication of orientation of a user's eye in the pitch and yaw directions relative to the housing. The eye alignment assembly can be a discrete component or integrated into a targeting system, such as a bow sight.
US07921565B2
A working fluid injection apparatus has an upper chamber that stores a working fluid and a lower chamber that removably receives a bearing unit having a housing and a shaft that is inserted in the housing to form between the shaft and the housing a gap into which the working fluid is to be injected. A partition divides the upper chamber and the lower chamber into top and bottom parts, respectively. A first exhaust system brings the inside of the upper chamber to a decompressed state. A second exhaust system brings the inside of the lower chamber to a decompressed state. A valve unit opens and closes an internal cavity of the lower chamber relative to an external environment. A tapered hole is formed in the partition and communicates the upper and lower chambers to one another. A tapered shaft is inserted into the tapered hole from the upper chamber. A shaft drive unit moves the tapered shaft in the axial direction in the tapered hole.
US07921563B2
An example grille badge includes an outer member and an inner member configured to be snapped together. The inner member includes a living hinge to facilitate the connection to the outer member. The inner member is at least initially inserted into the outer member in a bent position, the inner member being bent or snapped into place via the living hinge provided thereto during manufacturing and/or assembly. In certain example embodiments, the outer element includes at least one slot for receiving at least one corresponding tab provided to the inner element. In certain example embodiments, the inner and outer members include corresponding snap features for securing the connection therebetween. An assembled grille badge may be connected, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle (e.g., to the vehicle, to a front-end assembly, to a grille, etc.), for example, using one or more snap features.
US07921546B2
A method for making a high current low profile inductor includes forming an inductor element comprising a coil having an open center and an outside surface, the coil also having first and second coil ends, making a dry mixture comprising a dry resin and an insulated dry powdered magnetic powder, and compressing the dry mixture around the outside surface of the coil and within the open center of the coil to create an inductor body without liquefying the dry mixture, whereby the inductor body engages the coil both within the coil open center and also the coil outside surface.
US07921545B2
Stator coils are retained by an inserting blade and a setting blade. The setting blade is rotated in this state. Then, after rotation, the stator coils are set on the inserting blade. At this time, the stator coils are arranged in the inserting blade in a state where the stator coils overlap one another to form a spiral shape. Thus, the stator coils are arranged uniformly.
US07921536B2
A method for assembling a pipe coupling and a method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation using the pre-assembled pipe coupling. The pipe coupling is formed of segments joined end to end by fasteners. Retention elements positioned on the fasteners hold the segments in spaced apart relation. The retention elements have a first surface that engages the fastener and a second surface that engages the segment to inhibit the motion of the segments relative to the fasteners. The method includes engaging the fasteners with the segments and engaging the retention elements with the fasteners and the segments to position and hold the segments in spaced apart relation. Pipe elements are inserted between the segments and force is applied to the segments which overcomes the resistance of the retention elements to move the segments into engagement with the pipe elements.
US07921526B2
A zip fastener (30) comprised of a long strip of two thermoplastic support tapes (35); two rows of coupling elements (40), each row being attached to its own support tape (35); and a slider body (45) comprising a puller (50) attached to the slider body (45). Portions of the two support tapes (35) are shaped to cause the two rows of coupling elements (40) to rest higher or lower than the shaped portions of the support tapes (35). At least one end portion of the zip fastener (30) is curved downward and in a closed position the curved portion (75) accommodates at least one slider body (45).
US07921525B1
An object securing apparatus utilizing a hook and loop material attached to one of two faces of a binder clip and projecting downward there from. The hook and loop material can be single or double sided. A magnetic material can be disposed upon the hook and loop material. The hook and loop material can be cut forming a clearance for rotation of a cantilevered handle of the binder clip. The hook and loop material secures the binder clip to a first object and a binder clip gripping section is used to grip a second object.
US07921524B2
The present invention describes a release mechanism (1) for releasing magnetically releasable anti-theft devices consisting of a multiplicity of permanent magnets in the form of a Halbach array, which are disposed on a plane. While the highly magnetised top side (10) of the release mechanism (1) is covered by the cover plate (6) on the release side, a base plate (5) used for mounting or support is located on the underside (11) of the release mechanism (1). The permanent magnets encompass a continuous, self-contained frame magnet (2), which is magnetised in an axial direction and has a first recess. Inserted in this first recess is a segmented magnet (3), wherein the individual segments are magnetised perpendicularly to the magnetization direction of the frame magnet (2) and a second recess is left open, in which an axially magnetised magnetic core (4) is inserted.
US07921519B2
In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle comprising textile fibers, especially for combing, which is supplied by a supply device to a fiber-sorting device, especially a combing device, having clamping devices which clamp the fiber bundle at a distance from its free end, which is combed to remove non-clamped constituents, the clamping devices each comprise two clamping jaws. To increase productivity and to enable an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, the clamping devices being spaced apart in the region of the periphery of the rollers, and the clamping jaws of the each clamping device are arranged to be movable in relation to one another and separately drivable.
US07921508B2
An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes a housing (B) having a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A dirt container (50, 500) is selectively mounted to the housing for receiving and retaining dirt and dust separated from the suction airstream. The suction airstream inlet and the suction airstream outlet are in fluid communication with, respectively, an inlet and an outlet of the dirt container. The dirt container includes a first cyclonic air-flow chamber (66, 508) and a second cyclonic airflow chamber (68, 510), each cyclonic airflow chamber including a longitudinal axis. The second cyclonic airflow chamber is spaced from the first chamber, wherein the first and second chambers are each approximately vertically oriented and are arranged in a parallel relationship. An air manifold (52, 540, 540′) is disposed at a top portion of the dirt container. The air manifold includes an inlet section (54, 536, 565) through which dirty air passes and an outlet section (138, 560, 560′). The inlet section directs a flow of dirty air into two separate inlet conduits leading to a respective one of the first and second airflow chambers. The outlet section collects a flow of cleaned air from both of the chambers and merges the flow of cleaned air into a single outlet conduit (110, 570). An airstream suction source (E) is mounted to the housing and is in communication with the outlet conduit of the manifold.
US07921505B1
A collapsible broom and dustpan provide convenient, compact storage for use in RVs, mobile homes, efficiency apartments and the like with limited closet and storage space. The broom includes a standard telescoping handle which is affixed to a pivot joint on the broom head. The handle can be extended and rotated to a variety of selected angles. Tabs on the locking member within the pivot joint engage the handle girdle which surrounds the locking member. The locking member is spring loaded to maintain the handle at a desired position. The dustpan includes a handgrip which will accommodate the broom handle while the dustpan tray receives the broom head for compact storage. C-shaped clamps within the grip and a catch within the dustpan tray hold the broom within the dustpan until manually released therefrom.
US07921500B2
A surface treatment tool formed from a thin sheet of flexible material, typically a polymer, shaped to store and dispense fluid, scrub, abrade, scrape off and retain debris, including particulates from treated surfaces, and including an array of closely spaced hollow mushroom-shaped protrusions that store (after a bottom sheet which is not shown is added), and then release fluids during rubbing via perforated faces, and upstanding mushroom shapes carrying soft rubbing faces which have harder scraper edges constituting operable faces with gaps between faces leading into a sunken labyrinth into which loosened debris is scraped up and retained.
US07921482B2
An adjustable plumbing fitting has a piston rotatably and telescopically engaged in a housing, with one end of the housing adapted to be connected to a first plumbing part, and a cylindrical extension on the piston projecting from an opposite end of the housing and adapted to be connected to a second plumbing part. In one embodiment, two housings and associated pistons are integrally joined together to form a T-fitting for connecting the overflow and drain of a bathtub. In another embodiment, the housing is integrally formed with a J-shaped drain trap, and in another embodiment the housing and/or piston is integrally formed with a water closet flange.
US07921475B2
An impact attenuating chin protector comprises a hard outer shell with a narrowed central area to better dissipate impact forces and an inner foam member. The foam member includes a series of alternating foam columns and recesses with perforations at controlled locations to provide additional force dissipation, improved ventilation, and protection from the edges of the hard outer shell. The interior surface of the foam member is configured so that almost the entire interior surface contacts the wearer's chin except for the perforations. The columns and recesses are configured so that recesses are located around two pressure points on the chin. Since the columns absorb the impact of a collision, the two pressure points on the wearer's chin are not directly impacted. The outer shell does not completely cover the foam member leaving the upper and lower edges of the foam member to extend beyond the edges of the shell.
US07921470B2
A sleeve holder for maintaining a garment sleeve in a rolled or gathered condition on the wearer's forearm above the wrist, is disclosed. The sleeve holding device comprises an elongated body of a truncated cone shape having opposite ends. The narrower end includes an elastic core located within its interior defined by a cover. The elastic core has a relaxed length and a relatively longer stretched length in response to an applied tensile force. The opposite end of the sleeve holding device is wider in circumference than the elastic core, creating a pocket where the sleeve of the garment is held.
US07921467B2
A diving suit made of a rubber material comprising HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber) is disclosed, as well as a process for the production of the diving suit and the use of HNBR in a rubber material of a diving suit for use in contaminated water.
US07926116B2
A method for enabling decentralized dynamic load balancing among a plurality of appliances providing access to a plurality of sites, each site comprising a local area network and at least one server includes: determining, by a first appliance, a first number of services currently available for access via a local area network connected to the first appliance; receiving, by the first appliance from a second appliance, a communication indicating a second number of services currently available for access via a local area network connected to the second appliance; receiving, by the first appliance, a plurality of requests to connect to a service; determining, by the first appliance, a weight to be assigned to the second appliance, wherein the determination is responsive to the second number; and forwarding, by the first appliance to the second appliance, a subset of the plurality of requests, wherein the number of requests comprising the subset is determined in response to the determined weight. Corresponding systems are also described.
US07926114B2
Systems and methods to test software applications with schema-based fuzzing are described. In one aspect, the systems and methods automatically generate valid input data for a software application according to a fuzzing data schema. The fuzzing data schema describes characteristics of data format that would be proper or well formed for input into the software application. The systems and methods mutate to the valid input data with one or more fuzzing algorithms to generate corrupted versions, or malformed data. The malformed data is for fuzz testing the software application to identify any security vulnerabilities.
US07926105B2
Described is a technology including an evaluation methodology by which a set of privileged code such as a platform's API method may be marked as being security critical and/or safe for being called by untrusted code. The set of code is evaluated to determine whether the code is security critical code, and if so, it is identified as security critical. Such code is further evaluated to determine whether the code is safe with respect to being called by untrusted code, and if so, is marked as safe. To determine whether the code is safe, a determination is made as to whether the first set of code leaks criticality, including by evaluating one or more code paths corresponding to one or more callers of the first set of code, and by evaluating one or more code paths corresponding to one or more callees of the first set of code.
US07926103B2
Preventing replay attacks on servers. At least one Bloom filter may be set up in a server for tracking requests received from clients. Identifying data may be generated for each request. The identifying data may be checked against the Bloom filter array. If a match is found, the message may be a replay and may be rejected. If a match is not found, the request identifying data may be added to the Bloom filter and the request may be processed.
US07926091B2
A method and system are provided for secure over-the-air modification of vehicular options by a vehicle user. The system includes a vehicle and a secure server. The vehicle includes receiver circuitry for receiving and demodulating wireless signals and a controller coupled to the receiver. The secure server is accessible by the vehicle user and generates a vehicular option modification package for provision to the vehicle by generating option parameter modification instructions in response to user parameter modification requests from the vehicle owner and generating authentication information in response to unique server authentication information associated with the secure server. The vehicle's receiver demodulates received wireless signals to generate the vehicular option modification package and the vehicle's controller authenticates the vehicular option modification package and, when the vehicular option modification package is authenticated, modifies the vehicular options of the vehicle in response to the parameter modification instructions.
US07926084B1
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.
US07926081B2
A system and method includes an automation system and a scheduling system generating a schedule having a countdown time for a countdown clock assembly and communicating the schedule to an automation system. The system also includes a content repository storing promotional content and a clock background in the content repository. The automation system retrieves the promotional content and the clock background from the content repository, stores the promotional content and the clock background, forms a countdown clock assembly from the promotional content and the clock background and inserts the countdown clock assembly into a channel signal.
US07926079B2
A system and method for selecting a network path for delivering on-demand content in a multi-channel network. A hybrid central/distributed and tiered video on demand (VOD) service network with tiered content structure uses media servers located in both the headend station and the hub stations. The hub media server is configured as a primary source for VOD content and the central media server located in the headend is configured as a secondary source of video content. A path for delivery of content may be determined based on the availability of content and network components.
US07926078B2
A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.
US07926076B2
A method of displaying an independent advertisement while providing a broadcasting service and a user terminal executing the method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the user terminal outputs broadcast data, received from a broadcasting system, during a broadcast program output period, then outputs stored advertisement data received earlier from an advertisement server or advertisement data received real time during a predetermined advertisement data output period, and outputs broadcast data received real time at the end of the advertisement data output period. According to at least one embodiment, a broadcasting device and an advertising device can be separated to have targeted advertisements delivered to a user during a commercial time of regular broadcasting, maximizing the effect of advertisement.
US07926075B2
A set-top box system for blocking signaled applications from being run on a set-top box, the system comprising an audio/video service receiving module to receive at least one audio/video service, an application receiving module to receive an application, an application signaling module to manage a first table including signaling information indicating that the application is a signaled application authorized for being run on the set-top box, and an application blocking module to receive a second table including blocking information to block running of the signaled application on the set-top box, the second table being received from a broadcasting Headend, and block running of the signaled application on the set-top box in response to receiving the second table. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US07926072B2
Methods for controlling complementary dual displays for use with an electronic device are presented including: receiving an input for display on a non-native display, where the input includes a native user interface (UI) input and a non-native UI input, and where the non-native display is a bistable, low frame rate display; if the input is the native UI input, sending the first native UI input to a corresponding application, processing the native UI input by the corresponding application, calling a non-native API for forwarding the processed native UI input to a non-native display driver, and sending a non-native display signal to the non-native display; receiving another native UI input for display on a native display, where the native display is a refresh-based, high frame rate display; and sending the other native UI input to the corresponding application.
US07926069B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing a network interface to a small computer system interface (“SCSI”) storage device driver. The method includes detecting an event in one of a storage device and a SCSI device driver of the storage device and comparing an event identifier associated with the event to a list of event identifiers. The method includes suspending an application in communication with the storage device through the SCSI device driver and sending a request associated with the event to a remote event manager over a transaction control protocol/Internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) connection, each in response to the event identifier matching a listed event identifier. The method includes receiving a response related to the event from the remote event manager over a TCP/IP connection. The method includes resuming the application after sending the response to the storage device through the SCSI device driver or failing the application.
US07926066B2
An adaptive content platform and application integration of with the platform is described. The adaptive content platform includes one or more content-enabled, dependent applications forming an application layer and a services layer that has services shared by the each of the one or more content-enabled, dependent applications. The services layer includes at least workflow, repository, and publishing services. Each content-enabled, dependent application is object modeled in the repository services in a hierarchical structure. The object types modeled in the repository may have content associated with them. The content may be stored in a data layer that is in communications with the services layer.
US07926044B2
There is provided a method for executing a program comprising a function call and one or more subsequent instructions. The method comprises processing, on a first thread, a function defined by the function call, the function having one or more programmer predefined typical return values. For each predefined return value, the one or more subsequent instructions are pre-processed on an additional thread assuming that the function returned that pre-defined return value. In this way the processor, on completion of processing said function is able to make use of the pre-processing completed by the additional thread which used the actual return value.
US07926040B2
A method, system, and computer program product for timing the execution of code to facilitate the debugging of a Korn shell script. A user specifies the starting point and stopping point of a block of code by placing a time-code function at the beginning and end of the block of code. Furthermore, the user specifies a threshold value within the time-code function that corresponds to a maximum amount of time allotted for execution. The user defines a label variable to identify the output. When the block of code is executed, the time-code function calculates the time of execution and outputs the results. If the code contains an error that causes the execution time to exceed the threshold value, the time-code function halts the execution of the block of code and an error message is displayed. The error message then assists the user in debugging the block of code.
US07926031B2
A configuration management database (CMDB) comprising a plurality of statements, where in the statements comprise a first item identifying a resource, a second item identifying an object, and a third item identifying a relationship between the resource and the object, and wherein the statements are made in a markup language.
US07926030B1
A configurable software application is provided, where the software application may be designed on a platform including at least one configuration utility for enabling end users to customize various aspects of the application. For example, end users may use the configuration utility to customize one or more user interface elements, event handlers, data handlers, and/or data elements of the application. The software application may be automatically updated to incorporate the user customizations. In one implementation, custom user interface elements may be used to control a navigation of the application or an interaction with data elements of the application. In another implementation, custom data elements, based on a hierarchical metadata structure, may dictate an organization of the application. In another implementation, custom event handlers may control business logic and rules for the application, while custom data handlers may control interfacing with the data elements.
US07926025B2
A model composition environment can allow for description of fill or partial symbolic system behavior, as well as the combination of models of specific features into compound models. Compositional operators can include intersection, concatenation, substitution, alternating refinement, as well as a set of regular expression-like operators. Models called “action machines” can represent object-oriented, reactive programs, and an action machine may be composed with another action machine using a compositional operator. This can allow for testing of particular scenarios or behaviors.
US07926008B2
A system and method for storing power utilization information in an integrated circuit and utilizing such information. Various aspects of the present invention provide an integrated circuit that comprises a first module, which stores power utilization information for at least a portion of the integrated circuit. A second module of the integrated circuit may communicate the power utilization information with an electrical device external to the integrated circuit. Various aspects of the present invention provide a method for storing power utilization information in an integrated circuit. For example, a performance characteristic and/or a power supply characteristic may be monitored as the integrated circuit is utilized. Power utilization information may be determined from the monitored characteristic(s), and the power utilization information may be stored in the integrated circuit. Various aspects of the present invention also provide a system and method for utilizing an integrated circuit having on-board power utilization information.
US07926004B2
Techniques for forming a mask fabrication layout for a physical integrated circuit design layout include correcting the fabrication layout for proximity effects using a proximity effects model. A proximity effects model is executed to produce an initial output. The initial output is based on a first position for a segment in a fabrication layout. The first position is displaced from a corresponding original edge in the original fabrication layout by a distance equal to an initial bias. The model is also executed to produce a second output based on a second position for the segment. The second position is displaced from the corresponding original edge by a distance equal to a second bias. An optimal bias for the segment is determined based on the initial output and the second output. The segment is displaced in the fabrication layout from the corresponding edge based on the optimal bias.
US07926003B2
A method for manufacturing a photomask based on design data includes the steps of forming a figure element group including a figure element in a layout pattern on the photomask and a figure element affecting the figure element due to the optical proximity effect, adding identical identification data to a data group indicating an identical figure element group, estimating an influence of the optical proximity effect on the figure element group, generating correction data indicating a corrected figure element in which the influence of the optical proximity effect is compensated for at the time of exposure, creating figure data by associating data having the identical identification data with correction data having the identical identification data, and forming a mask pattern on the photomask using figure data. Thus, the computation time for correction of the layout can be reduced, thereby reducing the production time of the photomask.
US07925997B2
It is possible to provide a user with an operation screen having settings with which the user is familiar, such as an operation screen that has been used in the past for this external input/output device. When a external input/output device is connected to a information processing apparatus, specific information for specifying the device is acquired. Then, from a storage device that associates and stores an operation screen for processing an image that has been handled by the external device and the specific information, a corresponding operation screen is selected based upon the specific information that has been acquired. By displaying the selected operation screen on a touch-sensitive panel display, various setting operations can be performed with regard to an image that has been input from the external input/output device.
US07925991B2
Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for displaying user-selection controls associated with clusters on a GUI are provided. One exemplary method includes automatically generating a first table having URLs associated with websites accessed by at least one user over a time interval and content information associated with the URLs. The method further includes automatically determining cluster names for grouping the URLs based on the content information. Each cluster name has at least one URL associated therewith. The method further includes automatically generating a second table having the cluster names and URLs associated with the cluster names. The method further includes displaying the GUI having the user-selection controls associated with the cluster names on a display device, utilizing the second table.
