US08016596B2
A literacy system provides teaching for reading and writing skills. In one embodiment, the literacy system may include exercises for teaching visual sequencing, motor skills, phonology, semantics, syntax, and text. The literacy system may have a pre-reading section, which includes exercises for developing visual sequencing skills and motor skills prior to teaching the skills of reading and writing words. Also, the literacy system may have a language skills section that includes exercises to collectively teach all four of the language skills of phonology, semantics, syntax, and text.
US08016588B2
An injection molding machine is provided which prevents, when molding a molding product, a molded part not to be used as a product to be integrally molded together with a molding product to be a product from being uselessly produced and improves production efficiency.A nozzle receiving section 37 configured on a fixed mold 22 side of a cavity C formed of the fixed mold 22 and a movable mold 21 is made to slightly protrude to allow melted resin remaining at the ends of the nozzle receiving section 37 and nozzle 20 to be used as part of a molding product in the next molding cycle and it is thereby possible to prevent, when molding a thin flat molding product such as a compact disk and video disk, melted resin from being uselessly produced as a sprue.
US08016570B2
A gas compressor unit according to the invention includes a single gas desiccant bed and condenser (which is inactive during the compression stage) inserted into the gas flow path of the compression cycle. In the case of a multistage compressor, the single gas desiccant bed is inserted between preferably the first and second stages. Moisture absorbed into this bed is periodically removed by exposing the bed to a regeneration cycle. The regeneration cycle employed is based on the closed re-circulation of gas present in the compressor and the desiccant bed itself, as well as other gas present in the re-circulation loop when the unit suspends delivery of compressed gas. Moisture removed from the desiccant bed is condensed and preferably evaporated into the environment through a semipermeable membrane. The motor and motor controller are located with the compressor in a common casing to minimize electromagnetic emissions.
US08016568B2
Disclosed is a blade including a blade body including a leading edge and a trailing edge, and at least one trailing edge cavity defined by a blade area disposed in at least partial alignment with the trailing edge, the at least one cavity extending a desired depth into said blade body in a direction of the leading edge.
US08016565B2
A method of assembling a rotor assembly is provided. The method comprises forming at least one channel in a dovetail portion of at least one rotor blade assembly, wherein the rotor blade assembly includes an airfoil extending outwardly from the dovetail portion, inserting a sealing assembly within the at least one channel of the dovetail portion, and coupling the at least one rotor blade assembly to a rotor disk using the dovetail portion such that at least a portion of the sealing assembly is between the dovetail portion and the rotor disk.
US08016557B2
An airfoil diffuser for a centrifugal compressor formed by a diffuser passage area and a plurality of diffuser blades located within the diffuser passage area. The diffuser passage area is defined between a hub plate and a shroud of the centrifugal compressor. Each of the diffuser blades has a twisted configuration in a stacking direction as taken between the hub plate and an outer portion of the shroud located opposite to the hub plate. As a result of the twisted configuration, the diffuser blade inlet blade angle decreases from the hub plate to the outer portion of the shroud and solidity measurements at leading edges of the diffuser plates vary between a lower solidity value measured at the hub plate of less than 1.0 and a high solidity value measured at the outer portion of the shroud of no less than 1.0.
US08016547B2
A nozzle assembly for directing cooling fluid in a vane comprising a hollow airfoil containing at least two cooling chambers. The chambers are separated by a generally radial rib. A metering plate mount is attached to the rib. A metering plate, having at least one aperture for tuning the cooling fluid flow within the airfoil, is adjacent the metering plate mount.
US08016526B2
A tie down anchor device useful, for example, in providing a securement surface for holding cargo within a sled or trailer via a strap or other tie down implement. The tie down anchor device includes an extension body, an attachment assembly, and a loop body. The extension body is flexible but substantially inelastic, formed from a fabric material. The attachment assembly is configured for removably mounting the anchor device to a surface, and is connected to a trailing section of the extension body. The loop body is movably maintained by a leading section of the extension body. With this configuration, upon mounting of the anchor device to a surface (e.g., floor of a sled), the loop body is readily available for connection to an end of a tie down implement (e.g., a hook provided with a rubber strap).
US08016522B2
A heat sink for a drill press includes a main body having a receiving chamber which has a top provided with a limit tube, a guide unit mounted on the main body, and a sponge mounted in the main body. The guide unit includes an outer tube mounted on the receiving chamber and protruding from the limit tube, a plurality of inner tubes laminating each other and mounted in the outer tube, and a positioning tube mounted between the limit tube and the outer tube and abutting the inner tubes to position the inner tubes in the outer tube. Thus, the guide unit has an adjustable size by provision of the inner tubes and the outer tube so as to fit drill bits of different sizes and specifications, thereby enhancing the versatility of the heat sink.
US08016519B2
A method and system for transporting an offshore structure such as a wind turbine generator includes a supporting frame in which the offshore structure is assembled on land in an upright configuration. The frame is used for lifting the structure onto a transport vessel, on which it is retained in the upright configuration. At its location of use, the offshore structure is transferred to a pre-prepared foundation. The foundation is provided with a frame which cooperates with the supporting frame. The supporting frame includes a plurality of legs having hydraulically controlled feet. The frame of the foundation includes an equal number of supporting formations on which the feet ultimately rest. The feet are moveable in response to the hydraulic control along a nominally vertical line of action and provide a damping arrangement for the mounting of the offshore structure.
US08016518B2
In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes a plurality of individual curved sheet piles that are positioned beneath an underground conduit, such as a raceway, to support the conduit during excavation. In one exemplary embodiment, the individual sections of curved sheet pile are interfit and/or interconnected. This allows the individual sections to work in combination with one another to support the conduit. Specifically, opposing ends of a length of interfit and/or interconnected curved sheet piles extend into unexcavated soil on both sides of an excavated hole to form a bridge across the hole that supports the conduit and any soil or other subterranean material positioned above the curved sheet pile.
US08016517B1
A paired set of handles attaching to a board forming a concrete screed to minimize the strain on a person performing concrete finishing work allows for an ergonomic application of downward force applied to the lower end of the handles and application of an upward lifting force by the shape of the grip portion at the upper end of the handles, with the shape and contour of the handles requiring less strain and strength than current screed handles.
US08016500B2
The invention provides for a flat panel display unit. The unit includes a rear cover molding defining an aperture therein, a base portion, arm and mounting plate fast with the rear cover molding to support the display unit in an upright position, and a pagewidth printer with an ink delivery bus operatively accessible via the aperture for receiving an ink cartridge. The unit further includes a chassis defining a chute for receiving print media therein, said chassis supporting a flat panel display, and a front bezel molding operatively fast with the rear cover molding to enclose the printer, chassis and display.
US08016492B2
A device capable of attaching a portable handheld camera to the wrist or arm of a human user is disclosed. The device is a multi-component detachable band of fabric or other material designed to encircle a user's wrist or arm, and hold a small handheld camera to the user's arm by way a camera mounting screw that attaches, by way of a rigid or semi-rigid hinged camera mounting bracket affixed to the band, to the camera's tripod socket. The device will often additionally contain a built-in second band of fabric or other material that can be positioned over the majority of the camera's front, and both hold the camera tightly to the user's wrist or arm when photography is not desired, as well as help protect the camera from accidental damage. The device is particularly useful for action sports photography.
US08016490B2
A thin-wall bearing, comprising a retainer (4) formed in a divided type having a plurality of resin plate-like members (5), (5), . . . curved along an inner ring (1) and an outer ring (2). The retainer (4) comprises pockets (6) opening to the axial end part thereof and rollingly holding balls (3). Slit-like through holes (14) extending in the axial direction and opening to the axial end part where the opening parts (7) of the pockets (6) are positioned are formed at the center parts of pillars (10) between the pockets (6) and (6) adjacent to each other. As a result, the thin-wall bearing can have excellent lubricity.
US08016479B2
There is provided a dispersion method of stirring a material to be dispersed in a cavity of a container, so as to create a laminar flow of the material by the stirring action, and a dispersing apparatus including a bottom member and a column-shaped rotating shaft that rotates in the cavity of the container, in which the rotating shaft is provided with two vanes attached thereto with a predetermined inclination, at positions circumferentially spaced by 180 degrees, and the vanes are located at non-overlapping positions in an axial direction.
US08016471B2
A light emitting diode (LED) device and the applications are provided, wherein the LCD device comprises a light emitting direction and a cross-section perpendicular to the light emitting direction, wherein the cross-section has a first height perpendicular to the light emitting direction and a light emitting area having a second height perpendicular to the light emitting direction, the second height is substantially shorter than 70% of the first height.
US08016469B2
A ceramic board is formed in an almost rectangular shape and has one side surface of an outer peripheral surface formed as an abutting surface, which is caused to abut on positioning surfaces of a radiating member, and one surface in a vertical direction formed as a device disposing surface on which a semiconductor light emitting device is to be disposed. Predetermined conductive patterns are formed on the ceramic board. A light emitting portion has a semiconductor light emitting device. A pair of positive and negative planar electrode portions are formed on the ceramic board and connected to the semiconductor light emitting device through the conductive patterns. At least a part of the pair of planar electrode portions are set to be exposure regions exposed to the device disposing surface of the ceramic board and the exposure regions are positioned in portions other than a portion linked to the abutting surface in an outer peripheral portion of the device disposing surface.
US08016466B2
A reflector 30 is constituted as an aspherical mirror that forms a light distribution S1 in which spread of reflected light in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle is larger than spread of reflected light in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The light distribution expanded in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle 3 makes the light less likely to impinge on a side surface of the vehicle 3, so that the rear part of the vehicle 3 can be illuminated efficiently. As a result, maximum illumination can be achieved with the minimum amount of light. In addition, because the range of illumination is long in the longitudinal direction, not only the area around an occupant's feet outside a front door 5 but also an area around the feet outside a rear door 6 can be illuminated easily.
US08016464B2
The present invention relates to a multifunctional internal lighting device for a motor vehicle. A single internal lighting device comprises various LED-type light sources which are capable of performing at least one first internal lighting function and a second internal lighting function. The various LEDs are distributed into at least two separate sets, a first set being dedicated to the performance of the first internal lighting function and a second set being dedicated to the performance of a second internal lighting function. In particular, it is proposed to use axial emission LEDs or through-emission LEDs and lateral emission LEDs to perform the first function and the second function respectively.
US08016458B2
An LED illumination device includes a hollow lamp housing, an optical part having a light source, a circuit board and a heat dissipation part received in the hollow lamp. The optical part and the circuit board are located at front and rear ends of the lamp housing, respectively. The heat dissipation part is located between the optical part and the circuit board, and includes a cylindrical air guider, a heat sink and a cooling fan received in the air guider. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins. The light source is arranged on a heat absorbing surface of the base. The air guider includes an annular ring and a plurality of spaced vanes extending axially from the annular ring. The lamp housing defines a plurality of first and second air holes through a circumferential surface thereof corresponding to the air guider.
US08016452B2
Exemplary embodiments comprise static and dynamic advertising displays where the backlight is provided by any one of the following: LED's, organic light emitting diodes (OLED), field emitting display (FED), light emitting polymer (LEP), and organic electro-luminescence (OEL). The backlights for both the static and dynamic advertising displays may be constructed of multiple tiles of lights, such that a single tile may be replaced without having to replace the entire backlight assembly. The display may be mounted on a vertical surface, and components may be repaired or replaced without having to remove the entire display from its mounted position.
US08016450B2
An illuminating apparatus is provided and includes a plurality of point light sources in one plane and a first optical sheet and a second optical sheet overlapped in a region facing the plurality of point light sources. The plurality of point light sources are arranged in a first direction and also arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first optical sheet has a plurality of first three-dimensional structures extending in a direction parallel to the first direction and arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction. The second optical sheet has a plurality of second three-dimensional structures extending in a direction parallel to the second direction and arranged in a direction parallel to the first direction. Each of the second three-dimensional structures has a shape which generates a larger amount of return light from normal incident light as compared with the first three-dimensional structures.
US08016445B2
A planar light emitting element is capable of outputting light having high directivity in at least one direction. The planar light emitting element has a light guide plate and first and second low refractive index layers. Light incident on the light guide plate is totally reflected on the interface between the light guide plate and the second low refractive index layer, propagates in the light guide plate, and is output from the light guide plate to the first low refractive index layer through a light output opening section. When a refractive index of the first low refractive index layer is sufficiently smaller than a refractive index of the light guide plate, the light propagates in the light guide plate at a large angle with respect to a light output surface of the light guide plate. When the difference between the refractive indexes of the first and second low refractive index layers is small, a spreading angle of light output to the first low refractive index layer is small. The light having high directivity is reflected on a reflective mirror and output from the planar light emitting element.
US08016440B2
Disclosed are circuits that allow LED bulbs to be replaced regardless of color or construction of the LED element. When used for an LED light string, replacing an LED bulb does not affect the operation of the entire string. When used for other illumination purpose, for example, room light, the bulbs are interchangeable because they have the same operating voltage and current. A standardized input impedance is selected for all of the LED bulbs regardless of construction and color. A resistor circuit is used to create the standardized input impedance while optimizing the operating parameters of the LED element. The resistor circuit includes a bypass element so that if a LED element burns open, a series wired LED string will not go dark. This eliminates the necessity for parallel connected LED bulbs and allows enjoyment of other advantages and economies of series wired LED strings.
US08016437B2
A vehicular mirror device includes a housing which is comprised of two housing components at least partially opposed to each other, and which is adapted to cover a mirror from the front during traveling of a vehicle. A collar is integrally and projectingly provided on one of the housing components to extend so that it is superposed onto the other housing component at opposed portions of both the housing components, and a plurality of recesses are provided in a juxtaposed manner in a tip end of the collar. This suppresses to the utmost the generation of a wind roar due to traveling wind flowing into between opposed portions of the housing components.
US08016418B2
An eye axial length measurement apparatus includes a light source, a non-contact eye axial length measurement unit for optically measuring axial length of a patient's eye in non-contact manner, an XYZ driving unit, and a determination means which determines whether a cloudy portion which is an obstacle to measurement by the non-contact eye axial length measurement unit is present, based on one of a measurement result of the non-contact eye axial length measurement unit and an imaging result of an anterior segment section imaging unit placeable in the non-contact eye axial length measurement unit.
US08016416B1
Integrating automatic systems and methods for rapid and objective mass tests, evaluations, measurements, screenings, trainings, or any combination thereof are realized. In a preferred embodiment, a multifunctional system, constructed in the form of preferably a unitary housing, contains automatic methods such as those for evaluation and measurement of at least one of cognition, operation skills, vision, or the like. Authentication identification data of examinees may be processed according to at least one device-dependent process, which may be specific to particular manufacturers, device classes, or other partitioning schemes. The data may be iced, stored in a repository, and utilized for at least one of clinical, educational, medical, military, security, or transport purposes, such as controlling the issuance, restriction, or confiscation of one's license, or ability to operate a vehicle in motion. Automatic systems and methods are paramount to promoting safety and uniformity of testing.
US08016413B2
A method for correcting misalignment between a plurality of columns of color ink jetting nozzle arrays of a color printhead during printing with a hand held printer includes determining a misdirection angle of motion of the plurality of columns of color ink jetting nozzle arrays relative to a desired direction of motion of the hand operated printer; determining for each of the plurality of columns of color ink jetting nozzle arrays a respective usable nozzles subset to be used in printing a swath, based on the misdirection angle; determining an amount of shifting of at least one of the respective usable nozzles subsets to adjust for non-perpendicularity of the color ink jetting nozzle arrays relative to the desired direction of motion, based on the misdirection angle; and shifting the respective usable nozzles subset for a respective column based on the amount determined.
US08016410B2
An image recording apparatus including a feeding device feeding a recording medium in a first direction along a first path, a recording portion disposed in the first path and located between an upstream and a downstream connecting portion of the first path to record an image on the medium, a second path connecting the downstream connecting portion to the upstream connecting portion, a path switching portion including a roller pair disposed downstream of the downstream connecting portion in the first direction and being capable of (i) ejecting the medium such that a first edge thereof is the leading edge, by rotating in a forward direction while the medium is nipped therebetween, and (ii) feeding the medium into the second path such that a second edge thereof opposite to the first edge is the leading edge, by rotating in a reverse while the medium is nipped therebetween.
US08016386B2
In an ink jet printing apparatus using many types of inks to execute bidirectional printing, if ejection opening rows for yellow, magenta, and cyan inks are symmetrically arranged, ejection opening rows for a black ink are arranged adjacent to the most inside ejection opening rows for the yellow ink. Thus, a difference in color between forward scanning and backward scanning is determined by a difference in coloring between the black ink and the yellow ink. In this case, a possible color drift attributed to bidirectional printing can be suppressed by selecting the inks so that the difference in coloring between the black ink and the yellow ink is smaller than that between the black ink and the other color inks.
US08016385B2
A printer including a feeding unit configured to perform repeated feeding of a medium for a predetermined feeding distance in a predetermined feeding direction, a print head configured to print on a printing surface of the medium in a printing zone set each time the feeding unit performs a feeding of the medium for the feeding distance, and a printing pass setting unit configured to set the printing zone containing a plurality of printing passes. The printing pass setting unit sets the printing passes such that boundaries between the printing passes extend diagonally relative to a width direction of the medium that is perpendicular to the feeding direction. The printing pass setting unit can set the printing passes such that the boundaries between the printing passes extend in waveform in the width direction with oscillation of the waveform being in the feeding direction.
US08016374B2
A pull-out slide for drawers can include a cabinet member, a drawer member, with a unit which defines the closed position of the slide and/or the drawer, and which acts on the slide and/or the drawer and whereby a depth adjustment of the slide and the drawer is planned for. A holding device can be present, that engages the unit intermittently whereby the holding device and/or the unit is depth adjustable on the slide and/or height and/or side adjustable. A drawer can comprise a pull-out slide described herein.
US08016353B2
The present invention includes vehicle seat having monitor movable from a storage state to a use state, in the storage state the monitor is positioned in a backboard of a seatback and the monitor faces the backboard, in the use state a display surface of the monitor is exposed outside of the backboard facing a rear of the vehicle, wherein the backboard is semitransparent.
US08016346B2
A vehicle body of a motor vehicle has a central tunnel which is connected on its open lower side to at least one transverse bridge support. The bridge support is mounted to the lower side of bent limb portions of the central tunnel and is connected via at least two bolted connections, which are offset in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle, to a supporting bracket arranged on the upper side of the bent limb portions. The bridge support together with the supporting bracket faces an end side of the seat crossmember in an exposed manner. Furthermore, two bridge supports which are connected to each other via longitudinal struts can be provided on the central tunnel.
US08016343B2
A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.
US08016339B2
A floor mat for a loading platform placed on an upper surface of a floor of the loading platform of a vehicle. The floor mat is provided with a plurality of retaining holes formed near an edge of the floor surface and through which at least one load securing tool is inserted.
US08016335B2
A drag strap having a dual handle system for allowing one or more persons to use the strap when dragging an injure person. The drag strap is preferably constructed of a high tensile strength woven nylon tape which is flexible and weather resistant. The drag strap includes an adjustable connector system for quick attachment and adaptability in securing the strap to an injured person.
US08016331B2
A vehicle bumper system includes an elongated reinforcement beam for mounting to a vehicle frame and an energy absorber abutting a front surface of the reinforcement beam. The energy absorber includes longitudinally-elongated hollow crush lobes configured to crush and absorb energy upon a vehicle crash, the crush lobes including interconnected top, bottom, side and front walls. At least one opposing pair of the walls, such as the top and bottom walls, are elongated parallel a length of the beam to define enlarged areas that are generally unsupported, but the one pair of walls further include a plurality of spaced external ribs extending perpendicular to the length for stabilizing the enlarged areas.
US08016330B2
An apparatus, system, and method for locking objects together comprises at least one pair of correlated magnets. First and second correlated magnetic field structures comprising the pair of correlated magnets are capable of being aligned such that an attractive force secures or locks two objects together. The apparatus, system, and method can be used to lock appliance and cabinet doors, drawers, covers for electrical outlets and light switches, and the like.
US08016321B2
A straddle type vehicle with its fuel tank covered with a tank cover, in which misalignment between a filler opening on an upper part of the fuel tank and an orifice for exposing the filler opening out of the tank cover is restrained. The tank cover includes a center cover on which the orifice is formed, and right and left side covers molded separately from the center cover and disposed on right and left sides of the center cover for covering the fuel tank from the side.
US08016302B1
A frame has rear, upper and front components. A rear wheel and two laterally spaced spindles with wheels are supported by the front frame component. A steering assembly includes a steering shaft, a handle bar and horizontal steering rods. The steering shaft has an upper end, a lower end and a central extent. The shaft is rotatably supported in the front frame component. The handle bar is coupled to the upper end of the steering shaft. The horizontal steering rods pivotally couple the lower end of the steering shaft to the steering rods. In this manner steering purposes is facilitated. A suspension assembly includes an upper and lower wishbone subassemblies. Each wishbone subassembly has front and rear wishbone arms. Two outboard carriers are provided. The carriers are adapted to function as parallelograms while riding.
US08016293B2
A seal assembly for sealing a space between a rotating shaft and a housing. In this regard, the seal assembly includes a rotating component connected to the shaft, and a stationary component connected to the housing. A first seal is connected to the rotating component and a second seal is connected to the stationary component. The first seal includes at least one dispersion member that generates a fluid disturbance in a region adjacent the space during rotation of the rotating component. In this manner, any contaminants that may be prone to enter the space are dispersed away from the space and prevented from entering.
US08016291B2
A multifunction target actuator allows a bullet target to be selectively presented to a shooter such that a first side may be presented, a second side opposite the first side may be presented, and the target may be oriented so as not to be presented to the shooter. The actuator allows for quick and accurate movement of the target.
US08016288B1
A new and novel design and improvements of an existing table game with paddles and opposite players. These improvements provide for a significantly superior game in the areas of no jarring to the players, less manufacturing cost, prevention of damaging the game while is being played, easier assembly, packaging, shipping and handling. These innovations include side paddle openings, new two piece construction, new straight line apex of playing surface and new ball tray system. These new and significant improvements provide for the existing game to be manufactured at a fraction of the cost and weight while significantly improving playability.
US08016280B2
A sheet processing apparatus includes a hole punching section arranged orthogonally to a conveying path of a sheet, a moving mechanism which moves the hole punching section along a direction orthogonal to the conveying path, a detection unit which is arranged upstream from the hole punching section and which moves by being interlocked with the hole punching section and detects a lateral edge of the sheet conveyed thereto, and a control unit which controls the moving mechanism in accordance with the result of detection by the detection unit and varies the position of the hole punching section, thus controlling the punching processing position. The control unit causes the hole punching section to be moved in the direction to the retreat position along with the conveying of the sheet, causes the hole punching section to retreat by a prescribed quantity with reference to the result of detection by the detection unit, then causes the hole punching section to be moved in the opposite direction, and controls movement to the punching processing position in accordance with the result of detection by the detection unit.
US08016273B1
An improved aerator for creating gas-enriched water in aquaculture bodies of water, as well as other shallow ponds and lagoons, comprising a dual diffuser system providing for a large bubble water-mixing phase coupled with a small bubble water-aeration phase.
US08016271B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of gaseous effluents, such as those originating from the production of semi-conductors involving contact with a liquid. The inventive apparatus consists of: a gas/liquid contact chamber which can receive a liquid in the lower part thereof and which is topped with a gas cover, said chamber comprising means for introducing a gas to be treated and means for releasing residual gases following treatment involving contact with the liquid; turbine-type gas/liquid contacting means comprising one or more stages which ensure improved contact between the gas and the liquid, the upper part of said means being equipped with an opening for drawing the gas situated in the gas cover above the liquid; and, preferably, means for measuring the pH of the liquid.
US08016269B2
The invention relates to a diffusion device (1) for an automotive vehicle. The diffusion device (1) includes a housing (2) with an ambient air inlet (3), a treated air outlet (3), a diffusion chamber (4) and an insert (7). The insert (7) is located inside the diffusion chamber (4) and contains at least one volatile agent (AV1). The insert (7) can rotate via an electric motor (12) for selectively diffusing or not the volatile agent (AV1). The diffusion device (1) also includes a blower (13) fixed on the housing (2).
US08016260B2
A metering assembly includes a fluidic chip and metering chambers. Selectable outlet valves communicate with each metering chamber to provide a discrete dispensed volume. The valves may be commonly controlled and may be formed as multi-level valves. The valves may be grouped into common substrate valve clusters. Purge channels communicate with the metering chambers and controlled purge valves allow reverse flow wash fluid to wash the metering chamber. Pressure ports are employed to actuate the valves. A method of dispensing a fluid from the fluidic chip includes a) selectively filling (or filling) the metering chambers with a selected fluid; and b) outputting (or selectively outputting) the fluid to output locations. The total output volume of fluid dispensed from each metering chamber may be accumulated. The process may be repeated until the accumulated volume equals the desired volume and may be repeated for another fluid from a plurality of different fluids.
US08016258B1
A seat support assembly includes a base, a plurality of arms each mounted at a first end to the base for movement with respect to the base, and mounted to a seat at a second end opposite the first end for movement with respect to the seat. A torsion spring has a first end defining a length, a second end defining a length, and a coil defining an axis. A first bearing surface abuts the first end of the torsion spring at a first abutment point to define a first moment arm distance. A second bearing surface abuts the second end of the torsion spring at a second abutment point to define a second moment arm distance. An adjustment mechanism simultaneously causes relative movement between the torsion spring and the bearing surfaces to simultaneously change the first moment arm distance and the second moment arm distance.
US08016257B2
The present invention relates to a trailer safety stand for temporarily supporting a conventional trailer having a landing gear, wherein the stand comprises a pedestal having a top for engaging the underside of the nose portion of a trailer and a bottom for engaging the ground; means for adjusting the height of the pedestal; a locking device for fixing the height of the pedestal; and means for actuating and de-actuating the locking device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the means for actuating and de-actuating the locking device is a lever that is pivotally connected to the pedestal at a first point along the lever and connected to the locking device at a second point along the lever. When a force is applied away from the pedestal at a third point along the lever, the locking device is actuated and the height of the pedestal is fixed. When a force is applied toward the pedestal at the third point along the lever, the locking device is de-actuated and the height of the pedestal is adjustable.
US08016255B2
The present invention discloses a portable electronic device and magnetic fixation board therefor. The magnetic fixation board is disposed on a surface of a wall or a casing of an electrical product. The portable electronic device has at least one first magnetic element and the magnetic fixation board has at least one second magnetic element. The second and the first magnetic elements magnetically attract each other and the portable electronic device is attached to the magnetic fixation board. Based on the attraction interaction between the first magnetic element of the portable electronic device and the second magnetic element of the magnetic fixation board, when the portable electronic device is standing idle, users can directly locate the portable electronic device on the magnetic fixation board in the attraction mode and arrange the portable electronic device conveniently, thereby improving the impressions of using electrical products.
US08016254B2
A gimbal is described and which includes a fixed base member defining an axis of rotation; a second member concentrically oriented relative to the axis of rotation; a linear actuator oriented in immediate, adjoining force transmitting relation relative to the base member or to the second member, and which applies force along a linear axis which is tangential to the axis of rotation so as to cause the second member to rotate coaxially relative to the fixed base member; and an object of interest mounted to the second member such that the object of interest is selectively moved relative to the base member about the axis of rotation.
US08016253B1
A musical instrument stand includes a telescopic unit, a braking unit and an operation unit. The telescopic unit includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The braking unit includes a mounting sleeve, a plurality of locking pieces, a pressing block and an elastic member. The operation unit includes a connecting bar, a driven block and an operation handle. Thus, the inner tube is movable successively relative to the outer tube by pressing the operation handle and is locked onto the outer tube immediately by releasing the operation handle to adjust the distance between the inner tube and the outer tube so as to adjust the height of the telescopic unit freely so that the height of the musical instrument stand is adjustable in a stepless manner.
US08016245B2
A system for reducing overall drag of a mobile platform includes a surface on which an airflow forms a boundary layer and a generally normal shockwave. The airflow is at a first velocity that is one of transonic and supersonic. An oscillating jet injects and extracts a jet flow through the surface. The jet flow is at a second velocity that is substantially less than the first velocity. A recirculation region is upstream of the normal shockwave and is disposed at least partially in the boundary layer. The recirculation region is established at least by the oscillating jet. A generally oblique wave is established by the recirculation region and weakens the normal shockwave to reduce the overall drag experienced by the surface.
US08016243B2
A method is disclosed for controlling an aircraft when the hydraulic system of the aircraft has been compromised. The method may include resealing at least one gain vector of a digital fly-by-wire, lower-order, full-state feedback control in at least one axis. The gain(s) may then used by a digital control to modulate engine thrust. In this manner, engine thrust modulation may be used for stabilization and control of control-configured aircraft without requiring a substantial change in piloting technique.
US08016238B2
A system and method for enhancing the fuel stores volume of an aerial vehicle is disclosed. An extended external fuel stores configuration utilizes an alternative fuel transfer path. An external fuel tank is suspended on a external fuel tank carrier pylon uploaded on a outboard wing “pseudo-wet” stores station. The pylon is linked to a dual functionality external fuel tank carrier pylon uploaded on an inboard wing “wet” station. The pylon is capable of transferring fuel from an external fuel container to the aircraft fuel system and capable of transmitting, and controlling the fuel store in the auxiliary fuel container attached to the pylon uploaded on a outboard wing “pseudo-wet” station. An externally mounted stores transfer kit links the inboard pylon and the outboard pylon.
US08016236B2
A method and apparatus for assembling an aircraft. A wing spar fitting is connected to a spar in a wing for the aircraft. A body frame fitting is connected to a frame in a body for the aircraft. The locations and orientations of the body frame fitting and the wing spar fitting allow for the body frame fitting to be attached to the wing spar fitting when the wing is positioned for attachment to the body of the aircraft. The wing is positioned with respect to the body of the aircraft for attachment to the body. The body frame fitting and the wing spar fitting are attached to each other with a set of fasteners after the body frame fitting is aligned to the wing spar fitting without penetrating any sealed areas in the wing, wherein the wing is attached to the body by a mechanical joint that is formed by the body frame fitting and the wing spar fitting.
US08016234B2
The present invention provides an airframe structure of an aircraft or spacecraft, with: a hollow body section which can be subjected to an internal pressure; a membrane arrangement which has at least one single-part, multi-curved membrane component for sealing off the internal pressure from an external pressure which acts on the hollow body section and differs from the internal pressure; and a joining structure for a pressure tight joining of the membrane arrangement to a region of the hollow body section; wherein the membrane arrangement forms a receiving well which is accessible from outside the hollow body section, extends at least partially into the hollow body section and is for receiving a component of the aircraft or spacecraft.
US08016231B2
A force supporting device for assisting a force required to move a flap of an overhead baggage compartment from an open position to a closed position includes a blockable piston cylinder unit attached to the flap for assisting the force required to move the flap, and a triggering device for blocking and releasing the blockable piston cylinder unit as a function of loading of the flap.
