US08262516B2
A device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking or handling of a ball. A first version includes a ball attached by a tether to a vertical pole. The pole and tether limit the ball's freedom and allows the ball to rotate about the pole and return to a trainee after being struck by the trainee. A second version provides a frame mounted on the pole whereby the tether is attached to a top section of the pole. A third version includes a frame that rotates about the pole and may accept a plurality of tether attachments. Another version includes a single or double loop attached to the ball through which the tether extends. Yet another version includes a harness that encircles a ball. The ball may be a soccer ball, a baseball, a volleyball, an American football, a medicine ball or a basketball.
US08262511B2
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a soft thermoset rubber center, a stiff thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thin thermoset rubber outer core layer. The maximum hardness of the core is a point or region located at a distance of from 0.1 mm to 8.0 mm measured radially inward from the outer surface of the core. The maximum core hardness is preferably at least 10% greater than the outer surface hardness of the core.
US08262504B2
A method for surface treating a golf club head, includes: (a) forming a depression unit in the golf club head, the depression unit being indented inwardly from an outer surface of the golf club head, the outer surface being divided into a working area and a non-working area, the depression unit being formed in the working area; (b) filling the depression unit with a shielding material and covering the non-working area with a covering material; and (c) sandblasting the golf club head after step (b) and removing subsequently the shielding material from the depression unit and the covering material from the non-working area so as to form the working area into sandblasted and non-sandblasted regions that differ in gloss intensity.
US08262500B2
A golf club shaft formed by winding prepregs made of uncured thermosetting resin into a tapered shape and curing the prepregs thermally, the prepregs include a first woven fabric prepreg which is made of one of a triaxial woven fabric or a tetra-axial woven fabric that are impregnated with uncured thermosetting resin, and a second woven fabric prepreg which is made of one of a triaxial woven fabric or a tetra-axial woven fabric that are impregnated with uncured thermosetting resin.
US08262491B2
A driveshaft assembly for a vehicle includes a tube having a first end and a second end. The driveshaft assembly also includes a first member configured to transmit torque. A portion of the first member is provided within the first end of the tube and is coupled to an inner surface of the tube by a weld. The driveshaft assembly also includes a second member configured to transmit torque. A portion of the second member is provided within the second end tube and is coupled to the inner surface of the tube by a weld. The first and second members are configured to have axes of rotation that are collinear with an axis of rotation of the tube such that when the first and second members are coupled to the tube, no further alignment between the tube, the first member, and the second member is required.
US08262489B2
A shaft member includes a plurality of shaft splines and a shaft preloading portion. The assembly also includes a collar member adjustably coupled to the shaftmember and having a collar member groove and a preloading portion formed therein; a first member having a first member groove and a plurality of first member splines formed therein; and a retaining member selectively at least partially interposed within both the collar member groove and the first member groove for restraining axial movement between the shaft member and the collar member. At least a portion of the first member groove and at least a portion of the collar member groove are selectively aligned when the shaft member is at least partially interposed within the first member to permit the retaining member to be at least partially positioned within both the first member groove and the collar member groove.
US08262485B2
A vibration damper (2) that is effective in the direction of rotation of a drive shaft and has a small radial extension. For this purpose, a first shaft part (6) is provided as a sleeve (8) and a second shaft part (7) is provided as an inner part extending axially into the sleeve (8). The two shaft parts (6, 7) engage via rotary drivers in complementary negative profiles (15, 16) of an interposed elastic damper part (10) in the direction of rotation. In addition to the negative profiles, the damper part may be provided with recesses (40) which modify its damping characteristics.
US08262483B2
A processor of a game terminal estimates energy consumption of a hypothetical player, assuming that the hypothetical player performs at least one reference dance for a play period, on the basis of a step-sequence data element describing the reference dance. The processor of the game terminal generates a data item describing a value corresponding to the estimated energy consumption, and writes, into an in-terminal memory unit, the data item as a difficulty-level data item describing the difficulty level of the reference dance.
US08262473B2
Disclosed herein is an amusement device, the amusement device having: a display device rotatably mounted to a structure, the display device being configured to create a plurality of images via a persistence of vision effect; a device for rotating the display device; a sensor for determining whether an object has hit one of the plurality of images; a microcontroller in operable communication with the sensor and the display device, the microcontroller changing the appearance of at least one of the plurality of images when the sensor determines that an object has hit at least one of the plurality of images.
US08262471B2
Relationships among player characters in a video game, including parent-child relationships, can be formed. In addition, death and reincarnation of player characters can be employed as features of the video game.
US08262468B1
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for operating a multiuser online game with viral dynamic rewards.
US08262466B2
A network browser and toolbar objects are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar objects can be on a wagering game toolbar that is a part of the network browser. The toolbar objects indicate information associated with wagering games. The network browser and the toolbar objects can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar objects can cross market affiliate content and wagering game content using features of the toolbar.
US08262463B2
The present invention provides a game system (10) having a game terminal (20) and a communication apparatus (30). A processor (29) of the game terminal (20) receives a command from a participant player during a play of a game, counts the number of inputs for each command, and transmits count result data indicating the result to a communication apparatus (30). A processor (33) of the communication apparatus (30) receives and aggregates the data, identifies, based on the result, a command for which the number of inputs exceeds a predetermined standard value, and transmits to game terminal (20) setting data in association with the identified command, the setting data indicating a weighting factor that has smaller effect on a play result than a weighting factor set to the command. The processor (29) receives this and updates weighting factor data indicating a weighting factor set to a corresponding command so as to indicate the weighting factor by the received setting data.
US08262461B2
A process generates, with a wager slip generation apparatus, a plurality of wager slips corresponding to a hybrid game such that each wager slip indicates a plurality of parallel matrices that each has a set of corresponding parallel matrix specific numbers. Further, the process generates, with a prize category display module, a display that indicates a spot prize that is won by a player having a predetermined number of matched parallel matrices. Each matched parallel matrix having a match between a spot quantity of numbers selected by the player from the set of corresponding parallel matrix specific numbers and a quantity of randomly drawn numbers from the set of corresponding parallel matrix specific numbers. In addition, the process receives, from each player, a selection of the spot quantity of numbers corresponding to each parallel matrix generated on one of the plurality of wager slips.
US08262449B2
A card game playing method, for performing a basic game and a side game, is provided, and includes the steps of: (a) dealing player's cards to a player having accepted participation entry, and dealing banker's cards to a banker, from a first card set consisting of plural kinds of cards, while in the basic game; (b) determining player's cards dealt to a player having accepted in excess of the number of players, based upon cards excluding the banker's cards dealt based upon the first card set, among the first card set and a second card set consisting of cards included in the first card set, in a case where the number of players having accepted the participation exceeds a predetermined number of players; (c) dealing the player's cards dealt in the step (b) to a player having accepted participation, while in the basic game; (d) determining a winner or loser, and paying out a payment, by comparing the players' cards with the banker's cards, while in the basic game; and (e) comparing all the players' cards in the basic game with the banker's cards, and paying out a payment of a jackpot to a player having a winning combination with a high payment among plural kinds of winning combinations, while in the side game.
US08262442B2
The invention concerns an energy management method in a building including a lifting installation with a mobile car in a shaft and a ventilation passage between the shaft and the atmosphere. The method includes the monitoring of at least one state parameter of the lifting installation; the evaluation, in a control unit, of the necessity to ventilate the shaft based on at least one state parameter; the switching of an obturator element associated with the ventilation passage from an open position, wherein the ventilation passages is essentially open, to a closed position, wherein the ventilation passages is at least partially obturated, only when the evaluation indicates that ventilation of the shaft is not required, the obturator element being prestressed in its open position. The invention also concerns an energy management system designed to implement the method according to. The present method and system are particularly suitable for installation of a lift in a low-energy or passive building.
US08262437B2
A glass polishing system includes a lower unit capable of rotating a glass placed at a fixed position, an upper unit capable of contacting with the glass and being passively rotated due to the rotation of the glass, and a moving unit for moving the upper unit in a horizontal and/or vertical direction. The upper unit includes a platter installed to a spindle of the moving unit, a separative platter separatably installed to the platter and having a polishing pad contacting with the glass, and a vacuum chuck for fixing the separative platter with respect to the platter by means of vacuum.
US08262435B2
A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion includes: (A) an amino acid, (B) abrasive grains, (C) a surfactant, (D) an oxidizing agent, and (E) ammonia, the ratio (WA/WD) of the content (WA) of the amino acid to the content (WD) of the oxidizing agent being 1.5 to 6.0, and the ratio (WE/WD) of the content (WE) of the ammonia to the content (WD) of the oxidizing agent being 0.05 to 0.6.
US08262434B2
A method is provided for molding a breast-receiving cup for a garment, comprising laminating a support fabric to a lofted material to form a lofted assembly, positioning the lofted assembly in a molding apparatus having a first mold with a projecting element and a second mold having a recessed element, and closing together the first mold and the second mold while maintaining a uniform preset gap between the projecting element and the recessed element to form a molded lofted assembly in the shape of a breast-receiving cup.
US08262422B1
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing having a protrusion with a pivot pillar at a top thereof. A connecting terminal is positioned in the insulating housing and has a base plate, a connecting plate, a side plate and a clipping piece slantwise extending inward from a rear edge of the connecting plate. A clipping terminal has a resisting board against the side plate, a clipping board inclined towards the clipping piece and a bend portion connecting the resisting board and the clipping board to be put around the protrusion. A rear edge of the clipping board slantwise extends inward to form a resisting arm having a buckling block at a top thereof. A whirling element is pivoted to the pivot pillar and defining a buckling hole for buckling the buckling block. The rotation of the whirling element drives the clipping board to secure or set free a cable.
US08262418B2
Implantable medical devices include headers having various features such as a modular design whereby the header is constructed from a series of stacked contact modules. Additional features include a feedthrough where pins exiting a housing of the implantable medical device extend into the header to make direct electrical connection to electrical contacts present within the header where those electrical contacts directly engage electrical connectors of leads inserted into the header. Other features include electrical contacts that are relatively thin conductors on the order of 0.040 inches or less and may include radial protrusions where the radial protrusions establish contact with the electrical connectors of the lead. Furthermore, electrical contacts may be mounted within the header in a floating manner so that radial movement of the electrical contact may occur during lead insertion.
US08262408B1
A structure for the back end of repairable connectors, applicable for a variety of RF connectors, that facilitates superior mechanical and electrical characteristics of the resulting coax cable assembly. Also disclosed is a method of attaching one of various repairable connectors to coax cable that is both simple and stronger than existing methods. The outside insulation is removed from the end of the cable and the braiding is folded back out of the way. Depending on the number of layers of braiding, this step may be performed more than once. The dielectric surrounding the center conductor is then trimmed to expose the conductor. In one embodiment, a pin is soldered in-line with the center conductor. The connector is then placed on one end of the prepared cable and the braiding is unfolded. A band is then applied to secure the braiding against the connector, making a strong bond.
US08262407B2
Methods and apparatus for reducing distortion in signals propagating through cables at data rates of at least 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) are provided. By connecting such direct attach cables with an active cable extender assembly described herein, data signals may be reshaped, retimed, and/or emphasized in an effort to increase the cable length between network devices while still complying with the signal quality requirements of communication standards, such as the SFF-8431 MSA, the SFF-8461 MSA, and the IEEE 802.3ba CR4/10 standards for Ethernet communications. Copper cable solutions with such increased cable length possible between network devices may provide substantial cost reduction when compared to optical cable solutions. Furthermore, by potentially increasing the signal quality effectively transmitted by a host, solutions utilizing embodiments of the present invention may guarantee host-to-host interoperability.
US08262406B2
A connector housing with an angled strain relief element is separably fixed thereon in different directions. The housing includes an insulating body with a square collar around an opening, wherein the collar features a peripheral recess with interlocking recesses. The angled strain relief element features a connection opening that is consistent with this opening, as well as a U-Shaped rail that surrounds the connection openings on three sides. The rail features interlocking tabs and interlocking hooks and can be completely inserted into the recess of the insulating body until it interlocks.
US08262404B2
The invention relates to a terminal block (1) for telecommunications and data systems, comprising a housing, in which first and second contacts (10, 12) for connecting leads are arranged, the first contacts (10) being accessible from the upper side (13) of the housing and the second contacts (12) being accessible from the lower side (14) of the housing, each first and second contact forming a contact pair. Each of said contact pairs has at least one interface, which is accessible from the exterior and is used to connect plugs or magazines, said interface being designed as a bifurcated contact (15) and the first contact (10), second contact (12) and the bifurcated contact (15) forming a one-piece contact element (18). The invention also relates to an associated contact element (18).
US08262396B2
An electrical connector includes a housing, a plurality of contacts received in the housing, a shielding and a handling portion. The housing includes a mating portion and a connecting portion. The shielding includes a first upper cover and a second down cover respectively assembled on the housing from up to down and from down to up. The upper cover and the down cover respectively includes a pair of extending arm to combine to form a fastening portion located on the two sides of the shielding. The handling portion is fixed on the fastening portion and includes a connecting element, and a cover over mode on the connecting element, a pair of fastening arms inserted into the fastening portion of the shielding. The cover is apart from the housing.
US08262387B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an atmosphere heat treatment apparatus that is operable without relying on experiences and/or intuitions of an operator, and a method of operating the same. The atmosphere heat treatment apparatus includes an entrance side exhaust path (26) for exhausting an inside atmosphere from an entrance side of a carburizing chamber (10) to which a transforming gas is supplied, an exit side exhaust path (35) for exhausting the inside atmosphere from an exit side of the heat treatment chamber, and an opening degree adjusting lid (28) attached for adjusting an opening degree of the entrance side exhaust path (26), in which a part or whole of the exit side exhaust path (35) is constituted of a pipe (46) having a predetermined inside diameter. It is checked in advance a relationship of a supplying amount A of the transforming gas with a ratio B:C of an exhaust amount B from the exit side exhaust path (35) and an exhaust amount C from the entrance side exhaust path (26) when a pressure in the carburizing chamber (10) is adjusted to a predetermined furnace pressure by adjusting an opening degree of the entrance side exhaust path (26) with the opening degree adjusting lid (28), and when treating a work (W), the supplying amount A of the transforming gas and a furnace pressure are adjusted so as to control the ratio B:C of the exhaust amount B from the exit side exhaust path (35) and the exhaust amount C from the entrance side exhaust path (26) to be within a predetermined range.
US08262386B2
Burner (5) for a gas burning hand tool (1), of the type comprising an elongated burner body (21), associated at opposite ends of the body with a gas injection zone (17) and a gas combustion zone (19). The gas injection zone (17) comprises at least one outlet orifice (35) terminating flush on the outside of the periphery (25) of the burner body (21), this periphery (25) promoting the circulation of the gas outside the burner body (21) to the combustion zone (19). Gas burning hand tool equipped with a burner of this type.
US08262380B2
An exemplary injection mold for manufacturing a fiber optic connector includes a first mold, a second mold, an insert, two first positioning bar, and four second positioning bars. The first mold and the second mold cooperatively define a mold cavity. The mold cavity includes two lens molding recesses. The two inserts are attached to the second mold and located in the mold cavity. A dimension of each second bar in cross section is substantially smaller than that of each first positioning bar. One first positioning bar and two second positioning bars are arranged around each insert to position the insert, such that the inserts is suspended in the mold cavity and precisely aligns with the respective molding recesses.
US08262373B2
A compressor comprising a shell, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, a drive shaft for operating the compression mechanism, and a motor for driving the drive shaft. A terminal is secured to the shell for delivering electric current to at least one of the compression mechanism and the motor. A terminal block is engaged with the terminal, and a wire carries the electric current from the terminal and the terminal block. A wire retainer located relative to the compression mechanism supports the wire in a predetermined orientation within the shell.
US08262367B2
A metering body for a chemical injection system comprises a free piston having a pair of mechanically-actuated poppet valves which may individually open to permit fluid to pass from one side of the free piston to the other. The free piston slides within a cylinder having cylinder heads at opposing ends. Input/output ports are provided in the cylinder heads. In a preferred embodiment, the poppet valves have actuators that extend beyond the opposing faces of the free piston. If one face of the piston moves to within a predetermined distance of a cylinder head, the actuator contacts the cylinder head and further movement of the piston causes the corresponding poppet valve to open, permitting fluid to flow through the piston. In this way, a fault-tolerant system may be implemented. If a power interruption or other failure of the controller occurs, the system will continue to supply fluid at the most recently selected flow rate. When power is restored (or the fault is corrected), the controller causes a valve to reverse the flow of fluid through the metering body and the spring-loaded poppet valve will close as the free piston moves away from the cylinder head.
US08262364B2
A wind turbine blade includes an upper shell member and a lower shell member defining an internal cavity therebetween. The shell members are joined with a bond paste along bond lines at the leading edge and trailing edge of the blade. A seal member is disposed between the upper and lower shell members at a designed width of the bond line along at least one of the trailing or leading edges. The seal member comprises a dam on each of the lower and upper shell members that overlap in a mated configuration of the shell members.
US08262357B2
The tip cooling arrangement of the present application reduces large cooling flow requirements which can compromise turbine performance. The tip cooling arrangement of the present application provides convective cooling of a turbine blade tip end, whether a flat tip or a squealer, by extending holes that provide fluid for film cooling the tip end. The holes are thus lengthened and extend from the relatively cooler suction side of the blade to the pressure side of the blade in close proximity to the floor of the tip end.
US08262356B2
A cover member defining a rotor chamber adjacent to a rotor wheel that supports a rotating blade in a turbine includes a first aperture for introducing a cooling gas stream into the rotor chamber, and a second aperture positioned in a radially outward portion of the cover member for allowing a portion of the cooling gas stream to exit the rotor chamber. The portion of the cooling gas stream exiting the rotor chamber carries dirt particles to purge the rotor chamber.
US08262334B2
The present invention is a system (1) for unloading or loading cargo which for example is packed in boxes (16). The system includes first transport (5) with a handling apparatus (6) and a second longitudinally variable transport (8). The first transport (5) transports cargo (16) to and from the second transport (8). The handling apparatus (6) includes a conveyor (19) for transporting cargo (6) to or from the first transport (5). The handling apparatus (6) furthermore includes a movable handler (13) that interacts with the conveyor (19) and which engages the cargo (16).
US08262331B2
A novel fastener is provided which includes an expanding sleeve for receiving a pin where the pin has shank terminating at a first end in a pin head and terminating at a second end in an externally threaded portion of the pin. The expanding sleeve may include a hollow tubular shank terminating at a first end in a sleeve head and having an opening at a second sleeve end for receiving the pin. The sleeve head include an internal sleeve head surface for engagement with an external pin head side surface when in an assembled position. When the pin and expanding sleeve in the assembled position are inserted into an aperture in a structure, a gap is formed between the aperture and an outer surface of the expanding sleeve. The outer surface of the expanding sleeve radially expands outward into the aperture filling the gap upon engagement of the internal face of the sleeve head and the external pin head surface.
US08262328B2
A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.
US08262323B2
A clamping mechanism clamps a cutting insert in a tool body. The clamping mechanism has a clamping arm seated within a clamping arm pocket. The clamping arm includes a clamping protrusion extending rearwardly from a rear surface of the clamping arm. The cutting insert has a bore having an insert retaining surface and is seated within an insert pocket. Upon tightening the clamping arm into the tool body, the clamping protrusion presses against the insert retaining surface and the cutting insert is securely abutted within the insert pocket.
US08262321B1
This invention relates to the creation of man-made islands and other like floating structures using composite materials, such as plastic foam coated with a Fiber Reinforced Coating (FRC), such as Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC).
US08262307B1
A kit comprising various devices for supplying condiments thereto foodstuffs and stored therein a case is herein disclosed. The kit incorporates interchangeable brushes similar to a basting brush that threadably engages a squeezable condiment bottle containing catsup, mustard, barbecue sauce, glazes and the like. Unlike existing packaging, the condiments travel by squeeze pressure through a bottle opening, through a hollow handle, and subsequently onto bristles of an attached brush for application. The brush has a sanitary cover for storage and also comprises additional interchangeable cooking implements, such as, but not limited to flow tips and extension pieces.
US08262305B2
The present disclosure provides a package for storing and applying a liquid or semi-liquid composition to an exposed surface. The package has a body having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity located between the first and second ends wherein the first and second sides connect the first end to the second end, and an opening at the first end. A liquid or semi-liquid composition, meant to be applied to the surface, is located and stored in the interior cavity of the body. A substrate is included over the opening of the package capable of transferring the liquid or semi-liquid composition onto the surface. In an exemplary aspect, the package further includes a cover portion positioned over the opening which encloses the substrate and seals the opening in the package.
US08262304B2
A combination pen and highlighter includes a body, at least one anchor which connects the body to an extendable highlighter and a button for manipulating the highlighter. The combination uses two separate springs to lock the highlighter in either a closed position or a highlighter extended position.
US08262296B2
A connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a receiving slot (121) formed therein and a post (1221) protruding forwardly towards the receiving slot (121); a set of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing; an optical module (3) for transmitting optical data and being movably received in the receiving slot along a front-to-back direction; and a compression coil spring (4) sandwiched between the insulative housing and the optical module, and having a front end for biasing the optical module (3) forwardly and a rear end for being retained on the post (1221).
US08262290B2
A bearing element 7 has rolling bodies 3, having an inner raceway, an outer raceway and adjacent rolling bodies 3 which are arranged rotatably between the inner and the outer raceways via a cage 4 for holding the rolling bodies 3. At least one porous element 6, 13, 16 is provided for accommodating lubricant for the bearing element 7.
US08262278B2
A mixing tool is provided for mixing, in a mixing container, plural materials including a first material and a second material. The mixing tool has a shaft and a first mixing member. The first mixing member has a visual reference for indicating when a predetermined volume of the first material is deposited in the mixing container.
US08262274B2
Light guides and backlight systems are disclosed that include one or more groups of geometric light redirectors whose density and/or orientation across the surface of a light guide varies to improve light emission uniformity and to reduce visual artifacts.
US08262268B2
An exterior mirror vision system includes a driver-side exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at a driver side of a vehicle and a passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at a passenger side of the vehicle. The driver-side exterior mirror assembly includes a mounting portion configured for mounting at the driver side of the vehicle, a driver-side exterior mirror housing, and a driver-side reflective element. The driver-side exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a driver-side light module and a driver-side camera. The passenger-side exterior mirror assembly includes a mounting portion configured for mounting at the passenger side of the vehicle, a passenger-side exterior mirror housing, and a passenger-side reflective element. The passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a passenger-side light module and a passenger-side camera. The driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera may be part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle.
US08262259B2
A light emitting diode device is provided. The light emitting diode device comprises a composite substrate and a light emitting diode disposed on the composite substrate. The composite substrate comprises a first carbon fiber composite layer which is able to conduct heat rapidly in the direction of carbon fiber, such that the heat generated from the light emitting diode module can be dissipated rapidly.
US08262258B2
An adapter plate is provided that fits an existing luminaire in place of an existing globe that mounts to the luminaire. A heat sink mates to the adapter plate and also houses a solid state light engine and associated electronics. The heat sink may provide an enclosed, protective volume for the associated electronics, such as a power supply for the solid state light engine. A globe mounting ring attached to the heat sink allows either an existing globe to be re-mounted or a new globe to be installed.
US08262257B2
The invention provides an illumination device (10) comprising (a) a light emitting diode (LED), (b) a heat sink (85) and (c) a self-supporting grid (500). This grid (500) is arranged downstream of the LED (20) and arranged so as to be in contact with the heat sink 85. The self-supporting grid (500) comprises a plurality of grid structures (501) and a plurality of grid openings 502) between the grid structures (501). At least part of the total number of grid openings (502) encloses luminescent material (51), thereby providing luminescent material-filled grid openings (551). The luminescent material (51) is arranged to absorb at least part of the LED emission (21) and emit luminescent material emission (13). The LED (20) and the luminescent material (51) are arranged to provide light (115) of a predetermined color downstream of the self-supporting grid (500).
US08262253B2
A lighting system including a light-emitting diode cradle securing at least one light-emitting diode and a modular unit comprising an arcuate portion, the arcuate portion comprising at least one diffusive reflective surface adapted to receive and reflect light from the at least one light-emitting diode. The lighting system further includes a diffusive transmissive element adapted to receive light reflected by the diffusive reflective surface and provide diffused light to an area requiring illumination.
US08262252B2
The illumination system has an array of light sources (1, 1′, . . . ) such as an array of light emitting diodes arranged in a pre-determined manner in a first plane (11), wherein dsource is a characteristic dimension of the spatial arrangement of the light sources in the first plane. An array of associated lenses (2, 2′, . . . ) is arranged in substantially the same pre-determined manner in a second plane (12). Each lens has substantially the same focal distance flens. The array of lenses is provided at a plane distance dplane from the array of light sources. The plane distance dplane is substantially equal to the focal distance flens of the lenses. The illumination system has displacement means for displacing the array of lenses with respect to the array of light sources so as to obtain a plurality of directional light beams projecting spots on a projection plane arranged at a projection distance dprojection from the illumination system, wherein dprojection≧10×dsource and dprojection≧10×dplane.
US08262247B2
A method and apparatus for directing a flashlight is provided. The apparatus comprises: a base; a receptacle mechanically coupled to the base; a clip mechanically coupled to the opposite side of the base capable of securing the apparatus to an article of clothing; and one or more hinges mechanically coupled to the base and receptacle, and optionally one or more straps mechanically coupled to the receptacle for attaching a flashlight to the receptacle. Such apparatus and related methods facilitate directing a flashlight's beam in front of a user while simultaneously securing the flashlight to a user's article of clothing.
US08262244B2
Furniture components, such as office furniture components, that are configured to include electronic components that transfer electrical power to peripheral electronic devices via wireless technologies, including conductive and inductive technologies. The articles of furniture may include grommet devices received within work surfaces, the grommet devices incorporating or housing the electronics of wireless power systems. The articles of furniture may also include the electronics of wireless power systems physically embedded or integrated within work surfaces in a manner in which the continuous surfaces of the work surfaces are maintained, and the work surfaces may optionally further include lighting or other indication features to indicate the locations of the electronics to a user.
US08262240B2
Then invention is related to a rear view mirror attached to a vehicle comprising a mirror housing. The reflective element is fixed in relation to the mirror housing and the mirror housing is movable versus the vehicle by separately extendable elements.
US08262225B2
An eye examination apparatus includes an accommodation power acquisition unit, a corrected accommodation power calculation unit, a drive unit and an accommodative microfluctuation measurement unit. The accommodation power acquisition unit acquires an accommodation power which is determined from a difference between a near point and a distant point of an examined eye. The corrected accommodation power calculation unit calculates an integrated value of the accommodation power and a correction coefficient. The drive unit drives a vision target in a direction of an optical axis of the examined eye. The accommodative microfluctuation measurement unit controls the drive unit to cause the vision target to be arranged onto a corrected accommodation position corresponding to the integrated value, such that the accommodative microfluctuation measurement unit measures an eye accommodation function based on a frequency of appearance of a high frequency component representative of ciliary body accommodative microfluctuation.
US08262224B2
A binocular indirect ophthalmoscope that is adapted to be worn on a wearer's head includes a headband and illumination housing having an illumination source and a viewer module wherein the viewer module is moveable between an in-use and an out-of-use position. A mounting assembly is provided for allowing the viewer module to be pivoted between the in-use and the out-of-use positions and also allows adjustment and locking to the wearer's face in the in-use position. The mounting assembly includes a magnetic securement of the viewer module in both the in-use and out-of-use positions. Part of the magnetic securement operates as an electrical contact to automatically provide power to the illumination source in the in-use position. An optical polarizer provides intensity adjustment of the light energy transmitted to the eye being examined. Preferably the illumination source is a light emitting diode.
US08262222B2
A method for correcting aberrations of the eye applied to an ophthalmic instrument operating with an analysis light beam, including: measurement of aberrations of the eye capable of interfering with the analysis beam, correction of the phase of the wave front of the analysis beam as a function of the measured values of the aberrations, measurement of eye movements carried out independently of the measurement of aberrations, and modification of the correction of the phase of the wave front of the analysis beam as a function of the measurement of eye movements.
US08262217B2
The inkjet recording apparatus includes: an inkjet head which forms an image on a recording surface of a recording medium by ejecting ink to be deposited to the recording surface; a roller member which rotates in contact with the recording surface of the recording medium on which the image has been formed; an oil supply device which supplies oil to the roller member, the oil suppressing adherence of the ink to the roller member; a medium holding device which has a medium holding surface on which the recording medium is held while the roller member on which the oil has been deposited is making contact with the recording surface of the recording medium; and a cleaning sheet supply device which supplies a cleaning sheet to the medium holding device when a size of the recording medium is changed and an image is to be formed on a recording surface of the recording medium of large size compared to a size of the recording medium used before the change of size, the cleaning sheet removing the oil adhering to the medium holding surface of the medium holding device.
US08262215B2
Provided is a dot omission inspection method used in a printing apparatus for forming an image constituted by dots of first and second photo-durable inks. In the dot omission inspection method, an arbitrary image is formed by performing liquid droplet discharge of causing a liquid droplet of the first or second ink to be landed on a medium, performing provisional curing of irradiating the landed liquid droplet using light from a first light source so as to be provisionally cured, and performing main curing of irradiating the provisionally cured liquid droplet using light from a second light source to fix the liquid droplet on the medium. An inspection image is formed without performing the provisional curing on the liquid droplet of the first ink landed on the medium by performing the liquid droplet discharge, and by causing the liquid droplet of the second ink to be landed by performing the liquid droplet discharge at the same position as the liquid droplet of the first ink which is not provisionally cured so as to mix the first ink and the second ink with each other.
US08262214B2
An ink jet recording apparatus includes a guide rail extending in a first direction; an ink head that slidably engages with the guide rail and discharges an ultraviolet light curable ink toward a recording medium; an ultraviolet light irradiation device attached to the ink head to move together with the ink head and that irradiates ultraviolet light to the ink discharged on the recording medium; a second head that slidably engages with the guide rail; a carriage that moves along the guide rail; a first connection mechanism that detachably connects the carriage with the ink head; a second connection mechanism that detachably connects the carriage with the second head; and an irradiation prohibition mechanism that prohibits the irradiation by the ultraviolet light irradiation device based on a predetermined condition relating to a connection state between the carriage and the ink head caused by the first connection mechanism.
US08262212B2
A liquid discharging apparatus includes: nozzles which discharge liquid which is cured by the irradiation of electromagnetic waves; an irradiation section which irradiates the electromagnetic waves to dots formed on a medium by the liquid discharged from the nozzles; and a controller which controls the discharging of the liquid from the nozzles and changes the irradiation amount of the electromagnetic waves that the irradiation section irradiates, according to methods of forming the dots.
US08262208B2
According to one aspect of the invention, a remanufacturing method of a liquid container forms an inlet in a certain area, for example, a buffer chamber, other than a specific section including liquid reservoirs and flow paths adjoining to and directly communicating with a bubble trap flow path in the liquid container. In the state of closing a liquid feeder and opening an air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects a liquid through the inlet to fill a space in the upstream of the inlet with the liquid. In the state of opening the liquid feeder and closing the air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects the liquid through the inlet to fill a space in the downstream of the inlet with the liquid. The remanufacturing process seals the inlet after completion of the injection of the liquid. This arrangement enables the liquid to be refilled into the liquid container without damaging the functions of the liquid container.
