US08262762B2
Methods, techniques, and constructions are provided for use to apply an evacuation valve arrangement on an air cleaner assembly that is configured for pulse jet operation. An example evacuation valve arrangement is provided which comprises a valve member in the form of a sleeve that extends completely around a sidewall portion of an air cleaner housing of a pulse jet air cleaner. Examples are depicted in which the sidewall portion can comprise: a portion of a housing sidewall section that surrounds an installed filter cartridge, in use; a portion of an access cover; or, a drop tube secured to a portion of the housing, for example either on an access cover or on another portion of a housing. Specific features and alternatives are described. Also, methods of assembly and operation are described.
US08262758B2
An equipment for making abrasive particles in even distribution, array pattern and preferred orientation comprises an adsorbing releasing apparatus being composed of a plurality of acicular soft magnetic metallic sticks, an upper and a lower stators, and a plurality of windings. Each winding forms an electric circuit through a electrical source, a resistance, and a switch a plurality of blind holes being distributed on face of the blind hole feeding tropism board. Using electric current to form magnetic field for the acicular soft magnetic metallic sticks absorb or release abrasive particles plated with soft magnetic materials. The equipment is simple, convenient in operation, high in efficiency and reliability. The equipment makes abrasive particles in matrix with an ideal state in distributing density, uniformity, arrange, and tropism. Thereby, the function of the abrasive materials is fully exerted and the life of products is prolonged.
US08262752B2
Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and methods for delivering feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing assembly. In some embodiments, the fuel processing assemblies include a feedstock delivery system that includes a pump assembly and a stall prevention mechanism that is adapted to reduce pressure in an outlet conduit during periods in which the pump assembly is not emitting a liquid outlet stream within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range. In some embodiments, pressure in the outlet conduit is isolated from pressure in the hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly and is reduced during periods in which a liquid stream is not being pumped within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range.
US08262746B2
A production method for producing an electrode plate that can hold well the active material and producing a battery using the electrode plate. A production method for an electrode plate of a battery includes the steps of: forming at least one electrode plate prototype by forming a layer filled with an active material on a main surface of a plate-shaped core body; and infiltrating a liquid containing a resin and an organic solvent into at least part of a circumference of the layer filled with the active material. The applied liquid infiltrates into the circumferential region of the active material filling area, namely an outer edge of the layer and an area in its vicinity including the outer edge. The resin contained in the liquid enhances the bonding force between the conductive core body and the active material particles and between the active material particles.
US08262743B2
Novel compounds based on distyryl-biphenyl are provided. The compounds conform to the general structure The compounds are useful as optical brighteners. Compositions, such as laundry care compositions, containing such compounds are also provided.
US08262736B2
Orthopedic implants being at least in part radially expandable at one of the leading or trailing ends to expand both the height and at least a portion of the width of the implant, and instruments and methods for inserting the implants into an implantation space are disclosed.
US08262732B2
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, and a core located between the plates. The core has opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in articulated manner over the core. The opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates have cooperating spherical curvatures. The recess of each plate surrounds a locating peg projecting centrally from the base of the recess and is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims of the plates are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core. The peg locates loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive.
US08262730B2
This invention provides methods and processes to attach or bond hydrogels to suitable surfaces using irradiation techniques and also provides methods and processes to create crosslinked regions in hydrogel articles using these irradiation techniques. Specifically, lasers at wavelengths tuned to the irradiation absorption bands of hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acid groups or water may be used to attach or bond hydrogels to surfaces such as soft tissue and hydrogel surfaces or to crosslink regions in hydrogel articles.
US08262722B2
An endoprosthesis, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, for example a stent, having a base body composed at least partially of a metallic material, and having a functional element which is attached to the base body or imbedded therein and which contains material that is radiopaque and/or X-ray opaque and has a different material composition, at least in a portion of its volume, compared to the material of the base body. To avoid contact corrosion and undesired corrosion, the functional element is provided with a barrier layer which electrically insulates the radiopaque and/or X-ray opaque material from the base body.
US08262715B2
The invention provides a medical device having a thermostat for temperature measurement, irrigation/aspiration ports for fluid exchange and application of therapeutic modalities, a pressure manometer for pressure measurement, and an external system for control of temperature, pressure, and flow rate. When applied to the eye, eyelid and orbit, this device can be used in hypothermia or hyperthermia applications, the control of intraocular pressure (IOP), and the application of treatment modalities. Methods of using the device in treating patients suffering from central retinal artery occlusion, anterior optic nerve disease, pathology of the choroid and retina including the macula, inflammation of the eye including the vitreous and anterior segment, glaucoma, inflammation and/or infections of the anterior and/or posterior segment of the eye, treatment before/during/after surgery of the eye, and the application of treatment modalities including iontophoresis through a semi-permeable membrane are described.
US08262711B2
A vertebral column construct for stabilizing a segment of a vertebral column can include first and second plate segments, and a spring connected between adjacent plate segments. The spring can be adapted and configured to provide a predetermined preload between the first and second plate segments. Such a preload can advantageously enhance fusion across a bone graft. Alternatively, the spring can be adapted and configured to resist, by a predetermined degree, loading between the first and second plate segments. A cam can be provided on one of the first and second plate segments, wherein engagement between the cam and the cam surface prevents dynamic connection between the first and second plates. The cam can be adapted and configured to adjust a preload applied between segments, such as by adjusting tension in the spring.
US08262710B2
A dynamic vertebral stabilization device for constraining motion of adjacent vertebrae is provided. The bone stabilization device comprises a first plate having a vertebral mating surface for positioning against a vertebrae, wherein the first plate defines a recess. The device further comprises a second plate having a vertebral mating surface for positioning against an adjacent vertebrae. The second plate includes a projection configured to travel in the recess of the first plate. The vertebral mating surface of the first plate is non-coplanar with respect to the vertebral mating surface of the second plate.
US08262706B2
An osteonsynthesis implant has a plate-shaped base component having at least one hole, at least one axially extending rod-shaped tie rod having a first and a second end and at least one threaded component. The first end of the rod-shaped tie rod can be placed in the hole of the base component. The hole and the first end of the tie rod are formed such that the first end of the tie rod can be locked axially in the hole and is pivoted about an axis of the hole while locked to the plate. The second end of the tie rod is provided with a thread and the threaded component can be screwed onto the thread of the first tie rod. The tie rod can perform a pivoting movement of up to about 20° around the hole axis while locked in the plate hole.
US08262699B2
An article including a spinal prosthesis having a unitary body with at least three attachment points attachable to spinal structure, the unitary body including a flexure assembly positioned between first and second attachment members, wherein flexure of the flexure assembly permits movement of the first attachment member relative to the second attachment member.
US08262697B2
A modular interspinous fixation system and method are shown. The system and method comprise a first plate, a second plate and a locking cross bar for locking the first and second plates together and into locked engagement with a first spinous process and a second spinous process. A bridge is mounted or received on the locking cross bar so that it becomes locked onto the locking cross bar when the locking cross bar is in locked engagement. The bridge and locking cross bar are adapted so that the bridge does not rotate about its axis while on the locking cross bar. Various other embodiments are shown illustrating various bridges of different shapes and sizes, integral and non-integral locking cross bars and even a ramped locking cross bar for facilitating preventing separation of the first and second plates after they are mounted to the first and second spinous processes.
US08262683B2
Surgical micro-resecting and evoked potential monitoring system and method. The system includes a micro-resecting instrument, handpiece, and evoked potential monitor. The instrument includes an outer tube forming a cutting window at which a cutting tip of an inner member is located. A hub assembly rotatably maintains the inner and outer members. An electrically non-conductive material covers a region of the outer tube, and wiring is connected to an exposed surface of the outer tube. The instrument defines a probe surface proximate the cutting window as part of an electrical pathway with the wiring. The hub assembly is powered by the handpiece, and the wiring is connected to the evoked potential monitor. Evoked potential monitoring is performed at the probe surface via stimulation energy delivered along the electrical pathway, and tissue/bone resection occurs with rotation of the cutting tip.
US08262679B2
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided and can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with opposed jaws thereon, a guide member disposed within the shaft and configured to guide a clip into the opposed jaws, the guide member having a channel formed in a surface thereof, and an advancer movably disposed within the shaft and configured to advance a clip over the guide member and into the opposed jaws, the advancer having a distal tip that slidably engages the channel for maintaining contact with a surgical clip as it is advanced into the opposed jaws. In other embodiments, the guide member can also include a proximal channel formed in a superior surface thereof. The advancer can be configured to deflect downward into the proximal channel to move proximally beneath an inferior surface of the apex of the clip to position itself proximally to the clip to advance the clip into the opposed jaws.
US08262672B2
A delivery device includes an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall extending therein. An outer surface of the inner sidewall defines a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves, each of which interlock with a corresponding inward protruding member of a plurality of longitudinally extending inward protruding members defined by an inner surface of the outer sidewall. A longitudinally extending lumen of the device, which may accommodate delivery of an implantable medical device, is defined, at least in part, by the inner surface of the inner sidewall. A slitting zone of the device, for example, provided by one of the sidewalls extending less than 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the device, enables removal of the delivery device from around the delivered device.