US08016230B2
Techniques for providing fastener-free primary structural joint for sandwich panels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a technique includes positioning a first panel having a first edge portion proximate a second panel having a second edge portion such that the first and second edge portions cooperatively form an interior recess on an interior side of the first and second panels, applying adhesive to at least one of the recessed interior side of the panel assembly and a plug configured to occupy the interior recess, inserting the plug into the interior recess, the plug including a cap that extends beyond the interior recess and overlaps adjacent portions of the first and second panels, applying adhesive to at least one of a splice and an exterior side opposite from the interior side, and attaching the splice on the exterior side.
US08016212B2
A dispenser for mixing and dispensing a liquid chemical concentrate with a dilutent from a container. The dispenser includes two slideable eductors one of which is also rotatable. Both a high and low flow rate can be obtained with simultaneous adjustment of concentration of the chemical concentrate. The dispenser has a high degree of accuracy of the amount of dilution of the chemical concentrate as well as positive positioning of the high and low flow rate.
US08016189B2
The method includes the steps of receiving at the PEAD first digital data representing the transaction request. The PEAD provides information to the user regarding an ability to approve the transaction request. When the transaction request is approved by the user, the PEAD receives second digital data representing the electronic service authorization token. A remote agent server may provide a bridge between the electronic transaction system and the PEAD. In another embodiment, the private key is stored on the portable device, encrypted. The decryption key is stored outside of the device, at a trusted 3rd party location. When the user attempts to make a signature the software sends a request for the decryption key, along with the user's password or pass phrase keyed in at the keyboard of the PDA, smart phone, or cell phone, to a server belonging to the trusted 3rd party.
US08016188B1
A system for use in banking operates responsive to data included in data bearing records. The system is suitable for securing the contents in safety deposit boxes or similar locked receptacles, and selectively permits access to key locks only to individuals who have been determined to be authorized to have such access. Each safety deposit box or other receptacle includes a door (16) with at least one key lock (22, 24) thereon. The assembly includes a body (32) that is held in a blocking position by a cover lock. A selectively programmable data bearing electronic key module (28) is operative to change the condition of a selected cover lock from a latched to an unlatched condition. Electronic key modules are appropriately programmed to enable the particular user access to key locks on a particular safety deposit box, through operation of a customer station (126).
US08016184B2
A method for manufacturing an electronic component module is performed such that a shield layer can be formed as a thin film and an electronic component can be effectively shielded. A collective substrate including a plurality of electronic component modules including a plurality of electronic components is batch-sealed with a resin. A cut section is formed from a top surface of the sealed resin to a position that reaches a grounding electrode arranged in the substrate at a boundary section of the electronic component module so as to expose the grounding electrode. A conductive paste is applied on side surfaces and the top surface. Then, a conductive thin film is formed by spin coating, and the electronic component module is cut.
US08016180B2
A method for cleaning a thermode tip including applying an energy pulse to the thermode tip. The energy pulse involves raising the temperature of the thermode tip higher than the working temperature of the thermode tip. A method for cleaning a thermode tip may include periodically performing a predetermined number of soldering cycles at a working temperature; and applying an energy pulse to the thermode tip.
US08016179B2
A friction stir welding tool having a shoulder section with a scroll pattern that terminates prior to the edge or boundary of the shoulder section to create a scroll-free concentric surface area.
US08016178B2
A loading unit for use with a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes a tool assembly having a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly that are movable in relation to one another; a surgical buttress releasably secured to a tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly, wherein each surgical buttress is secured to the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly by at least one anchor; a release assembly associated with the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly; and a drive assembly slidably translatable through the tool assembly between proximal and distal positions, wherein the drive assembly actuates the release assembly to thereby release the anchor to free the surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly.
US08016177B2
A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge.
US08016173B2
An apparatus for carrying concrete finishing tools comprised of: a front panel, a rear panel, first and second side panels, and a bottom in which the front panel, rear panel, side panels, and bottom form an inner compartment with having an opening to allow access to the inner compartment, a flap extending over the opening, a locking mechanism for temporarily securing the flap to the front panel, at least one shoulder strap to allow the user to carry the apparatus without using their hand(s), and a divider separating the inner compartment into first and second portions.
US08016169B2
The present invention relates to a device to be used for the mechanized distribution of natural antagonists for the treatment of crops grown in greenhouse or in open field, under organic and/or integrated regimen, improving uniformity of distribution and concomitantly reducing the time spent in the distribution, with respect to other known systems in the current state of the art.
US08016165B2
A fluid dispenser device including: a reservoir (10); a dispenser head (20) incorporating a dispenser orifice (21); a metering chamber (30); and a piston (40) that is slidable in the metering chamber (30) between a rest position and a dispensing position. The piston (40) is mounted in stationary manner on the reservoir (10) and made integrally with the reservoir (10) and/or with a fastener mechanism (100) adapted to be fastened on the reservoir (10).
US08016163B2
A fluid dispenser head for mounting on an actuator rod of a dispenser member that is displaceable down and up along an axis (X), the head including an axial connection sleeve for engaging on the actuator rod and defining an inlet duct, the head further including a dispenser endpiece defining an endpiece channel that is connected to the inlet duct via a connection channel, the endpiece including a free dispenser end defining a dispenser orifice that is situated at a downstream end of the endpiece channel, the head further including a bearing surface on which axial pressure can be exerted so as to drive in the actuator rod, where the endpiece extends substantially parallel to the axis (X), and is offset away from the axis.
US08016161B2
A package (10) for the storage and dispensing of a plurality of materials includes a first and a second longitudinally juxtaposed barrels (11, 12). Each barrel (11, 12) having a first and a second end (20, 21). Each first and second barrels (11, 12) having a quantity of at least one of the materials initially contained therein, and each barrel having an open end (20) and a dispensing end (21). A sealing plunger (40) disposed in each barrel (11, 12) such that the material in each barrel (11, 12) is initially positioned between the dispensing end (21) of the barrels (11, 12) and the respective ones of the sealing plungers (40). A snap cap (23) is contiguously formed to initially close each of the dispensing ends (21) of the barrels (11, 12), such that the snap cap (23) may be broken from the barrels (11, 12) to thereby forming a secondary open end (22) at the dispensing end (21) of the barrels (11, 12), thereby facilitating the material contained in each barrel (11, 12) to flow through and be dispensed.
US08016156B2
A cleansing wipe container includes a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side panels and a lid. The cleansing wipe container may be filled with a plurality of cleansing wipes that are contained in a cartridge. The cartridge and container interact such that a message is displayed on or through a panel of the container. The message is based on the cartridge of wipes and may include a type of wipe, a list of ingredients of the wipes, and/or instructions for using the wipes.
US08016152B2
An improved structural panel and connector sidewall construction is presented. While maintaining the benefits of standard structural panel designs, a two post connector construction achieves many benefits of traditional sidewall designs, including simplified replacement of damaged panels. The novel sidewall construction also achieves the important objective of providing smooth trailer walls without rivets and minimal recesses, protrusions and snag points. The easy panel replacement of the novel sidewall construction is achieved by utilizing interlocking posts as connectors. An interior post and an exterior post interlock to form a panel connector. Adhesive is also used to secure the posts together, and the strength of the adhesive bond is aided by the posts having a substantial area of contact with each other. The posts of the panel connectors may be designed to be easily separable by bonding the two posts together with a thermally degradable adhesive. Because the posts are connected by interlocking features and adhesives, rivets are unnecessary, and a smooth inner surface for the container is provided.
US08016150B1
A grease disposal and storage system for the efficient and safe disposal of hot grease and unhealthy fats from food items. The grease disposal and storage system generally includes a container including a cavity, wherein the cavity is defined within the container. A receptacle is positioned within the cavity of the container. A support is positioned within the cavity, wherein the support is positioned near an opening of the receptacle. A funnel is positioned within the cavity, wherein the funnel is stabilized by the support. The funnel is aligned with the opening of the receptacle so as to guide a disposable substance through the funnel and into the receptacle.
US08016145B2
A stackable collapsible container for flowable materials. The container has a flexible outer skin and rigid support, having a top frame and bottom frame connected by poles. The top frame and bottom frame are designed for mating engagement when the containers are stacked, as well as for mating engagement when the containers are broken down for transport. The top frame and bottom frame are provided with similar perimeters to prevent undesired movement and contact between adjacent top frame when the containers are filled and transported.
US08016139B2
A variable shelf organizer glide system for merchandising products therefrom capable of being assembled to accommodate any shelf length and width and any product dimension including a plurality of cooperatively engageable adjustable floor members having a plurality of transverse projection members associated with each respective track rib, the transverse projection members extending laterally across only a portion of the respective longitudinal slots formed between adjacent track ribs, and a plurality of adjustable divider members, each divider member being selectively engageable with the transverse projection members to form any number of segregated product channels for arranging products therebetween. Each floor member includes frangible break-away portions for adjusting the overall length thereof, and each divider member includes a frangible break-away front product stop member as well as a plurality of frangible break-away rear portions for likewise controlling the overall length of each divider member.
US08016130B2
This invention discloses a set of tool rack which can particularly place multiple wrenches. It is mainly comprised of a main frame, a front cover panel and two locking members. The main frame includes an axial rod, a connecting plate and two side plates. The axial rod provides the openings of the wrenches to hold on. Each side plate includes a guiding slot and a locking hole. The guiding slot starts from the rear end of the side plate, extended around the axis of the axial rod, and then ends to the front end of the side plate. Between the two side plates are multiple receiving recesses for the shanks of the wrenches to be engaged. The front cover panel includes a cover plate and two curved side plates having protruding columns inserted over the guiding slot so that the cover plate is moveable along the guiding slots.
US08016128B2
A wheeled pusher system is provided. Situated upon a retail merchandise shelf is pusher assembly interposed between a pair of partition walls for facing retail merchandise. Various improvements are disclosed including the incorporation of wheels with the pusher assembly to reduce jamming and drag as the pusher assembly faces retail merchandise, a single and separate mounting rail to facilitate easier assembly of the system, and a ramped product support surface integral to the partitions to more effectively face the retail merchandise.
US08016127B1
A shoe storage device adapted for deployment upon a horizontal support surface has upper and lower elongated insert members positioned one above the other in vertical alignment for securing a pair of shoes. The upper shoe is held upside down and both shoes point in opposite directions.
US08016124B2
A gas separation membrane comprises a blend of polyethersulfone (PES) and aromatic polyimide polymers that may comprise a plurality of first repeating units of formula (I), wherein X1, X 2 and X3 are herein defined.
US08016123B2
A filter element has a first filter layer that has an active carbon layer, a top cover layer connected to the active carbon layer and a bottom cover layer connected to the active carbon layer opposite the top cover layer, wherein the first filter layer is folded to a first bellows. At least one second filter layer having an active carbon layer, a top cover layer connected to the active carbon layer and a bottom cover layer connected to the active carbon layer opposite the top cover layer is provided. The at least one second filter layer is folded to a second bellows. The first and second bellows are folded identically. The at least one second filter layer is arranged on the first filter layer in a positive-locking way by fold alignment of the first and second bellows to form a composite of filter layers.
US08016118B2
A sifter device includes a proximal end having an arm support ring through which a user's hand and lower arm passes. A pair of elongated arms is arranged on opposite sides of the arm ring. A basket scoop, having a cutting edge, is arranged at a distal end of the device for scooping a medium that contains a detected metallic object that is retrieved. A grip is arranged along the pair of elongated member and includes an end that extends beyond the elongated members to be used in hanging the device from an article of clothing during metal detecting search activities when not digging or sifting in the medium. For example, an operator's belt or pants pocket may be used to hang the device from an article of clothing when not in use, preferably on the back pocket out of the way of the magnetic field generated by the metal detector.
US08016115B2
Disclosed is a waste separation apparatus comprising a vortex initiator (10) and a vortex generator (20). The vortex generator (20) is arranged to direct the airflow from the vortex initiator (10) towards the waste to be separated. The airflow is used to separate less dense waste from more dense waste.
US08016113B2
A stackable, collapsible container for flowable materials. The container utilizes an outer container and a flexible inner liner retained by a base, a top and a plurality of support poles. The support poles are retained in a plurality of holes in the base provided with a plurality of wedges to secure the holes against lateral movement. Providing wedges within tapered holes facilitates the compression molding of the depth of holes required for adequately supporting the support poles.
US08016105B2
A package for rod-like smoking articles includes a box having an inner frame, a lid for opening/closing the opening end of the box, and the contents contained in the box. The contents include wrapper that wraps a bundle of filter cigarettes therein. The wrapper has a separable area demarcated by a separating line. The separable area is bonded to the inner face of the lid at a glue-applied area. When the lid is first opened, the separable area is separated from the wrapper by the swing movement of the lid to form a separated piece. The separated piece is kept in the state bonded to the inside of the lid.
US08016103B2
The invention relates to a chain-transport system containing chain links (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, . . . ) which are strung together and adjacent chain links (10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, . . . ) being rotatably joined together about an axis of rotation (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) common to one of the two chain links and all of the axes of rotation (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, . . . ) in the chain-transport system running parallel to each other. At least some of the chain links (10, 50, 90, . . . ) are adapted (10-12, 50-52, 90-92, . . . ) in such a way that respectively one add-on component (13, 53, 93) can be attached thereto. According to the invention, attachment of the respective component (13, 53, 93, . . . ) to the respective adapted chain link (10-12, 50-52, 90-92, . . . ) occurs in the form of a positive fit connection between a connecting area (13a, 13b, 13c, . . . ) of the add-on component (13, . . . ) and a connecting area (12a, 12b, 12c, . . . ) of the adapted chain link (10-12, . . . ). The invention also relates to a system for securing add-on components to a transport chain, whereby an add-on component (13, 53, 93, . . . ) is secured to each respectively selected chain link (10, 50, 90, . . . ). According to the invention, the respective add-on component (13, 53, 93, . . . ) is secured to the respective selected chain link (10, 50, 90, . . . ) with the aid of an adapter (12, 52, 92, . . . ).
US08016090B2
An insulated container has a front, back, top and bottom. Pairs of mating members are located on the front and pairs of mating members are located on the back to maintain the container in a collapsed state. The mating members on the front are positioned such that the mating members form a connection when the top of the container is folded on top of the front of the container. The mating members on the back are position such that the mating members form a connection when the bottom of the container is fold on top of the back of the container. In some embodiments, the mating members are positioned on portions of handles attached to the container.
US08016084B2
A brake pad for a disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle, has a pad retaining spring which is configured as an arcuate leaf spring and is held in a manner which is secured captively and can be deflected radially on a lining carrier plate of a brake pad which carries a friction lining. The pad retaining spring is connected in a form-fitting manner to the pad carrier plate by a hood which is fastened to the pad retaining spring.
US08016081B2
An elevator drive with a brake device has compression springs that act on brake levers, whereby brake linings generate a brake force on a brake drum. The more the brake linings wear due to abrasion, the smaller the distance of the plunger from the brake magnet housing becomes. Should the plunger come into contact with the brake magnet housing, the braking capacity of the brake linings is completely eliminated creating an operating condition that is dangerous for elevator users. A switch is provided that detects a minimum distance. The switch can be arranged on the plunger of the brake magnet and detect the minimum distance to the brake magnet housing or, in the case of a retrofit, the switch can be arranged on the brake magnet rod and, for example, detect the distance of the second joint from the brake magnet housing, and at the minimum distance the switch switches.
US08016078B2
A stepladder having a front side, a rear side and a top. The stepladder can include a conduit holder attached to the front side for holding conduit. The stepladder can include a first wire spool holder attached to the front side and a second wire spool holder attached to the rear side though which a conduit having a wire spool extends. The stepladder can include a hacksaw hook attached to the front side. A method for cutting a conduit. A method for using a hacksaw. A method for obtaining wire.
US08016061B2
A hybrid fuel cell vehicle with a multi-power source and a multi-drive system includes: a plurality of primary power sources sharing a single main bus terminal and connected in parallel to each other; a plurality of drive systems receiving power from the main bus terminal to generate output torque so as to drive vehicle wheels and connected in parallel to each other; and an auxiliary power source sharing the main bus terminal and disposed between the primary power sources and the drive systems to supplement power shortage of the primary power sources.
US08016057B2
Subterranean drill bits having good erosion resistance, strength, toughness, and thermal stability are disclosed. The drill bits comprise a bit body carrying at least one cutting element and having an infiltrated metal matrix. The infiltrated metal matrix comprises a matrix powder composition bound together by an infiltrant. The matrix powder mixture includes cast tungsten carbide powder having a particle size of −30 (600 micron) +140 mesh (106 micron), a second component powder consisting of one or more other types of tungsten carbide particles, and a metal powder.
US08016042B2
In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered loading more evenly distributes stresses on the matching loading surfaces as compared to the result of using a tooth profile on the connector that nearly exactly matches the profile on the wellhead. The joint can then take advantage of an increased preload and exhibit improved stress characteristics when operating at high loading conditions.
US08016040B2
A fluid loss control method uses a fluid loss control pill in a well in advance of a completion operation. An embodiment of the fluid loss control pill comprises polyester solids that are hydrolysable and can exhibit plastic deformation at formation conditions. An embodiment of the method comprises spotting the fluid loss control pill in the well adjacent to a formation to form a filtercake to inhibit fluid entry from the well into the formation, performing a completion operation comprising contacting the filtercake with overbalanced wellbore fluid, and degrading the filtercake wherein the polyester particles are hydrolyzed to remove formation damage.
US08016033B2
In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore includes injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate. The tubular string includes: a drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, and a port through a wall thereof. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The cuttings and drilling fluid (returns) flow to the surface via an annulus defined between the tubular string and the wellbore. The method further includes rotating the drill bit while injecting the drilling fluid; remotely removing a plug from the port, thereby opening the port; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint or stand to the drill string. The method further includes remotely installing a plug into the port, thereby closing the port. The first and second flow rates may be substantially equal or different.
US08016032B2
System, devices, and methods are described relating to the treatment (e.g., perforating, fracturing, foam stimulation, acid treatment, cement treatment, etc.) of well-bores (e.g., cased oil and/or gas wells). In at least one example, a method is provided for treatment of a region in a well, the method comprising: positioning, in a well-bore, a packer above the region of the well-bore, fixing, below the region, an expansion packer, treating the region, the treatment fixing the packer, moving the expansion packer, and moving the packer after the moving of the expansion packer.
US08016010B2
A die bonder comprises a bond head having a load shaft which passes through the bond head and a collet located at one end of the load shaft for holding a die to be bonded. A bond force motor is operative to drive the load shaft along a travel axis in directions towards and away from a die bonding position. A rotary motor is operative to rotate the load shaft about a rotational axis parallel to the travel axis. A coupler which comprises a bearing couples the load shaft to the bond force motor to allow the load shaft to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the bond force motor.
US08016007B2
The present inventions generally relate to thin film solar cell fabrication, and more particularly, to techniques for interconnecting solar cells based on Group IBIIIAVIA thin film semiconductors. In a particular embodiment, a system is described that positions solar cells and conductive leads with respect to each other so that application of a conductive adhesive and formation of an assembled solar cell string, followed by curing and cooling of the conductive adhesive, can occur in a repeatable manner.
US08016006B2
A tire having a radial carcass reinforcement comprising a crown reinforcement formed of at least two working crown layers of inextensible reinforcement elements, which are crossed from one ply to the other, forming angles of between 10° and 45° with the circumferential direction, which itself is topped radially by a tread, said tread being joined to two beads by means of two sidewalls and the axially widest working crown layer being radially internal to the other working crown layers. The tire comprises additionally in each shoulder at least one layer of reinforcement elements which are parallel to each other in the layer and are oriented circumferentially, the axially inner end of said additional layer being radially adjacent to the edge of a working crown layer, at least part of said additional layer being radially and/or axially adjacent to the edge of the axially widest working crown layer and the axially outer end of said additional layer being radially internal to the axially widest working crown layer.
US08016004B2
A pencil sharpener for sharpening a pencil includes a central gear including an aperture along an axis of the central gear for receiving an end portion of the pencil. A first gear rotates the central gear and a strap joined to the central gear secures the pencil when the central gear is rotated. A shaft is in communication with the first gear where when the central gear is rotated the shaft is rotated. A cutting blade is in communication with the shaft where when the shaft is rotated the cutting blade cuts the end portion of the pencil at an angle to form a point.
US08016003B2
A container filling assembly includes a plurality of fluid storage containers, a fluid inlet for supplying a fluid to the containers, a vacuum source for creating a vacuum in the containers to draw the fluid into the containers, and a connective structure for connecting the vacuum source and the fluid source in fluid communication with the containers. Preferably, the container filling assembly is a sterile, closed system.
US08016002B2
A sealing/pump-up device for tire that not only ensures the storability of sealing agent but also realizes rapid supply of sealing agent into a pneumatic tire. By insertion of insert part (60A) of jig (60) in jig insertion aperture (42) of sealing device (10), aluminum seal (30) is burst through by means of boring member (50) to thereby drive the same in the container. As the distal end of the insert part (60A) locates in the vicinity of upper wall surface within liquid agent container (18), a compressor unit is operated to thereby supply compressed air into the liquid agent container (18). As the end portion of first passage (62) provided in the jig (60) lies in a position superior to the liquid surface of sealing agent (32), the compressed air realizes rapid supply of the sealing agent (32) into a pneumatic tire without surfacing in the form of bubbles through the sealing agent (32).
US08016001B2
A painting material charging device may comprise a cartridge attaching unit, a painting material supplying path, a first switching unit, a painting material supplying unit, a discharging path, a second switching unit, a painting material sensor and a controlling unit. The controlling unit may be configured to be connected to the painting material sensor and the second switching unit. The controlling unit may be configured to cause the second switching unit to fully close the discharging path in a case where the painting material sensor detects the painting material.
US08015999B2
A weaving machine for weaving a three-dimensional distance woven fabric including two outer fabrics and inter-yarns connected with the outer fabrics is provided. The weaving machine includes a warp let-off mechanism, heald frames, a picking mechanism, a beating-up mechanism, a yarn raising mechanism, and a take-up mechanism. The warp let-off mechanism includes at least two warp beams for providing and transferring warps. A plurality of vertically arranged heald wires are supported by each of the heald frames, wherein each of the heald wires has a heald eye for the warps passing through. The warps are driven and divided into two warp layers by the heald frames such that a shed is formed between the two warp layers. The picking mechanism transfers wefts to pass through the shed. The yarn raising mechanism is suitable for passing through the shed and raising parts of the warps functioning as the inter-yarns.
US08015991B2
A plurality of solenoid valves are installed on a valve mount surface of a manifold base to receive a pressure fluid supplied from a supply passage of the manifold base via a supply communication hole. A stop valve base connected to a side surface of the manifold base has a stop valve mount surface formed on the upper surface to the side of the valve mount surface. The stop valve is attached to the stop valve mount surface to open and close the supply communication hole by pushing and pulling the stop valve from a side with the solenoid valve.
US08015988B2
A rechargeable power source, which is detachably coupled with a shading device to electrically connect with an electrical arrangement thereof, includes a rechargeable battery unit having a battery terminal arranged to contact with the electrical terminal of the electrical arrangement, and a locking arrangement which contains a releasable locker to detachably couple the rechargeable battery unit with the shading device and to ensure the battery terminal being contact with an electrical terminal of the electrical arrangement so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit with the electrical arrangement. Therefore, the electrical arrangement of the shading device is powered by the rechargeable battery unit to eliminate the power extension to the external power source.
US08015987B2
A vibration-type cleaning device for contact lenses comprises an adaptor that is provided with a support part thereon for supporting a contact lens case and a base that is provided under the bottom of the adaptor. The base is connected with the adapter via a positioning element so that the base can be attached to or detached from the adaptor. The base is provided with a vibrator therein and the vibrator is connected with a power source. Consequently, the vibrator can be driven under the control of a user to vibrate the contact lens solution and the contact lenses in the contact lens case and the cleaning effect of the contact lenses in the contact lens solution can be enhanced through vibration.
US08015983B2
The surface treatment apparatus includes: a supply device for supplying an introduced workpiece to the inside of a treatment cell of a subsequent surface treatment device; a surface treatment device for supplying a surface treatment liquid to the inside of the treatment cell while rotating the treatment cell, thereby performing a surface treatment on the workpiece; a workpiece collection device for inverting the treatment cell, and squirting the inside of the treatment cell with water from below to flow out the workpiece, thereby collecting the workpiece into a collection vessel; a drying device for receiving the collection vessel from the workpiece collection device, and exposing the workpiece within the collection vessel to air, thereby drying the workpiece; and a carrying device for carrying the treatment cell between the surface treatment devices, and between the surface treatment device and the workpiece device, wherein the surface treatment apparatus includes the one or more surface treatment devices.
US08015980B2
An applicator for use with an eyelash extension system that has a backbone and a backbone surface. A plurality of eyelash extensions are attached to the backbone. The applicator has a closure having a closure surface facing the backbone surface, and a pair of clips, each clip including a first arm, a second arm, and a pivot attached to the first arm and the second arm. A first holder is attached to each of the first arms to releasably attach the backbone to the first arms. Further there is a second holder attached to each of the second arms to releasably attach the closure to the second arms. The first and second arms are moveable between a first state wherein the first and second arms are spaced relative to each other and a second state wherein the first and second arms abut each other.
US08015964B2
A pump for a combustion engine is disclosed. The pump may have at least one pumping member movable through a plurality of displacement strokes during a single engine cycle. The pump may also have a controller in communication with the pumping member. The controller may be configured to selectively reduce an amount of fluid displaced during at least one, but less than all of the plurality of displacement strokes. The reduction may be initiated in response to a demand for the displaced fluid.
US08015960B2
An apparatus and method of controlling vibration-damping for a vehicular internal combustion engine. The combustion is temporarily stopped in some cylinders among a plurality of cylinders, and the engine is operated by the remaining cylinders. Then, a variable valve mechanism which varies a valve lift amount of at least one of intake and exhaust valves of each cylinder is controlled, to decrease the valve lift amount of at least one of the intake and exhaust valves of each cylinder in which the combustion is temporarily stopped. Further, a rotating electric machine having at least one of functions of an electric motor and a generator is controlled, to apply torque to an output shaft of the engine thereby suppressing torque variation in the output shaft at the time when the combustion is temporarily stopped in some cylinders, so that the torque variation due to uneven explosion intervals is reduced.
US08015959B2
A valve shaft support structure is closed to improve its durability, lower its manufacturing cost and improve its quality, in which a valve shaft interposed between runners is formed as an eccentric shaft integrally formed with a valve. A valve and a valve shaft are formed in a body to support the valve. An eccentric circular protrusion is formed in a center portion of the valve shaft, and divided manifold bodies support the eccentric circular protrusion. The valve shaft and the manifold bodies are repeatedly in contact or non-contact with each other when the valve is opened or closed.
US08015957B2
A variable valve device modulates movement of a valve for an internal combustion engine by using hydraulic fluid pressure. The variable valve device is controlled by a control device via a control valve that modulates hydraulic fluid pressure supply to and discharge from the variable valve device. The control device offsets an operating amount of the control valve by an offset component that shifts the operating amount outside a dead band. The control device sets the offset component smaller as the hydraulic fluid temperature increases. The control device sets the offset component smaller when a controlling direction coincides with a biasing direction of a biasing member than that when the controlling direction opposes the biasing direction. Further, the control device cancels the offset component when actual valve movement is sufficiently close to target valve movement.
US08015939B2
An imprintable medium dispenser includes a chamber, a nozzle, and an actuator connected to the chamber and configured to be actuated and thereby generate a pressure wave within the chamber such that imprintable medium is dispensed from the nozzle. The imprintable medium dispenser is provided with a control circuit which includes a monitoring apparatus configured to receive a transient oscillation signal generated when the actuator is actuated, and to monitor the operation of the imprintable medium dispenser by monitoring the transient oscillation signal.
US08015929B2
A tray apparatus has a tray base assembly, a tray member and a tray articulating member. The tray base assembly includes a stop member positioned on a front surface thereof and a tray articulation coupling member. The tray member has a top surface and a bottom surface and a first and second side edge. The tray articulating member has a bracket rotatably coupled to the tray articulation coupling member of the tray base assembly, a first side region rotatably coupled to the first side edge and a second side region rotatably coupled to the second side edge. The tray member is movable between a collapsed configuration wherein the top surface of the tray member substantially abuts the front surface of the tray base assembly, and an articulated configuration wherein the top surface of the tray member substantially abuts the stop member of the tray base assembly.
US08015928B2
A foldable table includes a stand, a rack, multiple placement boxes, a platform, and a wine storage rack. The stand is foldable. The foldable table can function as a bar table, desk, counter, sink, water tank, cabinet, shelf, wine compartment, by provision of the rack, the placement boxes, the platform and the wine storage rack. The foldable table can be folded when not in use, thereby facilitating packaging, transportation and storage of the foldable table. The foldable table is expanded and folded easily and quickly. The foldable table is folded to have a smaller volume and to have the shape of a luggage, thereby facilitating the user carrying the foldable table.
US08015925B2
A transportation system includes a vehicle having wings, a propulsion system, a lifting gear coupling the vehicle to an undercarriage, and a guidance assembly movably connecting the undercarriage to guide rails. The wings generate aerodynamic lift when the vehicle exceeds a first speed. The lifting gear supports a load of the vehicle in a first position in relation to the undercarriage when the vehicle travels at less than the first speed, allows the vehicle to lift to a second position in relation to the undercarriage as the vehicle accelerates beyond the first speed, and maintains the vehicle in the second position when the vehicle exceeds the first speed. The guidance assembly shiftingly engages the guide rails through rollers that are in rolling contact with the guide rails when the vehicle is in the first position and are displaced from the guide rails when the vehicle is in the second position.
US08015919B2
There is provided an apparatus and a method of printing a diffraction grating. In particular, the present invention relates to diffraction gratings applied to a substrate (1), such as a hologram.
US08015908B2
A firearm suppressor includes a unitary, hollow outer can and a monolithic extruded baffle. The outer can has an interior-threaded proximal end and a radially closed distal end with a longitudinal bore opening the interior of the can to the environment. The monolithic extruded baffle has a proximal end having outer circumferential threads shaped to secure removably inside the proximal end of the outer can and defines a proximal longitudinal bore shaped to receive at least a portion of the firearm barrel and removably secure thereto a distal end defining a distal longitudinal bore with a diameter sufficient to permit a projectile to pass therethrough. The baffle has central baffle walls disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. Each baffle wall has a longitudinal bore axially aligned with the proximal longitudinal bore and the distal longitudinal bore.