US08262204B2
Methods and an apparatus are disclosed, wherein a print head die includes a slot and ribs across the slot. The ribs are recessed from one or both sides of the die.
US08262203B2
A liquid ejecting head comprising: a pressure generating chamber substrate having pressure generating chambers; and a piezoelectric element including first conductive layer, piezoelectric layer, and a second conductive layer provided above the pressure generating chamber substrate, wherein the piezoelectric element includes overlapped areas where the pressure generating chamber and the piezoelectric element overlap one another in plan view, the first conductive layer has a longitudinal direction in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and are provided for each of the overlapped areas, the second conductive layer is provided continuously so as to overlap with a plurality of the pressure generating chambers and includes end areas on the side of the ends of the overlapped areas in the first direction, and the end areas are each reduced in width in the second direction as it goes toward the end in the first direction.
US08262201B2
In one embodiment, a printing device includes: a print engine configured to apply marking material to print media; a laser writer configured to expose the print media to a laser beam of sufficient energy to change the reflectivity of exposed portions of the print media; a media path along which the print engine may apply marking material to print media in a macro printing zone and along which the print media may be exposed to a beam of light emitted by the laser writer in a micro printing zone; and an electronic controller operatively connected to the print engine for selectively applying marking material to the print media and to the laser writer for selectively exposing the print media to a laser beam.
US08262199B2
A droplet jetting head that is obtained by bonding a first substrate 22 in which a through hole 20 is formed, and a second substrate 18r having a pressure chamber 12 together with an adhesive 24 is provided wherein an end of a surface of the through hole 20 in the first substrate 22 that contacts the adhesive 24 has a round shape having a curvature radius of from 1 to 100 μm.
US08262195B2
The recording head cleaning apparatus cleans a nozzle surface of a recording head that is disposed at an inclination with respect to horizontal. The recording head cleaning apparatus includes: an application roller having a substantially conical shape of which a circumferential surface holds cleaning liquid and has an inclination corresponding to the inclination of the nozzle surface, an axis of the substantially conical shape being a rotational axis of the application roller; and a rotating device which rotates the application roller on the rotational axis to apply the cleaning liquid to the nozzle surface while not making the application roller in contact with the nozzle surface.
US08262193B2
A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes a jetting head unit which jets liquid droplet from nozzles, and which is displaced in a jetting direction in which the liquid droplets are jetted and in an opposite direction opposite to the jetting direction, a capping mechanism including a cap covering a nozzle opening surface in which the nozzles of the jetting head unit open, and performing a capping operation in which the cap is moved in the opposite direction from a stand-by position, which is away from the nozzle opening surface, to a capping position at which the cap covers the nozzle opening surface, a stopper which is arranged with a spacing distance from the jetting head unit, and which regulates a displacement of the jetting head unit in the opposite direction, and a first buffer which is arranged between the jetting head unit and the stopper.
US08262177B2
A shelf assembly for use in a refrigerator includes a shelf panel and a pair of opposite support rails. The shelf panel has upwardly angled perimeter regions and may comprise a strengthened glass material, such as a transparent strengthened glass material, such as tempered glass. Each of the support rails includes a base portion and an angled portion that extends at an angle from the base portion. The angled portions of the support rails are bonded along the lower surface of the upwardly angled side perimeter regions of the shelf panel.
US08262176B2
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body, a refrigerator door, a homebar door, a basket, and a connecting device. The main body defines a storage compartment. The refrigerator door is pivotably coupled to the main body and defines an opening. The homebar door is on the refrigerator door, to selectively open and close the opening. The basket is pivotably provided on the refrigerator door. The connecting device connects the homebar door and the basket to tilt the basket when the homebar door is pivoted. When the door is pivoted, the basket can easily be tilted.
US08262175B2
A drawer fitting fixes a drawer side to a drawer front panel. The fitting includes a holding plate for mounting the fitting to the drawer front panel, the holding plate having a flange extending in a direction parallel to a drawer side, the flange having forwardly-disposed guide noses, a clamping plate having a forwardly-disposed angled flange, a guide clip mountable on the clamping plate such that the drawer side front end can be positioned between the holding plate flange and the guide clip, the guide clip having resiliently depressible projecting tails and an assembly screw that passes through and couples together the clamping plate and guide clip, and is received in an aperture in the holding plate flange through a recess in the front end of the drawer side.
US08262174B2
A drawer that includes a container and a slide assembly is described. The container includes a receptacle and a lid. The slide assembly includes a slider to move laterally along a longest axis of the slider, and an actuator, coupled to the slider, having a detent contact area. When the slider is moved in a first direction along the axis, the actuator is placed into a first orientation, relative to a latch, in which the detent contact area of the actuator engages the detent of a latch. When the actuator is coupled with the detent of the latch and the slider is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction, the actuator is placed into a second orientation, relative to the latch, in which the actuator actuates the latch, thereby decoupling a fastener from the latch and placing a lid in an open position.
US08262171B2
In order to allow a single operator on a vehicle assembly line to attach a brake servo to a bulkhead by moving round from the engine compartment side to the passenger compartment side, a brake servo is fitted with an adhesive and insulating seal (14). This seal has two adhesive faces and each of the two adhesive faces has a protective film provided with a tab (15, 16); each protective film is of a distinctive color. One of the two protective films has cuts (17) along holes (10) in the seal, these cuts being intended to make it easier for the protective film to be removed as the brake servo is mounted against the bulkhead.
US08262166B2
An arm support, comprising an arm supporting element, connected via a connecting device with a lift device, wherein the arm supporting element has a longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end and is connected via a tilting axis (E) with the connecting device, which tilting axis (E), in top plan view, is situated between the front end and the rear end, wherein the lift device comprises compensation means for bearing the weight of the arm support and a load borne thereon, in particular an arm of a user.
US08262165B2
A reclining device as a connecting device includes an internal gear member, an external gear member and a retainer member. The retainer member is constructed such that when retainer strips are axially inserted into depressed portions formed in an outer circumferential portion of the external gear member and then insertion distal ends of the support strips are radially inwardly bent to form contact surface portions, the contact surface portions can be axially held against the outer circumferential portion of the external gear member. The external gear member has dowels that are capable of being fitted to a cushion frame, and the dowels are formed circumferentially in locations positioned between the depressed portions (the locations in which projected portions are formed), so as to be axially projected.
US08262162B2
A seating structure includes a leaf spring and a body support structure biased by the leaf spring. One of the leaf spring and the body support structure has a cam with a concave cam surface, while the other of the leaf spring and body support structure has a cam follower with a convex cam surface. The cam follower engages the cam.
US08262159B2
A combination toolbox and seating assembly is provided. The toolbox seating assembly is installed in the bed of a pickup truck, wherein the toolbox includes a hinged lid, and wherein a bench style seat may be stored within the lid of the toolbox when not in use, and may be positioned within the upper portion of the toolbox when in use to provide comfortable rearward seating within the bed of the truck.
US08262158B2
A convenience apparatus for automotive rear seats includes: a base gear fixed to at least one of the rear seats, a space between which an arm rest is movably mounted; a driver, which has a driving gear engaged with the base gear and a motor for rotating the driving gear, for folding or unfolding the arm rest into or from the space using a driving force of the motor; an integrated audio/video (AV) monitor which is rotatably coupled to a front end of the arm rest and is connected to the driving gear through a gear train so as to be able to be folded or unfolded with respect to the arm rest while the arm rest is folded or unfolded; and a cup holder which is mounted so as to be able to slide into or out of a hole defined in the front end of the arm rest and is connected to the driving gear through the gear train so as to be able to move into or out of the arm rest while the arm rest is folded or unfolded.
US08262155B2
A subassembly of a vehicle assembly is provided. The subassembly of the vehicle assembly includes at least one beam, at least one beam support having a plurality of holes, wherein the at least one beam and the at least one beam support are connected and reinforced by an overmolded joint. The overmolded joint includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least one load bearing wall. An end of the at least one beam support contacts the at least one beam, and the at least one load bearing wall abuts the at least one beam.
US08262151B2
An elongate mechanical device for vehicles, for absorbing impacts, which includes a profiled or tubular elongate part of polygonal cross section, and an end part mounted at one end of the elongate part, at an angle perpendicular to the axis of the elongate part, and intended for fastening to other elements. In the vicinity of its end, the elongate part includes cutouts, which create adjusted regions or faces, in the vicinity of edges of its cross section, and a rigid fastening is provided between the elongate part and the end part that maintains the adjusted regions in direct contact with the end part, the adjusted regions being dimensioned to withstand compressive loads and a tilting torque during impacts.
US08262140B2
A threaded joint includes a first seal ring having a tapered shape in a cross section on an axial plane, this ring having an L-shaped metal reinforcement ring embedded in it. The threaded joint can also include a second seal ring positioned more internal to the first seal ring and located in a housing between the end of a threaded section and the nose of the box. The second seal ring has a first base, a second base axially opposite to the first base, and protruding annular ribs either on the external surface or on an internal surface.
US08262137B2
A connector includes a body portion having a cylindrical insertion hole for inserting therein a connection member, and a cylindrical connector cover. The body portion includes a claw portion elastically deformable to a radial outside. A claw release portion and a claw covering portion are arranged in the connector cover in a rotation direction. When the connector cover is located at a release position where the body portion is detachable from the connection member, the claw release portion is opposite to the claw portion, and the claw covering portion is not opposite to the claw portion. Furthermore, when the connector cover is rotated from the release position to a lock position in a connection state between the body portion and the connection member, the claw covering portion is opposite to the claw portion, and the claw portion is engaged with an engagement portion of the connection member.
US08262122B2
A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball is provided. The assembly includes a housing with a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. A ball clamp is disposed within the interior of the coupler housing and is movable toward and away from the coupler socket. The ball clamp has a clamping portion that retains the hitch ball within the coupler socket with the ball clamp positioned toward the coupler socket in a hitch ball retention position. A guide ramp is disposed within the coupler housing rearward of the coupler socket. The guide ramp projects toward the ball clamp and slopes upward and forward toward the coupler socket. A lateral guide member is disposed on the ball clamp rearward of the guide ramp. The lateral guide member cooperates with the guide ramp surface to limit forward movement of the ball clamp into the coupler socket.
US08262118B2
A truck tractor and removable body unit system selectively configurable as a tractor and freight box or an articulated truck-trailer combination includes a truck tractor having a frame supporting a drive axle and a steer axle with a fifth wheel mounted on the frame, and a body unit having a body mounted on a frame, the frame supported by a wheeled axle and having a king pin for releasably engaging the fifth wheel on the truck tractor. The body unit includes a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the truck tractor frame to constrain lateral movement between the truck tractor and the body unit while allowing relative vertical pivoting movement between the truck tractor and body unit about the king pin and fifth wheel. An adjustable spring mounted to one of the truck tractor and body unit to act between the truck tractor frame and the body unit frame to adjust a loading between the truck tractor frame and body unit.
US08262112B1
A vehicle suspension including a frame attachment portion attached to spring module having an opening defined by two side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, and a spring mount positioned within the opening with two shear springs on either side of the spring mount, wherein the spring mount includes an inboard part and an outboard part separate from the inboard part, and a through-hole positioned in at least one of the inboard or inboard parts to allow passage of a threaded connecting rod therethrough, wherein the connecting rod has been tightened to draw the inboard part of the first spring mount together with the outboard part of the first spring mount, and to compress the first shear spring between the first side wall of the spring mount and the first side wall of the opening, and also to compress the second shear spring between the second side wall of the spring mount and the second side wall of the opening of the spring module.
US08262099B2
An apparatus for adapting a workpiece holding device to a chuck of a machine tool includes a plurality of chuck locators configured for attachment to the chuck, such that the plurality of chuck locators includes at least three chuck locators. The apparatus further includes a mounting plate configured for attachment to the workpiece holding device. The mounting plate includes a body and a plurality of mounting plate locators corresponding to the plurality of chuck locators, such that the plurality of mounting plate locators are attached to the body and are configured to interface with the plurality of chuck locators.
US08262095B2
An improved shuck has one end coupling with a fabrication machine through a holding member. The chuck includes a coupling structure, a grip means and a shank. The coupling structure has a first screwing portion at one end and a fastening member at the other end. The grip means has a second screwing portion at one end engageable with the first screwing portion and a plurality of grip jaws at the other end inclined outwards. The coupling structure and the grip means are held in a through hole formed in the shank. The through hole has an internal side to form compact holding of the grip means to firmly hold a tool. After the coupling structure is anchored through the fastening member, the shank can be turned to drive the grip means to move, and the grip jaws can be expanded or contracted to release or grip the tool.
US08262093B2
An oil seal for sealing a hollow rotary shaft in a power transmission apparatus, wherein the rotary shaft is formed with an internal flow passage through which oil flows and constituted such that the oil flies out as the rotary shaft rotates, including: a fixed portion that is fixedly attached to a case of the power transmission apparatus; a seal portion that seals the rotary shaft at a position that is axially offset position from the fixed portion and allows the rotary shaft to rotate; and a radiator portion that is formed from a metallic material between the fixed portion and the seal portion, receives the oil that flies out as the rotary shaft rotates, and dissipates heat generated by the seal portion by exchanging heat with the oil.
US08262092B2
Disclosed herein is a composition for a gasket, including about 100 parts by weight of a hydrogenated styrene-based block copolymer, about 70 to 99 parts by weight of a petroleum-based softener, about 10 to 25 parts by weight of a polyolefin-based resin; about 10 to 25 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and about 10 to 25 parts by weight of a heat-resistant polymer, based on 100 parts by weight of the hydrogenated styrene-based block copolymer. The thermoplastic elastomer composition has superior physical properties, such as tensile strength, heat resistance, high-temperature restoring force and chemical resistance, while being applicable to injection-molding and recyclable, like general thermoplastic resins. Disclosed herein is further a gasket produced from the composition.
US08262090B2
A method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and distributes playing cards according to the pseudo-random playing card sequence. For example, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and prints playing cards in order of the pseudo-random playing card sequence. Further, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence based on a house advantage. Yet further, the method, apparatus and article can generate a promotional message on one or more playing cards.
US08262089B1
A depinching mechanism including a frame, a star wheel assembly, a transmitting device and a sensor is provided in present invention. Through the transmitting device rotating reversely, the star wheel assembly is lifted to the second position when paper jam occurs, thus depinched the media so that user can clear the paper jam. After that the star wheel assembly is lowered to the first position again. The star wheel assembly remains in the first position in normal printing process. Using a one-way clutch and a cam with an outer predetermined profile, the transmitting device rotates forwardly without transmitting any torque during normal printing process, and rotates inversely with transmitting a torque to lift the star wheel assembly up and lower the star wheel assembly down when paper jam occurs. Thus, the depinching mechanism can be used in printers to auto fix the paper jamming problems.
US08262088B2
A medium conveying apparatus includes: a medium conveying member that conveys a medium; a rotation start position detecting unit as defined herein; a driving start timing determining unit that determines whether a time reaches a driving start timing when rotation driving by the medium conveying member is started or not; and a medium conveying member controlling unit that controls the rotation driving of the medium conveying member, and that, in case the driving start timing determining unit determines that the time reaches the driving start timing and the rotation driving is started from one of the rotation start positions, the rotation driving is stopped at another one of the rotation start positions that is different from the rotation start position where the rotation driving is started, based on a result of the detection by the rotation start position detecting unit.
US08262079B2
An image recording apparatus including a recording portion for recording image on a top face of a sheet; a supplying roller which is to be in contact with a bottom face of the sheet held in a tray so as to supply the sheet toward a curved conveyance path, a drive roller which is to be in contact with the top face of the sheet so as to convey the sheet supplied from the supplying roller, and a controlling portion which is configured, upon receipt of a command requesting start of conveyance of the sheet, to cause the supplying roller to be rotated without causing the drive roller to be rotated, and is configured, upon judgment that a leading end portion of the sheet has reached a flat surface extending away from the drive roller toward the recording portion, to cause the drive roller to be rotated.
US08262078B2
In a case that it is determined that a first feeding unit is not ready to feed upon designation of a first print job that requires air feeding, start of the first print job is waited until the first feeding unit is ready to feed. In a case that a second print job that requires roll feeding is accepted during waiting for the first print job, the second print job is executed, and the first print job that requires air feeding is executed after completion of the second print job.
US08262062B2
In a rotary valve comprising a tubular housing (3) having, at the side part, a port (6) for communicating the inside and the outside thereof, and a tubular valve body (10) which is contained within the housing rotatably and has, at the side part, an orifice hole (11) capable of opposing to the port (6), the rotary valve of which the flow channel area formed by communicating the port (6) and the orifice hole (11) is changed by rotating the tubular valve body, at least one rotation stopping position with which the angle between the rotation stopping position at which the flow channel area is minimized and the rotation stopping position at which the flow channel area is maximized is equally divided, and the pressure loss differences between the adjacent rotation stopping positions are the same on condition that the passing flowing rate remains constant is provided.
US08262061B2
A ball valve having a cam element, and a ball having a left arm and a right arm with a slot between each arm. A terminal portion of each arm is positioned adjacent the cam element. The cam element is shaped so that, when the ball is rotated from the open condition to the closed condition, the cam element forces the arms through three distances of separation. A first distance, when the ball has undergone no rotation from the fully open condition. A second distance, when the ball has undergone some rotation from the fully open condition towards the closed condition but has not reached the closed condition. A third distance in which the ball has undergone rotation to the closed condition. The third distance is greater than the first distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.
US08262058B2
A valve assembly includes a check valve element in an output chamber. The check valve element opens to permit forward flow of fluid under pressure in the output chamber from an input port to an output port. The check valve element closes to block back flow of fluid under pressure in the output chamber from the output port toward the input port. The back flow of fluid under pressure exerts a closing force upon the check valve element from within the output chamber. A counter force generating element, or pilot element, communicates with the valve element, to selectively open the valve, even in the presence of back flow pressure. The counter force generating element may apply a counter force to the check valve element, which urges the valve element toward the opened condition. The counter force may be less than the closing force, so the check valve element remains closed.
US08262049B2
A portable stand includes a shelf having a back plate with a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the back plate includes at least two attachment locations and at least one securing locations, a bottom flange forming an angle with the back plate, extending toward the front surface at a first angle from the plate, and a mounting element. The portable stand includes a shelf extension including two elongated flanges formed at an angle equal to the first angle configured to selectively couple to the shelf, and an arm pivotably attachable to the shelf extension.
US08262038B1
A stabilizer device for connecting to the bottom support surface of a machine or article of equipment for supporting such equipment on a floor surface having a foot-actuated rotor for adjusting the length of the stabilizer shank and thereby stabilizing and balancing such equipment.
US08262036B2
An equipment support, such as an IV pole, comprises an upper portion, a lower portion having a lower end configured to engage a socket, and an actuator movable relative to the lower end. When the upper portion is gripped by a releasable gripper, the lower end can be disengaged from the socket by moving the actuator from a first position to a second position. The lower portion can be telescoped relative to the upper portion by moving the actuator from the second position to a third position.
US08262028B2
A spacecraft (P) has a propulsion system making it possible to exert a force of variable magnitude and orientation on the spacecraft, a control system designed to control the propulsion system in terms of magnitude and orientation so as to make the spacecraft approach a target around a planet, with the aid of a force having at least one component (fx, fy, fz), in the rotating reference frame tied to the target, which depends substantially linearly on the corresponding coordinate (x, y, z) of the craft in this reference frame.
US08262027B2
Folding structure for kites, applicable in kites equipped with an internal structure based on rods assembled within the interior of a specific external part of the kite's fabric (1). It allows the kite to be folded and unfolded. It is characterized by the fact that the internal structure is complemented by a central longitudinal rod (2) running through the entire kite. The rod (2) supports various tensing trusses (3) with folding arms (4), which are movable in both directions and associated to a further range of rods (5), and which constitutes the folding structure of the kite.
US08262025B2
An aircraft wing includes a rear spar, a first skin, a second skin overhanging and converging to an opening of width (A), a support structure including a bracket engaging the spar and skins and a rib engaging the bracket via a rib attachment portion with a dimension (C) less than dimension (A).
US08262018B2
A ram-air duct includes a ram-air inlet duct and a ram-air outlet duct arranged downstream of the ram-air inlet duct and in fluid communication with the ram-air inlet duct. At an inlet of the ram-air inlet duct, a first movable element is arranged and adapted to set an inlet parameter of the inlet. At an outlet of the ram-air outlet duct, a second movable element is arranged and adapted to set an outlet parameter of the outlet. The outlet parameter and the inlet parameter are linked together by a function, so that an outlet parameter corresponding to a value of the function is assigned to each inlet parameter. A controller implements the control function by actuating movements of the first and second movable elements.
US08262017B2
An area ruled forward lifting elevator aircraft [100] comprising a fuselage [120]; area ruling [600] throughout the length of the fuselage [120]; an airbrake [400] at the rear of the fuselage; an aircraft propulsion system [140]; and lifting surfaces that include a forward lifting [200] surface and an aft lifting [300] surface. The inner portion [210] of the forward lifting surfaces [200] move outward from the top fuselage [120] with a V shape forming a large dihedral angle at the fuselage [120] wherein the inner portion of the forward lifting surfaces act as rudder [250] and also act as elevator[ 260]. The inner V shaped portion [210] of the forward shaped lifting surfaces [200] is swept forward, and at the junction [215] with the outer surface [220], this surface changes to an aft swept design. The main aft lifting wing allows for an area rule system.
US08262010B2
A coil rack fixing device for fixing a coil rack to a rotor of a winding machine, includes a first member and a second member. The first member is configured for mounting on the rotor. The first member includes a support shaft coaxial to the rotor. The support shaft has a magnetic attracting portion positioned on a free end thereof. The second member includes a body and a magnet. The body defines a through hole thereof. The through hole receives the support shaft. The magnet is received in the through hole and capable of moving along the through hole relative to the magnetic attracting portion.
US08261998B2
A financial transaction device is disclosed. The device includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises a writable field enabling a writing instrument and/or a printing device to write on the first writable field. The writable field allows transaction device purchasers to include a custom note, picture, design, logo, pattern and/or any other indicia on the device. The writable field creates an added element of thoughtfulness to make the gift exchange more special.
US08261994B2
The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.
US08261993B2
The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.
US08261988B2
A system reveals a 2D barcode in a document. A 2D barcode generator selects the placement and at least one colorant combination of an image and at least one colorant combination for a 2D barcode on a document, where the at least one colorant combination of the image and the 2D barcode form a metameric pair. A print system receives data from the 2D barcode generator and places the image and the 2D barcode on the document. A light source selected or tuned to a wavelength corresponding to the colorant combinations utilized by the print system reveals the 2D barcode placed thereon. A decoding element decodes and extracts data from the revealed 2D barcode.
US08261987B2
To provide a card processing device that can accurately determine whether or not a normal card is inserted at a card insertion slot. A card processing device is equipped with a width-detecting mechanism that detects the width of a card inserted at a card insertion slot and outputs a width detection signal, a thickness-detecting mechanism that detects the thickness of the card inserted at the card insertion slot and outputs a thickness detection signal, an AND circuit to which the width-detecting mechanism and the thickness-detecting mechanism are connected and which outputs a card detection signal when the width detection signal and the thickness detection signal are input, and a computation circuit that outputs control signals to implement predetermined controls based on the card detection signal input from the AND circuit.
US08261982B2
Tracking and management data for a solicitation and response lifecycle is disclosed. The system generates and links tracking data for both the solicitation and the response, generates indicators that include the tracking data, and encodes the indicators so that the indicators are detectable as they traverse various events and locations throughout the lifecycle. A detailed audit trail of each event in the correspondence and response lifecycle is constructed using data matching methods and various statistics regarding the lifecycle, such that the response habits of customers are formulated.
US08261981B2
Apparatus and methods are described for ensuring that blood transfused into a patient is the correct blood for that patient, is transfused in the correct manner and that a complete audit trail is created that will allow later tracing of blood from donation through to ultimate transfusion.
US08261979B2
Methods and apparatus for controlling venue buy-back and resale of access privileges to controlled group events limiting third party trading of subscription.
US08261977B2
A method for communicating financial transaction data between a plurality of computer devices using an interface module and an enhanced protocol is provided. The transaction is initiated by a cardholder at an input terminal using a transaction card for completing a purchase from a merchant. The method includes receiving at the interface module initial identification (ID) data from a merchant computer wherein the interface module is a computer module separate from the merchant computer, generating a first verification enrollment request (VEReq) message based on the initial ID data that includes at least one of a merchant identifier and an account number, transmitting the first VEReq message, receiving a verification enrollment response (VERes) message affirmatively verifying enrollment of the merchant in an express check out program, and generating at the interface module a payer authentication request (PAReq) message using the enhanced protocol that defines a first set of data field extensions.
US08261969B2
Method and apparatus for configuring a controller for surveying equipment. In one embodiment, an identification tag associated with a surveying tool may be detected by a controller. An indicator related to the identification tag may be presented to a user of the controller. According to another embodiment, operation of the controller may be configured based, at least in part, on the identification tag.
US08261964B2
In carton packaging having an outer folding carton and an inner folding carton which surrounds a film internal container, the inner folding carton is adhesively bonded by means of one of its carton body walls (14) to an adjacent carton body wall (6) of the outer folding carton. The outer folding carton and the inner folding carton surround the film internal container essentially completely. The film internal container consists of a flexible film internal bag provided with a withdrawal closure. The carton body walls (13, 14, 15, 16) of the inner folding carton are connected to one another in a foldable manner at the body edges (17, 18, 19, 20) via carton bridges, each bridging an edge slot. The lid flaps of the inner folding carton are angled in the finished carton packaging. The inner folding carton and the outer folding carton consist of a joint carton blank or each consist of a separate carton blank or each consist of a plurality of carton blanks.
US08261962B2
A method for brazing a metallic honeycomb body (1) for exhaust gas treatment, includes at least: a) pretreatment of a honeycomb body (1) at a temperature above 400° C.; b) cooling the honeycomb body (1); c) brazing the honeycomb body (1) at a temperature in a range of from 1050° C. to 1100° C. under atmospheric pressure; and d) cooling the honeycomb body (1). A suitable apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
US08261960B2
A fastening device and method for mounting equipment to a framing member. The invention includes a single breakaway fastener that is pretentioned using a biasing member to fracture on a predetermined force applied to the fastened joint to avoid damage to the secured equipment. In one example the device and method includes the fastener having a reduced diameter portion that is positioned between an annular plate and the framing member.
US08261952B2
Disclosed is a device (1) for dispensing a liquid (2) without spraying as well as a use of such a dispensing device (1). In order to prevent liquid from escaping after a dispensing process, an outlet that opens towards the environment can be closed by means of a discharge valve (7). Said discharge valve (7) is provided with a valve body (9) which can be moved in accordance with the prevailing liquid pressure such that the discharge valve (7) opens when a minimum pressure is exceeded.
US08261949B2
An adjustable-volume liquid dispenser is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adjustable-volume liquid dispenser includes a spout and a plunger secured to the spout. The dispenser further includes a plunger lock moveable lengthwise along the plunger. The plunger lock is securable to the plunger at a plurality of positions on the plunger to adjust a volume of liquid to be dispensed. The dispenser also includes a spring in contact with the plunger. In addition, the dispenser includes a chamber comprising an interior for containing liquid. The plunger is slidably arranged with the chamber. A portion of the plunger is disposed within the chamber. Moreover, the dispenser includes a chamber cap secured to the chamber, and a valve disposed within the chamber. The dispenser also includes a shaft secured to the chamber.
US08261947B2
An emissions device for use with a portable fuel container assembly is provided. The emissions device includes an emissions housing configured to be mounted to the portable fuel container. The emissions housing defines at least one device opening. A membrane is supported by the emissions housing and allows the passage of the vapor and prevents the passage of a liquid. An emissions filter is also located within the emissions housing and is located such that vapor exiting through the device opening must pass the emissions filter.
US08261945B2
A soap dispenser has a base and a cover attached to the base by two sets of hinges. A container of soap is housed between the cover and the base and is attached to a liquid or foam dispensing pump. The pump is housed within a mounting device which surrounds the pump and has several diameters and at least one shoulder. In at least one embodiment, the mounting device has a flexible arm that biases the cover to a non-actuated position. The portion of the mounting device farthest from the pump's dispensing orifice and located closest to the soap container is flat in at least one embodiment on two opposite surfaces, which assists in orienting the pump correctly. As the portion is not circular, it must be oriented correctly. In at least one embodiment, as the cover is depressed, the pump actuates to dispense foam or soap.
US08261926B2
A kit for temporarily protecting an electrical outlet box and its contents during construction. The kit includes retaining clips and a cover plate of the appropriate dimensions to cover a single or multiple electrical outlet box. The cover plate is constructed of a material that is not easily damaged by a rotary cutting tool and preferably can be located magnetically. The outer dimensions of the cover plate are selected to cover the face of the electrical box, the screw sockets and the contents of the electrical box. Two screw openings aligned on the center line of the cover plate are positioned to align with the screw sockets in the electrical box. The retaining clips are snap-wise removably attached to the screw openings of the cover plate and may be used to secure the cover plate temporarily to the electrical box by a friction fit into the screw sockets of the electrical box that allows the cover plate to be removed simply by pulling on the cover plate. A removal opening locate asymmetrically in the cover plate allows the insertion of a tool such as a screwdriver or awl to remove the cover plate. The retaining clip is snap-wise removable from the cover plate so that the cover plate may secured to the electrical box by screws if desired.
US08261915B2
A screening machine of the type used to separate or classify mixtures of solid particles of different sizes includes a machine frame and a perforate screen panel mounted for movement relative to the machine frame during a screening operation. The screen panels are pre-tensioned mesh screen material mounted in a peripheral rim for separating various granular and particulate materials. The screen panel is slid into the side of the machine frame in a direction orthogonal to the direction particulate matter moves when the screening machine is operating. The screen panel peripheral rim has a shaped or other cross section adapted to hold a large seal member that provides a positive sealing surface for contact with the machine frame to prevent particulate matter from escaping off of the screen panel during use.
US08261913B2
A stackable plant pot including a cavity provided with water flow directing gutters, a recesses centrally located water catchment region with drainage slits and suited to receive a moisture retaining device, and a soil holding region located above the water catchment region.
US08261909B2
The present invention is directed to a display package that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of packs containing one or more products and a sleeve. The primary packs are arranged in a bundle and disposed within the sleeve. A separator panel can be included in certain embodiments of the bundle between the packs. Portions of the packs may protrude through apertures in the front and rear panels of the sleeve and apertures within the separator panel to assist with maintaining the bundle within the sleeve.