US08262671B2
A vascular introducer includes a proximal hub portion with an interior bore, an elongated sheath extending distally from the hub portion, with a lumen in communication with the interior bore of the hub portion, and a hemostatic valve disposed within the bore of the hub portion. The hemostatic valve has a passage extending therethrough, and includes a sealing flap movable between an open position relative to the passage and a closed position relative to the passage.
US08262670B2
A surgical tool includes a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The surgical tool has a fastener engagement tip having a spring extension extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the surgical tool. The spring extension is resiliently flexible and deflectable between a first arrangement, in which the spring extension is in a relaxed state, and a second arrangement, in which the spring extension is deflected to facilitate insertion of the fastener engagement tip into a fastener slot.
US08262664B2
A method of performing a tibial tubercle osteotomy includes cutting a bone portion of a tibial tubercle from a remaining portion of the tibial tubercle, at least a portion of a patella ligament being attached to the bone portion. The bone portion of the tibial tubercle is separated from the remaining portion of the tibial tubercle such that the patella ligament remains attached to the bone portion. After completing a surgical procedure, the separated bone portion of the tibial tubercle is reattached to the remaining portion of the tibial tubercle.
US08262662B2
The present invention provides minimally invasive devices and methods for delivering a spinal connector to one or more spinal anchor sites in a patient's spinal column. In one embodiment, a spinal implant and access device is provided that includes a U-shaped receiver member, a bone-engaging member, and an extension member. The U-shaped receiver member can have a recess formed therein that is adapted to seat a spinal connector. The bone-engaging member can extend distally from the receiver member and it can be adapted to engage bone to thereby mate the receiver member to bone. The extension member can extend proximally from the receiver member and it can include a frangible portion formed thereon that is adapted to break when a predetermined force is applied thereto thereby allowing at least a portion of the extension member to be separated from the receiver member.
US08262656B2
An external fixation device for the setting and corrective treatment of bone fractures is disclosed. The device comprises a splint member having a first and a second axially slidable and mutually fastenable base portions for adjusting the length of the splint member and a plurality of bone pins. Each of the base portions of the splint member includes mountings for the bone pins to traverse the site of the bone fracture in a multi-angle and multi-planar pin configuration, so as to permit direct fixation of the fracture and provide a significant degree of stability.
US08262654B2
The high-frequency treatment instrument is a high-frequency treatment instrument for performing a high-frequency treatment on a pathological lesion portion (subject tissue) not shown and includes a sheath (elongated extension member), a treatment electrode which is rotatably disposed at a distal end of the sheath and which extends in a direction substantially parallel to a diameter direction of the rotation, an operating wire (axial member) for allowing the treatment electrode to rotate around the distal end of the sheath, and an operating portion to which proximal ends of the sheath and the operating wire are connected. According to a high-frequency treatment instrument, by enabling a treatment on a subject tissue without using a curving operation of an endoscope it is possible to facilitate a procedure.
US08262639B2
The present disclosure relates to clamps for controlling the flow of liquid through a fluid circuit. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to flow control clamps that can be substantially irreversibly secured in a closed position, thereby discouraging reopening of the flow path of the tube.
US08262635B2
A reusable diaper may include an inner layer and an outer layer. A fluid-absorbing insert may be coupled to the inner layer for use in absorbing fluids. The inner layer may be disposed generally between the outer layer and the fluid-absorbing insert such that both the fluid-absorbing insert and the inner layer are in position for absorbing fluids. The fluid-absorbing insert may be adjustable relative to the inner layer for accommodating use by a male and/or a female. The reusable diaper may also include forward and rearward waist portions generally defined by the inner and outer layers. Liquid-resistant regions may be disposed adjacent the waist portions, generally between the waist portions and the fluid-absorbing insert, for resisting movement of fluid from the fluid-absorbing insert to the waist portions.
US08262634B1
An absorbent article having a barrier sheet against a skin care composition is disclosed. The absorbent article has a body surface and a garment surface. The absorbent article comprises an absorbent core. At least a portion of the absorbent article has a skin care composition provided thereon. The absorbent article has a barrier sheet. The barrier sheet is treated to reduce the migration of the skin care composition therethrough.
US08262633B2
An absorbent article having a central colored region, an intermediate colored region, an outer colored region, and a background region. The intermediate colored region can be between the central colored region and the outer colored region. The intermediate colored region can substantially circumscribe the central colored region. The central colored region, intermediate colored region, and outer colored region differ in color from the background region.
US08262629B2
The invention relates to a catheter port for supplying an active substance to an active site which is distant from the port. According to the invention, the housing (1) of the port is designed to have two parts, an upper housing part (7) and a lower housing part (6). The upper housing part (7) holds an insertion part (10) in a clamping manner in a housing recess (8) of the lower housing part (6), wherein a chamber (11) is arranged in said insertion part for receiving the active substance with the interpositioning of a punctured membrane (17) that can be pierced with an injection cannula. While the insertion part (10) and the chamber (11) can be manufactured from a material resistant to the active substance, preferably a heavier ceramics, the upper and lower housing parts may consist of a lighter biocompatible plastic material. It is advantageous that the patient only comes into contact with the upper and lower housing parts made of a biocompatible plastic material and not with the insertion part.
US08262624B2
An anchor for maintaining a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient has (i) a first opening, (ii) a second opening, (iii) a body member formed of elastic material disposed between the first and second opening, (iv) and a lumen extending though the body member from the first opening to the second opening, and (v) a retention element secured to or integrally formed with the body member for retaining the anchor within a tissue location of a patient. The therapy delivery element has an outer diameter and an outer surface about which the anchor is disposable. The body member has a first inner diameter defined by the lumen in a relaxed state and a second inner diameter defined by the lumen in a radially stretched state. The first inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the therapy delivery element, which is smaller that the second inner diameter. The lumen is configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the therapy delivery element. Radially compressive forces, due to the elastic material of the body member, contribute to retaining the anchor relative to the therapy delivery element.
US08262619B2
An introducer sheath includes a tubular body portion having a proximal region and a distal region, and defines an internal lumen configured and dimensioned to slidably receive a catheter. A penetrating portion at a distal end of the tubular body has a first tapered configuration to enlarge an opening in a body tissue during distal advancement of the introducer sheath through the body tissue and a second expanded configuration to enable the passage of a distal end portion of a catheter through the penetrating portion.
US08262617B2
A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.
US08262612B1
Embodiments of a method and apparatus to prevent reperfusion injury. In one embodiment, blood flow proximal to a lesion is occluded. An infusion catheter is advanced to a region distal to the lesion and an anti-reperfusion injury drug is delivered. The lesion may then be treated with a dilating device to reintroduce blood flow to the region distal to the lesion.
US08262611B2
Catheters for occluding, visualizing, irrigating, evacuating, and delivering agents to a treatment area are disclosed. The catheters comprise a catheter body comprising five lumens, first and second occlusion balloons coupled to the catheter body, an optional space-occupying balloon coupled to the catheter body and disposed between the first and second occlusion balloons, and an optional visualization means that enables visualization between the first and second occlusion balloons. Methods for using these catheters are also disclosed. A method comprises inflating the first and second occlusion balloons, inflating the space-occupying balloon, allowing fluid to exit via an evacuation lumen, optionally irrigating or aspirating to facilitate fluid exit via said lumen, and delivering an agent to a treatment area via the agent lumen.
US08262605B2
Described are devices and methods related to the needleless injection of fluid into tissue of the lower urinary tract, such as the urethra and prostate.
US08262604B2
A single-use injector is disclosed comprising a housing (10), arranged in which are at least one mechanical spring energy store (50), at least one piston-cylinder unit (100), which can be effectively filled at least for a certain time, at least one piston-actuating ram (60) and at least one triggering unit (80). The spring energy store comprises at least one pre-tensioned spring element. The spring-loaded piston-actuating ram (60) has at least one retaining rod or hook (62), which can be moved transversely, at least in certain regions, and by means of a supporting portion supports the tensioned spring energy store on at least one resting surface of the housing. When actuation occurs, the triggering unit (80) releases the supporting portion to allow it to move away from the resting surface.
US08262603B2
A fluid flow device includes a housing configured to releasably mate with a surgical control unit for controlling fluid flow during a surgical procedure. First and second ports measure fluid pressure within a fluid path provided within the housing. The fluid flow device includes a restrictor for restricting fluid flow at a restriction location along the fluid path. The first port is located upstream of the restriction location and the second port is located downstream of the restriction location. A fluid pump is provided within the housing.
US08262598B2
A hyperextension brace with a frame construction has adjustable upper and lower supports as well as adjustable side members. The frame comprises a sub-clavicula support and a pelvic and pubic support connected by side members. The height of the side members and the width of the sub-clavicula support and the pubic support are adjustable by using non-rotational telescopic and lockable connections. The sub-clavicula support may be connected by a turnbuckle screw arrangement to the side members. The frame may be made of composite material, suitably a polymer reinforced by glass fiber and/or carbon fiber. All adjustments may be made without requiring any tools.
US08262581B2
A practical method for estimating cardiac output and pulmonary artery wedge pressure with good accuracy is provided. A method is provided for estimating the impedance arising from solid tissue by determining the impedance at the intersection between the line of identity and the extrapolated regression line, where the regression line is obtained by linearly regressing the maximum value to the minimum value of the impedance signal of each of multiple data sets, where each data set contains the maximum value and the minimum value of the impedance signal during one cardiac cycle, where impedance signal is obtained between a can electrode implanted in the left thoracic wall and an electrode inserted into the coronary vein, over a specific period of time following the infusion of hypertonic saline into the pulmonary circulation.