US08015906B2
An actuator includes a piston having an actuating pin, a squib, and a cylinder case. The cylinder case has a peripheral wall part that covers the circumference of the piston and a ceiling wall part having a through hole which allows an actuating pin to protrude from the through hole. The actuator is configured to make the a piston move backward along with the actuating pin by ejecting a driving gas generated from the squib to a space between the ceiling wall part and the piston during actuation. A sealing ring which is relatively movable with respect to the actuating pin while maintaining the state of sealing up a gap between the actuating pin and the through hole, is provided at an inner face side of the ceiling wall part.
US08015905B2
The present invention comprises a pistol-shaped Taser™-type weapon wherein the cartridge containing a pair of the wire-tethered darts is loaded into the cartridge receiving chamber from beneath the weapon, that is, in an upward movement of the cartridge with the weapon pointed toward the target. This type of loading is referred to herein as a “bottom loading” mechanism or system. The bottom loading mechanism of the present invention has significant advantages over conventional cartridge loading designs. One advantage is reduced reload time.
US08015902B2
To provide a machine tool including a workpiece inner surface machining tool which is not only capable of machining an inner surface of a workpiece into a spherical shape but also capable of machining a bearing surface which is a flat surface and machining the combination of a spherical surface and a flat surface. A machine tool 1 machines a surface to be machined m1 located on an inner surface of a workpiece 21 by a tool 20 having: a supporting member 22; a cutting tool 23 which is supported to be pivotable about a support shaft 19 located on a plane b′ perpendicular to an axis a of the supporting member 22 and has a cutting edge 23a at one end; a drive shaft 24 pivoting the cutting tool 23 by moving in an axis a direction; and a link member 25. The tool 20 is supported by a tool post 5, the drive shaft 24 is movable in the axial direction by the movable base 4, and an axial position of the movable base 4 and an axial position of the tool post 5 are controlled so as to cause a machining point P by the cutting edge 23a to move along a desired machining line while the workpiece 21 is rotated by the spindle headstock 3.
US08015899B2
An assembly of a crown wheel and a differential casing of a differential gear assembly is adapted to welding. The differential casing has a circular flange with an axially extending lip engaged in a circular groove of the crown wheel, which is further relieved at a radially outer side to give clearance for a high energy welding beam. An interface between the crown wheel and the circular flange is in one example a frusto-conical surface, which presents an oblique angle to the welding beam.
US08015894B2
An intelligent transmission element includes a first element formed in a strip shape and disposed with a slot therein; a second element disposed with a containing space for placing the first element, wherein the inner side of the containing space is disposed with a tank corresponding to the plurality of slots, the tank and the plurality of slots forms a loading path for disposing a plurality of rolling elements and a silencing element. The silencing element is placed between the plurality of rolling elements and contains a dye container for a dye. When the silencing element is damaged due to an external force, the dye inside the dye container of the silencing element would color the transmission element to let the user notice that the silencing element is damaged.
US08015887B2
An improved pipette tip (100) including an elongate body stretching between a proximal end (116) and a distal end (114). The body (112) is typically made from a plurality of layers (e.g. 130, 132, 134, 136, 138) configured and arranged to provide a fluid path extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. The improved pipette tip (100) includes a sensor component disposed to electrically interrogate fluid flowing along the fluid path. An operable sensor component includes an electrode (e.g. 154, 192) that is disposed in the fluid path to contact fluid therein. A pipette tip (100) may be embodied to: count particles, verify sample integrity (e.g. freedom from bubbles), monitor sample flow rate, and confirm an inspired volume, among other uses.
US08015882B2
A pressure transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid in an industrial process, includes a pressure sensor having an output related to an applied pressure. Measurement circuitry coupled to the pressure sensor is configured to provide a transmitter output related to sensed pressure. A pressure coupling face having an opening therein is arranged to transfer the applied pressure to the pressure sensor. A pressure coupling flange having a flange face abutting the pressure coupling face is configured to convey the process fluid to the opening of the pressure coupling face. Features are provided to control distribution of a leading force across the pressure coupling face and the flange face.
US08015881B2
A pressure sensor includes: a housing; an attachment portion coupled to the housing and having a pressure input orifice; a diaphragm sealing the pressure input orifice of the attachment portion and having a first surface that is a pressure receiving surface; and a pressure sensitive unit having a detecting axis in a direction in which a force is detected. In the sensor, an end of the pressure sensitive unit is connected to a central area of a second surface of the diaphragm, another end of the pressure sensitive unit is connected to the housing, and the detecting axis is approximately orthogonal to the pressure receiving surface.
US08015871B2
Sender unit for sensing the level of remaining fuel in a fuel tank utilizing a non-contacting sensor
The present invention relates to a sender unit for sensing the level of remaining fuel in a fuel tank utilizing a non-contacting sensor. The sender unit for sensing the level of remaining fuel in a fuel tank of a vehicle is fixed in the fuel tank to sense the level of the remaining fuel by detecting the position of a float that floats depending on the level of the liquid surface of the fuel. The sender unit includes a casing; a disk-shaped rotor yoke pivotably received in the casing; a ring-shaped magnet fixed to a lower portion of the rotor yoke; a stator yoke that is a magnetic body including a plurality of horizontal arms spaced apart from a lower surface of the magnet so as to form a closed magnetic circuit together with the magnet; a magnetic sensing element fixed within a gap formed in the stator yoke; a plate which is fixedly received in the casing and to which the stator yoke is fixed; and a rod having one side end connected to the float and the other side end penetrating through the casing and fixed to the rotor yoke. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately sense the level of fuel remaining in a fuel tank in a non-contacting manner, thereby improving the durability of the device.
US08015868B2
Caliper measurements made during rotation of an imager on a logging string are processed to estimate the location of the imager, and size and shape of the borehole. A piecewise elliptical fitting procedure may be used. These estimates may be used to correct measurements made by a standoff-sensitive formation evaluation sensor such as a neutron porosity tool. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08015866B2
Disclosed is a liquid detection unit having a liquid detection chamber, a detection portion including a detection space communicating with the liquid detection chamber via a through hole of a detection portion installation member and a piezoelectric sensor which detects remaining vibrations, and a movable member including a detection space sealing surface which is urged by an urging member and thus comes to abut against one surface of a detection portion installation member. The liquid detection chamber includes an abutting surface abutting against a second sealing surface being in contact with a first sealing surface of the movable member and the detection portion installation member. When a distance between the first sealing surface of the movable member to the detection space sealing surface is defined as L1 and a distance between the second sealing surface of the liquid detection chamber to the abutting surface is defined as L2, the relationship L1>L2 is satisfied.
US08015854B2
The present invention relates to means for feeding blanks into the thread rolling part of a thread rolling machine in accurate timing and accurate position. A transport screw for transporting blanks e.g. in a thread rolling machine is disclosed, said transport screw comprises a transport helix for transporting a blank along said transport screw when said transport screw rotates, said transport screw further comprises a feeding area being a widening of said transport helix, whereby said feeding area can receive and feed said blank into said transport helix upon rotation of said transport screw. Further, a method of feeding blanks into a transport screw and a feeding system comprising a transport screw, a blank height adjustment mechanism and a blank alignment mechanism are disclosed.
US08015850B2
A swing bar is connected to a slide by attaching a first pivot to one end of the swing bar, and a bending die is mounted to the other end. A connecting piece is provided on the upper surface of the swing bar, and a second pivot capable of freely turning is inserted into a through-hole formed in the connecting piece, and then fitted into a guide groove formed parallel to the wire feeding direction in a guide member mounted to a second bending unit. Motors are connected to the slide and the second bending unit, respectively.
US08015838B2
The present invention provides a system and method for cooling the bleed air supply in an on-board inert gas generation system. The gas generation system cools the bleed air using a turbocompressor in conjunction with heat exchangers. Exhaust from a regenerative heat exchanger providing air to the turbocompressor is ported to a ram air outlet using a flow-restriction/ejector unit.
US08015836B2
A heat pump system has a single heat source unit connected to at least one load unit to heat water to a high temperature. A hot water supply system 100 (heat pump system) includes a heat source unit 10 provided with a first compressor 11, a four-way selector valve 12 and a heat source heat exchanger 13, and a load unit 50 provided with a first flow controller 51, a first load heat exchanger 52, a second compressor 53, a second load heat exchanger 54, and a second flow controller 55. A main circuit A is formed by connecting the first compressor 11, the four-way selector valve 12, the heat source heat exchanger 13, the first flow controller 51 and the first load heat exchanger 52 with a liquid pipe 1 and a gas pipe 2 sequentially. A load refrigerant circuit B is formed by connecting the second compressor 53, the second load heat exchanger 54, the second flow controller 55, and the first load heat exchanger 52 with a load refrigerant pipe line 56 sequentially.
US08015835B2
An internal cooling apparatus for automobiles includes a first expansion valve for spraying a coolant to a main evaporator through a high-pressure pipe, a compressor receiving the coolant evaporated in the main evaporator through a low-pressure pipe, a condenser receiving the coolant compressed in the compressor, and a plurality of sub-evaporators each being installed inside of a seat to contact an automobile passenger. One end of each of the sub-evaporators is communicated with the high-pressure pipe and the other end thereof is communicated with the low-pressure pipe such that part of the coolant sprayed through the first expansion valve is supplied to the compressor via each of the sub-evaporators.
US08015830B2
A component has an outer wall defining an interior chamber to be cooled. Electronic equipment is mounted within the outer wall in the chamber. A thermoelectric cooler has a cool node positioned to be within the chamber, and a hot node positioned outwardly of the outer wall. A fuel cell provides electricity to the thermoelectric cooler. The fuel cell is mounted outwardly of the outer wall.
US08015819B2
Disposed at or toward the trailing edge of one or more nozzles associated with a jet engine are injection ports which can selectively be made to discharge a water stream into a nozzle flow stream for the purpose of increasing turbulence in somewhat of a similar fashion as mechanically disposed chevrons have done in the known art. Unlike mechanically disposed chevrons of the known art, the fluid flow may be secured thereby increasing the engine efficiency. Various flow patterns, water pressures, orifice designs or other factors can be made operative to provide desired performance characteristics.
US08015817B2
A transition duct for conveying hot combustion gas from a combustor to a turbine in a gas turbine engine. The transition duct includes a panel including a middle subpanel, an inner subpanel spaced from an inner side of the middle subpanel to form an inner plenum, and an outer subpanel spaced from an outer side of the middle subpanel to form an outer plenum. The outer subpanel includes a plurality of outer diffusion holes to meter cooling air into the outer plenum. The middle subpanel includes a plurality of effusion holes to allow cooling air to flow from the outer plenum to the inner plenum. The inner subpanel includes a plurality of film holes for passing a flow of cooling air from the inner plenum through the film holes into an axial gas flow path adjacent to the inner side of the inner subpanel.
US08015812B1
Power generation systems and methods are provided with features directed to various innovations including ones relating to the conversion of concentrated solar and biomass energy to electricity, load-shifting of electrical power supply systems, gas turbine devices and cycles, and power plant control systems.
US08015809B2
Systems for operating on an internal combustion engine coupled to an exhaust conduit and an intake conduit include an exhaust gas recirculation conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust conduit, a heat exchanger coupled to the exhaust gas recirculation conduit to cool at least a portion of the amount of exhaust, a liquid accumulator adapted to accumulate liquid from at least a portion of the amount of exhaust, and a condensate conduit coupled to the liquid accumulator. Methods of operating an engine include: receiving an exhaust gas recirculation stream from a main exhaust stream, cooling the exhaust gas recirculation stream, removing at least some condensate from the exhaust gas recirculation stream after cooling, and adding at least some of the condensate removed from the exhaust gas recirculation stream to the main exhaust stream and/or to an inlet charge of the engine.
US08015805B2
A method for regenerating an exhaust aftertreatment system, in particular a particulate filter of an internal combustion engine, situated in a vehicle, having regeneration cycles controlled by a control device. An optimized regeneration of the exhaust aftertreatment system is achieved by supplying information relating to the travel route to the control device and controlling the regeneration cycles, taking the information into consideration.
US08015803B2
An operating method for a system including a reformer which in reformate mode can convert hydrocarbon-containing fuel to a hydrogen-rich reformate gas, and a catalytic exhaust gas aftertreatment device which is acted upon by reformer gas to reach the catalytic converter light-off temperature more rapidly. During cold starts, the reformer, after its own starting phase, is initially operated in a so-called lean-burn mode, and the reformer is switched from lean-burn mode to reformate mode as soon as combustible constituents in the catalytic aftertreatment device can be independently oxidized. During the reformer lean-burn mode, the combustible constituents of the engine's exhaust gas react with the hot reformer gas, such that the cumulative exhaust gas flow has the composition of exhaust gas generated by stoichiometric combustion.
US08015801B2
A method of operating a reductant delivery and storage system of a vehicle, comprising of storing an ammonia-containing fluid in a first storage device, generating ammonia vapors in the first storage device, storing said generated ammonia vapors in a second storage device, purging said stored vapors from the second storage device to an exhaust of the engine, and relieving pressure or vacuum build-up during at least one of said storing and purging is provided via an atmospheric vent coupled in the reductant delivery and storage system.
US08015799B2
There is provided a multicylinder internal combustion engine. Branches of an exhaust manifold are connected to a common exhaust gas sensor via respective exhaust communication passages. The exhaust gas sensor detects the exhaust air-fuel ratio of each cylinder. The distance from exhaust ports of the engine to the exhaust gas sensor is set to be shorter than the distance from the exhaust ports to a catalyst disposed in an exhaust pipe.
US08015796B2
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section, all arranged about a central axis. A turbine rotor drives a driveshaft for rotation on the central axis. The driveshaft in turn drives at least two fan rotors on axes parallel to, but spaced from, the central axis. The fan rotors each deliver a portion of the air they move into a central inlet for delivering the air to the compressor section. In addition, the majority of the air moved by the plurality of fan rotors passes between a cowl and an outer periphery of a housing for the central core of the engine. This bypass air provides propulsion as is known in the turbojet art.
US08015790B2
An apparatus to facilitate a start-up operation of a combined cycle or rankine cycle power plant is provided and includes a plurality of heat pipes, each of which respectively includes a first portion in thermal communication with exhaust emitted from a heat source and a second portion in thermal communication with the first portion, a cooling unit to cool the second portions of the heat pipes, and a controller which is configured to control the cooling unit to cool the second portions of the heat pipes and to thereby remove heat from exhaust via the first portions of the heat pipes.
US08015786B2
A lawnmower including a cut grass storage container for storing cut grass. The lawnmower also includes a cutting blade, a downwardly-opening housing, and a cut grass conveyor passage. The cut grass storage container is provided to the cut grass conveyor passage. Grass that has been cut is delivered to the cut grass conveyor passage while revolving about a shaft inside the housing. A guide member is provided inside the housing. The guide member guides the revolving grass to the cut grass conveyor passage while guiding the grass to the outer periphery of the housing.
US08015785B2
A combination grass discharge and mulch plug insert apparatus and method are provided where the insert can include a first end configured for communication with a discharge opening of a lawnmower and a second end also configured for communication with the discharge opening. The first end can be configured for preventing discharge of grass clippings from the lawnmower, whereas the second end can be configured for allowing discharge of grass clippings through the second end. Further, the insert can be reversible such that it can be oriented in either a first position in which the first end is inserted into the discharge opening or a second position in which the second end is attached to the discharge opening. As a result, the lawnmower can be easily converted between mulching and side- or rear-discharge modes of operation.
US08015775B2
A lightweight load bearing architectural column is disclosed. The column includes an exterior shell formed of a plurality of walls that together define an open interior. An interior load bearing shaft is within the exterior shell and is proportionally smaller than the exterior shell. One portion of the interior load bearing shaft is connected against one interior wall of the exterior shell with the remaining portions of the interior shaft being independent of the other interior walls of the interior shell.
US08015768B2
A subject of the invention is the lining panel with insulation. The panel is a thin, cuboidal block made of a porous insulation material with internal protruding elements on two adjacent sides and frontal undercuts on the remaining sides, having parallel horizontal protruding elements on the external surface, where the distance between the two adjacent protruding elements is a standardised width of ceramic tiles and it has the developed surfaces between the protruding elements (4.) and round pressed forms evenly distributed in rows (5.), with dimensions corresponding to edges of expansion bolts, and in the centres thereof the forms contain deeper aligning pressed forms (6). The panel is made of the expanded polyurethane resin or of a rigid structural foam having an increased hardness.
US08015766B2
A system for partitioning an interior space includes a plurality of slotted, horizontal and vertical frame components configured for stable, permanent or temporary mountings. In one implementation, the frame components are configured to receive a plurality of different panels, such as glass or resin panels (or panes). The panels can be assembled with the frame components on site into virtually any length or shape, and can further be removed and replaced on-site as needed or desired without necessarily requiring complicated deconstruction efforts. In one implementation, a manufacturer can prepare a preliminary assembly. The manufacturer can then insert a plurality of different panels therein in any horizontal or vertical alignment. The manufacturer can then position an end frame-component to complete the sub-assembly after the different panels are inserted therein.
US08015764B2
The present invention discloses a window which treats effectively dew-water generated on a window glass to prevent dust, stain and bad smell from being generated and capable of storing dew water in a means for treating dew-water for a certain time to maintain properly an indoor humidity and enhance the air-tightness, water-tightness and adiabatic property.The window according to the present invention comprises a window frame including a vertical frame for supporting a vertical side of a window glass and a horizontal frame for supporting a horizontal side of the window glass; and a dew-water treating means including a dew-water flow passage provided on the horizontal frame and a drainage trap provided on the window frame for discharging dew water introduced from the dew-water flow passage and stored therein to an outside.
US08015758B2
Disclosed is a noise insulation device for aircraft, comprising a first opening that is delimited by a series of conducting surfaces whose inner edge is oriented towards the interior of the noise insulation device from a horizontal cross-sectional perspective and whose outer surface is directed towards the side, a roof, and a second opening which is located opposite the first opening and is delimited by walls. The inventive noise insulation device is characterized in that the size of the second opening can be modified by making changes to the walls.
US08015755B2
The present invention is an integrated housing mounting system for mounting ornamentation to buildings. Mount components are attached to a building in place of J-channel, J molding, drip edge, gutter apron or siding. Rail components are assembled to the desired length using connector components and lights or signage are attached to a rail component using hooks. A guide member is placed at each end of the assembled rail and the rail is guided through an opening in the mount component securing the lights or signage to the building. The rail components are then guided through an opening in the mount component.
US08015754B2
A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).
US08015743B2
A system and method for mounting large caliber guns with a laser emitter is disclosed. The laser emitter mounting system includes an elongated tubular member for insertion into a gun chamber. The elongated tubular member is compressively secured within the gun bore. A mounting surface for a laser emitter and a breech assembly detachably engaged with the elongated tubular member by an anti-roll plate.
US08015736B2
A dual panel-frame interface system for the construction of portable displays comprises one or more frame members and one or more panel members. Each frame member is adapted to accommodate the releasable connection of two general types of panel members. One type of panel member is generally flexible with mounting gaskets flexibly connected to its peripheral edge for receiving engagement by a mounting groove in the frame member. The other type of panel member is a more rigid, face-mounted type that is placed in clinging engagement directly with a lateral wall of the frame member. The frame member is adapted such that when a rigid type panel member is placed in clinging engagement with the lateral wall, the respective unused mounting groove remains visually obscured from a viewpoint outward of the outer surface of the panel member, thus making the system more visually appealing. Frame members of embodiments may also include inboard and outboard lipped channels to accommodate auxiliary members or accessories, such as lighting systems, wiring tracks, sound absorption blankets and display support elements.
US08015722B1
A device for measuring internal clearances includes a base having a base surface. A first leg in sliding engagement with the base includes a first leg surface and a first distal end. When the base surface abuts a component, a predetermined distance between the base surface and the first leg surface results in the first distal end being located in the clearance. A method for measuring a clearance includes inserting a leg of a device into a borehole and moving the device rearward until the device abuts the borehole. The method further includes withdrawing the leg from the borehole, extending the leg in the clearance, and measuring the distance that the leg was extended after being withdrawn.
US08015710B1
A shaving device includes one or more collars for shielding certain portions of one or more razor blades. In one version, the collars include a rubber membrane for shielding the razor blades. The collars may or may not slide along a razor head containing one or more razor blades. The combination of the shielded and unshielded razor blade portions facilitates the creation of unique and intricate facial hair designs. The collars may also be used with replacement razor blade cartridges. An alternative design includes a shaving device wherein each razor blade is formed of two or more blade sections separated by partitions integrated into the head of the shaving device. Although ideal for facial hair, the shaving device is useful with any body hair.
US08015691B2
A laminated core block includes a plurality of core members made of magnetic sheets stacked one on top of another, the plurality of core members including first and second core members which adjoin in a laminating direction, and a thermoplastic resin strand placed between the first and second core members. The thermoplastic resin strand is arranged to pass along one side surface of the first core member, between the first and second core members and along a side surface of the second core member on a side opposite to the aforementioned side surface of the first core member in this order. The first and second core members are bonded to each other by melting and curing the thermoplastic resin strand.
US08015685B2
The invention relates to a method for producing combined puncturing and measuring devices for detection of an analyte in liquid. The combined puncturing and measuring devices generally comprise a support and a detection element. Recesses which define puncturing points are formed on one face of the band-shaped support material. A detection element is applied to the band-shaped support material. Individual puncturing/measuring disposable bodies are separated either singly or in groups from the band-shaped support material at a separating line.
US08015679B2
A rectangular parallelepipedic (cuboidal) work is fixed by clamping the opposing two edges between clamp jaws attached to a pair of clamps. With the work fixed, at least one surface of the work is machined. Then, the position of the work is changed by rotating the clamps and the work all together around the rotating axis, and the other surface is machined. The foregoing step is repeated to machine all the six surfaces of the work, during which the work is kept fixed by clamping.
US08015673B2
A bolo style clasp or slide is modified and improved by affixing an engagement apparatus to its posterior surface. The engagement apparatus can vary in both size and specie so as to best accommodate the intended coupling item. The addition of the engagement apparatus expands the versatility of the bolo style clasp or slide by allowing it to serve its original ornamental function and any one of several utilities. Further, the anterior surface of the bolo style clasp or slide is hinged so as to allow the surface to rotate exposing an interior area. The interior area can be used for the storage of small items or situating an exchangeable ornamental face.
US08015672B2
An upright portion of an inner band section is inserted into an elongated hole in an outer band section, and a tab stopper of the outer band section is inserted in a cutout hole on the base end side of the upright portion. As a result, a band member is temporarily held in a ring shape. When an inner and an outer pulling claw are pulled together, a fixing hole in the outer band section engages a fixing claw of the inner band section and the tab stopper engages a stopper receiving hole. This results in the band member being fixed with its diameter reduced.
US08015660B2
A vacuuming device has a housing having an air intake and at least one air outlet opening. A suction motor is arranged in the housing. At least two filters are arranged in the housing and each has a flow passage to the suction motor, wherein dirty air sucked into the housing by the suction motor passes through the at least two filters and exits through the at least one air outlet opening. The at least two filters each are provided with a cleaning device and a valve device adapted to close off the flow passage to the suction motor, respectively, as needed.
US08015658B2
A self-propulsion hovering vacuum cleaner for domestic or industrial application has air outlets predisposed symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the underside of the casing for directing more air to the front and back directions of the vacuum cleaner to achieve even distribution of air underneath the vacuum cleaner, thereby reducing juddering or rocking effects. The underside of the casing has a curved surface predisposed symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the underside of the casing for better retention of air to enhance the hovering effect. In another embodiment of the present invention, air distribution channels are predisposed symmetrically on both sides of the underside of the casing along the longitudinal axis. The air distribution channels are in communication with the air outlets for directing more air to the front and back of the vacuum cleaner. The improved hovering vacuum machine also has self-propulsion features and self-cooling features.
US08015655B1
The windshield wiper apparatus provides superior windshield cleaning and wiping. The spaced apart dual blades provide superior windshield wiping. The pliable scrubber disposed between the blades scrubs debris, bugs, and other undesirable elements from the windshield, and the blades carry it away. The apparatus dispenses liquid to the windshield wiper scrubber. The windshield wiper apparatus uses existing automobile windshield liquid delivery systems to supply the wiper apparatus. The apparatus replaces existing wipers without wiper arm modification due to the mounting flange design.
US08015641B2
A cushion unit includes shell having a first cushion retaining portion and a second cushion retaining portion that are demarcated by a hinge-seam including a fastener portion. The fastener portion is secured to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the cushion unit includes a cushion member affixed to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an outboard surface of the cushion member and secured indirectly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. A method for manufacturing a cushion unit is disclosed. A method for providing a cushion unit is also disclosed.
US08015636B2
This invention relates to flat bedding top sheets having releasable corner fasteners adapted to releasably secure sheet to an underlying mattress by having male elements placed on one side panel brought into alignment and contact with female elements located on opposite corresponding side panels to form corners. Specifically, the bed sheet of the present invention is a fitted flat sheet having a cutout portions at both of its bottom corners that permit, with the aid of separable fasteners located at the cutout portions, to convert the sheet from a planar configuration to a configuration comprising two pockets adapted to retain the sheet on the mattress. The top sheets of the present invention do not require elastic strips around the corners of the sheets to secure the sheet to the mattress.
US08015628B2
Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.
US08015626B2
A safety helmet (1) has a circumferential module ring (2), made especially of a thermoplastic plastic. The module ring (2), has a plurality of plug-in slots (3), which are located at spaced locations from one another in the direction of the module ring (2). This provides standardized simultaneous mounting possibilities for various functional accessories with plug elements complementary to the plug-in slots (3).
US08015621B2
A protective shoulder pad assembly for use in contact sports. The shoulder pad assembly includes a flexible vest, a pair of rigid shoulder pads attached to the vest, and a pair of straps extending from a back side of the vest. The straps can each be refastenably attached to a front side of the vest. In particular, the straps can be crossed over one another in an “X” configuration on the front side of the vest, thereby directly securing each strap to both a front right portion and a front left portion of the vest.
US08020211B2
A system and method for providing distributed security of a network. Several device profilers are placed at different locations of a network to assess vulnerabilities from different perspectives. The device profiler identifies the hosts on the network, and characteristics such as operating system and applications running on the hosts. The device profiler traverses a vulnerability tree having nodes representative of characteristics of the hosts, each node having an associated set of potential vulnerabilities. Verification rules can verify the potential vulnerabilities. A centralized correlation server, at a centrally accessible location in the network, stores the determined vulnerabilities of the network and associates the determined vulnerabilities with attack signatures. Traffic monitors access the attack signatures and monitor network traffic for attacks against the determined vulnerabilities.
US08020207B2
A malware detection and response system based on traffic pattern anomalies detection is provided, whereby packets associated with a variety of protocols on each port of a network element are counted distinctly for each direction. Such packets include: ARP requests, TCP/SYN requests and acknowledgements, TCP/RST packets, DNS/NETBEUI name lookups, out-going ICMP packets, UDP packets, etc. When a packet causes an individual count or combination of counts to exceed a threshold, appropriate action is taken. The system can be incorporated into the fast path, that is, the data plane, enabling communications systems such as switches, routers, and DSLAMs to have built-in security at a very low cost.
US08020197B2
Systems and methods for performing explicit delegation with strong authentication are described herein. Systems can include one or more clients, one or more end servers, and one or more gateways intermediate or between the client and the end server. The client may include an explicit strong delegation component that is adapted to strongly authenticate the client to the gateway. The explicit strong delegation component may also explicitly delegate to the gateway a right to authenticate on behalf of the client, and to define a period of time over which the explicit delegation is valid. The system may be viewed as being self-contained, in the sense that the system need not access third-party certificate or key distribution authorities. Finally, the client controls the gateways or end servers to which the gateway may authenticate on the client's behalf.
US08020196B2
Standardized transmission of digital data with trusted and untrusted connections by translating non-native requests and or non-native responses to and from a normalized format or to a format needed for processing the request and or response configured in hub and spoke, star, direct, peer to peer or hybrid connections. Encryption is provided at multiple layers to establish non-repudiation for a security service that integrates external security applications into a single service.
US08020193B2
Computer implemented methods (200) for protecting web based applications (110, 114) from Cross Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks. The methods involve (204) classifying each resource offered by a web server application as a CSRF-protected resource or a not-CSRF-protected resource. The methods also involve (214, . . . , 222) performing a user authentication, (224) initializing an authentication-token, and (226) initializing a CSRF protection secret that is used to validate CSRF protection parameters contained in resource identifiers for the resources. The methods further involve (228) performing a server-side rewriting process (300) to add the CSRF protection parameter to the resource identifiers for the resources and/or (230) performing a client-side rewriting process to add the CSRF protection parameter to a resource identifier for a second resource (e.g., a resource created at a client computer (102)).
US08020192B2
The protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.
US08020186B1
Methods and systems are provided for distributing programming. A fixed linear programming schedule identifying an order of transmission for multiple programs is generated. The programs are transmitted in the order of transmission. An on-demand flag is embedded in at least one of the programs to identify it as available on an on-demand basis. An electronic program guide for the linear schedule displays the programs available on-demand with an on-demand identifier. The identified programs are then made available on an on-demand basis.
US08020184B2
An apparatus and method for browsing and viewing television programs while viewing a television program guide. In other words, a user is able to remain inside the program guide while viewing various television programs. In another aspect, a server system operator is provided an interface with flexible options for configuring user controls for viewing television programs while inside program guides in client devices.
US08020171B2
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention applications are configured with custom modules. A deployment descriptor of an application includes a definition for a new container type and modules of the new container type. A deployment system reads the deployment descriptor and implements the modules of the new container type. The new containers are then available to assist in the deployment of the application.
US08020169B2
In an application in which context switching often occurs such as in a real time OS, it is possible to significantly reduce the overhead caused by the context switching. The OS issues a Swap instruction and a context switch starts. The Swap instruction is issued together with a thread (i.e., context) ID to be replaced, to a thread control unit (9). The thread ID is used to uniquely identify threads stored in a context cache (8). The thread control unit (9) saves data from a register file (1) to the context cache (8) via a context-dedicated bus (12) and transmits data of a new thread from the context cache (8) to the register file (1). According to the thread ID received, the thread control unit (9) automatically interchanges the necessary number of data in the register file (1) and the data in the context cache (8).
US08020164B2
An apparatus, program product and method improve reporting of performance data in computing systems having uncapped partitions, or partitions that can borrow computer resources. A system measures or otherwise determines time of processor use or another metric that relates to the actual use of a computer resource by the uncapped logical partition. The metric is determined during a computer operation that may include a thread or job, and that may span an interval or period of intervals. The system uses the metric to estimate what the response time would have been if a capped logical partition was alternatively used. Information derived from this estimated response time is reported to the user.
US08020160B2
A user-level read-copy update (RCU) technique. A user-level RCU subsystem executes within threads of a user-level multithreaded application. The multithreaded application may include reader threads that read RCU-protected data elements in a shared memory and updater threads that update such data elements. The reader and updater threads may be preemptible and comprise signal handlers that process signals. Reader registration and unregistration components in the RCU subsystem respectively register and unregister the reader threads for RCU critical section processing. These operations are performed while the reader threads remain preemptible and with their signal handlers being operational. A grace period detection component in the RCU subsystem considers a registration status of the reader threads and determines when it is safe to perform RCU second-phase update processing to remove stale versions of updated data elements that are being referenced by the reader threads, or take other RCU second-phase update processing actions.