US08261907B2
A kit for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprising an enclosure which includes a base portion and a removable top layer releasably secured to the base portion; an adhesive removing device including at least one wiping mechanism which includes at least one absorbent portion; and a biocompatible composition including a solvent and a moisturizing agent embedded in the absorbent portion of the wiping mechanism. A method for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprises a series of steps for using the adhesive removing device to remove an adhesive from a surface.
US08261905B2
A drive rail includes a sealed interior cavity and an exterior drive surface that extends along a length of the drive rail. A first magnetic member is disposed within the interior cavity and adjacent to a surface of the interior cavity that is immediately opposite the exterior drive surface. A drive mechanism is disposed within the interior cavity and in connection with the first magnetic member, and is configured to move the first magnetic member within the interior cavity along the length of the drive rail, such that the first magnetic member remains immediately opposite the exterior drive surface. The first magnetic member is configured to magnetically couple through the exterior drive surface to a wafer carrier disposed adjacent to the exterior drive surface. Movement of the first magnetic member within the interior cavity along the drive rail causes corresponding movement of the wafer carrier along the exterior drive surface.
US08261903B2
A media presenter configurable for use in either a front access or a rear access dispenser is described. The media presenter comprises a chassis including a central track defining a central handle end and a central pick end. A nose is coupled to the chassis at the central pick end, and includes (i) a presenting end distal from the chassis and (ii) a nose track arranged to couple to the central track. A removable track is coupled to the chassis and extends from a handle end of the chassis to the central handle end. The nose track, the central track, and the removable track combine to provide a presenting track extending from the handle end to the presenting end. The presenter can present media items to a customer in a rear access dispenser, or can be reconfigured by exchanging the positions of the nose and removable track to present media items in a front access dispenser.
US08261899B2
The present invention is an apparatus and method of using the apparatus to disengage a shifting collar from a fixed holding feature with reduced force regardless of whether the vehicle is positioned on an inclined or a declined slope.
US08261897B2
A freewheel clutch that has sprags, which are located between an inner locking track and an outer locking track and two sliding discs which each feature one inner axis adjacent to the inner locking track, one outer axis adjacent to the outer locking track as well as one middle section which connects the axes, and has an axial inwardly directed bending. The bending extends from the outer axis to the inner axis and preferably features a maximum embossing depth which is lower than the wall thickness of the middle section.
US08261896B2
A tuned mass damper is provided for use with a structure that vibrates at a first axial surge mode and a second axial surge mode, when exposed to a predetermined frequency range. The tuned mass damper includes a housing, an endcap, two masses, and two springs. The first and second masses are disposed in a housing cavity. The first tuned mass damper spring is disposed in the cavity coupling the first mass and the endcap. The second tuned mass damper spring is disposed in the cavity coupling the first and second masses. The tuned mass damper has first and second resonant frequencies in the predetermined frequency range to damp the first and second axial surge modes, respectively. The second mass resonates at an amplitude that is greater than an amplitude at which the first mass resonates, when the two masses are subjected to the second axial surge mode.
US08261893B2
A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.
US08261889B2
An opposed-piston disc brake includes cylinder connection oil passages respectively connected to a cylinder of an inner caliper portion and a cylinder of an outer caliper portion, passage communication bores respectively formed at bridge portions to extend in an axial direction of a disc in a substantially straight manner. The cylinder connection oil passages are formed using a core at the time when a caliper body is cast. The cylinder connection oil passages extend in a radially outer direction of the disc. Ends of the cylinder connection oil passages in a longitudinal direction thereof are directly connected to the passage communication bores. In a state where the caliper body is mounted on a vehicle, a top portion of an inner wall surface of one of the passage communication bores is positioned higher than the ends of the cylinder connection oil passages.
US08261887B2
A safe braking apparatus using in a two-wheel vehicle includes a left brake unit that drives the real brake unit and the front brake unit simultaneously, a right brake unit that drives the real brake unit and the front brake unit simultaneously, a front brake unit that actuates a front-wheel brake of said two-wheel vehicles, and a real brake unit that actuates a real-wheel brake of said two-wheel vehicles. Wherein, the front brake unit always works less than the real brake unit in movement.
US08261886B2
In a safety system for an elevator, slip detection means detects a slip between a drive sheave and a main rope. A safety gear is mounted to a car, the safety gear being electrically operated by an actuator to cause the car to make an emergency stop regardless of whether a running direction of the car is upward or downward. A safety gear controller cuts power supply to a hoisting machine motor and causes the safety gear to make a braking operation upon detection of the slip between the drive sheave and the main rope by the slip detection means.
US08261883B2
A vehicle power transmission device mounted on a vehicle for transmitting power from a power generating source to an axle through a gear train accommodated in a case, including: a lubricating pump that is driven by the power generating source and is capable of supplying a lubricating medium to an element to be lubricated; a lubricating medium storage portion that stores the lubricating medium; a lowermost gear that is located at a lowest position in the case; a topmost gear that is located at a highest position in the case; a lubrication flow path that guides the lubricating medium scooped up by the lowermost gear and carried by the gear train to a predetermined element to be lubricated; and a guide portion that guides the lubricating medium scooped up by the lowermost gear and carried by the gear train to an inlet of the lubrication flow path.
US08261882B2
A leveler for a ladder having side rails and a rung comprises a metal housing fixed to one of the side rails. The housing has an opening. The leveler comprises a metal leg with slides in the housing and is adjustable in the housing. The leg has a top end and a bottom end. The leg has two rows of holes which are set side by side and extend through the leg. The leveler comprises a holder for holding a leg to the housing. The holder extending through the opening and one of the holes to hold a leg in place. The leveler comprises a cap disposed on the top end which acts as a stop for the leg when the cap contacts the housing. A method for setting a ladder in place.
US08261880B1
A step ladder apparatus for retention within a stake pocket comprising a frame assembly a plurality of step assemblies and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a frame flange and a wedge member. The frame assembly is positioned within the stake pocket so that the frame flange overhangs one end of the stake pocket. The base of the wedge member is inserted into the stake pocket opposite the frame flange so that the wedge flange overhangs the stake pocket on a side opposite the frame flange. As a result, the flanges cooperate to substantially preclude downward movement of the frame assembly, and, in turn, removal of the frame assembly in a downward direction from the stake pocket.
US08261876B2
A sound insulating trim part is provided. The sound insulating trim part includes an absorbing area and an insulating area. The absorbing area includes at least a first portion of a porous fibrous layer. The insulating area includes a mass layer and a decoupling layer. The mass layer includes a second portion of the same porous fibrous layer. The second portion has a dynamic Young's modulus (Pa) of at least about (96·AW·t) with AW being an area weight (g/m2), and t being a thickness (mm) of the porous fibrous layer. The mass layer also includes at least a substantially air impervious barrier layer between the porous fibrous layer and the decoupling layer. The thickness of the first portion of the porous fibrous layer in the absorbing area is larger than the thickness of the second portion of the same porous fibrous layer in the insulating area.
US08261871B2
The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic transmission assembly for a ground vehicle comprises a pump unit and a hydraulic motor assembly connected to the pump unit. The pump unit includes a driven shaft configured to operably connect to a motor of the ground vehicle. The hydraulic motor assembly includes a motor housing configured to rotatably mount to a wheel assembly of the ground vehicle. The housing has a central opening. A stationary output shaft has a first end section received in the central opening and a second end section configured to rigidly attach to a frame of the ground vehicle. The output shaft includes at least one internal fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one fluid passage of the pump unit. Pressurization of the hydraulic motor assembly via the pump unit rotates the motor housing relative to the stationary output shaft which, in turn, rotates the wheel assembly in one of a first direction and second direction.
US08261854B2
A reciprocating tool (1) includes a housing (20, 30), a driving source (21), a reciprocation conversion unit (34, 36), —and a vibration reduction mechanism (30). The driving source is accommodated in the” housing. The reciprocation conversion unit (34, 36) is supported by the housing and is configured to convert a driving force of the driving source into a reciprocating motion for providing a tool bit (16) movably supported to the housing with a reciprocating motion. The vibration reduction mechanism (70) includes a shaft (72), a weight (71), a support member (73), and a urging portion (74). The shaft i(72)s supported by the housing and extending in a direction perpendicular to directions of the reciprocating motion of the tool bit (41) t and has an axis. The weight (71) is located away from the shaft (72) and is swingable in a swinging direction. The support member (73) swingably supports the weight (71) about the axis of the shaft (72). The urging portion (74) urges the weight (71) toward a prescribed position of the weight in the swinging direction with respect to the housing.
US08261849B2
A power driven tool for rotating a mechanical element. The tool includes a housing and motor. The motor has an output shaft. The shaft rotates relative to the housing. The tool also includes an impact drive axially fixed within the housing. The impact drive includes a base and an anvil shaft having an anvil. The impact drive includes an annular hammer having opposite impact lands pivotally mounted on the base for movement between three positions, including a forward position in which the hammer is positioned so one impact land engages the anvil, a reverse position in which the hammer is positioned so another of the impact lands engages the anvil, and a disengaged position in which neither of the impact lands engages the anvil. Further, the tool includes a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes an output drive mounted for rotation relative to the housing for rotating a mechanical element.
US08261847B2
A combustion tool having a circuit for conserving battery power includes a battery assembly to power at least a portion of the combustion tool, a control circuit to place the combustion tool in an active mode or a low power consumption mode, and a motion sensing circuit to indicate a movement of the combustion tool and to indicate a non-movement of the combustion tool. A timer is set when a movement is detected and resets each time a new movement is sensed. If a new movement is not sensed when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the combustion tool enters into a low power consumption mode. The movement may be a vibration or a tilt movement. The motion sensing circuit enables the tool to be actuated without any unnecessary priming when motion is sensed and only minimal current is consumed when motion is not sensed, conserving battery power.
US08261844B2
A lightweight fire extinguisher is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fire extinguisher, which is portable, includes a press-source fluid container capable of retaining compressed air; extinguishant containers capable of retaining extinguishant; a pressure-source fluid tube connected to the pressure-source fluid container and the extinguishant containers, for leading the compressed air retained in the pressure-source container to the extinguishant containers; a pressure reducing valve intervening in the pressure-source fluid tube, for reducing pressure of the compressed air flowing down the pressure-source fluid tube; discharge device capable of discharging the extinguishant retained in the extinguishant containers; and an extinguishant tube connected to the extinguishant containers and the discharge device, for leading the extinguishant retained in the extinguishant containers to the discharge device.
US08261837B2
A string of conduit extending from a subsea wellhead assembly to a surface wellhead assembly on a platform has a plurality of grooved profiles on an upper portion of the conduit. Each profile is spaced axially from another of the grooved profiles. After a lower end of the conduit is secured to the subsea wellhead assembly, the operator pulls on the conduit to apply a selected tension to the conduit. The operator attaches a support ring to the profile that was closest to and above a load shoulder in the surface wellhead assembly when the desired tension was reached. After landing the support ring on the load shoulder, the operator may cut off any excess portion of the upper portion of the conduit located above the support ring. A seal ring is set between the upper portion of the conduit and the surface wellhead housing.
US08261830B2
A fishing tool includes a grapple and an exciter in vibration transmissive communication with the grapple and method.
US08261819B1
A method of determining a fluid level in a well space without substantial venting of gas to the atmosphere or injecting a gas at high pressure. Gas being produced by the well is used to create a pressure differential between two spaces. A wave is induced in the well space by causing the two spaces to come into gaseous communication for a selected time internal. Pressure changes are measured as the induced wave travels through the gas in the well space from the measurement system to a fluid surface and back to the measurement system to determine a round trip travel time of the wave. The fluid level is calculated from the round-trip travel time and a speed of the wave as one-half of the product of the wave speed and the round-trip time.
US08261813B2
As an electronic device cooling apparatus which allows refrigerant liquid to circulate and flow in a cooling system by using a pump so as to cool a heat generating portion of an electronic device, a heat generating portion cooling unit which is connected to the pump, which receives heat from the heat generating portion of the electronic device, and which releases the heat to the refrigerant liquid through a fin portion so as to cool the heat generating portion includes independently therein a first flow channel through which the refrigerant liquid discharged from a discharging port of the pump is drawn in to be guided to the outside of the heat generating portion cooling unit through the fin portion, and a second flow channel through which the refrigerant liquid cooled at the outside is drawn in to be guided towards a sucking port of the pump.
US08261810B1
A ceramic core used for cast an air cooled turbine rotor blade or stator vane for a gas turbine engine, the ceramic core includes a larger ceramic core piece connected to a smaller ceramic core piece with a number of even smaller cross-over hole forming pieces connecting the larger piece to the smaller piece, and a strain relief slot formed in the larger ceramic core piece adjacent to the cross-over hole forming pieces that prevent the smaller cross-over hole pieces from breaking during the casting process from relative movement of the larger ceramic core piece with respect to the smaller ceramic core piece. The strain relief slot can be used to cast a rotor blade or a stator vane.
US08261808B2
A window shade system and method of installing the shade system. The shade system includes first and second shade units and brackets for interconnecting the shade units. The first shade unit includes a first headrail, a roller mounted beneath the first headrail, a first shading material spooled onto the roller, and a device for deploying the first shading material from the roller. The second shade unit includes a second headrail, a second shading material attached to the second head rail, and a device for deploying the second shading material from the second headrail. The brackets secure the headrails together so that, when installed in the window, the first headrail is positioned vertically above and rearward of the second headrail.
US08261802B2
A device for installing an elastic member including a conveying line for continuously conveying sheets to be mounted, a feeding device for continuously feeding elastic members, and a guide for guiding the elastic members fed from the feeding device, to installation positions on the raw materials to be mounted on the conveying line. The guide has an upper section and a lower section detachably attached to the upper section. A guide path whose surrounding is closed is formed between the upper section and the lower section. The elastic members are guided to the installation positions through the guide path.
US08261796B2
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising at least one component, the at least one component comprising a rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising a diene based elastomer and from 1 to 30 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer, of a polybenzobisoxazole (PBO) short fiber having a length ranging from 0.5 to 20 mm and a thickness ranging from 10 to 30 microns, and from 1 to 30 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer, of an epoxidized palm oil.
US08261794B2
A pneumatic tire that can maintain processability and tire performance such as rolling resistance or a wet performance, overcome the problem of non-conductivity by a tread rubber of silica formulation or the like, and sustain conductive performance of a tire over a long period of time is provided. The pneumatic tire includes a non-conductive tread, and a continuous conducting path comprising a conductive rim strip and a side wall, a cement rubber being applied to a ground region of the tread and a contact region between the tread and the side wall to form a continuous coating film, wherein the cement rubber includes a rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a rubber component containing from 50 to 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of from 250,000 to 450,000, and from 10 to 30 parts by weight of carbon black having a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (N2SA) of from 700 to 1,300 m2/g and a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) absorption of from 300 to 550 cm3/100 g, the rubber composition being dissolved in an organic solvent.
US08261793B2
A pneumatic tire has a pair of bead portions, side wall portions, a tread portion, and a carcass ply rolled up in its end portion so as to pinch a bead filler. An outer surface of the side wall portion is provided with a concavo-convex region formed by arranging a lot of projecting lines extending in a tire circumferential direction in parallel in the tire diametrical direction, and an arranged density of the projecting lines becomes larger toward the outer side in the tire diametrical direction. An outer peripheral end of the concavo-convex region is positioned in the outer side than a position where an interface between a tread rubber and a side rubber is exposed, and an inner peripheral end of the concavo-convex region is positioned in an inner side than a leading end of the bead filler.
US08261792B2
An airbag device for a vehicle tire capable of stabilizing the vehicle timely when the tire is exploding or being punctured suddenly to avoid potential accidents and to ensure driving comfort. The airbag device comprises a resilient outer ring installed between the tire and the wheel hub, and an inner ring serving to support the resilient outer ring. The resilient outer ring and the inner ring are compressed between the tire and the wheel hub under normal tire air pressure, and a space serving to increase driving comfortability and keep the outer ring from contacting the inner surface of the tire tread is designed between the resilient outer ring and the inner surface of the tire tread. When the tire is exploding or the air pressure of the tire is lost, the resilient outer ring is capable of bouncing instantly to support the weight of the vehicle.
US08261786B2
Method and apparatus for parallel dispensing of powder samples is described. Powder samples are dispensed into at least two powder sample holders, each said sample holder having a through passage which preferably generally tapers from a first aperture through which powder is introduced into said passage and a second aperture through which powder, when permitted to do so, flows from said passage. The lower apertures of the sample holders are preferably sealed using a resilient film. The powder samples are dispensed by substantially simultaneously perforating the film covering each aperture and agitating the powder samples to cause them to flow from their respective sample holders. Also disclosed are a method of generating a library of powder samples and a library of powder samples.
US08261780B2
A chemical dispenser reads RFID tags on both chemical source and diluted chemical mixture containers. A dispensing button shifts and electric controller from low to high power state for such reading and initiation of dispensing when data read from such tags is determined compatible. A battery powers the controllers in both power states. A selector valve for selecting a chemical concentrate at one of several source stations also provides selected station information to the controller. A controller learn mode stores data from RFID tags on the concentrated chemical containers, with the controllers initiated in a high power state in response to entering the learn mode. An alternate embodiment substitutes an alternative receiving container such as a mop bucket, and a dispensing nozzle is provided with an RFID reader for reading an RFID tag on the alternative container. Methods are provided.
US08261779B2
An air bag fabric includes a warp and a weft, each including polyamide multifilaments with a total fineness of 200 to 700 dtex and a single fiber fineness of 1 to 2 dtex and having a cover factor (CF) of 1,800 to 2,300, wherein a ratio ECw/Mtw between edgecomb resistance, EDw, and single fiber fineness, Mtw, in the warp direction, and a ratio ECf/Mtf between edgecomb resistance, ECf, and single fiber fineness, Mtf, in the weft direction are both in a range of 250 to 1,000 N/dtex.
US08261778B2
A motor vehicle exhaust pipe includes: an outer metal tube; at least one inner tube made from an inorganic matrix composite material and disposed inside the outer metal tube, each inner tube being arranged longitudinally and having a pre-determined longitudinal length and a gap being provided between each inner tube and the outer tube; and elements for maintaining each inner tube in position in relation to the outer tube. The elements for maintaining each inner tube in position in relation to the outer tube include at least one retaining element disposed in the gap between the inner tube and the outer tube, each retaining element exerting a minimum pressure of between 10−4 MPa and 10−1 MPa on the inner tube. All of the elements used to maintain one inner tube in position have a cumulative longitudinal length equal to less than half of the longitudinal length of the inner tube.
US08261774B2
An inlet stratification device (5) for a circuit circulating a fluid through a tank (1) and for providing and maintaining stratification of the fluid in the tank (1). The stratification device (5) is arranged vertically in the tank (1) and comprises an inlet pipe (6) being at least partially formed of a flexible porous material and having an inlet (19) and outlets formed of the pores of the porous material. The stratification device (5) further comprises at least one outer pipe (7) surrounding the inlet pipe (6) in spaced relationship thereto and being at least partially formed of a porous material.
US08261772B2
A fluid distribution system including an elongated manifold defining fluid ports, lengthwise ridges, and radial ridges. Label plates couple to the manifold and have a planar body with a front side for indicating information related to the respective port. A finger extends from each label plate and has two inwardly turned prongs for coupling to a first lengthwise ridge. The prongs form a space for capturing a radial ridge. A collar also extends from the planar body for coupling to the port. The planar body also has three stiffening bars on a back side thereof. Each stiffening bar includes a feature for coupling to a second lengthwise ridge on the manifold body.
US08261762B2
A gas supplying system includes a processing gas supply pipe for supplying a processing gas from a gas cylinder 210 into a processing apparatus and a nonreactive gas supply source 230 for supplying a nonreactive gas into the gas supply pipe. While the system is in operation, the gas supply pipe is charged with the nonreactive gas and a control unit is in a standby state. If a processing gas use start signal is received from the processing apparatus, the system exhausts the nonreactive gas from the gas supply pipe to create a vacuum therein; charges the gas supply pipe with the processing gas; and starts a supply of the processing gas from the processing gas supply source. If a processing gas use finish signal is received from the processing apparatus, the system stops the supply of the processing gas from the processing gas supply source; exhausts the processing gas from the gas supply pipe to create a vacuum therein; and charges the gas supply pipe with the nonreactive gas. Accordingly, the gas pipe from the processing gas supply source to the processing apparatus can be kept charged with the nonreactive gas when the processing gas is not used in the processing apparatus. Therefore, a deposit generation inside the gas pipe can be prevented during that period.
US08261760B2
A control device is applied to a base of an umbrella stem. A buckle sits in the base whose upper portion sets a controlling device controlled by the buckle and whose lower portion radially disposes a spool disk. The peripheral wall of the spool disk having ratchets defined thereon is embraced by a spool groove. Two ends of a spiral spring are respectively fixed to the base and the spool disk to generate an elastic force driving the spool disk's rotation. A shift block positioned under the base of the controlling device has a continuous torsion to contact the spool disk and clasp the ratchets. A disk cord provides one end fixed on the spool disk and wound around the spool groove and the other end penetrating the controlling device and the base to join an upper accommodation of the umbrella.
US08261753B2
A wig with integral clinging foundation for enhanced securement of the wig to the head of a wearer. A plurality of hair strands are attached to a foundation base element. One or more securement elements are connected to the periphery of the foundation base element. Each securement element is flexible and has an inner surface including unidirectional piled fiber adapted to cause frictional engagement between the securement element and a portion of either the skin or the natural hair of the head of the wearer. The frictional engagement occurs in a frictional direction which is generally toward the crown portion of the foundation base element. As a result, the wig can be easily slipped onto the head of a wearer, yet remain effectively secured thereto. Thus, the construction of the wig allows it to be worn securely, comfortably and universally for wearers with and without their own natural hair.
US08261750B1
A method for treating patella subluxation includes positioning the patient for examination of an affected knee joint. It is then determined if there is subluxation of the patella, which may occur by palpation. If subluxation is found, an affected fibrous tissue adjacent to the patella is located. This may occur through implementing imaging technology, such as live imaging where a temporally changing image of the internal components of the knee may be viewed, static imaging where a temporally fixed image of the internal components of the knee is captured, or through palpation by a practiced medical professional. An effective amount of a neurotoxin is then introduced into the affected fibrous tissue, such as through injection. The method also may include an additional step of manipulating the patella into the patellofemoral groove, which may occur manually. Thereafter, various diagnostics and exercises are implemented to monitor and rehabilitate the affected area.
US08261735B2
As indicated above, the present invention provides a flameless, portable heating kit. In a typical embodiment, the heat pack contains a liquid activated heating material (e.g., in pack form) and utilizes a recycled heat design. This design includes an opening between a heat chamber and a content chamber where the contents (materials to be heated such as food, or a packet containing food such as a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE)) are placed. The heat materials such as steam, air or liquid are transported through a controlled opening that transfers heat to the heat chamber. The present invention also provides a heat control method that uses a filter or filters that filter by-product materials such as moisture and channels the by-products outside, while keeping the heating liquid material inside of the heat space chamber. Optimal control of the heating (chemical) materials' temperature offers a safe heating experience.
US08261733B2
A method controls a modulating gas furnace by monitoring a differential pressure associated with the modulating gas furnace, learning an intermediate value associated with an intermediate capacity between a minimum output capacity of the gas furnace and a maximum output capacity of the gas furnace, learning one of a high value associated with the maximum output capacity and a low value associated with a minimum output capacity, establishing an estimated operating curve using either the intermediate value and the low value or using the intermediate value and the high value, and operating the gas furnace in accordance with the estimated operating curve.
US08261721B2
An abnormality diagnosing system for an internal combustion engine including a first fuel injection valve that injects fuel into a cylinder, and a second fuel injection valve that injects fuel into an intake passage is provided which has a control device controls an injection pattern of the first fuel injection valve and the second fuel injection valve. The control device stores engine operating conditions when an abnormality occurs in the engine, and make a return-to-normal determination as to whether the engine returns to a normal operating state when similar operation conditions that are the same as or within predetermined ranges of the stored operating conditions are established. The injection pattern is selected from patterns in which the fuel is injected solely from the first fuel injection valve, solely from the second fuel injection valve, and from both of the first and second fuel injection valves. The control device stores the injection pattern when the abnormality occurs, and makes a return-to-normal determination on condition that the engine is operating in an injection pattern that is the same as the stored injection pattern.
US08261644B2
A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. An assembly is provided for moving the window covering on the support surface relative to the saw such that the window covering is positioned to be cut by the saw. A sensor is used to automatically determine a center of the window covering by detecting a predetermined portion of the window covering such as a mark on the window covering or an edge of the window covering.
US08261635B2
The present invention relates a one-direction ratchet wrench, which has a driving head with a first cavity and a second cavity. There are walls located on the top and the bottom portions of the second cavity, and a pin hole is extended from the second cavity to the walls. A ratchet wheel is rotatably mounted in the first cavity, and there is a plurality of ratchet teeth in the outer periphery of the ratchet wheel and a receptacle formed in the middle to receive and drive workpieces. A pawl is located in the second cavity and one of its sides has a plurality of teeth engaged with the ratchet teeth. A pin is inserted in a pin hole for an elastic assembly to hitch on. The elastic assembly has a first elastic element and a second elastic element. One end of the second elastic element links to the pawl and the other end links to the first elastic element. The first elastic element hitches on the pin and one of its ends sticks against the inner wall of the second cavity. Thus, the present invention is able to effectively control workpieces being driven in one-direction.
US08261629B2
A lever assembly. The assembly may include a lever, a shaft coupled to the lever for supporting pivotal movement of the lever, a magnet coupled to the lever, the magnet being configured to rotate upon pivotal movement of the lever, and magnetic field sensor positioned adjacent the magnet for providing an output representative to position of the lever.
US08261628B2
An electromechanical driving device (1) for use in a tailgate of a motor vehicle, with an electric motor (2) for the rotary drive of a spur gear (4) which is accommodated in a gear housing (3) and is operatively connected to a gear arrangement (5) in order to drive an output shaft (19) for a window wiper mechanism, wherein the spur gear (4) is accommodated rotatably in the gear housing (3) by means of a co-rotating spur gear shaft (6), wherein a shaft section (7) of the spur gear shaft (6) extends out of the gear housing (3) on which means for actuating a closing mechanism (8) for closing the tailgate and/or a tailgate window are accommodated. An electromechanical driving device (1) for use in a tailgate of a motor vehicle is therefore provided, said driving device, which is used to selectively actuate a wiper mechanism or a closing mechanism, having a simple design and comprising a gear housing which is designed in accordance with a known construction for driving a wiper mechanism.
US08261627B2
There is provided a new rolling body screw device manufactured with cheap cost without degrading quality in comparison with a conventional device even for a device having any large dimension in an end-cap type rolling body screw device. The rolling body screw device includes the direction changing passages 42 each including: a scoop-up portion 43 scooping a ball rolling in a loaded rolling body passage as a loaded area of the endless track so as to hand over the balls to the direction changing passage 42 as a non-loaded area of the endless track; and a route path 44 forming a circulation path of the ball scooped by the scoop-up portion. Each of the return pieces is composed, in combination, of a metal part 41a formed of a metal material including the scoop-up portion 43, and non-metal parts 41b, 41c formed of a non-metal material including the route path 44.
US08261614B2
A rotational speed sensor including at least one substrate, at least two base elements which each have a frame, a means for suspending the frame from the substrate, at least one seismic mass and one means for suspending the seismic mass from the frame. One or more drive means are provided for driving one or more base elements and one or more reading devices. The at least two base elements are coupled to one another by means of at least one coupling bar.
US08261611B2
A method for analyzing a gait pattern includes: measuring, by a plurality of force sensing resistor (FSR) sensors, foot pressure values, and outputting the measured foot pressure values, respectively; searching for a maximum pressure local area in which the sum of the output values from the FSR sensors included in each of a plurality of pressure local areas is maximized; calculating a center of pressure (COP) with respect to the detected maximum pressure local area; and analyzing a gait pattern by adding the calculated COP to the trajectory of COPs.
US08261604B2
An ECU executes a program including: a control to advance or retard the fuel injection timing by a prescribed value; determining whether the torque output variation of an engine exceeds a threshold torque output variation; and determining the fuel injection timing to be abnormal if the torque output variation of the engine is equal to or below the threshold torque output variation.
US08261601B2
The described invention relates to a method for determining corrosion in wet gas pipelines comprising: a) using a portion of the liquid phase from a wet gas pipeline; b) placing said portion in a high pressure, high temperature autoclave to prepare a saturated vapor phase; c) transferring the saturated vapor to a corrosion test unit, said unit having a specimen holder section having external, temperature adjustable means, and specimens being arranged in one or more positions within the specimen holder; d) chilling said specimen holder section so as to cause condensation onto said corrosion testing specimens; and, e) calculating a value selected from the group consisting of corrosions rate, pitting of the specimen, weight loss of the specimen, and any combination thereof. The invention process can be practiced in a separate laboratory apparatus designed to accomplish the above method, or in a similar online apparatus set up in a semi-batch mode or continuous mode.
US08261600B2
A method for analyzing a scratch from a scratch test includes (a) locating the beginning of the scratch relative to a reference position, (b) making the scratch on a bulk with an indenter while recording the applied force and at least one measurement parameter, as a function of the displacement of the indenter relative to the reference position, (c) acquiring and recording images of the scratch relative to the reference position, (d) synchronizing the recorded images, the applied force and the measurement parameter, as a function of the displacement of the indenter, (e) displaying curves of the applied force and of the measurement parameter as a function of the displacement of the indenter, and (f) displaying in a synchronized way an image of the scratch reconstructed from the recorded images.
US08261599B2
The present disclosure provides a method and system of determining aerodynamic imbalances of a wind turbine rotor and optionally correcting such imbalances, as well as a method and system for determining mass imbalances of a wind turbine rotor and optionally correcting such imbalances. The aerodynamic imbalances may be detected and corrected using optical analysis of images of the wind turbine rotor. The mass imbalances may be detected and corrected using vibration analysis of the wind turbine rotor, typically using accelerometers or possibly other vibration sensors.
US08261594B2
A leak detection system has: a test chamber connected to a vacuum pump; a filling device for filling a test piece with helium gas; a transfer device for transferring the test piece between a ready-for-detection position in which the test piece is ready to be carried into the test chamber and a filling-operation position in which the operation of filling helium gas by the filling device is performed; a carrying device for carrying the test piece from the ready-for-detection position to a detection position inside the test chamber; a sealing device for hermetically sealing the test chamber in a state in which the helium-gas-filled test piece is in the detection position; and a leak detector for detecting helium to be leaked out of the test piece when, after having sealed the test chamber by the sealing device, the test chamber is evacuated by the vacuum pump to a predetermined pressure.
US08261591B2
A semifinished hardenable-steel workpiece is introduced into a gap between a punch tool and a complementary die tool while the workpiece is heated above the AC3 point. Then one of the tools is vertically shifted toward the other tool so as to deform the workpiece to a predetermined shape. Subsequently the workpiece is gripped between the punch and the die tools while cooling at least one of the tools to press-quench the workpiece. Finally, but before the press-quenching is completed, an edge is cut off the still hot workpiece by relatively shifting an upper die and a lower die vertically past each other.