US08262580B2
In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.
US08262579B2
Systems and methods for prediction and detection of circulatory shock using estimates or measurements of arterial blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, cardiac ejection fraction, cardiac contractility and ventricular end-diastolic volume are provided. These estimates and measurements are used to determine a type of circulatory shock. In some embodiments, the type of circulatory shock is determined to be one of septic shock, hypovolemic shock, anaphylactic shock, hemorrhagic shock, and cardiogenic shock.
US08262570B2
A retraction apparatus and method are provided including slider assemblies for being slidably connected to a retractor body with end portions of the slider assemblies disposed within a central retractor opening. A retractor blade is slidably connected to one of the slider assembly end portions such that the depth of the retractor blade can be readily adjusted. Once the retractor blade is at the desired depth within the incision, a handle is pivoted to a locked position to fix the blade relative to the slider assembly. A cantilever lock between the blade and the slider assembly pivots the blade relative to the slider assembly to fix the blade thereto. In one form, the retractor body has a substantially flat surface configured to be placed adjacent a bone and slide connections which position slider assemblies such that the connected blades avoid contact with the bone during retraction.
US08262568B2
Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.
US08262566B2
An in vivo imaging device comprises a viewing window, an illumination unit, a lens holder and a light guide. The light guide may be positioned to create uniformly dispersed illumination and to eliminate backscatter from the viewing window. The light guide may guide light from the illumination unit to a desired position within the in vivo device. In one embodiment, the light guide may be embedded into the lens holder.
US08262557B2
Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse are provided. A specialized mesh having a shape for convenient subcutaneous placement to support the levator ani muscles is provided, as is a method of use of such a device. Appropriate devices for introducing such a mesh implant are also disclosed.
US08262554B2
An apparatus and method for determining optimized path traversal in a radiation delivery system is described. In one embodiment, determining an optimized path traversal in a radiation delivery system involves providing a plurality of spatial nodes used in a treatment plan, where each of the plurality of spatial nodes represents a position of a radiation source made available to the treatment plan for delivering radiation to a target, identifying a number of unused spatial nodes, from among the plurality of spatial nodes, at which radiation is not delivered according to the treatment plan, and skipping travel to one or more of the unused nodes by the radiation source when administering the treatment plan. Other embodiments are also described.
US08262549B2
A tapered roller thrust bearing is disposed in each of both sides in an axial direction of a cylindrical roller bearing with aligning housing ring which is provided with an inner ring, an outer ring, cylindrical rollers and an aligning housing ring. The tapered roller thrust bearing is constituted by disposing tapered rollers between a first raceway surface which is an outer side face in the axial direction of the outer ring and a second raceway surface of a side raceway ring disposed in an outer side in the axial direction of the outer ring. An intersection of lines extended from generatrices of each of the tapered rollers which are in contact with the first raceway surface and the second raceway surface, and an intersection of lines extended from the first raceway surface and the second raceway surface are disposed on a curvature center of the aligning sliding surface.
US08262545B1
A weighted vest includes a pair of mirror image front panels joined to a back panel to form a sleeveless weight supporting vest. A plurality of pliable easily conformed weight packets are secured within the vest interior by fabric attachment pads together with a combination of elastic bands and belts. The vest provides weight distribution particularly suited to activities of substantial acceleration such as sprint starting, American football or the like. A porous liner and mesh outer layer over certain areas of the vest allow heat to be vented from the vest interior. A pair of variable spring rate expansion joints are coupled between the front panels and the back panel passing over the shoulder, neck and collar bone region of the athlete's body to provide reduction of localized stress upon the athlete.
US08262541B2
There is provided a machine for rehabilitation or exercise, comprising: a frame; a first arm movably secured to the frame via a first actuator; a first force sensor for measuring a force exerted by a user on the first arm; and a control unit adapted for controlling a displacement speed for the first arm via the first actuator as a function of the force and for increasing the displacement speed of the first arm via the first actuator when the force is superior to a target force. In one embodiment, there is further provided an electromyograph for location on the exercised muscle for measuring an electrical potential generated by the muscle and for lowering the target force when the electrical potential is superior to a predetermined maximum electrical potential. There is further provided a system for exercising a muscle.
US08262540B2
A shift control device for a work vehicle that has a stepped automatic transmission includes: a control device that controls an engine rotation rate at the work vehicle and the stepped automatic transmission; a forward/reverse switchover member that outputs a forward/reverse switchover command for the work vehicle; and an operation quantity detection device that detects an accelerator pedal operation quantity in the work vehicle is operated. As the forward/reverse switchover command is output via the forward/reverse switchover member, the control device executes forward/reverse switchover control for the stepped automatic transmission and also controls the engine rotation rate so as to decrease the engine rotation rate gradually to a target lower limit value selected to ensure that a reverse rotation of a turbine runner at a torque converter in the work vehicle does not occur.
US08262533B2
The invention provides a transmission providing a gear ratio between an input shaft and an output shaft. The transmission comprises an annulus ring, a sun wheel being rotatable around a central axis of the transmission, a planet carrier being rotatable around the central axis of the transmission, and a set of planet wheels, each wheel comprising a plurality of wheel segments with different diameters, the planet wheels being fixed in rotational bearings of the planet carrier and being arranged to rotate epicyclically around the central axis. The annulus ring and the sun wheel each interacts with one of the wheel segments e.g. via meshing toothed gear wheels. The gear facilitates various interaction means at different locations in the gear, and thus facilitates a potentially less noisy, lighter, smaller or stronger gear by use of a low amount of components.
US08262532B2
A low-ratio transmission system configured to obtain the multiplication or reduction of speed, and the reduction or multiplication of stress between an input shaft and an output shaft with at least four different values, such that the input-output ratio can be close to one and furthermore that the four values form a geometric progression close to one.
US08262523B2
V-ribbed belts are formed by thermoplastic shaping and contain ribs that run at least on a first side in a longitudinal direction of the V-ribbed belt. The first side contains a layer composed of a textile warp-knit fabric made up of two different yarns. The warp-knit fabric is constructed from a first yarn composed of filaments with a module of more than 5N/1000 dtex, and a second yarn composed of filaments with a module of less than 2 cN/1000 dtex, both based on 5% extension. The first and second yarns form a coherent network and the yarns do not twine around one another. V-ribbed belts can be formed using an elastic warp-knit fabric, whose extension is based on the construction of the knitted fabrics. The belts maintain better noise reduction both in the new state and after a relatively long service life.
US08262521B2
The invention relates to a tensioner assembly for a traction medium drive, specifically a chain drive, with at least two traction medium wheels and a flexible traction medium, comprising a tensioning rail which can be pressed against the traction medium by means of a tensioning device, wherein the tensioning rail is applied against at least one sliding guide and can be displaced along the at least one sliding guide by means of the tensioning device.
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.
US08266711B2
A memory storing public and confidential information is removably connected to a host device. General information on data stored in memory devices is accessible to the host device without authentication. Only a portion of confidential information stored in the memory device is accessible through the host device to an authenticated entity, where the entity has access rights to such portion. The entity is not able to access other portions of confidential information to which it has no rights. The public and confidential information is stored in a non-volatile storage medium, and a controller controls the supply of information. Preferably, the non-volatile storage medium and the controller are enclosed in a housing.
US08266707B2
An apparatus and system provide a tamper-resistant scheme for portability of DRM-protected digital content. According to embodiments of the invention, a portable crypto unit may be utilized in conjunction with a VT integrity services (VIS) scheme as well as a Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) and a TPM to provide a secure scheme to protect digital content. Additionally, in one embodiment, the digital content may be partitioned into blocks comprising multiple segments to further enhance the security of the scheme.
US08266704B1
A method and apparatus for securing sensitive data from misappropriation by malicious software is provided. In one embodiment, the method for securing sensitive data from misappropriation by malicious software includes examining a history to identify potentially compromised sensitive data upon an occurrence of the malicious software and notifying a user regarding the potentially compromised sensitive data.
US08266699B2
A security information management system is described, wherein a database of potential vulnerabilities is maintained, along with data describing remediation techniques (patches, policy settings, and configuration options) available to protect against them. At least one vulnerability is associated in the database with multiple available remediation techniques. In one embodiment, the system presents a user with the list of remediation techniques available to protect against a known vulnerability, accepts the user's selection from the list, and executes the selected technique. In other embodiments, the system uses a predetermined prioritization schedule to automatically select among the available remediation techniques, then automatically executes the selected technique.
US08266694B1
Various systems and methods for providing a policy realization framework for a communications network are disclosed. The policy realization framework can be an application and service layer policy framework that is separate and distinct from the network layer policy framework. As such, policy decisions can be made remote from the network layer, and common policies across multiple networks are possible. Methods and systems for providing these and other features are disclosed. An intelligent security gateway and a method for implementing an intelligent security gateway with the policy realization framework are also disclosed.