US08020156B2
A method and system for providing an efficient and convenient mechanism for class loading is presented. A present system and method virtual machine includes a bulk class loading component, normal class loader and execution engine. The bulk class loading component performs bulk loading of classes in a single pass of respective code sources. The normal class loader performs normal class loading activities, including normal class hierarchy tree searches and single class loading with multiple search traversals. In one embodiment, a bulk class identification component identifies classes for bulk loading. Classes can be identified for bulk class loading based upon designated characteristics or attributes. For example, a designated characteristic can include a class that is loaded between two points in time (e.g., from startup to a predetermined time after startup). The designated characteristic can be a relationship to other classes, including dependency relationships to classes identified for bulk loading based upon other criteria.
US08020151B2
A technique for determining a browser state during a web page test includes providing, from a test automation tool, a first input to a web page provided via a browser. The technique also includes detecting, with a network monitoring tool, outgoing traffic from the browser associated with the first input and detecting, with the network monitoring tool, incoming traffic to the browser associated with a response to the first input. An indication is provided from the network monitoring tool to the test automation tool when the incoming traffic is detected by the network monitoring tool. Finally, the test automation tool provides a second input to the web page following the indication.
US08020142B2
A method for instruction processing may include adding a first operand from a first register, a second operand from a second register and a carry input bit to generate a sum and a carry out bit, loading the sum into a third register and loading the carry out bit into a most significant bit position of the third register to generate a third operand, performing a single bit shift on the third operand via a shifter unit to produce a shifted operand and loading the shifted operand into the fourth register, loading a least significant bit from the sum into the most significant bit position of the fourth register to generate a fourth operand, generating a greatest common divisor (GCD) of the first and second operands via the fourth operand and generating a public key based on, at least in part, the GCD. Many alternatives, variations and modifications are possible.
US08020138B2
A method is provided for characterizing performance of a chip having at least one voltage island and at least one performance screen ring oscillator (PSRO). An on-chip performance monitor (OCPM) is incorporated on the voltage island. Performance measurements of the voltage island are generated with only the voltage island under power. Performance measurements of the performance screen ring oscillator (PSRO) are generated with only the voltage island under power. Performance measurements of the performance screen ring oscillator (PSRO) is compared to the performance measurements of the on-chip performance monitor (OCPM) to determine a systematic offset due to the voltage island. Performance models are adjusted using the systematic offset due to the voltage island.
US08020132B2
Combined memories in integrated circuits are described, including determining a first requirement for logic blocks, determining a second requirement for memory blocks including a vertical configuration for the memory blocks, and compiling a design for the integrated circuit using the first requirement and the second requirement. The memory blocks may include non-volatile two-terminal cross-point memory arrays. The non-volatile two-terminal cross-point memory arrays can be formed on top of a logic plane. The logic plane can be fabricated in a substrate. The non-volatile two-terminal cross-point memory arrays may be vertically stacked upon one another to form a plurality of memory planes. The memory planes can be portioned into sub-planes. One or more different memory types such as Flash, SRAM, DRAM, and ROM can be emulated by the plurality of memory planes and/or sub-planes. The non-volatile two-terminal cross-point memory arrays can include a plurality of two-terminal memory elements.
US08020127B1
A computer-implemented method of circuit design can include receiving clock frequency constraints defining relationships between clock frequencies of a plurality of clock domains of a circuit design specified within a high-level modeling system (305) and receiving a cost function that is dependent upon the clock frequencies of the plurality of clock domains (310). A feasibility result can be determined according to the clock frequency constraints and the cost function (315). The feasibility result can indicate whether a clock frequency assignment exists that specifies a clock frequency for each of the plurality of clock domains that does not violate any clock frequency constraint. The feasibility result can be output (315).
US08020118B2
An aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for presenting items in a hierarchy comprising parent items and sub-items. The method comprises the steps of: identifying one or more parent items in the hierarchy, wherein all sub-items of the identified parent items possess a particular property; and presenting the hierarchy in a manner to indicate that all sub-items of the identified parent items possess the particular property.
US08020116B2
A system (200) and method (600) for visualizing on a single display screen (SDS) a first plurality of display screen windows (FPDSWs) displayed on display screens (234, . . . , 240) of a multi-screen workspace. The method involves determining a relative placement pattern (RPP) for the FPDSWs (250, . . . , 272). The method also involves selecting at least one size reduction factor (SRF) to reduce a combined total area of the FPDSW to fit within a viewing area provided by SDS (224). The method further involves displaying a second plurality of display screen windows (SPDSWs) on the SDS using the SRF and RPP. The SPDSWs (250′, . . . , 272′) are presented such that the FPDSWs having a reduced combined total area is simultaneously viewable on the SDS in the RPP. Notably, the SPDSWs can comprise substantially similar content and attributes of respective display screen windows of the FPDSWs.
US08020115B2
A plurality of first storage elements store data. A plurality of second storage elements store an error correcting code based on a data sub-string of the data. A syndrome is generated based on the first and second storage elements. An erroneously programmed content of the first storage elements is corrected based on the syndrome.
US08020113B2
A display system automatically presents a format in accordance with a prerecorded display configuration, upon a change of format on a screen of the display system.
US08020111B2
The present invention relates to a system and methodology to assist users with data access activities and that includes such activities as routine web browsing and/or data access applications. A coalesced display or montage of aggregated information is provided that is focused from a plurality of sources to achieve substantially one-button access to user's desired web or data source information/destinations in order to mitigate efforts in retrieving and viewing such information. Past web or other type data access patterns can be mined to predict future browsing sites or desired access locations. A system is provided that builds personalized web portals for associated users based on models mined from past data access patterns. The portals can provide links to web resources as well as embed content from distal (remote) pages or sites producing a montage of web or other type data content. Automated topic classification is employed to create multiple topic-centric views that can be invoked by a user.
US08020101B2
A method, information processing system and computer readable medium for transferring data between applications on a computer is disclosed. The method includes selecting data from a first application and selecting a copy-to command for copying the data selected from the first application. The method further includes selecting a second application as a destination for the data selected. The method further includes copying the data selected to a location in the second application.
US08020094B2
A browser-based web authoring tool that enables locally editing and rendering web pages comprising a master page and at least one content page and/or style sheets. Techniques are employed in one embodiment to identify areas of the web pages that correspond to master and content pages, such that when a user edits an element within an area, the browser-based web authoring tool can track whether the edit is made to the master page or one of the content pages.
US08020092B1
A system and method for providing layered master pages in page layout or illustration software comprises basing a layered page of a document on two or more layered master pages to provide a child page. The objects disposed on the layered master pages are interleaved with the objects disposed on the document page and output as a child page. The resultant child page image has objects on layers of the layered master pages interleaved with and/or among objects on layers of the document page.
US08020088B2
A visual responsibility matrix is provided that communicates the scope of a technical design or solution used to perform a service. The visual responsibility matrix is a spreadsheet that contains a logical diagram that is representative of components that are in the scope of the technical design or solution. A matrix contains a listing of each of the components that are in the scope of the technical design or solution and a listing of services that are performed for each of the components. The matrix further includes a name of a party in that has the responsibility to perform the service associated with the component. In addition, the matrix provides the costs associated with fulfilling each responsibility.
US08020086B2
There is disclosed an information processing apparatus which can minimize the probability of a partner being incapable of referring to data at a link destination when a structured document is transmitted to another apparatus or application or the risk of transmission of data unnecessary for the partner, suppress any wasteful data transmission, and properly cope with the intention of the manager of the apparatus or the creator of the structured document about the data transmission. In this information processing apparatus, data at a link destination is embedded in document data, and the document data is transmitted to another apparatus. In transmitting the document data, it is determined whether to transmit the document data after the data at the link destination is embedded in it.
US08020081B2
A multi-level cell (MLC) memory device may include: a MLC memory cell; an outer encoder that encodes data using a first encoding scheme to generate an outer encoded bit stream; and a trellis coded modulation (TCM) modulator that applies a program pulse to the MLC memory cell to write the data in the MLC memory cell. The program pulse may be generated by TCM modulating the outer encoded bit stream. A method of storing data in a MLC memory device, reading data from the MLC memory device, or storing data in and reading data from the MLC memory device may include: encoding data using a first encoding scheme to generate an outer encoded bit stream; and applying a program pulse to a MLC memory cell of the MLC memory device to write the data in the MLC memory cell. The program pulse may be generated by TCM modulating the outer encoded bit stream.
US08020079B2
According to one embodiment, a decoder device includes a decoder configured to decode a to-be-decoded sequence by performing an iterative decoding process and to perform a parity check of a decoding result using a check matrix, a detector configured to detect that the to-be-decoded sequence is a non-code word based on a parity check result for each row of the check matrix by the decoder, and a controller configured to control the decoder according to a detection result of the detector.
US08020076B2
In an information recording, a first data processor divides input data into a plurality of frames so as to arrange the plurality of frames for each unit block. The unit block is a unit of error-correction with respect to the input data and the frames include first identification information, respectively. A second data processor inserts a linking block on a boundary portion between unit blocks in the record data. The unit blocks are adjacent to each other. The linking block includes a second identification information and the second identification information is different from each of the first identification information. A controller controls to record the unit block and the linking block on the information recording medium.
US08020069B1
A data dependent scrambler for a communications channel that receives a user data sequence including N symbols and host cyclic redundancy check (CRCU) bits comprises a data buffer that receives the user data sequence and the host CRCU bits. A seed finder generates a scrambling seed that is dependent upon the symbols in the user data sequence. A first scrambler receives the user data sequence from the data buffer and the scrambling seed from the seed finder and generates the scrambled user data sequence. A second scrambler generates a difference sequence that is based on the user data sequence and the scrambled user data sequence.
US08020067B2
A method for locating an end of a received frame includes providing hypothetical trellis paths that end at different possible end points, performing a CRC check for each hypothetical trellis path, calculating a false detection variable for hypothetical trellis paths that passed the CRC check, and determining the end point of the received frame in response to the calculations.
US08020064B2
A decoding apparatus and method are described. The decoder includes N successive decoder groups numbered 1 to N arranged in series. Each decoder group includes primary decoding means for decoding the first sequence of codewords in combination with the source sequence of symbols to produce a sequence of primary decoded symbols; intermediate interleaving means for interleaving the sequence of primary decoded symbols using intra-block permutations on the source sequence of symbols and inter-block permutations on each intra-block permuted block across the predetermined number of the intra-block permuted blocks to produce a sequence of intermediate symbols; secondary decoding means for decoding the second sequence of codewords in combination with the sequence of intermediate symbols and a sequence of interleaved source symbols to produce a sequence of secondary decoded symbols; and de-interleaving means for de-interleaving the sequence of secondary decoded symbols to produce a sequence of estimated symbols.
US08020060B2
A method of storing data includes storing a first portion of data in bit positions of a non-volatile memory having a first probability of error; storing a second portion of the data in bit positions of the non-volatile memory having a second probability of error, wherein the second probability of error is lower than the first probability of error; storing error correction parity bits with the data; and applying an error correction scheme to read data using the error correction parity bits, wherein at least one bit of the first portion is checked for correction before any bit of the second portion is checked for correction. The error correction scheme is stopped before checking for correcting of all the data.
US08020055B2
In one embodiment of the invention, circuitry and hardware for connectivity testing are fabricated on an IC, and in particular an IC containing a flash memory array. This testing circuitry is electrically connected to the bond pads of the IC. In some embodiments, the testing circuitry includes a boundary scan cell connected to each bond pad, allowing for rapid connectivity testing of flash memory chips in accordance with testing standards such as the JTAG standard. The invention further includes methods in which the pins and/or memory cells of a flash memory chip are sequentially sent a series of data so as to test the connectivity of portions of the IC. The sequentially-sent data is then retrieved and compared to the original data. Discrepancies between these sets of data thus highlight connectivity problems in the IC.
US08020054B2
A test apparatus provided in common for a plurality of memories under test, comprising an address generating section that sequentially generates addresses to be tested in the memories under test and a plurality of buffer memories that are provided to correspond respectively to the memories under test and that each store addresses to be independently supplied to the corresponding memory under test. The test apparatus (i) compares block data output by a memory under test in response to a read command to an expected value of this block data, for each generated address, (ii) sequentially stores, in the corresponding buffer memory and in response to detection of a discrepancy in the comparison, the address generated for reading the block data, and (iii) writes, in parallel to the plurality of memories under test, disable data that includes, as individual addresses, the addresses stored in the buffer memory.
US08020052B2
A fault analysis result generating system includes an extracting unit, a converting unit, a determining unit, and a result generating unit. The system extracts fault analysis files, converts the fault analysis files to a first predetermined file format which is easy to be processed, converts the fault analysis files with the first predetermined file format to a second predetermined file format, and then transfers the fault analysis files with the second predetermined file format to a learning sharing module.
US08020045B2
In the system management server, an information processing apparatus that is an event-information acquisition target is registered as a monitored apparatus in configuration information; event information that complies with a rule stored in advance is identified from among a plurality of pieces of event information stored in the system management server; a server apparatus for a network service related to the event information is identified; and a message is displayed which indicates that the cause of the event that occurred in a client information processing apparatus which has generated event information is an event related to the network service, which occurred in the server apparatus.
US08020035B2
A system includes a solid state persistent storage device, and a plurality of storage controllers to manage access of the solid state persistent storage device. An expander circuit is connected to the solid state persistent storage device and has a plurality of computer-based bus interfaces connected to the corresponding plurality of storage controllers.
US08020026B1
The present invention relates to providing a system clock signal that is based on either a first clock signal that is capable of being frequency-corrected or a second clock signal that is not capable of being frequency-corrected, depending on system needs. When the system clock signal is based on the second clock signal, all or part of the circuitry that provides the first clock signal may be disabled or powered-down to reduce power consumption. A multiplexer may be used to select either the first or the second clock signal to provide the system clock signal to system circuitry. The system circuitry may be intolerant of phase-jumps in the system clock signal; therefore, before the multiplexer transitions between the first and the second clock signals, the first clock signal may be phase-adjusted to bring it into phase-alignment with the second clock signal.
US08020020B2
In one embodiment, a processor comprises at least one processor time stamp counter (TSC) and a control unit coupled to the processor TSC. The processor TSC corresponds to a TSC that is defined to increment at a TSC clock frequency even though the processor is configurable to operate at one of a plurality of clock frequencies. The control unit is configured to maintain the processor TSC, and is configured to update the processor TSC when the processor is operating at a current clock frequency of the plurality of clock frequencies, wherein the update comprises adding a value to the processor TSC, and wherein the value is based on the ratio of the TSC clock frequency and the current clock frequency.
US08020018B2
A circuit arrangement is provided comprising a first partial circuit to receive a supply voltage, a second partial circuit to receive an output signal of the first partial circuit and a first clock signal, the second partial circuit to store the output signal of the first partial circuit depending on the first clock signal, and a control unit to decouple the supply voltage from the first partial circuit for a time period that is shorter than a cycle duration of the first clock signal, wherein the control unit is configured to receive a second clock signal which is derived from the first clock signal by delaying.
US08020013B2
An adjustable-voltage Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) switch provides data signals and output electrical powers to a multiple number of output PoE ports. The adjustable-voltage PoE switch has an output voltage-adjusting interface, allowing a user to select a specific power level or a specific output voltage for the particular output PoE port. The adjustable-voltage PoE can also include a conventional IEEE 802.3af-compliant power mode for further utilizing PoE in communicating and powering up external devices. A plurality of light indicators corresponding to the multiple number of output PoE ports provides further convenience by indicating a specific power level or a specific output voltage for a particular output PoE port using a particular color in each color-changing light indicator.
US08020012B2
A power auto-detection apparatus is applied to a power supply of a personal computer or applied to an adapter of a notebook computer. The power auto-detection apparatus has a voltage stabilizing unit, an over-current protective unit, a voltage regulating unit, a signal processing unit, and a regulating resistor. The over-current protective unit provides an over-current protection for the power auto-detection apparatus. The voltage regulating unit electrically connects to a non-ground terminal of the regulating resistor and outputs a first regulating voltage and a second regulating voltage. The signal processing unit electrically connects the voltage regulating unit and receives the second regulating voltage to output a power detection signal to the computer system to automatically detect the output power of the power supply or the adapter.
US08020005B2
A user authentication system collects measurements of physical and/or behavioral characteristics of a user. The measurements are processed by two or more processing engines to produce initial confidence measures, and a unified confidence measure is prepared from weighted inputs including the initial confidence measures.
US08020004B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed which enable flexible insertion of forensic watermarks into a digital content signal using a common customization function. The common customization function flexibly employs a range of different marking techniques that are applicable to a wide range of forensic marking schemes. These customization functions are also applicable to pre-processing and post-processing operations that may be necessary for enhancing the security and transparency of the embedded marks, as well as improving the computational efficiency of the marking process. The common customization function supports a well-defined set of operations specific to the task of forensic mark customization that can be carried out with a modest and preferably bounded effort on a wide range of devices. This is accomplished through the use of a generic transformation technique for use as a “customization” step for producing versions of content forensically marked with any of a multiplicity of mark messages.
US08020001B2
Described are techniques and mechanisms for enforcing trust between an application and a library loaded by the application. Very generally stated, the application declares one or more trusted code groups (“TCGs”) of which a library must be a member to be authorized for execution with the application. Libraries that are authorized to assert membership in one or more TCGs include a secure indicator of that membership. As the application executes and attempts to load a library, that libraries membership in a TCG authorized by the application is verified prior to loading the library.
US08019988B2
In a hybrid peer-to-peer file sharing network including a receiver peer and a provider peer, the receiver sends the provider a ticket [710] obtained from a server authorizing the receiver to obtain a data object O. The receiver obtains a root value of a hash tree for the object, verifies its digital signature, and sends the provider peer a request for a block of data object O and a request for a corresponding set of hash values from the hash tree [714]. The receiver receives from the provider peer the block of O and the corresponding set of hash values of the hash tree [716] that do not contain any hash value in the local hash tree. The receiver sends the provider an acknowledgement of receipt [718], obtains a block key from the provider [720], decrypts the block, verifies the integrity of the block using the subset of hash values and the local hash tree for O, and updates the local hash tree by adding the subset of hash values to the local hash tree, as well as any newly calculated hash values [722]. The provider may submit to a server the acknowledgements as proof of its service to the receiver.
US08019986B2
Automated booting of a client for a subscriber is provided for clients that are for use in interactive user sessions that involve multimedia. A subscribe message is sent from the client to a proxy server. The proxy server authenticates the subscribe message, and sends the subscribe message to the configuration server. A notify message is sent to the client from the configuration server. The notify message is sent through the proxy server, and contains a location of a profile for the client. The profile is downloaded to the client. This arrangement allows the persistence of profiles in a centralized place.
US08019981B1
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing loop execution. Modifier registers are used to hold loop counter values. Modifier register information and program memory address information are included in the loop instruction. When a processor executes a loop instruction, it decodes the instruction, identifies the modifier register, and accesses the register value to determine if the processor will jump back based on the memory address information. The loop execution can incur no clock cycle penalties.
US08019968B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a look-aside-look-aside buffer (LLB) configured to retain a portion of the real addresses in a translation look-aside (TLB) buffer to allow prefetching of data from a cache. A subset of real address bits associated with an effective address may be retrieved relatively quickly from the LLB, thereby allowing access to the cache before the complete address translation is available and reducing cache access latency.
US08019966B2
A method for sharing memory locations in a virtual memory system is disclosed. The method can include processing instructions and accessing data utilizing a virtual memory system with a paging device that is accessible by multiple clients. The method can also include configuring a first client to access the paging device, configuring a second client to access the paging device and allowing the first and second client to access the paging device via a virtual input output server. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08019963B2
The invention provides a system and method for storing a copy of data stored in an information store. In one embodiment, a data agent reads one or more blocks containing the data from the information store. The data agent maps the one or more blocks to provide a mapping of the blocks, and transmits the one or more blocks and mapping to a media agent for a storage device. The media agent stores the one or more blocks in the storage device according to the mapping.
US08019958B2
In a method of controlling a memory device, the following is conveyed over a first set of interconnect resources: a first command that specifies activation of a row of memory cells; a second command that specifies a write operation, wherein write data is written to the row; a bit that specifies whether precharging occurs after the write data is written; and a code that specifies whether data mask information will be issued for the write operation. If the code specifies that the information will be issued, then the information, which specifies whether to selectively write portions of the write data, is conveyed over the first set of interconnect resources after conveying the code. The write data to be written in connection with the write operation is conveyed over a second set of interconnect resources that is separate from the first set of interconnect resources.
US08019951B2
A memory controller is provided for dealing with change in the form of use or operation state of a system. The memory controller includes bus interfaces, a memory controller core unit, and a memory interface. The memory controller core unit has a command controller. The bus interface units and command controller exchange commands via a bus.
US08019950B1
A method for address acknowledgement is described. A memory controller interface is embedded as part of an embedded core in a host integrated circuit. Access to the memory controller interface is arbitrated with an arbiter. An accept signal is sent from the memory controller interface to the arbiter to indicate whether the memory controller interface is ready to receive a transaction. Access to the memory controller interface is requested by a master device for passing the transaction to a memory controller via the arbiter. The arbiter is a proxy for the memory controller interface responsive to the accept signal being asserted. An acknowledgement signal is sent from the arbiter as a proxy for the memory controller interface responsive to receipt of the transaction and the accept signal being asserted.
US08019945B2
A computer-implemented method and system to support transactional caching service comprises configuring a transactional cache that are associated with one or more transactions and one or more work spaces; maintaining an internal mapping between the one or more transactions and the one or more work spaces in a transactional decorator; getting a transaction with one or more operations; using the internal mapping in the transactional decorator to find a work space for the transaction; and applying the one or more operations of the transaction to the workspace associated with the transaction.
US08019944B1
An embodiment of the present invention includes a circuit for tracking memory operations with trace-based execution. Each trace includes a sequence of operations that includes zero or more of the memory operations. The memory operations being executed form a set of active memory operations that have a predefined program order among them and corresponding ordering constraints. At least some of the active memory operations access the memory in an execution order that is different from the program order. Checkpoint entries are associated with each trace. Violations of the ordering constraints may be signaled too late to prevent an update of the cached data associated with the memory operations. A sub-circuit detects this condition and invalidates the checkpoint locations indicated by the checkpoint entries associated with the trace experiencing the violation and all younger traces.
US08019942B2
A memory card of one published standard, such as the Multi-Media Card (MMC) or Secure Digital Card (SD), is modified to include the function of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) according to another published standard. The controller of the memory card communicates between electrical contacts on the outside of the card and both the memory and the SIM. In one specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current Plug-in SIM card with a few external contacts added to accommodate the memory controller and data memory. In another specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current SD card, including external contacts.
US08019938B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for solid-state storage as cache for high-capacity, non-volatile storage. The apparatus, system, and method are provided with a plurality of modules including a cache front-end module and a cache back-end module. The cache front-end module manages data transfers associated with a storage request. The data transfers between a requesting device and solid-state storage function as cache for one or more HCNV storage devices, and the data transfers may include one or more of data, metadata, and metadata indexes. The solid-state storage may include an array of non-volatile, solid-state data storage elements. The cache back-end module manages data transfers between the solid-state storage and the one or more HCNV storage devices.
US08019933B2
A memory system includes a multi-bit flash memory device and a flash controller configured to control the multi-bit flash memory device. The flash controller is configured to output a series of commands, pointers, and addresses to the multi-bit flash memory device for read/program operations.
US08019923B2
A card adapter includes a first memory card interface configured to be connected to a first memory card. The first memory card is associated with a first file system. The card adapter includes a second memory card interface that is configured to be connected to a second memory card. The second memory card is associated with a second file system. The card adapter also includes a host interface configured to connect to a host. The card adapter includes a controller operatively interposed between the first and second memory card interfaces and the host interface. The controller is configured to control the first memory card interface and the second memory card interface to control connections between each memory card that is connected thereto with the host. The controller is also configured to operate in each of two selectable modes. In a first mode the controller is operative to emulate a virtual file system that presents to the host the first file system and the second file system as a unified image. In a second mode, the controller presents to the host either the first file system of the first memory card connected to the first memory card interface or the second file system of the second memory card connected to the second memory card interface. The card adapter also includes a mode switch coupled to the controller and configured to receive a user selection of one of the two selectable modes.
US08019922B2
Interruption facility for adjunct processor queues. In response to a queue transitioning from a no replies pending state to a reply pending state, an interruption is initiated. This interruption signals to a processor that a reply to a request is waiting on the queue. In order for the queue to take advantage of the interruption capability, it is enabled for interruptions.
US08019908B2
Data replication systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises at a system controller of a disk device, receiving data at a system controller of a removable cartridge storage device, transferring the data to a first portable data cartridge and transferring the data to a second portable data cartridge. The first and second portable data cartridges are electrically coupled with the system controller and removably coupled with the removable cartridge storage device.
US08019897B2
A client-side handheld device requests a server to convert server-side documents into a compression format prior to transmission of said documents to the client. The server retrieves and converts the requested documents to a raster image that is then compressed according to attributes based on information received from the client device in the initial document request. Instead of having to manipulate multiple formats which the original documents are in and supported by the server, the client-side device is preferably optimized in hardware and/or software to support and otherwise take advantage of the requested compression format. The compressed document is then delivered to the client device, in whole or in part, selectively or progressively over time per individual requests prior to displaying the received data to the end-user. Depending on the requested delivery mode, server-side documents are preferably compressed using wavelet compression methods, such as the JPEG 2000 standard, known in the arts. Through such a compression format, documents of sizes (in total bytes) exceeding one or more Megabytes can be compressed down to as small as 30 kilobytes or less.
US08019891B2
A network connection method includes: generating the same address as an address that is other than address currently used by the user terminal and is generated by the authentication apparatus, as a reconnection address, and storing the reconnection address that is valid for a predetermined valid period into a reconnection address storage device; and when a present time is within the predetermined valid period after the connection with the first network is disconnected, reconnecting to the first network by using the reconnection address stored in the reconnection address storage device without the authentication by the authentication apparatus.
US08019882B2
Described is a technology in which client content requests to a server over a wide area network (WAN) are responded to with hash information by which the client may locate the content among one or more peer sources coupled to the client via a local area network (LAN). The hash information may be in the form of a segment hash that identifies multiple blocks of content, whereby the server can reference multiple content blocks with a single hash value. Segment boundaries may be adaptive by determining them according to criteria, by dividing streamed content into segments, and/or by processing the content based on the content data (e.g., via RDC or content/application type) to determine split points. Also described is content validation using the hash information, including by generating and walking a Merkle tree to determine higher-level segment hashes in order to match a server-provided hash value.
US08019877B2
A method, a system, a server, and a terminal for processing message are described. The method includes the steps as follows. A notification message for requesting to establish a session sent by a session requester is received, in which the notification message carries session management information related to the session. The session management information of the session in the notification message is acquired, and a session connection with the session requester is initiated according to the session management information. Alternatively, the notification message is acknowledged according to the session management information, a reply message is generated according to an acknowledgement result, and the reply message is sent to the session requester. In embodiments of the present invention, a Data Synchronization (DS)/Device Management (DM) server determines problems of the sent notification message according to the information returned from the terminal, so as to perform the further processing, thereby preventing the DS or DM server from blindly and repeatedly sending the notification message when not being informed that a session connection is established by a DS or DM terminal.
US08019875B1
Methods and Systems for determining a user state for a member of a social network are described. According to one embodiment, a method comprising receiving in a network of associated users user state information for a first user, wherein the network of associated users comprises user established relationships between users, determining a current user state for the first user; and outputting to a second user the user state information based at least in part on the current user state and a relationship based permission status is set forth.
US08019869B2
A method for distributing files among a set of servers in a content-delivery system, includes selecting a file stored on a first server from the set of servers and associating a first replication value with that selected file. Then, at least in part on the basis of the first replication value, a determination is made as to whether the selected file is to be replicated at a second server selected from the set of servers.
US08019866B2
A system and method for detecting aberrant network behavior. One embodiment provides a system of detecting aberrant network behavior behind a network access gateway comprising a processor, a first network interface coupled to the processor, a second network interface coupled to the processor, a storage media accessible by the processor and a set of computer instructions executable by the processor. The computer instructions can be executable to observe network communications arriving at the first network interface from multiple clients and determine when the traffic of a particular client is indicative of malware infection or other hostile network activity. If the suspicious network communication is determined to be of a sufficient volume, type, or duration the computer instructions can be executable to log such activity to storage media, or to notify an administrative entity via either the first network interface or second network interface, or to make the computer instructions be executable to perform other configured actions related to the functioning of the network access gateway.
US08019863B2
A system, method, and computer program product for synchronizing events between a mobile device and a server are described herein. In an embodiment, the method operates by detecting events to be synchronized between a source and a target, wherein the source and target are one of either a mobile device or a server. The method comprises deducing activities that occurred in order to create the detected event, reading data records corresponding to the deduced activities, and creating packets of operations needed to recreate the deduced activities on the target. The method further comprises queuing the packets of operations and data records and receiving event synchronization results at the source after the queued packets of operations have successfully executed on the target, wherein the synchronization results include a synchronization status and a unique record identifier identifying the event. In an embodiment, personal information manager (PIM) events are synchronized.
US08019855B2
The present invention relates to method and apparatus for interfacing for controlling a device between various applications operated on a home network and a library to ensure their compatibility. An interfacing method according to the present invention discloses processes to initialize a library being executed in a device for managing a home network, to set a home code for managing a home network exclusively, to manage address of each device on a home network, and to set conditions necessary for device monitoring.
US08019848B2
An improved method for connection exploration in a network is disclosed, wherein said network includes a plurality of network elements each including at least one port, wherein a globally unique identifier is assigned to each individual port of said network elements, and wherein connected ports of two network elements transfer their globally unique identifiers over a corresponding connection using heartbeat-ordered sequences. The method comprises capturing said transferred globally unique identifiers at receiving ports, storing each of said captured globally unique identifiers at a corresponding receiving port, reading out said transferred globally unique identifiers stored at each port of said network elements using an in-band access, matching said read out globally unique identifiers to a hardware configuration data set to identify connected network elements and connections between said connected network elements, and recording information about existing connections between said network elements.
US08019846B2
Method for remote management of a home device (3), said method comprising: a connection step wherein the home device (3) connects to a remote walled garden home device management (WG_HDM) server (10); a pre-activation cycle wherein a pre-activation policy is run on the home device (3) from the WG_HDM server (10); a transfer step wherein the home device (3) is redirected by the WG_HDM server (10) to a remote public home device management (P_HDM) server (14); an activation cycle wherein an activation policy is run on the home device (3) from the P_HDM server (14).