US07925983B2
A system and method for message addressing and address storage are disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include an address menu having an identification field with more than one associated address fields. Each of the address fields may be maintaining addresses for different messaging receipt options. For example, if an intended recipient of a message has an email account and a facsimile machine, a first address field may maintain an email address for the recipient, and a second address field may maintain a facsimile number for the recipient.
US07925969B2
A system and methods for comparing a plurality of documents comprising graphic elements is described. Attributes of graphic elements amongst the documents are examined to identify sufficiently similar graphic elements. A merged document can be automatically produced based on the comparison. Graphic elements in the resulting document may be associated with a document layer. Methods may advantageously be applied to a plurality of documents representing different versions of a document.
US07925965B2
A method for transmitting a signal in a signal transmission apparatus of a communications system including receiving an information vector, and encoding the information vector according to a zigzag B-LDPC encoding scheme to generate a zigzag B-LDPC codeword, thereby advantageously reducing the encoding complexity together with enhanced error correction capability.
US07925959B2
Various systems and methods for tri-column code based error reduction are disclosed herein. For example, a digital information system is disclosed that includes channel detector. Such a channel detector receives an encoded data set and provides an output representing the encoded data set. The exemplary system further includes a decoder that receives the first output and is operable to perform three slope parity checks on the received first output. In turn, the decoder provides another output representing the encoded data set.
US07925954B2
Techniques to cause a point-to-point link between system components to engage in a negotiation process that may lead to the link transitioning from an active state in which data may be transmitted between system components to a low power state where data may not be transmitted. The negotiation process may occur between each pair of nodes within an electronic system that are interconnected via point-to-point link. The negotiation may ensure that there are no pending transactions or transactions that may occur within an upcoming period of time. Through this negotiation each component acknowledges and agrees to transition the link to the low power state.
US07925952B1
A method for testing functionality on a JAVA enabled device is provided. The method includes downloading a test to the JAVA enabled device from a management unit having access to the test. The management unit is connected with a partner device polling the management unit. A message is forwarded from the JAVA enabled device to the partner device through the management unit. The expected content of the message is forwarded from the JAVA enabled device to the partner device, through the management unit. The message is then compared to the expected content. A system and a graphical user interface are also included.
US07925948B2
A system comprises a circuit analysis module configured to analyze a device under test (DUT), the DUT comprising a plurality of latches coupled together in a scan chain. A don't-care analysis module identifies absolute don't-care latches within the DUT, assigns a weighted value to the bit positions of identified don't-care latches, and identifies absolute don't-care bits within a general test pattern. The circuit analysis module replaces identified absolute don't-care bits in the general test pattern according to the weighted value of the associated bit position, generating a weighted test pattern. A test vector module generates a test vector based on the weighted test pattern and an input module applies the test vector to the DUT.
US07925940B2
A computer is programmed to prepare a computer program for simulating operation of an integrated circuit (IC) chip, in order to test scan circuitry therein. The computer is programmed to trace a path through combinational logic in a design of the IC chip, starting from an output port of a first scan cell and ending in an input port of a second scan cell. If the first and second scan cells receive a common scan enable signal, then the computer generates at least a portion of the computer program, i.e. software to perform simulation of propagating a signal through the path conditionally, for example when the common scan enable signal is inactive and alternatively to skip performing simulation when the common scan enable signal is active. The computer stores the portion of the computer program in memory, for use with other such portions of the computer program.
US07925933B2
A multifunctional terminal device includes a sensing unit that senses a malfunction, and a determining unit that determines a type of the malfunction when a malfunction has occurred. A selecting unit selects according to the type of the malfunction a recovery operation and a notification operation. A recovering unit performs the recovery operation, and a notifying unit performs the notification operation to notify occurrence of the malfunction.
US07925932B1
A method and apparatus for detecting an application process failure is described. In one embodiment, a process membership manager is opened with a first process. This action by the first process causes an instance indicia associated with the process membership manager to be assigned a first predefined value. The first process (i.e., parent process) then forks (or creates) a second process (i.e., child process). Once the second process is created, the instance indicia is changed to a second predefined value. In the event the second process fails, the second predefined value will change to reflect the process failure. Consequently, this change of the second predefined value causes a message, which provides notice of the second process failure, to be sent to a process membership manager.
US07925923B1
A virtual machine is migrated from a first physical machine to a second physical machine in response to a failure of an instruction to execute. A migration constraint also is created which limits future migration of the virtual machine by a placement controller to only those physical machines that can execute the failed instruction.
US07925918B2
Provided are a method for operating a disk array, a disk array, and a rebuilding process. The disk array comprises a plurality of data disks and a parity disk. A failed data disk in the disk array is detected and the failed data disk is isolated from the disk array. A rebuild is initiated of the data in the failed data disk to a spare data disk from data in surviving data disks comprising the at least one of the data disks that did not fail and the parity disk in the disk array. An error is detected in one of the surviving data disks. Data is read from the failed data disk. The rebuild of the failed data disk is completed using the surviving data disks, the parity disk, and the data read from the failed data disk.
US07925902B1
A temperature control system and method for a heat sink in an integrated display computer. Temperature sensing and throttling capabilities of ICs are used to prevent a passive heat sink from rising above a maximum temperature. An algorithm for controlling power usage of the ICs limits the maximum heat sink temperature. The maximum temperature is adjustable with an option in the BIOS. The heat sink temperature is controlled by throttling down the ICs when the temperature rises. An ACPI/OSPM passive cooling mechanism for the CPU defines a thermal feedback equation that operates once a thermal trip point is reached. The higher the actual temperature is above the trip point, the faster the CPU throttles down. Likewise, the CPU throttles up as the actual temperature drops below the trip point. The reported CPU temperature is adjusted higher or lower depending on how close the actual temperature is to the specified heat sink operating temperature.
US07925901B2
A method and system for estimating processor utilization from power measurements provides an estimate of processor utilization that can be computed outside of the processor and operating system. Measurements of the processor power consumption are gathered over short intervals in a histogram. The idle power consumption of the processor is determined, and a threshold value higher than the idle power consumption level is computed from the idle power consumption. The number of histogram counts for bins greater than the threshold is normalized to the total number of measurements, providing a fractional value that corresponds to the processor utilization over the measurement interval. The fractional value can then be used in a power management algorithm that adjusts the frequency and optionally the voltage of the processor or group of processors based on their utilization.
US07925892B2
A Modification device (5) is designed to modify an application (A1, A2, A3, A4) run by a data carrier (S), wherein a first key information item (K1) is stored in the data carrier (S) and an associated second key information item (K2) is stored in the modification device.
US07925883B2
A phishing detection server component and method is provided. The component can be employed as part of a system to detect/phishing attacks. The phishing detection server component can receive password reuse event report(s), for example, from a protection component of client component(s).Due to the malicious nature of phishing in general, the phishing detection server component can be susceptible to attacks by phishers (e.g., by reverse engineering of the client component). For example, false report(s) of PREs can be received from phisher(s) in an attempt to overwhelm the server component, induce false positives and/or induce false negatives.Upon receipt of a PRE report, the phishing detection server component can first verify that the timestamp(s) are genuine (e.g., previously generated by the phishing detection server component). The report verification component can employ the timestamp(s) to verify veracity of the report (e.g., to minimize attacks by phishers).
US07925876B2
A computer includes an extensible firmware interface with a storage device enumeration function that performs storage device enumeration operations in parallel.
US07925870B2
An instruction fetch control apparatus includes an instruction completion notifier, and an entry designation unit predicting a return address of a subroutine during an instruction fetching. The entry designation unit computes a designate entry position in a return address stack by, changing the designate entry to indicate a one-step shallower entry when a call instruction is predicted during the instruction fetching, changing the designate entry independently of a push or pop operation to indicate a one-step deeper entry when a return instruction is predicted during an instruction fetching, and changing the designate entry depending upon a push and a pop operation when a call and return instruction is completed, thereby keeping a position of the designate entry. The entry designation unit designates an entry as predicted return address of a subroutine when the fetched instruction hitsin a branch history and determined as a return instruction.
US07925868B2
Within a data processing system including a register renaming mechanism, register renaming for some conditional instructions which are predicted as not-executed is suppressed. The conditional instructions which are subject to such suppression of renaming may not be all conditional instructions, but may be those which are known to consume a particularly large number of physical registers if they are subject to renaming A conditional load multiple instruction in which multiple registers are loaded with new data values taken from memory in response to a single instruction is an example where the present technique may be used, particularly when one of the registers loaded is the program counter and accordingly the instruction is a conditional branch.
US07925866B2
A data processing apparatus and method are provided for handling instructions to be executed by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry has a plurality of processor states, each processor state having a different instruction set associated therewith. Pre-decoding circuitry receives the instructions fetched from the memory and performs a pre-decoding operation to generate corresponding pre-decoded instructions, with those pre-decoded instructions then being stored in a cache for access by the processing circuitry. The pre-decoding circuitry performs the pre-decoding operation assuming a speculative processor state, and the cache is arranged to store an indication of the speculative processor state in association with the pre-decoded instructions. The processing circuitry is then arranged only to execute an instruction in the sequence using the corresponding pre-decoded instruction from the cache if a current processor state of the processing circuitry matches the indication of the speculative processor state stored in the cache for that instruction. This provides a simple and effective mechanism for detecting instructions that have been corrupted by the pre-decoding operation due to an incorrect assumption of processor state.
US07925864B2
A method and apparatus within a processing system is provided for associating shadow register sets with interrupt routines. The invention includes a vector generator that receives interrupts, and generates exception vectors to call interrupt routines that correspond to the interrupts. The exception vector considers the type of interrupt and the priority level of the interrupt when selecting the exception vector. Shadow set mapping logic is coupled to the vector generator. The mapping logic contains a number of fields that correspond to the different exception vectors that may be generated. The fields are programmable by kernel mode instructions, and contain data mapping each field to one of a number of shadow register sets. When an interrupt occurs, the vector generator generates a corresponding exception vector. In addition, the shadow set mapping logic looks at the field corresponding to the exception vector, and retrieves the data stored therein. The data is used to switch to one of the shadow register sets for use by an interrupt routine. Upon return from the interrupt routine, the previously used register set is selected.
US07925861B2
A data processor comprises a plurality of processing elements arranged in a first plurality of single instruction multiple data (SIMD) processing arrays, and comprises a second plurality of controllers for transferring instructions to the processing arrays. Each controller is operable to retrieve a plurality of incoming instruction streams in parallel with one another and operable to supply incoming instruction streams to one of a plurality of processing arrays.
US07925859B2
A three-tiered TLB architecture in a multithreading processor that concurrently executes multiple instruction threads is provided. A macro-TLB caches address translation information for memory pages for all the threads. A micro-TLB caches the translation information for a subset of the memory pages cached in the macro-TLB. A respective nano-TLB for each of the threads caches translation information only for the respective thread. The nano-TLBs also include replacement information to indicate which entries in the nano-TLB/micro-TLB hold recently used translation information for the respective thread. Based on the replacement information, recently used information is copied to the nano-TLB if evicted from the micro-TLB.
US07925835B2
This invention is related to content delivery systems and methods. In one aspect of the invention, a content provider controls a replacement process operating at an edge server. The edge server services content providers and has a data store for storing content associated with respective ones of the content providers. A content provider sets a replacement policy at the edge server that controls the movement of content associated with the content provider, into and out of the data store. In another aspect of the invention, a content delivery system includes a content server storing content files, an edge server having cache memory for storing content files, and a replacement policy module for managing content stored within the cache memory. The replacement policy module can store portions of the content files at the content server within the cache memory, as a function of a replacement policy set by a content owner.
US07925834B2
A method and apparatus for tracking temporal use associated with cache evictions to reduce allocations in a victim cache is disclosed. Access data for a number of sets of instructions in an instruction cache is tracked at least until the data for one or more of the sets reach a predetermined threshold condition. Determinations whether to allocate entry storage in the victim cache may be made responsive in part to the access data for sets reaching the predetermined threshold condition. A micro-operation can be inserted into the execution pipeline in part to synchronize the access data for all the sets. Upon retirement of the micro-operation from the execution pipeline, access data for the sets can be synchronized and/or any previously allocated entry storage in the victim cache can be invalidated.
US07925832B2
A host computer HA1 or the like is provided with a target program 3 that receives the provision of logical volumes 212, a volume interface program 12A that provides an interface for the logical volumes 212 to the target program 3, and a volume filter program 12B that selects one logical volume from the copying source volume 212A and copying destination volume 212B, and provides the selected logical volume to the target program 3 via the volume interface program 12A.
US07925831B2
A journal write unit writes journal data into a third storage device. The journal data includes an identifier of a logical volume in a first storage device into which data has been written, information of a location in which the data is stored in the logical volume, update time which is current time acquired from a timing mechanism, and the data. A second write unit refers to update time of the journal data stored in the third storage device, selects journal data for which a difference between current time acquired from the timing mechanism and the update time is longer than a detection time stored in the third storage device, and writes the data into a place indicated by the location information, in a logical volume in the second storage device in the order of update time in the selected journal data.
US07925829B1
Handling I/O operations for a storage array includes distributing metadata among separate memories of a plurality of directors of the storage array, where the metadata correlates logical device data with physical device data. A first one of the directors receives an I/O operation for a particular logical device. Handling I/O operations may also include determining which of the plurality of directors contains metadata corresponding to the particular logical device, and, in response to the metadata being on a different one of the directors, the first director providing a request to the different one of the directors. The directors may be interconnected by an interconnect fabric. The first one of the directors may provide a request to the second one of the directors via the interconnect fabric. Determining which of the plurality of directors contains metadata correspond to the particular logical device may include using a lookup table.
US07925827B2
A method for storing a block in a file system includes attempting to store the block at a location on a disk, where the block is associated with a birth time and is selected from a group consisting of a data block and an indirect block, and updating a dirty time log (DTL) with the birth time if the block is not stored successfully on the disk.
US07925820B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and a program method are provided in an embodiment. Data is scanned to search data bits to be selectively programmed. The searched data bits are simultaneously programmed according to a predetermined number. Since data scanning and programming are conducted using a pipeline processing, an average time required for programming data is effectively shortened.
US07925817B2
A computer system includes I/O devices coupled to PCI switches coupled via interfaces of a plurality of servers, and a management block for managing configurations of the PCI switches. The management block is configured to: set, to the PCI switch, a first access path including a virtual bridge coupling the interface of an active server and a virtual switch, and a virtual bridge coupling the I/O device and the virtual switch; set, to the PCI switch, a second access path including a virtual bridge coupling the interface of standby server of the plurality of servers and a virtual switch, and a virtual bridge coupling the I/O device used by the active server and the virtual switch; disable mapping of the second access path between the I/O device and the virtual bridge; and instruct the standby server to make access to the I/O device.
US07925805B2
In one embodiment, a method of managing critical resource usage in a storage network comprises receiving, in a storage controller, an input/output operation from a host, wherein the input/output operation identifies a storage unit, placing the input/output operation in a waiting queue, determining a maximum queue depth for at least one critical resource in the storage network required to execute the input/output command against the storage unit, and blocking one or more subsequent input/output commands from the host for the storage unit when the wait queue for the critical resource exceeds the maximum queue depth.
US07925804B2
A FIFO device includes: a FIFO buffer that holds a transfer request transferred from a bus and including a write address, a data size, and write data, and outputs the transfer request to a bus; and a transfer request generation unit that receives, from the bus, a first transfer request and a second transfer request subsequent to the first transfer request, to determine whether the second transfer request can be combined with the first transfer request based on a write address and a data size of the first transfer request and a write address and a data size of the second transfer request, and when determining that the transfer requests can be combined together, holds a combined transfer request obtained by combining the first transfer request and the second transfer request together, to store the combined transfer request in the FIFO buffer.
US07925801B2
A method and system for protection and security of IO devices using credential are provided. The system may include at least one consumer arranged to initiate IO requests from the IO device, and the IO requests may include IO capability allocation and additional parameters. The system may also include an IO resource manager (IORM) arranged to translate the IO capability allocation and additional parameters included in said IO request to a set of capability tokens for the consumer or for a group of consumers, to generate a global key to protect the capability tokens, and further arranged to manage the IO device. The system may further include a channel component arranged to transfer and receive the IO request to and from the IO device.
US07925798B2
A device for data packet processing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a processor implemented on a chip, an on-chip internal segment memory accessible by the processor, an off-chip external segment memory and a data transfer channel between the internal segment memory and the external segment memory. The external segment memory comprises first and second memory segments wherein the first and second memory segments are different in size.
US07925797B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to collect a plurality of User Interface (UI) device configurations, receive a request from a computing device to download one or more of the plurality of UI device configurations, and transmit to the computing device the one or more UI device configurations requested to configure one or more UI devices of the computing device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US07925795B2
Certain aspects of a method and system for configuring a plurality of network interfaces that share a physical interface (PHY) may include a system comprising one or more physical network interface controllers (NICs) and two or more virtual NICs. One or more drivers associated with each of the virtual NICs that share one or more Ethernet ports associated with the physical NICs may be synchronized based on controlling one or more parameters associated with one or more Ethernet ports. One or more wake on LAN (WoL) patterns associated with each of the drivers may be detected at one or more Ethernet ports. A wake up signal may be communicated to one or more drivers associated with the detected WoL patterns. One of the drivers may be appointed to be a port master driver. If a failure of the appointed port master driver is detected, another driver may be appointed to be the port master driver.
US07925789B2
A switch may be used to force the expiration of a cookie on a user's system by inserting an expiration field into the cookie contained in a network response packet. Additionally, a mechanism is provided to delete or damage a cookie contained in a network request packet, so that server software is not disrupted by the receipt of a cookie. Deleting a cookie results in a cleaner request, but damaging a cookie may be more efficient in certain circumstances. By providing these features, an efficient cookie switching design is provided.
US07925773B2
Systems and methods for storing streaming data are provided. A system is disclosed that includes a computer program which, when executed on a computing device, is configured to store a data stream in memory of the computing device in a virtual file format. The virtual file format may include a timeline of events. The events in the timeline may include a plurality of spanning events. Each spanning event may contain respective state information representing a state of the data stream across an interval in the timeline, and may be linked to at least one other spanning event.
US07925772B2
A communication apparatus such as a digital video camcoder acquires an IP address from a DHCP server on a UPnP network. During the communication apparatus is transmitting an image stream, which is a sensed image, to the DTV, the communication apparatus issues an IP address update request to the DHCP server. In this case, when the DHCP server leaves the UPnP network, the communication apparatus keeps transmitting the stream while holding an already set IP address. Upon completely transmitting the series of the stream, the communication apparatus generates its own IP address using an AutoIP function.
US07925771B1
A streaming media presentation transmission error recovery system and network. In one embodiment, in the event of a connection failure to a selected server, an alternative “mirrored” server is selected to resume the transmission of a selected streaming media presentation. One embodiment of the present invention provides for transparent switching from an interrupted media data stream to a stream from a newly-created network connection by providing an overlap between media that has been received and the data that is received via the new connection.
US07925767B2
Access control to a networked peripheral device by a walk-up user, wherein the networked peripheral device is accessible by both the walk-up user and a remote user, based on centralized access management information. Access control comprises receiving authenticated information for the walk-up user from the networked peripheral device at a centralized location, determining at the networked peripheral device a level of access to the networked peripheral device by the walk-up user based on received access management information for the walk-up user, and allowing the walk-up user to access the determined user-available features of the networked peripheral device based on the determined level of access.
US07925764B2
Disclosed are a method, computer program product and apparatus for integrating resource and coordinator components in a heterogeneous computer system. The technique disclosed involves the introduction of a negotiation phase into the resource enlistment or registration process wherein the resource component and coordinator component request and respond with indicators showing the quality of service that each supports, thus jointly establishing at runtime a quality of service to be supported for the resource and coordinator pairing. The qualities of service may include commit phase support and recovery support.
US07925763B2
Disclosed is a method and device for keeping persistency while switching between modalities, which include: (1) searching out the last operation state of the application service accessed by the user from the user history, in response to a request for accessing an application service from a user; (2) connecting to the application service and continuing to execute the application service from the last operation state; (3) updating the last operation state in the user history based on the execution result of the application service. A user could flexibly selects different favorable terminal to continue with unfinished application service by adopting the invention.
US07925762B1
The invention relates to a communication method and system wherein a network element of a roaming user is attachable to a visited first network and be served by a serving means of the home network. When the network element of the roaming user is registering or initiating a connection to a called network element of the visited network, a network element of the visited network, such as proxy means, either adds information on the called network element or on a service element of the visited network when sending a message to the home network. The message is preferably sent as a protocol message, in particular a message of the Session Initiation Protocol.