US08266684B2
A method and system for unlocking diagnostic functions in a hardware device for a user. The method obtains a signed permission object for the hardware device, and validates the signed permission object. A memory of the hardware device stores a device identifier and a last recorded sequence number. The signed permission object includes a sequence number and is associated with an expiration counter having an initial value that indicates a lifetime for the signed permission object. When the signed permission object is valid, the method updates the expiration counter to decrease the lifetime of the signed permission object, stores the sequence number associated with the signed permission object as the last recorded sequence number in the hardware device, and unlocks the diagnostic functions for the user based on the signed permission object.
US08266680B2
A client system and a server system use a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) authentication mode preference header to negotiate an HTTP authentication mode. The client system sends an HTTP request to the server system. In response to the HTTP request, the server system sends an HTTP response to the client system. The HTTP response includes an HTTP authentication mode preference header. The HTTP authentication mode preference header indicates whether a preferred HTTP authentication mode is connection-based HTTP authentication or request-based HTTP authentication. In subsequent HTTP requests to the server system, the client system uses the HTTP authentication mode indicated by the HTTP authentication mode preference header.
US08266677B2
Systems and methods provide for secure communications between local and remote devices or networks in virtual private networks. Data can be communicated between the local and remote devices using the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to reduce network overhead for the data communications. The UDP-based data communications are made secure and reliable by various techniques, for example: confirming that a packet sent by a source component is received by the receiving component, and guaranteeing packet sequencing by buffering packets as they are received and only delivering them to the target in the original sequence that they were sent from the source. Because TCP based communications are common, a TCP-style API can be used to enable programmers to more easily implement the UDP-based communications. Other embodiments of the invention relate to transport protocol enhancements for use within virtual private networks, including protocol mapping, protocol buffering, and protocol filtering.
US08266671B2
A method of automatically aggregating an online user community, and graphical user interface for same, the method including one or more of the following: a user creating the online community; the user defining an aggregation policy for the online user community; a service provider retrieving the aggregation policy; the service provider applying the aggregation policy to an other user; determining whether the other user fits the aggregation policy; adding the other user to the online user community; the user defining an anti-aggregation policy; the service provider retrieving the anti-aggregation policy; determining whether the other user fits the anti-aggregation policy; and removing the other user from the online user community when the other user fits the anti-aggregation policy.
US08266669B2
A method and device for storing an interactive television program for playback at a later point in time, wherein said interactive television program comprises at least one interactive television application. The applications are transmitted inside modules (11, 12) through a data carousel (2) within a transport stream (20). The method comprises receiving the transport stream, parsing the stream for application modules and storing them as a storage stream on a storage medium (31). The storage stream is stored separate from said transport stream (20). The data or object carousel is recorded outside the Transport Stream and recorded like a stream, preferably as a single file. This file is a sequence of modules with some header information preceding the modules making playback faster as the information needed to obtain the objects from a module is located directly in the header of that module. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention solution is platform independent.
US08266668B2
A host is configured to communicate with a video data recording device. The host includes a host controller configured to receive a video data recording device diagnostic information request originated external to the host. The host controller further configured to collect the video data recording device diagnostic information from the video data recording device in response to the external request.
US08266667B2
Systems and methods for providing and promoting television programming, advertisements, and other content to selected viewers. A display is provided on a remote control device, prompts are provided on the display, and viewer responses to those prompts are monitored, stored in memory, and thereafter processed to reward viewers for responding properly to the prompts. Various methods for promoting such programs are also described.
US08266666B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a remote controller that manages operations of a set-top box (STB) having a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, a user interface (UI) with one or more components, and a controller operably coupled to the RF transceiver and the UI. The controller can be adapted to cause the RF transceiver to establish a communication session with a subsystem of an interactive media communication system, cause the RF transceiver to transmit to the subsystem a request for media content, cause the UI to present media content supplied by the subsystem without interrupting operations of the STB, and cause the RF transceiver to transmit to the subsystem one or more commands directed to the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08266660B2
A device receives, from a set-top box (STB) and/or a user device, usage information associated with video content, and determines a content portal for a particular video content based on the received usage information. The device also provides, to the STB and/or the user device, the content portal for display, and receives, from the STB and/or the user device, selection of an option associated with the content portal. The device further provides information associated with the selected option to the STB and/or the user device for display and/or storage.
US08266657B2
A method for effectively implementing a multi-room television system includes a digital base station that processes and combines various program sources to produce a processed stream. A communications processor then responsively transmits the processed stream as a local composite output stream to various wired and wireless display devices for flexible viewing at variable remote locations. The transmission path performance is used to determine the video encoding process, and special attention is taken to assure that all users have low-latency interactive capabilities.
US08266653B2
The present invention makes it possible to achieve data adaptation in accordance with a user's preferences, by holding a user's preference information for each content as user preferences, selecting a data segment according to user preferences, and performing resolution conversion on the basis of segment priority level and terminal capability, thereby enabling data adaptation to be performed for each content in a form the user wishes to see.
US08266652B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to transmit a client program having a graphical user interface (GUI) to a media device operating in an interactive television (iTV) network, wherein the client program presents an overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate a user-generated comment with the media content received at the media device, receive at least one of a plurality of user-generated comments and media content in a temporal vicinity of the plurality of user-generated comments via the client program, receive a request to transmit to a recipient device a portion of the plurality of user-generated comments or the media content in the temporal vicinity of the plurality of user-generated comments, and transmit to the recipient device one of the portion or one or more links to the portion. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08266651B2
An information providing system allows to intentionally modify the arrangement of clips to be reproduced from that of the first transmission. The program clips and the CM clips obtained by receiving those broadcast are stored in recorded result storage section 11 and rearrangement examining section 15 carries out a processing operation of comparing the attributes of each of the clips and the applicable profile data generated by applicable profile generating section 14. Then, the sequence of reproducing the contents clips is modified on the basis of the result of the processing operation and download operating section 16 downloads the contents clips to be added on an on-demand basis. Then, the final arrangement section 17 rearranges the sequence of reproducing the contents clips including those to be added to set up the final arrangement.
US08266641B2
A disc loading and ejecting structure for a slot-in optical disc drive aims to drive a compact disc into and out of the slot-in optical disc drive to solve the problems of conventional techniques that they are bulky and occupy too much space. The structure includes a driving portion and a guiding portion that are located at two opposite sides of the slot-in optical disc drive. The driving portion includes a roller with the rotation axis parallel with a positioning surface of the compact disc. A first end edge of the compact disc is abutted on the guiding portion and a second end edge is leaned on the roller. The roller can rotate and move reciprocally in parallel with the direction of the rotation axis to drive the compact disc into and out of the slot-in optical disc drive.
US08266638B2
Disclosed is a composite service control system resolving a conflict. A triggering condition of a new application that requests a registration is determined. When the determined triggering condition overlaps with a triggering condition of an existing registered application, determinations are made whether an intersection between an explicit conflict set of the new application and an explicit conflict set of the existing application exists and whether an intersection between an implicit conflict set of an API of the new application and an implicit conflict set of an API of the existing application exists; andThe triggering condition and execution information of the existing application is reported. When either of the intersections exists, a defining of a conflict resolution policy or a changed application triggering condition for the new application is requested; otherwise the triggering condition and the execution information of the new application is stored in an information database.
US08266622B2
A method is presented for dynamically selecting and updating a critical execution path. The method may include receiving a network of jobs for execution. One or more critical jobs may be included in the network of jobs. A job causing a delay in the execution of the network of jobs may be detected, where the job precedes the critical job. A critical path in the network of jobs may then be determined as a function of the job causing a delay. Determination of the critical path may be further based on a slack time associated with jobs in the network that have planned execution times preceding a planned execution time for the critical job.
US08266621B2
In an information processing system, when a request for execution of a new task is accepted, one or more of the required processing time and bus bandwidth for the new task are identified. A total required processing time, which is a sum of processing times required for the new task and a task reserved on a scheduler for indicating a procedure pertaining to a plurality of tasks, is compared with a processing time available in an apparatus executing those tasks. Similarly, a total required bus bandwidth, which is a sum of bus bandwidths required for processing the reserved task and the new task, is compared with a bus bandwidth available in the apparatus. Based on the result of the comparisons, it is determined whether the new task is executable.
US08266616B1
A method of computer system provisioning comprises defining a container as a plurality of computer system resources sufficient to run a workload, defining a workload as a set of processes executable on the container and monitored as a single entity, and modeling the container and/or the workload as a template that contains at least some of information for deploying the container and/or the workload.
US08266614B2
A system, operating on a first computerized device, deploys an agent to a second computerized device. The agent, operating on the second computerized device, obtains the configuration data. The system receives, at the first computerized device, from the agent operating on the second computerized device, configuration data specific to the second computerized device. The system creates software for the second computerized device utilizing the configuration data. The software is customized based on the configuration data specific to the second computerized device. The system then deploys the software to the second computerized device for operation on the second computerized device.
US08266596B2
Every time an assignment statement is executed during performing a simulation according to a second variable memory system, it is determined whether a value interpreted to have the same meaning is assigned to the assignment statement in the simulation according to a first variable memory system and in the simulation according to the second variable memory system. When the value interpreted to have the same meaning is not assigned, the value assigned according to the second variable memory system is overwritten by an expected value, and a report indicating that the assignment statement is a part dependent on a variable memory system is output.