US08261589B2
A method for coiling thin metal strip, especially hot-rolled or cold-rolled thin steel strip, on a coiler mandrel, which is adjusted in diameter, in which, at the beginning, the inner windings of the coil are coiled on the adjusted coiler mandrel diameter, and, after the final winding of the coil, the coiler mandrel is pulled out, or the coil is taken off, wherein one or more profile grooves are pressed into one inner winding or into several adjacent inner windings on the circumference during rotation of the coil.
US08261586B2
A lock including a housing having an opening for a locking bolt, a locking bolt movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an actuator positioned within the housing, and a rotary blocking device that prevents the locking bolt from moving to the unlocked position is disclosed. The lock may optionally include a tamper resistant mechanism that is designed such that attempting to forcibly move the locking bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position while the actuator remains in the locked condition causes the locking bolt to engage the tamper resistant mechanism.
US08261584B2
The reversible mortise lock of the present invention can be installed on either the left or right side edges of a door opposite the door hinges. The lock includes a housing with a live bolt pivotally and slidably mounted in the housing. The live bolt slides between an extended position beyond the housing and a fully retracted position within the housing. When fully retracted, the live bolt can be rotated 180° so that the beveled face of the live bolt can be reversed. A finger pivotally mounted within the housing blocks full retraction of the live bolt when the mortise lock is installed in the door.
US08261574B2
An air conditioning system having an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger between which a refrigerant circulates to effect a heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air at the outdoor heat-exchanger and to effect another heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air at the indoor heat exchanger, the air conditioning system which includes a compressor sucking the refrigerant to compress and discharging the resulting refrigerant, a liquid pump sucking the refrigerant to discharge, an expansion valve expanding the refrigerant, and an accumulator serving for gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant and accumulating the refrigerant in liquid phase, wherein when the compressor is brought into operation for indoor air cooling, the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the indoor heat exchanger, and the accumulator are connected in such an order to circulate the refrigerant therethrough, wherein suction lines of the respective compressor and liquid pump are in parallel to suck the refrigerant from the accumulator, and wherein when the compressor and the liquid pump are concurrently operated for indoor air cooling, a discharge line of the liquid pump is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger for discharging the refrigerant therefrom.
US08261569B2
An air conditioner includes: a compressor configured to compress refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger configured to condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger configured to evaporate the refrigerant condensed by indoor heat exchanger; a heater configured to transfer heat to the refrigerant condensed by the indoor heat exchanger; a first pipe configured to flow fluid towards the heater; a second pipe configured to flow fluid away from the heater; and a bypass pipe configured to flow fluid between the first pipe and the second pipe.
US08261561B2
An air conditioning system having a free-cooling mode. The system includes a refrigeration circuit have a compressor, a pump, an expansion device having a variable opening, and a controller. The controller selectively operates the system in the free-cooling mode by circulating the refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit via the pump. The system includes a free-cooling capacity control sequence resident on the controller. The free-cooling capacity control sequence adjusts the cooling capacity of the system at least by adjusting the variable opening based on the temperature difference between a working fluid temperature and a set point temperature.
US08261560B2
An apparatus is provided that includes a device and a mechanism for heat transfer. The mechanism includes a hydrofluoroether heat-transfer fluid wherein the heat transfer fluid is represented by the following structure: Y—Rf—CH2OCH2Rf—Y wherein Rf may be the same or different and is, independently, selected from the group consisting of perfluorinated alkylene groups which may be linear, cyclic, or branched having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, partially fluorinated alkylene groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and derivatives thereof wherein one or more carbon atoms are replaced by catenated nitrogen or oxygen heteroatoms, wherein each Rf contains at most one hydrogen atom, wherein Y represents H, F, or an RfCH2OCH2— group, and wherein the total number of carbon atoms in the molecule is at least 6. A method of transferring heat including the device and the provided heat-transfer fluid is also provided
US08261542B2
A method of heating an engine exhaust gas of an engine, including flowing a first exhaust gas at a first temperature within and along internal flow channels of a catalyst brick, and flowing a second exhaust gas at a second, different, temperature around an exterior of the catalyst brick. Heat may be transferred between the gases and the catalyst brick to achieve various operations.
US08261536B2
A method of supplying fuel vapor to an exhaust aftertreatment device of a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes evaporating fuel on a voltage-biased, resistive heating element, the element set in an enclosure configured to release fuel vapor to the exhaust-aftertreatment device, and indicating that the element is degraded if a current flowing through the element is less than a threshold current. In some embodiments, the threshold current is based on the ambient temperature and/or the amount of fuel in the enclosure.
US08261525B2
The present invention introduces a process of spinning bast fibers through health preserving. Various examples include health preserving bast fibers; opening and cleaning, and carding the health preserved bast fibers, and drawing the carded health preserved bast fibers into bast fiber strips; health preserving said bast fiber strips; and spinning the health preserved fiber strips into yarn. Examples of the present invention also introduce a kind of yarn made by such processes. Examples of the present invention further introduce a process of blended spinning bast fiber with other fibers through health preserving, and the yarn made by such processes. Examples of the present invention realize low end breakage rates, and high efficiency, so as to achieve high quality products.
US08261523B2
A reel cutting unit of a reel mower is provided with a belt and pulley drive system for rotating the reel of the cutting unit at variable speeds when the ground speed of the reel cutting unit is substantially constant to provide different clips. The drive system has three pulleys of different diameter in engagement with the belt in drive, driven and idler positions. The pulleys can be interchangeably used in any of the positions by moving the pulleys around into the different positions in six different possible arrangements. The pulleys are selectively placed in one arrangement at a time to select the clip provided by that arrangement. A chain and sprocket drive system with different diameter sprockets may be used in place of the belt and pulley drive system. The belt and pulley drive system may comprise toothed pulleys and toothed timing belt.
US08261499B2
A seal plate for building panels includes an elongate body having a first side and second side. The first side of the elongate body includes first and second seals and a recessed channel. The first and second seals and the recessed channel extend at least a portion of the length of the elongate body. The recessed channel is positioned between the first and second seals.
US08261493B2
A gutter protection device includes an elongated frame having opposite first and second edge portions, opposite first and second end portions, an elongated recessed portion in a medial portion thereof, and one or more insert panels removably secured within the recessed portion. The recessed portion extends from the frame first end portion to the frame second end portion, and includes a plurality of gutter access openings arranged longitudinally in end-to-end spaced-apart relationship. Each insert panel is removably secured within the frame recessed portion, and includes opposite first and second edge portions, opposite end portions, and opposite upper and lower surfaces. Each panel includes a plurality of spaced-apart openings formed therethrough that permit water to flow into a rain gutter. A filtering screen is secured to the insert panel lower surface and covers the insert panel openings. The filtering screen is configured to prevent the passage of debris therethrough.
US08261491B2
A door assembly includes a first door skin, a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin and a door operator disposed between the first door skin and the second door skin. An arm extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.
US08261481B1
An apparatus comprising a rear sight configured to be coupled with a firearm, the rear sight comprising a left upward member and a right upward member comprising a left horizontal linear alignment indicator and the right upward member comprising a right horizontal linear alignment indicator, wherein a distance between the left horizontal linear alignment indictor and the top surface of the left upward member is less than or substantially equal to the height of the left horizontal linear alignment indicator and a distance between the right horizontal linear alignment indictor and the top surface of the right upward member is less than or substantially equal to the height of the right horizontal linear alignment indicator is disclosed.
US08261475B1
The invention relates to a figurative print for a plane print carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the figurative print comprises a primary, a secondary, and a tertiary figurative element. Each of the three elements shows an angular displacement of between 0° and 90° in relation to a perpendicular view of the figurative print on the plane print carrier so that the figurative print appears with a special effect, when the print is viewed from an oblique position relative to a perpendicular viewing.
US08261472B2
An excavator implement attachment system can include a tooth having a pocket formed therein, an insert received in a recess formed in an adaptor nose and a threaded fastener which releasably secures the tooth on the nose, the fastener having a helical thread formed thereon which is eccentric relative to a fastener body. A tooth can include a pocket with at least one side wall which has an insert-receiving recess and generally planar insert-engaging interface surfaces formed therein, with one interface surface resisting rotation of the tooth about a longitudinal axis in one direction, and another interface surface resisting rotation of the tooth about the longitudinal axis in an opposite direction. An excavator tooth can include a pocket bounded by opposing side walls, with at least one of the side walls having an insert-receiving recess internally formed thereon, whereby the recess receives an insert installed in an adaptor nose.
US08261471B2
In one aspect of the present invention, a method of excavation with pointed cutting elements, comprising the steps of providing a excavating assembly with at least one pointed cutting element, the pointed cutting element comprising a rounded apex that intersects a central axis, the pointed cutting element further has a characteristic of having its highest impact resistance to resultant forces aligned with the central axis; engaging the at least one pointed cutting element against a formation such that the formation applies a resultant force against the pointed cutting element; determining an angle of the resultant force; and modifying at least one excavating parameter to align the resultant force with the pointed cutting element's central axis.
US08261467B2
Disclosed are a liquid storage container and a clothes dryer having the same. The clothes dryer comprises: a body; a front supporter which forms a part of a front surface of the body, and configured to fix the drum; a door installed at the front supporter; a liquid storage container comprising a reservoir configured to store liquid therein, and an inlet unit through which liquid is introduced into the reservoir; and a remaining amount indicator configured to indicate a remaining amount of the liquid stored in the reservoir, wherein the remaining amount indicator is installed on a rear surface of the front supporter, and is exposed to the front surface of the body.
US08261450B1
A handle and stand apparatus for holding a razor in an upright configuration includes a housing defining an interior area and an open top and bottom. A plurality of gripping members extends upwardly in the interior area and each includes a distal end adjacent the open top. A clamping member is situated in the open top of the housing defining a bore configured to receive the handle of the razor into the interior area. The clamping member is rotatable between a clamped configuration in which the gripping members are urged inwardly about the razor handle and a released configuration in which the gripping members are released away from the razor handle. A vibration device may be situated in the housing interior area to cause water droplets to be dislodged from the razor when energized. The apparatus may include a counter circuit and display to monitor a number of razor uses.
US08261444B2
A method of manufacturing a rotor includes: (a) providing a core shaft; (b) cold spraying alloy powder particles onto the core shaft; (c) controlling the cold spraying to form sections at least of different shape along the core shaft to thereby form a near-net shape rotor; and (d) heat treating the near-net shape rotor to relieve stresses and to form diffusion bonding across interfaces between individual powder particles and the core shaft, and finish-shaping said near-net shape rotor.
US08261443B2
During assembly of a medical electrical lead, the tubular lead component is slid over the outer surface of the lead body to a desired location on the lead. The ends of the tubular lead body are sealed and a space is defined between the inner surface of the tubular lead component and the outer surface of the lead body. Medical adhesive is injected through the port(s) to substantially fill the space between the tubular component and the lead body. The adhesive is then cured. Any ports extending away from the sleeve are removed after the curing step.
US08261437B2
According to the present invention, a circuit board having a further-microfabricated circuit pattern that can be manufactured in further simplified steps is obtained. For such purpose, a mold 10, which has protrusions 11 formed in a pattern corresponding to a circuit pattern, is used to apply a conductive material layer (metal paste) 13 to head portions of the protrusions 11 of the mold 10. The mold is heat- and pressure-welded to the surface of a substrate 20 that is made of a resin film or the like. Accordingly, a pattern comprising the protrusions 11 and the conductive material layer (metal paste) 13 are transferred to the substrate 20. After transfer, the resin substrate (resin molding 30) is immersed in a copper sulfate plating bath for electrolytic plating treatment. Copper ions in the plating bath were deposited inside each recess 31 while the conductive material layer 13 is used as a base material for the formation of a metal wiring 32. A pattern of the recesses 31 transferred to the substrate-20 side is determined depending on a pattern comprising the protrusions 11 on the mold 10. Thus, a microfabricated high-density circuit pattern formed with metal wirings 32 having arbitrary aspect ratios can be obtained.
US08261434B2
A device for releasably fastening a wire foil to a supporting strip in an installation for producing paper. The installation has a wire and wire foils that extend transversely with respect to the movement direction of the wire. The foils are situated at a spacing from one another in the movement direction of the wire and come into contact with the wire. Supporting strips for the wire foils are assigned to the wire foils and likewise extend transversely with respect to the movement direction of the wire. The wire foils or the supporting strips which are assigned to them are configured in their longitudinal direction with an undercut groove, and the supporting strips or the wire foils are configured with a spring which corresponds to the cross section of the undercut groove. It is possible for the wire foils to be pushed with play onto the supporting strips transversely with respect to the movement direction of the wire, with the result that, in their operating position, they are fastened releasably to the supporting strips. A clamping strip which extends in the longitudinal direction of the supporting strip and the wire foil is provided between the supporting strip and the wire foil, the displacement of the clamping strip in its longitudinal direction bringing about a transverse movement of the wire foil with respect to the supporting strip, as a result of which the wire foil is connected rigidly in its operating position to the supporting strip.
US08261427B2
Crystal devices are disclosed, of which an exemplary device includes a crystal frame comprising a crystal vibrating piece having an electrode pattern and an outer frame supporting the crystal vibrating piece. The device also includes a crystal package base including at least one connection electrode formed on a first main surface and at least one external electrode formed on a second main surface, wherein the second main surface is opposite the first main surface. The crystal frame and crystal base are layered together with a lid wafer to form a 3-layer sandwich. The layers of the sandwich are bonded together by siloxane bonding, which results in the connection electrodes contacting the electrode pattern on the crystal vibrating piece.
US08261422B2
A functional element (10), for fixing to a piece of sheet metal (40), such as for example, a nut element or a bolt element with a body section or head section, comprising an annular flange (14) which transforms into a cylindrical rivet section, is characterized in that the transformation from annular flange into the rivet section is formed by an at least essentially conical surface, forming a contact surface for a corresponding conical region of a piece of sheet metal, which, on fixing the functional element to a piece of sheet metal, is clamped between the side of the annular flange facing the rivet section and an annular bead (50) formed from the rivet section. An assembled component and a method for the fixing of a functional element are also disclosed.
US08261420B2
The invention relates to a method and apparatus of reducing stress during stent manufacture. Particularly, the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for expanding a stent using primarily radial loads thereby reducing the stresses that are generated due to the axial loads applied during loading of the stent onto a mandrel or other expansion device. The method of the invention provides for the stepwise expansion of shape memory stents, while reducing the overall stresses that the stent encounters, and thereby improving manufacturing yields due to fractured struts during expansion.
US08261419B2
The invention relates to a tool used for pressure crimping and driving-out of a cleat, comprising: (a) a first receptacle opposite which is located a crimping head movably mounted on a body of the tool; (b) a second receptacle opposite which is located a drive-out head also movably mounted on the body; and (c) pressure means movably mounted on the body so as to be able to be displaced from a crimping position in which they are capable of exerting pressure on the crimping head, to a drive-out position in which they are capable of exerting pressure on the drive-out head, and conversely.
US08261415B2
An apparatus and method for cotton ginning are disclosed. For example, an apparatus for cotton ginning comprises a belt and one or more rollers which are operatively connected. The belt is configured to have a contoured surface such that unprocessed cotton is processed so that cotton seeds are separated from cotton fiber, with the cotton fiber being held by the contoured surface. A method of cotton ginning comprises feeding unprocessed cotton into an apparatus that contains at least two belts wherein two of the at least two belts are operatively connected to each other so as to generate an arced contour and wherein the arced contour applies a normal force to cotton fibers allowing separation of the cotton fibers from cotton seeds.
US08261414B2
A holder comprising on the one hand a base designed for fixing on a culinary item, and comprises a use positioning member and a rotary shaft, and on the other hand a handle pivoting on the rotary shaft and a lock mounted in such a way that it can move between a locked position in which it engages with the use positioning member in such a way as to immobilize the handle and a release position in which it allows it to be rotated. The use positioning member is on the rotary shaft.
US08261411B2
A hinge comprises a shaft, a bracket, a first interference member, a second interference member, and a sleeve member set around and in tight contact with the shaft. A first end of the sleeve member is fixed to the bracket, and a second end of the sleeve member is fixed to the second interference member. The shaft rotates in the sleeve member to rub against the inner surface of the sleeve member to supply friction.
US08261409B2
A grommet (10) for use with the face or web of a component such as sheet material for protecting the surface of articles passing through apertures formed in said component, said grommet comprising a generally cylindrical main wall portion (12) having adjacent one axial end thereof an outwardly extending lip portion(14), said main wall portion including a plurality of axially directed resilient fingers (24), at least some of said fingers having means (26) for resisting disengagement of said grommet from said component.
US08261404B2
The present invention provides a wiping blade (30) for removing water from a surface having one or more vertebrae (32, 34, 36, 38) comprising at least one rail (32, 34) and at least one spring (36, 38), wherein said rail (32, 34) is curved and provides an elastic force quasi perpendicular to the windscreen, and said wire spring (36, 38) is fitted to said rail over its entire length or a part thereof and provides an elastic force in the direction of the length of the vertebra.
US08261402B2
A steam pad for use with a steam mop is provided. The steam pad includes at least one layer of fabric having at least one fastener that corresponds to at least one fastener on the steam mop. In another embodiment, the steam pad comprises a first layer of fabric, a corresponding second layer of fabric, where the first and second layer are joined around the perimeter and where the second layer of fabric has at least one fastener that corresponds to at least one fastener on the steam mop.
US08261400B2
A brush system (1) for a labeling machine (40) is disclosed. The brush system (1) comprises a carrier (30) with a plurality of receptacles (32) and at least two brush elements (10) removably attached to the carrier (30). Each brush element (10) comprises a brush body (11) with a functional side (13) on a first side of the brush body (11), the functional side (13) having bristles (14), and with a carrier side (12) on a second side of the brush body (11). The carrier side (12) of each brush element (10) exhibits at least one clamping means (15), which together with a receptacle (32) of the carrier (30) provides for a removable attachment. Each clamping means (15) exhibits at least two elastic catch hooks (16), which lock into one of the receptacles (32).
US08261399B2
A mechanical energy harvesting toothbrush may employ circuits and devices to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Such conversion can be done using piezoelectric devices to convert stresses and strains from bending of the toothbrush head and/or bristles during use, and can be done using electromagnetic generators involving passing a magnet through a coil to induce current. The resulting electric energy may be rectified, and stored in a storage device, such as a capacitor or rechargeable battery. A switching circuit may be configured to detect the level of energy stored in the storage device, and to close an electrical connection when a predetermined level of energy (e.g., a charge) has been reached. The predetermined level may correspond to a desired amount of brushing (e.g., taking into account stroke length and force, and the number of strokes), and the closing of the electrical connection may be used to power output devices when that desired amount of brushing has been reached.
US08261397B2
The present invention relates to a flexible wire (100), which is inserted in a pipe and rotated in a high speed to remove scale produced in a pipe by striking. A flexible wire (100) for removing pipe scales comprising: a main wire (110) having plural wires twisted in a spiral direction as one body, wherein the main wire (110) has an overall straight shape; and an auxiliary wire (120) having plural wires twisted in a spiral direction as one body, of which a diameter is substantially smaller than a diameter of the main wire (110), wherein the auxiliary wire (120) is secured to the main wire (110) and has an overall repeated S-shape.
US08261386B2
A back support that provides lumbar support, mid-back support, lateral back support, and arm supports to compensate for a lack of strength in one's core muscles, such as after pregnancy or abdominal surgery. The arm supports are shaped to provide a surface to resist downward force of one's arms while allowing the arms to stay close to the body, as when holding or feeding a baby. The back support encourages proper spinal alignment by providing appropriate areas of support, including a protrusion on the top of the back support that serves as a physical cue to a user when their body is fully upright and centered.
US08261381B2
A safety bed including a bed frame with a head board, side boards and a footboard, pivotally attached guard members, and a vertically adjustable mattress support structure which is attached to the side boards. The mattress support structure is capable of being lowered within the confines of the bed frame to prevent a patient from crawling out of the safety bed. The mattress support structure capable of being raised within the bed frame to grant a health care provider access to the patient. The raising and lowering of the mattress support frame does not affect height of the side boards or guard members.
US08261375B1
A face and eye covering device includes a face cover configured for covering the nose and mouth of a wearer. The face cover is air permeable to allow the passage of air therethrough to facilitate breathing when worn over the wearer's nose or mouth. An eye shield is coupled to the face cover. The eye shield includes a lens and a lens protector releasably coupled to the lens. At least a portion of the lens and lens protector are transparent to allow visual perception therethrough.
US08261370B2
The device and method according to an aspect of the present invention provides a garment collar support member for shaping a garment collar, wherein the garment collar support member comprises a first collar shaping region adapted to support a first collar associated with the garment collar, the first collar shaping region comprising a first non planar surface; a second collar shaping region adapted to support a second collar associated with the garment collar, the second collar shaping region comprising a second non planar surface; and a coupling system associated with coupling the first and second collar shaping region together for providing a housing region between the first and second non-planar surface, wherein the housing region stores at least one fastening item.
US08266716B2
A captured content rights controller detects a first portion of streaming captured content and a second portion of the streaming captured content after the first portion of the streaming captured content is detected. The captured content rights controller determines whether rendering the second portion of the streaming captured content after the first portion of the streaming captured content is subject to at least one digital rights management protection rule for streaming captured content as specified by at least one owner of at least one restricted element within the streaming captured content captured independent of distribution of the content by the owner of the at least one restricted element within the streaming captured content. The captured content rights controller applies the at least one digital rights management protection rule to restrict rendering of the second portion of the streaming captured content after the first portion of the streaming captured content.
US08266715B2
A method of performing Digital Rights Management (DRM) and tracking using a virus characteristic and a system for executing the method are provided. The method of performing DRM and tracking with respect to a digital content, includes the steps of: providing a DRM code to the digital content in a DRM system, wherein the DRM code includes a virus characteristic; and performing the DRM and tracking with respect to the digital content, based on DRM information, wherein the DRM information is generated based on the DRM code.
US08266705B2
In order to enable utilization of a personal address book by another person while maintaining security, in case display of information on an information destination registered in the address book is requested from an unauthenticated user, a display is executed in a state where address information (fax number, e-mail address etc.) is concealed (for example by a mosaic pattern), and information on the information destination, displayed with the address information in such concealed state, can be designated as the information designation.
US08266689B2
A bilateral data transfer system comprising a first node, a second node, a first one-way link for unidirectional transfer of first data from the first node to the second node, and a second one-way link for unidirectional transfer of second data from the second node to the first node, wherein the unidirectional transfer of the first data across the first one-way link and the unidirectional transfer of the second data across the second one-way link are independently administered by the bilateral data transfer system. Under such bilateral data transfer system, each of the one-way data links may be subject to separately administered security restrictions and data filtering processes. Hence, it enables secure bilateral communications across different network security domains.
US08266685B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a firewall installer that receives a set of configuration instructions for configuring a firewall in a declarative format that describes one or more rules to be implemented by the firewall, and that automatically configures the firewall. Providing a firewall installer that is capable of configuring a firewall based upon declarative input rather than procedural process-oriented input facilitates administration of a firewall by allowing an administrator to specify desired firewall configuration at a higher, declarative level and frees the administrator from the need to specify procedures for implementing configuration changes in the firewall. In one embodiment of the invention, the firewall installer can receive and store input for configuring a firewall even when the firewall is not running, such that the firewall executes on those configuration changes when it next comes online.
US08266683B2
A method of secure communication involves determining that a remote system is trusted prior to authorizing secure communication therewith. A removable security device is coupled with a first system. When the first system communicates with a remote system securely, the remote system is evaluated to ensure that it is a trusted remote system prior to secure communication therewith being allowed.
US08266675B2
An information processor is provided that can maintain security in the entire network and use recording media resources efficiently. An image forming apparatus includes a user information memorizing portion for memorizing local user data of users who have ever used the image forming apparatus, a user information deleting portion for deleting any one or more of the local user data when the local user data memorized in the user information memorizing portion has an amount greater than a predetermined value, an authentication request portion for requesting an authentication server to authenticate a user who desires to use the image forming apparatus, and a user information generating portion, when local user data of the user authenticated by the authentication server are not memorized in the user information memorizing portion, for generating local user data of the user in the user information memorizing portion to let the same memorize the generated data.
US08266665B2
A method may include receiving, by a video client, a screen capture request, determining a type of screen capture, generating screen capture type information based on a result of determining the type of screen capture, analyzing at least one of screen capture data or screen capture type information, and providing a service to a user of the video client based on the analysis of the at least one of screen capture data or screen capture type information.
US08266662B2
An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.
US08266645B2
Methods and apparatus for detecting a channel change event are disclosed. capturing a television audio signal having first, second, and third portions, the first portion occurring earlier in time than the second portion and the second portion occurring earlier in time than the third portion, identifying at least one of a first muted audio condition or a first transient audio condition in the second portion of the television audio signal, and identifying a channel change event in response to: 1) identifying the at least one of the first muted audio condition or the first transient audio condition, 2) failing to identify a second muted audio condition or a second transient audio condition in the first and third portions of the television audio signal, and 3) determining that a time domain length of the second portion of the television audio signal is greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold.
US08266644B2
Channel trending, including determining a number of viewers watching a multimedia program, is achieved in a digital television network. Cached multimedia frames that correspond to portions of the multimedia program are maintained, for example, on a device located on an edge (i.e., in a network edge device) of the digital television network. In response to a request from a client device (e.g., a set-top box) to receive the multimedia program, cached multimedia frames are fed from the edge device to the client device. Upon a seamless transfer or handoff resulting in a simulcast replicator or multicast replicator providing further portions of the multimedia program, a signal (e.g., a simple network management protocol TRAP statement) is sent to a viewership statistic server for incrementing a counter.
US08266640B2
The present invention is related to a disk guiding device disposed on a disk process device, the disk guiding device comprises a base, a transmitting portion and a slaver. The base is disposed on a main body of the disk process device; the transmitting portion comprises a gear and a positioning module, wherein the gear is pivotally connected to the base and has a long gear and a plurality of short gears, the positioning module is disposed on the base for sustaining and taking the crown of the long gear for confining the rotation angle of the gear. The slaver is disposed and capable of sliding on a plane portion of the base, wherein a plurality of holes are disposed on the salver in sequence from an end-side of the salver toward the perpendicular direction of the end-side, and used for correspondingly engaging with the gear.
US08266639B2
A service module that provides for discovery of one or more network interfaces connecting a prospective remote procedure call (RPC) client, facilitates the provision of RPC programs in a network including multi-horned systems. When a request for a network address to an RPC application providing an RPC program is received from the RPC client, the RPC bind daemon discovers from the module, using the client response address, over which interface(s) the client is accessible. The daemon then selects an address of a network path to the RPC application that the prospective client can access and returns the corresponding network address. The service module monitors the network stack for RPC get address requests and builds tables of client address entries with corresponding network interface identifiers. The entries are retired according to an aging policy. When multiple network paths to the RPC application are available, the service can be selected using a heuristic such as preferred interface, non-firewalled interface, least number of return path links or other criteria.
US08266631B1
A method, system, and computer readable medium for calling a second functionality by a first functionality comprises calling a third functionality by the first functionality, wherein the calling includes passing arguments to the third functionality, calling a fourth functionality by the third functionality, wherein the calling includes passing the arguments to the fourth functionality, calling a fifth functionality via the fourth functionality, wherein the calling includes marshalling a request related to the arguments and passing the marshaled request to the fifth functionality, calling a sixth functionality via the fifth functionality, wherein the calling includes unmarshalling the marshaled request, calling the second functionality by the sixth functionality, wherein the calling includes passing the arguments related to the unmarshalled request to the second functionality, returning a response related to the arguments by the second functionality to the fifth functionality via the sixth functionality, calling the fourth functionality by the fifth functionality, wherein the calling includes marshalling the response and passing the marshaled response to the fourth functionality, returning a reply to the third functionality by the fourth functionality, wherein the reply includes unmarshalling the marshaled response, and returning the unmarshalled response to the first functionality by the third functionality.
US08266626B2
A system, method, and service associated with a computing grid or a virtual organization include a request for proposal (RFP) generator, where the RFP describes a data processing task. The RFP is provided to multiple resource providers via the computing grid where each of the resource providers is potentially suitable for performing the data processing task on behalf of the resource consumer. An RFP response processor receives and evaluates RFP responses generated by one or more of the resource providers. An exception processor accessible to the RFP response processor evaluates any exception in the RFP to determine if the exception disqualifies the RFP response. The exceptions may include, for example, job time limit exceptions, resource requirement exceptions, hardware/software platform requirement exceptions and others. Exception rules may be defined to guide the evaluation of the exception.
US08266624B2
Computer resource management techniques involving receiving notification of an available resource, generating a set of tasks that could be performed by the resource, and dispatching one of the tasks on the resource. Related systems and software are also discussed. Some techniques can be used for automatic software building and testing.
US08266610B2
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for scheduling instructions for execution. Identify a series of instructions in a loop, wherein the series of instructions has a cyclic data dependency. Determine whether the series of instructions is a uniform series of instructions. Schedule execution of the uniform series of instructions within the loop to optimize execution of the loop in response to the identified series of instructions being the uniform series of instructions.
US08266603B2
The present invention relates to allocating registers to variables in order to compile a program. In an embodiment of the present invention a compiler apparatus stores interference information indicating an interference relationship between variables, selects a register and allocates the register to each variables in accordance with a predetermined procedure, without allocating the same register to a set of variables having interference relationships. The compiler further replaces multiple variables having the same register allocated thereto with a new variable and generates an interference relationship by merging the interference relationships each concerning one of multiple variables. The compiler further updates interference information according to the generated interference relationship and allocates to each variable in the program using the new variable a register, selected in accordance with the predetermined procedure without allocating the same register to a set of variables having the interference relationships, based on the updated interference information.
US08266601B2
A framework may be provided for facilitating adoption of mathematical and logical solvers. A model, representing a problem, may be defined. The model may be defined: via a series of statements in a type safe common-language-specification compliant modeling language; via an intermediate format; or via a series of calls to a standardized application program interface. The framework may translate the defined model to an intermediate format, which many solvers may understand. The framework may provide a number of solver-related services including, but not limited to, services for creating a model, analyzing a model, selecting a well-suited solver based on analysis of a model, decomposing a model into multiple sub-models and providing the multiple sub-models to multiple solvers as multiple parallel threads, data binding, simulation, and post optimality analysis.
US08266595B2
A method and apparatus for identifying a minimum call tree data structure from a plurality of call tree data structures are provided. With the apparatus and method, call tree data structures are generated for two or more executions of a build of a computer program. The apparatus and method perform a “tree-minimization” operation in which the two or more call trees generated during runs of the computer program are walked and only those nodes that are present in each of the tree data structures are maintained in a minimized tree data structure. In addition, the minimum values for these common nodes are maintained in the minimized tree data structure. In this way, asynchronous events are removed from the minimum tree data structure and analysis may focus on those areas of the computer program that are consistent between runs of the computer program.