US07925755B2
Techniques are provided for allocating resources. Performance metrics for a transaction are received. It is determined whether one or more service level objectives are being violated based on the received performance metrics. In response to determining that the one or more service level objectives are being violated, additional resources are allocated to the transaction. In response to allocating the additional resources, a resource allocation event is published.
US07925753B2
In a normal operation state, a connection management section writes data transmitted from a first processing section to a data temporary storage section and reads data to be received by a second processing section from the data temporary storage section. Upon receiving control signals which instruct a change of the subject of processing, the first processing section and the second processing section output a transmitting-end clear request and a receiving-end clear request, respectively. The connection management section reads data from the empty data storage section after a transmitting-end clear request is received and until a receiving-end clear request is received, and writes data to the empty data storage section after a receiving-end clear request is received and until a transmitting-end clear request is received.
US07925743B2
A system and a method of identifying information characterizing use of a website is provided. A plurality of user profiles are analyzed. A user profile includes information associated with an interaction by a user with the website. A plurality of user comments associated with the website are analyzed. Characteristic information associated with use of the website is determined based on the analyzed user profiles and the analyzed user comments. The determined characteristic information is presented to a user.
US07925742B2
Systems, products, and methods are disclosed for facilitating the correlation of performance data associated with multiple computing devices. An illustrative method includes referencing a time as indicated by a computer and referencing a start time indication that identifies a time to begin monitoring computer performance. Thereafter, the time indicated by the computer and the start time indication are utilized to determine an initial monitoring delay. Upon determining an initial monitoring delay, an initial monitoring of the computer performance is delayed until the initial monitoring delay has lapsed. In one embodiment, computer performance data collected upon the lapse of the initial monitoring delay can be correlated with performance data associated with other computing devices.
US07925741B2
A method comprises sniffing an input from a client device to a host device and an output from the host device to the client device; recording a first time parameter in response to a characteristic data unit being inserted into the input that is outputted from a host stack of a host device; recording a second time parameter in response to the output that comprises the characteristic data unit being received by the host stack; and measuring a latency based on the first time parameter, the second time parameter and arrival time of the input and the output at a sniffing point.
US07925728B2
A series of state transitions is indicative of performance of hardware service actions. A transition from, for instance, a disconnected state to a connected state for a hardware component is indicative of performance of a service action for the hardware component. Detection of this transition is automatic.
US07925724B2
A system and method includes providing a chassis comprising multiple slots, with each slot having a unique slot number assigned thereto. Multiple servers, each having at least one globally unique identifier associated therewith, are provided to plug into one or more of the slots. At least one storage device is provided having one or more storage volumes. To map volumes to specific servers, a volume may be assigned to a slot by identifying a slot number associated with the slot. This slot may then be mapped to a globally unique identifier associated with a server plugged into the slot. In selected embodiments, the globally unique identifier includes a WWNN, a WWPN, or other unique identifier.
US07925720B2
A method used for monitoring a remote machine by a local computer via a computer network. The remote machine is installed with web server programs and has parameter settings reconfigured by updating an Electronic Data Sheet. The method comprises initiating a browser at the local computer and establishing the computer network link to the remote machine via the computer network; downloading a JAVA applet from the remote machine to the local computer; and accessing an Electronic Data Sheet corresponding to the remote machine with the JAVA applet stored in the local computer and displaying the content of the Electronic Data Sheet at the local computer.
US07925707B2
Handling a message comprises: classifying an incoming message for a recipient, storing the classified message and providing a notification to the recipient, wherein the notification includes summary information about the classified message and an interface that allows the recipient to operate on the classified message.
US07925703B2
The present invention discloses a computer system within a computer network having multiple computers connected together using telecommunications mechanisms for graphically interacting within immersive online communities. A user selects a set of desired characteristics associated with a personality for creation of a first intelligent virtual object. The first intelligent virtual object interacts with other intelligent virtual objects within the immersive online community utilizing predetermined interface tools such that said other intelligent virtual objects receive real-time responses to stimuli initiated by said other intelligent virtual objects. The first intelligent virtual object interactively passes user generated content between said other intelligent virtual objects and said user under administrative controls.
US07925696B2
Systems and methods for providing an efficient partitioned resource server. In one embodiment, the partitioned resource server comprises a plurality of individual servers, and the individual servers appear to be equivalent to a client. Each of the individual servers may include a routing table that includes a reference for each resource that is maintained on the partitioned resource server. Requests from a client are processed as a function of the routing table to route the request to the individual server that maintains or has control over the resource of interest.
US07925692B2
A simulated internet is connected to a corporate network to more easily and effectively facilitate testing the impact of internet security devices and settings on internet software. The simulated internet has communications pathways between two firewall devices, a web proxy and a publishing firewall, that also protect the corporate network. A test web server on the corporate network is published to the simulated internet by the publishing firewall through reverse proxy as a unique internet name that only exists on the simulated internet One or more test client machines on the corporate network are configured to use the forward proxy firewall of the corporate web proxy to access the unique internet name. With this configuration all the pieces are in place for what the Internet does, except the simulated internet is a private internet under the control of the software tester.
US07925690B2
A circuit for a telephone, having a data store for storing user data including telephone numbers and associated data, and sorting means (46) for sorting the user data for display. The sorting means sorts the user data according to frequency of use (e.g. frequency of calls received and frequency of connections requested) of the telephone numbers.
US07925689B2
Apparatus and a method for communicating media over a network including encoding the media into a server database at a server, downloading from the server database to a client database generally only those portions of the media which are necessary to satisfy user requests and in response to a user request for a given item of media, determining whether the media is present in the client database, and if not, automatically downloading those portions of the media which are necessary to supply the user with the given item of media from the server database. An image server is provided including at least one processor operative to supply portions of image data to clients in response to multiple requests therefrom, and thread management software operating the at least one processor by causing it to process the requests using at least one of a plurality of threads, the thread management software being characterized in that it initiates a new thread when an existing thread has exceeded a predetermined metric of busyness.
US07925688B2
The present invention relates to a method for selecting an Application Server in an Internet Protocol multimedia network upon reception of an Internet Protocol Multimedia call destined to a called party terminal. This method at first comprises the step of a call session control network element intercepting the incoming IP multimedia call. Subsequently, the call session control Network element upon intercepting of the incoming IP multimedia call activates a dedicated primary application server. The primary application server, upon analysis of the incoming IP multimedia call presents the incoming IP multimedia call to the called party terminal together with a set of service applications for answering said incoming call. This set of service applications is determined in the analysis. The call session control Network element receives a selection of at least one service application from the set of service applications forwarded by said called party terminal.
US07925683B2
The systems and methods partition digital data units in a content aware fashion without relying on any ancestry information, which enables one to find duplicate chunks in unrelated units of digital data even across millions of documents spread across thousands of computer systems.
US07925678B2
Event data (e.g., log messages) are represented as sets of attribute/value pairs. An index maps each attribute/value pair or attribute/value tuple to a pointer that points to event data which contains the attribute/value pair or attribute/value tuple. An attribute co-occurrence map or matrix can be generated that includes attribute names that co-occur together. Queries and custom reports can be generated by projecting event data into one or more attributes or attribute/value pairs, and then determining statistics on other attributes using a combination of the inverted index, the attribute co-occurrence map or matrix, operations on sets and/or math and statistical functions.
US07925675B2
A software reference tool and method enables users to easily understand XML and other file types, including proprietary file types, and that provides the user the capability to map from one file type to another by using system templates that correspond to each file type. The data mapped from one file type to another has been pre-programmed or selected by the user to include only the data elements that are key to the transaction involved.
US07925667B2
A method, a data format, an encoding device, a decoding device and a system for encoding, for decoding and/or for transmitting location information, the location information including both locating information and description information, a data packet separately containing locating information and description information, and the data packet containing assignment information for assigning at least a part of the locating information to at least a part of the description information.
US07925663B2
A method of providing an electronic filing system which is searchable using a handwritten search query, the method including the steps of: obtaining the handwritten search query using an input device; performing a search of at least one database based on a comparison between the handwritten search query and handwritten annotations made on interactive pages stored in the at least one database; and, providing the results of the search to a user and facilitating access to at least one interactive page identified in the results of the search. An apparatus is also disclosed. Preferably, the interactive page is provided to the user in the form of printed paper, and the handwritten annotations are user handwriting, symbols, drawings, indicia or the like.
US07925658B2
Methods and apparatus for generating a report from hierarchically formatted data are disclosed. First, a data source including one or more files having a hierarchical file format is identified, where each of the files includes one or more data elements. A relational database model is obtained, where the relational database model includes one or more virtual tables, each of the virtual tables including one or more virtual columns. The relational database model is then mapped to the hierarchical file format. A query may be obtained using the virtual relational database. Data is then obtained from the virtual relational database corresponding to the query, thereby enabling a report including the data to be generated.
US07925650B2
Image management methods, image management systems, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one embodiment, an image management method includes storing a plurality of images using storage circuitry, storing a plurality of representations for respective ones of the images, and the representations comprise data corresponding to a plurality of human comprehensible words of a human readable lexicon and descriptive of respective characteristics of content of the images, associating respective ones of the representations with respective ones of the respective one of the images, accessing search criteria, comparing the search criteria with the representations, identifying a selected one of the images responsive to the comparing, and accessing the selected one of the images from the storage circuitry responsive to the identifying.
US07925647B2
In one embodiment, a database server registers one or more functions included in a user-defined index that includes one or more auxiliary properties. The database server receives a query that specifies one or more parameters. A query optimizer generates a plurality of execution plans for evaluating the query. The query optimizer estimates a plurality of total costs respectively associated with the plurality of execution plans, where estimating a particular total cost associated with a particular execution plan comprises: invoking the one or more functions with one or more function arguments based on the one or more parameters; receiving one or more index costs that are associated with using the one or more auxiliary properties of the user-defined index to evaluate the query; and determining the particular total cost based on the one or more index costs. From the plurality of execution plans, the query optimizer selects an optimal execution plan that is associated with an optimal total cost of the plurality of total costs.
US07925642B2
A query processor includes a HAVING clause processing mechanism that processes the HAVING clause in a query when generating the intermediate results, instead of generating the intermediate results without regard to the HAVING clause, then applying the HAVING clause to the intermediate results. As a result, the size of the intermediate results may be significantly reduced, and effort is not wasted in placing data into the intermediate results in one step that would be removed were the HAVING clause processed separately.
US07925638B2
A method, system and computer program for quality management of a plurality of documents associated with a data-processing operation of an organization is provided. The documents include several fields, the organization has employees, and the method comprises determination of error rates. Errors are reduced in the plurality of documents by focusing on critical fields. The occurrence of errors is predicted by determining a correlation between the errors and a set of attributes, which is updated. Reducing and predicting errors control the error rate. A method for measuring the quality of a plurality of documents is also provided. The measurement is based on the relative operational impact of the errors and the frequency of errors associated with each field.
US07925637B2
The present invention provides a system and method for automatically refining ontology within a specific context. The system comprises: a rich context extractor for discovering a semantics relationship conflict existing between an original ontology schema and application data; and an ontology schema and mapping refiner for refining the original ontology schema based on the semantics relationship conflict discovered by the rich context extractor, and creating a new mapping between the refined ontology schema and a data schema of the application data. According to the invention, users can save a lot of work of manual refinement, since the ontology schema is automatically refined based on contexts in the application data.
US07925634B2
A data recovery method and system for a mobile device which is capable of selectively recovering data deleted by a user is provided. The data recovery method of the present invention includes assigning a portion of a memory as a data recovery region, creating recovery lists, each comprising a recovery time and recovery volume, storing data deleted from the memory into the data recovery region on the basis of the recovery lists, displaying the data recovery lists when a data recovery is requested, and recovering the deleted data from the data recovery region when the a data to be recovered is selected from the recovery lists. The data recovery method of the present invention makes it possible to recover the data deleted intentionally or accidentally in the mobile device.
US07925633B2
To reduce operational and management costs during normal operations while recovering a database without loss and maintaining on-line performance on a site. A first system includes a primary storage system (103) that stores a DB (107) and a main computer (100) that executes a primary DBMS (101), which provides a DB. A second system includes a secondary (113) that receives from the primary storage system (103) a copy of a log, which shows update differences of the DB (107), and stores a secondary DBMS (117), and a subset (500) that recovers the secondary DB (117) according to the log that is copied from the primary storage system (103). When a failure occurs in the first system, the first system is switched to the second system. A second computer (110) that executes a second DBMS (111) is added to the second system, and the secondary DB (117) that is recovered or is being recovered in the subset (500) is taken over to the second computer (110).
US07925630B1
A method for inserting a validated time-image on a primary CDP subsystem in a continuous data protection and replication (CDP/R) subsystem. In one embodiment, the method includes processing data of RI1 at a secondary system in accordance with a recovery process, wherein RI1 is a first image of a replication of a data object. First data is generated in response to processing the data of RI1 in accordance with the recovery process, wherein the first data relates to processing the data of RI1 in accordance with the recovery process. Once the first data is generated, a copy of the first data is transmitted to a primary system that stores the data object.
US07925628B2
A system for onsite backup of internet-based data is provided. The system includes a central computer, a client computer, a communications link between the central computer and the Internet, and a communications link between the client computer and the Internet. The system also includes at least one database containing a plurality of data records accessible by the central computer, each data record containing a client identification number. Software executing on the central computer receives a data backup request, and software executing on the central computer transmits the data backup to the client computer.
US07925624B2
An embodiment relates to a computer-implemented data processing system and method for storing a data set at a plurality of data centers. The data centers and hosts within the data centers may, for example, be organized according to a multi-tiered ring arrangement. A hashing arrangement may be used to implement the ring arrangement to select the data centers and hosts where the writing and reading of the data sets occurs. Version histories may also be written and read at the hosts and may be used to evaluate causal relationships between the data sets after the reading occurs.
US07925622B2
A computer database system has one or more application buffers to use in performing input/output (I/O) operations. A file system receives contents of the application buffers. Contents of the file system are written into a nonvolatile memory. A backup command directed at the file system is received. A data contents of the one or more application buffers is moved to the file system in response to receiving the backup command, and the data contents are written to the nonvolatile memory. An operating system blocks I/O operations directed to the file system after the data contents of the one or more application buffers are moved to the file system. A snapshot of the nonvolatile memory is generated while the I/O operations directed to the file system are blocked.
US07925619B2
Method, system and article of manufacture for scheduling queries. In particular, the scheduling options made available to a user for a particular unit of work are determined dynamically at the time of scheduling. In this way, the execution cost, for example, of a particular unit of work can be taken into account when determining which scheduling options to make available. In addition, or alternatively, system availability and/or user parameters may be accounted for when determining which scheduling options to make available.
US07925617B2
Data is maintained indicating which conditions match which data items (e.g., rows) of a data set (e.g., table(s) in a database). When a query is later received, the maintained data is quickly examined to determine the matching data items, thereby enhancing the throughput performance in processing queries directed to the data set.
US07925612B2
An enhanced method for displaying assessment and analysis of risks of adverse effects resulting from use of at least one substance of interest, comprising: identifying the at least one substance of interest; selecting a profile related to the safety of the at least one substance of interest, using at least one filter; analyzing the risks of adverse effects resulting from the use of the at least one substance of interest using at least one data mining engine; and displaying the results of the analysis of risks of adverse effects in a format that permits perception of correlations. Such a format is preferably at least one format selected from the group consisting of a radar display for display of correlations, a sortable table, and a sortable line listing and where the format contains elements linked to data regarding the adverse effects.
US07925610B2
Systems and methods that determine a meaning of a knowledge item using related information are described. In one aspect, a knowledge item is received, related information associated with the knowledge item is received, at least one related meaning based on the related information is determined, and a knowledge item meaning for the knowledge item based at least in part on the related meaning is determined. Several algorithms and types of related information useful in carrying out such systems and methods are described.
US07925608B2
A method of fault diagnostics in a case based reasoning system, wherein said case based reasoning system comprises a plurality of cases, each case having an associated solution and a case weight, said method comprising the steps of: receiving data associated with a fault; determining a case match indicative of the degree of matching between the received data and each of the plurality of cases; providing a solution associated with one of the plurality of cases in dependence on its case match and case weight; receiving an actual solution to the fault; increasing the case weight of the case associated with the provided solution if the actual solution is equal to the provided solution; and adding a new case to the plurality of cases if the actual solution is not equal to the provided solution, wherein the actual solution is associated with the new case.
US07925603B1
The invention is a software-based method for displaying, analyzing, simulating and optimizing patient flow in a health care facility, including computer hardware for storage of data, as well as software for retrieving data and for creating mathematical models to represent patient treatment and transit within a healthcare facility.
US07925589B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for authorizing access to one or more financial accounts. In some cases, the methods include providing an authorization document that incorporates a passcode. A request to authorize access to an account is received from an owner of the account. As part of the request, the passcode is provided. Based at least in part on the passcode, access to the account is authorized. In other cases, authorization can be provided via a representative of the account owner.
US07925585B2
A financial account issuer facilitating transactions between accounts is disclosed. The invention provides sellers with an irrevocable method of receiving funds from a purchaser and for improving purchaser willingness to transact with an unknown party. The invention also includes the options of interest payments, the use of different account issuers, different financial accounts, budget transfers, spend compartmentalization, cost-splitting, adjusting credit limits, loans, gifting, intermediary facilitating the transaction, transaction tracking, rapid funds availability, confidential transfer of funds, immediate initiation of shipment by a seller, releasing funds to a seller only after approval of the goods, services, or other value, demonstrating proof of payment, and recourse against a remote seller.
US07925571B2
A system and method are described that allow TV viewers to play a game wherein a bidder submitting a lowest unique bid wins an auction article or its cash equivalent.
US07925568B2
A comprehensive, web-enabled computer system and method is provided for producing analytical data related a project bid management system. Transactional data related to the bid and project are entered into the computer system through an on-line bid, project requisition and payment process. Using the transactional data stored within the system, virtually any type of analytical data related to single or multiple projects performed by one or more vendors for one or more buyers can be generated.
US07925567B2
The present invention creates a secondary market in private equities by auctioning venture-backed private equities over the Internet to qualified investors. Typical sources for the private equities will be interests in limited partnerships and pre-IPO or pulled-IPO securities. The operator of the system may sometimes take a position in certain private equities so as to have “inventory” to later sell on the system. In a typical buyer-driven transaction using the present invention, a qualified buyer puts out a bid for private assets in a particular area. Sellers who subscribe to the system receive notice of the bid and can then respond. In a typical seller-driven transaction using the present invention, a seller puts out a notice on the system of equities for sale. Buyers who subscribe to the system receive notice and can respond. Either the buyer or the seller may be charged by the system, depending on the transaction.
US07925559B2
A computer system includes a data storage module. The data storage module receives, stores, and provides access to data related to long term disability claims. A proactive referral model component is coupled to the data storage module, and determines whether to refer a current claim to an investigation unit. The proactive referral model is based on at least two of the following variables: (a) a variable that indicates that the claimant's diagnosis has changed; (b) a variable that indicates that the current claim in question was brought under any-occupation coverage; (c) a variable that reflects a market segment for a policy under which the current claim in question was brought; (d) a variable that has a value based on a state in which the claimant resides; and (e) a variable that represents an amount of experience of a claims handler who handled the current claim in question.
US07925558B2
A system and method commoditize browsing time in a self-service store for a communication carrier. The method comprises communicating with a user, enabling the user to browse the store, tracking the amount of time the user spends browsing the store, calculating a charge, if any, for the amount of time the user spent browsing the store, and, if a charge is incurred, charging the user's account for such charge. In one embodiment, the self-service store is a voice store in which a user calls into the store. However, the invention is not limited to voice stores, and the invention could apply to stores accessed via text messaging, the web, etc. Communication with a user can be initiated by the user or by the self-service system.
US07925548B2
A client portal that is optimized to fulfill a specific function. The portal can include a browser that is dedicated to performing a particular task, such as reviewing and purchasing electronic books. For example, to better perform the specific function, the browser may only be able to directly access sites designated by an authorized party, e.g., the browser's publisher. Because the browser is dedicated to performing a single task, the user interface for operating the dedicated browser may be simplified to include only those controls useful for performing the assigned task. Also, the content available for access by the client portal can be controlled by a single authorized party, such as the portal's publisher or distributor.