US08266593B2
A method of analyzing performance of a software testing system associated with a software system having multiple modules includes performing a computer-based complexity analysis of the software system, performing a computer-based impact analysis of information related to an impact of a defect on a module of the software system, and generating a computer-based distribution of effort across an impacted module of the software system based on the complexity analysis and the impact analysis to enhance the software testing system performance. The information may include reported defects from a working environment associated with the software system. The method may also include utilizing output data associated with the complexity analysis as input data to the impact analysis.
US08266591B2
Techniques are provided for identifying suspect links between objects from multiple domains. A plurality of links that associates a collection of requirement objects with a set of configuration management objects is stored. The collection of requirement objects is defined in a requirement management system for a software product, and the set of configuration management objects is defined in a configuration management system that is operable to manage the development of the software product. A determination is made that a particular requirement object was changed. In response to determining that the particular requirement object was changed, one or more links of the plurality of links are automatically determined. The one or more links respectively associate one or more configuration management objects, of the set of configuration management objects, with the particular requirement object. The one or more links are then identified as suspect.
US08266582B2
A method for creating a unified binary file that may be executed on a plurality of hardware platforms. The unified binary file includes hardware independent code and a plurality of hardware dependent binary files for a variety of hardware platforms. When the unified binary file is executed on a supported hardware platform, an appropriate hardware dependent file is identified and installed. A method for preparing a software package supported on a plurality of hardware platforms for distribution. A unified binary file is created for each corresponding file of the software package. Each unified binary file includes installation directory information and dependent file information.
US08266580B2
Provides methods for transforming a flowchart to an equivalent tree diagram, methods for transforming an equivalent tree diagram to a flowchart, methods for verifying reorganization of a flowchart, methods for editing a flowchart, methods for creating a flowchart and a flowchart editor. A flowchart includes one or more logic structures and one or more processing activities in said one or more logic structures. The method for transforming a flowchart to an equivalent tree diagram comprises: traversing said flowchart; transforming said one or more logic structures in said flowchart to one or more branching nodes in said tree diagram; and transforming one or more processing activities in said logic structures of said flowchart to one or more leaf nodes below corresponding branching nodes in said tree diagram. Further, edition of a flowchart and verification of reorganization of a flowchart are performed by utilizing an equivalent tree diagram.
US08266579B2
A system and method for developing software using dynamic dual-mode model and data entry is presented. During development, a model developer uses a model window and an editor window to create a model-driven editor. The model window displays model data, and the editor window displays instances of the model data, which results in the model-driven editor. When the developer is ready to deploy the model-driven editor, the model developer simply inhibits the model window. Therefore, the models are not compiled during deployment and, in turn, the model developer does not need to test compiled code. Since the model-driven editor relies upon self-contained models, the models may be updated, added, or removed locally or remotely on an individual basis. In one embodiment, the end user is able to re-enable the model window in order to view model data.
US08266575B1
Systems and methods for dynamically reconfiguring a programmable system on a chip. A graphical user interface for dynamically reconfiguring a programmable system on a chip includes graphical user interface (GUI) display elements of a plurality of parameter values presently controlling operation of a device on a target apparatus. The GUI display elements are operable to accept modifications to the plurality of parameter values and for communicating the modifications to the programmable system on a chip. The GUI display elements may present parameter values in alphanumeric and/or graphical formats, and may accept changes via keyboard or cursor directing device input.
US08266574B2
In a method of optimizing parameters of electronic components on printed circuit boards (PCBs), a first experiment table for m variables of one type of parameter of P electronic components on a PCB is designed using n values of each variable and the RSM. P EHs of each first experiment are obtained by simulating, and P EH empirical formulas are computed according to the P EHs. A second experiment table for the m variables is designed using n′ values of each variable and the full factorial design, and P EHs of each second experiment are computed using the P EH empirical formulas. Experiments, all the P EHs of which are greater than 1, are filtered from the second experiment tables, and an average EH of each filtered experiment is computed to pick an experiment the average EH of which is the greatest. The values of the m variables in the picked experiment are considered as optimized.
US08266569B2
A plurality of sequential nodes in a design file for an electronic device are identified and one or more combinatorial power metric values are computed for the plurality of sequential nodes based upon an effective switching capacitance, a switching activity measure, and a power effort measure for at least a first device downstream from the each sequential node at a specified depth. The combinatorial power metric values for the plurality of sequential node are stored and compared to a target power metric value to determine if power consumption at the electronic device meets a predetermined power performance goal.
US08266565B2
Solutions for ordering of statistical correlated quantities are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes timing a plurality of paths in an integrated circuit to determine a set of timing quantities associated with each of the plurality of paths; determining a most critical timing quantity in the set of timing quantities; forming a tiered timing quantity arrangement for ordering a plurality of timing quantities in the set of timing quantities; removing the most critical timing quantity from the set of timing quantities and placing the most critical timing quantity in an uppermost available tier of the tiered timing quantity arrangement; and repeating the determining, forming and removing for the set of timing quantities excluding the removed most critical timing quantity.
US08266564B2
A verification apparatus includes a reference circuit-side point extraction unit that extracts a point where the input value of a signal changes due to a logic change in a reference circuit in a state before and after the logic change, based on information regarding a signal that has changed due to the logic change in the reference circuit; a circuit to be verified-side point extraction unit that extracts a point where the input value of a signal changes due to a logic change in a circuit to be verified in a state before and after the logic change, based on information regarding a signal that has changed due to the logic change in the circuit to be verified; and a verification script generation unit that generates a verification script with use of the points extracted by the reference circuit-side point extraction unit and the circuit to be verified-side point extraction unit.
US08266561B2
A method for providing a high-speed cell library is provided. The method can include, for example, selecting a set of commonly-occurring logic functions. The method can then include obtaining a netlist of area distributions for each of the set of functions. The netlist can be used to synthesize a set of cell libraries wherein an N-diffusion to P-diffusion area allowance is varied among the set of cell libraries. Thereafter, the method may also include comparing a time delay associated with each of the set of cell libraries with a time delay of a library benchmark delay. Based on the comparing, a delay number may be associated with each of the cell libraries. Finally, the cell libraries may be ranked based on the respective delay numbers associated with each of the cell libraries.
US08266558B2
Methods of forming arrays of small, densely spaced holes or pillars for use in integrated circuits are disclosed. Various pattern transfer and etching steps can be used, in combination with pitch-reduction techniques, to create densely-packed features. Conventional photolithography steps can be used in combination with pitch-reduction techniques to form superimposed patterns of crossing elongate features with pillars at the intersections. Spacers are simultaneously applied to sidewalls of both sets of crossing lines to produce a pitch-doubled grid pattern. The pillars facilitate rows of spacers bridging columns of spacers.
US08266557B1
In accordance with the present method and system for anisotropic integrated circuit layout we extract a set of anisotropic design rules for integrated circuit manufacturing systems that have directional preference. We enhance various physical design tools to read and process anisotropic design rules in order to generate anisotropic design layout that takes advantage of an anisotropic manufacturing system.
US08266554B2
A method for obtaining mask and source patterns for printing integrated circuit patterns includes providing initial representations of a plurality of mask and source patterns. The method identifies long-range and short-range factors in the representations of the plurality of mask and source patterns, and provides a plurality of clips including a specified number of mask patterns. Short-range factors having overlapping ranges for each of the clips are specified. The method includes determining an initial processing priority for the plurality of clips, and determining a patterning relationship between integrated circuit patterns and the mask and source patterns. A primary objective is determined which expresses the printability of the integrated circuit patterns in terms of the patterning relationship. The method defines and iteratively solves a master problem employing the primary objective to generate values for the long-range factors, and solves subproblems employing a second objective for generating values for the short-range factors.
US08266553B1
An integrated circuit device layout and a method for detecting mask data handling errors are disclosed in which integrated circuit device layout includes a device region in which operable circuitry is disposed. Integrated circuit device layout also includes a verification region in which verification elements are disposed. The verification elements include cells that are duplicates of at least some of the different types of cells in device region and can include structures that are duplicates of at least some of the types of structures in the device region. The patterns in verification region are used in the final verification process to identify mask data handling errors in a mask job deck. Because the patterns in verification region are easy to locate and identify, the time required to perform the final verification process is reduced and the chance of error in the final verification process is reduced.
US08266546B2
A manufacturer or other retailer provides a consumer with a graphical user interface for customizing an article. The graphical user interface includes an analog-style selection control that allows a user to select at least one characteristic of a feature of the article. With this type of selection control, a consumer need not select a particular control value or designate a combination of control values to choose a characteristic for a feature of an article to be custom-manufactured. Instead, the consumer need only select a position or value relative to a range of positions or values provided by the analog-style selection control.
US08266536B2
Apparatus, methods, and computer-program products are disclosed for automatically interfacing a first physical environment and a second physical environment to a virtual world model where some avatar controller piloting commands are automatically issued by a virtual world client to a virtual world server responsive to the focus of the avatar controller.
US08266532B2
A method tags connecting components. The method comprises capturing an image of a plurality of grid sections. The image of each of the grid sections includes at least one connector disposed therein. The at least one connector has a first end in a first one of the grid sections and a second end in a second one of the grid sections. The method comprises displaying a first virtual identifier in the image of the first grid section for the first end of the connector. The method comprises displaying a second virtual identifier in the image of the second grid section for the second end of the connector.