US08266588B2
Automatically creating a current project in an application developer workspace is provided. In response to reading a project file for the current project, it is automatically determined whether the current project has one or more dependent projects based on data contained within the project file. In response to determining that the current project does have one or more dependent projects, a build file is automatically generated for each of the one or more dependent projects. The build file calls importing targets within each of the one or more dependent projects. Then, the current project and the one or more dependent projects are automatically imported into the application developer workspace to form a created current project. The created current project is created without launching an application developer application. In addition, the created current project is stored in a source code control repository.
US08266573B2
It is desired to suppress an increase of the TAT or a repetition of processing in inserting a test circuit on designing. A test point insertion method includes: extracting a plurality of logic cones from a net list; generating an order for the plurality of logic cones based on a connection relation of logic cells in each of the plurality of logic cones; and setting a test point in each of the plurality of logic cones in turn in accordance with the order.
US08266570B2
Some embodiments provide techniques and systems for improving the efficiency of area recovery in an electronic design automation (EDA) flow. During operation, the system determines a utilization of a region from a set of regions in a design floorplan. Next, the system performs area recovery (e.g., by using a processor) on the region based at least on the utilization. Specifically, the system can overlay the design floorplan with a grid, wherein the grid comprises a set of grid cells and uses the grid cells as the set of regions. The grid can be associated with a predetermined number of rows and a predetermined number of columns. The system can determine the utilization of the region by calculating the utilization as a cell area of the region divided by a placement area of the region. The utilization can be incrementally calculated during the creation and optimization of the design.
US08266567B2
A method of modification of a semiconductor layout is provided. The layout comprises objects of semiconductor material with corners and edges. The method comprises a step of receiving (61) a set of proximities, triggers and design rules, the proximities indicating relations between neighboring edges and/or corners, the triggers defining boundaries for the modification within which boundaries the proximities are valid, the design rules describing physical requirements for the semiconductor layout. The method further comprises a step of generating (62) a set of constraints, based on the received proximities, triggers and design rules, each constraint in the set of constraints defining a limit within which the semiconductor layout may be modified without changing the proximities. Then the set of constraints to obtain a modified semiconductor layout is solved (63).
US08266566B2
Spare cells are placed in an IC design using stability values associated with logic cones of the design. A desired spare cell utilization rate is assigned to a cone based on its stability value, and an actual spare cell utilization rate for the cone bounding box is calculated. If the actual utilization rate is less than the desired utilization rate, additional spare cells are inserted as needed to attain the desired utilization rate. The stability value is provided by a logic or circuit designer, or derived from historical information regarding the logic cone in a previous design iteration. Spare cells are placed for each logic cone in the design until a global spare cell utilization target is exceeded. The spare cell placement method can be an integrated part of a placement directed synthesis which is followed by early mode padding and design routing.
US08266560B2
Methods and systems for generating and verifying circuit layouts from computer-aided design tools for vertically integrated, three-dimensional integrated circuits are disclosed. In one instance, a 3-D technology file of these teachings is obtained by providing an identifier for two or more circuit levels, providing for each one of the two or more circuit levels an identifier for a 2-D technology file corresponding to each of the one or more circuit levels and providing a file structure including the two or more circuit levels and each identifier, corresponding to each one of the one or more circuit levels, for the 2-D technology file corresponding to each one of the two or more circuit levels. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08266552B2
Pattern formation simulations are performed based on design layout data subjected to OPC processing with a plurality of process parameters set in process conditions. A worst condition of the process conditions is calculated based on risk points extracted from simulation results. The design layout data or the OPC processing is changed such that when a pattern is formed under the worst condition based on the changed design layout data or the changed OPC processing a number of the risk points or a risk degree of the risk points of the pattern is smaller than the simulation result.
US08266543B2
A device driver or method that operate a periphery device. A display mode storage unit stores setting items, which are operable by a user using a user interface interfacing the device driver, into functionally mutually-related groups, as plates, the plates indicating display modes of the user interface for each group of the setting items. An alignment sequence setting unit sets an alignment sequence for the plates by allowing the user to set the alignment sequence. An arrangement unit arranges the plates in a plate display area on the user interface depending on the alignment sequence set by the alignment sequence setting. Each of the plates has a width that equals either a whole length or a half length of a width of the plate display area, and the arrangement unit arranges the plates in the plate display area depending on the alignment sequence set by the alignment sequence setting unit.
US08266541B2
A disclosed technology is for controlling the operation of displaying message windows. Plural message windows are not displayed at the same time in response to plural requests being made to start displaying the same message window.
US08266535B2
A method and apparatus of providing a teleforum. The method includes generating simultaneous outbound invitation calls to multiple invitees and transmitting a message to each invitee, inviting him or her to become a teleforum participant. Teleforum participants who accept the invitation are connected to the teleforum in a listen-only mode. During the teleforum, a teleforum participant may request active participation in the teleforum. The method also includes allowing the participant to actively participate in the teleforum. Active participation may include but is not limited to such activities as: speaking to the teleforum, asking a question, responding to a poll, making a donation, providing information, leaving a message, being transferred to a subconference, receiving feedback from participants, leaving a voicemail, volunteering for future activities or receiving media transmitted outside of the teleforum.
US08266534B2
Members working on the same project can access similar resources at substantially the same time to facilitate active participation in the project. A meeting associated with the project can be given a unique identifier that can allow the project members to access a meeting or other content and view similar documents or other content as it is discussed in the meeting. As information is edited, modified, created, etc. the members can selectively be presented with the information. A common repository can provide the members with an area or platform in which the project material can be accessed, discussed or other functions performed by the project members, allowing for collaboration of the project details.
US08266523B2
A method and computer system are described for conducting commercial transactions. An enhanced type of XML schema may be used which supports integrity constraints and polymorphism. Schemas are identified by the use of Uniform Resource Names. XML processors residing on transaction servers or trading partner servers parse document instances by retrieving the URNs corresponding to the schemas used to interpret the document. The URNs are converted to location-dependent URIs in order to locate the schemas. URNs are resolved to location-dependent URIs by use of the LDAP protocol. URNs may be converted to LDAP URLs which are used to search LDAP compliant directories. The directories serve as registries for the URI values corresponding to the URNs.
US08266518B2
A tool set is provided that uses a series of modules (e.g. spreadsheet workbooks) for assessing risks/threats to and attacks against a project and developing countermeasures against such risks/threats/attacks. The project may cover a wide berth of functionality from alarm systems, computer security, building projects, etc. The roll up feature of the spreadsheet may be employed to evaluate changing scenarios in a short period of time. Ranked threats and countermeasures operable to defeat such threats may be displayed in a tree diagram generated by one or more of the modules.
US08266506B2
A method and apparatus providing improved set membership determination and group membership identification of candidate data elements using a single Bloom filter programmed to provide a plurality of non-zero f-bit binary vectors, where each of the f-bit binary vectors is associated with a respective group. The Bloom filter is programmed using one or more (but not all) of a plurality of hash filter sets.
US08266498B2
A cache includes a plurality of cache lines, where each cache line includes a detection type field, corresponding cache data field, a detection field, and a corresponding tag field. The detection type field indicates an error detection scheme from a plurality of error detection schemes currently in use for the corresponding cache data field. One example of an error detection scheme is a multiple bit error detection scheme (e.g. an error detection coding (EDC) or an error correction coding (ECC)). Another type is a single bit error detection scheme (e.g. parity error detection). The detection bits field stores parity bits if parity error detection is used. The detection bits field stores checking bits if EDC coding is used.
US08266496B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing data in a solid-state storage device. A solid-state storage and solid-state controller are included. The solid-state storage controller includes a write data pipeline and a read data pipeline The write data pipeline includes a packetizer and an ECC generator. The packetizer receives a data segment and creates one or more data packets sized for the solid-state storage. The ECC generator generates one or more error-correcting codes (“ECC”) for the data packets received from the packetizer. The read data pipeline includes an ECC correction module, a depacketizer, and an alignment module. The ECC correction module reads a data packet from solid-state storage, determines if a data error exists using corresponding ECC and corrects errors. The depacketizer checks and removes one or more packet headers. The alignment module removes unwanted data, and re-formats the data as data segments of an object.
US08266484B1
A system including a plurality of data storage cells, where each of the plurality of data storage cells is configured to store a plurality of data bits, and a plurality of reserved cells configured to store status information of one or more of the plurality of data storage cells. Each of the plurality of reserved cells includes a multi-bit cell configured to store the status information at a lower density than each of the data storage cells.
US08266445B2
To allow viewers to view a plain document depending on levels of the authorized powers of the viewers without inserting identifiers into the plain document. An encrypting device includes devices for: storing encrypting role information which includes encrypting keys and key IDs of the encrypting keys; grasping the encrypting range of the plain document, and creating an encrypted part by encrypting the encrypting range using the encrypting key in the encrypting role information; creating the encrypting information configured with one, two, or more record(s) containing the front position and rear position of the encrypted part, the key ID corresponding to the encrypting key that is applied for the encrypted part, and the processing order of the encrypted part; creating the encrypted document by combining an encrypted document main body configured with a document containing the encrypted part with the encrypting information; and storing the encrypted document to a prescribed medium.
US08266441B2
A one-time password (OTP) generator in combination with a conventional credit/debit card comprising a card having a magnetic bar stripe, raised imprint card numbers and name, expiration date and four digit code as are known in the art is provided. Full smart card functionality may also be provided. The card also includes a microprocessor and software, dedicated chip or a memory chip for generating the OTP. A visual and/or audio display is provided on the card to output the OTP to the user. The end user inputs the OTP to access the secured system. The credit/debit card functionality may be used apart from the OTP generator functionality.
US08266440B2
An information processing apparatus of the present invention converts user authentication information based on a second one-way function into a second converted value if authentication with a first converted value obtained by converting the user authentication information based on the first one-way function is successful.
US08266435B2
The invention pertains to a method, computer readable medium, and data processing system for generation of an asymmetric cryptographic key pair including reception of an arbitrarily selectable login name, calculation of a first data object key, whereby a random value and the login name are included in the calculation, and calculation of a second data object key from the first data object key, whereby the first and second data object keys form the asymmetric cryptographic key pair.
US08266432B2
A method and system is provided by a Central-Entity, for identification and authorization of users over a communication network such as Internet. Central-Entity centralizes users personal and financial information in a secure environment in order to prevent the distribution of user's information in e-commerce. This information is then used to create digital identity for the users. The digital identity of each user is dynamic, non predictable and time dependable, because it is a combination of user name and a dynamic, non predictable and time dependable secure code that will be provided to the user for his identification. The user will provide his digital identity to an External-Entity such as merchant or service provider. The External-Entity is dependent on Central-Entity to identify the user based on the digital identity given by the user. The External-Entity forwards user's digital identity to the Central-Entity for identification and authentication of the user and the transaction. The identification and authentication system provided by the Central-Entity, determines whether the user is an authorized user by checking whether the digital identity provided by the user to the External-Entity, corresponds to the digital identity being held for the user by the authentication system. If they correspond, then the authentication system identifies the user as an authorized user, and sends an approval identification and authorization message to the External-Entity, otherwise the authentication system will not identify the user as an authorized user and sends a denial identification and authorization message to the External-Entity.
US08266423B2
A method for securing a program against attacks by error, i.e. in a chip card, wherein at least one jump instruction, including a relative address chosen from a plurality of possible relative addresses, is identified in the program, wherein the at least one jump instruction makes it possible to reach a targeted address inside the memory area extending before and after the jump instruction and regrouping the plurality of possible relative addresses, inside the memory area, wherein an instruction to be preserved is identified and, in order to secure at least the instruction, at least one first non-operative batch including at least one instruction is inserted, the insertion being carried out in such a way as to ensure that the insertion is compatible with maintenance of the address targeted by the jump instruction inside the memory area and that the insertion is compatible with the normal running of the program.
US08266418B2
Provided are a computer system and a method of booting the same. The computer system includes: a first storage unit for storing a booting-related program including an operating system program and data, the stored program and data being retained even when a power voltage is not supplied; and a second storage unit for storing data, the data being lost when the power voltage is not supplied for a predetermined time or longer. The method includes: a first step of performing a booting operation using the booting-related program stored in the first storage unit and storing the booting-related program stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit when the second storage unit is detected and the booting-related program is not stored in the second storage unit; a second step for performing a booting operation by executing the booting-related program stored in the second storage unit when the second storage unit is detected and the booting-related program is stored in the second storage unit; and a third step of backing up the booting-related program stored in the second storage unit to the first storage unit when a predefined backup condition is met.
US08266415B2
A system may include a printed circuit board, a first component located on the printed circuit board, the first component having a first unique identifier and a processor located on the printed circuit board, the processor including a one time programming section. The processor may acquire the first unique identifier from the first component and store the first unique identifier in the one time programming section during the first time initialization. Upon subsequent initializations, the processor may acquire the first unique identifier from the first component and compare the first unique identifier to the stored first unique identifier. The processor may allow the subsequent initializations to proceed if the first unique identifier matches the stored first unique. The processor may disallow the subsequent initializations from proceeding if the first unique identifier does not match the stored first unique identifier.
US08266413B2
A processor triggers a first advanced execution processing pass to an instruction sequence in response to a first stalled instruction and initiates execution of a further instruction in the instruction sequence that stalls during the performance of the first advanced execution processing pass. A second advanced execution pass is performed through the instruction sequence in which the further instruction is processed again to provide a valid result after stalling. In one form, the first instruction is performed while the processor operates in a normal execution mode and the first and second advanced execution processing passes are performed while the processor operates in an advance execution mode.
US08266409B2
In a particular embodiment, a cache is disclosed that includes a tag state array that includes a tag area addressable by a set index. The tag state array also includes a state area addressable by a state address, where the set index and the state address include at least one common bit.
US08266408B2
A system and method for providing high-speed memory operations is disclosed. The technique uses virtualization of memory space to map a virtual address space to a larger physical address space wherein no memory bank conflicts will occur. The larger physical address space is used to prevent memory bank conflicts from occurring by moving the virtualized memory addresses of data being written to memory to a different location in physical memory that will eliminate a memory bank conflict.
US08266407B2
A memory controller writes to a virtual address associated with data residing within an asymmetric memory component of main memory that is within a computer system and that has a symmetric memory component, while preserving proximate other data residing within the asymmetric memory component. The symmetric memory component within the main memory of the computer system is configured to enable random access write operations in which an address within a block of the symmetric memory component is written without affecting the availability of other addresses within the block of the symmetric memory component during the writing of that address. The asymmetric memory component is configured to enable block write operations in which writing to an address within a region of the asymmetric memory component affects the availability of other addresses within the region of the asymmetric memory component during the block write operations involving the address.
US08266393B2
Systems and methods that coordinate operations among a plurality of memory controllers to make a decision for performing an action based in part on state information. A control component facilitates exchange of information among memory controllers, wherein exchanged state information of the memory controllers are further employed to perform computations that facilitate the decision making process.
US08266392B2
Techniques for improving cache accesses in an object-relational mapping space are described herein. In one embodiment, in response to a first cache request received at a first cache API associated with a transaction for updating a data entry of the relational database, the updated data of the data entry is stored in a local cache, where the local cache is one of members of a cache cluster, and an invalidation message is sent to remaining members of the cache cluster to invalidate corresponding cache entries of the remaining members. In response to a second cache request received at a second cache API associated with a transaction for loading data from a data entry of the relational database, the loaded data is stored in the local cache without sending an invalidation message to the remaining members of the cache cluster. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08266390B2
Systems and methods that provide a one-time programmable (OTP) memory with fault tolerance are provided. In one example, the OTM memory may include a data portion and a multistage programming (MSP) portion. The data of the data portion may be protected by error coding. The MSP portion may include at least one MSP bit and at least one respective redundant MSP bit.
US08266384B1
In order to optimize efficiency of deserialization, a serialization cache is maintained at an object server. The serialization cache is maintained in conjunction with an object cache and stores serialized forms of objects cached within the object cache. When an inbound request is received, a serialized object received in the request is compared to the serialization cache. If the serialized byte stream is present in the serialization cache, then the equivalent object is retrieved from the object cache, thereby avoiding deserialization of the received serialized object. If the serialized byte stream is not present in the serialization cache, then the serialized byte stream is deserialized, the deserialized object is cached in the object cache, and the serialized object is cached in the serialization cache.
US08266382B1
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for arbitrating requests received from one of the multiple clients of an L1 cache and for providing hints to the client to assist in arbitration. The L1 cache services multiple clients with diverse latency and bandwidth requirements and may be reconfigured to provide memory spaces for clients executing multiple parallel threads, where the memory spaces each have a different scope.
US08266379B2
A multithreaded processor includes multiple level-1 program caches and multiple level-1 data caches to decrease the likelihood of cache misses after thread switches. By using multiple level-1 caches, execution of a first thread does not cause instructions or data cached for a second thread to be replaced. Thus, when the second thread is being executed the occurrence of cache misses is reduced.
US08266377B2
A computer system including a first storage system connected to a first host computer, a second storage system connected to a second host computer and a third storage system connected to the first and second storage systems. The second storage system sets transfer setting before an occurrence of a failure, the transfer setting being provided with a dedicated storage area to be used for transferring data to the third storage system by asynchronous copy in response to a failure at the first host computer. Before the start of data transfer between the second storage system and third storage system to be executed after an occurrence of the failure, the second storage system checks the dedicated storage area, data transfer line and transfer setting information, and if an abnormal state is detected, this abnormal state is reported to the host computer as information attached to the transfer setting.
US08266370B2
The present invention discloses a method for processing data of a flash memory by differentiating levels, which includes steps of separating the communication between a host and a flash memory by a high-level translation layer (HTL) and a low-level abstraction layer (LAL). The HTL receives commands and logical addresses from the host and translates the received logical addresses to the physical addresses of the flash memory. The LAL executes data processing to the corresponding memory cells according to the commands and the physical addresses from the HTL. Since the LAL is disposed between the HTL and the flash memory, the HTL is irrelevant to the structure of the flash memory, and does not have to re-designed with the flash memory which is replaced with another new flash memory.
US08266364B2
A portable electronic device is provided with a storage section which stores various pieces of information and a transmitter/receiver section which transmits and receives data to and from external equipment. It is determined whether or not data paired with write data contained in a write command is stored by the storage section when the write command is received by the transmitter/receiver section, the write data is written to the storage section if it is concluded that the data paired with the write data contained in the write command is stored by the storage section, and the transmitter/receiver section is caused to transmit a result of determination on abnormality to the external equipment if it is concluded that the data paired with the write data contained in the write command is not stored by the storage section.
US08266358B2
An image processing device including a first control unit to control a normal operating mode during which image processing is performed, a second control unit to control an energy-saving mode during which power consumption is lower than during the normal operating mode, an interrupt request receiver connected to an external device to receive an interrupt request from the external device, interrupt factor distributors to distribute the interrupt request received by the interrupt request receiver based on whether or not the interrupt request includes a predetermined interrupt factor, interrupt request notification units to notify the second control unit as well as the first control unit of the interrupt request in accordance with distribution results from the interrupt factor distributors, and job adjustors to control transfer of a job between the first control unit and the second control unit based on notification from the interrupt request notification units.
US08266357B2
The disclosure recites a system and method for updating a resource to an electronic device. The system comprises: a resource providing information for the device; a server to maintain the resource; a communication link providing the device with access to the resource; a data transmission module for extracting and transmitting access information about the resource to the device; and a data processing module for processing the received information at the device. In the device, a GUI provides information on a topic retrieved from local storage on the device and additional information about the resource is incorporated into the GUI for that topic.
US08266345B2
A dynamic A-MSDU enabling method is disclosed. The method enables the recipient of an aggregate MAC service data unit (A-MSDU) under a block ACK agreement to reject the A-MSDU. The method thus distinguishes between A-MSDU outside of the block ACK agreement, which is mandatory, from A-MSDU under the block ACK agreement, which is optional. The method thus complies with the 802.11n specification while enabling the recipient to intelligently allocate memory during block ACK operations.
US08266343B2
A device may include polling logic configured to store a table of received addresses, sequentially receive sensor data from each address in the table via a serial data bus, store the sensor data in a memory, receive an address from a processor via a high speed data bus, and provide stored sensor data from the memory to the processor via a parallel data bus.
US08266336B2
A video device includes a signal generating circuit configured for generating video signals; an internal resistor connected to the output port of the signal generating circuit and matching with an external resistor of an external device; a detecting circuit connected to two ends of the internal resistor through two input ports thereof, and configured for detecting voltages of the two ends of the internal resistor and outputting a voltage difference therebetween; a controlling circuit connected to the output port of the detecting circuit, and configured for determining whether or not the external device is connected to the video device according to the voltage deference, and outputting a controlling signal to the signal generating circuit; an auxiliary detecting circuit connected to the output port of the controlling circuit, and configured for generating an auxiliary detecting signal transmitted to the internal resistor.
US08266331B2
In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, at a first computing device coupled to a second computing device via a bus, receiving a request from the second computing device to complete a non-posted command, where the request is received via a request credit channel of the bus, and where the first computing device is configured to receive requests to complete non-posted commands and requests to complete posted commands via the request credit channel. The method also includes removing the request to complete the non-posted command from the request credit channel. The method further includes transmitting a retry request associated with the non-posted command to the second computing device via a response credit channel of the bus.
US08266330B2
A controller for processing a command in a data storage device includes at least one bitmap and a firmware command que. The at least one bitmap is formed in hardware to indicate that the command is received. The firmware command que is generated by firmware for storing the command when the at least one bitmap indicates receipt of the command. The firmware generates the firmware command que that is of variable size for processing a high number of commands. In addition, the bitmaps are generated in the hardware for quickly receiving the high number of commands.
US08266327B2
A network infrastructure element such as a router or switch performs brokering network user identity and credential information. An application or administrative user can declare a policy for user identity information extraction, authentication and authorization. Based on the policy, the network element extracts user identity information or credentials from a transport-layer message header, application-layer message header, and message body. Based on the policy, the network element performs one or more authentication or authorization operations with the user identity information or credentials. As a result, a network element can broker identity information among incompatible applications and perform identity operations for the applications.
US08266292B2
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for generating a human memorable resource name. Both a first part of the resource name and a second part of the resource name are generated, where both parts respectively comprise a memorable alphanumeric string (e.g., easily remembered). The first and second parts of the resource name are combined with an intervening separator symbol to generate the first resource name, comprising the first part, the symbol, and the second part. The first resource name is compared against a desired threshold to determine if it can be used as the name for the resource. If the first resource name does not meet the threshold a second resource name is generated for the resource.
US08266289B2
Systems, methods, and computer media for scheduling vertices in a distributed data processing network and allocating computing resources on a processing node in a distributed data processing network are provided. Vertices, subparts of a data job including both data and computer code that runs on the data, are assigned by a job manager to a distributed cluster of process nodes for processing. The process nodes run the vertices and transmit computing resource usage information, including memory and processing core usage, back to the job manager. The job manager uses this information to estimate computing resource usage information for other vertices in the data job that are either still running or waiting to be run. Using the estimated computing resource usage information, each process node can run multiple vertices concurrently.
US08266287B2
Methods, apparatus, and products for managing computer resources in a distributed computing system are disclosed that include registering, in a configuration management database by a discovery module in response to a modification of a resource in a resource container, the resource in association with a configuration management database identifier, the resource characterized by a resource type and a resource identification, the resource container including a manageability endpoint characterized by a manageability endpoint reference; and managing the resource by a management module in dependence upon a resource management policy and the manageability endpoint reference, the resource management policy including management actions for the resource.
US08266285B2
In order to limit host computers permitted to control a storage area from host computers, provided is a storage management computer coupled to one or more host computers for providing services and one or more storage systems, in which the storage management computer judges whether the host computer is permitted to control the storage area based on data indicating the configuration information of the storage system and service management information for managing the services provided by the host computers, and in case of which it is judged that the host computer is permitted to control the storage area, the storage management computer sets access control data to permit the host computer to control the storage area.
US08266281B1
Technologies are described herein for collecting client-side performance metrics and latencies. A web page received by a web browser application executing on a user computing device includes markup or scripting code that instructs the browser to collect performance measures during the rendering of the content of the web page. The performance measures may include operation timings that measure the time it takes for a particular operation to complete during the rendering of the content and/or event counters that count the number of times that a specific event occurs during the rendering of the content. The web browser application sends an event report containing the collected performance measures to a reporting module executing on a server computer. The reporting module receives the event report, validates the content of the event report, and adds the event report to a database or other data storage system.
US08266273B2
The disclosure relates to a realtime process history server for use in a process control system comprising a process information management system (PIMS) and one or more distributed processing systems (distributed control systems DCS, 14.1 to 14.n). The realtime process history server features a combined PIMS/DCS server and a report server and is set up such that, by means of the report server, both clients and operator workstations of the DCS systems (14.1 to 14.n) have concurrent access under realtime conditions to the PIMS/DCS server and process history data which is stored therein.
US08266269B2
Systems and methods for managing and providing content and services on a network system. Aspects of the invention include location-based determination of network content and services that may be provided to client computers. Other aspects of the invention include authorization and authentication components that determine access rights of client computers. Additional aspects include systems and methods for redirecting client computers to different network content. The disclosed systems and methods may be used in numerous network system applications.
US08266268B1
The present invention provides a method and a system for deploying a network monitoring service within a communication network. In accordance with the present invention, the method identifies the location types within the network and the associated costs of service installation for each location type. The method analyzes the traffic types present at each location type and determines the location type with the lowest cost for the selected traffic type. In another aspect of the invention, various methods to determine network devices to deploy a network monitoring service for the lowest cost are described.
US08266261B2
Provided is a server system, a collective server apparatus, and a MAC address management method that enables to change a MAC address and a flexible assignment of a MAC address. A server system according to the present invention includes a plurality of network control units that control communication performed with another device via a network, an address storage unit that stores a MAC address to be assigned to the network control unit, an assignment change processing unit that changes an assignment of the MAC address stored in the address storage unit and writes in the address storage unit, and an assignment execution unit that specifies the assignment stored in the address storage unit to each of the network control units.
US08266260B2
A method and system for updating a group of network nodes, such as a group of MFPs, with replacement software in a manner that improves network performance and the predictability of a completion time for installation of the replacement software involves throttling distribution of a software update package to avoid resource oversubscription while time-bounding distribution so that installation of the software update on all of the network nodes can be completed by a certain time and, in some embodiments, further involves determining a start time for distribution of the software update package based at least in part on a scheduled installation time selected by a network administrator, which provides a high degree of confidence that installation of the software update across the entire group of network nodes will be completed around a scheduled time (e.g. during “off hours”) notwithstanding the staggered distribution of the software update package.
US08266256B2
Techniques are generally described that relate to a method and system for associating a virtual device operating in a virtual network having a virtual device coordinator with a low-power device. Example methods may include receiving, by the virtual device coordinator, a low-power device descriptor from the low-power device. The virtual device coordinator may be arranged to determine a low-power device classification based on the received low-power device descriptor. The virtual device may be configured, by the virtual device coordinator, based on one or more of the low-power device classification and/or the low-power device descriptor. The virtual device coordinator may be adapted to store an association record indicating that the virtual device is associated with the low-power device.
US08266255B2
Method and system for configuring settings for a communications client utilizing host device drivers
A system and method for configuring a client on a host device using a configuration application on a configuring device, the system comprising: a link between the configuring device and the host device; host drivers for communicating between the host device and the configuring device over the link; and an interface between the host drivers and the configuration application, wherein said interface allows said configuration application to be independent of the host drivers while allowing the configuration application to configure the client.
US08266253B2
The present invention provides techniques for allowing a server system to reduce the amount of communications and perform efficient operations. A server system returns an event message in response to an HTTP request including an application identifier from a client terminal. The server system comprises a first through a fourth server, where the first server receives the HTTP request from the client device and transfers the HTTP request to a plurality of installed second servers, the third server transmits a server identifier of the second server, to which the HTTP request has been transferred, to the fourth server after the HTTP request has been made, and the fourth server transmits an application identifier included in the HTTP request and an event message to the second transmission server indicated by the server identifier, and the second server suspends the HTTP request transferred from the request reception server, and transmits the HTTP request to the client device when it receives the event message from the fourth server.
US08266246B1
A method, device and/or system for syndicating customization files, which define playback experience for content rendered on media players. The customization files are referenced by links distributed to the media players. Each customization file references a plurality of content objects that are stitched together to create the playback experience. A delivery network is used to distribute the customization files to the media players. Updates to the customization files can be done after distribution of their corresponding links. Usage information for the customization files are reported from the media players.
US08266233B1
A system and method for suppressing operation of alert logic at a communication device so as to reduce a quantity of alerts presented by various alert logic elements, where each alert logic element is operable to cause an alert for a given event to be presented. Conflict-resolution logic executable by a processor may receive an alert notification for the given event, determine which alert logic elements are operable to present an alert for the given event, determine which of the alert logic elements are running and a priority for each of the alert logic elements, suppressing operation of the alert logic elements that are running and do not have the highest priority, and providing alert notification to the alert logic element that is running and having the highest priority. The alert logic element receiving the alert notification causes the alert for the given event to be presented.
US08266228B2
To associate an email with a tag, an email client may receive a tag corresponding to an email attribute, wherein the email attribute is an historical email tag. The email client stores the tag to a record keyed by the email attribute, and receives an email tag request, the email tag request having a word attribute, and looks up at least one record based on the word attribute to find the tag. The email client presents the tag of the at least one record to a user. The email client receives a user selection of the tag to form a selected tag, and sends an email having the selected tag as part of the email header, wherein the email comprises the email tag request.
US08266224B2
In an embodiment, a data processing system comprises application workflow optimizing logic and which when executed is operable to receive first workflow data that defines a sequence of processing operations to perform on an application-layer message; rewrite the first workflow data by separation of dependent update operations to result in creating rewritten workflow data; and store the rewritten workflow data in a data repository. Application gateway logic may be operable to receive one or more packets; construct a received message from one or more payloads of the packets; classify the received message to identify a particular workflow associated with the message; apply the particular workflow, using the rewritten workflow data, to the received message to result in identifying a destination application server and creating an outgoing message; send the outgoing message to the destination application server.
US08266223B2
A method, Internet protocol television (IPTV) enabled communication device, and computer program product for automatic message services are provided. A processor executes instructions from a memory. An input and output (I/O) device is for transmitting and receiving, respectively. A client application is stored in the memory and configured to provide the automatic message service. The client application receives input of a message to be presented at an appropriate time, receives input of an action associated with the message, receives input of a recipient for the message, and presents the message for display to the recipient at the appropriate time.
US08266222B2
A handheld computer includes a housing and a display supported by the housing and configured to display images representative of computer program applications. The handheld computer also includes a memory and a microprocessor coupled to the memory and the display and configured to run applications stored in the memory. The handheld computer also includes a software application that is stored in the memory. The handheld computer further includes a launching application stored in the memory. This launching application has an image on the display representative of the software application and the launching application carries out computer program steps to modify the launching environment prior to running the software application such that the software application runs properly on the handheld computer, the software application not originally designed to run on the handheld computer.