US08019844B2
A system and method for generating an analysis and detection engine operable to monitor and report data in a telecommunications network includes a plurality of selectable processing modules. Each module is individually configurable to perform predetermined processing and data storage functions including specification of dimensions for which processing is to be applied, and collectively configurable in a linear communication path so as to define unique data analysis/detection flows.
US08019839B2
An enhanced network adapter framework, in which parameters are stored in a configuration table, the parameters being customized for a network and an application. A network adapter customized for the network and the application is instantiated based on invoking a generic network adapter which externally references the configuration table, and communication between the application and the network is effected using the instantiated network adapter.
US08019838B2
A system, method, and information processing system for managing a configuration of a network device. A current state associated with at least one network device (104) is determined (206). A set of commands (118) available for the current state of the network device (104) is retrieved (208). A next state associated with a current command is determined (216) for each command in the set of commands (118). A transition from the current state to the next state is created (218, 222) in response to determining a next state associated with a current command. A transition is determined to have been created for each command in the set of commands (118). An extended finite state machine (120) is created that includes at least the current state, the next state, and the transition for each of the commands in the set of commands (118).
US08019830B2
Methods and apparatus for data transfer according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with acquiring file segments associated with a sequence, and may include requesting a preceding file segment in the sequence from a faster and/or more reliable source, such as a file server, and requesting a subsequent file segment in the sequence from slower or less reliable source, such as a p2p network. The received data may be stored in a ready buffer, a file server buffer, and/or a network buffer according to whether a full set of sequential data has been received and/or the source from which the data is to be requested. File segments may be transferred to the ready buffer when all of the file segments in a sequence and all of the preceding file segments.
US08019826B2
In one embodiment, a first network system obtains from a second network system, as a result of an RDMA read operation or an RDMA write operation, a message and a hash of the message, contiguous thereto. The first network system generates a computed hash of the obtained message and compares the computed hash of the message with the obtained hash of the message. The first network system processes the obtained message according to whether the computed hash is equal to the obtained hash.
US08019822B2
An electronic file delivery system reduces the bandwidth an electronic mail server must dedicate to large files and decreases the storage space required for attachments in an electronic mail inbox. The system uploads the large file to the recipient's personalized storage account. The recipient receives an electronic notification of the file in their storage account. The recipient may access the file without additional burden on the electronic mail server resources.
US08019812B2
An extensible, multi-tenant software-as-a-service business application platform is provided for hosting multiple organizations. Organization services are provided by virtual or physical servers with dedicated data stores assembled in scalable groups. Distributed interaction between components of the scalable groups may enable extensibility and reliability, while changes in locations of organization services are provided to the client(s) for seamless continuation of the client's access to the services. Customizable and dynamic APIs for accessing each organization's data and applications isolated from the others and pluggable third party authentication services may also be integrated into the platform.
US08019809B2
A storage server for efficiently retrieving data from a plurality of disks in response to user access requests. The server comprises a plurality of processors coupled to disjoint subsets of disks, and a custom non-blocking packet switch for routing data from the processors to users. By tightly coupling the processors to disks and employing an application-specific switch, congestion and disk scheduling bottlenecks are minimized. By making efficient use of bandwidth, the architecture is also capable of receiving real-time data streams from a remote source and distributing these data streams to requesting users. The architecture is particularly well suited to video-on-demand systems in which a video server stores a library of movies and users submit requests to view particular movies.
US08019808B2
Several embodiments of the present invention comprise a storage platform that provides a synchronization service that (i) allows multiple instances of the storage platform (each with its own data store) to synchronize parts of their content according to a flexible set of rules, and (ii) provides an infrastructure for third parties to synchronize the data store of the storage platform of the present invention with with other data sources that implement proprietary protocols. In various embodiments, storage-platform-to-storage-platform synchronization occurs among a group of participating “replicas.” For example, it may be desirable to provide synchronization between the data store of the storage platform with another remote data store under the control of another instance of the storage platform, perhaps running on a different computer system.
US08019802B2
A cryptographically secure pseudo-random number generator is configured to obtain one or more unpredictable sources of entropy that provide a seed. A current internal state of the number generator is modified as a function of the current internal state and the seed to accumulate entropy. The modified internal state may be obtained by using non-linear feedback shift register operations on the internal state and the seed. A pseudo-random number is then generated based on the modified internal state of the number generator. The one or more unpredictable sources of entropy may be combined into the seed. The internal state of the number generator may be continually modified with additional seeds obtained from the one or more unpredictable sources and the current internal state. Additionally, the internal state of the number generator may be modified on demand with a new seed received from a calling application.
US08019800B2
An information recording device, which includes a nonvolatile memory whose areas are managed using an FAT file system and enhances the reliability of directory entries using a cyclic shift checksum, recalculates the cyclic shift checksum efficiently and performs seeking at a higher speed. A nonvolatile memory (25) of an information recording device 2 is managed using an FAT file system. In the memory, a plurality of directory entries are allocated to a single file. The device enhances the reliability of the directory entries using a cyclic shift checksum, and manages information indicating the position and the size of a storage area of file data using an extent information entry (203). The device further uses an update information entry (204) and a dummy entry (205).
US08019796B1
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates utilizing metadata appended to data related to an industrial automation environment with a controller that is associated with a hierarchically structured data model. An interface component can facilitate receipt of data associated with at least one of an instruction set, a configuration, and a collection. An append component can affix metadata to at least one of the instruction set, the configuration, and the collection, wherein the metadata conforms to a hierarchically structured data model.
US08019795B2
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing a data warehouse test automation framework system. A data generation module is provided that is operable to generate data scenarios that ensure specific logic is being validated against a data warehouse. A data validation module is provided that has data validation blocks that provide a framework for validating data completeness and data integrity of a data warehouse. The data validation blocks are represented by query templates that provide specifications for how queries that perform the validating of the data completeness and the data integrity should be structured. Dimensions in the data warehouse are modeled using an object oriented programming syntax.
US08019786B2
A computer implemented method of storing, manipulating, assessing, and displaying data and its relationships, and a computer system (with memory) programmed to implement such method. The data is stored into nodes, and visualized as a sea of linked nodes.
US08019781B2
Techniques for host context framework are described. An apparatus may comprise a client device having a host application program with multiple host item objects, and a host context manager to manage multiple host contexts corresponding to the host item objects. The host context manager may create a host context for each host item object, and perform operations for each host item object in accordance with the corresponding host context. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08019779B2
A system and method for concurrency control of hierarchically structured data is provided. Lock requests on a target node are processed by exploiting ancestor-descendant information encoded into prefix encoded node identifiers (IDs). A set of implicit locks on ancestor nodes along a path from an immediate parent of a target node to a root node is derived from an explicit lock request on a target node. A logical lock tree describing existing lock modes for ancestor nodes is consulted to determine compatibility with the derived set of implicit locks. If existing lock modes for ancestor nodes are compatible with the derived set of implicit locks, a lock request on a target node is granted. Otherwise, the lock request is denied. A lock release request follows the reverse process; a target node in a particular transaction is released, as are subsequent locks on its ancestors made by the same transaction.
US08019777B2
A system and method for predicting what content a user wants to view based on such user's previous behavior and actions, comprising: receiving a cookie for every content page template in a web site; receiving a request for service of a content page; sending the content requested to a requester; for each content page sent, retrieving the cookie from the user; assigning a unique identifier (ID) to each new requester and storing the ID in the cookie; recording each ID, IP address, referrer, and time of request from the server; and storing the data recorded in a buffer for a period of time before storing it more permanently in a client-specific database. The system can be monetized by receiving fees from end users for presenting the content preferences or by receiving fees form content providers that include advertising related to the content preferences.
US08019775B2
A human resource networking system, which is a novel method establishing a business system for locating, identifying, promoting and assisting in the employing of career project workers in the non-career workforce, includes a Relational Database comprising an Inductive Credit Matrix containing People Elements, Places Elements, Projects Elements, and Things Elements derived from People Information, Places Information, Project Elements, and Things Elements; a plurality of Credit Constructs each of which is formed by associating two or more of the People Elements, the Places Elements, the Projects Elements, and the Things Elements and stored in the Inductive Credit Matrix of the Relational Database; and a Display Device for outputting Credit Bytes generated by combining the Credit Constructs upon query.
US08019762B2
An information processing apparatus 100 for realizing a binary data classification method of the present invention includes a CPU for computing a column vector a that has at least a quarter of its components equal to zero, which satisfies diag(y)Dna>0, where a represents a column vector having a coefficient of each term of the set polynomial function as an element, Dn represents a matrix determined on the basis of a combination of the values taken by the respective terms, and y represents a row vector having as an element the value of a class to which binary data in which a value of each element is 1 or −1 should be classified when the binary data is given, and thus classifies the data of an object of classification, which is inputted through a keyboard, in accordance with a set polynomial function.
US08019758B2
Methods for updating an information retrieval system are disclosed. In one embodiment, search terms affiliated with mappings or associations that represent a connection of relevancy between a query and an asset are pushed as content updates to a client system (e.g., as new updates or utilized to replace older data). The search terms are inserted (e.g., inserted as metadata) into corresponding content (the content associated with the asset). In this manner, content-searching data can be updated (e.g., remotely updated) as frequently as desired, even periodically, or selectively as new manually and/or automatically derived data becomes available. In another embodiment, the update data is already built into the content when it is delivered to a client machine. Other disclosed embodiments pertain to methods for generating a data mining classification model that is a blended representation of associations (e.g., query-asset associations) having different characteristics and/or different originating sources.
US08019757B2
A distributed information network is constructed for gathering information from sites distributed across a globally accessible computer network, i.e., the Internet. The distributed information network preferably includes a root server that stores a list of multiple distributed sites each represented by metadata. A network browser delivers an information search request to the root server, which in response develops a profiled information search request. The information provider of each of the distributed sites stores metadata corresponding to information content that is retrievable in response to the profiled information search request for search results derivable from the information content to which the metadata correspond. A profiled information communication link between the root server and each of the multiple distribution sites enables formation of a path for delivery of the search results to a destination site, from a site or sites represented by the metadata of the profiled information search request.
US08019751B2
The cost of running a query (having a query range) on a multidimensional database may be estimated using a process factors criteria beyond merely the number of affected records. First, a materialized view of the database may be represented as a container of tuples, sorted by key. Then keys may be stepped through, each key representing a mapping of a combination of tuples from the container. At each step, the process may request the next smallest key in the query range greater than or equal to the key of the current step, which results in the tuple in the database whose key is the smallest, greater than or equal to the requested key, and determine if the resulting is in the query range. The cost of the query may then be estimated as the number of tuples upon which the range check was performed.
US08019750B2
A method of tuning a database query includes selecting a database query, parsing the selected database query to determine relationships between portions of the selected database query, selecting an optimization mode from a plurality of available optimization modes, tuning the selected database query by modifying, at least one portion of the selected database query based on the determined relationships and the selected optimization mode and displaying the modified database query.
US08019742B1
A method includes receiving search queries. Images are generated that represent the volume of each search query relative to all search queries over a period of time. The images are processed to generate wavelets for each image. Related queries having similar increases or decreases in volume are identified by comparing at least some of the wavelets corresponding to a first query to wavelets corresponding to other queries.
US08019733B2
A processor selects file system metadata. A processor identifies each unit of data in a file system. The processor determines if the unit of data contains file system metadata. The processor writes a unit of data of metadata to a diagnostic file system, provided it was determined that the unit of data contains file system metadata. The processor then determines if the unit of data contains user data. If the unit of data contains user data, the processor writes a sparse object to the diagnostic file.
US08019725B1
A software update method permits a local software update server to act as a update source for client computer systems in its local network. The local update server provides updates for one or more specified groups of client computers.
US08019724B2
A software application architecture based on object oriented concepts. According to an aspect, upgrading the application to support newer versions of a standard describing device description is simplified. According to another aspect, the application is designed to be tolerant to changes (additions or modifications) introduced by future/later versions not yet supported by the application. In an embodiment, the approaches are applied in the context of a parser designed to parse device descriptions of different versions.
US08019722B2
A method for synchronizing a first database including first data records with a second database including second data records. The method includes starting a synchronization session with an electronic device on which the second database resides, requesting the first data records from the first database, temporarily disconnecting the synchronization session while awaiting receipt of the first data records, receiving the first data records, and restarting and completing the synchronization session.
US08019716B2
A method for the automatic examination of knowledge system hierarchies is disclosed. A target TMK hierarchy is represented as a plurality of records in a database. A second TMK hierarchy (a “critic”) is constructed of tasks, subtasks, methods, procedures and actions. The critic hierarchy includes actions that retrieve and examine at least one record of the database representing the target hierarchy. The examination of the record provides a result. The result is of the form of a modification of the processing within the critic hierarchy or of the form of a report or a modification of the target hierarchy's elements, namely, tasks, methods, procedures, actions, class structures, or the relationship between the elements.
US08019697B2
An energy distribution may include a server and one or more databases. The system may communicate with an energy provider to receive energy provider data, at least one information collector to receive information collector data such as individualized energy usage data, customer preferences, and customer or location characteristics, and the one or more databases for receiving data for optimization. The system may calculate a cost of service or avoided cost using at least one of the individualized energy usage data and a system generation cost at a nearest bus. The system may also forecast individualized demand by end-use, individualized demand by location, energy prices, or energy costs. The system may optimize energy distribution, energy use, cost of service, or avoided cost using the forecasted individualized demand by end-use, the forecasted individualized demand by location, the forecasted energy prices, and the forecasted energy costs.
US08019694B2
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a new way to generate estimated forward retail prices for a retail commodity within a geographic boundary that represents a target market. Using estimates for local retail prices, combined with knowledge of current and historical wholesale prices, embodiments disclosed herein enable the creation of a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels for a specific location, time period, and fuel grade. In some embodiment, the process of creating a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels comprises performing a predictive modeling utilizing wholesale gasoline prices, rack markup, retail markup, and taxes on a location, time period, and fuel grade basis. In some cases, the estimated forward retail prices thus generated can be used in a pricing model for price protection services for that retail commodity in that target market.
US08019691B2
Authenticating the identity and validating the profile of an individual who presents himself to another party as having a certain identity and corresponding profile data occurs during an Internet transaction. A trusted party gives a definitive answer regarding the authentication of identity and validity of profile data. The trusted party can be a financial institution that has an established relationship with the individual. For example, the financial institution can be a bank that issues a debit or credit card to the individual. The trusted party can also provide the profile data of the individual to the other party, rather than have the individual provide such data. The trusted party can also update the individual's profile data held by the other party when such data is no longer current.
US08019681B2
This document describes tools capable of altering to which interchange categories credit-card transactions are assigned. In some embodiments, the tools receive parameters for interchange categories and transaction information for a client (e.g., one or more merchants) that has been charged interchange fees based on some of these categories. The parameters are utilized (e.g., by a credit card issuer) to determine to which interchange category a particular transaction will be assigned. The tools may determine, based on these parameters and the transaction information, how transactions may be changed to enable similar credit-card transactions to be assigned to a lower-cost interchange category.
US08019673B1
System and methods for displaying implied market data are developed. One example method includes displaying a plurality of indicators corresponding to a plurality of tradeable objects via a graphical interface. Upon identifying a first tradeable object, the method includes determining an implied relationship between the first tradeable object and the at least one of the plurality of tradeable objects. The method further includes displaying a graphical indicator in relation to an indicator corresponding to the first tradeable object and at least one indicator corresponding to the at least one of the plurality of tradeable objects to indicate an implied relationship between the first tradeable object and the at least one of the plurality of tradeable objects.
US08019665B2
Programs, methods, and systems for variable pricing and conditional availability of proposals for trading of financial interests through the use of reference indices. The invention provides programs, methods, and systems for associating a proposal for a trade in at least one financial interest with at least one other financial interest or index, which may serve as a reference for effecting a condition of the proposal, including for example an availability of terms for the proposal to other traders, the executability of the proposal, etc.
US08019664B1
A method for completing a financial form by a user, including: generating a plurality of panels associated with a plurality of financial events reported by the financial form; obtaining a visual data item associated with the user and a financial event of the plurality of financial events; applying the visual data item to a panel of the plurality of panels, where the panel is associated with the financial event; capturing a financial value associated with the financial event using the panel; populating at least a portion of the financial form based on the financial value; extracting a key from a previously populated financial form associated with the user; and searching a visual data source based on the key, where the visual data item is located in the visual data source.
US08019656B2
A method and system for automatically generating a self-updating naturally-reading narrative product summary including assertions about a selected product. In one embodiment, the system and method includes evaluating an existing narrative product summary, comparing an existing attribute name, attribute value, attribute unit, and assertion model, respectively, to a current attribute name, attribute value, attribute unit, and assertion model to determine if one of the comparisons shows a change. The system and method further determines a new attribute associated with the selected product, selects an alternative product, retrieves a new assertion model with assertions that describe the selected product and identify an alternative product in a natural manner. The system and method then generates a naturally-reading narrative product summary by combining the new attribute with the new retrieved assertion model, and by combining the selected alternative product with another retrieved assertion model to recommend the selected alternative product in the narrative.
US08019646B2
Customer services are provided by storing predetermined trigger information in association with predetermined content. A real-time text chat established over a network between at least one agent device and at least one customer device is monitoring for the predetermined trigger information using a monitoring computer. The predetermined content is automatically forwarded to the at least one customer device when the predetermined trigger information is detected in the monitoring.
US08019643B2
An up-sell and down-sell method and system that considers a ranking of the individual marginal profit/loss of adding every product SKU of a merchant to an order (or a certain subset of SKU's based on other criteria), considering not only certain traditional fixed metrics the merchant may define such as product gross margins, credit card fees and labor costs (the cost of the pick)—but most importantly, variable packaging and shipping costs as well. In particular, the invention focuses on the packaging and shipping ramifications of up-selling every potential merchant SKU (or a certain subset of SKU's based on other criteria) to customer's order and down-selling each item already in customer's order. Once an adjusted net profit/loss ranking by SKU is available that considers variable shipping and packaging ramifications of up-selling such SKU to an existing order, a merchant can then determine to factor such ranking in how it up-sells or down-sells—including but not limited to up-selling certain SKU's and not others, structuring different discounts on different SKU's and potentially incentivizing customers to delete certain items in their order.
US08019639B2
A system and method is provided that provides an early indication of consensus of opinion among a number of users regarding an event or observation indicated by a user. Such an opinion may be interesting to an information consumer, who may be interested in determining the outcome of the consensus relating to the event or observation, or may otherwise desire to perform surveillance or survey of a particular issue or subject. Such recognition of early events or observations may be useful in different areas, such as healthcare, finance, etc., where initial observations, if provided early, allow resulting decisions to be made much earlier. The opinion may, for instance, be used as an early indicator of problem with a product, company, etc. that would permit an information consumer to perform an action at a much earlier point than if he/she relied on traditional sources of information. Thus, such opinion information may be invaluable as a tool for monitoring events.
US08019636B2
Under the present invention, a call center study is planned and managed. Specifically, a call center study is first designed based on specific parameters such as customer segments, products, call types and population size. Thereafter, target values and assumed resource values are provided so that a target sample size and a required resources value can be computed. The call center study can then be planned based on the target sample size and required resources. As the study is being performed, calls will be tracked and monitored so that actual sample sizes can be determined. These values will be used to compute actual accuracy levels for the study, which will be compared to a previously provided target accuracy level. Based on this comparison, it can be decided whether the study should be terminated or continued.
US08019615B2
Aspects of a method and system for decoding GSM speech data using redundancy are provided. A decoding algorithm in a frame process may be utilized to generate a bit-sequence for GSM speech data received via a burst process. The decoding algorithm may be a modified Viterbi algorithm, for example. The frame process may comprise verifying a CRC for the bit-sequence and/or decrypting the bit-sequence. In some instances, estimates of the bit-sequence may be fed back to the decoding algorithm. A speech stream that satisfies speech constraints may be generated based on the generated bit-sequence. The speech constraints may comprise gain and/or pitch continuity, for example. The generated speech stream may be decoded via a voice decoder that supports full rate (FR), adaptive multi-rate (AMR), and/or enhanced full-rate (EFR) speech coding. Frame process results may be fed back to the burst process to improve decoding of received GSM speech data.
US08019609B2
A method for verifying and identifying users, and for verifying users' identity, by means of an authentication device capable of transmitting, receiving and recording audio or ultrasonic signals, and capable of converting the signals into digital data, and performing digital signal processing. Voice pattern(s) and user(s) information of one or more authorized user(s) are recorded and stored on the authentication device. User(s) identification is verified by inputting to the authentication device a vocal identification signal from a user, and comparing the voice pattern of the vocal identification signal with the recorded voice pattern(s) of the authorized user(s), and if a match is detected issuing an indication that the user is identified as an authorized user.
US08019606B2
An audible indication of a user's position within a given speech grammar framework is provided for a speech-enabled software application, and recognition of speech grammars are limited to use only when a software application that has requested a given set of speech grammars is in focus by a user of an associated mobile computing device.
US08019601B2
An audio coding device that optimizes quantization parameters for fast convergence of iterations. A quantized bit counter calculates a codeword length representing the number of bits of a Huffman codeword corresponding to quantized values. The quantized bit counter also calculates a codebook number bit count representing how many bits are consumed for optimal Huffman codebook numbers, and a scale factor bit count representing how many bits are consumed for scale factors of each subband. In a first stage of quantization, the quantized bit counter accumulates lengths of Huffman codewords corresponding to quantized values of every nth subband. A bit count estimator calculates a total bit count estimate by adding up n times the accumulated codeword length, the codebook number bit count, and the scale factor bit count. A parameter updater updates quantization parameters if the total bit count estimate exceeds a bit count limit.
US08019598B2
This invention improves the perceived quality of frequency-domain time scale modification by selection of spectral bands used in phase locking based upon a Bark scale according to the variation in human hearing frequency response. A spectral peak is identified for each band. At these peaks the phases are rotated using the phase vocoder algorithm. For a few spectral lines near these peaks, the phase differences are copied from the non-rotated spectrum. The number selected is preferably 4. Remaining spectral lines within each spectral band located farther from the peak are phase rotated using the phase vocoder algorithm. The boundaries of the spectral bands may be adjusted based upon the digital audio data to maintain important frequency groups within the same spectral band.
US08019595B1
Disclosed are systems and methods for analyzing and improving document readability. For example, a method of reducing writing problems in existing prose is disclosed that can deal with problems related to the word “it” in text. Such a method can include the following steps: scanning prose to determine whether a particular writing problem exists in the prose; determining if at least one sign is present, the sign indicating a possible occurrence or absence of the writing problem, the sign comprising the word “it”; and specifying a proposed edit to a user of the method, the proposed edit changing the prose in a way that addresses the writing problem. Various other rules for improving text are also disclosed.
US08019591B2
A system and method for automatic user training in speech-to-speech translation includes integrating an automatic user response system configured to be responsive to a plurality of training items and selecting a training item from the plurality of training items. For the selected training item, in response to an utterance in a first language, the utterance is translated into a second language, and a response to the utterance in the second language is generated. A simulated action corresponding with the response in accordance with a user speaking the second language is also generated. The response and simulated action are output as a learning exercise for learning operations of the automatic user response system.
US08019587B1
A method for upgrading redundant network components is disclosed. An application is installed on a network component. The network component is related as a redundant peer with a mate network component operating in an active mode and processing a stable call. The network component is placed in a standby mode. Data of a first version is transferred from the mate network component to the network component. The transferred data is converted from the first version to a second version. The mate network component is switched from the active mode to a standby mode. The network component is switched from the standby mode to an active mode to process the stable call.
US08019575B1
The present invention improves in one aspect the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of fixed-step solvers when simulating a physical system that does not change in energy at the critical event. The present invention uses the energy of the error as the figure of merit in finding the first state of the system under the new constraints. The present invention enables a fixed-step solver to be more robust even when the critical event falls between two time samples. The present invention may also be applied to variable-step solvers. Moreover, the present invention may also be used to simulate a physical system when the energy changes at the critical event in the physical system.
US08019574B2
A required payload volume of a Blended Wing Body air vehicle is determined and analyzed for a list of corner points that is passed to a Loft Module as keep-out points to be enclosed by a body portion established using a faceted minimum volume. Trapezoidal wing shape and size are determined, a leading edge of the body portion and trapezoidal wing leading edge are trimmed and a trailing edge of the body portion and trapezoidal wing trailing edge are blended. A leading edge elevation is established and with leading edge radius as an input smoothly encloses the payload volume in a first set of defined aerodynamic sections. A second set of aerodynamic sections and transition sections between the body portion and the trapezoidal wing are defined. The blended wing body is then lofted based on the defined sections.
US08019573B2
Drawing conversion assignment and management systems are provided that typically include receiving logic, a database, assignment logic, and completion logic. The receiving logic typically receives notification of completion of a land base drawing file. The database creates a drawing conversion job record associated with the land base drawing file. The assignment logic assigns the drawing conversion job record to a draftsman and instructs the database to record the assignment. The completion logic typically receives a request to close the drawing conversion job record, and instructs the database to mark the drawing conversion job record as closed. Methods and other systems are also provided.
US08019570B2
A system and method for managing a plurality of instrumented function components is disclosed. In one embodiment, operating information about the plurality of instrumented function components is received from an online safety availability application and status information for the plurality of instrumented function components is updated, within an asset management database, based upon the operating information. And based upon the status information, the plurality of instrumented function components are managed.
US08019568B2
A system includes an input and a thermal data processing module. The input receives a first oil temperature of an engine oil when an engine is turned on. The thermal data processing module estimates a first heat transfer from a piston of the engine to the engine oil. The thermal data processing module estimates a second heat transfer from the engine oil to an engine block of the engine. The thermal data processing module determines a second oil temperature of the engine oil based on the first oil temperature and the first and second heat transfers.
US08019562B2
Method for detecting the loss of one or more phases in a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
A method implemented in a speed controller to detect a loss of one phase, two phases or three phases in a three-phase permanent-magnet synchronous motor, running or stopped at rest, said controller executing a control in closed loop operation, said method including: determining, with the speed controller, a reference flux current as a function of a reference torque current, said reference torque current being calculated from a reference speed applied to the motor and a measurement of the speed or the position carried out on the motor; applying, with the speed controller, the reference flux current and injecting currents over various phases of the motor; and measuring, with the speed controller, the currents over at least two phases and determining the loss of one phase, of two phases or of three phases from these measured currents.
US08019560B2
Small-scale measuring circuits (111-1qum) are arranged in m columns×q rows. The small-scale measuring circuits of each row (111-11m, 121-12m, 1q1-1qm) are connected in series. The respective rows are connected in parallel. Supplying reference signals B having different parameter values to the small-scale measuring circuits (111-11m, . . . ) connected in series makes it possible to improve the measurement range or measurement resolution. Supplying reference signals B having the same parameter to the respective rows can reduce a noise component depending on the transistor size. According to this invention, using a plurality of small-scale measuring circuits in accordance with required measurement performance concerning a measurement range, resolution, noise reduction, or the like can implement the desired performance while minimizing the area of each measuring circuit.
US08019559B1
A flow meter and method for measuring flow in liquids which may have entrained bubbles or foreign matter. The meter performs alternate transit time and Doppler measurements. The transit time measurements are used to calculate flow so long as they are successful. If the transit time measurements are not successful, the Doppler measurements are used.
US08019555B1
An electrically active particle is disclosed, having a virus scaffold. Nanoparticles are bonded to the surface of the virus, and the nanoparticles are connected to each other by, molecular wires.
US08019554B2
A predictive indicator tool for predicting the risk of a manufacturing process producing products having defects. Manufacturing sub-processes are identified for the process and s a series of 12 questions is applied to each sub-process. The questions are generated using Six Sigma statistical techniques. The questions are scored and an associated algorithm is applied to produce a quantitative score is indicative of risk. The quantitative risk score is compared to an alert level.
US08019549B2
A method of event-based power management for seismic sensors is disclosed. The method comprises measuring seismic activity with a seismic sensor and comparing the measured seismic activity from the seismic sensor against at least one criteria. When the measured seismic activity does not satisfy the at least one criteria, a signal processing circuit is maintained in a deactivated state. When the measured seismic activity satisfies the at least one criteria, the signal processing circuit is activated to analyze the measured seismic activity. The signal processing circuit enters a functional mode based on analyzing the measured seismic activity.
US08019543B2
Two methods for determining a best initial heading estimate for use in an AINS system, while recording position data values and in-motion data values, assigning incremental changes to indexed heading ψk, calculating a set of time indexed present AINS position values and a corresponding set of time indexed absolute horizontal position measurement residual values, recording the absolute maximum time indexed horizontal position measurement residual and the corresponding value of ψk returning to the step of assigning an incremental increase to a next value to indexed heading ψk up to 360 degrees, identifying the maximum time indexed horizontal position measurement residual and corresponding ψk, followed by identifying the ψk having the smallest absolute maximum horizontal position measurement residual as Ak Second method uses a circular array of AINS ENGINES each with a different ψk running in parallel and finding smallest horizontal position measurement residual for Ak.
US08019542B2
A method of stabilizing heading in an inertial navigation system includes operating an inertial measurement unit comprising horizontal-sensing elements and off-horizontal-sensing elements while the inertial measurement unit is in a first orientation, calibrating the horizontal-sensing elements of the inertial measurement unit based on horizontal aiding measurements, forward-rotating the inertial measurement unit by a selected-rotation angle about a horizontal-rotation axis so that the inertial measurement unit is oriented in a second orientation, operating the forward-rotated inertial measurement unit while the inertial measurement unit is in the second orientation, and calibrating the rotated off-horizontal-sensing elements based on horizontal aiding measurements while the inertial measurement unit is in the second orientation. When the inertial measurement unit is in the first orientation, the horizontal-sensing elements are oriented in a horizontal reference plane. When the inertial measurement unit is in the second orientation, the off-horizontal-sensing elements are oriented in the horizontal reference plane.
US08019539B2
A navigation system for a vehicle having a receiver operable to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of transmitters includes a processor and a memory device. The memory device has stored thereon machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to determine a set of error estimates corresponding to pseudo-range measurements derived from the plurality of signals, determine an error covariance matrix for a main navigation solution using ionospheric-delay data, and, using a parity space technique, determine at least one protection level value based on the error covariance matrix.
US08019534B2
A method and apparatus for map-updating of a navigation system by automatically generating point of interest (POI) data that is not registered and automatically generating a POP alias of POI data that is already registered, the method including: logging at least one piece of point of interest (POI) data if the POI data input in order to find a destination is not found in the navigation terminal; and registering the logged at least one piece of POI data as a candidate POI alias of newly input POI data if a destination designated by the navigation terminal according to the newly input POI data is equal to an arrived destination.