US08266528B1
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for providing spelling suggestions in response to user input. One example method comprises receiving user input via a keyboard associated with a computing device, the input specifying a sequence of characters of a word the user wishes to enter into a text-based application of the computing device. The method further comprises generating suggestion words based on the sequence of characters and on an alternate sequence of characters, where the alternate sequence of characters is generated by replacing characters in the sequence of characters with alternate characters corresponding to keys proximately located on the keyboard to keys corresponding to characters in the sequence of characters. In one example, the sequence of characters includes non-letter characters such as a DELETE character, the method further including replacing the DELETE character with a letter corresponding to a key adjacent to the DELETE key on the keyboard.
US08266527B2
An apparatus of an original album editor uploads to a server album data in which instructions of allowed object that allows editing and information on content type of editing allowed for the allowed object are embedded. An apparatus of an admitted subscriber downloads the album data from the server, and edits the album data within allowance in accordance with the instructions and information embedded in the album data.
US08266526B2
A document management system includes a memory portion that stores an original document identifier and a first derived document identifier in association with a second apparatus identifier, the original document identifier being provided to an original document, the first derived document identifier being provided to a first derived document created when the original document is copied, printed, edited, or sent by a first apparatus, the second apparatus identifier being provided to a second apparatus that further copies, prints, edits, or sends the first derived document; and a search portion that searches for a distribution path of the original document with the use of the association of the original document identifier, the first derived document identifier, and the second apparatus identifier.
US08266517B2
A method and apparatus for taking a visual or verbal representation of a conversational policy and translating the representation into an XML file. The XML file can then be output in one or more formats, such as code used in a policy, a Word version of the XML file, or a visual representation of the XML file.
US08266511B2
A decoding device includes a BM calculator calculating a branch metric in a Log-MAP algorithm from received data and extrinsic information, an ACS operator calculating a maximum value of a path metric based on the branch metric, a correction term calculator calculating a Jacobian correction value of the path metric, and a correction operator correcting the path metric by adjusting a value of the Jacobian correction value based on a size of the received data and adding the adjusted correction value to the maximum value.
US08266509B2
A wireless device for implementing Incremental Redundancy (IR) operations includes an IR memory dedicated to storing data related to the IR operations. The IR memory includes a Type I IR memory adapted to store IR status information of a Radio Link Control (RLC) data block and a Type II IR memory adapted to store the RLC data block.
US08266508B2
An error coding circuit comprises a non-systematic convolutional encoder for coding an input bit stream to produce two or more groups of parity bits, an interleaver circuit for interleaving parity bits within each group of parity bits, and a rate-matching circuit for outputting a selected number of the interleaved parity bits ordered by group to obtain a desired code rate.
US08266504B2
Dynamic monitoring of ability to reassemble streaming data across multiple channels based on history
Mechanisms are provided for processing streaming data at high sustained data rates. These mechanisms receive a plurality of data elements over a plurality of non-sequential communication channels and write the plurality of data elements directly to the file system of the data processing system in an unassembled manner. The mechanisms determining whether to perform a data scrubbing operation or not based on history information indicative of whether data elements in the plurality of data elements are being received in a substantially sequential manner. The mechanisms perform a data scrubbing operation, in response to a determination to perform data scrubbing, to identify any missing data elements in the plurality of data elements written to the file system and assemble the plurality of data elements into a plurality of data streams in response to results of the data scrubbing indicating that there are no missing data elements.
US08266500B2
An interleaving method to which time-first-mapping is applied for a plurality of channel-coded and rate-matched code blocks in a mobile communication system is provided. The interleaving method includes determining sizes of a horizontal area and a vertical area of an interleaver, generating modulation groups with adjacent coded bits in a vertical direction according to a modulation scheme, sequentially writing the modulation groups in the horizontal area on a row-by-row basis, and sequentially reading the coded bits written in the interleaver in the vertical area on a column-by-column basis.
US08266497B1
A technique for tested is disclosed herein. A low-density parity-check (LDPC) code is received. For the received LDPC code, an error rate function is generated that is a function of a number of iterations. A number of test iterations and a passing error rate are determined using the error rate function. One or more storage media are tested using the LDPC code, the number of test iterations, and the passing error rate.
US08266494B2
A data bus including a plurality of logic blocks coupled in series, each logic block including at least one buffer for buffering at least one data bit transmitted via the data bus and at least one of the logic blocks further including circuitry coupled in parallel with the at least one buffer and arranged to determine a first bit of error correction code associated with the at least one data bit.
US08266491B2
An apparatus and method for controlling a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) operation in a transmitter of a wireless mobile communication system using each frame constituted by a plurality of subframes are provided. In the method for controlling an HARQ operation, indication information indicating a subframe position where transmission of a data burst starts and the number of subframes required for transmission of the data burst is transmitted to a receiver through an i-th frame. When the number of subframes does not exceed a threshold, it is determined that the data burst at the subframe position indicated by indication information of an (i+1)-th frame is retransmitted to the receiver. When the number of subframes exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the data burst at the subframe position indicated by indication information of an (i+n)-th frame, where n is a positive integer exceeding 1, is retransmitted to the receiver.
US08266490B2
A method for providing improved reverse link transmission timing in an access terminal is provided. The method includes processing automatic repeat request (ARQ) bits from a MAC bit processing unit for a previous sub-frame. The ARQ bits comprise a hybrid ARQ (H-ARQ) bit, a last ARQ (L-ARQ) bit, and a packet ARQ (P-ARQ) bit. The method also includes calculating the maximum allowed reverse rate and grant size for a MAC flow. The method further includes distributing grants to each application in the MAC flow. The method also includes storing a stored read pointer in an application transmit queue, for each application in the MAC flow. The method also includes preparing data for transmission, in response to storing the stored read pointer for each application in the MAC flow, based on the ARQ bits. The method also includes transmitting the data.
US08266489B2
A method for surviving a link down event in a two-way serial-connection link. The method includes sequentially numbering packets to be transmitted across the link, successfully transmitted packets being acknowledged and after the link down event. Only packets unacknowledged are retransmitted when a device coupled to the link attempts to survive the event, each unacknowledged packet being retransmitted in accordance with its number within the sequence.
US08266488B2
A transceiver includes a receiver that receives and demodulates a first encoded block of data. The first encoded block of data includes a first redundancy version that corresponds to a first payload portion and a first header portion. The first encoded block of data is received from a communication device that is remote from the transceiver and that is in a cellular telecommunication network. A transmitter transmits an acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) signal that includes a dedicated decoding status indicator for the header portion.
US08266480B2
A physical coding sublayer (PCS) transmitter circuit generates a plurality of encoded symbols according to a transmission standard. A symbol skewer skews the plurality of encoded symbols within a symbol clock time. A physical coding sublayer (PCS) receiver core circuit decodes a plurality of symbols based on encoding parameters. The symbols are transmitted using the encoding parameters according to a transmission standard. The received symbols are skewed within a symbol clock time by respective skew intervals. A PCS receiver encoder generator generates the encoding parameters.
US08266465B2
A battery operated device includes a receiver for receiving a transmission that includes a postamble. A sensor, in a tire, measures a parameter of the tire and outputs data indicative of the parameter. A microprocessor is coupled to the receiver and the sensor. The microprocessor is configured to periodically partially awaken to determine whether the transmission is likely a forward link packet (FLP) by examining the postamble, and to transmit the data in a reverse link packet (RLP) in response to confirming that the transmission is a FLP.
US08266457B2
The present invention provides a data processing device and a method for switching states thereof. The data processing device comprises an operating system and a communication interface for communicating with another data processing device, wherein the communication interface is enabled when the operating system stays in the operating state of the operating system, and the communication interface is disabled when the operating system stays in a low-power-consumption state. The method for switching states comprises the following steps of: detecting whether the communication interface stays in the operating state of the communication interface and generating detection information; determining whether the operating system stays in the operating state of the operating system when the detection information indicates that the communication interface stays in the operating state of the communication interface, and generating determination information; generating a system state holding command when the determination information indicates that the operating system stays in the operating state of the operating system; and controlling the operating system to stay in the operating state of the operating system based on the system state holding command. The present invention can not only secure communication via the data communication interface, but also allow the operating system to handle normally and stably an interrupt, so as to reduce the system power consumption.
US08266455B2
An apparatus and method for controlling power of a fixing unit is provided. The apparatus includes a power supply unit supplying DC power to the fixing unit, and a power controller controlling the power supply unit to gradually increase a DC power supply time until a pre-set time is reached. Accordingly, a flicker characteristic can be reduced by gradually increasing a supply time of DC power to the fixing unit.
US08266453B2
A backup site and a client are coupled to a network and the backup site obtains backup data for the client using a portable storage device by providing a direct coupling between the portable storage device and the backup site. The portable storage device contains full backup data for the client. The direct coupling is separate from the network. Full backup data is uploaded from the portable storage device to the backup site via the direct coupling. At least one incremental backup, based on the prior full backup, is performed to transfer data from the client to the backup site through the network. The network may be the Internet. The direct coupling may be USB, Firewire, or eSATA. Only a subset of data corresponding to a backup dataset may be provided on the portable storage device. Data on the portable storage device may be encrypted.