US07925547B2
A method of configuring a personalized geographical area for a user. An electronic system for providing a geographical-based service (e.g., a business directory, mapping, consumer opinions) obtains information regarding locations that can be associated with the user. Such locations may include his home address, the zip code in which he works, a business district he provides or reviews consumer opinions for, an address of an establishment for which he requests a map, etc. Using the various locations associated with the user, a personalized geographical area is configured for the user, to act as his default area when reviewing consumer opinions, requesting business locations and/or other purposes. His personalized area may change over time as the system obtains newer information regarding his activities. The personalized area may be of any size and shape, particularly non-circular, as it may be derived based on travel distances over terrain (i.e., instead of straight-line distance).
US07925542B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for connecting wish lists to users, thus making wish lists accessible to such user attributes as buddy lists, or the equivalent. The invention attaches a wish list to an instant messaging name and therefore makes it available to all persons on the user's buddy list. In a further embodiment of the invention, the wish list is attached to an account, such as a wallet. As a result, various conveniences are provided. For example, a member of the user's buddy list can give a gift to the user from the wish list; a group can contribute incrementally to the giving of a gift to the user; an individual can add incremental amounts to his or her wish list to pay for an item on time (as a type of layaway); and relatives and friends can give gifts that they know will be appreciated because the gifts are on the user's wish list.
US07925539B1
A system and method for screening purchases and sorting the types of products sought to be purchased over a computer network, such as the Internet, is disclosed. The invention includes providing a user interface for a customer to access an automated seller facility, the facility having two types of product categories, unrestricted and restricted. Access to the facility takes place over a global computer network, with the user interface configured to allow the customer to enter customer data for the purpose of purchasing products from the automated seller facility. The invention next includes receiving the customer data, comprising an account number and a product order from the customer, and specifying a desired product to be purchased over the computer network. The invention further includes determining whether the product desired by the customer falls within the restricted product category, and if it does, the system provides for checking whether the customer is in fact an authorized buyer of such a restricted product. A customer authorization code is only issued if the customer is an authorized buyer of restricted products or if the desired product falls within the unrestricted product category. The authorization code therefore indicates that both the customer and the product order have been accepted to purchase the desired product. Conversely, if the customer and product order have not been accepted, the product order is rejected.
US07925538B2
A transaction card system includes a transaction card with a display tag for displaying short term information, the character display having optical states that are stable without power and viewable from one side of the display tag and an array of electrical contacts for electrically addressing the character display from the other side of the tag, a contact window through which the contacts are accessible, machine readable data on the card, and a long term information printed on the transaction card; a transaction card writer having a reader for reading the machine readable data and having means for updating the short term information displayed on the transaction card; and a central computer connected to the transaction card writer having a data base and a central processor for receiving the information read by the magnetic card reader and generating display commands for the transaction card writer.
US07925531B1
A method of providing goods and services to individuals or entities via media entails assigning at least one good or service to a medium and assigning a unique identifier to the medium. Recording information in a database relative to the medium and linking the one or more goods or services assigned to the medium with the identifier of the medium. Thereafter, the medium is distributed to an individual or entity and the individual or entity presents the medium to a provider of goods or services assigned to the medium. Upon presentment the provider delivers one or more of the assigned goods to the individual or entity making presentment. At an appropriate point in the process, a communication is directed to the database recording the results of the transaction between the provider and the individual or entity presenting the medium.
US07925522B2
Delivery of health information to a patient suffering from a chronic condition is personalized by displaying the health information directly on a customized image of a body. The patient's medical record, standards of care for the condition, prescribed treatments, and patient input are applied to a generalized health model of a disease to generate a personalized health model of the patient. The personalized health model comprises an HTML file encoding an image map of a body. The body image illustrates the health condition of the individual patient. Preferably, data is collected from health provider sources and stored in a database on a server at a service provider site. The data is processed at the server, and is displayed in the patient's home using a TV connected to a multimedia processor. The multimedia processor connects the television set to a communications network such as the Internet. Applications include preventive care of chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma.
US07925507B2
Embodiments of a name recognition process for use in dialog systems are described. In one embodiment, the name recognition process assigns weighting values to names used in a dialog based on the usage of these names. This process takes advantage of the general tendency of people to speak names, either full or partial, only after they have heard or read these names. Name input is taken in several different forms, including a static background database that contains all possible names, a background database that contains commonly used names (such as common trademarks or references), a database that contains names from a user model, and a dynamic database that constantly takes the names just mentioned. The names are then appended with proper weighting values. A high weight is given to names that have been mentioned recently, a lower weight is given to common names, and a lowest weight is given to names for the ones that have never been used or mentioned.
US07925488B2
A mechanism for providing equation-level diagnostic error messages for system models undergoing circuit simulations is discussed. The components in a model of a system being simulated are converted into multiple numerical equations where each equation corresponds to a component in the system being simulated or a topology equation for the system model. Each numerical equation is numerically analyzed in order to identify illegal configurations in the system. Upon detection of an error, an error message listing the components associated with the illegal configuration is generated for the user.
US07925483B2
A method for displaying a formation model while drilling a wellbore in the formation includes operating a well logging instrument at a measurement point in the formation along a wellbore while the wellbore is being drilled. Measurement data regarding the formation are obtained from the well logging instrument. An actual orientation of a geological structure is determined from the measurement data. A trajectory of the wellbore is displayed in three dimensions as it is being drilled through the formation. While drilling the wellbore, the geological structure is displayed along the trajectory of the wellbore according to the determined actual orientation of the geological structure. The actual orientation reflects an azimuth angle of planes corresponding to the geological structure. The trajectory of the wellbore is changed in response to displaying the determined actual orientation of the geological structure relative to the trajectory.
US07925475B2
A computer-performed method of designing a structure. User-selected design parameters are input to a parametric model of the structure. Boundary conditions and load conditions are applied to the model to determine a response of the structure to the conditions. Based on the load conditions, an analysis method is selected. The modeled response is analyzed using the selected analysis method to obtain power spectral density (PSD) values for the model. The PSD values are averaged over a user-selected frequency range to evaluate the design parameters for acoustic transmission loss. This method provides a high degree of flexibility in formulating structural design analyses.
US07925473B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code to collect information for a system or processor having a transition between an idle state and a non-idle state to form collected system or processor information. The collected system or processor information is provided for analysis by an application. Idle counts occurring during execution of code are collected. The idle counts are provided to an application for analyzing why a processor becomes idle.
US07925464B1
A multi-function, intelligent, distributed analysis test tool (MFDAT) suitable for performing maintenance on complex, sophisticated electronic systems. MFDAT replaces ordinary test instruments such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, frequency counters and digital multimeters with modular virtual test instruments that perform the identical functions but use a single display and human interface. Setup information stored internally allows automatic selection and set up the instruments for a particular test. MFDAT provides a “virtual” system to the technician whereby when a second system under test is unavailable, a previous good reading stored by MFDAT is available for comparison. MFDAT provides three operating modes that allow the operator to develop, modify, or refine test procedures, use the embedded test instruments as they would use standard instruments, or to step through predefined test procedures. A go/no-go portion of MFDAT prevents a technician from proceeding past an unacceptable measurement.
US07925458B2
A method and apparatus are provided for detecting the occurrence of arcing of a conductor by monitoring the current on an AC power line.
US07925455B2
A method for determining the health of a structural element. The method includes providing a plurality of transducer elements arranged and disposed to permit measurement of vibration generated by at least one of the transducer elements at one or more of the other transducers elements. Vibration is induced with at least one transducer element. Vibration is measured at least one other transducer element, where the measured vibration corresponding to a vibratory path. At least one damage index value is calculated for each vibratory path in response to the measured vibration. At least one damage image is generated in response to the damage index value. The damage image assigns damage index values to each vibratory path. A damage location is determined from the damage image.
US07925430B2
Techniques are provided for presenting a route using a route presentation that provides both a context map and one or more detail route maps. Narrative instructions for the route also may be presented. The presentation of the context map and the one or more detail route maps may be interactive. The route presentation also may be user controllable such that a user may control the portions of a route that are printed. The route presentation also may include a re-routing feature that allows a user to request that a new route be identified that avoids a particular maneuver or maneuvers in a route.
US07925409B2
A trailer electronic braking system is provided for a road train having a tractor and a plurality of trailers. The braking system includes a braking ECU on each trailer and a communication interface being provided so that the braking ECU on a first trailer and the braking ECU on a second trailer are able to communicate with one another. In use, the respective braking ECU on the first and second trailer receive an input from a respective sensor on the first and second trailer adapted to detect lateral acceleration and/or wheel speed. In the event that one of the sensors detects lateral acceleration and/or a wheel speed indicative of a loss of stability, the sensor generates a signal for actuating stability control, which signal is passed via the communication interface to the braking ECU on the other trailer, so that the other trailer can actuate stability control.
US07925401B2
A versatile automobile pneumatic suspension control unit and vehicle anti theft device. The microprocessor based unit allows precise calibration and operation of all manufacturer's air suspension bags and incorporates a system for deflation of all vehicle air bags so as to place the vehicle body directly onto the vehicle chassis and tires so as to disable operation of the vehicle. The unit has programmable valve timing, preset suspension configuration buttons and can be operated remotely via a key fob transmitter.
US07925398B2
A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input device for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input device and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing information relating to the diagnostic tool and information relating to the configuration of the diagnostic tool and the configuration of the communication with the unit being tested, and an output unit connected to the processor indicating information according to the received and processed information relating to the diagnostic tool and information relating to the diagnosing of the vehicle.
US07925392B2
Methods and systems for monitoring rotating shaft shafts and couplings in an aircraft propulsion system is described. The measurement system/method provides for accurate and precise monitoring of a rotating shaft flexible coupling in a fixed wing aircraft vehicle propulsion system. The measuring system/method provides for a high reliability short take off vertical landing fixed wing aircraft in which the vertical propulsion dynamically rotating drive shaft system and couplings are monitored in real time. The vehicular shaft coupling misalignment measuring system utilizes multiple positional sensors to provide highly reliable and precise determination of the dynamic characteristics of the rotating sensor target components of the propulsion system drive shaft. The relative position of the sensors is rigidly fixed externally from the rotating targets with a structural frame. The collar misalignment measuring system of the invention provide a misalignment measurement of the propulsion system drive shaft flexible coupling which relates to a critical performance of rotating shaft coupling in the operation of an aircraft vehicle. The method/system provides for monitoring a rotating drive shaft system and dynamically measuring a rotating drive shaft coupling in a fixed wing aircraft propulsion system.
US07925384B2
Exemplary systems and methods for provisioning wireless control of facilities systems are provided. A message is broadcast to a network that includes one or more control devices, which may be associated with one or more control points (e.g., lights in lighting systems). The control device responds with information concerning the control device and/or any associated control points. A scene including at least one specification for operation the control point is assigned to the control device. A corresponding scene command may be generated and sent to the control device. Provisioning may further include generating a visual display of the various control devices and associated control points (e.g., lights) in the facilities system.
US07925378B2
A substrate processing apparatus having a transport apparatus, at least one sensor connected to the transport apparatus and a controller. The transport apparatus is adapted for transporting the substrate between processing stations of the processing apparatus. The sensor is capable of sensing the substrate transported by the transporting apparatus. The sensor is arranged for sending at least one signal in response to sensing the substrate. The controller is communicably connected to the sensor and arranged to determine alignment of the substrate in at least two directions, angled relative to each other, relative to a predetermined location. The controller is capable of determining alignment from the at least one signal identifying no more than two points on the substrate and independent of radial variances between substrates.
US07925368B2
An automatic transfer apparatus for a liquid crystal display device comprising a mounting unit for placing a cassette in which a plurality of substrates are received, a moving unit disposed at a lower surface of the mounting unit and moving within a designated interval or section, and a sensing member mounted in the moving unit for sensing an obstacle, wherein the sensing member for sensing an obstacle at a bottom is disposed at the lower surface of the automatic transfer apparatus so as to enable a previous checking an existence of the obstacle, thereby preventing a structure of the automatic transfer apparatus from being damaged due to the obstacle.
US07925365B2
To assess the sufficiency of a plurality of machines for processing a number of items, machine availability information indicative of availability of the machines for processing the items, machine capacity information indicative of a capacity of each of the machines for processing the items, and machine preference information indicative of a preference of each of the machines for processing the items are obtained. A capacity constraint, such as an upper limit of items to be processed during a time interval, is determined based on the machine availability information, machine capacity information and machine preference information. At least some of the machines are allocated to process at least some of the items based on the machine availability information, machine capacity information and machine preference information, subject to the capacity constraint. The resulting rough-cut capacity plan may be used to balance available capacity against required capacity.
US07925359B2
An air compressor 1 is provided with a clocking mechanism and an RFID reader/writer 2, detects a time-in and a time-out etc. of a worker, and writes time data into an RFID tag 4 of a time card 3 held by a worker using the RFID reader/writer 2. The air compressor 1 is made to function as a time recorder in order to collect data necessary for management from the time card 3 of the worker. Also, a type of tool etc. used during works is written to the RFID tag 4 of the time card 3 using the RFID reader/writer. In this way, the air compressor 1 is made to function as a data collection terminal to collect data necessary for work management from the time card 3 of the worker.
US07925353B1
Introducing one or more stimulating drugs to the vagus nerve and/or one or more branches of the vagus nerve to treat movement disorders uses at least one implantable system control unit (SCU) with an implantable pump with at least one infusion outlet. Optional electrical stimulation may additionally be supplied by an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) with one or more electrodes. In certain embodiments, a single SCU provides one or more stimulating drugs and the optional electrical stimulation. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation parameters.
US07925343B1
A subcutaneous implantable cardiac device system applies defibrillation currents in pathways aligned with the heart's own electrical system to decrease defibrillation thresholds. In one implementation, one or more subcutaneous sensors detect ventricular fibrillation. Positioning of subcutaneous sensors and filtering result in improved sensing with reduced noise. A subcutaneous patch component of the system that is in communication with a subcutaneous pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator may perform the sensing and apply the defibrillation. The subcutaneous patch may include one or more electrodes that perform both sensing and defibrillation. Variations of the subcutaneous patch may include battery and capacitor for generating onboard defibrillation current and may also include a microprocessor for advanced programmable operation.
US07925340B2
A method and apparatus capable of measuring visceral fat tissues accumulated in the trunk with high accuracy apply a current to a body part where a subcutaneous fat tissue layer is thin or a body part where a skeletal muscle tissue layer has no or a thin muscle belly portion from a pair of current applying electrodes, measure a potential difference which has occurred in the tissue through which the current has passed by a pair of voltage measuring electrodes, and determine the visceral fat tissue volume of the trunk by use of the impedance of the trunk which has been obtained by use of the measured potential difference.
US07925338B2
The invention relates to the determination of the anesthetic state of a patient. In order to achieve a mechanism that enables establishment and maintenance of balanced anesthesia, values are established for a set of diagnostic indices. The set includes at least two diagnostic indices of which a first diagnostic index is indicative of the level of hypnosis and a second diagnostic index of the level of nociception in the patient. The combination of the at least two index values obtained is employed for indicating the anesthetic state of the patient. The combination of the at least two index values may further be employed to control the administration of drugs to the patient.
US07925333B2
A method of controlling a medical device is provided. The method includes generating a beam of radiation using a radiation source assembly. The beam of radiation is directed toward a distal end of the medical device using an optical fiber. The beam of radiation is directed onto an area of interest by scanning the reflector in a scanning pattern, the reflector receiving the beam of radiation from the optical fiber. Radiation is collected from the area of interest using a collector to generate a signal for use in producing a viewable image. A loss of scan condition of the reflector is detected automatically by a control system.
US07925330B2
A fluid injection apparatus includes at least one pressurizing mechanism and at least a first fluid container (for example, a syringe or a bulk container) operably associated with the at least one pressurizing mechanism. The first fluid container is adapted to contain a first fluid to be injected. The fluid injection apparatus also includes a controller operably associated with the at least one pressurizing mechanism. The controller includes a programming system to allow programming of an injection protocol including, for example, a plurality of phases. At least one parameter generator is provided to determine parameters of at least one of the plurality of phases of the protocol based at least in part upon a type of the injection procedure.
US07925320B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device mount (10) operable to provide navigation information to an electronic device (D). The mount (10) generally includes a housing (12) operable to securely retain the electronic device (D) and removably couple with a surface. The housing (12) preferably encloses or supports various portions of an antenna (14), a processor (18), and/or a transmitter (16). The antenna (14) is operable to receive a navigation signal, the processor (18) is operable to generate navigation information utilizing the received navigation signal, and the transmitter (16) operable to wirelessly transmit the generated navigation information to the electronic device (D). Such a configuration enables the electronic device (D) to receive navigation information from the mount (10) while being compactly and securely retained.
US07925315B2
A portable audio device having reduced sensitivity to RF interference over a predetermined frequency range from an adjacent mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, a battery carried thereby, a recharging power input connected to the battery, a digital signal input, and an audio analog signal output. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) may be carried by the portable housing and powered by the battery for converting a selected digital audio file from a memory into an analog audio signal. An audio analog amplifier may be connected between the DAC and the audio analog signal output. A first RF filter(s) may be connected to the recharging power input, and a second RF filter(s) may be connected to the audio analog signal output, both for reducing RF interference over the predetermined frequency range from the adjacent mobile wireless communications device.
US07925311B2
A keypad for a mobile phone including a key arrangement having 9 number-keys and a 4-direction key surrounding one of the number-keys.
US07925309B2
A portable electronic device (1) comprising a first portion (3, 53) including at least one output device (2) for rendering output data and a second portion (4, 54) comprising at least two input devices (10, 11, 20, 30, 40) for manually inputting data into the portable electronic device. The second portion is rotatably connected to the first portion. The output device is directed in the same direction as a first input device when the second portion is positioned in a first position, and in the same direction as another input device when the second portion is positioned in a second position.
US07925300B2
A method of printing content is disclosed. The method starts by a server receiving a request for content. The server renders the content into a pre-rendered format before transferring the content in the pre-rendered format to a mobile telecommunications device. The content is then printed on a print medium in a media feed path of a printer module of the mobile telecommunications device. During the printing step, coded data disposed on the print medium is sensed using a sensor module in the media feed path of the printer module. The coded data encodes a print medium identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium. Finally, the content is associated with the print medium identifier for later retrieval using the print medium identifier.
US07925297B2
Transmission opportunity (TXOP) duration is adapted for a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver in a dual radio wireless device based on an end of free time indication associated with a wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceiver within the same device. In this manner, the occurrence of collisions between WLAN communication activity and WLAN communication activity within the dual radio device may be reduced or eliminated.
US07925295B2
A method and devices are provided to allow reducing interferences occurring in adjacent wireless communication networks. When a subscriber device experiences interferences resulting from the operation of an adjacent wireless network, it transmits an adjustment signal which serves as a request for adjustment, to the base station operative at the adjacent wireless communication network. The adjacent base station that receives the adjustment signal retrieves adjustment information therefrom, and based on the retrieved information will determine whether it should effect a change in its transmission that would result in reducing the interferences experienced at the subscriber device sending the adjustment signal.
US07925291B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate controlling transmission power of a wireless terminal. A downlink power control channel segment may include an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) tone-symbol that may comprise a first component and a second component. The first component may be an in-phase (I) component and the second component may be a quadrature (Q) component, for example. A power command may be transmitted in the first component. Further, information associated with a wireless terminal may be transmitted in the second component. The information associated with the wireless terminal may be, for instance, a portion of a scrambling mask associated with the wireless terminal.
US07925287B2
Provided is a method and system for requesting and granting a media transmission right of a PoC user. The method includes a PoC client transmitting an MBCP Request message to a PoC server, the PoC server receiving the MBCP Request message, determining whether a current state corresponds to a media transmission denial condition, and if it is determined that the current state corresponds to a media transmission denial condition, transmitting an MBCP Deny message containing at least one of time information of a media transmission timer and time information of a retry-after timer to the PoC client, and the PoC client receiving the MBCP Deny message, activating the media transmission timer and the retry-after timer using the respective time information, and re-transmitting the MBCP Request message to the PoC server if one of the media transmission timer and the retry-after timer, the retry-after timer having a longer time value, expires.