US08019526B2
A camshaft phasor control system for an engine includes a camshaft position sensor that generates a current camshaft position signal based on position of a camshaft. A first comparator generates a camshaft position signal based on the current camshaft position signal and a crankshaft position. The second comparator generates an error signal based on the relative camshaft position signal and a commanded camshaft position signal. A control module determines a current control hold duty cycle (CHDC) for a camshaft phasor based on an engine state parameter. The control module also generates a correction signal based on the error signal, adjusts the current CHDC based on the correction signal to generate a commanded CHDC signal, and generates another CHDC based on the commanded CHDC signal.
US08019525B2
A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.
US08019521B2
A throttle control system for a vehicle includes a suspension sensor that detects suspension amplitudes of a suspension system of the vehicle, a grade sensor that detects an angular position of the vehicle, and a controller that receives first operational data from the suspension sensor and second operational data from the grade sensor and regulates a throttle of the vehicle based on the first and second operational data.
US08019520B2
A vehicle drive control device includes an initially determined request acceleration calculation means for calculating an initially determined request acceleration, an automatic drive control means for receiving the initially determined request acceleration and applying a predetermined torque to each wheel, a torque calculation means for calculating an allowable torque not causing a slip at each wheel when the allowable torque is applied thereto, on the basis of a vertical load applied to thereto and a friction coefficient of a road surface, a limit acceleration calculation means for calculating a limit acceleration acting on the vehicle in a case where the calculated allowable torque is applied to each wheel, and a request acceleration determination means for obtaining a request acceleration on the basis of the limit acceleration and the initially determined request acceleration, and for outputting the request acceleration, replacing the initially determined request acceleration, to the automatic drive control means.
US08019519B2
A shift-by-wire control unit is provided that includes, but is not limited to a sensor for detecting the position of a shift lever, which is movable on a path between a neutral position and at least one shift position, a control circuit, and an actuator for driving a selector fork in accordance with a movement of the shift lever detected by the control unit. The control circuit is set up to predefine a setpoint position of the actuator for each detected position of the shift lever, the rate of change of the setpoint position as a function of the shift lever position being higher in a first area of the path adjacent to the neutral position than in a second area of the path, which is at a greater distance from the neutral position than the first area.
US08019518B2
A basic-additional-yaw-moment setting section sets a basic additional yaw moment and determines the polarity of the basic additional yaw moment on the basis of a steering-wheel angle, a yaw rate, and a vehicle speed. A left-right driving-force distribution controller sets the driving-force distribution with respect to left and right driving wheels on the basis of the basic additional yaw moment and the polarity of the basic additional yaw moment, and adjusts the driving-force distribution when a vehicle drive control operation signal is output from a vehicle drive control unit. Specifically, the left-right driving-force distribution control section adjusts the driving-force distribution such that the polarity of the basic additional yaw moment is in the same direction as that of a yaw moment applied by the vehicle drive control unit.
US08019515B2
Controller for an all terrain or utility vehicle for automatically raising and lowering an implement to a pre-selected position using an electric winch. The winch is turned for a predetermined time during with the winch is turned, and based on the selected lowered position and the predetermined time the winch may be raised to the same height, denoting a raised position. Based on that predetermined time, a second predetermined time may be determined to run the winch in the opposite direction, with the time corresponding to the amount of time required the snow plow to the selected lowered position. The time to lower the plow may tend to be less than the time required to raise the plow due to the effect of gravity. The controller may raise or lower the plow after the transmission has been set from neutral to reverse or forward, respectively.
US08019508B2
In a motor-driven power steering apparatus, there is provided a correction coefficient memory previously storing an output correction coefficient to be multiplied by a current control signal applied to an electric motor at certain points in a range of temperatures in such a manner as to correct a temperature dependent output torque changing in dependence upon an environmental temperature of the electric motor to a demand output torque required in the electric motor. A temperature sensor for detecting the environmental temperature of the electric motor is provided, a correction coefficient computing circuit for reading the output correction coefficient corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor from the correction coefficient memory is provided, and a current control computing means for calculating a corrected current control signal by multiplying the current control signal of the electric motor computed on the basis of a steered condition of a vehicle by the output correction coefficient read from the correction coefficient computing circuit is provided. The drive control signal is output based on the corrected current control signal to the motor driving means.
US08019505B2
An information display system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed in an interior cabin of the equipped vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror reflective element with a mirror reflector disposed at a surface thereof. A display screen is disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly, and, when operated, the display screen displays through the mirror reflective element so as to be viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle. The display screen is operable to display video images captured by a rearward facing camera of the equipped vehicle for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver, and the video images are captured by the rearward facing camera when the equipped vehicle is in reverse gear. When the equipped vehicle is not in reverse gear, the display screen is operable to display information pertaining to an accessory of the equipped vehicle.
US08019480B2
A method for controlling the operation of a cooled or heated water pump of an air conditioning installation is provided in which the flow rate of cooled or heated water is controlled to correspond to variations of energy demand on a load side unit. This can be effected by controlling on the basis of the temperature of the cooled or heated water the state of operation of a heat source, and the number of revolutions of the motor for driving the pump. When the temperature of the cooled or heated water is within a predetermined range of temperature and the operation of the heat source is halted, the motor is operated to rotate a number of revolutions N2 determined by a unit for controlling the rotation of the motor based on conditions obtained at a time of halting the operation of the heat source, until the temperature of the cooled or heated water reaches a predetermined value.
US08019473B2
A manipulator includes: a drive section which electrically drives a joint; an instruction input section which executes instruction input; a control section which generates a driving signal in response to the instruction input; a sensor which detects an operation status of the joint or the drive section in time series; a setting section which sets an allowable operation range of the drive section; a determination section which determines whether an operation status signal including a detection signal is within the allowable operation range; and a replacement section which, in a case when the operation status signal is determined as deviating from the allowable operation range, replaces the detection signal with a previous detection signal acquired just before the determination of deviance in order to generate a driving signal.
US08019471B2
An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of therapeutic products to a patient, in a non-sequential fashion. The system includes delivery apparatus remotely located from the care provider, wherein the apparatus stores a plurality of sealed unit dose packages that are delivered to a patient at a scheduled dosing time. The delivery apparatus is coupled to a control facility and to a computer terminal of the care provider by way of a secure communications network. The system enables the patient's medication regimen to be remotely tailored in real-time to accommodate fluid medical conditions.
US08019469B2
Contiguous independently-controllable conveyor system zones are controlled by zone control modules executing a program element associated with each module. Each module is coupled with an object detector and a conveyor zone actuator. A two-way zone control module communication port is coupled with two adjacent upstream zone control module communication ports and two adjacent downstream zone control module communication ports. An object detector port is coupled with an object detector, an actuator control port is coupled with an actuator, and a conveyor zone actuator is thereby controlled. Memory allocation in a module includes an event logic element responsive to inputs from adjacent upstream and downstream module communication ports. A program element associated with each module identifies the position of the module in a series of modules. The actuator is controlled by an event logic element, and by communication from an object detector and an adjacent upstream and downstream module.
US08019467B2
Methods and apparatus for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has an increased system throughput and repeatable wafer processing history are provided. In one embodiment a first substrate is transferred from a first position to a second position and then the first substrate is transferred from the second position to a third position using a first robot. A second substrate is transferred from a first position to a second position and then the second substrate is transferred from the second position to a third position using a second robot. The movement of the first and second robots is synchronized so that the movement from the first position to the second position by the first and second robot is performed within a first time interval.
US08019464B2
A sorting device and a method for sorting goods in transit for an aircraft are disclosed. The sorting device includes a sorting region with a sorting unit and a storage region. The sorting region is adapted such that goods in transit are capable of being provided to the sorting region in an undetermined first arrangement. The sorting region includes a longitudinal axis, where a sorting unit may be moved along the longitudinal axis of the sorting region. The sorting unit is capable of sorting the goods in transit from an undetermined first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement, where the goods in transit may be provided in the predetermined second arrangement in the storage region.
US08019462B2
An imprint system has a design data storing section which stores template information and remaining film thickness set value information, a vaporization-to-be-compensated storing section which stores a plurality of distributions of applied amounts for compensating vaporization, an arithmetic section which calculates a distribution of an applied amount for filling a pattern based upon the template information, calculates a distribution of an applied amount for forming a remaining film thickness based upon the remaining film thickness set value information, calculates a pattern density of the template from the template information, extracts a distribution of an applied amount for compensating vaporization, corresponding to this pattern density, from the vaporization-to-be-compensated storing section, and adds up this extracted distribution of an applied amount for compensating vaporization, the distribution of an applied amount for filling a pattern, and the distribution of an applied amount for forming a remaining film thickness, to calculate a distribution of an applied amount of the imprint member, and an application section which applies the imprint member on the substrate based upon the distribution of an applied amount of the imprint member.
US08019459B2
A data processor that processes embroidery data for sewing an embroidery pattern on a workpiece cloth held by an embroidery frame attached to an embroiderable sewing machine, and printing data for printing an image pattern with a printer to be transferred onto the workpiece cloth through a thermal transfer sheet, the data processor including a printing data processor that includes reference-mark printing data for printing a reference mark with the printer on a back side of the thermal transfer sheet, the reference mark being used for positioning the workpiece cloth relative to the embroidery frame, and a print position specifier that specifies printing position of the image pattern relative to the reference mark, the image pattern being printed on a front side of the thermal transfer sheet; and an embroidery data processor that includes a sew position specifier that specifies sew position of the embroidery pattern relative to the reference mark.
US08019457B2
A method of controlling a result parameter of an IC manufacturing procedure is described. The value of at least one first variable of a process correlated with the result parameter is acquired, and the difference between the predicted value and the target value of the result parameter is calculated from the same using a correlation equation of the first variable and the result parameter. A correcting action is then performed to a subsequent process including at least one second variable correlated with the result parameter, which is based on a correlation equation of the second variable and the result parameter to control the subsequent process and adjust the second variable such that the difference is reduced due to the affect of the second variable to the result parameter. The at least one first variable and the at least one second variable include two or more different physical quantities.
US08019444B2
Methods and devices for interconnecting a medical lead conductor member and an electrode are provided. One device includes a medical lead having a shaft. The shaft has a conductor member extending therethrough and a ring electrode disposed along the shaft. The ring electrode has a fixation device disposed within the ring electrode, and the fixation device forms an interference fit with the conductor member, forming an electrical contact therebetween. Also provided are methods for forming an electrical interconnect between a ring electrode and a conductor member.
US08019441B2
A medical lead and method of treating a patient are provided. The medical lead comprises an electrically insulative tubular membrane, a resilient spring element associated with the insulative membrane, and at least one electrode associated with the insulative membrane. The medical lead is configured to be collapsed into a compact form for percutaneous delivery into the patient, thereby obviating the need to perform an invasive surgical procedure on the patient. The body formed by these elements, when expanded, can be sized to fit within the epidural space of a patient. The patient can be treated by placing the medical lead into a collapsed state by applying a compressive force to the medical lead, percutaneously delivering the collapsed medical lead into the patient adjacent tissue to be treated, and placing the medical lead into an expanded state by releasing the compressive force. In one preferred method, the stimulation lead is used to stimulate tissue, such as spinal cord tissue.
US08019431B2
The restoration of melody perception is a key remaining challenge in cochlear implants. A novel sound coding strategy is proposed that converts an input audio signal into time-varying electrically stimulating pulse trains. A sound is first split into several frequency sub-bands with a fixed filter bank or a dynamic filter bank tracking harmonics in sounds. Each sub-band signal is coherently downward shifted to a low-frequency base band. These resulting coherent envelope signals have Hermitian symmetric frequency spectrums and are thus real-valued. A peak detector or high-rate sampler of half-wave rectified coherent envelope signals in each sub-band further converts the coherent envelopes into rate-varying, interleaved pulse trains. Acoustic simulations of cochlear implants using this new technique with normal hearing listeners, showed significant improvement in melody recognition over the most common conventional stimulation approach used in cochlear implants.
US08019422B2
A system is provided for endoscopically attaching a functional device to a stomach wall wherein the functional device is configured to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function at the stomach.
US08019420B2
A lead connector including a connector element array is fitted into a selected adaptor from a plurality of adaptors to electrically couple one or more elements of the connector element array, corresponding to one or more selected electrodes from an array of lead electrodes, to one or more contact zones of the selected adaptor in order to facilitate electrical connection with an implantable medical device.
US08019416B2
An implantable pacing device for delivering ventricular pacing may be configured to intermittently reduce the AVD interval for beneficial effect in patients with compromised ventricular function (e.g., HF patients and post-MI patients). The AVD interval may be reduced in an AVD reduction mode, by shortening the AVD in an atrial triggered ventricular pacing mode or by switching to a non-atrial triggered ventricular pacing mode (e.g., VVI) and delivering paces at a rate above the intrinsic rate. The physiological effects of AVD reduction may be either positive or negative on cardiac output, depending upon the individual patient.
US08019411B2
The present invention relates to probes, systems, and methods for tissue characterization by its dielectric properties, wherein a physical feature of the probe is designed to define and delimit a tissue volume, at a tissue edge, where characterization takes place. Thus, the probe for tissue-edge characterization comprises: a first inner conductor, which comprises: proximal and distal ends, with respect to a tissue edge, along an x-axis; a first sharp edge, inherently associated with the proximal end; at least one feature, issuing from the first inner conductor, substantially at the proximal end, for forming at least one additional sharp edge, operative to enhance localized electrical fringe fields in the tissue, within a generally predefined tissue volume, at the tissue edge, the tissue volume being generally defined by physical parameters associated with the at least one feature; and a dielectric material, which encloses the conductor, in the y-z planes.
US08019409B2
An exemplary method includes providing a mechanical activation time (MA time) for a myocardial location, the location defined at least in part by an electrode and the mechanical activation time determined at least in part by movement of the electrode; providing an electrical activation time (EA time) for the myocardial location; and determining an electromechanical delay (EMD) for the myocardial location based on the difference between the mechanical activation time (MA time) and the electrical activation time (EA time).
US08019408B2
A method and system for verifying the integrity of normal sinus rhythm (NSR) templates and updating the NSR template after selected time intervals. At selected time intervals after establishing a NSR template, cardiac complexes are sensed and values for one or more cardiac parameters are measured. The values of the cardiac parameters are compared to predetermined value ranges for NSR cardiac complexes. When the values of the cardiac parameters fall within the predetermined value ranges, values for the differences between the values of the cardiac parameters for the cardiac complexes and the values for the cardiac parameters of the NSR cardiac complexes are calculated. When the values of the differences are greater than one or more threshold values, the NSR template is updated as a function of the sensed cardiac complexes.
US08019394B2
A handheld communication device may comprise a first housing and a second housing. The first housing may include a first keypad and a battery. The second housing may include a second keypad, at least one display, and a printed circuit board. The second housing may be rotatable relative to the first housing between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The second keypad may face in a substantially same direction as the first keypad in the open configuration, and the second keypad may face in a substantially opposite direction to the first keypad in the closed configuration.
US08019391B2
An in-vehicle handsfree apparatus establishes a handsfree profile connection with each of a first cellular phone and a second cellular phone at the same time. When the first cellular phone is under telephone call, the second cellular phone receives an incoming call. The in-vehicle handsfree apparatus receives from the second cellular phone a ring tone, which is previously registered in the second cellular phone. Herein, the in-vehicle handsfree apparatus does not output the ring tone registered in the second cellular phone. Instead, the in-vehicle handsfree apparatus generates a ring tone to thereby output it in addition to a reception sound received from the first cellular phone under the telephone call.
US08019387B2
Voice activated dialing is described for use in a mobile telecommunications system. A voice input is received from a wireless network user. A telephone number to be dialed is determined by using speaker independent speech recognition to interpret a string of spoken digits in the voice input to determine the telephone number, or using speaker dependent speech recognition to interpret a spoken word in the voice input to determine the telephone number. A telephone call is then initiated by dialing the telephone number.
US08019386B2
A method and system for enhancing speech intelligibility using wireless communication in portable, battery-powered and entirely user-supportable devices. The devices may be talker devices and receiver devices, where the audio signals input into the talker devices may be transmitted to the receiver devices to provide better quality audio to person using the receiver devices. The receiver devices may initiate and terminate communications with the talker devices. Additionally, the receiver devices may indicate to the talker devices the gain level the talker devices need to apply to the audio signals before sending them to the receiver devices.
US08019382B2
A communication apparatus including a digital processing circuit coupled to a radio frequency (RF) circuit and to a serial communications device. The serial communications device may be configured to buffer data communicated between the digital processing circuit and an external device. A portion of the serial communications device may be disabled during an active mode of operation of the RF circuit. The serial communications device may include a flow control logic circuit configured to control a data stream between the digital processing circuit and the external device while a portion of the serial communications device is disabled. In some embodiments, a portion of the digital processing circuit may be disabled during an active mode of operation of the RF circuit.
US08019378B2
An apparatus and a method for preventing power consumption in a multi-mode portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a first communicator communicating with a mobile communication network; a second communicator communicating with a heterogeneous network; and a controller controlling the second communicator to scan an Access Point (AP) so as to perform a service connection to the heterogeneous network if a service connection to the mobile communication network is performed through the first communicator.
US08019371B2
A method an system for establishing a multi-user communication session, having a session description, between terminals with incompatible media characteristics, in which users with terminals having incompatible media characteristics are invited to participate in the communication session. A transcoding session is set up for enabling transcoding between the incompatible media characteristics of the terminals based on information about the terminals of the users having accepted the invitation, this information comprising the media characteristics of the users' terminals. The session description is established according to the transcoding session and, during the communication session, media streams from the terminal of one user are transcoded according to the transcoding session and the transcoded media streams are transmitted according to the session description to the other users participating in the communication session, using the media characteristics of the terminals of those other users.
US08019361B2
An approach is provided for managing subscriber identity and location information within a mobile telecommunication network. Transmission of location data to a third party over a communication network is initiated, the location data being indicative of a geographical location of an apparatus. Transmission of an access request to a networking node including a destination application is initiated, the access request including a unique identifier of the apparatus.
US08019350B2
A multi-channel signal having at least three channels can be reconstructed such, that the reconstructed channels are at least partly de-correlated from each other using a downmixed signal derived from an original multi-channel signal and a set of de-correlated signals provided by a de-correlator (101) that derives the set of de-correlated signals from the down-mix signal, wherein the de-correlated signals within the set of de-correlated signals are mutually mostly orthogonal to each other, i.e. an orthogonality relation between channel pairs is satisfied within an orthogonality tolerance range.
US08019349B2
In a communication network including a relay apparatus and a call control apparatus, a telephone conversation resumption system includes: a reservation unit, when a judgment unit detects communication impossibility between a portable terminal and the relay apparatus, records terminal identification data that specifies the portable terminal and an other-end terminal in a recording unit; a continuation processing unit that generates a call with the other-end terminal indicated by the terminal identification data and transmits a message to the other-end terminal; and a resumption unit that, when the judgment unit detects recovery of the communication state of the portable terminal, requests the call control apparatus to resume the telephone conversation between the portable terminal and the other-end terminal using the terminal identification data. With this configuration, even when the portable terminal becomes impossible to communicate, the telephone conversation resumption system can resume a telephone conversation easily.
US08019343B2
The invention supports two types of handoffs. The first handoff is for an inter-AN cell selection where the source AN allows the AT to add a cell under the control of a different AN to its active set and then allows the AT to switch to the target AN. A bearer path is established between the source and target AN to transfer the packet data traffic using an exchange of messages to register the AT's movement from one BTS to another BTS. The A8/A10 connections remain anchored at the source AN and, hence, a bearer path is needed between the source and target AN to transfer the packet data traffic. The second handoff occurs when the source AN specifies a move of the AT to a new AN proactively. New connections are established at the target AN to support the AT, and the AT is subsequently moved to the target AN via the relevant air-interface messaging.
US08019338B2
A reconfigurable radio communication subsystem is provided comprising a first radio communication unit communicatively coupled to a first antenna and a second antenna, and a second radio communication unit communicatively coupled to a third antenna and the first or second antenna. The first, second, and third antennas are operable in a first frequency band. The subsystem includes a first antenna subsystem coupled to the first radio communication unit and a fourth antenna operable in a second frequency band, and a second antenna subsystem coupled to the second radio communication unit and the fourth antenna. The first and second radio communication units include reconfigurable voice/data functions operating in the first frequency band, voice/data functions operating in the second frequency band, and a radio communications system management function. Cross-connecting buses couple the first radio communication unit and the second radio communication unit.
US08019337B2
The invention relates to an aircraft data transmission system for transmitting data between the aircraft and a transmission station located outside thereof. The inventive system includes a transmitting/receiving device for transmitting and receiving data messaged from the outside of the aircraft, a message managing device comprising a device for carrying out the PER encoding/decoding of said messages, an interface device for displaying the incoming messages to an operator and enabling said operator to generate outgoing messages, an encoding device carrying out a function of encoding the encoding/decoding device and a recording device for recording all incoming and outgoing data messages related to an internal/external communication, which passes through the message processing device and is encoded, on a recording medium.
US08019329B2
A remote wireless device is provided that operates a user interface specific to a particular target application or device. The wireless device receives information regarding the status or operation of the target's application, and uses that information to determine what information and controls to present to the remote user. The remote user views information regarding the target application, and makes desired control selections using the available controls. The wireless device generates a message according to the control selections, and transmits the message to the target device. The target device acts responsive to the control message, and updated operational information may be sent to the remote wireless device.
US08019312B2
An apparatus, method, and system for DC offset cancellation are provided herein. For instance, the apparatus can include a first commutating mixer switch and a second commutating mixer switch. The first commutating mixer switch can have a first input port configured to receive a first differential signal and a first differential output port. The second commutating mixer switch can have a second input port configured to receive a second differential offset signal and a second differential output port. The first and second differential output ports can be coupled to one another to provide a combined differential output signal.
US08019306B2
A wide-band amplifier includes a band-pass filter made of an LC parallel resonant circuit and an LCR series resonant circuit. Both the LC parallel resonant circuit and the LCR series resonant circuit are connected in parallel to a current amplifier device. The band-pass filter has a plurality of poles as well as zeros provided therebetween in the s-plane, where some of the zeros are situated at locations other than the s-plane origing to improve a characteristic flatness in a passband. The output terminal of the amplifier device serves as an output terminal for the amplifier, so that the problem of group delay does not occur. A capacitance element between the output terminal of the amplifier and GND absorbs parasitic capacitance as part of constants to prevent degradation of the frequency characteristic.
US08019295B2
A transmitting power level controller of a communication system includes a radio-frequency unit for generating a communication signal and a power amplifier for amplifying the communication signal to generate a transmitting signal. The transmitting power level controller has a temperature sensor, a power detector, and an automatic level controller. The temperature sensor senses temperature of at least one of the RF unit and the PA to generate a detected temperature signal. The power detector detects a transmitting power of the transmitting signal to generate a detected power signal. The automatic level controller is coupled to the temperature sensor and the power detector. The power detector adjusts the transmitting power of the transmit signal according to the detected power signal when a maximal transmitting power is in a predetermined range, and adjusts the transmitting power according to the detected temperature signal otherwise.
US08019294B2
There is provided a control circuit of a switch mode power supply including a random number generator configured to form an optimized n-degree polynomial based on the minimum power-on cycle time in order to form a uniform distribution of output signals, a switch control block configured to control output signals of the switch control block such that the complementary output stages of the switch control block conduct at different times on the basis of the output signals received from the random number generator. and a dither control block configured to generate a synchronized dither current by minimizing glitches at each differential stage of a default reference current based on the output signals received from the switch control block, and to combine the generated synchronized dither current with a reference current of a voltage ramp generator.
US08019285B2
A wireless communication device which permits reduction in the scale of circuitry as well as in the power consumption. The wireless communication device includes an array of antennas, an adaptive array searcher, and a data demodulator. The adaptive array searcher detects the phase difference between the antennas and estimates the direction of arrival of received radio waves. The data demodulator demodulates the radio signal received by the antennas. The adaptive array searcher shares part of circuitry with a calibrator which performs calibration by correcting the phase difference caused between antenna channels in the wireless communication device, and thus has a calibration function incorporated therein.
US08019283B2
A method, apparatus, and system for using Bluetooth devices to secure sensitive data on other Bluetooth devices is described. A Bluetooth device is paired with a “trusted” Bluetooth device. When contact with the trusted device is lost, designated sensitive data on the secured Bluetooth device is automatically encrypted. When contact is restored, the data is automatically decrypted. In an alternate embodiment, a secured device can be associated with multiple trusted devices, and the secured device designate different sensitive data for each trusted device. In this way, multiple users can share a common, “public” Bluetooth device without concern that the other users will access their sensitive data on the device when the device is not being used by that user.
US08019278B2
A wireless communication system and portable radio repeater are described. The system includes a portable magazine having multiple portable radio repeaters disposed therein. One or more of the repeaters are automatically or manually ejected based on a received signal strength measurement. Once ejected, each repeater communicates from the ejected location, automatically switching between passive and active receive modes based on received signal strength. The repeater has a sensor to transmit environmental data or a visual or audible locator. The magazine has a dispensing mechanism with a mechanical or electro-mechanical release mechanism that holds the repeater to be ejected in a substantially fixed position. The dispensing mechanism detects when the repeater switches to the active mode and dispenses the repeater in response thereto, as well as detecting the number repeaters remaining within the magazine and communicating this information.
US08019276B2
An audio transmission method and system. The method includes detecting by a computing system, a wireless device belonging to a user. The computing system enables a connection between the wireless device and the computing system. The computing system receives from the wireless device, a request for receiving an audio broadcast. The computing system transmits to the wireless device, a language list comprising different languages for the audio broadcast. The computing system receives from the wireless device, a selection for a first language from the language list. The computing system transmits a message indicating the selection to the wireless device. The computing system requests the audio broadcast. The computing system receives the audio broadcast. The computing system transmits the audio broadcast comprising the first language to the wireless device.
US08019270B2
A binding apparatus which can meet user requests and adapt to usage conditions by a user. An adhesive is heated and melted, and then applied to a sheet bundle to bind the sheet bundle. One of the following modes is selected: a first adhesive temperature adjusting mode in which the adhesive is heated when power supply to the bookbinding apparatus is turned on, and a second adhesive temperature adjusting mode in which the adhesive is heated when binding of the sheet bundle is started.
US08019262B2
A belt transporting apparatus is provided with a belt member that is rotated; a first roll member that holds the belt member; a second roll member that is provided apart from the first roll member by a first distance, holds the belt member together with the first roll member and is movable toward the first roll member; and a third roll member that is provided apart from the second roll member by a second distance and holds the belt member together with the second roll member. The second distance is longer than the first distance.
US08019261B2
An image forming apparatus includes a first image carrying member for carrying a first toner image; a second image carrying member for carrying a second toner image in a maximum amount, of the second toner image carried on the second image carrying member, larger than a maximum amount of the first image carried on the first image carrying member; a first transfer member for electrostatically transferring the first toner image onto a transfer medium in a first transfer nip formed by bringing the transfer medium into contact with the first, image bearing member; and a second transfer member for electrostatically transferring the second toner image onto the transfer medium in a second transfer nip formed by bringing the transfer medium into contact with the second bearing member so that a length of the second transfer nip with respect to a movement direction of the transfer member is longer than a length of the first transfer nip with respect to the movement direction.
US08019243B2
An image forming apparatus which predicts VL fluctuations of a photosensitive drum in consideration of a double-sided print mode, and performs an image formation control based on the prediction, and thus always obtains a stable density image. The image forming apparatus performs an appropriate image formation control by controlling an image forming condition based on a photosensitive member rotation time, a photosensitive member stop time, a temperature of an atmospheric environment, an absolute humidity of the atmospheric environment, and whether an image formation that precedes a subsequent image formation is performed in single-sided printing or double-sided printing.
US08019236B2
An image forming device is provided that is capable of properly checking removal of a paper that has caused a paper jam in a fixing part. The fixing part includes transporting mechanisms for transporting a paper on which a toner image is formed. A first paper detecting part is disposed on an upstream side of the fixing part. A second paper detecting part is disposed on a downstream side of the fixing part. A paper jam detecting part detects paper jams in the fixing part. A transportation control part drive-controls the transporting mechanisms to change a transporting direction of the paper to a reverse direction when a paper jam in the fixing part is detected and the paper is not detected by the first detecting part.
US08019235B2
A toner cartridge includes a toner container which contains toner, the toner container having at one end portion thereof a discharge port which discharges the toner, and a member which is attached to an outer peripheral surface of the one end portion. The member has a first part which is disposed at the one end portion and has a shape corresponding to the toner cartridge, and a second part which has, at a position corresponding to the discharge port, a passage hole through which the toner discharged from the discharge port passes.
US08019230B2
A method of providing a visible light communication in a data link layer of a visible light communication system adopting an infrared communication link connection protocol includes: broadcasting a discovery exchange station identification (D-XID) frame; generating a visible frame to provide a visibility to a link for a specified waiting time period for responding to the broadcast D-XID frame; exchanging a set normal response mode (SNRM) frame and an unnumbered acknowledgement (UA) frame for requesting a link setting between the transmitting and receiving terminals; generating visible frames for a waiting time for receiving the SNRM frame and the UA frame; exchanging an information transfer frame (I-frame) and a receive ready (RR) frame, which is a response to the I-frame, between the transmitting and receiving terminals; and generating visible frames for a specified waiting period for receiving the I-frame and the RR frame.
US08019228B2
An optical transmission system capable of time difference correction without increasing guard times, thereby improving optical packet transmission efficiency. An optical switching processor sets identical switching timing for input ports thereof such that optical signals input from the input ports are switched at the same timing. During initialization, a time difference corrector transmits an optical dummy packet to an optical switch node, and detects synchroneity of the optical dummy packet returned thereto after being switched by the optical switch node. If synchronization error is detected, the time difference corrector adjusts the output timing of the optical dummy packet so that the timing of arrival of the optical dummy packet at the optical switching processor may coincide with the switching timing of the optical switching processor, to thereby correct the time difference between the switching timing and the arrival timing.
US08019220B2
The present invention provides a PON system including a plurality of PONs (passive optical network), a plurality of house devices set in an end user's house, and a station side device including a plurality of PON interface sections connected to the house devices via the plurality of PONs, and a concentrating/distributing section for accommodating the plurality of PONs and concentrating and distributing signals via the plurality of PON interface sections; wherein the station side device has N (N is a positive integer) optical switch modules, each of which is connected to a PON interface section for current use among the plurality of PONs; and realizes 1:N redundant of the PONs by cascading the N optical switch modules.
US08019219B2
An optical switch section that switches the path of an optical packet transmitted thereto and outputs the optical packet, and a control section that generates multiple switch control signals in accordance with the destination of an optical packet transmitted thereto, transmits the multiple control signals to the optical switch section through multiple signal transmission lines and controls the ON/OFF states of multiple optical switches are included, and delay measuring means for measuring a difference in delay time among the multiple signal transmission lines is provided. In this case, the control section adjusts the transmission times of the multiple switch control signals such that the difference in delay time measured by the delay measuring means can be cancelled and that the multiple switch control signals transmitted through the multiple signal transmission lines can arrive at the multiple optical switches simultaneously and transmits the multiple switch control signals.