US08266450B2
It is possible to achieve the protection of software with reduced overhead. For example, a memory for storing an encrypted code prepared in advance and a decryptor module for decrypting the code are provided. The decryptor module includes, for example, a three-stage pipeline and a selector for selecting one output from the outputs of each stage of the pipeline. When a branch instruction is issued and subsequent inputs of the pipeline are in the order of CD′1, CD′2, . . . , the decryptor module outputs a first decrypted code by performing a one-stage pipeline process to CD′1. Next, the decryptor module outputs a second decrypted code by performing a two-stage pipeline process to CD′2, and the decryptor module outputs a third decrypted code by performing a three-stage pipeline process to CD′3 (and subsequent codes). Therefore, in particular, the overhead to CD′1 can be reduced.
US08266447B2
The subject matter of the invention relates to a system (1) and to a method for securely processing information, particularly sensitive information by means of a signature and/or encryption principle, comprising at least the following: a mobile passive first storage unit (1) for retrievably storing first information, a processing device (3) which is adapted for interacting with the first storage unit (2) in order to process information, comprising: a decryption-protected second storage unit (6) for retrievably storing second information corresponding to the first information, a computer unit (5) for (cryptographically) processing information, an information transmission unit (4), for transmitting the information of the first and/or the second storage unit (2, 6) to the computer unit (5).
US08266444B2
The invention relates to a chip for processing a content, comprising at least a microprocessor. Said chip includes an integrated non-volatile programmable memory for storing protection data and protected data, said protection data being intended to be used for authorizing/denying access to said protected data by said microprocessor under execution of a program. The invention allows to protect program and data dedicated to a chip-integrated conditional-access system and to protect features as external connections and downloaded data directly on the chip.
US08266443B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for secure and authentic electronic collaboration between a plurality of users using a combination of biometric security, a separate and secure network infrastructure, management processes, encrypted electronic storage, and collaborative templates. In an exemplary embodiment, an online collaboration system includes a server including a network interface connected to the Internet, a data store including electronic data storage, and a processor, wherein each of the network interface, the data store and the processor are communicatively coupled, and wherein the network interface, the data store and the processor are collectively configured to: biometrically authenticate a plurality of users; and enable online collaboration between the plurality of users.
US08266442B2
A system (100) is disclosed for providing secure access to a controlled item (111), the system comprising a database (105) of biometric signatures, a transmitter subsystem (116) comprising a biometric sensor (121) for receiving a biometric signal (102), means for matching the biometric signal against members of the database of biometric signatures (105) to thereby output an accessibility attribute, and means (107) for emitting a secure access signal (106) conveying information dependent upon said accessibility attribute, wherein the secure access signal (108) comprises one of at least a rolling code, an encrypted Bluetooth™ protocol, and a WiFi™ protocol, and a receiver sub-system (117) comprising means (109) for receiving the transmitted secure access signal (108) and means for providing conditional access to the controlled item (111) dependent upon said information.
US08266437B2
A system and method for issuing electronic vouchers representing value. An issuing server generates an eVoucher that a recipient may use to purchase goods and services from a merchant's e-commerce Web site. The eVoucher includes an image, such as a corporate logo, that identifies the issuing merchant. Nonimage data, such as a unique identifier for the eVoucher and encrypted arbitrary text, is embedded in the eVoucher image and is used to track the use of the eVoucher and to verify its authenticity.
US08266431B2
Methods and apparatus for performing encryption for data at rest at a port of a network device such as a switch are disclosed. Specifically, when data is received from a host during a write to a storage medium such as a disk, the data is encrypted by the port prior to transmitting the encrypted data to the storage medium. Similarly, when a host attempts to read data from the storage medium, the port of the network device receives the encrypted data from the storage medium, decrypts the data, and transmits the decrypted data to the host. In this manner, encryption and decryption of data at rest are supported by the port of the network device.
US08266420B2
A system and method for providing secure configuration file exchange is disclosed. The system may include a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) device having a receiver and a processor, and the VoIP device may be configured to: receive, at the receiver, an encrypted first configuration file from a server using a default Uniform Resource Locator (URL) stored in the VoIP device; decrypt, at the processor, the first configuration file using a default key stored in the VoIP device; apply, at the processor, a first set of profile parameters stored in the first configuration file, and the step of applying may include updating the default URL and the default key in the VoIP device with a new URL and a new key stored in the first configuration file; receive, at the receiver, an encrypted second configuration file from the server using the new URL; decrypt, at the processor, the second configuration file using the new key; and apply, at the processor, a second set of profile parameters stored in the second configuration file in order to provide network service from the server to a customer premise equipment (CPE) communicatively coupled to the VoIP device.
US08266417B2
The present invention relates to a device having a shared memory and a code data transmitting method. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the digital processing device can include n processors, n being a natural number of 2 or greater; and a shared memory, coupled to each of the processors through independent buses and having a boot section allotted, the boot section being for writing a boot program code to be used for booting of at least one processor.
US08266416B2
A dynamic reconfiguration supporting method that generates a driver function to cause a dynamic reconfiguration circuit to execute a program of an application described in a predetermined language, includes acquiring a configuration defining file representing a configuration of a cluster of the dynamic reconfiguration circuit in execution of the process of the application, generating an address map representing an address of a processing element (to be referred to as “PE” hereinafter) in the cluster on the basis of the configuration defining file acquired by the acquiring operation, generating a driver function that associates the function and an address of the PE which executes the function with reference to the address map, when a PE which executes a function described in the application is allocated from the PE, and creating a driver function file that stores the driver function.
US08266414B2
Method for executing an instruction loop and a device having instruction loop execution capabilities
A method for managing a hardware instruction loop, the method includes: (i) detecting, by a branch prediction unit, an instruction loop; wherein a size of the instruction loop exceeds a size of a storage space allocated in a fetch unit for storing fetched instructions; (ii) requesting from the fetch unit to fetch instructions of the instruction loop that follow the first instructions of the instruction loop; and (iii) selecting, during iterations of the instruction loop, whether to provide to a dispatch unit one of the first instructions of the instruction loop or another instruction that is fetched by the fetch unit; wherein the first instructions of the instruction loop are stored at the dispatch unit.
US08266406B2
System and methods for storing electronic data is provided, where the system comprises a storage manager component and a management module associated with the storage manager component. The management module is configured to receive information related to storage activities associated with one or more storage operation components within the storage operation system under the direction of the storage manager component. The management module is adapted to predict storage operation resource allocations based on the received information related to the storage activities.
US08266400B2
When a virtual tape of the main storage system is updated, journal data is created. The journal data is transmitted to the disaster recovery storage system asynchronously with the timing at which the write data is received. The journal data includes a marker to notify of the start of updating and a marker to notify of the completion of updating. The disaster recovery storage system prohibits the use of the copy destination data during the period from start of updating until completion of updating, and permits referencing the copy destination data during other periods.
US08266397B2
A modular data and storage management system. The system includes a time variance interface that provides for storage into a storage media of data that is received over time. The time variance interface of the modular data and storage management system provides for retrieval, from the storage media, of an indication of the data corresponding to a user specified date. The retrieved indication of the data provides a user with an option to access specific information relative to the data, such as content of files that are included in the data.
US08266395B2
A system and method for detecting changes of memory state. In accordance with one embodiment, memory locations to be observed are determined, and pages of these locations are marked as read-only. Then, guest instructions execute during a trial period. During the trial period, guest instructions attempting to write to the identified memory locations cause page faults which result in identifying the instructions. At the end of the trial period, the pages are returned to a writable status, and attempts to modify the memory locations by the guest code are detected based on the instruction identifier. The system and method can be used for efficient frame list topology monitoring, such as in a virtual USB controller of a virtual machine.
US08266389B2
A hierarchical memory request stream arbitration technique merges coherent memory request streams from multiple memory request sources and arbitrates the merged coherent memory request stream with requests from a non-coherent memory request stream. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method of generating a merged memory request stream from a plurality of memory request streams includes merging coherent memory requests into a first serial memory request stream. The method includes selecting, by a memory controller circuit, a memory request for placement in the merged memory request stream from at least the first serial memory request stream and a merged non-coherent request stream. The merged non-coherent memory request stream is at least partially based on an indicator of a previous memory request selected for placement in the merged memory request stream.
US08266383B1
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for processing cache misses resulting from a request received from one of the multiple clients of an L1 cache. The L1 cache services multiple clients with diverse latency and bandwidth requirements, including at least one client whose requests cannot be stalled. The L1 cache includes storage to buffer pending requests for caches misses. When an entry is available to store a pending request, a request causing a cache miss is accepted. When the data for a read request becomes available, the cache instructs the client to resubmit the read request to receive the data. When an entry is not available to store a pending request, a request causing a cache miss is deferred and the cache provides the client with status information that is used to determine when the request should be resubmitted.
US08266375B2
The storage system provides a logical volume and includes a plurality of disk devices and a controller, coupled to the plurality of disk devices, which manages a plurality of storage areas provided by the plurality of disk devices. The host includes an application which sends data to a logical volume and an operating system which manages a block position of the logical volume. If the operating system receives a request from the application to expand a first capacity of the logical volume, the operating system sends a write request to the logical volume. In response to the write request, the controller allocates at least one of the plurality of storage areas to the logical volume. The controller monitors a second capacity of storage areas allocated to the logical volume relative to a third capacity of the plurality of storage areas.