US07925284B2
A charged particle beam device (10) is provided, including a computer operable in response to commands entered by a user of the device to control the device, wherein the device further includes an interface (24) operable to cause data from the computer in the form of short message service (SMS) and/or multimedia message service (MMS) messages to be transmitted to a mobile device (16, 18, 20) via a mobile telephone network (14). The charged particle beam device (10) is operable to receive commands in the form of SMS and/or MMS messages from the mobile telephone (14), and to cause the computer to execute the commands. The interface (24) includes a user interface operable to enable a user of the device to select operating parameters and/or conditions of the device from a list of operating parameters and/or conditions, set values of each selected operating parameter or condition in response to which the interface will transmit an SMS message to a mobile device, and for each selected operating parameter or condition, enter an identification, typically a telephone number, of the mobile device to which the SMS message will be transmitted.
US07925279B2
Apparatus, and an associated method, by which to form a quick page message for broadcast to access terminals to alert the access terminals of pending communication. The quick page message includes a structure formed of page identifier sets. During formation of the structure, a rearranger shortens the bit length of one or more of the page identifier sets. By reducing the bit length, the likelihood of a resultant redundant page identifier set, of the same bit length, is increased. Redundant page identifier sets are removable from the resultant quick page message.
US07925274B2
A method and system for enhancing the accuracy and robustness of locations determined for a mobile wireless transceiver in a cellular telephone communications system integrating location-related information both from an assisted GPS device embedded in the mobile unit and from infrastructure-based facilities that extract signal characteristic data at networked base stations. Available supporting collateral information may be additionally evaluated in the location determinations to provide location estimates of enhanced robustness and accuracy.
US07925273B2
A location reporting paging communication system comprising space satellites, ground stations and a remote receiving unit adapted to resolve a global position from signals transmitted from a communication transmitter. The subscriber in possession of the remote receiving unit updates the paging network with global positioning information. A caller paging a subscriber in possession of the remote receiving unit may request the global location of the remote receiving unit. The paging network could divulge or block such information from a caller depending on the requirements of the subscriber.
US07925268B2
Techniques are provided herein to optimize up-link transmission power from a wireless terminal to a base transceiver station in a multicarrier system. A pathloss between the wireless terminal and the base transceiver station is determined. A determination is made if the pathloss is less than or larger than a predetermined value. One or more sub-carriers are assigned to the wireless terminal based on whether the pathloss between the wireless terminal and the base transceiver station is less than or larger than the predetermined value. A power cap command signal is sent from the base transceiver station to the wireless terminal for limiting a maximum allowable power transmitted by the wireless terminal to a predetermined level based on proximity of the one or more sub-carriers to an edge of a frequency band used for up-link transmissions made by the wireless terminal.
US07925264B2
In a telecommunication system, a method for improved handover signaling includes temporarily enhancing the radio environment of a user engaged in handover signaling by muting one or more dominant interfering cells during the signaling process, and coordinating the muting with the actual handover signaling.
US07925263B2
In triggering a handoff by a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) from a current basic service set (BSS) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the following are performed. A highest class of traffic service and quality of service (QoS) is determined for the highest class from a basic service set (BSS) beacon. Handoff is terminated and communication is retained with a current BSS when the signal to noise ratio (SNR) or received signal strength (RSS) is greater than a high threshold of the highest class. Other criteria is evaluated to determine whether a handoff is desired when the SNR or RSS is less than the high threshold.
US07925261B2
Methods and apparatus for resolving frequency errors in a wireless device transitioning from a first communication network to a second communication network are disclosed. The methods and apparatus effect reception of a first and second channels from the second communication network where the first channel has known characteristics. The first channel is then decoding for a prescribed period and an initial frequency error value is determined based on the decoding of the first channel. A digital frequency rotator is then adjusted based on the initial frequency error value for purposes of decoding the second channel. The second channel is then decoded using the digital frequency rotator as adjusted based on the initial frequency error value, without further calculation of the frequency error.
US07925260B2
Spectrum monitoring measurements are made by microcell base stations in a layered cellular network, while not serving calls or engaged in processing calls. The microcell base station transmits a first control message from to a microcell mobile station, to increase the duration for the mobile station to reside in the camping state on a control channel of the microcell base station. The microcell base station transmits a second control message from the microcell base station to the microcell mobile station, to increase the duration for the mobile station to reside in a call origination state while attempting to access a control channel of the microcell base station. Then, to perform the spectrum monitoring measurement, the base station's transmitter is turned off, the receiver is retuned to the frequency to be monitored, a signal strength measurement taken on that frequency, the receiver is retuned back to its assigned frequency, and the transmitter is turned back on, all in a short time interval. Because the measurement time is so short, it is possible to take spectrum-monitoring measurements without causing inactive mobiles registered on the measuring base station to reselect control channel. Mobiles initiating a call during a spectrum monitoring measurement by its base station are also delayed in their control channel reselection.
US07925250B2
A method, system, and program product for providing for reuse of a mobile device application in a desktop environment is disclosed. The method includes obtaining an application that is configured for running on a mobile device, and then running the mobile device application on a desktop. A method for deploying an application that includes providing a computer infrastructure that is operable to run the application on a desktop and provide user preferences for the application on the desktop is also disclosed.
US07925244B2
A method for publishing and sharing media files includes: making a published media file available to other wireless communication terminals from a publisher wireless communication terminal; establishing a connection via a wireless communication module of the publisher wireless communication terminal with a requestor wireless communication terminal seeking published media files; sending an identification of the published media file from the publisher wireless communication terminal to the requestor wireless communication terminal; sending a media file request from the requestor wireless communication terminal to the publisher wireless communication terminal requesting the published media file; sending the published media file from the publisher wireless communication terminal to the requestor wireless communication terminal in response to the media file request; and executing playback of the published media file on the requestor wireless communication terminal.
US07925241B2
A method of automatically changing a profile in a mobile communication device, wherein the mobile communication device is equipped with a calendar mechanism includes setting an event begin time and an event end time in the calendar mechanism; selecting an event profile to be in use during the event; detecting the beginning time for the event; recording and storing the profile in effect prior to the event begin time; activating the selected event profile to be in use during the event; detecting the end time for the event and restoring the profile in effect prior to the event begin time; which includes, during mobile communication device power on, detecting whether an event is in progress and selecting an event profile to be in use during the event; and detecting whether an event which was in progress at a last mobile communication device power off has ended, and selecting a profile to be in use at the time of the mobile communication device power on.
US07925240B2
A mobile communication terminal and method of indicating speakerphone mode thereof are disclosed, by which a far-end user can be informed whether a speakerphone mode of the mobile communication terminal is entered. The present invention includes a radio frequency part communicating with a base station, a microphone/speaker inputting a voice of a first user and outputting a voice of a second user, an input unit inputting a command for activating/deactivating a speakerphone mode and a command for making a call to the far-end user or answering a call from the far-end user, and a controller transmitting a speakerphone mode information to the base station using the radio frequency part via a reverse channel if the microphone/speaker is used according to the command for activating the speakerphone mode. Accordingly, the first user is able to inform the second user that the first user is using a speakerphone regardless of a status of the call connection, that the user is making a call or that it is before answering an incoming call.
US07925227B2
An amplifier circuit includes a first power amplifier that can produce a first amplified signal in response to a first input signal in a first frequency band, and a second power amplifier that can produce a second amplified signal in response to a second input signal in a second frequency band. A center frequency of the second frequency band is higher than the a center frequency of frequency band A control circuit can turn on or turn off the first power amplifier and configured to turn on or turn off the second power amplifier. A shunting circuit is coupled to an output of the second power amplifier. The shunting circuit can attenuate harmonic signals from the first frequency band under the control of the control circuit.
US07925219B2
A wireless video surveillance system having automatic self-configuration of the input capture devices and digital input recorder(s), and further including jamming and interference prevention capabilities.
US07925213B2
Aspects of a method and a system for audio signal processing for Bluetooth wireless headsets using a hardware accelerator are presented. Aspects of a method for processing a signal may include configuring circuitry within a single chip to establish at least one of a plurality of data paths for processing input data for a plurality of signal processing algorithms for implementing a subband codec (SBC). The method may also include executing vector rotation of data during processing within one or more of the plurality of data paths. Aspects of a system may include a hardware accelerator that configures circuitry within a single chip to establish at least one of a plurality of data paths for processing input data for a plurality of signal processing algorithms for implementing SBC. The hardware accelerator may execute vector rotation of data during processing within one or more of the plurality of data paths.
US07925212B2
A method, apparatus, and system for automatically configuring Bluetooth devices for communication to an outside network is described. A Bluetooth device is paired with a “trusted” Bluetooth device. When paired devices are found, the Bluetooth device automatically configures itself to use the lowest cost connection option from the available set of paired devices that are in proximity with the Bluetooth handheld device. If no device is found, the Bluetooth device may revert to a built-in access method. The network accessed can be the internet or an office network such as an 802.11 network.
US07925211B2
A method for dynamically determining the power compression point of an amplifier in a distributed network under the control of a computer, the network having a first terminal (600) including the amplifier operatively coupled to a plurality of second terminals (500) by a communication channel including the steps for generating bit error rate (BER) messages indicative of measured BER for a signal transmitted at N power levels, the BER messages including respective tags indicative of the N power levels for that BER, at the second terminals (500), and reducing the maximum allowed power of the amplifier when it is determined that the amplifier is approaching saturation responsive to the BER messages. Also described is a method for dynamic uplink power control for an amplifier in a distributed network.
US07925203B2
Digital multimedia is broadcast to wireless receivers on a unidirectional wireless broadcast channel, while control data necessary for presentation of the multimedia is provided on a bidirectional, point-to-point wireless link.
US07925202B2
A portable communication device equipped with a screen and a random access memory. The device receives a data stream through a radio link for automatically displaying information from the data stream on a display screen, without any user's request, a part of this information being stored in random access memory during a period of time that is longer than the duration of display and displays information from the data stream on the display screen, upon user's request, this information being stored in random access memory during the duration of display only.
US07925197B2
A heat roller of a fixing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention has a slidable metal belt on an outer side of an elastic roller. At the room temperature, the outer diameter of the elastic roller is smaller than the inner diameter of the metal belt. On the other hand, when the elastic roller is thermally expanded, the metal belt and the elastic roller fit onto each other in a state in which the metal belt fastens the elastic roller.
US07925195B2
A method of manufacturing a toner carrier roller that is shaped like a cylinder on an outer circumferential surface of which concave and convex sections for carrying toner are provided, includes: preparing a roller base member which is shaped like a cylinder; forming helix-like first grooves on the outer circumferential surface of the roller base member; and forming helix-like second grooves, which cross the first grooves, on the outer circumferential surface of the roller base member, wherein a pitch ratio of the first grooves and the second grooves is a non-integer ratio.
US07925189B2
A rotator for powder conveyance includes a substantially linear rotary supporting shaft and plural stirring/conveying pieces. The plural stirring/conveying pieces are separated from each other and arranged in a longitudinal direction along the rotary supporting shaft, are placed at positions separated from a central axis of the rotary supporting shaft in a radial direction of the rotary supporting shaft, have a spiral configuration along an outer peripheral surface of the rotary supporting shaft, and are respectively connected to the rotary supporting shaft via a connecting piece at plural points.
US07925184B2
A developer supply container (1) detachably mountable to a hollow portion of a rotatable photosensitive member (100) provided in a electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the container including a rotatable container body having an inner space for containing a developer; a feeding portion (5) for feeding the developer in the container body with a rotation of the container body to discharge the developer out of the container body; and a engageable portion (3a) which is engageable with the photosensitive member so that container body is rotated integrally with the photosensitive member by a rotational driving force received from a driving member (104) provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
US07925182B2
A communication unit has a first conveyance part connected to a toner cartridge and provided with a feed port for a toner from the toner cartridge, and a second conveyance part connected to a developing device and provided with a replenishment port for a toner to the developing device. In a state locked by the lock mechanism, the first conveyance part and the second conveyance part are connected to each other, and the feed port of the first conveyance part and the replenishment port of the second conveyance part are opened, allowing for a toner replenishment. In a lock-released state, the feed port of the first conveyance part and the replenishment port of the second conveyance part are closed by a circular arc-shaped shutter member and a rotary shutter member, allowing the first conveyance part and the second conveyance part to be separable from each other.
US07925169B2
A modulator arrangement for modulating an optical signal using a differential quadrature phase shift key for use in an optical wavelength division multiplex (WDM) optical communications system comprising a laser for producing an optical signal of a selected wavelength, which signal is split by a splitter (4), each part of said split signal being applied to a respective phase modulator (6, 8). The phase modulators (6, 8) are adapted to modulate the phase of the signal in dependence on a respective drive voltage and the phase of the output of at least one modulator is shiftable. The split signals are recombined by an optical recombiner (12) to form an optical phase shift key output. The arrangement further comprises a phase modulator (20) adapted to chirp the optical phase shift key output.
US07925168B2
An optical interconnect system for communication between computer system components is described. The system includes an optical data communication path and a plurality of optical taps, each optical tap optically coupling a respective computer system component to the optical data communication path. Each optical tap splits power from an optical signal received from the data communication path or from a light source generating a data signal from its associated computer component resulting in another optical signal. Each optical tap splits light in accordance with a respective power ratio relationship between reflectivity and transmissivity. The ratio relationships of the optical taps together provide a predetermined communication reliability metric for signals traversing the optical interconnect system between computer system components.
US07925166B2
An avionics system for a plane includes a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. The system includes an optical network in communication with the nodes and through which the nodes communicate. The system includes at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter that interprets the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A method for operating a plane includes the steps of communicating information through an optical network between a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. There is the step of interpreting with at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A phostonic stack.
US07925156B2
Apparatus and method to measure the quality of burst signals and to perform optical line diagnostics in and optical passive optical network (PON). Statistical information about phase noise (jitter), signal distortion, clock distortions, and any other effects present in burst signals is generated. The statistics are based on phase and bit-length distortions, direction and length of the effect as detected by a phase error detector integrated in a burst mode clock and data recovery (BCDR) circuit. The invention can be further adapted to perform optical line diagnostics to detect the root cause performance degradation and failures in the PON, thereby providing an optical layer supervision tool for monitoring the PON. The statistical information can be used to estimate the quality of service (QoS) per customer connected to the PON. In addition, the generated statistic information can be used to calibrate transmission parameters of optical network unit (ONU) transmitters.
US07925154B2
Provided is a camera module including an image sensor module including a substrate; an image sensor that is mounted on a top surface of the substrate; a ground pad that is disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate; and a sealing member that seals the image sensor mounted on the substrate; a lens member that is stacked on the image sensor module; and a conductive member that is formed on side surfaces of the image sensor module and the lens member so as to be electrically connected to the ground pad.
US07925146B2
In an image blur correction device and an imaging device according to the present invention, a holder for holding an optical component, which is displaced for correcting an image blur, is supported by one or more balls, so as to be freely displaced by sliding on the base, and has a structure to restrict the movement of the holder within a range, which is smaller than a mobile range normally acquired when the ball is assembled, if the ball is omitted in an assembly. Therefore the image blur correction device and the imaging device having this configuration can detect the missing of a ball in an assembly.
US07925142B2
An information presenting apparatus, based on display status on a screen, estimates text blocks that a user is likely to classify as poor-legibility blocks and is likely to wish to be read aloud. A simple device that allows selecting from the text blocks is provided. A poor-legibility-block extractor divides text to be displayed on the screen into blocks corresponding to individual text blocks, classifies blocks including characters of sizes less than or equal to a predetermined size as poor-legibility blocks, and assigns block numbers to the poor-legibility blocks. A document display unit displays areas of the respective poor-legibility blocks as distinguished from other areas, with block numbers assigned to the respective poor-legibility blocks. When the user presses a numeric key corresponding to a block number, text in the corresponding block is read aloud.
US07925135B2
A closure device for receiving a fiber optic cable includes an enclosure defining a splice chamber configured to accommodate splices to the plurality of optical fibers. The enclosure has a clamp receiving section therein. The closure device further includes a clamping device including a closed end cavity that receives the strength member to limit buckling of a strength member of the cable inserted in the cavity. The clamping device is configured to be removably inserted into the clamp receiving section of the enclosure. The clamp receiving section is configured to fixedly limit movement of the clamping device relative to the enclosure when the clamping device is installed therein to secure the strength member secured in the clamping device to the enclosure.
US07925130B2
An optical waveguide comprising: a waveguide core through which light propagates; a cladding that surrounds the waveguide core and has a refractive index that is less than the refractive index of the waveguide core; a metal layer that is formed on a surface of at least one end of the optical waveguide in a longitudinal direction, the surface being inclined so as not to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a channel that is formed at a portion of an outer surface of the cladding, the outer surface forming an acute angle with the inclined surface, and the channel being positioned such that light entering the optical waveguide adjacent the channel is reflected by the inclined surface into the waveguide core.
US07925129B2
A solar concentrator having a concentrator element for collecting input light, a redirecting component with a plurality of incremental steps for receiving the light and also for redirecting the light, and a waveguide including a plurality of incremental portions enabling collection and concentration of the light onto a receiver. Other systems replace the receiver by a light source so system optics can provide illumination.
US07925121B2
Processing a collection of images includes identifying a theme for the collection of images, and performing batch processing on the collection of images. The batch processing includes applying a pre-defined group of image editing operations to the images to give the edited images a look and feel that is consistent with the identified theme.
US07925116B2
Straight lines in a compensated image of a wide-angle image are identified (102) and corresponding curved lines of pixels in the wide-angle image identified (103) as well. For given points in the aforementioned straight lines, a corresponding point in the corresponding curved lines is identified by determining an intersection of those curved lines with another line of pixels in the wide-angle image (104). The latter can comprise either a curved line that corresponds to another straight line in the compensated image, in which case the intersection is noted by tracing the curved lines using a scan-rasterization algorithm. The latter can also comprise, if desired, a straight line that corresponds to another straight line in the compensated image. In either case, the point of intersection is readily and efficiently determined.
US07925104B2
A method for decompressing a job in a document management system, such as a printer, scanner or display device, is provided. The method includes buffering the compressed image data, and decompressing the buffered compressed image data such that the decompressing varies as a function of a resolution level and either a first set of quality layers or a second set of quality layers. The number of quality layers in the first quality layer set is greater than the number of quality layers in the second quality set and, pursuant to the decompressing, the resolution level is corresponded with the second quality layer set so that the compressed image data is decompressed with less quality layers than in the first quality layer set.
US07925097B2
An image coding apparatus is provided which satisfies various levels of demands on image distribution, both from image providers and from users. The image coding apparatus includes a coding block which codes predetermined image data. A separation unit separates the coded image data into basic data for reproducing contents of the coded image data as a visible image, and complementary data for complementing the basic data, so that the two pieces of data are distributed on different occasions. An adding unit adds information for independent copyright control to at least either one of the basic data and the complementary data.
US07925094B2
A computer readable medium storing thereon a program for encoding the conformation of a given curve is provided. The encoding program includes: a point selection module for selecting representative points on a given curve; an arrangement module for putting an elemental structure block which consists of a trunk and branches; a branch selection module for selecting a branch from each of the blocks arranged above; an adjustment module for adjusting spacial orientation of the elemental structure blocks arranged above, just after selection of the most appropriate branch of a block (current block) and before selection of the most appropriate branch of the block assigned to the next representative point (next block); and a code generator module for generating data which describe the conformation of the curve, using the code of the selected branches of the elemental structure blocks assigned to the representative points of the curve.
US07925084B1
Methods and systems to merge and/or remove (e.g., edges, regions, vertices, etc.) in a planar map of a raster image are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying color similarities between each of a plurality of regions of an image and merging neighboring regions based on the color similarities. In addition, the method may include determining a merging order and merging certain regions based on the merging order; merging other regions without considering the merging order when the other regions are smaller than a threshold size; and removing artifacts and noise from the image based on the threshold size.
US07925080B2
Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a method of identifying marked images based at least in part on frequency domain coefficient differences is disclosed.