US08266217B2
An unsolicited electronic message source verification and tracking method and system for providing an efficient and convenient mechanism for tracking identification of unsolicited electronic message (e.g., e-mails) sources is presented. In one embodiment, a request for authorization to forward an electronic message is received. The request for authorization includes a request source address. A response is sent including an authorization indicator (e.g., a unique bit string) is sent to the request source address. An electronic message is received and a determination is made if the electronic message includes a valid authorization indictor. If the electronic message does include a valid authorization indicator the electronic message is associated with the request source address and the association is tracked. In one exemplary implementation, a source address included in the electronic message is compared to the request source address and discrepancies are noted.
US08266215B2
A system and method are disclosed for classifying a message. The method includes receiving the message, identifying in the message a distinguishing property; generating a signature using the distinguishing property; and comparing the signature to a database of signatures generated by previously classified messages.
US08266214B2
The present invention relates to a method and system for creating a collaborative file in a shared network including: accessing one or more user machines in a shared space, wherein the shared space is created by interaction of executable codes in a host and a user application and the shared space is described by a session attribute list; loading a media application with tools into one or more user machines; using a stage manager tool from the media application to stage and correlating media-layer events according to spatial, temporal and relational coordinate data in the user application, wherein the content composed of the media-layer events are described by at least a user, media-layer events, time and command; recording content associated with one or more of layers according to a user, media-layer events, time and command; and accessing said content based upon a user, media-layer events, time and command.
US08266204B2
Cloud computing platforms having computer-readable media that perform methods for direct addressability and direct server return are provided. The cloud computing platform includes a load balancer and several servers. The servers are configured with public addresses, private addresses, and an address of the load balancer. The loopback interface of the servers is configured with the address of the load balancer. This allows a server to bypass the load balancer when replying to communication messages. Additionally, the public and private addresses of the servers enable direct addressability in the cloud computing platform. Accordingly, an application executing in the cloud computing platform may connect two or more clients on the same server.
US08266197B1
The method of the present invention provides a fast, robust, and automated multivariate statistical analysis of gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) data sets. The method can involve systematic elimination of undesired, saturated peak masses to yield data that follow a linear, additive model. The cleaned data can then be subjected to a combination of PCA and orthogonal factor rotation followed by refinement with MCR-ALS to yield highly interpretable results.
US08266195B2
In signal processing using digital filtering the representation of a filter is adapted depending on the filter characteristics If e.g. a digital filter is represented by filter coefficients for transform bands Nos. 0, 1, . . . , K in the frequency domain, a reduced digital filter having coefficients for combined transform bands, i.e. subsets of the transformed bands, Nos. 0, 1, . . . , L, is formed and only these coefficients are stored. When the actual filtering in the digital filter is to be performed, an actual digital filter is obtained by expanding the coefficients of the reduced digital filter according to a mapping table and then used instead of the original digital filter.
US08266181B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for providing additional functionality to a data processing program. This is achieved by various means, including preprocessing records in a data volume, designating certain records with a key-break, and creating an aggregation structure that user programs may use to store previously-processed records from the data volume.
US08266179B2
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of processing an electronic text document. The method includes obtaining a character from the document. The method also includes obtaining a hash input code from a character map, the hash input code corresponding to the character. The method also includes modifying a hash value based on the hash input code if the hash input code indicates that the character is part of a token, or asserting the hash value if the hash input code indicates that character is not part of a token.
US08266178B2
A management apparatus to manage log information related to a process in a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus operating in cooperation with each other. The management apparatus includes a reception unit to receive first log information associated with a first user managed by the first information processing apparatus and to receive second log information associated with a second user managed by the second information processing apparatus from the first and second information processing apparatuses, respectively, which independently perform user management. The management apparatus also includes a log management unit to manage third log information. If the first user corresponds to the second user, then the third log information is generated by merging the first log information associated with the first user and the second log information.
US08266174B2
A meta classification section assigns the degree of accuracy capable of identifying an individual to person feature information containing a face, color, shape, etc., and person passage information and stores the metadata of the person feature information and the person passage information for each degree of accuracy, a discrete retrieval section retrieves the person to be retrieved in the high accuracy metadata stored by the meta classification section, a dependence determination section determines a person having a dependence on the person to be retrieved using a plurality of retrieval results hit in the discrete retrieval and the high accuracy metadata, a query generation section regenerates a retrieval key from the identifier of the person having a dependence and the identifier of the person to be retrieved, and a discrete candidate-to-candidate retrieval section retrieves the person corresponding to the regenerated retrieval key in the low accuracy metadata.
US08266171B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for tracking the effectiveness of a modification that has been installed into a product in response to an issued modification notice. A product removal database having removal data stored therein that are associated with one or more products is periodically accessed at a user-specified periodicity. One or more user-selected fix-effectiveness algorithms are executed to determine if at least a portion of the periodically accessed removal data matches one or more user-specified keywords that correlate to the modification. If it is determined that at least a portion of the periodically accessed removal data matches the one or more user-specified keywords, then an alert is transmitted to a preset destination.
US08266169B2
Computer methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture therefor, are disclosed for developing a complex-query pattern that is transformed into a region-matching transducer. A corpus-level transducer and the region matching transducer are combined. The combined transducer is applied to a corpus to identify strings therein that satisfy patterns defined in the corpus-level transducer, including the complex-query pattern, with each identified pattern being recorded in a corpus index. The corpus and the corpus index are made available for receiving a query with the query tag for querying the corpus and applying the query using the corpus index to identify locations in the corpus that satisfy the query.
US08266167B2
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for providing scenario based content responsive to a given client. The method of the present invention comprises receiving a content request from a given client. Characteristics associated with a client from whom the content request is received are then identified. One or more scenarios corresponding to the one or more characteristics associated with the client are subsequently identified and the client is provided with the content associated with the one or more identified scenarios.
US08266163B2
Utilizing reference/identification (ID) linking in extensible markup language (XML) wrapper code generation in a data processing system. A code generator receives a type document and reference/ID constraints document and accesses the reference/ID constraints document to translate between XML structures and object structures.
US08266159B2
A system and method for providing a user with efficient access to a log data file. The system takes a computer generated log data file and applies a user defined filter criteria to the log data file. The indexed and filtered log data file is then displayed to the user in an application player where the user can interact with the log data file.
US08266155B2
Systems and methods of displaying and re-using document chunks in a document development application
A method for searching and displaying documents at a computer includes: receiving one or more search keywords from a user of the computer, identifying a set of documents stored at a plurality of data sources, each document including one or more chunks that match at least one search keyword; and displaying in a search results window a set of search results in a text-based display format, each search result including at least one chunk retrieved from a respective document and the chunk includes at least one instance of a highlighted search keyword. In response to a user selection of a first search result in the search results window, the computer launches a first document preview window adjacent to the first search result and displays within the first document preview window a portion of a first document in a display format consistent with a document type of the first document.
US08266153B2
In embodiments, the number of references to an object which is deployed into an application server framework may be determined by examining metadata extracted from configuration data sources within a multi-tier application framework. In embodiments, an object relevance value based on the extracted number of references to an object may be associated with the object. In embodiments, the number of references extracted from a data source may be weighted using a weight factor that is associated with the data source. In embodiments, the number of references to a source object may be extracted by traversing a source inheritance hierarchy and parsing the objects within the hierarchy. In embodiments, an object relevance display of a set of objects may be generated based in part on object relevance values of the set of objects. In embodiments, an object relevance display may be a molecular display, a flash tag cloud, and/or a source tree hierarchy.
US08266142B2
A method for use in identifying a segment of audio and/or video information comprises obtaining a query fingerprint at each of a plurality of spaced-apart time locations in said segment, searching fingerprints in a database for a potential match for each such query fingerprint, obtaining a confidence level of a potential match to a found fingerprint in the database for each such query fingerprint, and combining the results of searching for potential matches, wherein each potential match result is weighted by respective confidence level. A confidence level may be a function of at least one or both of (1) a measure of difference between a query fingerprint and a found fingerprint and (2) the relative timing relationship between the time location of a query fingerprint and the time location of a found fingerprint.
US08266141B2
Methods and computer-readable media are provided for improving the efficiency of the interleaving process. Once it is determined that a search query is to be used in an interleaving experiment, a primary ranking system and a secondary ranking system are analyzed to determine whether their respective search results for that search query would be identical. If the search results would be identical, the search query is routed only to the primary ranking system and not the secondary ranking system. If, however, it is determined that the search results would not be identical, both the primary ranking system and the secondary ranking system receive the search query for processing.
US08266128B2
A method and apparatus for displaying received data, analyze the quality of the displayed data formulating a media-parameter suggestion for the encoder to alter the characteristics of data to be sent to the receiver, and sending from the receiver, the formulated suggestion.
US08266117B2
In an information system, a web server records web access logs of a client outside of a LAN. A mail server records transmission/reception logs of e-mails. A DB server records access right operation logs. A task application server records DB access log. An administrative server collects logs recorded in the web server, the mail server, the DB server, and the task application server, and operation logs of the client terminals to trace a person and an operation related to information leakage using the collected logs.
US08266114B2
A log structured content addressable deduplicated data storage system may be used to store deduplicated data. Data to be stored is partitioned into data segments. Each unique data segment is associated with a label. The storage system maintains a transaction log. Mutating storage operations are initiated by storing transaction records in the transaction log. Additional transaction records are stored in the log when storage operations are completed. Upon restarting an embodiment of the data storage system, the transaction records from the transaction logs are replayed to recreate the state of the data storage system. The data storage system updates file system metadata with transaction information while a storage operation associated with the file is being processed. This transaction information serves as atomically updated transaction commit points, allowing fully internally consistent snapshots of deduplicated volumes to be taken at any time.
US08266102B2
Subsequent to a storage operation performed on the source instance by a source component, a synchronization message is sent to a replicated component for the replicated instance. The synchronization message is stored locally in a persistent storage location associated with the source component along with an indicator representative of a time the storage operation was performed. Pursuant to receipt of the synchronization message by the replicated component, the replicated component is updated to a dirty state to indicate a lack of full synchronization between the source and replicated instances. Receipt of the synchronization message is acknowledged by the replicated component by sending a dirty state acknowledgement. If, during a subsequent recovery process, the dirty state is not yet cleared, the replicated component is deemed ineligible for participation in a full restoration operation.
US08266100B2
This invention provides an information processing apparatus which shortens the memory access time and reduces the cost while ensuring data reliability. To accomplish this, the information processing apparatus shifts each write start timing so that data to be written in at least one memory is not influenced by noise during write when writing the same information in a plurality of memories. When reading data from a plurality of memories, the information processing apparatus compares the data with each other to estimate normal data.
US08266098B2
In a computerized social network, expert and user chat sessions are stored and rated probabilistically. Later user requests for information are met with an expert ranking, based on a balance of similarities between expert profile and questions; similarity between expert profile and prior chat sessions, and dynamically updated chat session ratings. New sessions can be rated automatically with reference to keywords distilled from past sessions responsive to user ratings—and based on session length.
US08266087B2
An eForm with integrated business logic is created from an existing eForm using a parser to parse a source eForm to extract attributes of items on the source eForm. An item recognition unit recognizes interactive items in the source eForm according to the attributes of the items extracted by the parser. A business logic recognition unit recognizes business logic integrated into the source eForm according to the attributes of the items. An object eForm generator generates an object eForm containing the recognized interactive items and business logic.
US08266085B1
A network of coupled neurons for implementing Non-Lipschitz dynamics for modeling nonlinear processes or conditions comprising: a plurality of neurons, each being configurable in attractor and repulsion modes of operation, and programmable by an external signal; a plurality of synaptic connections for connecting at least a portion of the plurality of neurons for passage of data from one neuron to another; feedback circuitry for incrementing and decrementing an analog voltage output depending upon the output of the synaptic connection; whereby by the circuit solves Non-Lipschitz problems by programmably controlling the attractor and repulsion modes. A method of programming a network for solving Non-Lipschitz problems comprising providing a plurality of neurons, each programmable into a plurality of modes including repulsion and attraction modes; interconnecting the plurality of neurons using synaptic connections; providing feedback to at least one of the neurons; whereby by programming the neurons Non-Lipschitz terminal dynamics can be achieved.
US08266082B2
A context inference system including a mobile device and at least one information sending unit is provided. The mobile device includes an information receiving unit and a context operation platform. The information receiving unit receives a context information. The context operation platform includes an information collection module for collecting the information used for inferring a context based on a convergent search and an expanded search, a data classification and storage module for storing and classifying a user preference information of a user, and an inference module for inferring a context. The information sending unit transmits the context information to the mobile device. The context operation platform performs a context inference process according to the context information and the user preference information in order to forecast the user's need and provide a recommendation information to the user.
US08266056B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing an irregularly shaped Radio Frequency operable transaction device using conventional International Standards Organization dimensions for conventional transaction cards. The invention provides for normal manufacture of a plurality of transaction cards joined together in a single sheet. The outline of a RFID transaction device is impressed in a center portion of one of the transaction cards. A RFID transaction device may then be removed, or punched out of the transaction card in accordance with the transaction device outline.
US08266052B1
A computer-implemented method and system along with a processor readable medium for structuring a financial transaction. The invention includes the steps of associating, by a computer system, a first senior holder and a first subordinate holder with a first credit having a first obligation to make at least one payment, including holding in a first sub-pool a first subordinate obligation of the first obligation to pay the first subordinate holder from the first credit; associating, by the computer system, a second senior holder and a second subordinate holder with a second credit having a second obligation to make at least one payment, including holding in a second sub-pool a second subordinate obligation of the second obligation to pay the second subordinate holder from the second credit; and structuring in at least one computer memory, payments from the second subordinate holder financial instrument to perform the obligation of the first credit for the benefit of the first senior holder to the extent that the first credit enters a default state and payments due the first senior holder from all obligations in the first sub-pool to make the payments are not available.
US08266042B2
A computer implemented method and system for automatically setting prices of financial products in a financial activity having a plurality of possible outcomes, includes receiving a first request from a participant terminal to purchase a financial product for one of the possible outcomes, i; and electronically computing a price for the requested financial product, in response to the first request, based at least in part on a first formula. Also included is a method for automatically updating the prices for all other outcomes, other than the outcome, i, based at least in part on a second formula. In one example, the financial products include contracts in a one-sided market of buyer participants where the outcomes are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive.
US08266037B2
A system mitigates the effects of a market spike caused by the triggering and the election of a conditional order in an automated matching system. Conditional orders submitted to a trading engine are evaluated to compare a price of an order to a predetermined price range. Matching of the orders may be delayed when the price of the orders lies outside of the predetermined price range. An opening price to be used by the trading engine is derived and a time interval is used to delay a matching of the orders until the opening price is within a predetermined price range up to a maximum delay time set by a control center. Implied spreads are also removed until other instruments within a trading unit are verified open.
US08266031B2
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate the sharing of account features. In one aspect, a system includes a transaction handler to process transactions and a data warehouse to record the transactions and store account data identifying account features of separate accounts, such as a second account having a feature and a first account without this feature. Account holders of the first and second accounts are in a same household and thus, in accordance with a set of rules, eligible to share the account features. A portal is configured to receive a request identifying the first account and to determine whether a transaction initiated in the first account and qualified for a benefit of the account feature is entitled to the benefit; and if so, a notification engine is to transmit a notification message to an account holder of the first account.
US08266030B2
An electronic trading system utilizes a Match Engine that receives orders, stores them internally, calculates tradable combinations and advertises the availability of real and implied orders in the form of market data. New tradable items defined as combinations of other tradable items may be included in the calculation of tradable combinations. A technique is disclosed for transforming a combination or strategy contract with an arbitrary number of buy and sell legs with an arbitrary volume ratio for each leg into a form that can be used for rapid implied order calculations.
US08266021B2
A system for providing industry-wide reference cost of fraud data related to financial presentation devices that are presentable to providers of goods and services is provided. A fraud assessment module executable by a processor of the system receives, from multiple business entities, sales data and operating cost data both related to financial presentation devices. The fraud assessment module determines, based on the received data, the reference cost of fraud data including a direct fraud loss, fraud operating cost and opportunity cost for use by individual entities as benchmark cost of fraud data.
US08266018B2
Methods and apparatus for managing tote deliveries by a tote delivery service. The tote delivery service directs delivery of items ordered by customers via a network site to delivery addresses corresponding to the customers in reusable totes on upcoming tote delivery days. A user interface to the network site may provide a tote management user interface that includes one or more user interface elements via which a customer may view the customer's upcoming tote orders and modify the content, destination, or scheduling of upcoming totes. For example, the customer may move an item from one tote into another tote, remove or delete an item from a tote, and replicate an item or an entire tote order to another tote. A customer may have multiple tote delivery days and multiple delivery addresses; the tote management user interface enables the customer to manage tote deliveries across time and across location.
US08266016B2
A method to facilitate network-based commerce includes determining a site that a user accesses, the site being one of multiple sites operated by a network-based commerce facility. A category list available for the site is retrieved, the category list identifying categories of offerings available via the site. The category list is communicated to the user. The site is a regional site, and the category list is a region-specific category list.
US08266015B2
A computer system and method of facilitating a sale which permits inventory information to be used in connection with a technology enabled selling (TES) system to facilitate a sale. The inventory information may be used during configuration of an item to be sold to a customer in a manner which allows the sales representative to more easily sell items from inventory if desired.
US08266014B1
A shared “universal” virtual shopping cart (“the cart”) may be provided by a host to enable information sharing between multiple disparate electronic marketplaces provided by various merchants. The host may obtain user information via the cart to improve interactions with a user. The host may recommend an item to the user that is offered at a lower price and related to an item retained in the user's cart. The host may also recommend items based on a user's purchase history, such as complementary items (e.g., up-sell items) and items other users may recommend. In some aspects, the host may compile best selling lists based on data from multiple electronic marketplaces. The host may also perform user specific operations such as indicate an item in a cart is a duplicate of a previous purchase and monitor a price and/or available quantities of an item in the cart.
US08266008B1
Techniques are described for facilitating a supply of used items on behalf of an entity that desires to acquire such used items, such as a merchant that sells used items to customers. The used items are obtained based on interactions with recipients who receive items that are sold or otherwise provided by one or more merchants (or other suppliers of items), such as by supplying appropriate information and materials to the recipients along with the items. In some situations, when an item is delivered or otherwise supplied to a recipient by a merchant, the merchant also supplies information to the recipient that indicates an offer from a used item acquirer entity to re-acquire the item from the recipient (such as after the recipient has used the item) and shipping materials for use in returning the item to an indicated destination if the recipient accepts the offer.
US08266004B2
Provided are an electronic commerce method and system that are capable of collecting information on a variety of goods or quotations in broad, intermediate, and narrow categories corresponding to attributes of goods that a buyer requests according to his or her needs, and managing the information in a database. The method and system are also capable of enabling a buyer to read and refer to quotation history, including quotation requests or process details for goods or services, and suggest appropriate price and conditions in a process of requesting a quotation. The method and system are also capable of enabling a plurality of verified sellers to respond to the quotation request, by storing, processing, and publishing the quotation history, such that the seller can obtain online sales routes at low cost and the buyer can purchase desired goods or services at a better price and under better conditions due to competition among sellers.
US08265999B1
A method and system for facilitating the transfer of intellectual property are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method of facilitating the transfer of intellectual property includes obtaining at a computer system of a first entity information concerning intellectual property in which an interest is available for transfer (the “available intellectual property”) from a second entity. The method further includes transferring the interest in the available intellectual property by concluding an agreement between the first and second entities. The agreement is representative of an acceptance of an offer concerning the transferring of the interest in the available intellectual property and consideration for the transferring of the interest. At least a portion of the interest in the available intellectual property that is transferred to the first entity is intended to be transferred from the first entity to a third entity.
US08265995B2
A method, system, and medium are provided for targeting advertisements to users of mobile devices based on geo-temporal models. Time-stamped location information is collected for a mobile device and a dynamic geo-temporal model is constructed and updated when new data is collected according to a sample design. Using the geo-temporal model, device location and instances of user interaction with the device can be predicted, and advertisements can be provided based on the predicted location. Advertisements can be cached on the mobile device for later presentation, and the sample design can be updated to improve efficiency and accuracy in the modeling system.
US08265972B2
A ranking method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing system, business requirements and associated weighting factors. The computing system receives a list of software/hardware products and associated assessment data. The business requirements are associated with product features of the software/hardware products. The computing system calculates total requirement weighting factors for the product features. The computing system stores the total requirement weighting factors.
US08265971B2
A method and system of generating at least one of a solution and a profile of solutions for a problem, including trading off a reduction of an objective of the problem against a number of activities utilized in a solution. The method and system further include partitioning activities into known and potential new activities, and generating, via non-linear integer programming, a model comprising a profile of solutions based on the known and potential new activities.
US08265961B2
A computerized medical care system provides validation of a diagnosis of a medical condition and requested medical services for treating the medical condition. The medial care system invokes multiple filters to determine the appropriateness of the diagnosis and medical service. Real time feedback is provided based on the determination. If the medical care cannot be validated, the feedback includes the reasons for the failure to validate, and any supporting materials for the lack of validation. The feedback may also prompt the requesting entity to provide additional information to help support the medical provider's position as to why the requested medical care is appropriate.
US08265959B2
An online application for approving prior authorization requests for prescription drugs. The application is used by pharmacy benefits providers, physicians, and pharmacies to request prior authorizations for drugs and to receive approvals automatically if a requested drug meets authorization criteria. The online application is accessible through a group pharmacy benefits provider portal on a web site. Requests are processed through a pharmacy benefits manager computer that determines whether prior authorization is required and through a pharmacy benefits provider computer when the pharmacy benefits manager computer determines that prior authorization is required. Requests that meet certain authorization criteria are approved automatically. Requests that cannot be approved automatically are submitted for review by a clinical pharmacy review division that access requests through a drug request transaction computer.
US08265958B2
Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods relating to aggregated access to healthcare information. One aspect of the invention relates to providing a single point of access to multiple stakeholders with respect to a medical case that may include information from multiple healthcare providers.
US08265954B2
A computer system that extracts health care data from one or more health care payors to identify meaningful relationships or patterns in treatments to compare the effectiveness of various treatment of specific diseases is provided. This computer system includes a computer and a staging database. The computer is configured to communicate with one or more payor computer systems of a type that includes one or more databases storing records of the health care data from one or more payors over the Internet. The staging database is in communication with the computer and is configured to receive the health care data from each of the payor computer systems. The health care data from each of the payor computer systems is configured to be converted into a normalized format. The normalized data is the made available to determine comparative effectiveness of various treatments of specific diseases.
US08265946B2
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: determining whether a plurality of end users deviated from compliantly executing a template designed to facilitate the plurality of end users in achieving one or more target outcomes when one or more emulatable aspects included in the template are emulated by the plurality of end users, the one or more emulatable aspects being based on one or more relevant reported aspects of one or more source users that were deemed to have been relevant to achieving the one or more target outcomes; and modifying the template based, at least in part, on determining that the plurality of end users deviated from compliantly executing the template In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08265940B2
A method for the artificial extension of the bandwidth of speech signals involves: a) Provision of a wideband input speech signal (swbi(k)); b) Determination of the signal components (seb(k)) of the wideband input speech signal (swbi(k)) required for the bandwidth extension from an extension band from the wideband input speech signal (swbi(k)); c) Determination of the temporal envelopes of the signal components (seb(k)) determined for the bandwidth extension; d) Determination of the spectral envelopes of the signal components (seb(k)) determined for bandwidth extension; e) Encoding of the information for the temporal envelopes and the spectral envelopes, and provision of the encoded information by carrying out the extension of the bandwidth; f) Decoding of the encoded information and generation of the temporal envelopes and the spectral envelopes from the encoded information for the production of a bandwidth-extended output speech signal (swbo(k)).
US08265933B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and article of manufacture for adjusting a language model within a voice recognition system, based on text received from an external application. The external application may supply text representing the words of one participant to a text-based conversation. In such a case, changes may be made to a language model by analyzing the external text received from the external application.
US08265929B2
Provides is an embedded code-excited linear prediction speech coding/decoding apparatus and method that can deal with the capacity change of speech transmission channel by modeling an error signal not coded at a core speech coder based on a transmission rate in a multiple pulse search mode or gain compensation mode and then transmitting it in an optimum mode. The apparatus includes a core speech coding unit for coding an input speech signal with spectral envelop and an excitation signal, a transmission rate determination unit for allocating the number of bits additionally allowed depending on a capacity of a transmission channel, and an embedded excitation signal coding unit for coding a residual excitation signal that is not coded in the core speech coding unit based on the number of additionally allowed bits using one of a multiple pulse excitation coding mode and a gain compensation mode.
US08265927B2
A relay device 20 duplicates speech data received from a communication terminal that is engaged in voice communication with another communication terminal. The duplicated speech data is transmitted to and is stored at a media processing device 40. Media processing device 40 builds a database for speech synthesis based on the stored speech data.
US08265901B2
A device for measuring and displaying body parameters includes a sensor that generates a signal representing a detected body parameter, such as body fat, body water and weight, of an individual; a transmitter to wirelessly transmit the signal; a receiver to receiver and display the sensed measurements as well as a user's name, time, date and temperature. The invention also pertains a method for determining fitness comprising the steps of: inputting, data pertaining to one of date, time, an individual's name, and fitness statistics, sensing parameters of one or more of an a body fat, a body a water and a weight; recording sensed parameters and said data; and transmitting the sensed parameters and said data; receiving said sensed parameters and said data and a signal proportional to a temperature and displaying one or more of said sensed parameters, data and temperature on a portable display unit.
US08265894B2
A method is provided for estimating the temperature in an internal combustion engine. The method includes, but is not limited to the steps of providing a sensor resistor (RTD) in the internal combustion engine, the sensor resistor (RTD) having a predetermined resistance-temperature characteristic, measuring a sensor voltage (VRTD) across the sensor resistor (RTD), calculating a resistance value of the sensor resistor (RTD) based on the sensor voltage (VRTD) and estimating the temperature using the resistance value and the resistance-temperature characteristic. The method further comprises the steps of connecting, in series to the sensor resistor (RTD), a first branch of a current mirror arrangement, connecting a reference resistor (R0) in series to a second branch of the current mirror arrangement, measuring a reference voltage (V0) across the reference resistor (R0) and calculating the resistance value of the sensor resistor (RTD) based on the sensor voltage (VRTD) and the reference voltage (V0).
US08265884B2
A method of measuring the elastic modulus and hardness of a thin film on substrate using nanoindentation technique is provided. The method includes calculating a series of experimental corrected stiffness and contact radius pairs associated with one or more presumed parameters and information obtained from a loading curve associated with the thin film and substrate. Also, the method includes calculating a series of theoretical corrected stiffness and contact radius pairs associated with the same one or more presumed parameters and information obtained from the loading curve associated with the thin film and substrate. Furthermore, the method includes using results obtained from the experimental and theoretical corrected stiffness and contact radius pairs to compute the elastic modulus and hardness of the film material.
US08265883B2
Systems and methods are provided for calibrating emission data or other information signals collected during a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), amplification reaction, assay, process, or other reaction. Calibration of multiple detectable materials can be achieved during a single cycle or run, or during a plurality of runs of the reaction. A reading from every well, container, or other support region of a sample support does not have to be taken. Interpolation can be used to determine values for emission data or other information signals that were not taken, or are unknown, using detected emission data, or other detected information signals. By calibrating the detected emission data and the interpolated data, a more accurate reading of emission data or information signal can be obtained.
US08265876B1
A method is disclosed for automatically extending interpreter horizon picks over a wider area of traces in such manner that the automatically generated picks are very similar to picks that an interpreter would pick manually. The method applies optical filters to seismic sections to determine the intrinsic orientation of seismic events. Seismic orientation is captured in the Orientation Vector Field, which is then used to guide the picking process.
US08265875B2
A method for interpolating data. The method includes receiving data acquired at one or more locations where the data represents subterranean formations in the earth. The method also includes selecting one or more of the locations such that the selected locations are within a vicinity of an interpolation location. Next, the method includes forming a matrix of interpolation coefficients based on a first function having one or more interpolation variables, a bandwidth for an interpolation operator and one or more differences between the selected locations, wherein at least one of the interpolation variables is periodic. The method then includes forming a differences vector based on a second function having the interpolation variables, the bandwidth and one or more differences between the selected locations and the interpolation location. Using the matrix of interpolation coefficients and the differences vector, the method then forms an interpolation operator vector by applying an inverse of the matrix of interpolation coefficients to the differences vector. The method then estimates a data value for the interpolation location using the interpolation operator vector.
US08265866B2
A navigation device is described that includes a processing device, a memory communicatively coupled to the processing device, the memory including a database of cartographic navigation map data, a first sensor operable to provide location data to the processing device, a display operatively coupled to the processing device, and an image acquisition device operatively coupled to the processing device. The processing device is programmed to, when in a first mode of operation, to cause the display to display a portion of the cartographic navigation map data, the displayed portion based on the location data received by the processing device. The processing device is further configured, when in a second mode of operation, to cause the display to display an image acquired by the image acquisition device, the image overlaid by one or more symbols indicative of one or more points of interest within the database of cartographic navigation map data, the one or more symbols correlated to the acquired image based on the location data received by the processing device.
US08265864B1
A method of providing geographic information for a navigation system comprises obtaining a request for a geographic region and accessing geographic data corresponding to the geographic region from a geographic database. The method also comprises providing a plurality of first map images generated from the geographic data. Each of the first map images represents a unique portion of the geographic region. When the first map images are displayed together, they provide a first map depicting the geographic region.
US08265863B2
A method of displaying a map on a wireless communications device includes obtaining map data for rendering the map to be displayed on the wireless communications device, the map data including label data for rendering labels on the map. The device generates a collision-avoidance array representative of the map to be rendered for testing potential label positions prior to actually rendering the labels on the map. The collision-avoidance array is populated by provisionally designating, for each successive label to be rendered, a label space in the collision-avoidance array that corresponds to a map space that is to be occupied by the label on the map. The device then determines whether each successive label to be rendered collides in the collision-avoidance array with any previously designated label spaces. If no collision exists for a given label, the label can be rendered on the map.
US08265862B1
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for communicating location-related information. In operation, a vehicular assembly is utilized to communicate with a mobile device. Additionally, a location of a vehicle associated with the vehicular assembly is identified, utilizing the vehicular assembly. Furthermore, information based on the location is generated. Still yet, the information is communicated utilizing the mobile device.
US08265861B2
There is provided a driving assist system comprising: a road side apparatus which transmits the traffic circumstance information; and a vehicle-mounted apparatus including: an outputting part which outputs driving assist information for assisting a driving operation on the basis of output data on the basis of the at least one kind of the traffic circumstance information; and a controller for: generating the output data for outputting the driving assist information based on the traffic circumstance information; determining whether the output data is valid; and selecting one the output data which is determined as valid, on the basis of a predetermined standard validity, wherein the outputting part outputs the driving assist information using the selected output data.
US08265853B2
An engine control system includes a piston movement modeling module, a cylinder volume determination module, and a cylinder pressure estimation module. The piston movement modeling module models movement of a piston within a corresponding cylinder based on angular change of an engine crankshaft. The cylinder volume determination module determines a volume of the cylinder based on an angular position of the engine crankshaft and the modeled movement of the piston. The cylinder pressure estimation module estimates pressure in the cylinder based on the determined volume, an intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP), an intake valve timing, an exhaust valve timing, and an exhaust back pressure (EBP).