US08019210B2
There is provided an image stabilizing unit 1 small in size in one direction perpendicular to an optical axis, including, on a base member 2, a movable compensation member 5 which can displace an image forming position by moving in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis Z, and two drive units 6, 7 for displacing the movable compensation member 5 in the directions of R and S which are different from each other for 90 degrees, wherein the directions in which the drive units 6, 7 respectively move the movable compensation member 5 are inclined 45 degrees to a direction X which connects the drive units 6, 7 and the optical axis center Z of the movable compensation member 5.
US08019209B2
An optical axis correction apparatus of an imaging device, the imaging device including an imaging optical system having a plurality of optical elements, and an optical element position changing device which changes a relative position among the optical elements to vary a state of an object image formed thereby, the optical axis correction apparatus including an optical element moving device which moves at least one of the optical elements in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis; a memory which stores data relating to a deviation of the object image position in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, the deviation occurring when the optical element position changing device changes the relative position among the optical elements; and an object image position correction controller which drives the optical element moving device based on the data stored in the memory to correct said deviation of the object image position.
US08019207B2
An apparatus for flame simulation in an electrical fireplace which improves the realism of leaping and flickering flames, comprising a fixed light source, simulated charcoal, and a flame display screen which is arranged above the fixed light source. The simulated charcoal is located in front of the flame display screen. A twisted-style light reflector is located behind the flame display screen and is driven by a motor mounted inside the wall of the electrical fireplace. By rotating the twisted-style light reflector, light emitted from the fixed light source is reflected onto the flame display screen so the simulated dynamic leaping and flickering flames can be seen. The fixed light source also illuminates the simulated charcoal to produce an effect of burning charcoals. A heater produces warm air that is expelled from the fireplace.
US08019199B2
Reproduction device, reproduction method, reproduction program, recording medium, and data structure
When content is reproduced from a disc, audio and a subtitle can be properly and automatically selected. An original language can be set as a language of an audio stream to be reproduced on a player side. An audio stream of the original language is described at a position that comes first in a clip information file. When audio and a subtitle are automatically set, if their languages match, the subtitle is not displayed. When player setting 500 denotes that audio is an original language and subtitle Japanese and streams 501 contained in a disc are an audio stream of Japanese (original language), an audio stream of English, a subtitle stream of English, and a subtitle stream of Japanese, the audio stream of Japanese as the original language and the subtitle stream of Japanese are selected according to the automatic setting. Since their languages match, although streams 502 finally selected are the audio stream of Japanese and the subtitle stream of Japanese, the subtitle stream of Japanese is not displayed.
US08019193B2
A digital broadcast, in which video data and audio data are transmitted in the form of a transport stream, is received in a digital broadcast receiver and is decoded to provide a received transport stream. A first interface of the digital broadcast receiver is connected to a corresponding interface of a recording apparatus. Information corresponding to a transmission rate of the received transport stream is determined. A recording rate setting command is generated on the basis of the information corresponding to the transmission rate. The recording rate setting command is transmitted to the recording apparatus through the first interface and the corresponding interface when the connection between the first interface and the corresponding interface is initiated, when a request command is received from the recording apparatus, or periodically after predetermined intervals.
US08019188B2
An optical transmission apparatus includes a light receiving element and an optical waveguide. The light receiving element receives light. The optical waveguide includes a core, a clad and a concave portion. The clad is adjacent to the core. The concave portion is formed in a portion of the core or a portion of the clad and diffuses the light. The portion of the core or the portion of the clad emits the light toward the light receiving element.
US08019179B2
The registration of images comprising generating a plurality of projections from a base frame and generating a plurality of projections from a movement frame. Comparing a set of projections from the base frame, with a second set of projections from the movement frame, and generating a global motion vector estimate to add to the base frame.
US08019174B2
An image processing system includes an extraction unit for extracting a local region which contains one target region and at least one or more neighborhood regions from an image signal formed of a plurality of color signals from a CCD, a vectorizing unit for obtaining vector signals which contain the plurality of the color signals as components for each of the target and the neighborhood regions, a weighting set unit for setting weighting factors with respect to each of the vector signals in the local region based on the vector signal in the target region, a filtering unit for performing a filtering process using the weighting factors with respect to the vector signals in the local region, and a noise reducing unit for reducing the noise of the vector signal in the target region based on the vector signal through the filtering process.
US08019172B2
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for increasing the resolution of a data sequence, such as for example a video data sequence. Between two data values of a given data sequence at least one intermediate value is interpolated by applying low-pass filtering and at least one first and one second high-pass filterings to data values of the data sequence, subjecting the filter values obtained by the high-pass filterings to rank-order filtering and combining the filter result so obtained with the filter result obtained by low-pass filtering.
US08019170B2
The disclosure is directed to techniques for region-of-interest (ROI) video processing based on low-complexity automatic ROI detection within video frames of video sequences. The low-complexity automatic ROI detection may be based on characteristics of video sensors within video communication devices. In other cases, the low-complexity automatic ROI detection may be based on motion information for a video frame and a different video frame of the video sequence. The disclosed techniques include a video processing technique capable of tuning and enhancing video sensor calibration, camera processing, ROI detection, and ROI video processing within a video communication device based on characteristics of a specific video sensor. The disclosed techniques also include a sensor-based ROI detection technique that uses video sensor statistics and camera processing side-information to improve ROI detection accuracy. The disclosed techniques also include a motion-based ROI detection technique that uses motion information obtained during motion estimation in video processing.
US08019169B2
The image coding apparatus according to the present invention includes: a similar image search unit 201 which searches at least one second still image which is similar to a first still image; a coding processing unit 202 which generates a predictive image for the first still image using the at least one second still image as the reference image, and codes the difference between the first still image and the predictive image; and a reference image information processing unit 204 which adds information which indicates the location of at least one of the second still image to the bit stream.
US08019140B2
A method for determining a size of an airway lumen and a thickness of an airway wall includes: computing a centerline of an airway; computing a three-dimensional (3D) gradient of a volume of the airway within a first threshold; positioning a tube along the centerline; iteratively expanding the tube by increasing its radius until the radius of the tube reaches the first threshold; determining inner and outer radii of the tube by checking the 3D gradient computed along an x-axis and a y-axis of the tube at a boundary of the tube at each iteration; and fitting the tube to the airway by using the determined inner and outer radii, wherein the inner radius of the fit tube is half a diameter of the airway lumen and the outer radius of the fit tube minus the inner radius of the fit tube is a thickness of the airway wall.
US08019132B2
A fingerprint recognition system for extracting minutiae from a fingerprint image. The fingerprint recognition system generates a corrected image from the input fingerprint image by: eliminating incipient ridges/pores from the fingerprint image by using the density pattern of the pixels of ridge lines/valley lines in the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the ridge lines. The minutiae are extracted from the corrected image.
US08019128B2
The face detection device detects a human face image in an image. The face detection device includes a face determining unit, a control unit, a display unit, and a receiving unit. The face determining unit performs a face determination process in which the face determining unit determines whether the image includes a human face image indicative of at least a part of a human face. The control unit performs a base process by controlling the face determining unit to perform the face determination process at least one time. The display unit displays a result of the base process. When the receiving unit receives an instruction, the control unit performs an additional process by controlling the face determining unit to perform the face determination process at least one time on the same image with a higher accuracy than the face determination process in the base process.
US08019125B2
A living animals conveying device for sorting animals with respect to a characteristic such as color, size, gender, or weight. In the case of chicks, an embodiment of the invention includes a section for conveying chicks with chicks positioned in buckets with their wings spread out, and an automatic chicks sexing system. A first endless bucket conveyor comprising pre-positioning buckets able to individually receive and transport a living animal, is oriented with respect to a second endless bucket conveyor, comprising sorting buckets able to individually receive and transport a living animal, the first conveyor and the second conveyor being arranged in such a way that each pre-positioned living animal in a pre-positioning bucket falls from the pre-positioning bucket into a sorting bucket arranged below the pre-positioning bucket.
US08019124B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for camera pan vector estimation, are disclosed. A camera model is provided for representing motion vectors based on a plurality of parameters. A distribution of the motion vectors is generated. A cluster in the distribution of motion vectors is identified. A center of mass of the identified cluster is determined. The camera pan vector is provided based upon the determined center of mass.
US08019118B2
One of the embodiments of the invention includes a method of identifying illegal uses of copyright material. The steps of the method preferably include the steps of: (a) providing a primary digital media object, (b) associating an auxiliary construct with the object, (c) transforming the construct using at least one of the attributes of the object to generate a unique key representative of the primary object, (d) receiving a plurality of secondary digital media objects, (e) performing steps (b) and (c) on the secondary objects to generate unique keys representative of the secondary objects, (f) comparing the keys of the secondary objects with the key of the primary object to identify if any of the secondary objects are substantially similar to the primary object.
US08019117B2
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for evaluating a solar radiation amount that can realize higher accuracy by virtue of consideration of terrain conditions.Static satellite image data 1 and three-dimensional map model 2 are combined, and a mesh 3 based on plane coordinates is set in accordance with a ground resolution of the static satellite image data 1. A shadow area 4 is calculated based on the three-dimensional map model 2 and a solar position specified by photographing chronological data, and whether or not each cell 8 of the mesh 3 belongs to the shadow area 4 is determined. Also, a solar radiation evaluation component 6 of each cell 8 in an area to be evaluated is obtained with reference to a table 7 associating a pixel value 5 of each pixel in the static satellite image data 1 with the solar radiation evaluation component 6 in an area corresponding to each pixel. In addition, when the cell 8 is determined to belong to the shadow area 4, an evaluation component after terrain condition correction calculated by applying a predetermined correction calculation to the solar radiation evaluation component 6 is obtained.
US08019116B2
The ability to remove a watermark from encoded content (e.g., an image) opens the possibility of various novel applications. Several such applications are detailed. One employs a reversible watermark in conjunction with a second (robust) watermark. In this arrangement, the payload of the reversible watermark conveys information about the robust watermark (e.g., encoding parameters, or an error signal), permitting removal of the robust watermark from an uncorrupted encoded image. By such arrangements, the encoded image can be fully restored to its pristine, unencoded state even if several different watermarks have been applied.
US08019109B2
A microphone boom cap includes a porous plastic portion adapted to cover a microphone boom first aperture. The microphone boom cap includes a non-porous plastic portion affixed to the porous plastic portion. The non-porous plastic portion is adapted to cover a microphone boom second aperture in a second use position, where the porous plastic portion covers the second aperture in a first use position.
US08019097B2
A sound wave generator includes one or more carbon nanotube wire structures. The one or more carbon nanotube wire structures produce sound by means of the thermoacoustic effect.
US08019094B2
The present invention relates to an audio processing system with function of automatic gain control and method thereof. The method includes steps of: receiving a playing command to play an audio file; reading a genre type of the audio file from a tag of the audio file; reading a genre gain value of the genre type from a gain setting table stored in a storage unit; decoding the audio file and generating digital audio signals; converting the digital audio signals to analog audio signals; and signaling a gain amplifier to amplify the analog audio signals by the genre gain value, thereby sounds corresponding to the analog audio signals amplified is proper to a listener's hearing.
US08019093B2
Separating a source in a stereo signal having a left channel and a right channel includes transforming the signal into a short-time transform domain; classifying portions of the signals having similar panning coefficients; segregating a selected one of the classified portions of the signals corresponding to the source; and reconstructing the source from the selected portions of the signals.
US08019090B1
Noise effects in a signal for driving a plant are reduced by generating a reference signal from the error signal. A signal generator generates a reference signal for input to a finite impulse response (FIR) filter. The error signal is produced by differencing the transfer function output and a disturbance signal. The error signal is input to the signal generator and to a least mean square calculator. The reference signal is input to a copy of the transfer function that outputs a modified reference signal. The modified reference signal is input to least mean square calculator. An LMS signal that updates the filter coefficients to minimize the mean square error is calculated and the LMS signal and the reference signal are input to the FIR filter with the FIR filter being arranged to process the LMS signal and the reference signal to minimize the error signal.
US08019089B2
A noisy audio signal, with user input device noise, is received. Particular frames in the audio signal that are corrupted by user input device noise are identified and removed. The removed audio data is then reconstructed to obtain a clean audio signal.
US08019058B2
A system and method that enables faster, more reliable setup of voicemail message playback for a mobile device is provided. A mobile device receives an message that alerts the user that a voicemail message has been received. When a user dials into the voicemail system to retrieve the message, a message is sent from the mobile device to the voicemail system to tell the voicemail system to queue-up the message for playback. The message proceeds from the mobile device through a relay to a virtual Message Service Center (MSC) gateway over a high-speed GPRS connection. The virtual MSC gateway sends the message to the voicemail system over a permanent or substantially permanent connection. Communications are acknowledged to increase reliability. The voicemail system is ready to play the message when the voice call is received.
US08019054B2
A system and method for providing dynamically generated information to a caller during the ringing state of a telephone call. In one example, color ringback tones may be used in conjunction with text-to-speech technology and caller ID services to provide personalized audio messages. These messages may be generated in real time and may include information that may be useful to the caller, such as up-to-date status information (e.g., the status of the caller's voicemail inbox), news or other information.
US08019042B2
A system automatically compares radiotherapy 3D X-Ray images and subsequent images for update and re-planning of treatment and for verification of correct patient and image association. A medical radiation therapy system and workflow includes a task processor for providing task management data for initiating image comparison tasks prior to performing a session of radiotherapy. An image comparator, coupled to the task processor, in response to the task management data, compares a first image of an anatomical portion of a particular patient used for planning radiotherapy for the particular patient, with a second image of the anatomical portion of the particular patient obtained on a subsequent date, by image alignment and comparison of image element representative data of aligned first and second images to determine an image difference representative remainder value and determines whether the image difference representative remainder value exceeds a first predetermined threshold. An output processor, coupled to the image comparator, initiates generation of an alert message indicating a need to review planned radiotherapy treatment for communication to a user in response to a determination the image difference representative remainder value exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08019041B2
An X-ray tube generates X-rays. A detector detects X-rays generated by the X-ray tube and transmitted through a subject. A C-arm is equipped with the X-ray tube and the detector. An arm support mechanism rotatably supports the C-arm. A top is on which the subject is placed. A bed supports the top so as to change a relative positional relationship along a horizontal direction between the C-arm and the top. The bed supports the top so as to change a relative positional relationship along a vertical direction between the C-arm and the top. A mechanism control unit controls the arm support mechanism and the bed so as to a perpendicular extending from a focus of the X-ray tube intersects the top at a predetermined position thereon, and a distance interval between the X-ray tube and the predetermined position is fixed during rotation of the C-arm.
US08019036B2
In an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) wireless communication system, a method for correcting sampler clock frequency offset in a receiver comprises acquiring the frequency offset and symbol timing in a received signal by the receiver. The estimated value of a fractional offset is computed, and a correction in the frequency domain based upon the estimated value of the fractional offset is performed.
US08019032B2
One embodiment includes a method of receiving a transmitted signal. The method comprises receiving a signal transmitted over a channel. The signal comprises a known signal and an information signal. The method further includes determining at least one indicator of channel characteristics based at least in part on the portion of the known signal. The method further includes generating a first value indicative of the information signal based at least in part on the at least one indicator of the channel characteristics. The first value comprises an error signal. The method further comprises removing the error signal from the first estimate of the signal based at least in part on the portion of the known signal. Other embodiments include systems for performing the method and methods of making such systems.
US08019029B1
Disclosed is a technique for mitigating the effect of an in-band interferer in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) wireless or wired networks that employ soft decision Viterbi decoder in the physical layer. The technique uses an independent estimation of the signal quality, which is passed to the Viterbi algorithm decoder so that it is able to discard the corrupted subcarriers. This improves the error correction capability of the Viterbi algorithm decoder in a receiver, which leads to fewer retransmissions and into higher information throughput.
US08019028B1
Apparatus and methods determine a frequency associated with a relatively strong interfering signal (interferer) using relatively simple run-length counting techniques. Counts of run-lengths can be analyzed to estimate a frequency of the interferer. For example, a peak run-length can be associated with a frequency. In one embodiment, counts of run-lengths are used to construct a theoretical peak run-length, which is then associated with a frequency for the interferer. A theoretical count associated with the theoretical peak run-length can also be used as an indication of a signal strength of the interferer.
US08019024B2
Log-likelihood ratios are approximated for encoded bits modulated with a 2m-ary QAM constellation. Each symbol of the constellation is identified by a respective string of m bits. The log-likelihood ratio of each bit of the m bits is approximated with a product λ of a respective factor by a respective variable D that depends on a received signal and on communication channel characteristics. The approximating includes determining a value of at least one of the variables D using a parametric nonlinear function of an equalized replica z of a respective received signal.
US08019020B1
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for decoding information in a communications system with an improved bit error rate. Correlated groups of bits are grouped, and joint information of the correlated bit groups is made available to the decoder. The decoder takes advantage of the joint information to improve the error rate.
US08019019B1
A receiver has a first input port and a second input port both coupled to a differential amplifier through first and second input capacitors. A bias circuit coupled to the core side of the first input capacitor and to the core side of the second input capacitor is configured to provide a selected voltage to at least one of the first input and the second input of the differential amplifier. In one embodiment, a common mode bias circuit provides a common mode voltage to both inputs of a differential amplifier. In a particular embodiment, a run length detector monitors the output of the differential amplifier and provides a run length feedback signal or an average bit density feedback signal to the set the selected voltage between periods of data reception.
US08019018B2
In one aspect, the invention is a method that includes transferring data at an initial mode from a transmitter to a receiver, determining a suggested mode based on the data transferred and determining a count of the data transferred from the transmitter to the receiver. The method also includes transferring the suggested mode and the count to the transmitter and determining a pending mode based on the suggested mode and the count.
US08019011B2
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a signal processing method thereof that can improve the receiving performance of the system. A digital broadcast transmitter has a randomizer to randomize an input data stream which has null bytes being inserted at a specified position, a multiplexer to output a data stream formed by inserting specified known data into the position of the null bytes of the randomized data stream, an encoder to encode the data stream outputted from the multiplexer, and a modulator/RF-converter to modulate the encoded data, RF-convert the modulated data and transmit the RF-converted data. The receiving performance of the digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system can be improved even in a multi-path channel by detecting the known data from the received signal and using the known data in synchronization and equalization in a digital broadcast receiver.
US08019002B2
The disclosure describes video decoding techniques that utilize parallel processor technology in order to accelerate the decoding processes of image frames. The techniques include defining batches of video blocks to be decoded in parallel with one another. According to this disclosure, a method may comprise defining a first batch of video blocks of an image frame, decoding the first batch of video blocks in a serial manner, defining a second batch of video blocks and a third batch of video blocks relative to the first batch of video blocks, and decoding the second and third batches of video blocks in parallel with one another.
US08019001B2
A prediction image generation method and apparatus using a single coding mode for all color components and image and video encoding and decoding methods and apparatuses using the same are provided. The prediction image generation apparatus includes: a spatial prediction image generation unit applying an identical prediction direction for each image component in an original image composed of at least two image components, and obtaining a spatial prediction image from a pixel spatially close to a pixel block of a predetermined size of a current frame; a temporal prediction image generation unit applying an identical block size, motion vector, and motion interpolation method for each image component in an original image composed of at least two image components, and obtaining a temporal prediction image by estimating motion in units of blocks of a predetermined size between a previous frame and a current frame of each of the image components; an encoding mode selection unit selecting an encoding mode by using the spatial prediction image and the temporal prediction image; and a single mode prediction image generation unit generating a prediction image by identically applying the encoding mode selected in the encoding mode selection unit to each component. By increasing the redundancy of information between prediction error signals of color components, the encoding efficiency can be enhanced in the method and apparatus.
US08018986B2
A signal receiving apparatus which can reduce a circuit scale to reduce a cost in a mobile wireless communication system which transmits and receives a spread spectrum signal is provided.The signal receiving apparatus includes a filter coefficient updating unit 104 which generates a filter coefficient w on the basis of an input signal x, a transformational despreading unit 101 which performs a despreading process to the input signal x, and an FIR filter 103 which performs multiplication by using a despreading output z output from the transformational despreading unit and the filter coefficient w output from the filter coefficient updating unit 104 as inputs to output a result which the multiplication results are added as a signal data symbol output S. The transformational despreading unit 101 obtains a despreading output by addition and subtraction between the input signal x and a spread code sequence c.
US08018984B2
The present invention provides for spreading a first signal using a plurality of spreading codes, multiplexing the first spread signal by code division multiplexing, transmitting the first multiplexed signal via a plurality of neighboring frequency resources of an OFDM symbol of a first antenna set, spreading a second signal using a plurality of spreading codes, multiplexing the second spread signal by code division multiplexing, transmitting the second multiplexed signal via a plurality of neighboring frequency resources of the OFDM symbol of the first antenna set, transmitting the first multiplexed signal via a plurality of neighboring frequency resources of an OFDM symbol of a second antenna set, and transmitting the second multiplexed signal via a plurality of neighboring frequency resources of the OFDM symbol of the second antenna set, wherein the first multiplexed signal is transmitted on frequency resources that neighbor frequency resources that the second multiplexed signal is transmitted on.
US08018978B2
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a method for processing data are disclosed. The method for processing data may enhance the receiving performance of the receiving system by performing additional coding and multiplexing processes on the traffic information data and transmitting the processed data. Thus, robustness is provided to the traffic information data, thereby enabling the data to respond strongly against the channel environment which is always under constant and vast change.
US08018974B2
A remote station for wireless communication is disclosed. The remote station includes a transmitter configured to transmit packet data on an uplink channel and a receiver. The receiver is configured to receive a first frame having a downlink dedicated physical channel, the first frame being defined by a first propagation delay and a first time offset relative to a reference timing based on a common control physical channel and receive a second frame having a downlink dedicated control channel responsive to the packet data received by a base station, a beginning of the second frame being defined by a second propagation delay and a second time offset from the reference timing, the second time offset being a function of the first time offset.
US08018969B2
A method for transmitting burst allocation information by a base station in a broadband wireless communication system in which a transmitted frame includes symbols, and orthogonal subcarriers in a frequency axis constitute each of the symbols based on a predetermined time unit. The method includes the steps of generating a reduced connection identifier (CID) by reducing a basic CID of a mobile terminal connected to the base station when the basic CID exists within a preset range, and inserting an MAP, which includes an enabled field representing the reduced CID and one of use and non-use of the reduced CID, into the frame, and transmitting the frame to the mobile terminal.
US08018967B2
A data transfer apparatus includes a data accumulation unit to accumulate data to be transferred, an encoding matrix storage unit to store an encoding matrix for encoding data of each of a plurality of data sizes, an encoding size determination unit to determine a block of data to be transmitted in descending order of data size based on the data sizes of the data accumulated in the encoding matrix storage unit, an encoding unit to acquire an encoding matrix corresponding to the data size of the determined block form the encoding size determination unit and encode data accumulated in the data accumulation unit for each block using the acquired encoding matrix, a packet generation unit to generate a packet by adding encoding information about the encoding matrix used for encoding the encoded data, and a transmission unit to transmit the generated packet.
US08018966B2
A method for efficiently scheduling virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks is disclosed. In a wireless mobile communication system that supports a resource block group (RBG) allocation scheme, for distributed mapping of consecutively allocated virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks, there is proposed a mapping method capable of increasing the number of distributed virtual resource blocks to a maximum while satisfying gap limitations, when the length of the physical resource blocks is different from the length of the distributed virtual resource blocks. Also, the number of distributed virtual resource blocks and the structure of an interleaver are limited for efficient scheduling.
US08018961B2
Described herein is a method and system for directing outgoing data packets from packet engines to a transmit queue of a NIC in a multi-core system, and a method and system for directing incoming data packets from a receive queue of the NIC to the packet engines. Packet engines store outgoing traffic in logical transmit queues in the packet engines. An interface module obtains the outgoing traffic and stores it in a transmit queue of the NIC, after which the NIC transmits the traffic from the multi-core system over a network. The NIC receives incoming traffic and stores it in a NIC receive queue. The interface module obtains the incoming traffic and applies a hash to a tuple of each obtained data packet. The interface module then stores each data packet in the logical receive queue of a packet engine on the core identified by the result of the hash.
US08018949B2
Apparatus and method for providing a termination point for service emulation instances in an access network is provided. In an embodiment, the service emulation instances are implemented utilizing, for example, pseudowires. Communications to and from the access network are aggregated and transmitted via one or more pseudowires to a service emulation instance terminator. The service emulation instance terminator converts the traffic to its native form and, if necessary, converts the traffic to a different type of format or service. The service emulation instance terminator then frames the traffic for the appropriate type of service and transmits the traffic to the service edge. Traffic received from the service is removed prepended with a pseudowire label and aggregated with other traffic. The aggregated traffic is transmitted to the customer via the access network. If necessary, an interworking function may convert the traffic from one type of service to another type of service. Further, functionalities of equipment such as frame relay switching or Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switching may be realized in the service emulation instance terminator.
US08018939B2
A method of timing an attempt to establish a connection path between a first and second node in a communications network is provided. The method initiates the attempt to establish a connection path after a period of time has elapsed wherein the period of time is greater than another period of time which had previously elapsed between two previous attempts, if any, to establish the connection.
US08018934B2
In one embodiment, a processing device is coupled between at least one content source and at least one subscriber device within an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system in order to receive a plurality of service flows from the at least one content source and to process multicast service flow requests from the at least one subscriber device. The processing device includes a map module to map a service flow from a content source to a multicast service flow based on a multicast service flow request from a particular subscriber device and a unicast module to assign a unique identifier to the mapped multicast service flow to convert the mapped multicast service flow to a unicast delivery of the mapped multicast service flow to the particular subscriber device.
US08018929B2
A communication protocol service in support of TCP based communication is modified to improve the operational efficiency of a server for a particular type of client-server application. The service is modified to support connection pools and connection groups within the connection pools, to enable connections with clients to be grouped and share a common file descriptor. The service is provided with an API to allow an application server to create the connection pools, connection groups and connections. The API also include receive and send services adapted to support the connection pool and connection group architecture, and to allow explicit acknowledgement of received transmissions under control of the application server. Further, in various embodiments, the buffering architecture of the service, as well as acknowledgement of request packets by the service are also modified.
US08018924B1
A network device includes a multi-port media access controller (MAC) device that comprises a plurality of MAC devices. Some of the MAC devices output respective data streams at different speeds. A plurality of speed translators translates the speeds of the respective data streams to be greater than or equal to a highest output speed of the plurality of MAC devices and generates parallel speed translated data streams. A multiplexer multiplexes the parallel speed translated data streams to generate a multiplexed data stream corresponding to one of the plurality of MAC devices with the highest output speed defined by the parallel speed translated data streams. A first serializer and deserializer receives the multiplexed data stream that is encoded at a physical coding sublayer and serially transmits the multiplexed data stream to a multi-port physical layer device.
US08018923B1
A physical layer device comprises an interface that communicates with a media access control (MAC) device. A first circuit attempts to establish a first link using a first transceiver over a first medium. A second circuit attempts to establish a second link using a second transceiver over a second medium that is different than the first medium. A media selector communicates with the interface and the first and second circuits and that enables data flow from the first medium to the MAC device using the interface when the first link is established first. A preferred medium selector communicates with the media selector and is configurable in one of a plurality of medium preference states.
US08018914B2
A demodulation section 13 receives a TDMA-TDD based phase-modulated burst signal of mobile communications and demodulates the burst signal by a synchronous detection system (or a quasi-synchronous detection system). The demodulation section 13 includes a frequency deviation compensation section and a carrier recovery section each having a loop filter 14 with three or more stages of time constants. The time constants are switched by a selector switch 15 based on a control signal from a demodulation control section 16. This achieves quick pull-in and jitter after convergence is minimized, thereby allowing highly efficient performance of frequency deviation compensation, etc. that is required for synchronous detection (or quasi-synchronous detection) without increasing the size of circuit.
US08018912B2
A system (400), device (401), and method are provided for decentralized medium access control comprising periodic beacon (600) transmissions of all active devices in beacon slots (204) (302) (303), grouping such beacon slots (204) (302) (303) in at least one contiguous dynamic beacon period (301), and expanding or shrinking this at least one contiguous dynamic beacon period (301) depending on the number of occupied beacon slots (204) (302) (303). The dynamic beacon period (301) adapts to devices (401) joining and leaving the network (400) as well as to collisions of beacon frames (600) on the medium (410).
US08018907B2
A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc.
US08018904B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for initiating a telecommunications uplink from a mobile terminal to a telecommunications network. A preamble signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal to the network in accordance with a transmission parameter of the mobile terminal. The parameter is changed and the preamble retransmitted until successful receipt in the network is confirmed. Changing the transmission parameter alters the signal diversity of one or more preambles as received by the base station.
US08018898B2
One aspect of the present invention relates to a base station wherein either resource blocks resulting from division of a system bandwidth into blocks of consecutive frequency subcarriers or distributed type resource blocks consisting of frequency subcarriers discretely distributed within the system bandwidth and resulting from segmentation of the resource blocks into multiple resource blocks are assigned to mobile stations, the base station including: a scheduling unit configured to assign either the resource blocks or the distributed type resource blocks to the mobile stations at a predefined assignment cycle based on respective downlink reception channel states transmitted from the mobile stations.
US08018891B2
In general, techniques are described in which a plurality of network switches automatically configure themselves to operate as a single virtual network switch. A virtual switch is a collection of individual switch devices that operate like as single network switch. As described herein, network switches in a network that are capable of participating in a virtual switch may automatically discover one another. The participating network switches may then elect one of the participating switches as a master switch. The master switch may generate forwarding information and store the forwarding information in the participating switches, including the master switch. The forwarding information causes the participating switches to act like a single network switch.
US08018888B1
A network device including a wireless network transceiver, a wireless telephone transceiver, and a control module. The wireless network transceiver and the wireless telephone transceiver are associated with a vehicle and transmit and receive data packets over first and second wireless communication channels, respectively. The control module selects the wireless network transceiver or the wireless telephone transceiver for transmitting and receiving user data based on one of bandwidth quality data, signal strength data, and hop count data associated with the first wireless communication channel. The control module selects an operating mode of one of the wireless network transceiver and the wireless telephone transceiver based on a usage signal. The usage signal is generated based on at least one of a park/neutral switch associated with a drivetrain of the vehicle, a vehicle speed signal generated by a speedometer of the vehicle, and an ignition switch of the vehicle.
US08018886B2
A digital broadcasting system and a method of processing data are disclosed, which are robust to error when mobile service data are transmitted. To this end, additional encoding is performed for the mobile service data, whereby it is possible to strongly cope with fast channel change while giving robustness to the mobile service data.