US07925067B2
A virtual microscope slide includes images of a specimen for a given level of optical magnification which are associated and stored in a data structure. The forming of the data structure having the multiple Z-plane images preferably includes automatically focusing at a principal reference focal plane and capturing and digitizing an optically magnified reference Z-image and then shifting the specimen relative to the lens system by a predetermined increment to capture and digitize another Z-plane image. Preferably, a multiple sequence of Z-plane images above and below the reference image and captured and digitized. For ease of retrieval and use, each reference image has its associated Z-plane images are formed in a stack that is sent over the Internet, or Intranet to a local computer storage for quick retrieval when a viewer wants to mimic a focusing up or down to better view a detail in an image. Thus, the resultant images are retrieved and displayed such that a virtual focusing capability is available to the user. The images can be formed with overlapping fields of depth, adjacent fields of depth, or wholly separated fields of depth.
US07925063B2
The present invention relates to finger authentication and improves a fingerprint authenticating function by excluding errors caused depending on detection forms. When a fingerprint is detected, form data representing the detection form are captured and, when inputted fingerprint data are compared with registered fingerprint data, authentication is executed referring to the form data. Thereby, the errors caused depending on the detection forms can be excluded and the fingerprint authenticating function is improved. A plurality of different detection form of fingerprint data are registered, a comparison target is selected from the fingerprint data, and the comparison target is compared with the inputted fingerprint data. Thereby, the fingerprint authenticating function is improved. To match the detection form, the apparatus may be configured to compare the registered fingerprint data with the inputted fingerprint data rotating either thereof and, thereby, similarly, the fingerprint authenticating function can be improved.
US07925061B2
Output information such as a moving picture, still image or audio that will cause a person who is the subject of photography to laugh is stored in a digital still camera beforehand. If the output information is selected and a shutter-release button is pressed, the selected information is presented (as by being displayed or output from a speaker) to the person who is the subject. The subject is imaged and the image of the subject is obtained. Image data representing the image of the subject is recorded on a recording medium. The expression on the image of the subject is recognized and stored probabilities that output information will induce laughter are updated depending upon whether or not the subject is laughing. Output information having a high probability of inducing laughter can be presented to the subject.
US07925060B2
An authentication system comprises: a generating part for generating face information including at least one of three-dimensional shape information and two-dimensional information in the face of a first person to be authenticated on the basis of measurement information of the first person; a model modifying part for modifying a standard model of a human face by using the face information, thereby generating an individual model of the face of the first person; a calculating part for calculating a first model perfection level as a perfection level of the individual model on the basis of reliability of the face information; an extracting part for extracting first feature information as feature information of the first person from the individual model; an obtaining part for obtaining second feature information as feature information of a second person to be compared which is pre-registered; and an authenticating part for performing an authenticating operation on the first person by using the first model perfection level in addition to similarity between the first feature information and the second feature information.
US07925059B2
A method and apparatus for designing an iris biometrics system that operates in minimally constrained settings. The image acquisition system has fewer constraints on subjects than traditional methods by extending standoff distance and capture volume. The method receives design parameters and provides derived quantities that are useful in designing an image acquisition system having a specific set of performance requirements. Exemplary scenarios of minimally constrained settings are provided, such as a high volume security checkpoint, an office, an aircraft boarding bridge, a wide corridor, and an automobile.
US07925047B2
A face importance level determining apparatus for determining an importance level for a photographer with respect to a face of a person appearing in an image may include the following elements. A face information obtaining unit obtains face size information and position information that are detected from an input image signal. A first calculating unit calculates a first importance level factor on the basis of the size information. A second calculating unit calculates a second importance level factor on the basis of the position information. A third calculating unit calculates the importance level on the basis of the first importance level factor and the second importance level factor.
US07925045B2
A document authentication method uses a watermark added in a printed document to detection possible alterations made to the document after it was printed. First, a visible watermark in the form of a dot pattern is overlapped with an original digital image. The watermarked image is printed out as a halftone image at a first resolution. The watermark in the printed document appears as a light gray shade. Later, the printed document is scanned back using a grayscale scan at a resolution higher than the first resolution. In the scanned image, altered areas would appear flat (lacking intensity variation) whereas unaltered areas will have relatively large density variations due to the watermark dots and the fact that the image was halftone printed at a lower resolution. Alternations are detected by identifying flat areas within the image using a combination of flat block detection and a multiple thresholds method.
US07925040B2
A speaker may include a center pole and a voice coil bobbin having a bobbin that may include nonmagnetic and electric conductor layers and insulator layers disposed between the electric conductor layers. An electrostatic capacity, which is formed between the center pole and the voice coil bobbin, is detected and outputted as an electrical signal.
US07925036B2
A loudspeaker has a loudspeaker driver and a first tube having a base end coupled to the driver and extending towards the rear end of the loudspeaker. A second tube of larger cross sectional dimensions extends over the first tube and loudspeaker driver and has a rear end wall spaced from the open rear end of the second tube and a front end coupled to the driver. A third, open ended tube of smaller cross-sectional dimensions than the first tube extends through a rear end wall of the second tube and into the first tube, with the front end of the third tube spaced from the base of the first tube. A folded, three segment transmission line is formed between the first and second tubes, between the second and third tubes, and through the third tube.
US07925033B2
The present invention provides a stable and excellent electro-acoustic transducer having simple constitution with which a vibration pole does not contact with stator poles by a repulsive force acting between the vibration pole and the stator poles and the vibration pole can be stably positioned in place between the two stator poles. A vibration pole is disposed between two stator poles, and surfaces of the vibration pole and the two stator poles facing to each other have electrostatically same polarity to generate an electrostatic repulsive force as a restorative force acting between the vibration pole and the stator poles, so that the vibration pole is positioned in place and electro-acoustic conversion is performed by the vibration displacement of the vibration pole with respect to the stator poles. Whereby, the vibration pole does not contact substantially with the stator poles and the vibration pole is stably positioned in place.
US07925024B2
System and method for generating and distributing an encryption/decryption key are disclosed and may include generating one or more keys by a key generator integrated within a chip. The generated one or more keys may be communicated directly from the key generator, via an on-chip broadcast serial link, to one of a plurality of on-chip addressable encryption/decryption devices. A particular one of the plurality of on-chip addressable encryption/decryption devices processes one or more received packets that include its own address utilizing the one or more keys. The at least one key may be serialized and encapsulated into a key packet. The encapsulating may include encapsulating an address of the one of the plurality of on-chip addressable encryption/decryption devices in the key packet.
US07925023B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for managing keys. During operation, the system authenticates a client at a key manager. Next, the system receives a token from the client at the key manager, wherein the token is associated with a customer key, and includes a token authenticator. This token authenticator comprises one-half of an authenticator pair which is used to determine if the client is the owner of the customer key. Next, the system decrypts the token using a master key. The system then verifies a client authenticator, which comprises the other half of the authenticator pair which is used to determine if the client is the owner of the customer key. If the client is the owner of the customer key, the system sends the customer key to the client, which enables the client to encrypt/decrypt data. Finally, the client deletes the customer key.
US07925017B2
An information recording device uses a data storage device such as media having a built-in flash memory. When data is stored in the data storage device, different encryption keys are used for different sectors. Each encryption key is stored in the header of content. By using a single encryption key for a sector consisting of different blocks, the number of stored encryption keys is limited, and the amount of stored key data is reduced. In accordance with the type of encryption processing, for example, the single DES or the triple DES, one or at least two keys are selected for each sector in order to execute encryption or decryption processing on sector data.
US07925013B1
A system is described for encryption and decryption of digital data prior to the digital data entering the memory of a digital device by generating a key, sub-key and combining the sub-key with mixed digital data, where the encryption and decryption occurs between the memory controller and the input output register.
US07925011B2
The present disclosure provides a method for performing modular exponentiation. The method may include generating a first remainder (xp) based on an encrypted message (X) modulo a first prime number (p) and generating a second remainder (xq) based on the encrypted message (X) modulo a second prime number (q). The method may further include generating a third remainder (v1) based on the first remainder (xp) raised to a first private key number (d1) modulo the first prime number (p) and simultaneously generating a fourth remainder (v2) based on the second remainder (xq) raised to a second private key number (d2) modulo the second prime number (q). The method may also include subtracting the fourth remainder (v2) from the third remainder (v1) to yield a result (v1−v2) and multiplying the result (v1−v2) by a constant (c) to produce a second result. The method may additionally include generating a sixth remainder (h) by taking the second result modulo the first prime number (p) and multiplying the sixth remainder (h) by the second prime number (q) to produce a third result. The method may further include adding the third result and the fourth remainder (v2) to yield a final result (Y) and generating, at least in part, a public key based on the final result (Y). Of course, many alternatives, variations and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
US07925008B2
Stereo sound signals are reproduced directly from loudspeakers (SP(L), SP(R)). By using a sum signal and a difference signal of the stereo sound signals as a reference signal, and according to a cross spectrum calculation of the reference signal with a microphone-collected sound signal, calculation is performed to obtain transfer functions of four sound transfer systems between the loudspeakers (SP(L), SP(R)) and microphones (MC(L), MC(R)). The transfer functions obtained are subjected to inverse Fourier transform to obtain impulse responses, which are set in filter means (40-1 to 40-4) to create echo cancel signals and perform echo canceling. This solves the problem of an indefinite coefficient in the echo cancel technique of a multi-channel sound signal.
US07925001B2
A system receives a request for the service. The system selects an agent to deliver the service, based on an evaluation of the agent. In response to the request for service, the system evaluates the service delivered by the agent after the agent has delivered the service, and updates the evaluation of the service of the agent.
US07924995B2
A method is disclosed that breaks the “one line, one location” paradigm of teleconferencing in the prior art. The teleconference bridge in the illustrative embodiment is able to utilize more than one audio channel from each location. By having access to more than one audio channel from a teleconference location's sound field, the bridge is able to create a multi-channel effect during a conference call. When more than one microphone is present in the first sound field, they can be used to create a multi-channel effect in a second or other sound field involved in a conference call that has more than one loudspeaker. With the bridge mimicking the multi-channel imaging in one room with the multi-channel imaging in another, the conference call participants can experience audio depth during a conference call and can experience two-dimensional imaging, depending on the microphone or speaker separation that is present.
US07924986B2
An IVR system designer receives design specification data (which may be either state definition data or IVR system document data) and stores it in a database. A design specification report can be generated based on the stored design specification data. The report may correspond to a chosen period of time or it may correspond to chosen version of the IVR system. It may provide one or more of the following: a summary of a state within the IVR system, a listing of the previous states that lead to the current state, prompts for the state, inputs for the state, a listing of decision outcomes, key performance indicator triggers for the state, global commands that are active in the state, business units for which the state is applicable, a sample dialogues listing, test scripts listing for testing the IVR system, a change history listing for the system, a design flow diagram for the system, or pseudo-code listing for a portion of the system.
US07924984B2
Pluggable communication modules, e.g. SFP, XFP, XENPAK, on a service provider's packet switched network will include network monitoring capability, e.g. Intelligent Pluggable Modules. The Intelligent Pluggable Modules are configured to detect emergency calls. When an emergency call is detected, the module notifies a software application of the detected call, including the Media Access Controller (MAC) address of the caller. The application then queries the network equipment, typically the Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer for the ingress port of the MAC address using a protocol such as SNMP. Upon receipt, the service provider's customer database is then queried for the physical port location corresponding to the MAC address. The management station then sends the physical location into the existing 911 system.
US07924967B2
A shift register comprises a plurality of stages, {Sn}, n=1, 2, . . . , N, N being a positive integer. In one embodiment, each stage Sn includes a pull-up circuit having an input for receiving one of a first clock signal, CK1, and a second clock signal, XCK1, an output for responsively outputting an output signal, On, and an input node Qn, a pull-up control circuit electrically coupled to the input node Qn and configured such that when receiving a first input signal, the pull-up control circuit responsively generates a signal that is provided to the input node Qn to turn on the pull-up circuit, a pull-down circuit electrically coupled to the input node Qn and configured to provide a first voltage to one of the input node Qn and the output of the pull-up circuit, and a pull-down control circuit configured to receive one of a third clock signal, CK2, and a fourth clock signal, XCK2, and responsively generate the first voltage to turn on the pull-down circuit of the stage Sn and the pull-down circuit of one of the stage Sn−1 and the stage Sn+1.
US07924950B2
A method of decoding an encoded data frame including dummy bit sequences each generated from encoding a predetermined bit pattern is provided. The method includes: determining a boundary of dummy bit sequences in the encoded data frame; and generating a decoded data frame according to a partial decoding result and a plurality of predetermined bit patterns each corresponding to one of the dummy bit sequences within the boundary, wherein the partial decoding result is generated by decoding encoded bits beyond the boundary according to the predetermined bit pattern.
US07924949B2
Each receiving node (120) of a plurality of receiving nodes (120-1, 120-2 and 120-3) in a wireless network converts a superposition of signals received from a plurality of transmitting nodes (10) to produce soft complex signal information. The soft complex signal information associated with the considered plurality of receiving nodes are collected, and jointly detect signal information transmitted from at least a subset of the plurality of transmitting nodes (10) based on the collected soft complex signal information. The collected soft signal information generally retains phase and amplitude information, and the transmitted signals are preferably detected in a joint detection process based on a complex channel representation and collected soft signal information.
US07924942B2
A power amplifier pre-distorter is formed by a FIR filter structure which includes an individual look-up table for each filter tap, where each look-up table represents a sampled polynomial in a variable representing signal amplitude, and means for selecting, from each filter tap look-up table, a filter coefficient that depends on the amplitude of a corresponding complex signal value to be multiplied by the filter tap. A training method for such a pre-distorter determines (S1) a first estimate of a first look-up table assigned to a first filter tap, assuming a second look-up table assigned to a second filter tap is set to predetermined table values. Thereafter the method determines (S2) a second estimate of the second look-up table, assuming the first look-up table is set to the determined first estimate. If deemed necessary, the method includes the further steps (a) refining (S3) the first estimate refined, assuming the second look-up table is set to the latest determined second estimate, and (b) refining (S4) the second estimate, assuming the first look-up table is set to the latest determined first estimate. Steps (a) and (b) may be repeated (S5) until convergence is reached.
US07924941B2
A method (300) and a system (100) for processing an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal. At least one portion of an OFDM symbol (125) that exceeds an amplitude limiting threshold can be identified. The identified portion of the OFDM symbol (125) can be filtered to generate a pre-distortion noise (145). The OFDM symbol (125) and the pre-distortion noise (145) can be combined to generate a pre-distorted OFDM symbol (165).
US07924934B2
A receiver with a time diversity combining component recovers a digital data signal transmitted over a voice channel of a digital wireless telecommunications network. A feature extraction module receives an audio frequency waveform encoding the digital data signal and generates a feature vector representing the digital data signal. A bit sequence estimation module analyzes the feature vector and generates an estimated bit sequence corresponding to the digital data signal. A memory stores the feature vector if the estimated bit sequence contains errors. A time diversity combining component generates a second estimated bit sequence by analyzing the first feature vector in combination with one or more feature vectors stored in the memory.
US07924930B1
A synchronization module for an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) receiver system including a signal combination module that generates N combination signals that correspond to N received signals by performing at least one of weighted combining and selection and equal-gain-combining (EGC) on the N signals. A weighted signal generator module generates N weighted signals based on the N combination signals. N is an integer greater than one.
US07924929B2
A method of testing audio/video synchronization comprising calculating a frequency of a device used to encode a digital stream based on program clock references calculating first time differences between audio decoding time stamps and actual audio decoding times; calculating second time differences between audio presentation time stamps and actual audio presentation times; calculating third time differences between video decoding time stamps and 4 actual video decoding times; and calculating fourth time differences between video presentation time stamps and actual video presentation times.
US07924903B2
A method and device are disclosed for real-time characterization of frequency-hopping networks, in which the signal to be characterized is converted into a digital signal and the frequency characteristics of the signal are determined. A frequency hop is sought for synchronization with the start of the transmission. The frequency is tracked and the central frequency Fc of the required transmission channel is sought. A delay is applied to the digitized samples during the tracking phase. The samples corresponding to the signal step are determined on the basis of the delayed samples and the identified central frequency.
US07924900B2
A surface emitting laser which is configured by laminating on a substrate a lower reflection mirror, an active layer, and an upper reflection mirror, which includes, in a light emitting section of the upper reflection mirror, a structure for controlling reflectance that is configured by a low reflectance region and a concave high reflectance region formed in the central portion of the low reflectance region, and which oscillates at a wavelength of λ, wherein the upper reflection mirror is configured by a multilayer film reflection mirror based on a laminated structure formed by laminating a plurality of layers, the multilayer film reflection mirror includes a phase adjusting layer which has an optical thickness in the range of λ/8 to 3λ/8 inclusive in a light emitting peripheral portion on the multilayer film reflection mirror, and an absorption layer causing band-to-band absorption is provided in the phase adjusting layer.
US07924897B2
A semiconductor laser device includes a chip obtained from a substrate and a semiconductor multi-layer formed on the substrate. The semiconductor multi-layer is formed from a plurality of semiconductor layers of a semiconductor material having a hexagonal structure, and includes a stripe-shaped wave guide portion. The chip includes two chip end facets that extend in a direction crossing an extending direction of the wave guide portion. Each of regions on both sides of the wave guide portion in at least one of the chip end facets has a notch portion formed by notching a part of the chip, and the notch portion exposes a first wall surface connecting to the chip end facet and a second wall surface connecting to the chip side facet. An angle between an extending direction of the first wall surface in at least one of the two notch portions and an extending direction of the cleavage facet is in a range of about 10 degrees to about 40 degrees.
US07924895B2
A monolithic pumped laser cavity design is disclosed. Elements of the laser cavity, such as gain material, Q-switch, reflector, and outcoupler, are contact bonded together with a thermally conductive epoxy. The assembly is then operatively coupled to a heat sink (e.g., by mechanical or chemical means). The assembly is potted in thermally conductive potting material. The stacked elements or a subset thereof may be bonded to heat sink mounts and/or face cooling layers. In this fashion, various elements can be easily assembled and bonded together to provide the desired combination of laser energy, pulse width, and repetition frequency. The thermally conductive potting material provides structural integrity, as well as thermal management by extracting heat from the encased assembly to the heat sink. The optional heat sink mounts and face cooling operate to further extract heat and reduce thermal loading. Outcoupling to fiber may also be provided.
US07924893B2
The invention provides a method and laser system for switching from a current operating point to a new operating point of the laser, the laser operating at a particular wavelength and includes a source channel and destination channel. The system switches and locks the output wavelength of a laser at ultra fast time scales (<50 ns) and compensate for degradation in the laser, and thermal transients in the device during the switching to ensure that within a certain time the laser has switched its wavelength to another wavelength within a specific accuracy and is not dependent on the previous wavelength of the laser.
US07924877B2
Disclosed herein is a communication control method employed by a communication apparatus that includes a primary communication interface and a plurality of relay communication interfaces and has a communication interface coupling function of transferring a transmission/reception frame of the primary communication interface through one of the plurality of relay communication interfaces. The method includes the steps of: acquiring traffic information concerning the primary communication interface; and dynamically varying a transfer allocation ratio between the plurality of relay communication interfaces based on the traffic information.
US07924875B2
Even though network connections have priorities for reconnection and preemption of other connections upon a failure, these priorities are fixed based on the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Service Provider and the customer, and do not depend on the actual outage time, or downtime, during the operation of the network. Only a fixed pecking order for reconnection is guaranteed. Therefore they cannot ensure the outage a connection which experiences downtimes limited to the SLA. With the present invention, the priorities of the network connections are determined responsive to the failures of the network connections. The priorities of the network connections can also be determined responsive to the permitted downtime of the connections to better meet the SLA of the connection. Another factor in varying a network connection priority can be the expected downtime of a connection.
US07924874B2
Methods and systems for evaluating the utilization of resources in a system. Information that characterizes an allocation of resources in the system is received. Information that characterizes requests to the system is also received. Workflow in the system in response to the requests is simulated. Processes that are executed by the system in response to the requests are also simulated. Utilization of the allocation of resources is determined. The resources can be reallocated to improve the utilization as measured against a selected performance metric.