US08265848B2
A method adaptively learns torque converter (TC) slip in a transmission having a hydrodynamic torque converter assembly by setting a baseline TC slip profile, determining an actual TC slip value at different temperatures, generating an adapted TC slip profile by adapting the baseline TC slip profile in response to the actual TC slip values, and controlling the amount of TC slip during a neutral idle (NI) state of the transmission using the adapted TC slip profile. A vehicle includes a torque converter and a controller. The controller calibrates the TC slip during a first transmission state, and controls the amount of TC slip during a second transmission state. The controller measures actual TC slip data points, and adapts a TC slip profile to more closely approximate a natural slip curve of the vehicle in response to the actual slip TC slip value data points.
US08265842B2
A method for controlling a clutch of an electronic locking differential for a vehicle includes determining either that a speed of the vehicle is less than a reference speed or that a desired state of the clutch is a disengaged state, determining that an angular displacement of a steering wheel from a centered position is less than a first reference angle, and disengaging the clutch.
US08265831B2
A method for determining a crash condition including sensing crash acceleration in a vehicle X-direction at a central vehicle location and providing a first acceleration signal indicative thereof, sensing crash acceleration in a vehicle Y-direction, sensing crash acceleration in the X-direction at two locations near opposite sides of the vehicle remote from the central location and providing acceleration signals indicative thereof, determining a transverse crash evaluation value functionally related to the second acceleration signal, and determining remote crash evaluation values functionally related to the acceleration signals at the remote locations. The method further comprises the steps of comparing the determined transverse crash evaluation value as a function of the determined remote evaluation values against an associated threshold and determining a crash condition of the vehicle in response to (a) the comparison and (b) the first acceleration signal.
US08265826B2
A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command.
US08265823B2
In order to suppress an instantaneous carrying current (surge current) and power supply noise caused by the instantaneous carrying current (the surge current), the power supply cutoff structure of a semiconductor integrated circuit device comprises a switching circuit for controlling a power supply to a controlled circuit. The switching circuit includes a plurality of transistors each having a different current capability. The transistors are sequentially provided with a certain regularity, including from a low current capability transistor up to a high current capability transistor.
US08265820B2
A saddle riding type vehicle includes a support mechanism arranged to support a pair of wheels to be movable up and down relative to a vehicle body, a lock mechanism connectable to the support mechanism and arranged to limit up-and-down motion of the pair of wheels, various sensors arranged to detect vehicle states, and a controller arranged to control the lock mechanism based on results of detection by the various sensors. The controller controls the lean limitation to the up-and-down motion of the pair of wheels and its cancellation automatically. The rider need not carry out a special control for operating the lock mechanism. In addition, the lock mechanism is controlled according to the vehicle states, which allows the rider to travel lightly and comfortably.
US08265814B2
A control method and unit of an electric traction motorcycle; there are provided: an accelerator grip pivotally mounted to rotate in a first rotation direction and about a rotation axis from a neutral position towards a maximum acceleration position; an elastic member which tends to keep the accelerator grip in the neutral position; at least one position sensor for detecting the angular position of the accelerator grip about the rotation axis; and a control device which drives an electric machine of the motorcycle according to the angular position of the accelerator grip; the accelerator grip is mounted to rotate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction and about the rotation axis from the neutral position towards a deceleration position which is arranged in the direction opposite to the maximum acceleration position with respect to the neutral position.
US08265812B2
An autopilot system includes a navigation application for computing angular position and angular turn rate of a pilot line and an autopilot steering application for calculating steering commands for a ship steering device. The pilot line provides directional guidance to a ship and is a vector having one end attached to a point on the ship and a second end pointing to a desired direction. The autopilot steering application receives the computed pilot line angular position and angular turn rate and calculates angular position steering commands for the steering device. The steering commands are calculated by taking into account the difference between the pilot line angular position and the ship's angular position and the difference between the pilot line angular turn rate and the ship's angular turn rate.
US08265804B1
A method for controlling a vehicle may include sensing a position of each of a plurality of stars relative to the vehicle. The method may also include determining an attitude of the vehicle using the sensed positions of the plurality of stars, and the attitude may be determined either with or without using information from a gyro or sensor for measuring angular velocity. The method may additionally include implementing a set of strategies to optimize determination of the attitude of the vehicle when using only the sensed positions of the plurality of stars, without information from the sensor for measuring angular velocity. The method may further include controlling the vehicle based on the determined attitude of the vehicle.
US08265798B2
A system and method of curtailing energy production within congestive grid operating environments including a method of managing power generation of a power generation site operable to be coupled to a transmission line is disclosed. The method can also include detecting curtailment action data and energy pricing data of the power generation site. Additionally, the method can include analyzing the curtailment action data and the energy pricing data to detect a curtailment probability level and initiate a reduction of the electricity being transmitted from the power generating site to the transmission line in response to the detected curtailment probability level being above a curtailment set level. According to a further aspect of the invention, the electricity being transmitted from the power generating site to the transmission line may be reduced by diverting at least a portion of the electricity being transmitted from the power generating site to a storage system.
US08265788B2
An automated mail sorting system including a display for displaying the image of an item of mail belonging to a carrier route, and input device for associating the image with any of a plurality of stations in a walking sequence of the carrier route, and a sorter having a reader for identifying the item of mail, to sorter for placing the item of mail in a location corresponding to the station in the walking sequence.
US08265783B2
Lift data in which a lift amount is set based on a lift data rotation angle is read to identify the shape of a non-circular workpiece, and a profile point group that is formed of a plurality of profile points, each of which indicates a tool reciprocation position that corresponds to a spindle rotation angle, is calculated based on the read lift data. Then, the calculated profile point group is divided into a plurality of groups each of which is formed of the profile points that satisfy a group division condition, the two groups that satisfy a group comparison condition are selected, and the profile point that satisfies a specific point deletion condition that is set in advance for the combination of the selected two groups is deleted.
US08265769B2
This disclosure describes a chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier. The amplifier is configured to achieve stable measurements at low frequency with very low power consumption. The instrumentation amplifier uses a differential architecture and a mixer amplifier to substantially eliminate noise and offset from an output signal produced by the amplifier. Dynamic limitations, i.e., glitching, that result from chopper stabilization at low power are substantially eliminated through a combination of chopping at low impedance nodes within the mixer amplifier and feedback. The signal path of the amplifier operates as a continuous time system, providing minimal aliasing of noise or external signals entering the signal pathway at the chop frequency or its harmonics. The amplifier can be used in a low power system, such as an implantable medical device. The amplifier may be used for physiological signal sensing, impedance sensing, telemetry or other test and measurement applications.
US08265766B1
Methods and systems for automatically detecting an impedance of one or more electrodes in a cochlear implant system include providing an implantable cochlear stimulator coupled to one or more electrodes, generating an electrical stimulation current with the implantable cochlear stimulator in accordance with stimulation parameters, automatically detecting an impedance of at least one of the electrodes in accordance with a predefined schedule, and performing a predefined action in accordance with the detected impedance.
US08265764B2
An object is to provide an artificial vision system ensuring a wide field of view without damaging a retina. In the artificial vision system, a plurality of electrodes (23) are to be implanted so as to stick in an optic papilla of an eye of a patient. A signal for stimulation pulse is generated based on an image captured by an image pick up device (11) to be disposed outside a body of the patient. The electrical stimulation signals outputted from the electrodes (23) based on the signals for stimulation pulse stimulate an optic nerve of the eye, thereby enabling the patient to visually recognize the image from the image pickup device (11).
US08265763B2
The invention provides systems and methods for neuromuscular electrical stimulation to muscle tissue. Stimulation electrodes may be provided on a stimulation pad, configured to provide electrical stimulation to a target tissue. A system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation may also include pressure generating mechanisms that may provide a compressive force to a region with the target tissue, thereby removing some excess third space fluid from the region.
US08265744B2
The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system.
US08265743B2
Fixation-locked measurement of brain activity generates time-coded cues indicative of whether an operator exhibited a significant cognitive response to task-relevant stimuli. The free-viewing environment is one in which the presentation of stimuli is natural to the task encompassing both pre- and post-fixation stimuli and the operator is allowed to move his or her eyes naturally to perform the task.
US08265740B2
Disclosed is a system for the detection of cardiac events that includes an implanted device called a cardiosaver, a physician's programmer and an external alarm system. The system is designed to provide early detection of cardiac events such as acute myocardial infarction or exercise induced myocardial ischemia caused by an increased heart rate or exertion. The system can also alert the patient with a less urgent alarm if a heart arrhythmia is detected. Using different algorithms, the cardiosaver can detect a change in the patient's electrogram that is indicative of a cardiac event within five minutes after it occurs and then automatically warn the patient that the event is occurring. To provide this warning, the system includes an internal alarm sub-system (internal alarm means) within the cardiosaver and/or an external alarm system (external alarm means) which are activated after the ST segment of the electrogram exceeds a preset threshold.
US08265735B2
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) anterior eye part imaging apparatus includes a tomographic image obtaining unit obtaining a tomographic image of an anterior eye part of subject's eye in a depth direction by optical coherence tomography, an imaging unit imaging a frontal image of subject's eye, a display unit displaying the image of subject's eye, a corneal apex location detecting unit detecting a location of subject's eye, an alignment unit moving an apparatus body relative to the holder so that the location of corneal apex corresponds with a predetermined image obtaining location, a designating unit designating an area or a location where the tomographic image is obtained on subject's frontal image displayed on the display unit, and a scan line setting unit setting a scan line in the tomographic image obtaining unit on a straight line passing the corneal apex according to the designated area or location.
US08265734B2
An imaging and displaying system comprises an imaging unit for acquiring images of a treatment site of a subject, a display unit for displaying the images acquired by the imaging unit, and a unit-to-unit connecting device for detachably connecting the imaging unit and the display unit. The imaging unit and the display unit are spatially and movably supported. At least one of the imaging unit and the display unit is detachably attached to an arm with a unit-to-arm detachable device therebetween.
US08265733B2
To facilitate imaging of a patient two different image recording methods are to be carried out at the same time. An auxiliary fluid, for example a contrast medium or a tracer, may be introduced into the body in each image recording method. The invention proposes mixing the two auxiliary fluids in situ immediately before dispensing to the patient. For this purpose it provides an injector with which the auxiliary fluids may be mixed and supplied to the patient. Devices for controlling dispensing of fluid from containers connected to the injector to produce a mixed solution may be electronically controlled by a control unit which calculates the total quantities, and optionally sub-quantities, of auxiliary fluids, which are used for a mixed solution, before activating the devices.
US08265720B2
Disclosed herein is a hinge device for a cellular phone, which has no device housing and thus, can achieve a greater slimness of the cellular phone and reduce the generation of a noise during a sliding operation of a slide body included in the cellular phone. The hinge device includes a first push rod connected to a main body of the cellular phone and having a pin and a pin hole, and a second push rod connected to a slide body of the cellular phone and having a pin and a pin hole. The pin of the first push rod is penetrated through the pin hole of the second push rod, and the pin of the second push rod is penetrated through the pin hole of the first push rod. A spring is provided around each pin.
US08265714B2
A method and system for supporting an energy saving function in a communication system are provided. An evolved Node B (eNB) Element Management System (EMS) receives usage statistical data from an eNB and compares the usage statistical data with a threshold value. The eNB EMS determines whether to turn on or off power sources of Power Amplifier (PA) units connected to antennas corresponding to sectors included in a serving cell of the eNB according to the compared result, and transmits, to the eNB, a command message directing the eNB to turn on or off power sources of corresponding PA units according to the determined result.
US08265707B2
A cellular multiscreen system forms an image which can be a frame of a video or still image, divides that image into a number of parts, and sends each part to a different cellular telephone. The cellular telephones which receives the images collectively can display the images so that one can see the original image by looking at the multiple different cellular telephones. A game can also be played by determining which of the cellular phones receive which portion of the image.
US08265704B2
A mobile terminal includes a display screen to display a screen image of a particular character and a virtual keypad, and to detect touch inputs; and a controller to detect a first touch input of touching the particular character and a second touch input of touching a particular key of the virtual keypad, and to control display of display characters on respective key buttons of the virtual keypad, the display characters having at least one attribute of the particular character, if the first and second inputs are a multi-touch. Because a font of particular character is applied to the display character of the virtual keypad or to a newly input character, characters or numbers can be easily input using the display screen of the mobile terminal.
US08265691B2
A wireless handset is provided with enhanced features and capabilities. The wireless handset may be embodied as a full-featured handset that is capable of operating either within a wireless network (such as a cellular or PCS network) or in a direct handset-to-handset communication mode that is independent of the wireless network. Alternatively, the wireless handset may be embodied as a special purpose handset, that is capable of simply operating in a direct handset-to-handset communication mode. The wireless handset may additionally include features for supporting and enhancing direct communication between handsets. Such features may include a find feature that permits a user to determine which objects, including other wireless handset users, are located within a predetermined operating range of the wireless handset. A memorize feature may also be provided to permit handsets and other objects exchange information by wireless transmission.
US08265684B2
There is provided a method for controlling a transmission power in a second communication service making secondary usage of a spectrum assigned to a first communication service, with use of any node of one or more secondary usage node that transmits a radio signal of the second communication service, comprising the steps of: acquiring an acceptable interference power allocated to the second communication service; calculating a total sum of interference power levels on the first communication service based on transmission powers respectively required for the one or more secondary usage node; and excluding any secondary usage node of the one or more secondary usage node from allocation of the transmission power when the calculated total sum of interference power levels is larger than the acceptable interference power.
US08265682B2
A cell within cellular network includes user equipment (UE) that transmits data to a base station (eNB). When a UE does not have data to transmit, it may enter a low power mode (DRX) having silent intervals during which the eNB does not expect to receive a transmission from the UE and the UE is not required to monitor DL control channels from the eNB. While in DRX mode, the UE may detect an event, such as data ready for transmission or a need to request a timing adjustment (TA) update. The UE transmits a scheduling request indicator (SRI) to the eNB in response to detection of the event, wherein the SRI carries information identifying the triggering event.
US08265679B2
Systems and methods for bundling signals in a wireless communication system are disclosed. A connection request and a reservation for QoS resources can be bundled into an access message at an access terminal. The access message with the bundled communication signals can then be transmitted to an access network. An application layer (e.g., a DataOverSignaling (DOS)) message can also be bundled with the connection request and the reservation into the access message.
US08265668B2
Systems and methods for assigning a short codes to provide uniformity among wireless carriers. In the systems and methods, a Universal Short Code (USC) Administrator maintains a list of short codes and their lease status so that SMS messages sent to a particular short code may be routed to the proper holder of the short code. A network facilitator is in communication with both the USC Administrator and at least one wireless carrier to route the SMS message to the proper holder of the short code. The short code may be leased for a specified period of time so that the short code can be reassigned after expiration of the lease.
US08265663B2
A communication system providing messaging services can have a receiving unit configured to receive a request to send a message, an authorization unit configured to authorize the sending of the message in response to the request, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the authorization to send the message.
US08265658B2
Systems and methods relating to location-based applications, such as widgets, are disclosed. In general, in one embodiment, a mobile device obtains a list of applications associated with a current or anticipated location of the mobile device from a centralized or distributed application service. One or more desired applications to be activated are either manually or automatically selected from the list of applications associated with the current location or the anticipated location of the mobile device. The mobile device then activates the one or more desired applications. Optionally, for each desired application that has been activated, the desired application may be deactivated once one or more deactivation criteria are satisfied.
US08265657B2
A method and system for device discovery in a wireless network is provided. The device discovery involves directionally transmitting a data unit from a transmitting station over a channel in different directions to emulate omni-directional transmission, receiving the data unit transmissions from different directions at a receiving station, determining the quality of the transmissions received from the different directions, and detecting location information for the transmitting station relative to the receiving station based on the highest quality transmission among the transmissions received from the different directions. Further, if a channel has sufficient bandwidth to satisfy direct link communication between two stations, then during a direct link set-up stage, the two stations conduct a probing message exchange using omni-direction transmission, and upon successful probing, obtain communication link status information and set proper communication configurations for the two stations based on the communication link status information.
US08265653B2
The present invention is a method and apparatus to provide remote communication using network telephony. In a transmitter, an activation message is decoded to generate an activation command. The activation message is sent from an activator via a communication medium in response to a telephony call. An information message is transmitted, responsive to the activation command, to a receiver using a communication protocol. In a receiver, an activation message is decoded to generate an activation command. The activation message is sent in response to a telephone call. An information message is received, responsive to the activation command. The information message is sent from a transmitter according to a communication protocol via a communication medium.
US08265648B2
A method of using resource blocks in a communication system with a plurality of Base Stations (BSs), including assigning resource blocks to a first BS, the first BS communicating to a second BS a message comprising information about at least one resource block assigned to the first BS and not planned to be used by the first BS, and the second BS receiving the message. Optionally, the second BS using the at least one resource block. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US08265636B2
An apparatus and method are disclosed, which adjusts the number of neighbor cells managed by a multi-mode portable terminal according to the system environment. The method includes measuring the network environment periodically and adaptively changing the number of neighbor cells of a licensed wireless system according to the measured network environment.
US08265623B2
The present invention relates to a system conducting multi-carrier communications between a base station and a plurality of mobile terminals. When a transmission format of an individual information channel transmitted from the base station to the mobile terminals is output over a control channel from the base station to the mobile terminals, the transmission is conducted over the control channel of the same chunk as the chunk used in the individual information channel.
US08265616B2
The present invention provides a system and method for traffic routing. An embodiment includes an engine for identifying groupings of subscriber stations within a particular ISP. The engine can also obtain a block of contiguous addresses for assignment to the subscriber stations. The addresses are assigned from the block to each of the subscriber stations in substantially contiguous sub-blocks based on the groupings. The groupings can be geographic or based on other desired criteria.
US08265613B2
Methods and apparatus for employing femto technology in an enterprise kiosk are presented herein. A content component can receive multimedia content from a base station coupled to a core network. Further, a transfer component can wirelessly transfer the received multimedia content to a mobile device utilizing a femto based wireless protocol based on, at least in part, a sale of the received multimedia content. A database component can store the received multimedia content in a data store, and the transfer component can wirelessly transfer the stored multimedia content to the mobile device utilizing the femto based wireless protocol. The transfer component can alternatively record the received multimedia content in a removable data storage device.
US08265606B2
Targeted advertisements to social contacts is described. In embodiment(s), social contacts can be correlated based on messaging interactions between mobile communication devices that are associated with the social contacts. Feedback about an advertisement can be received from mobile communication devices that are associated with the social contacts, and the advertisement can then be targeted to one or more of the social contacts based on the feedback about the advertisement.
US08265603B2
Methods, graphical user interfaces and devices for creation and management of voicemail greetings are disclosed. A user of a mobile communication device can create and manage multiple voicemail greetings. In one aspect, a user of a mobile communication device can create customized voicemails. The customized voicemails can be assigned to specific contacts (or groups of contacts) known to the mobile communication device. The customized voicemail greetings can also have controlled expiration dates. In another aspect, customized voicemails can be assigned to incoming calls in real-time.
US08265596B2
A mobile terminal and personal information protection method thereof using a protection function shortcut key are provided. The personal information protection method determines, when at least one key is input, whether the key is substantially identical with one of a plurality of protection function shortcut keys, displays, when the input key is substantially identical with a protection function shortcut key, a protection function setting menu having at least one item of personal information, sets, when at least one item of personal information is selected, the protection function in association with the selected personal information, and enables the protection function on the selected personal information. Therefore, the personal information protected by the protection function is not displayed on a display unit of the mobile terminal.
US08265592B2
A telephone apparatus is disclosed. The telephone apparatus acquires card information on multiple calling cards from a communication terminal and stores the acquired card information. The telephone apparatus performs, via the communication terminal, telephone communication with a communication counterpart by using a first one of the calling cards stored in the telephone apparatus. When the balance on the first one of the calling cards is changed into zero balance and when the telephone communication link is forcibly disconnected, the telephone apparatus causes the communication terminal to redial by using a second one of the calling cards in order to restart the telephone communication with the same communication counterpart.
US08265590B2
When a device, such as a cellular phone, enters into a region, usage information pertaining to usage of devices in the region is provided to the device. For example, restrictions pertaining to usage of cellular phones while driving can be provided. Usage information also can be provided upon request or in accordance with various factors, such as subscriber preferences, elapsed time since the last time usage information was sent to the device, elapsed time since usage regulations have been enacted or updated, and/or the frequency of which the device is in the region. A region can include a geographic region, a political boundary, a country, a state, a municipality, a county, a parish, a township, a building (e.g., school, library, movie theatre, court house, local, state, or federal government building), a public place (e.g., restaurant, bus, train, taxi), a zip code, a telephone area code, or the like.
US08265589B2
A method and system for collecting and tracking statistics of a mobile device having the steps of: adding a call statistics server at an enterprise, the call statistics server adapted to receive call statistics information from one or more mobile devices or adapted to gather call statistics information directly through monitoring call setup, throughput and disconnection traffic; and providing call statistics information to a recipient. The mobile device can then obtain and display the call statistics.
US08265585B2
An broadcasting receiver suitable for receiving a broadcasting signal transmitted in an IBOC signal format, includes: a narrowband filtering means suitable for processing an analog broadcasting signal included in the broadcasting signal; a wideband filtering means suitable for processing a digital broadcasting signal included in the broadcasting signal; a demodulating means for demodulating the broadcasting signal; a signal level detecting means for detecting a level of the broadcasting signal; a digital determining means for determining whether the broadcasting signal includes digital broadcasting signal or not; and a filter switching means for switching filtering means for use in processing the broadcasting signal to be input to the demodulating means between the narrowband filtering means and the wideband filtering means, according to the level of the detected broadcasting signal, when the digital determining means determines that the broadcasting signal does not include the digital broadcasting signal.
US08265584B2
According to one embodiment, a method for updating filter values of an image canceller is provided. The method may include determining a channel-to-image (C/I) ratio between a channel signal and an image signal at the canceller input and generating a gain control value based at least in part on the C/I ratio. Then correlations between the channel signal and the image signal at the canceller's input and output can be generated, along with a gear control value based at least in part on a ratio between the correlations. In turn, one or more filters of the canceller can be updated using the control values.
US08265582B2
A semiconductor device includes a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer that are joined by sandwiching a depletion layer with a thickness that allows transmission of a plurality of electrons and holes by direct-tunneling.
US08265581B2
Provided is a transceiver using a millimeter-wave (MM-wave). The transceiver determines output power of a transmitting signal according to a receiving signal of a receiving end in the same device so that a possible loss value occurring in the air may be predicted. By doing so, performance of a whole link budget may be enhanced, and the transmitting signal may be rapidly controlled.
US08265580B2
An incoming RF signal can be amplified in a RF front end of a RF receiver by conveying the signal through one of a multiple amplification paths. On each path, the gain can be controlled by RF automatic gain control (AGC) circuits. Each amplification path can be designed to handle incoming signals in a designated power range and to optimize receiver performance characteristics such as the noise figure (NF) and odd harmonic linearity in that power range. Signal power can be measured at different locations of the receiver and bypass switches can be used to convey the RF signals down one of the multiple paths based on the power measurements, according to executable logical code. An incoming signal power hysteresis can be applied to stabilize the system. Further, signal power averaging and switch delaying mechanisms can be employed to stabilize the system for rapidly fluctuating signals.
US08265576B2
A customer relationship management (CRM) method using IBOC-radio signals is provided. A message in the radio signal is parsed to obtain a key. The key is compared to a plurality of stored keys. When the received key matches a stored key, a data structure associated with the message is outputted. A device comprising a lookup table with a plurality of stored keys, a tuner unit that receives a CRM in an IBOC signal, and a controller in electrical communication with the lookup table and tuner is provided. The controller comprises (i) instructions for comparing a key in the CRM to one or more stored keys in the plurality of stored keys and (ii) instructions for permitting the display of a display text associated with the received key when there is a match between the received key and a key in the plurality of stored keys.
US08265573B2
A wireless subscriber communication unit comprises a transmitter having a power amplifier and a feedback power control loop having a power control function arranged to set an output power level of the power amplifier. The power control function is arranged to perform a back-off of the output power prior to completion of a transmission burst.
US08265565B2
Transmitting non-polluting dummy pilot signals in a wireless communication network permits estimation of the downlink propagation channels between a number of joint transmitters and a lesser number of receivers. With fewer receivers than transmitters, loop back information from the receivers is not sufficient to determine the downlink propagation channels between the transmitters and receivers. For N transmitters and M receivers, (N−M) dummy pilot symbols are transmitted to facilitate downlink channel estimation. Each dummy pilot signal is transmitted to an imagined or dummy receiver that is virtually located such that its downlink channel coefficient vector is orthogonal to those of the real receivers. Transmit pre-filtering based on estimated propagation channels is applied to the information signals for the real receivers and to the dummy pilot signals. The extent to which the dummy pilot signals interfere at each receiver is an indication of mismatch between estimated and actual propagation channels.
US08265562B2
In a wireless communication system, short-term interference mitigation may be used to mitigate (e.g., to avoid or reduce) interference on a given link in order to improve performance of data transmission. The interference mitigation reduces transmit power of interfering transmissions so that a higher signal-to-noise-and-interference ratio (SINR) can be achieved for a desired data transmission. A node may observe high interference from an interfering node that degrades performance of data transmission sent on that link. By taking advantage of an communication path with the interfering node (e.g., wireless data/control channel, backhaul network connection, or analog broadcast signal), the transmitting node can successfully complete time critical communications while allowing the interfering node to also simultaneously communicate without reducing overall resources nor burdening any managing nodes.
US08265554B2
A communication device and method using the human body are provided. The communication device determines an arrangement direction of signal electrodes and ground electrodes according to a signal transmission direction and whether the ground electrodes come into contact with the human body according to a transmission/receiving distance and then performs data communication with the other communication device connected to the human body for the purpose of efficient human body communication.
US08265552B2
A method includes scanning beams of a multiple beam antenna to collect metrics associated with the beams; selecting a best beam based on the collected metrics or based on a manual selection received from an operator; retrieving thresholds associated with the metrics; comparing the collected metrics, associated with the selected best beam, to the retrieved thresholds; and determining whether the antenna unit is in an acceptable location based on the comparison. Another method includes scanning beams of the multiple beam antenna to collect metrics associated with the beams; selecting a best beam based on the collected metrics; determining a serving beam; comparing a set of metrics associated with the selected best beam with a corresponding set of metrics associated with the serving beam; and determining whether to switch from the serving beam to the selected best beam based on the comparison.
US08265546B2
A method for controlling gain in a wireless repeater includes providing one or more gain control metrics where the gain control metrics is indicative of a loop gain of the repeater; measuring the one or more gain control metrics; and adjusting a variable gain of the repeater using a gain adjustment step size being a function of at least the loop gain of the repeater as measured by the one or more gain control metrics. In another embodiment, the gain control algorithm block is configured to divide the loop gain of the repeater into multiple gain adjustment control zones. The gain adjustment control zones may include a first zone having a loop gain in a stable operating region and a second zone having a loop gain outside the stable operating region.
US08265544B1
An online voting game that teaches the participants the mechanics behind running for office. Registered users can run for office or participate as a voter or do neither and, for example, observe the results as they roll in. Registered users that run for office are required to comply with a set of predetermined rules. Voting at state and city level is performed based on each voter's recorded residence (e.g., city and state); users can run in national elections such as running for President so long as they satisfy the age, residency and citizenship requirements to run for President. In one embodiment, registered users running for office provide photographs and video clips that disclose their views on political issues of the day.
US08265540B2
A document pressing apparatus is provided with a document pressing cover including a first lateral part and a second lateral part facing the first lateral part and openable and closable with respect to a housing fitted with a contact glass, a supporting member for supporting the document pressing cover rotatably with respect to the housing at the side of the first lateral part, a plate member connected with the document pressing cover for pressing a document against the contact glass, a first resilient member arranged at the side of the first lateral part between the plate member and the document pressing cover for exerting a pressing force to the document, and a second resilient member provided at the side of the second lateral part between the plate member and the document pressing cover for exerting a pressing force smaller than that of the first resilient member to the document.
US08265538B2
Fixing belt is brought into pressure-contact with the surface of fixing roller such that fixing belt rotates according to rotation of fixing roller, thereby forming, between fixing belt and fixing roller, fixing nip portion through which recording sheets pass. A pressing area of an opposing surface of pressing member contacting the surface of fixing roller via fixing belt is smaller in each end portion of the opposing surface in the axis direction of fixing roller than in a central portion of the opposing surface in the axis direction of fixing roller. This makes speed of conveying recording sheets faster in each edge portion in the width direction perpendicular to a recording sheet conveyance direction than in a central portion in the width direction. Thus, creases of recording sheets can be prevented while a recording sheet passes through fixing nip portion between fixing roller and fixing belt mutually brought into pressure-contact.
US08265537B2
A fixing device slide member has a surface 40a of a sheet body 40, which surface is made of heat-resistant resin. A specific wear rate on the surface 40a of the sheet body 40 in the ring-on-disc test is 10×10−8 mm3/(N×m) or less on condition that a counterpart material is aluminum, roughness Ra is equal to 0.2 micrometer, PV is equal to 51.2 MPa×m/min, and measuring time is 50 hours. Thus, the surface 40a of the sheet body 40 is enhanced in wear resistance so as to be free from generation of worn powder, which suppresses torque increase in a pressurizing belt caused by the worn powder.
US08265531B2
An image forming apparatus which is capable of detecting the direction and amount of an image shift in the main scanning direction without wasting toner, to thereby provide a higher-quality image with reduced running costs. A conductor is disposed such that the conductor partially overlaps an electrostatic latent image line formed on a photosensitive drum in a manner extending in a main scanning direction of the photosensitive drum, while moving relative to the electrostatic latent image line. The conductor generates induced current by the relative motion. An image shift in the main scanning direction is detected based on a result of measurement of the induced current generated by the conductor.
US08265530B2
A developer carrying device is provided with a group of carrying electrodes configured to form a traveling wave field as voltages are sequentially applied thereto, charged developer being carried by an effect of the traveling wave field, a developer carrying member having a surface on which the group of carrying electrodes are arranged, and a plurality of leveling electrodes provided above the surface and configured to form electric fields in a direction substantially along the surface, the plurality of leveling electrodes being needle like electrodes extending in a direction intersecting with the surface, the plurality of leveling electrodes being spaced from each other in a direction along the surface and intersecting with a direction in which the developer is carried.
US08265529B2
A developing device include: a case; a developing roller supported by the case to be rotatable in a rotational direction; and a blade including a base end supported by the case and a tip end provided upstream of the base end in the rotational direction and contacting the surface of the developing roller at a contact portion to regulate a thickness of the toner on the developing roller. The blade further includes a bent portion that is bent from the contact portion at a radius of curvature from 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm to be separated from the developing roller as extending toward the tip end. An angle defined between a segment connecting the contact portion with a center of curvature of the bent portion and a segment connecting the tip end with the center of curvature of the bent portion is in the range from 45° to 90°.