US08018879B2
The present invention provides a method of wireless transmission using a high-efficiency and high-performance frame structure used by the broadband TDD system, wherein the method includes: dividing a sub-frame with a fixed length into N+1 basic slots and three special slots, wherein one basic slot is used to transmit broadcast or paging information of a cell and N basic slots are used to transmit service information in the downlink and uplink; combining several basic slots in the N basic slots to a spreading slot when a transmitting rate of a single slot needs to be improved and using the spreading slot to transmit and spread high rate services with a matching slot length. The present invention proposes a developing direction for the TDD system in the beyond 3G. With this frame structure to perform the wireless transmission, services at different data rates can be provided and the ability of transmitting at different rates up to 100 Mbps when the system bandwidth is 5 MHz, 10 MHz or 20 MHz respectively only by changing the length of the slot, combining basic slots into different multiples of spreading slots, adopting different modulation mode and spreading coefficient.
US08018876B2
Routing system and method with OSPF area zero split into a two level hierarchy for route calculation
A method and system for routing traffic in an IP network using OSPF protocols and including core and hub routers in area zero. The core and hub routers are assigned different node signatures depending on whether the router is a core router or a hub router and link signatures match the node signatures. Internode traffic (core to core, hub to core, and hub to hub) is configured with routing algorithms separately for node and link network segments for which node and link signatures include core signatures as well as those of the internode pair selected. The OSPF routing for the separate network segments is then used to route traffic over the network. An IP network so configured will not route core traffic over hub links during periods of core element failure or downtime, and suffer packet loss.
US08018855B2
An improved mechanism for providing channel state feedback from a user equipment (UE) 800, to a base station 900 is provided, applying radio bearer specific channel state feedback reporting trigger criteria at the UE. In the UE it is initially determined (502) whether at least one channel state feedback reporting trigger criteria is valid or not, comprising the step of determining whether one or more channel state feedback reporting trigger is applied to one or more specific radio bearers. If this is the case, a channel state feedback report of a specified type is generated (510) and transmitted (511) to the base station. Such a mechanism provides for a more efficient control signaling of channel state feedback information between a base station and a UE.
US08018853B2
Methods for using communication network statistics in the operation of a real-time communication system are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention may provide improved playback of real-time media streams by incorporating into the algorithms used for playback of the media stream network statistics typically calculated by some transport protocols.An additional aspect of the present invention may include machine-readable storage having stored thereon a computer program having a plurality of code sections executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform the foregoing.
US08018851B1
A network system may include a number of switches connected to a network processor that handles the bulk of the switching and/or routing in the system. The switches may provide per port flow control status information, e.g., the flow control status of a number of their ports, over a link to the network processor. The network processor may use this information to make traffic management decisions.
US08018849B1
The flow of data in an integrated circuit is controlled. The integrated circuit comprising a plurality of tiles, each tile comprising a processor, a switch including switching circuitry to forward data over data paths from other tiles to the processor and to switches of other tiles, and a receive buffer to store data from the switch. At a first tile, a count is maintained of data that has been sent to a second tile without receiving an acknowledgement up to a credit limit. At the second tile, data that arrives from the first tile when the receive buffer is full is sent to a memory outside of the tile.
US08018833B2
A method and system for adapting an effective spreading sequence in a wire-line or a wireless communication system using direct sequence spreading system is described. A station of the communication system determines a state of a communication channel, represented by, e.g., an impulse response, a step response, or any other characteristic known to one skilled in the art. The station determines the channel state by measurements of a received signal or by receiving a feedback signal comprising an information enabling the station to determine the plurality of linearly related phases The station then determines a plurality of linearly related phases in accordance with the state of the communication channel, and then applies at least one of the plurality of linearly related phases to at least one sample of the effective spreading sequence.
US08018830B2
In a method for transmitting a data stream in a digital transmission system, the data stream is transmitted in a transmitted signal using successive OFDM symbols; a number of OFDM symbols are combined in a transmission frame; a number of transmission frames are transmitted in one transmission superframe; each transmission superframe has an information block having one or more OFDM symbols in an established position of the transmission superframe; a first transmitted signal having a first data stream in a first carrier frequency range and a second transmitted signal having a second data stream having the same information content as the first data stream are transmitted in a second carrier frequency range; and the time duration of the transmission superframes of the first transmitted signal is an integer multiple of the time duration of the transmission superframes of the second transmitted signal.
US08018821B2
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) seek-scan probe (SSP) memory device utilizes a protective layer over the delicate media layer to protect the media during harsh processing steps that may otherwise damage the media layer. The protective layer may comprise a layer of germanium and a layer of silicon dioxide.
US08018809B2
A hybrid LDD includes a read channel to selectively output a read current, a plurality of write channels, each to selectively output a different write current, and an oscillator channel to selectively output an oscillator current. Additionally, the hybrid LDD includes programmable LDD controller that receives the plurality of enable signals from the external controller, and based on the enable signals, controls timing of the currents output by at least the write channels. The programmable LDD controller can also control timing of the currents output by the read and oscillator channels, based on the enable signals. Further and alternative embodiments are also provided.
US08018806B2
A disc discriminating method for use in an optical disc drive includes the following steps. Firstly, an optical pickup head of the optical disc drive is controlled to move in a first direction when the optical pickup head is in a track-unlocked state. Then, a tracking error signal and a radio frequency signal are generated. According to the tracking error signal, a tracking error zero crossing signal is obtained. According to the radio frequency signal, a radio frequency zero crossing signal is obtained. According to a phase relation between the tracking error zero crossing signal and the radio frequency zero crossing signal, the disc is discriminated as an on-groove recording disc or an in-groove recording disc.
US08018803B2
An information recording apparatus (1) is provided with: a recording device (501) for recording record information onto an information recording medium (100) by irradiating laser light (LB) with a predetermined power; an adding device (550) for adding weight to at least one of a plurality of reproduction features associated with the record information; and a controlling device (504, 550) for controlling the recording device to record the record information with a power in which the at least one reproduction feature with the weight added satisfies a predetermined first reference.
US08018798B2
A demodulation circuit accurately demodulates a wobble signal of an optical disk without being affected by a phase shift induced by crosstalk. An A-D converter subjects wobble signal reproduced from an optical disk to A-D conversion and feeds a result of conversion to a zero-crossing detection circuit. The zero-crossing detection circuit detects zero-crossing points of the wobble signal. A sinusoidal wave generation circuit generates a sinusoidal wave by means of sequentially connecting sinusoidal wave elements whose periods are each equal to a time interval between zero-crossing points. A multiplier multiplies an original wobble signal by a sinusoidal wave signal. A slicer detects an HMW-modulated portion of the wobble signal, and another slicer detects an MSK-modulated portion of the wobble signal.
US08018791B2
A read latency control circuit is described having a clock synchronization circuit and a read latency control circuit. The clock synchronization circuit includes an adjustable delay line to generate an output clock signal whose phase is synchronized with the phase of the input clock signal. The read latency control circuit captures a read command signal relative to the timing of the input clock signal and outputs the read command signal relative to the timing of the output clock signal such that the read command signal is outputted indicative of a specified read latency.
US08018781B2
Provided is a method of operating a nonvolatile memory device to perform an erase operation. The method includes applying a composite pulse including a direct current (DC) pulse and a DC perturbation pulse to the nonvolatile memory device to perform the erase operation.
US08018778B2
Some embodiments include first memory cells and a first line used to access the first memory cells, second memory cells and at least one second line used to access the second memory cells. The first and second memory cells have a number of threshold voltage values corresponding to a number of states. The states represent values of information stored in the memory cells. During a read operation to read the first memory cells, a first voltage may be applied to the first line and a second voltage may be applied to the second line. At least one of the first and second voltages may include a value based on a change of at least one of the threshold voltage values changing from a first value to a second value. The first and second values may correspond to a unique state selected from all of the states. Other embodiments including additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08018777B2
Disclosed is a flash memory device including a memory cell array having memory cells arranged at intersections of word lines and bit lines, such that one bit line is associated with a plurality of memory cells connected in series, a voltage generator configured to generate at least a first selection voltage, a row selection circuit configured to drive the non-selected word lines based on at least the first non-selected voltage, and a control logic circuit configured to control the voltage generator and the row selection circuit, such that the voltage generator generates at least the first non-selection voltage based on a location of a selected memory cell in the plurality of memory cells.
US08018771B2
In an embodiment of a memory device including a matrix of memory cells wherein the memory cells are arranged in a plurality of memory cells strings each one including at least two serially-connected memory cells, groups of at least two memory cells strings being connected to a respective bit line, and wherein said memory cells are adapted to be programmed into at least a first programming state and a second programming state, a method of storing data comprising exploiting a single memory cell for each of the memory cells string for writing the data, wherein said exploiting includes bringing the single memory cell to the second programming state, the remaining memory cells of the string being left in the first programming state.
US08018763B2
The leakage current and power consumption of phase change memories may be reduced using adaptive word line biasing. Depending on the particular voltage applied to the bitline of a programmed cell, the word lines of unselected cells may vary correspondingly. In some embodiments, the word line voltage may be caused to match the bitline voltage of the programmed cell.
US08018761B2
Resistance variable element, resistance variable memory apparatus, and resistance variable apparatus
A resistance variable element (10), a resistance variable memory apparatus, and a resistance variable apparatus, comprise a first electrode (2), a second electrode (4), and a resistance variable layer (3) which is disposed between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4) and is electrically connected to the first electrode (2) and to the second electrode (4), wherein the resistance variable layer (3) contains a material having a spinel structure which is expressed as a chemical formula of (NixFe1-x) Fe2O4, X being not smaller than 0.35 and not larger than 0.9, wherein the resistance variable element has a characteristic in which an electric resistance between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4) decreases by application of a first voltage pulse having a first voltage between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4) and increases by application of a second voltage pulse having a second voltage which is different in polarity from the first voltage between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4).
US08018759B2
A memory includes: a plurality of memory devices, each including a tunnel magnetic resistance effect device containing a magnetization free layer in which a direction of magnetization can be reversed, a tunnel barrier layer including an insulating material, and a magnetization fixed layer provided with respect to the magnetization free layer via the tunnel barrier layer with a fixed direction of magnetization; a random access memory area in which information is recorded using the direction of magnetization of the magnetization free layer of the memory device; and a read only memory area in which information is recorded depending on whether there is breakdown of the tunnel barrier layer of the memory device or not.
US08018757B2
The first power supply terminal is connected to source electrodes of the first and third transistors. The second power supply terminal is connected to source electrodes of the second and fourth transistors. When offset information of the memory cell is to be read, a voltage applied to the first power supply terminal and a voltage applied to the second power supply terminal are made equal. Then the voltage applied to the first power supply terminal is returned to the first potential, and the voltage applied to the second power supply terminal is returned to the second potential. When stress is generated in the first to fourth transistor included in the first or second inverter, the potential difference between the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal is made larger than a difference between the first potential and the second potential.
US08018750B2
A power circuit device has a housing. A connection electrically couples AC power to an interior portion of the housing. A female electrical socket is coupled to the housing and is electrically coupled to and receives AC power from the connection. An AC to DC converter is electrically coupled to the connection to receive AC power therefrom and produce a DC output therefrom. A current sensor senses current drawn by one of the AC to DC converter and the female electrical socket. A switch, responsive to the current sensor, selectively removes power from the other one of the female electrical socket and the AC to DC converter when a drop in current is sensed by the current sensor. AC versions without DC conversion are also contemplated. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08018748B2
A method to convert direct current (DC) power generated by a photovoltaic (PV) arrays to alternating current (AC) power using a PV inverter, the method includes: applying the DC power generated the PV array to the PV inverter; boosting the DC power from the PV array from a predetermined voltage level to a predetermine DC link voltage, wherein the PV array is regulated by the boosting to output a voltage at the predetermined voltage level; converting the boosted DC power to AC power, and disabling the boost of the power generated by the PV array after the array has a predetermined voltage level at least as great as the DC link voltage.
US08018732B2
A system comprises a backplane configured to receive a first signal and a second signal from a first plug-in unit, and a third signal and a fourth signal from a second plug-in unit, wherein the backplane is further configured to communicate each of the signals to one or more mid-plane connectors. The system further comprises the one or more mid-plane connectors configured to output the first and third signals at a first output as separate signals, and configured to output the second and fourth signals at a second output as separate signals. The system further comprises one or more I/O panels each configured to receive the first and third signals at a first input and to receive the second and fourth signals at a second input.
US08018722B2
Embodiments described herein may include example embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices, and/or systems for heat dissipation.
US08018720B2
Vapor condensers and cooling apparatuses are provided which facilitate vapor condensation cooling of a coolant employed in cooling an electronic device. The vapor condenser includes a thermally conductive base structure with a plurality of condenser fins extending from the base structure. The condenser fins have a proximal end coupled to the base structure and a remote end remote from the base structure. At least one exposed cavity is provided within each condenser fin extending from the remote end towards the proximal end. The exposed cavities are sized to provide greater condenser fin surface area for facilitating vapor condensate formation, and thereby facilitate cooling of an electronic device using a two-phase coolant.
US08018719B2
One embodiment provides a vapor chamber having an outwardly protruding boss. A frame surrounds a perimeter of the vapor chamber. A plurality of heat sink fins extend from the frame. A cross-member spans the frame across the vapor chamber wall and defines an opening through which the boss protrudes at least slightly beyond the cross-member. The heat sink may be secured to a socket on a circuit board, with the boss engaging a processor positioned in the socket. In response to securing the heat sink, the boss compresses flush with the cross-member and the cross-member engages the processor to seat the processor in the socket. The opening in the cross-member reinforces the boss against outward deformation.
US08018717B2
A facility is disclosed for cooling a detection device. In at least one embodiment, the facility includes at least one first cooling unit, through which a thermal contact to the detection device is able to be established and through which heat arising during operation of the detection device is able to be removed; and at least one second cooling unit, which is arranged so that heat from the environment of the detection device can be discharged through it. In at least one embodiment, this has the advantage of largely shielding the first cooling unit from incident heat which allows the detection device to be efficiently cooled.
US08018711B2
A feedthrough capacitor has: a capacitor element body of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a plurality of insulator layers are laminated together; a signal internal electrode arranged in the capacitor element body; a ground internal electrode arranged in the capacitor element body and opposed to the signal internal electrode; signal terminal electrodes connected to the signal internal electrode; and a ground terminal electrode connected to the ground internal electrode. The signal terminal electrodes are provided on first and second end faces, respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the capacitor element body. The ground terminal electrode is provided on at least one side face out of first to fourth side faces extending along the longitudinal direction of the capacitor element body. Furthermore, the ground terminal electrode is located nearer at least one end face out of the first end face and the second end face.
US08018709B2
The subject of the present invention is an actuator for control valves and/or shut-off devices with an actuating element acting on a closing or opening element, in which the actuating element comprises a push or pull rod (20, 21), which is in drive connection with the axially movable part of an electromagnetic drive unit designed as a moving coil from a magnet coil (3, 4) and a cylindrical solenoid plunger (1) and is moved into its inoperative position by a resetting spring (15) and is held in that position. To make it possible to use such an actuator instead of the prior-art electric motor, pneumatic or hydraulic drives, provisions are made for the respective actual positions of the actuating element (20, 21) to be detected by an electrical or electronic position controller (36) and transmitted to an electronic actuating amplifier (35), which sends an operating voltage, which is necessary for actuating the actuating element (20, 21) and can be varied between a minimum and a maximum, to the moving coil (3, 4) when a command signal (BS) is present, until the position controller (36) signals the position of the actuating element (20, 21) as feedback, which is preset with the command signal (BS).
US08018703B2
An auxiliary device for remote data transmission having processing means comprising a first input to receive a first data item of a state of the circuit breaker, and at least one command output to command transmission of data. The processing means comprise: a second input to receive at least one second data item representative of an electrical fault or of an auxiliary command, identification means to identify the type of electrical fault, and initialization means of the at least one command output. An auxiliary unit and a circuit breaker comprising the device.A method for implementing said device.
US08018695B2
A control apparatus for controlling a fuel pump includes: an electronic switch provided in a circuit for connecting a power supply to a motor for driving the fuel pump; a current detector which detects a current which flows through the motor; and a controller which controls the electronic switch in a first PWM mode of a first frequency and a first duty ratio in a normal operation; and change a PWM mode to control the electronic switch in a second PWM mode of a second frequency lower than the first frequency and a second duty ratio lower than the first duty ratio when the current flowing through the motor exceeds a threshold current value in the normal operation.
US08018690B2
A CPP MTJ or GMR read sensor is provided in which the free layer is self-stabilized by a magnetization in a circumferential vortex configuration. This magnetization permits the pinned layer to be magnetized in a direction parallel to the ABS plane, which thereby makes the pinned layer directionally more stable as well. The lack of lateral horizontal bias layers or in-stack biasing allows the formation of closely configured shields, thereby providing protection against side-reading. The vortex magnetization is accomplished by first magnetizing the free layer in a uniform vertical field, then applying a vertical current while the field is still present.
US08018687B1
A novel disk drive includes a flex cable having a first end portion fixed to an actuator assembly, a second end portion fixed to a flex cable bracket, and a free portion between the first and second end portions. The free portion joins the second end portion at a flex exit location. The flex cable bracket includes a flex alignment post that protrudes into a corresponding hole in a disk drive base. A distance between the flex exit location and the actuator pivot axis is at least 4 times greater than a distance between the flex exit location and the flex alignment post.
US08018679B2
A perpendicular magnetic recording write head is formed on the trailing surface of a head carrier or slider that has an air-bearing surface (ABS) oriented generally parallel to the surface of the disk during operation of the disk drive. The write head has a slanted ferromagnetic write pole (WP) that forms an angle between about 5 and 20 degrees from a normal to the ABS. The slanted WP is formed over the generally planar surface of the ferromagnetic main pole and the slanted surface of a support layer located between the ABS and the recessed end of the main pole. A trailing shield (TS) has a slanted face that is generally parallel to and spaced from the slanted WP, with a nonmagnetic gap layer located between the slanted face of the TS and the slanted WP.
US08018678B1
A method for providing a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is disclosed. The method comprises: providing a stop layer; providing an insulating layer over the stop layer; forming a pole trench in the insulating layer by performing a reactive ion etching (RIE) process in the insulating layer over the stop layer; forming an electronic lapping guide (ELG) in the insulating layer by performing the RIE process in the insulating layer over the stop layer; and providing a PMR pole in which at least a portion of the PMR pole resides in the pole trench.
US08018676B2
Improved writability and a reduction in adjacent track erasure are achieved in a PMR writer with a large flare angle of 45 and 90 degrees in the main write pole and a full side shield or partial side shield configuration around the narrow write pole section and write pole tip. A trailing shield is formed above the write pole's top surface and a full or partial side shield section is spaced a certain distance from each side of the write pole. The partial side shield has a thickness less than that of the write pole and a top or bottom surface about coplanar with the pole tip's top or bottom edge, respectively. The partial side shield may include two sections on each side of the write pole wherein the bottom surface of a top section is separated by a certain distance from the top surface of a bottom section.
US08018674B2
According to one embodiment, in a disk drive, a voice coil motor is controlled to cause a head to minutely vibrate in a radial direction on a track of a disk. When the voice coil motor vibrates the head in the radial direction of the disk, frictional force occurring between the disk and the head is calculated based on the driving force of the voice coil motor generated to vibrate and detected positional information, thereby measuring frictional characteristics.
US08018673B2
A disk drive. The disk drive includes a plurality of head-sliders, an actuator, a plurality of clearance adjustment sections, and a controller. Each head-slider includes a slider and a magnetic-recording head on the slider for accessing a disk for storing data. The plurality of head-sliders is secured to the actuator that is configured to move the plurality of head-sliders concurrently. Each clearance adjustment section corresponds to each head-slider of the plurality of head-sliders and adjusts a clearance of the corresponding head-slider. In addition, the controller is configured to position the actuator by servo control with a first head-slider selected from the plurality of head-sliders, to change a clearance of a second head-slider different from the first head-slider by controlling a clearance adjustment section of the second head-slider to bring the second head-slider into contact with a disk, and to detect the contact to measure the clearance of the second head-slider.
US08018666B2
Provided is a lens-driving unit reduced in size and improved in durability. A first flexible printed wiring board of the lens-driving unit has a terminal on one side connected to a first piezoelectric motor and lead in parallel to an optical axis, and the other side connected to a unit for power supply and control, in a loop shape gently bent to an opposite direction to the leading direction. A second flexible printed wiring board of it has a terminal on one side connected to a piezoelectric motor and lead in parallel to the optical axis, and the other side connected to a unit for power supply and control, in a loop shape gently bent to the opposite direction to the leading direction. At such reference plane a structure symmetrically having the second and the first flexible printed wiring board with respect to a reference plane, is employed.
US08018664B2
A housing structure has a frame structure 1 on which there are arranged via connecting elements 7 several optical elements 5 which are held in mounts 6 or structural modules 6′. The optical elements 5 are detachably connected to the frame structure 1 with their mounts 6 or structural modules 6′ and connecting elements 7 in such a way that in the installed state they are integrated as bearing units in the frame structure 1.
US08018659B2
An image forming optical system comprising, in order from the object side: a first lens group G1 that is fixed during zooming and includes a reflecting optical element for bending an optical path; a second lens group G2 having a negative refracting power and movable during zooming; a third lens group G3 having a positive refracting power; a fourth lens group G4 having a positive refracting power; and a rearmost lens group GR, wherein during zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end, the third lens group G3 moves on the optical axis toward the object side, characterized in that the rearmost lens group GR satisfies the following condition: 0.95<βRw<2.5 . . . (1-1).
US08018656B2
A lens array unit includes first and second lens array plates that oppose each other on opposite sides of a support member. Each of the lens array plates supports a set of lenses that are arranged in one direction and that have optical axes extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. The bending rigidity of the support member in the direction that the optical axes extend is higher than the bending rigidity of the first lens array plate in that direction.
US08018639B2
Ligand exchange of thermochromic, LETC, systems exhibiting a reversible change in absorbance of electromagnetic radiation as the temperature of the system is reversibly changed are described. The described LETC systems include one or more than one transition metal ion, which experiences thermally induced changes in the nature of the complexation or coordination around the transition metal ion(s) and, thereby, the system changes its ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation as the temperature changes.
US08018633B2
An update performing unit repeatedly performs an updating process by controlling a second reference point setting unit to set a plurality of second reference points that are uniformly distributed in a subspace in the second color space; a calculation unit to calculate color differences between a set of fifth color data for each second reference point in the subspace and a single first reference point; a first judging unit to judge whether or not the smallest color difference among all the color differences with respect to each of the second reference points in the subspace is smaller than a color difference registered at the single first reference point; and a updating unit to update, if the first judging unit judges that the smallest color difference is smaller than the color difference, a set of fourth color data, that is already registered at the single first reference point, to a set of fourth color data for the each second reference point in the subspace.
US08018615B2
A printing apparatus is provided. The printing apparatus includes a first medium holder and a second medium holder, at least one print head, at least one print head drive unit, at least two holder drive units, at least one ink cartridge, and a cooperation controlling system to control printing operations in the printing apparatus. The printing operations include a first printing operation, a first pre-print operation, a first after-print operation, a second printing operation, a second pre-print operation, and a second after-print operation. One of redundant behaviors included in the first after-print operation and the second pre-print operation is omitted by the cooperation controlling system when the second printing operation is conducted successively to the first printing operation.
US08018608B2
An image forming device includes a unit for storing received print data in a nonvolatile memory, and for determining whether or not the desired number of prints of the print data is equal to or greater than a previously set threshold value, a unit for printing the desired number of prints of the print data if the desired number of prints is less than the previously set threshold value, and erasing the print data stored in the memory, and a unit for printing the desired number of copies of the print data if the desired number of prints is equal to or greater than the previously set threshold value, and holding the print data in the memory.
US08018603B2
A paper type determination device of the invention drives plural light emitting points different from one another and having sequentially increasing distances from a reference point to emit light in such a manner that each is identified for irradiating one surface of a sheet of paper subjected to determination. A photodetection device set at a specific detection field of view having the center at the reference point is disposed on the other surface side of the sheet of paper, and it receives light having passed through the sheet of paper from the respective light emitting points at positions on inside and outside of the detection field of view to detect intensity of light for each light emitting point. A diffusing characteristic of the sheet of paper is obtained on the basis of the intensity of light from each light emitting point detected by the photodetection device, and a paper type is determined on the basis of the diffusing characteristic.
US08018590B2
A system includes an optical sensor that optically measures and spatially resolves in three dimensions at least one chemical species within a flame produced by a device and a component that correlates the three dimensionally measured at least one chemical species to at least one parameter of the device.
US08018588B2
An apparatus for forming a solid sample from a sample solution and then analyzing the solid sample to determine the solid form of the sample is provided. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings, a film on which the solid sample can be deposited, and a sheet. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings and a sheet on which the sample can be deposited. The apparatus may comprise the formation unit of a system for forming a solid sample and analyzing the solid sample. The system may further comprise an analysis unit comprising the film and/or sheet with the solid samples and a spacer unit attached to the film after it has been removed from the formation unit. Methods for using the apparatus and/or system of the present invention are also provided.
US08018584B1
Methods and systems for locating a portable device in an enclosure having a location defining a virtual wall are provided. The system includes first and second infrared (IR) transmitters directed to opposite sides of the virtual wall. Each of the transmitters is configured to selectively transmit an interfering IR signal (IIS) and a data signal including a corresponding transmitter location ID.
US08018582B2
Provided is a detection apparatus of Raman scattering and light scattering, and more particularly, a simultaneous detection apparatus of Raman scattering and dynamic light scattering and a detection method using the same. The simultaneous detection apparatus of Raman scattering and light scattering includes: a detection unit for applying incident light to a sample, and detecting Raman scattering in 90° or 180° geometry and light scattering in 90° or 180° geometry in order to simultaneously collect Raman scattering and light scattering; and a computer connected to the detection unit to obtain at least one of the size and distribution of particles from the detected light scattering, and to obtain information of the molecular structure from the detected Raman scattering. This apparatus may simultaneously observe the size of nano-sized or larger material and molecular information thereof, and phenomena accompanying changes in molecular environment according to material variation and changes of the material in size and distribution, and thus is very useful for studying nano materials and protein antigens and antibodies.
US08018575B2
A hydrostatic pad (32) and a hydrostatic pad (34) hold a wafer (W) and a table (TB) on which the wafer is mounted. The hydrostatic pad (32) maintains the distance between the bearing surface and the wafer (W) in the direction of the optical axis of a projection optical system (PL) at a predetermined value. Further, since the hydrostatic pads, unlike static gas bearings, utilize the static pressure of incompressible fluid (liquid) between the bearing surface and a support object (substrate), the rigidity of the bearing is high and the distance between the bearing surface and the substrate is maintained stable and constant. In addition, liquid (e.g., pure water) is higher in viscosity than gas (e.g., air), and is superior in vibration damping compared to gas. Accordingly, pattern transfer on a wafer (substrate) substantially free from defocus can be achieved, without necessarily having to arrange a focal position detection system.
US08018565B2
A horizontal electric field-type liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of scanning lines that are disposed parallel to each other, a common wiring, a plurality of signal lines that are disposed in a direction for intersecting the plurality of scanning lines, a switching element that is disposed near an intersection between the scanning line and the signal line, a first electrode formed in an area partitioned by the scanning line and the signal line, and a second electrode that is formed to be overlapped with the first electrode though an insulation film disposed on the first electrode and has a plurality of slits in the shape of a stripe. A shield electrode formed of a conductive material is formed on the surface of the insulation film disposed on the scanning line, and the shield electrode is connected to the common wiring through a contact hole formed on the common wiring.
US08018563B2
Composite transparent conductors are described, which comprise a primary conductive medium based on metal nanowires and a secondary conductive medium based on a continuous conductive film.
US08018562B2
An LCD display element is provided that achieves a uniform LCD display panel by arranging individual LCD display elements side-by-side. The margin areas outside of the viewing field in the vicinity of the left and the right lateral edges of the LCD display element are configured to be equally narrow. The narrow width of the margin areas is achievable because row leads do not contact the row electrodes at one of their ends, but rather are routed in the spacing areas between individual column electrodes. Moreover, the electrical contact points are located in the spacing areas. In this manner, the wide lateral margin in the area of the contact points of the row electrodes, as in conventional LCD display elements, is avoided. Because the row leads are routed on the interior of the first cover plate, no contact strip is necessary in the area of penetration through the adhesive rim.
US08018560B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device comprises a first substrate having a grooved surface profile; an alignment film layer of inorganic material formed on the grooved surface and having the grooved surface profile, the alignment film of inorganic material being aligned in response to an ion beam incident to the grooved surface in a direction parallel to a groove direction; a second substrate aligned opposite the first substrate for forming a plurality of LCD cells having liquid crystal (LC) material deposited therein, wherein LC molecules align parallel to the grooves for enhanced LCD performance.
US08018557B2
A retardation compensator 40 for compensating for residual retardation of a liquid crystal panel 11 includes a retardation compensating plate 50 having birefringence. An in-plane retardation R0c of the retardation compensating plate 50 and an in-plane retardation R0p of the liquid crystal panel 11 satisfy a relationship of 1
US08018554B2
A liquid crystal device, in which a liquid crystal layer is held between a pair of substrates, includes a plurality of pixels and a retardation layer. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a transmissive display area and a reflective display area. The retardation layer is arranged at a position that at least overlaps the reflective display areas and on an inner surface side of the pair of substrates. The retardation layer is formed so as to extend over the reflective display areas of at least two adjacent pixels among the plurality of pixels. The retardation layer has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is located on one of the two adjacent pixels. The second end portion is opposite the first end portion and located on the other pixel of the two adjacent pixels.
US08018548B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel PNL including a pair of mutually opposed substrates, a display section which is composed of a plurality of matrix-arrayed display pixels, and a peripheral region surrounding the display section, a driving circuit, which drives the display pixels, a controller which controls the driving circuit, and a power supply circuit which supplies power to the driving circuit and the controller, wherein the controller and the power supply circuit are built in a 1-chip system IC and are disposed on the peripheral region.
US08018547B2
A protective covering for a LCD display is provided. The protective covering includes a sheet-like front portion, which rests over the surface of the LCD display when in use, a top portion that extends backwards from the sheet-like front portion, a back portion that extends downward from the top portion, and a pair of tabs that extend inward from the back portion such that the protective covering can be secured in place over the LCD monitor.
US08018542B2
A display substrate includes a base substrate, a conductive line on the base substrate, a switching element and a testing member. The switching element includes a first electrode formed on the semiconductor layer pattern and electrically connected to the conductive line, and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode and semiconductor layer pattern. The testing member includes a conductive line testing portion that is formed from the same layer as the conductive line and an electrode testing portion that is formed from the same layer as the first electrode. The conductive line testing portion and the electrode testing portion have substantially the same width as the conductive line and the first electrode, respectively. The testing member also includes a semiconductor layer testing portion. The display substrate lends itself to efficient manufacturing with reduced process time and cost.