US07924867B2
The present invention relates to a communications network including transmitting stations and receiving stations for transmitting and receiving signals, the transmitting stations being adapted for transmitting a data signal as a series of data packets, wherein a data packet is scheduled to be transmitted by use of an available transmission resource, and receiving stations for transmitting a reservation indicator for reception by transmitting stations. In order to avoid transmission conflicts, in particular inter-cell conflicts in a cellular TDMA communications network, it is proposed that a reservation indicator transmitted by a receiving station carries a first reservation indicator value to indicate that a data transmission resource has been reserved by the receiving station for reception of the next data packet of a data signal from a transmitting station transmitting said data signal or a second reservation indicator value to indicate that a data transmission resource has not been reserved by the receiving station for reception of the next data packet from the transmitting station or that the last data packet has not been received with acceptable interference from the transmitting station, and wherein transmitting stations receiving a reservation indicator carrying a first reservation indicator value transmitted from a receiving station to which no data signal has been transmitted by them will not transmit a data packet by use of the reserved transmission resource.
US07924866B2
The present invention provides an improved random access channel protocol, wherein different user elements may be associated with different priority levels. Based on relative priority, the user elements may have different probabilities for deciding when to retransmit a previously transmitted packet upon receiving information from an access point indicating that the packet needs to be retransmitted. A buffer is provided for storing a packet to transmit, and the buffer is associated with a stack counter, which is incremented or decremented to or from a nominal value to determine when to transmit or retransmit the packet stored in the buffer. Based on the relative priority, feedback information from the access point may cause the stack counter for a packet needing to be retransmitted to stay at the nominal value, wherein retransmission will occur at the next available time slot, or it may increase the stack counter by one or more levels.
US07924863B2
In a scheme for processing data chunks, MAC-PHY circuits are adapted to store data chunks of large data packets and to provide same to a shared memory unit across an interface controlled by a controller. A data transfer monitor is adapted to monitor the progress of such data provision and shared layer-two processors perform data chunk processing operations and data packet processing operations based upon such progress. A double data rate (DDR) controller, coupled between the shared memory unit and a DDR memory unit, provides data chunks from the first shared memory unit to the DDR memory unit.
US07924862B2
A network device includes a group of high speed redundant transmission lines and a switch. The switch is configured to select one of the high speed redundant transmission lines. The switch causes reflections and frequency dependent dispersions in the selected high speed redundant transmission line. The network device further includes a transmitting device that is configured to adjust signals transmitted over the selected high speed redundant transmission line so as to reduce the reflections and frequency dependent dispersions.
US07924858B2
A data processing apparatus and method of operation of such a data processing apparatus are disclosed. The data processing apparatus has a main processing unit operable to perform a plurality of data processing tasks, and a data engine for performing a number of those tasks on behalf of the main processing unit. At least one shared resource is allocatable to the data engine by the main processing unit for use by the data engine when performing data processing tasks on behalf of the main processing unit. The data engine comprises a data engine core for performing the tasks, and a data engine subsystem configurable by the main processing unit and arranged to manage communication between the data engine core and an allocated shared resource. The data engine core comprises a resource manager unit for acting as a master device with respect to the data engine subsystem in order to manage use of the allocated shared resource. It has been found that such an approach provides a particularly efficient implementation of a data engine within a data processing apparatus, which reduces the need for re-writing of existing code to enable it to be executed on such a data processing apparatus.
US07924857B2
A method and apparatus of reorganizing cells received over data communication lines at a receive node is provided. The cells have an initial order identified by monotonically increasing sequence identifiers. The receive node has buffers associated with respective ones of the communication lines. Each of the buffers has an output position. A cell having a smallest sequence identifier is detected from one or more cells at the output positions of the buffers. It is determined if the smallest sequence identifier is sequentially consecutive to a specified sequence identifier. If the smallest sequence identifier is sequentially consecutive to the specified sequence identifier, the cell having the smallest sequence identifier is dequeued from an output position of one of the buffers and the specified sequence identifier is redefined as the smallest sequence identifier.
US07924848B2
A method for receiving data in a network acceleration architecture for use with TCP (transport control protocol), iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) and RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) over TCP, including providing a hardware acceleration engine, called a streamer, adapted for communication with and processing data from a consumer application in a system that supports TCP, iSCSI and RDMA over TCP, providing a software protocol processor adapted for carrying out TCP implementation, the software control processor being called a TCE (TCP Control Engine), wherein the streamer and the TCE are adapted to operate asynchronously and independently of one another, and receiving an inbound TCP segment with the streamer.
US07924845B2
Message send and receive blocks are provided to emulation ICs and reconfigurable interconnect ICs of an emulation system to reduce the multiplexed transfer latency of critical emulation signals. Each of a corresponding pair of a message send block and a message receive block is provided with a signal state value inclusion schedule to control operation of the message send and receive blocks. The signal state inclusion schedule calls for some signals within a message to be sent more often than other signals within the message. In some embodiments a parity value is implemented as part the message and included in the signal state inclusion schedule.
US07924843B2
Methods, apparatus and computer readable code for compression, encoding and decoding of units of data such as packets are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods, apparatus and computer readable code for transmitting and/or receiving the data packets (for example, transmitting from a sending location to a receiving location where packets are received) are provided. For at least some packets, a dictionary is determined from a respective group of packets, including a first set of historical packets and excluding a second set of historical packet. Each target packet is encoded and/or compressed and/or decoded using the respective dictionary. Optionally, the respective group of packet includes the actual target packet to be encoded and/or compressed and/or decoded. In some embodiments, respective group of packets from which the dictionary is determined includes packets that have not been acknowledged from the receiving location at the time of encoding, though embodiments where packets have been acknowledged are also disclosed.
US07924841B2
Messages transmitted between a receiver and a transmitter are used to maximize a communication data rate. In particular, a multicarrier modulation system uses messages that are sent from the receiver to the transmitter to exchange one or more sets of optimized communication parameters. The transmitter then stores these communication parameters and when transmitting to that particular receiver, the transmitter utilizes the stored parameters in an effort to maximize the data rate to that receiver. Likewise, when the receiver receives packets from that particular transmitter, the receiver can utilize the stored communication parameters for reception.
US07924837B1
A method of determining local multicast information of a local area network (LAN), comprising dividing the LAN to a number of segments larger than the number of virtual LANs (VLANs) in the network and creating a layer-3 multicast routing table, which relates to each of the segments separately.
US07924817B2
The tuner unit of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus receives a digital broadcast and generates a data stream from a digital broadcast signal having a desired modulation frequency. A data stream of a digital broadcast is also input from an external digital broadcast receiving apparatus via an external I/F. A stream switching unit and demultiplexer play back the content on a desired channel, contained in the two data streams, on an image display unit in real time, and at the same time, store the content on the other channel, contained in the other data stream, in a storage unit. This makes it possible to watch one of at least two programs with different modulation frequencies while recording the other program.
US07924801B2
Provided is an apparatus and method for detecting a packet in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) which can reduce a processing time of packet detection based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) by detecting a received packet employing symmetry of a short preamble. The packet detecting apparatus includes an autocorrelation average power calculation unit for calculating an absolute value of an autocorrelation average power value obtained by delaying a preamble signal of a received signal by half of a preamble length, an average power calculation unit for calculating an average power value of the received signal, a power ratio calculation unit for calculating a ratio of the average power value to the absolute value of the average power value, and a packet detection unit for detecting the packet by using the power ratio calculated by the power ratio calculation unit.
US07924800B2
A method and apparatus for setting Reverse Link CQI Reporting Modes in an access terminal is provided, comprising determining a value for CQIReportingMode received as a parameter in a transmitted message and setting the reverse link CQI reporting mode of the access terminal based on CQIReportingMode value. The CQIReportingMode value is indicative of a reporting mode selected from a plurality of reporting modes.
US07924795B2
The invention provides a method for operating an apparatus capable of Bluetooth and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)/WiMAX communications. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a Bluetooth module, and a WLAN/WiMAX unit comprising a packet traffic arbitration (PTA) module, and a WLAN/WiMAX module. The Bluetooth module sends a request for Bluetooth signal transceiving to be performed in a Bluetooth time slot to the WLAN/WiMAX unit, wherein the request comprises a length information about length of a transceiving time period for Bluetooth signal transceiving. The Bluetooth module then performs an Bluetooth signal transceiving during the transceiving time period of the Bluetooth time slot after the WLAN/WiMAX unit grants the request. The WLAN/WiMAX unit then performs an WLAN/WiMAX signal transceiving during a residual time period of the Bluetooth time slot in response to the length information.
US07924785B2
A method and system for switching a radio access technology (RAT) between wireless communication systems connected to each other while implementing different RATs with a multi-mode WTRU are disclosed. A plurality of wireless communication systems are deployed with overlapping coverage areas wherein each system implements different RATs and are connected to each other such that a service that is provided by one system may be provided through the other system. Each wireless communication system transmits an indication of the existence of an inter-working wireless communication system in a coverage area of each system. The WTRU receives the indication and information regarding the inter-working wireless communication system. The WTRU then initiates a handoff to the inter-working wireless communication system using the received information, whereby the WTRU continues to receive the same services that the WTRU receives from the currently connected wireless communication system through the inter-working wireless communication system.
US07924782B2
A method for assigning reference signal sequences for communication devices using a genetic algorithm is described. Reference signal sequences are assigned to each cell within a plurality of cells. A fitness function for each reference signal sequence is computed. The fitness function describes the effectiveness of the assignment. A first group of cells is selected to exchange their corresponding assignment information with assignment information corresponding to a second group of cells. The reference signal is assigned to a communications device within the area of one of the plurality of cells.
US07924781B2
In a communication system, a method and an apparatus provide for efficient communications of data rate control information. A mobile station communicates a request on a data channel for reception of a data file on a traffic channel. In response to the request, a transmitter in mobile station starts communication of data rate control information on a data rate control channel. After concluding the delivery of a requested data file by a receiver in mobile station, transmitter ceases communication of data rate control information on data rate control channel from mobile station.
US07924780B2
The present invention comprises a system and method for providing a distributed wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, at least one information processor is coupled to and accessible over a communication network, such as the internet. Network bandwidth is provided to a first user of at least two end users for a first fee and to a second user of the at least two end users for a second fee. The bandwidth is provided by at least one network service provider. Further, at least two wireless gateway devices are each respectively operated by the end users, and the wireless gateway devices are configured to provide wireless access to the communication network within a transmission range and to communicate with the at one least information processor. Also, at least two wireless receiving devices are provided that are operable to receive the respective bandwidth from the at least two wireless gateway devices when in transmission range. Preferably, the first user is authorized to use the second bandwidth and the second user is authorized to use the first bandwidth via the wireless devices. Thus a system and method of sharing bandwidth is provided.
US07924775B2
A base station for use in a wireless network that communicates according to a multi-carrier protocol. The base station receives an uplink signal transmitted by a first subscriber station. The first subscriber station transmits using a configurable spectral shaping filter and a selectable modulation order. The base station determines a required bandwidth efficiency associated with the first subscriber station and, in response to the determination, selects a first modulation order and a first filter parameter to be used by the first subscriber station. Advantageously, the base station selects the first modulation order and the first filter parameter in order to maximize a power efficiency of the first subscriber station while maintaining the required bandwidth efficiency.
US07924774B2
A host computer communicates with field devices by sending control messages and receiving response messages over a wireless network. When the host computer sends a control message to the wireless network, the host computer is provided with a predictive response time within which the field device receiving the message will respond. The wireless network cycles between a sleep state and an active state based upon a wireless network power cycle. The predicted response time is based upon the current state of the wireless network, the power cycle, and the time required for the field device to turn on, take an action (such as measuring a parameter), and generating a response message.
US07924771B2
In a wireless communications system in which a mobile node seeks a communication session with a correspondent node by first signaling for initialization of the communication session through a first data path via an intermediate node. Thereafter, contents of the communication is established through a second data path in which the mobile node and the correspondent node communicate straightforwardly without going through the intermediate node.
US07924755B2
A method for conserving the power supply of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communications device is described. The location of control information within one or two of a plurality of symbols is obtained. A sleep mode is entered into. The one or two symbols that include the control information are monitored. A return to the sleep mode is executed.
US07924746B2
The present invention provides a mechanism and a method for indirectly controlling a packet handling device interface from an optical management system in an packet-optical network. A mechanism is provided for controlling a packet handling device, such as a router, interface from a management system indirectly, by using optical equipment as a proxy and communicating between the optical gear and router via a peer-to-peer signaling protocol. The present invention provides a management method that allows separate management systems for the optical layer and the packet network layer and a method for managing the network across the domains.
US07924745B2
According to the present invention, connection can be always maintained between the mobile node and the access router, and disruption of on-going transport session can be prevented by making effective use of two architectures (hierarchical and mesh architectures). The mobile nodes 1000-1, 1000-2 and 1000-3 are attached to the access router 1100-1. When the mobile node maintains link layer connectivity with the access router, it is in the hierarchical mode, whereas when the link layer connectivity is lost, it enters the mesh mode. In the mesh mode, the mobile node attempts to establish virtual link layer connectivity with the access router through other nodes by using mesh network protocol such as MANET. In the mesh mode, the packet is capsulated between the mobile node and the access router when the mobile node and the peer 1400-1 communicate with each other.
US07924742B2
A network device discovery system includes a computing system configured to broadcast a device discovery datagram packet to a network such that the device discovery datagram packet is encoded with data identifying at least one device discovered on the network, wherein if a time period from the broadcast of the device discovery datagram packet exceeds a predetermined threshold and a quantity of device discovery datagram packets broadcast to the network exceeds a predetermined threshold, the computing system is configured to discontinue broadcast of device discovery datagram packets to the network.
US07924740B2
A method of configuring at least one user-specific connection between access points of a transmission network, particularly of a highly available network, which are connectable to user-located network devices, and a server of a network management system, a management module for the server, a configuration tool, and a configuration module for the configuration tool are presented. Network data about the network devices and links between these network devices via which the user-specific connection can be established is determined, and planning data for a representation of the network is generated on the basis of which at least one availability criterion of the network devices or of the links is determinable. Planning data for a representation of the transmission network is then generated, on the basis of which at least one availability criterion of the network devices or of the links is determinable.
US07924726B2
Each router in a network is configured for generating router advertisement messages according to a flooding distance vector routing protocol. Each router advertisement message output according to the flooding distance vector routing protocol includes reachability information for at least one destination, and an originating router identifier indicating a router having originated the reachability information. If any router receiving the router advertisement message detects a match between the originating router identifier and the corresponding assigned router identifier, the received router advertisement message is disregarded during calculation of the best paths from the network. If the originating router identifier identifies another router, the router floods the received router advertisement message to other ports, and output its own router advertisement message based on the received router advertisement message and that specifies the originating router identifier from the received router advertisement message.
US07924723B2
A method and apparatus for handling an overload condition in a communication network are disclosed. For example, the method calculates a retry-after-timer parameter by at least one core signaling network element for at least one edge signaling network element. The method then sends the retry-after-timer parameter by the at least one core signaling network element to the at least one edge signaling network element, when a total queueing delay of the at least one core signaling network element exceeds a predefined high threshold in a measurement interval, wherein the retry-after-timer parameter is used by the at least one edge signaling network element in an overload control that throttles signaling traffic.
US07924717B2
Systems and methods of reporting access violations in a network device are disclosed. One such method comprises setting a forwarding index field in a specific entry of an access control list (ACL) to reference a specific forwarding table entry (FTE). The specific FTE is the only FTE associated with reporting access violations. The method further comprises setting a next destination field in the specific FTE to indicate a copy-to-processor behavior. The method further comprises setting the next destination field in the specific FTE to indicate a drop behavior. The setting of the next destination field is responsive to a timeout on a timer associated with reporting access violations.
US07924713B2
A method and system for controlling admission of data traffic to a telecommunications network having an allocatable bandwidth, at least one physical link and at least two pre-defined flows over the link, the method including receiving input data of each of the at least one physical links in the network, the data including for each of the links a wire rate bandwidth, a provisioned committed bandwidth, and a provisioned best effort bandwidth; calculating a bandwidth available for best effort from the wire rate bandwidth and the provisioned committed bandwidth; and allocating the bandwidth available for best effort between the flows substantially proportionally to the provisioned best effort bandwidth.
US07924712B2
In a data packet system (100) comprised of a plurality of processing platforms that are each at least potentially in-line with respect to a flow of data packets, upon receiving (401) an installation of a data packet filter, automatically selecting (402) where, from amongst that plurality of process platforms, to effect the data packet filter. This can comprise, if desired, parsing of the filter to ascertain its characterizing requirements and accessing information regarding the processing platforms to determine which platforms are capable of effecting those requirements. Numerous other factors can also be taken into account to aid in assuring an appropriate selection.
US07924711B2
A method and apparatus for adaptively managing communication latency, including processing one or more data frames in a communication network; sampling the one or more data frames in accordance with a first sampling time; interpolating the sampled one or more data frames; and forming a play-out waveform using the one or more data frames and having a predetermined length in time. The one or more data frames can be one or more vocoder frames and a play-out time of the one or more vocoder frames is different than the original sampling time.
US07924707B2
A method for realizing many to many protection switching operation of ring network including: determining information of a switch request of M:N protection switching of the ring network, a destination node of the switch request, a source node of the switch request, a flag of long or short path, a status of bridging and switching, a channel number of protected working channel, and utilization condition of protection channels; carrying the information in a signaling and transferring it on the ring network; upon receipt of the signaling, performing the M:N protection switching of the ring network by a ring network node according to the information in the signaling. Therefore, the format of APS protocol signaling provided in this invention includes the information necessary for protection switching. This invention also provides an effective transmission approach of APS protocol signaling for protection switching.
US07924706B1
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for cross-connecting high-speed telecommunications signals at a flexible cross-connect system. A method and apparatus for controlling communications between each of the cards located within the flexible cross-connect system is also disclosed. The method and apparatus also detect and report failures within the system, receive and validate software upgrades from external sources, maintain synchronization within the system, and monitor communication maps for the system.
US07924704B2
A method to reduce memory requirements for a packet loss concealment algorithm in the event of packet loss in a receiver of pulse code modulated voice signals. A voice playout unit in the receiver shares its nominal delay buffer with a history buffer of a packet loss concealment algorithm up to a maximum limit described in a standard. This reduces or eliminates need to allocate memory for the history buffer. A history buffer can also be extended to retain an original portion of voice signal packets received prior to a packet loss as well as generated voice signals as they are generated. A scratch buffer is used as a working buffer and replaces the function of a pitch buffer.
US07924696B2
An optical recording medium of a pitting recording type, to which recording marks are formed by irradiation with a violet laser beam having a wavelength λ in the range of about 380 to about 450 nm, includes a substrate having a surface provided with guide grooves and lands, and a metal recording layer in which recording marks are formed by irradiation with a laser beam. The guide grooves and the lands meet conditions expressed by: λ/18≦DG≦λ/11 (1) 1.5≦WG/WL≦3.5 (2) Where λ is the wavelength of the laser beam used for writing and reading, DG, is the depth of the grooves, WG is the width of the grooves, and WL is the width of lands formed on the substrate, and the wavelength λ is in the range of 380 to 450 nm.
US07924695B2
An information recording medium is provided, which comprises a plurality of recording layers and a first disc information area for storing parameters relating to access to the plurality of recording layers and formats relating to the plurality of recording layers. The first disc information area is provided in a first recording layer which is one of the plurality of recording layers.
US07924694B2
To accomplish write-once type optical recording mediums that have excellent recording and reproducing characteristics and producibility and that are capable of being fabricated at low cost. A write-once type optical recording medium 10 has the structure of which an inorganic recording film 6, a dielectric film 4, and a light transmission layer 5 have been successively formed on a substrate 1. The inorganic recording film 6 is composed of a metal film 2 and an oxide film 3 successively formed on the substrate 1. When light is radiated to the inorganic recording film 6, oxygen is separated from the oxide film 3 due to the light catalyst effect, resulting in increasing the oxygen concentration on the metal film 2 side and largely varying the optical constant.
US07924690B2
The invention relates to the field of optical information recording. In order to prevent abusive or fraudulent use of storage media, the invention provides a process for intentional degradation of information by application of a laser power below the normal power for reading information recorded in super-resolution on the media. This process relies on the surprising observation that a laser power below the super-resolution read power produces an irreversible degradation of the information recorded. This observation has been made with regard to media composed of a three-layer structure comprising an InSb or GaSb layer between two ZnS/SiO2 layers. Application for protecting sensitive data.