US08265521B2
An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame.
US08265518B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit; a sheet feeding unit; an upper frame; a sheet feeding frame; and a lower frame. The upper frame includes: a pair of sheet-metal components, each of which is punched out in a right-left direction; and a first contact part facing a first direction. The sheet feeding frame is made of a resin component and is arranged between a space defined by the pair of sheet-metal components and includes a second contact part at a face facing the first direction. The lower frame supports the upper frame and the sheet feeding frame from below and includes a contacted part facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. A relative position in a front-rear direction between the upper frame and the lower frame is defined by contacting the contacted part with both of the first contact part and the second contact part.
US08265516B2
A belt unit includes an endless belt that transports a recording medium thereon. The endless belt has a Young's modulus in the range of 3.5≦Y≦7.0. The endless belt is disposed about a plurality of rollers, and runs about the rollers. The endless belt has a thickness such that 0.0025≦Y×T3≦0.007 where Y is the Young's modulus and T is the thickness. A cleaning member removes deposits from the surface of the endless belt. The belt unit may also operate as a transfer unit and include a cleaning member disposed about a plurality of rollers. The cleaning member removes deposits from the surface of the endless belt. An image forming apparatus may include the belt unit or transfer unit.
US08265510B2
A multi-function apparatus having a plurality of functions relating to an image processing and configured to selectively realize one of the plurality of functions, including: a plurality of operation keys which are operated by a user so as to control the multi-function apparatus; a display device configured to display an operation view for assisting the user in operating the plurality of operation keys; and a display control section configured to control the display device to display the operation view in which a plurality of images respectively representing the plurality of operation keys are displayed, such that an image of each of at least one active key each as an active one of the plurality of operation keys is displayed in the view in a first manner, while an image of each of at least one inactive key each as an inactive one of the plurality of operation keys is displayed in the view in a second manner which is different from the first manner.
US08265509B2
A multifunctional apparatus control system includes a multifunctional apparatus an authentication information input device, an I/F converter, and a control server. The control server includes: a UI control section which transmits, to the multifunctional apparatus over a network, data of authentication screen which prompts the user to make preparations for causing the authentication information input device to acquire authentication information; an authentication information input device driver which controls the operation of the authentication information input device over the network and receives, over the network, the authentication information that the authentication information input device has acquired; an authenticating section which performs authentication based on the authentication information that the authentication information input device driver has received; and a device control section which permits the multifunctional apparatus to execute the job, in accordance with the authentication result of the authenticating section. This arrangement makes it possible to construct a flexible authentication system.
US08265508B2
An image forming apparatus, for which a heated roller fixing device is employed but for which a savings in power can still be obtained, is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a fixing device, which is a heated roller fixing device that requires pre-heating in a stand-by state; an operation panel, with which a power-saving mode transition time period can be changed; and a control part, which selects pre-heating or does not select pre-heating of the heated roller fixing device. The control part employs the power-saving mode transition time period, entered at the operation panel, to change the pre-heating or to not change the pre-heating of the heated roller fixing device.
US08265506B2
A device for fusing and fixing a transferred toner of a predetermined image onto a print paper is provided. In particular, a fusing device which can instantly control induced current provided to a fusing unit in an image printing apparatus which heats the fusing unit using the induced current is provided. The fusing device includes a fusing unit which is resistance heated or induction heated by an induced current, and fuses the toner onto the print paper using the generated heat. A sensing unit senses the temperature of the fusing unit. A reference current generating unit generates a predetermined reference current to heat the fusing unit to reach a predetermined temperature based on the temperature of the sensed fusing unit and the reference temperature. A pulse width modulation signal generating unit generates a pulse width modulation signal for generating the induced current so that the induced current corresponding to the reference current is supplied to the fusing unit.
US08265495B2
A heating device includes: a driving member configured to rotate; a driven member configured to rotate with the rotation of the driving member; a heater configured to heat a surface of one of the driving member and the driven member; a temperature detector configured to measure the temperature of the heated surface; and a controller operable to control heating of the heater based on the measurement result of the temperature detector. The controller includes: a calculator operable to calculate a change ratio of a slope of a temperature change of the heated surface with time, based on a first temperature detected by the temperature detector at a first time point and a second temperature detected by the temperature detector at a second time point a predetermined time interval after the first time point; and a determiner operable to determine that an abnormality occurs when the change ratio exceeds a threshold.
US08265494B2
An image-information acquiring unit acquires the image information divided at least in one of a main-scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction. A supply control unit calculates basic-supply patterns of a supply amount of toner and controls the supply amount at a supply point in a developing unit using a toner supply pattern combined with the basic-supply patterns that eliminate temporal variation in toner density of the developer, at the specific point, due to development of the latent image.
US08265483B2
A system to communicate optical data signals in parallel includes an optical splitter to split the data signals into two polarization multiplexed (PM) signals; and two reception channels coupled to the optical splitter, where each reception channel tracks and isolates a PM signal independently.
US08265478B1
Methods and apparatus for light-field capture with large depth of field. A design methodology is described in which the relationships among various plenoptic camera parameters, including inverse magnification, F-number, focal length, wavelength, and pixel size, may be analyzed to design plenoptic cameras that provide increased depth-of-field when compared to conventional plenoptic cameras. Plenoptic cameras are described, which may be implemented according to the design methodology, and in which both Keplerian telescopic and Galilean telescopic imaging can be realized at the same time while providing a larger depth of field than is realized in conventional plenoptic cameras, thus capturing light-field images that capture “both sides” in which all but a small region of the scene is in focus. In some embodiments, apertures may be added to the microlenses so that depth of field is increased.
US08265470B2
Methods and devices for implementing a camera restriction on a wireless handheld communication device. As more handheld devices incorporate camera functionalities, organizations and individuals with privacy concerns are more vulnerable to unauthorized disclosure. The camera restriction prevents a user from taking a picture of a subject if the device has not been steadily focused on the subject in question for a predetermined period of time. In short, this process extends the normal camera-taking procedure and thus requires the camera user to take pictures in a conspicuous manner—the rationale being that a camera user would be less likely to take unauthorized pictures if such actions could be easily recognized. The camera restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy.
US08265467B2
A light support assembly includes a circular body having a slot at one end for receiving a light string therein which is secured by a cap at the one end. A magnet is mounted in a cavity at an opposite end of the body. An applicator holds the body during mounting of the light support assembly to a building or other structure.
US08265466B2
A combination aroma diffuser includes a lower housing, a control unit, a display screen, an upper housing, a light-emitting heating unit, a cover member and a speaker. The upper housing and the lower housing admits light so that the displayed digits of the display screen that is kept inside the lower housing are visible when the display screen emits light. The control unit has stored therein music and sounds for output through the speaker. The light-emitting heating unit emits light through the upper housing to heat an aromatic fluid in the cover member into vapor that goes out of air vents of the cover member to the outside open air.
US08265465B2
A pebble stone-shaped aroma diffuser includes a top cover shell, an upper panel, a gasket ring, a lower panel, a bottom cover shell, a heater and a base member. The gasket ring is tightly set between the top cover shell and the upper panel, thereby forming with the top cover shell and the upper panel a fluid container. The lower panel is supported on the bottom cover shell and closely attached to the upper panel of the fluid container. The heater is kept in contact with the bottom side of the lower panel. The base member is arranged at the bottom side of the bottom cover shell to provide power supply to the heater for producing heat that is transferred through the lower panel and the upper panel to heat the aromatic fluid in the fluid container. The fluid container is rapidly detachable from the lower panel for cleaning.
US08265463B2
Video data and audio data corresponding to a predetermined attribute is retrieved from the video data and the audio data, each of which is stored in association with an attribute, and the retrieved items of the video data and the audio data are listed in a form showing a correlation between the video data and the audio data. In a case that items of the video data and audio data are selected, wherein said items of the video data and audio data are displayed and correlated with each other, the selected video data and audio data can be synchronized with each other and played-back.
US08265441B2
A hydrogen-resistant optical fiber particularly well-suitable for downhole applications comprises a relatively thick pure silica core and a depressed-index cladding layer. Interposed between the depressed-index cladding layer and the core is a relatively thin germanium-doped interface. By maintaining a proper relationship between the pure silica core diameter and the thickness of the germanium-doped interface, a majority (preferably, more than 65%) of the propagating signal can be confined within the pure silica core and, therefore, be protected from hydrogen-induced attenuation problems associated with the presence of germanium (as is common in downhole fiber applications). The hydrogen-resistant fiber of the present invention can be formed to include one or more Bragg gratings within the germanium-doped interface, useful for sensing applications.
US08265440B2
A method for manufacturing an optical fiber preform includes the steps of depositing an inner cladding and a central core inside a fluorine doped silica tube and thereafter collapsing the silica tube to form a primary preform. The fluorine doped silica tube has a cross section area that is no more than about 15 percent smaller than the cross section area of the resulting primary preform. The present method facilitates reduced-cost manufacturing of a high-capacity optical fiber preform, which may be drawn to produce an optical fiber having reduced transmission losses.
US08265436B2
A bonding system and a bonding method for alignment are provided. An optical semiconductor includes a light source and a plurality of protruded elements on a surface thereof. A semiconductor bench includes a light receiving element and a plurality of recess elements on a surface thereof. A sidewall of the protruded elements or a sidewall of the recess elements is slanted. A first metallized layer is disposed on a bonding surface of each protruded element and a second metallized layer is disposed on a bottom surface of each recess element, wherein the first metallized layer is used for bonding with the second metallized layer.
US08265426B2
According to one embodiment, an image processor comprises an image converter and a controller. The image converter is configured to convert a first video signal of a first resolution to a second video signal of a second resolution higher than the first resolution. The conversion is based on a parameter indicating a ratio of high-frequency component pixels of the first video signal to be interpolated and pixels forming the first video signal to be interpolated. The controller is configured to change the parameter based on a type of broadcast wave of the first video signal. The type of broadcast wave may include, but is not limited or restricted to satellite broadcasting or terrestrial broadcasting.
US08265420B2
Techniques are disclosed for correcting the exposure of a digital image. An exposure predictor may be generated based on a set of images for which ground truth data are known. After identifying an optimal set of features, the exposure of the digital image may be corrected by extracting values of the selected optimal features from the image, using the predictor to predict a desired exposure correction for the image, and correcting the exposure of the image by the predicted desired amount. Exposure correction is based on a model that relates intensity of light in the world to the RGB digits of the digital image. The model comprises a gamma function that models the response of a typical monitor and a S-shaped curve that compresses the large dynamic range of the world to the small dynamic range of the RGB digit space.
US08265415B2
An apparatus for transforming an image in a mobile device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pen style transformation unit for transforming an original image to a pen style image using a separated Gaussian filter and outputting pen style image, a cartoon style transformation unit for transforming the original image to a cartoon style image and outputting the cartoon style image, a mosaic creation unit for creating a photomosaic to which the original image is applied based on an optimum photo image set and outputting the created photo mosaic by applying the created photo mosaic to the original image, and an image output unit for outputting the images output from the pen style transformation unit, the cartoon style transformation unit, and the mosaic creation unit to an output unit.
US08265400B2
Establishments are identified in geo-tagged images. According to one aspect, text regions are located in a geo-tagged image and text strings in the text regions are recognized using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) techniques. Text phrases are extracted from information associated with establishments known to be near the geographic location specified in the geo-tag of the image. The text strings recognized in the image are compared with the phrases for the establishments for approximate matches, and an establishment is selected as the establishment in the image based on the approximate matches. According to another aspect, text strings recognized in a collection of geo-tagged images are compared with phrases for establishments in the geographic area identified by the geo-tags to generate scores for image-establishment pairs. Establishments in each of the large collection of images as well as representative images showing each establishment are identified using the scores.
US08265399B2
A method of automatically establishing the correct orientation of an image using facial information. This method is based on the exploitation of the inherent property of image recognition algorithms in general and face detection in particular, where the recognition is based on criteria that is highly orientation sensitive. By applying a detection algorithm to images in various orientations, or alternatively by rotating the classifiers, and comparing the number of successful faces that are detected in each orientation, one may conclude as to the most likely correct orientation. Such method can be implemented as an automated method or a semi automatic method to guide users in viewing, capturing or printing of images.
US08265391B1
An adaptive histogram equalization-based approach improves contrast in a video signal. For each video frame, the histogram of the pixel luminance values is calculated. The calculated histogram is divided into three programmably-sized regions that are equalized independently of each other. The equalization is performed in a controlled fashion by clamping the peaks of the histogram thereby ensuring limited stretching of sharp peaks. The equalized values are averaged with the original pixel values with a weighting factor that is different for the three regions chosen such that the darker regions are enhanced more than the brighter ones. To ensure smooth enhancement, programmable guard band regions can be defined between the three divisions of the histogram. The statistics calculated from one frame may be used to enhance the next frame to eliminate the need for frame buffers. Many of the calculations may be performed in the inactive time between two frames.
US08265387B2
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for performing spatial gamut mapping on a received input color image having a plurality of pixels. A standard gamut-mapping algorithm is applied to the input color image to produce a gamut-mapped color image. A difference is computed between a selected channel of the input color image and the gamut-mapped image to produce a difference image. A local measure of complexity is derived for a given pixel in the difference image. One or more parameter values of a spatial bilateral filter are obtained from a lookup table based on the computed local measure of complexity. The spatial bilateral filter is applied, using the obtained parameter values, to the current pixel of the difference image to produce a modified pixel in a modified difference image. Thereafter, a modified gamut-mapped color image is obtained from the modified difference image and the gamut-mapped color image.
US08265378B2
Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for converting a digital image represented in a lower bit depth representation to a higher bit depth representation. A saturation region is identified, where a color model value of the pixels in the saturation region is above an upper saturation threshold or below a lower saturation threshold. The color model value for each pixel in the saturation region is then adjusted by a corresponding adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment for each pixel is based on characteristics of the image data.
US08265377B2
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve cursive handwriting recognition. Cursive handwriting input is received from a user. The system performs a hierarchical prototype search as part of a recognition operation. A same space search is performed against a mixed database that has both print and cursive samples. A same space search is also performed against a cursive database that has only cursive samples. The results of these two same space searches are merged into a combined alternate list. The combined alternate list is then used as a constraint for the dynamic time warp searches that are performed against the mixed and cursive databases, respectively. The results of the dynamic time warp searches are also merged into a final combined alternate list, and the combined alternate list is used to make a recognition decision regarding the user's handwritten input.
US08265371B2
A novel method for evaluating cell detachment which can be used in passage operation and the like in culture of adhesive cells; a method of detaching a cultured cell utilizing the same; an apparatus for evaluating cell detachment for carrying out the aforementioned method for evaluating cell detachment; and an automated cell culture apparatus in which the apparatus is used are provided.
US08265368B2
Plural sectional images are acquired at a plurality of slice positions arranged in a predetermined direction in a subject. Each of the plural sectional images acquired by the image acquisition section is binarized based on a predetermined reference image density. Each image included in the sectional images binarized by the binarizing section is classified into a first image group having the images inside the subject and a second image group having the images outside the subject, based on the relative position of the each image from the other images in the same sectional image and also the relative position of the each image from other images contained in another sectional images.
US08265352B1
The present invention regards a system comprised of a camera lens, a sensor, a light source and a structure for directly collecting (imaging) latent fingerprints from surfaces, either naturally or with a reagent to fluoresce, and suitable for use in military tactical environments. The present invention is intended to be used with a portable computer, having software capable of receiving, storing and processing images collected by the device of the present invention.
US08265347B2
A biometric identification system (30) for identifying a person, the system (30) comprising: an image acquisition module (31) to capture a three-dimensional (3D) image of a palm of the person; a region of interest (ROI) extraction module (34) to extract a 3D subimage from the captured image; and a 3D features extraction module (36) to extract 3D palmprint features from the 3D subimage; wherein the extracted 3D palmprint features are compared to reference 3D palmprint features to verify the identity of the person.
US08265345B2
A document matching process section calculates feature points (e.g., the centroid) on the basis of an inputted document image, then selects a plurality of feature points from among the calculated feature points, and then calculates a hash value on the basis of the selected feature points. Then, on the basis of the calculated features, the document matching process section determines whether the document image is similar to a preliminary reference format (reference image). When it is determined as being similar, the document matching process section determines whether write-in is present in the document image, and then outputs a determination signal (a determination result indicating the presence or absence of write-in). In the determination of similarity of the document image, permission or non-permission for processing such as copying is determined more accurately than in the prior art.
US08265324B2
An improved monaural and stereophonic headset is provided that allows subscribers to safely stow away an unused earpiece. The headset includes a connector that is constructed in a manner such that it is capable of directly interfacing with and retaining an ear plug. In another aspect of the invention, an ear plug is provided that is adapted to be received by the connector in the monaural and stereophonic headset.
US08265315B2
A listening system, e.g. a hearing aid system, including a charging station and one or more listening devices, e.g. hearing instruments. The hearing aid system includes a) a hearing instrument including a rechargeable battery for energizing the hearing instrument, and a volatile data memory, wherein basic data for the configuration of the hearing instrument are stored during normal operation, b) a charging station adapted for allowing a hearing instrument to be mounted and the battery to be recharged without removing the battery from the hearing instrument, and c) a connection allowing communication between the charging station and the hearing instrument, to allow the basic data for the configuration of the hearing instrument to be transferred from the data memory of the charging station to the data memory of the hearing instrument, when the hearing instrument is mounted in the charging station.
US08265303B2
In one embodiment the present invention includes a method for starting up a class D amplifier. The method comprises increasing, gating, and driving. The increasing includes increasing a duty cycle of a pulse train from a first duty cycle to a second duty cycle. The gating includes gating a signal based on the increasing of the duty cycle. The gating results in a gated signal. The driving includes driving an output signal from the gated signal to charge an output capacitor. The output capacitor is coupled to a speaker. The increasing of the duty cycle contributes to the charging of the output capacitor such that switching sounds detectable by the human ear are reduced.
US08265297B2
A sound reproducing device is provided including a communication unit that transmits/receives signals; at least one sound output unit that outputs sound based upon a signal having been received, a sound pickup unit that picks up sound and generates audio data, an echo canceller unit that stores any echo signal contained in the signal having been received at the communication unit and generates a dummy echo signal by using the stored echo signal, and a noise reducing unit that generates a cancel signal to be used to cancel noise by using the audio data if the sound picked up at the sound pickup unit contains noise originating from a noise source and outputs a composite signal generated by combining the output signal from the echo canceller unit and the cancel signal.
US08265296B2
Provided is a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an audio signal. Sections which are not used to output noise components near important spectral components and sub-bands which are not used to output noise components, are determined to be encoded or decoded, so that the efficiency of encoding and decoding an audio signal increases, and sound quality can be improved using less bits.
US08265278B2
A system and methods for permitting open access to data objects and for securing data within the data objects is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for securing a data object is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for securing a data object is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a data object comprising digital data and file format information; (2) embedding independent data into a data object; and (3) scrambling the data object to degrade the data object to a predetermined signal quality level. The steps of embedding and scrambling may be performed until a predetermined condition is met. The method may also include the steps of descrambling the data object to upgrade the data object to a predetermined signal quality level, and decoding the embedded independent data. The additional steps of descrambling and decoding may be performed until a predetermined condition is met. The predetermined condition may include, for example, reaching a desired signal quality of the data object.
US08265276B2
A method for combining transfer functions with predetermined key creation. In one embodiment, digital information, including a digital sample and format information, is protected by identifying and encoding a portion of the format information. Encoded digital information, including the digital sample and the encoded format information, is generated to protect the original digital information. In another embodiment, a digital signal, including digital samples in a file format having an inherent granularity, is protected by creating a predetermined key. The predetermined key is comprised of a transfer function-based mask set to manipulate data at the inherent granularity of the file format of the underlying digitized samples.
US08265265B2
In order to further develop a circuit arrangement for as well as a method of performing at least one operation, in particular at least one cryptographic calculation, wherein the problem of creating at least one key, in particular the R[ivest-]S[hamir-]A[dleman] key, satisfying at least one defined digital signature laws, in particular satisfying the German Digital Signature Law, is solved it is proposed that at least one, preferably two, prime numbers (p; q) for key generation, in particular for R[ivest-]S[hamir-]A[dleman] key generation, are searched in compliance with at least one defined digital signature law, in particular with the German Digital Signature Law.
US08265254B2
A system and methods for telephoning individuals associated with a domain. A current location of a given individual within a domain is automatically determined and the given individual is automatically associated with a telephone extension number based on the current location of the given individual. As the given individual moves around within the domain, the associated telephone extension number associated with the given individual is updated. A receptionist or other individual within the domain may select to telephone the given individual thereby automatically accessing and dialing the telephone extension number currently associated with the given individual in response to selecting to telephone the given individual. If the given individual is not currently located within the domain, an external telephone number associated with the given individual may be automatically accessed and dialed in response to selecting to telephone the given individual.
US08265246B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a device and method for implementing a Coloring Ring Back Tone (CRBT) service and a device for acquiring a CRBT file. The device for implementing a CRBT service includes a first receiving module adapted to receive CRBT access information, a channel management module adapted to acquire a real-time CRBT file according to the CRBT access information, and a playing module adapted to play the real-time CRBT file. The method for implementing a CRBT service includes acquiring a real-time CRBT file customized by a subscriber according to CRBT access information and playing the real-time CRBT file to a calling subscriber. The device for acquiring a CRBT file includes a determination module adapted to determine whether to use a real-time CRBT service according to a subscribed CRBT identifier of a subscriber, a real-time CRBT information module adapted to determine real-time CRBT information according to a real-time CRBT identifier of the subscriber, and a real-time CRBT file module adapted to determine a real-time CRBT file according to the real-time CRBT information. Thus, a real-time update of a CRBT heard by the calling subscriber is realized through the embodiments of the invention.
US08265243B2
Subscribers of a telephone service can define a calling circle, which includes a group of other telephone subscribers with whom the subscriber receives preferential billing rates. The members of the calling circle may include customers of a telephone service provider other than the subscriber's telephone service provider.
US08265240B2
According to one embodiment, a selectively-expandable speakerphone system allows one or more portable computers to automatically, wirelessly interface with a speakerphone console via an audio access point. A scheduling module initiates the conference call at a scheduled time, whereupon the wireless network interface of each portable computer is automatically switched to an SSID uniquely associated with the audio access point, for connecting to the speakerphone console. The audio signals generated by the laptop microphones are mixed with any audio signal generated by an optional microphone on the speakerphone console, and the mixed audio signals are transmitted over the telephone line. Incoming audio signals are passed to the speakerphone console and wirelessly transmitted to the portable computers for substantially simultaneous playback on the respective loudspeakers.
US08265236B2
A method may include selecting a voice mail out-dial access number corresponding to a local access transport area (LATA) boundary, storing the voice mail out-dial access number on a voice mail system, and providing, by the voice mail system, voice mail out-dial service based on the LATA boundary associated with the voice mail out-dial access number. A method for providing toll-free access to the voice mail system that may be used by customers from both on-network and off-network end points.
US08265229B2
A broadband service, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service, may be tested by a technician installing or performing maintenance on the broadband service. The technician may use the subscriber's computer as a test set, in which the technician may login to a testing service that may test the line using test equipment located externally to the subscriber premise. A test application may receive, from a computing device located at the subscriber premise, a request to test the broadband service at the subscriber premise as part of installation of the broadband service. The test application may initiate a test of the broadband service using test equipment located externally to the subscriber premise. The test may include tests relating at least to the physical layer of the broadband network connection. Results of the test may be transmitted to the subscriber premise.
US08265226B2
The present invention relates to an X-ray image acquiring apparatus having a structure for improving the quality of an image signal representing an X-ray image captured. The X-ray image acquiring apparatus (5) comprises an imaging section (7), a connecting section (8), and a signal cable (L1). The imaging section (7) outputs an image signal representing an X-ray image captured. The connecting section (8) has a structure attachable/detachable to a control circuit (6) for controlling the imaging section (7). The signal cable (L1) has one end connected to the imaging section (7) and the other end connected to the connecting section (8), and is flexible. The signal cable (L1) includes a detection signal line (L11), a control signal line (L12), an image signal line (L13), and a GND line (L14), which are used for transmitting signals exchanged between the imaging section (7) and the control circuit (6), and a shield member (5a) covering these lines (L11 to L14). The connecting section (8) includes a resistor (5c) provide between the shield member (5a) and a grounding terminal (81a) of the connecting section (8).
US08265220B2
The present invention includes a time-division-multiple-access (TDMA) communication system having a base station and at least one mobile station, each transmitting and receiving an analog radio-frequency signal carrying digitally coded speech. The speech is encoded using a vocoder which samples a voice signal at variable encoding rates. During periods when the radio-frequency channel is experiencing high levels of channel interference, the encoded voice channel having a lower encoding rate is chosen. This low-rate encoded voice is combined with the high degree of channel coding necessary to ensure reliable transmission. When the radio-frequency channel is experiencing low levels of channel interference, less channel coding is necessary and the vocoder having a higher encoding rate is used. The high-rate encoded voice is combined with the lower degree of channel coding necessary to ensure reliable transmission. The appropriate levels of channel coding necessary for reliable transmission are determined by various channel metrics, such as frame erase rate and bit error rate. The determination of the appropriate vocoder rate and level of channel coding for both the uplink and downlink may be determined centrally at the base station, with the vocoder rate and level of channel coding for the uplink being relayed to the mobile station. Alternatively, the appropriate vocoder rate and level of channel coding for the downlink may be determined by the mobile station, and the appropriate vocoder rate and level of channel coding for the uplink may be determined by the base station.
US08265218B2
A phase detection circuit includes a phase frequency detector for comparing a first input signal and a second input signal and outputting a first phase comparison signal and a second phase comparison signal, and a sensing circuit for sensing a pulse width difference between the first phase comparison signal and the second phase comparison signal and outputting phase detection signals which have different logic values.
US08265216B2
A data recovery circuit includes a pulse width indicator circuit, an edge detection circuit and a first storage. The pulse width indicator circuit is configured to receive, at an input, a data stream and provide pulses, at respective outputs, that are indicative of respective data bits in the received data stream. The edge detection circuit is configured to receive, on respective inputs, the pulses from the pulse width indicator circuit and provide respective storage signals, on respective outputs that are indicative of a logic level of the respective data bits, responsive to the pulses. The first storage is configured to receive and store the respective storage signals.
US08265208B2
Techniques for detecting and demodulating a signal/transmission are described. Signal detection is performed in multiple stages using different types of signal processing, e.g., using time-domain correlation for a first stage, frequency-domain processing for a second stage, and time-domain processing for a third stage. For the first stage, products of symbols are generated for at least two different delays, correlation between the products for each delay and known values is performed, and correlation results for all delays are combined and used to declare the presence of a signal. For demodulation, the timing of input samples is adjusted to obtain timing-adjusted samples. A frequency offset is estimated and removed from the timing-adjusted samples to obtain frequency-corrected samples, which are processed with a channel estimate to obtain detected symbols. The phases of the detected symbols are corrected to obtain phase-corrected symbols, which are demodulated, deinterleaved, and decoded.
US08265202B2
For the reduction of the multipath error of received GNSS navigation signals, a sequential Bayesian estimation is used, with a movement model underlying this estimation, which model is particularly designed for dynamic channel situations. Sequential Monte Carlo methods are used to calculate the posterior probability density functions of the signal parameters. To facilitate an efficient integration in received signal tracking loops, the invention builds on complexity reduction concepts that have previously been used in maximum likelihood (ML) estimators.Applicable with GNSS satellite navigation receivers, e.g. GPS and Galileo.
US08265201B1
Circuits and methods are provided for adjusting a frequency of a local clock signal in approximating a frequency of a host clock signal. A phase locked loop generates a local clock signal having a first phase and a first frequency. An offset adjustment circuit receives timing information relating the local clock signal to an incoming data signal and calculates a phase offset and a frequency offset indicative of adjustments to be made to the local clock signal. A first phase interpolator generates a receive clock signal from the local clock signal, the receive clock signal having a second phase and a second frequency responsive to the phase and frequency offsets. A second phase interpolator generates a transmit clock signal from the local clock signal having a third frequency responsive to the frequency offset.
US08265195B2
A data transmitter having a parallel-to-serial conversion function is supplied with a clock by a PLL circuit unit. In the PLL circuit unit, a first multiphase clock supplied to a first parallel-to-serial conversion circuit is generated and output by a multiphase VCO circuit, while a second multiphase clock supplied to a second parallel-to-serial conversion circuit is generated and output by a multiphase clock generator. The multiphase clock generator generates the second multiphase clock based on the clock output from the multiphase VCO circuit.
US08265194B2
The present invention provides a method for enabling side channel communication between wireless devices. In one embodiment of the invention the guard tones in wireless OFDM signals are used for side channel communication. In another embodiment of the invention, unused bits in OFDM symbols are used as side channels instead of being padded with zeros or random bits.
US08265191B2
A communications system, such as part of a real-time location system, includes a transmitter that can be part of a location processor, tag emission reader or tag interrogator that generates a frequency shift key (FSK) modulated wireless communication signal representative of digital data and transmits the communications signal over a wireless communications channel. A receiver such as incorporated within a tag transceiver used in the real-time location system receives the FSK modulated communication signal. The receiver includes a circuit for calculating the magnitude of low and high tones of the FSK modulated communication signal and a threshold for amplitude shift keyed (ASK) channel data and FSK channel data to derive the digital data even in the presence of on-tone jammers in the communications channel.
US08265186B2
Block-encoded transmissions of a multi-antenna terminal unit are effectively detected in the presence of co-channel interfering transmissions when the base station has a plurality of antennas, and interference cancellation is combined with maximum likelihood decoding. More specifically, the signals received at the base station antennas are combined in a linear combination that relates to the channel coefficients between the various transmitting terminal units and the base antennas. By selecting proper coefficients for the linear combination and choosing probable transmitted signals that minimize a minimum mean squared error function, the signals of the various terminal units are canceled when detecting the signal of a particular unit. In another embodiment of the invention, the basic approach is used to obtain an initial estimate of the signals transmitted by one terminal unit, and the contribution of those signals is removed from the received signals prior to detecting the signals of other terminal units. In still another embodiment, the decoding process is repeated at least twice by detecting the signals of the terminal units in a different order, and selecting the detections that produce the lowest uncertainty measure. The disclosed techniques are viable for any number K of terminal units transmitting concurrently over a given channel, where each terminal unit is using a space-time block code with N transmit antennas, and a base station has at least K receive antennas.
US08265184B2
A carrier frequency offset can be present in a signal received by a communications receiver when the receiver has a local frequency oscillator that generates a carrier frequency different from a carrier frequency generated by a local frequency oscillator at a transmitter that transmitted the signal. A residual carrier frequency offset can remain after most of the carrier frequency offset has been removed from the received signal using conventional techniques. The residual carrier frequency offset is estimated using first and second channel impulse responses derived from first and second portions of the received signal. An estimated phase difference between the first and second channel impulse responses is computed. An estimate of the residual carrier frequency offset is computed using the estimated phase difference.