US07924686B2
An objective lens for converging light onto a recording surface of an optical information recording medium in order to perform at least one of recording, reproduction and deletion of information on the optical information recording medium. The objective lens is a bi-convex single lens having at least one aspheric surface, and satisfies the following conditions: 0.8
US07924683B2
An optical pickup apparatus comprises a first light source for emitting a first light flux having first wavelength λ1 (430 nm>λ1>380 nm), a second light source for emitting a second light flux having second wavelength λ2 (λ2>λ1), an objective optical system having phase structure thereon, and at least one moving optical element for guiding the light flux into the objective optical system, the moving optical element being moved in a direction parallel to an optical axis corresponding to the first light wavelength λ1 and the second light wavelength λ2, wherein the objective optical system has phase structure and satisfies M1=M2=0, where, M1 and M2 denote a first and second magnifications of the objective optical system for recording and/or reproducing the information on or from the first and second optical information media.
US07924680B2
An optical information recording and reproducing apparatus for recording information on a recording medium by forming interference fringes generated by interference between an information beam and a reference beam on the recording medium and for reproducing the information by irradiating, with the reference beam, the recording medium, in which the interference fringes are formed. The apparatus includes a spatial light modulator for spatially modulating at least a portion of a light beam emitted from a light source into the information beam. A light sensing device reads the information beam extracted from the recording medium by the reference beam irradiated on the recording medium. A shift amount detector detects a shift of the irradiating position of the light beam entering the spatial light modulator, and a device corrects a positional shift between a position of an area for modulating the information beam and a position of the light beam in the spatial light modulator based on a positional shift amount detected by the shift amount detector.
US07924678B2
A recording/reproducing head includes a laminated body facing to a recording medium, the body including a first conductive layer, a first insulating layer and a second conductive layer which are sequentially stacked. The first conductive layer generates electrons and injects the electrons into the recording medium through the first insulating layer.
US07924677B2
In an optical recording medium having a plurality of recording layers on which information can be recorded by irradiating a laser beam from one side thereof, an optimum recording power to each of the recording layers can be determined. The optical recording medium has a plurality of recording layers on which information can be recorded by irradiating a laser beam from one side thereof, and each of the recording layers has a power calibration area (PCA) for optimizing the intensity of the laser beam.
US07924676B2
A multi-layered information recording medium used in an information recording/reproducing apparatus applicable to both a single-layer information recording medium and an arbitrary multi-layered information recording medium is provided. The multi-layered information recording medium has a plurality of recording layers, and each of the recording layers has a guiding groove formed at a track pitch defined as a quadratic function of disk thickness (i.e., the distance from the light incident surface) of the associated recording layer. The guiding grooves of the recording layers are formed such that the track pitch of a reference recording layer having a disk thickness closest to that of the single-layer information recording medium is the smallest amongst the multiple recording layers.
US07924671B2
An optical disc drive apparatus includes a rotatably supporting drive unit supporting an optical disc, an optical pickup, an angular velocity sensor detecting the magnitude and direction of an angular velocity, a skew estimating section estimating disc skew from the result of detection by the angular velocity sensor, such that one estimated skew value in a case where the angular velocity is applied in a direction in which the optical disc moves away from the optical pickup differs from another estimated skew value in a case where the angular velocity of the same magnitude but in the opposite direction, in which the optical disc approaches the optical pickup, is applied, and a tilt drive section changing the tilt of the light beam in accordance with the estimated skew value and correcting a shift, occurring because of the angular velocity, in a light beam applying position on the optical disc.
US07924659B2
The present invention provides a magnetooptic device, a magnetooptic head, and a magnetic disk drive each capable of performing optically assisted magnetic recording and each having a small size, improved recording density, and a higher transfer rate. In a magnetooptic device, a magnetic circuit including a magnetic gap and a thin film magnetic transducer having a coil portion are stacked on the surface of a semiconductor laser. By the arrangement, optically assisted magnetic recording can be performed, small size and light weight are achieved, and higher transfer rate can be implemented.
US07924653B2
A system and method of range estimation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises transmitting beams through a medium towards a surface, receiving reflected signals from the surface, and estimating range to the surfaced based on the reflected signals and an estimate of sidelobe coupling of the beams.
US07924652B2
The method disclosed is useful for estimating anisotropic properties of an earth formation. The method includes extracting travel time values of components of the acoustic wave induced from a downhole tool and reflected from a boundary bed formation. The method further includes obtaining a travel time ratio of the wave components and using the travel time ratio to estimate the anisotropic properties of the formation.
US07924650B2
A memory device that includes multiple blocks of static random access memory (SRAM), which each have a standby mode and an active operating mode, is described. During the active operating mode, a selection circuit couples a higher voltage from a first power-signal line and a power-supply circuit to a given block of SRAM, and during the standby mode the selection circuit couples a lower voltage from a second power-signal line to the given block of SRAM. Note that a regulator circuit regulates the lower voltage on the second power-signal line by selectively opening or closing a first switch between the first power-signal line and the second power-signal line. Furthermore, a recycling circuit selectively opens a second switch between the first switch and the first power-signal line when the block of SRAM transitions from the active operating mode to the standby mode, thereby transferring charge from the block of SRAM to other blocks of SRAM.
US07924647B2
A fuse circuit includes a fuse unit configured to form a current path on a first node according to whether or not a fuse is cut; a driving current controller configured to control a potential level of the first node in response to a test signal; and an output unit configured to output a fuse state signal in response to the potential level of the first node.
US07924643B2
The semiconductor memory device includes a bank having a cell array and a sense amplifier. A back bias voltage generating unit supplies a back bias voltage to the cell array of the bank. A negative drive voltage generating unit generates negative driving voltages including a normal pull-up voltage, an overdrive voltage, a normal pull-down voltage, and a negative voltage and supplies the negative driving voltages to the sense amplifier of the bank. A switching unit opens a connection between the back bias voltage generating unit and the negative drive voltage generating unit when in active mode and shares the back bias voltage between the back bias voltage generating unit and the negative drive voltage generating unit when in a refresh mode, in response to an external command.
US07924640B2
A test method includes providing an integrated circuit, where the integrated circuit includes a memory base cell, where the memory base cell includes a first storage node set, a second storage node set, a set of other nodes, and a set of circuit elements each having a plurality of terminals, where the set of other nodes includes a first data node for accessing the first storage node set, a first access control node for controlling the access of the first storage node set, a first supply node for supplying the first storage node set, and a second supply node for supplying the second storage node set, where the first and second supply nodes are of the same sinking or sourcing type. The method further includes conducting a circuit element test on a circuit element in the set of circuit elements, where in the circuit element test the first and second supply nodes are not connected together, each terminal of the circuit element is directly forced with an electrical quantity, and an electrical quantity is directly measured from a terminal of the circuit element. Further, the method includes conducting at least one of a static noise margin test or a full cell test on the memory base cell.
US07924639B2
The present invention provides a nonvolatile memory device that uses a resistance material. The nonvolatile memory device includes: a stacked memory cell array having a plurality of memory cell layers stacked in a vertical direction, the stacked memory cell array having at least one memory cell group and at least one redundancy memory cell group; and a repair control circuit coupled to the stacked memory cell array, the repair control circuit configured to repair a defective one of the at least one memory cell group with a selected one of the at least one redundancy memory cell group. The features that enable repair improve the fabrication yield of the nonvolatile memory device.
US07924621B2
A method of controlling a NAND-type flash memory provided with a latch circuit in which data is temporarily stored has measuring a first consumption current of the latch circuit in a first state in which the latch circuit is caused to retain first logic; measuring a second consumption current of the latch circuit in a second state in which the latch circuit is caused to retain second logic obtained by inverting the first logic; and comparing the first consumption current and the second consumption current to cause the latch circuit to retain logic corresponding to the state corresponding to a smaller one of the first consumption current and the second consumption current.
US07924606B2
A memory controller and a decoder are provided. The decoder is adapted to the memory controller. The decoder includes a first transistor to a fourth transistor. Gates of the first to the fourth transistor are coupled to a first to a fourth control signal respectively. A first terminal and a second terminal of the first transistor are coupled to a first voltage and a first terminal of the second transistor respectively. First terminals and second terminals of the third transistor and the fourth transistor are coupled to a second terminal of the second transistor and a second voltage respectively. When the first transistor and the second transistor are turned off, a voltage of the second control signal is lower than a voltage of the first control signal. Thereby, a gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) current of the transistors is reduced.
US07924604B2
A stacked memory cell for use in a high-density static random access memory is provided that includes first and second pull-down transistors formed in a first layer, a pass transistor connected between a gate of the second pull-down transistor and a bit line and formed in the first layer and a first and second pull-up transistors formed in a second layer located above the first layer and connected with the first and second pull-down transistors respectively to form an inverter latch. With the construction of a stacked memory cell having a lone pass transistor, cell size is reduced compared to a conventional six-transistor cell, and driving performance of the pass transistor can be improved.
US07924600B2
A method is described for operating a bistable resistance random access memory having two memory layer stacks that are aligned in series is disclosed. The bistable resistance random access memory comprises two memory layer stacks per memory cell, the bistable resistance random access memory operates in four logic states, a logic “00” state, a logic “01” state, a logic “10” state and a logic “11” state. The relationship between the four different logic states can be represented mathematically by the two variables n and f and a resistance R. The logic “0” state is represented by a mathematical expression (1+f)R. The logic “1” state is represented by a mathematical expression (n+f)R. The logic “2” state is represented by a mathematical expression (1+nf)R. The logic “3” state is represented by a mathematical expression n(1+f)R.
US07924589B1
A content addressable memory (CAM) device includes an array having a number N of CAM rows, each row including a plurality of CAM cells coupled to a match line, a spare CAM row including a plurality of CAM cells coupled to a spare match line, and row replacement circuitry configured to functionally replace a defective CAM row and each subsequent CAM row in the array with corresponding next adjacent CAM rows, wherein a last CAM row in the array is functionally replaced by the spare CAM row.
US07924581B2
A high voltage start-up circuit with constant current control applied to a switching mode power converter is provided. The high voltage start-up circuit includes a high voltage junction transistor, a control transistor, a current detecting resistor and a bias resistor. The drain of the junction transistor is connected to a high power supply, the gate of the junction transistor is connected to the drain of the control transistor, and the source of the junction transistor is connected to the current detecting resistor. The voltage drop crossing the current detecting resistor is kept constant to have the junction transistor output a constant current. The bias resistor which is connected between the gate of the junction transistor and the output end of the high voltage start-up circuit has the gate to source bias voltage of the junction transistor kept constant to output constant current.
US07924577B2
A power converter includes a transformer, a primary switch, an auxiliary switch, first and second resonance capacitors, and a secondary side rectification means. A switch mode power supply is formed to use reflected voltage and parasitic capacitance as an energy source for a transformer resonance. The auxiliary switch effectively exchanges energy between the primary inductance of the transformer and the first and second resonant capacitors. The auxiliary switch effectively switches the transformer resonance between two distinct frequencies. In one embodiment of the invention, the power converter can be, but is not limited to, a flyback converter and further includes a comparator and a driver. The comparator is for detecting the voltage across the second resonance capacitor and the driver is configured to drive the auxiliary switch based on the output state of the comparator. The resonant nature of the converter provides zero voltage (ZVS) for the primary switch as well as for the auxiliary switch.
US07924574B2
High-frequency circuit components are disclosed in which parasitic capacitance between a high-frequency circuit element and a substrate is reduced and mechanical strength is improved. An exemplary component has a conductive substrate, a coil as the high-frequency circuit-element, a mounting board including a thin dielectric film on which the coil is mounted, and a support board that couples the mounting board to the substrate. The mounting board is coupled so that it floats relative to the substrate as a result of deliberate warping of the support board.
US07924571B2
A shield case shields an electric circuit on a circuit board by covering a front surface and a side peripheral surface of the circuit board. The shield case includes a frame section vertically arranged on a mother board and covering the side peripheral surface of the circuit board, and a lid section including a plate member provided at an upper end of the frame section and covering the front surface of the circuit board. The circuit board is arranged in the frame section at a position spaced apart from a front surface of the mother board, and has a circuit-side connector at a back surface of the circuit board. The circuit-side connector is connected with a mother-board-side connector provided at the mother board, so that an electric circuit of the circuit board is electrically connected with a conductive portion of the mother board.
US07924569B2
By providing thermoelectric elements, such as Peltier elements, in a semiconductor device, the overall heat management may be increased. In some illustrative embodiments, the corresponding active cooling/heating systems may be used in a stacked chip configuration to establish an efficient thermally conductive path between temperature critical circuit portions and a heat sink of the stacked chip configuration.
US07924564B1
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an integrated antenna structure comprises a plurality of radiating elements, cooling channels embedded directly within each of the plurality of radiating elements, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. Each of the plurality of radiating elements receive or transmit electromagnetic energy. The cooling channels are formed by an internal surface of the radiating elements. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in communication with each of the cooling channels. Each of the cooling channels provides a heat exchanging function by receiving at least a portion of a fluid coolant from the fluid inlet, transferring a least a portion of the thermal energy from the respective radiating element to the received portion of the fluid coolant, and dispensing of at least a portion of the received fluid coolant out of the cooling channel to the fluid outlet.
US07924562B2
A cooling device includes a cooling fan placed in a power storage device, an exhaust port placed in a battery, and a cooling wind flow path for allowing cooling wind taken in from the cooling fan to flow therethrough. In the power storage device and the battery, communication between a gap inside a casing a gap inside a casing can be established via an opening. The cooling wind supplied from the wind blowing fan (F10) flows through the gap formed inside the casing for the power storage device to cool capacitor cells. Subsequently, the cooling wind that has passed through the power storage device is introduced into the inside of the casing for the battery via the opening, and flows through a gap between the upper surface of battery cells and the casing and a gap between the battery cells to cool the battery cells. Thereafter, the cooling wind is emitted to the outside of the casing via the exhaust port.
US07924560B2
A display device of the present invention is a display device including a body unit; a display unit; and a supporting unit, arranged upright from the body unit, for supporting the display unit; the display device including a circuit substrate arranged inside the body unit and mounted with an electronic component; a radiator plate arranged facing the circuit substrate and directly or indirectly contacting a plurality of electronic components; a heat pipe arranged on the radiator plate; and a cooling fan attached to the radiator plate and connected with a terminating end of the heat pipe.
US07924554B2
An electronic device includes a display, a rotating member, a main body, a hinge, and a positioning member. The main body defining a holding groove in a top thereof. The rotating member defines a holding hole. The display is slidably mounted to the rotating member. The hinge includes a first fixed member and a second fixed member rotatable relative to the first fixed member, wherein the second fixed member is held in the holding hole, and the first fixed member is held in the holding groove. The positioning member mounted to the main body, wherein the positioning member comprises a positioning block inserted into the holding groove to secure the first fixed member of the hinge in the holding groove.
US07924548B2
An electric double layer capacitor includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode which faces the positive electrode and is isolated therefrom, and an electrolyte solution. The positive electrode includes a first current collector of a metal foil and a first polarizable electrode layer on the first current collector, the first polarizable electrode layer containing a phosphorus compound. The negative electrode includes a second current collector of a metal foil and a second polarizable electrode layer on the second current collector. The electrolyte solution, with which the first and second polarizable electrode layers are impregnated, has fluorine-containing anions as an electrolyte solute.
US07924535B2
An electronic switch structure capable of extinguishing arcs is provided. A device capable of extinguishing arcs generated when an electric switch is turned on or off is in a following structure. Two silicon controlled rectifiers are connected in inverse parallel. Trigger ports of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to triggering current limiting circuits each formed by a diode and a resistor connected in series, respectively. Positive poles and negative poles of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to a voltage dependent resistor and a resistance-capacitance absorption circuit for over voltage protection in parallel. A triggering end of the device is connected to a contact bridge of the switch. Two ends connected in inverse parallel of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to two ends of fixed contacts of the switch respectively. Thus, an electronic arc extinguishing device having a simple structure, a small volume, and high reliability is formed.
US07924531B2
A suspension for supporting a head slider has a flexure, several trace patterns positioned on the flexure, front flexure-bonding pads disposed on the flexure at a position corresponding to a leading edge of the head slider and connected to the trace patterns, and rear flexure-bonding pads disposed on the flexure at a position corresponding to a trailing edge of the head slider and connected to the trace patterns. The front and the rear flexure-bonding pads and the trace patterns are integrally formed and disposed on the flexure at the same time, so the fabricating process is simplified and there is no alignment problem for bonding location. This can ensure the connection strength and position between the head slider and the suspension changeless and, in turns, ensure a good attitude of the head slider. The invention also discloses a HGA and a disk drive device with such suspension, and a fabricating method for the suspension.
US07924529B2
A stepped-part 4b with a lower tip side is formed on the top face of a pattern end 4, and a lower face 4c thereof is used as a plane on which a solder ball 7 is provided. One or more protrusions 4d made of a swollen conductive layer are formed on the lower face to limit displacement of the solder ball in the tip direction and the both side directions. The solder ball is held by the protrusions to suppress deviation of the solder ball.
US07924528B2
A top surface of a pole layer of a magnetic head includes: a first portion having a first edge located in a medium facing surface and a second edge opposite thereto; and a second portion located farther from the medium facing surface than the first portion and connected to the first portion at the second edge. The distance from a substrate to an arbitrary point on the first portion increases with increasing distance from the medium facing surface to the arbitrary point. The angle of inclination of the first portion taken at the arbitrary point with respect to a direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface increases stepwise or continuously with increasing distance from the medium facing surface to the arbitrary point. The angle of inclination taken at the first edge is greater than zero degree. The second portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the medium facing surface.
US07924524B2
A method according to one embodiment includes generating a first gain error, comprising: receiving an output of an equalizer; and comparing a magnitude of the output to a saturation threshold level; if the output is higher than the saturation threshold level, generating a first gain error. The method further including generating at least one of a second and a third gain error, wherein generating the second gain error comprises: using either a slicer or a trellis for generating the second gain error, wherein the slicer generates a gain error based on an output of an interpolator, wherein the trellis generates a gain error based on an output of a maximum likelihood detector; wherein generating the third gain error comprises: receiving an output of an equalizer; generating a threshold qualified peak from the equalizer output and a tracking threshold level; comparing the threshold qualified peak to a second threshold; and generating a third gain error based on the comparison.
US07924521B1
A control module for a rotating storage medium includes a data wedge format table (DWFT). The control module also includes a buffer control module that has a DWFT queue that includes X entries from the DWFT and one of X first servo information for each of the X entries. X is a positive integer. A disk formatter module that compares the one of X first servo information with second servo information that is based on a current position of a read/write device in relation to the rotating storage medium.
US07924520B2
A system and method for determining the value of a longitudinal position (“LPOS”) bit of a storage medium. A system comprises a selector that selects a value for a longitudinal position (“LPOS”) bit from a plurality of possible values derived from LPOS information read from a storage medium. A quality determiner that determines a quality value for each of a plurality of LPOS values derived from the LPOS information. The selection of the value for the LPOS bit is based, at least in part, on the quality values.
US07924516B2
A reflective fog filter is comprised of a substantially flat white substrate upon which a translucent color filter is applied. A preferred embodiment comprises a blue translucent acetate filter applied to a bright white metallic substrate. The subject apparatus is placed on the dashboard and/or cowl of a motor vehicle with the filter side up. Ambient light striking the apparatus is filtered and reflected onto the windshield directly in the driver's field of view. The apparatus therefore uses ambient light to project a filter onto the windshield. Visibility of objects in fog and other conditions that scatter light is enhanced when light reflecting from the objects is viewed through that portion of the windshield onto which the filter is reflected.
US07924508B2
A projection lens includes, in the order from a large conjugate side to a small conjugate side thereof, a negative lens group having a negative refractive power and a positive lens group having a positive refractive power. The positive lens group includes, in the order from the large conjugate side to the small conjugate side of the projection lens, a front sub-group and a rear sub-group each having a positive refractive power. The projection lens satisfies the formulas: −1.35
US07924507B2
A diopter-adjustable eyepiece lens EL, comprising first through third lenses L1 through L3, satisfies the condition −0.9
US07924504B2
A color filter structure includes a substrate, in which a number of first pixel regions, a number of second pixel regions, and a number of third pixel regions are defined on the substrate. Each first pixel region includes a first stack layer; each second pixel region includes a second stack layer; and each third pixel region includes the first stack layer and the second stack layer.