US08266372B2
A DRAM system configured for high bandwidth communication, the system includes at least one DRAM having resistive termination devices within the DRAM, and a controller connected to the DRAM through a data bus. The controller includes resistive termination devices and the data bus includes at least one clock line driven intermittently. The data bus provides write data from the controller to the DRAM, and provides read data from the DRAM to the controller.
US08266366B2
One-time programmable (OTP) and write-once read-many (WORM) memory devices and methods for use therewith are provided. These embodiments can be used to provide compatibility between a memory device that uses an OTP (or few-time programmable (FTP)) memory array and host devices that use a file system, such as the DOS FAT file system, that expects to be able to rewrite to a memory address in the memory device. These embodiments can also be used to prevent accidental or deliberate overwrites, changes, or deletions to existing data in a WORM memory device.
US08266355B2
There is provided an electronic apparatus transmitting and receiving a signal through a single wire that that has a main electronic apparatus and a sub-electronic apparatus connected through a single wire, transmits status information and performs control and communication through the single wire. The electronic apparatus transmitting and receiving a signal through a single wire may include: a sub-electronic apparatus transmitting a detection signal containing status information through a single wire, and performing a predetermined operation upon receiving a response signal to the detection signal; and a main electronic apparatus receiving the detection signal through the single wire and transmitting the response signal having a different signal format from the detection signal to the sub-electronic apparatus.
US08266354B2
Zoned initialization of a solid state drive is provided. A solid state memory device includes a controller for controlling storage and retrieval of data to and from the device. A set of solid state memory components electrically coupled to the controller. The set is electrically divided into a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone is at least partially initialized independent from the second zone. An interface is coupled between the controller and the set of solid state memory components to facilitate transfer of data between the set of solid state memory components and the controller.
US08266341B2
A display apparatus, a control method thereof and a control method of an external device are provided. The display apparatus includes a contents processing unit which reproduces contents, a communication unit which communicates with an external device which reproduces contents, and a control unit which receives reproduction information of the contents reproduced in the external device from the external device through the communication unit, and controls the contents processing unit to reproduce contents corresponding to the contents reproduced in the external device, based on the received reproduction information.
US08266332B2
An information processing apparatus that can communicate with an external apparatus includes an instruction unit configured to receive an instruction to change a parameter in the external apparatus, and a sending unit configured to send a control signal for causing the external apparatus to change the parameter in the external apparatus, to the external apparatus according to the instruction received by the instruction unit, in which the sending unit sends, when the instruction received by the instruction unit includes an instruction to change a plurality of types of parameters in the external apparatus, the control signal a plural number of times according to the types of the parameters to be changed, to cause the external apparatus to change the parameters in a predetermined order.
US08266326B2
Techniques for integrating Information Systems with Application Servers are disclosed. The techniques can be used to implement a configurable connector interface that connects to existing interfaces used to access various Information Systems. The configurable connection interface can encapsulate these existing interfaces. Accordingly, the configurable connector interface can serve as a standard interface that can be used to connect an application server to various Information Systems. The configurable connection interface can be implemented as a “Resource Adaptor” that can be modified to fit the requirements of a particular existing interface used to access a particular information system (e.g., a database driver developed for a particular relational database). A Graphical User Interface (GUI) can be used to conveniently modify and deploy the modified Resource Adaptor file. These operations can conveniently be performed by using a deployment tool through a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
US08266325B2
A set of logical extents, each having compressed logical tracks of data, is mapped to a head physical extent and, if the head physical extent is determined to have been filled, to at least one overflow extent having spatial proximity to the head physical extent. Pursuant to at least one subsequent write operation and destage operation, the at least one subsequent write operation and destage operation determined to be associated with the head physical extent, the write operation is mapped to one of the head physical extent, the at least one overflow extent, and an additional extent having spatial proximity to the at least one overflow extent.
US08266324B2
The present invention provides a computer implemented method for resolving a universal resource identifier (URI). The client computer receives the universal resource identifier, which is comprised of a domain name. The client computer looks up a row corresponding to the domain name in a domain specific domain name service (DNS) server list. The row includes at least a first internet protocol address. The client computer transmits a domain name service (DNS) query addressed to the first internet protocol address responsive to looking up the row. Upon receiving a valid response in at least one packet, wherein the at least one packet is from the first internet protocol address, the client computer resolves the universal resource identifier to a second internet protocol address.
US08266321B2
A distributed mediation network and method of employing such is provided, having a plurality of different types of network module. Each module has a non-reciprocal path therethrough for network traffic and the distribution of network traffic across the network is managed by an autonomic control plane.
US08266319B2
A network management system, device and method for managing a computer network. The device is connected to the Internet through a plurality of routes, wherein the plurality of routes are assigned with respective IP addresses. The device includes a controller receiving a DNS resolution query from a remote computer for a domain name within the computer network, selecting one of the plurality of routes connecting the device to the Internet, and responding to the DNS resolution query with an IP address associated with the selected route. The IP address is used for resolution of the domain name.
US08266317B2
Mechanisms for reducing the idle time of a computing device due to delays in transmitting/receiving acknowledgement packets are provided. A first data amount corresponding to a window size for a communication connection is determined. A second data amount, in excess of the first data amount, which may be transmitted with the first data amount, is calculated. The first and second data amounts are then transmitted from the sender to the receiver. The first data amount is provided to the receiver in a receive buffer of the receiver. The second data amount is maintained in a switch port buffer of a switch port without being provided to the receive buffer. The second data amount is transmitted from the switch port buffer to the receive buffer in response to the switch port detecting an acknowledgement packet from the receiver.
US08266316B2
An apparatus and method of streaming content by adaptively selecting a peer-to-peer (P2P) method or a server-client method according to a network environment, and a computer readable medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method are provided. The apparatus includes middleware which supports the P2P method, middleware which supports the server-client method, an adaptation manager which provides a list of content, determines one of at least one node and at least one server sharing content which is selected as a source device according to a content sharing method and their available bandwidths, and determines a content sharing method used by the source device as a streaming method, and an application unit which controls the selected content to be received from the source device by using middleware and a transfer layer corresponding to the determined streaming method, and the received content to be reproduced.
US08266313B2
A subscription-based system provides transcribed audio information to one or more mobile devices. Some techniques feature a system for providing subscription services for currently-generated (e.g., not stored) information (e.g., caption information, transcribed audio) for one or more mobile devices for a live/current audio event. There can be a communication network for communicating to the one or more mobile devices, a transcriber configured for transcribing the event to generate information (e.g., caption information, transcribed audio). Caption data includes transcribed data and control code data. The system includes a subscription gateway configured for live/current transfer of the transcribed data to the one or more mobile devices. The subscription gateway is configured to provide access for the transcribed data to the one or more mobile devices. User preferences for subscribers can be set and/or updated by mobile device users and/or GPS-capable mobile devices to receive feeds for the live/current audio event.
US08266311B2
Strategies are described for transmitting control information from a host module to a client module. The host module transmits the control information in-band along with a stream of media content information packets. The control information can be used to govern the operation of the client module. In one case, the control information alerts the client module to a discontinuity in streams, which may be the result of the user changing channels via the host or client module, etc., issuing a seek instruction, and so forth. Transmitting the control information in in-band fashion is advantageous because it reduces the need for complex linking between the control information and the associated content information.
US08266309B2
The present invention provides a method and system for querying parameter information, and an apparatus for returning parameter information. The protocol layer that receives a query request establishes a correspondence between an acquired parameter value and a parameter name and returns the parameter value and the corresponding parameter name to the protocol layer that sends the query result. This can decrease the complexity of implementing the query mechanism. In addition, with the present invention, the MIH layer can also notify the upper layer/MIH users/NMS entity of the query result when returning the queried state information to the upper layer/MIH users/NMS entity.
US08266299B2
The present invention relates to a method for deciding, in an IP-based communication system, whether a local media/media release is allowed between a first and at least a second terminal. The method is characterized in that the decision is based on information established by an application server in an multimedia core network. The present invention further also relates to a session border controller unit, a session border controller, an application server and a computer program product for performing said method.
US08266297B2
A method and system for routings are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a SIP request message that carries semantic information of a service; by using the semantic information carried in the SIP request message as an input, searching for the service through semantic inference; generating a standard service request message which carries found service information, and sending the message to an application server that handles the service. The present invention increases the quantity of services available for requesting, and improves the flexibility of requesting services.
US08266296B2
Apparatus and associated methods are provided which allow a remote user to maintain a virtual session with a server. A virtual session allows a remote and possibly mobile user to maintain a virtual presence in an office environment without actually being present. Using the present invention, a remote user can access a central application program such as an Internet service provider, a database system, an inventory system or billing system. Likewise, the remote user can receive calls and other forms of communications as though he or she were present in an office environment. A virtual session does not require a physical connection to be continuously present in order to provide a virtual connectivity. This is especially important for mobile applications where the remote user may incur long distance and/or wireless toll charges. Also, methods are presented to allow a remote unit to rapidly reconnect in a transparent and seamless way without burdening the user with the need to connect and reconnect or to upload and download information. Related methods are provided to allow the virtual session to be established, operated and maintained.
US08266295B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system for detecting and/or mitigating domain name system (DNS) spoofing Trojan horse (or Trojan) code. Trojan code (sometimes called malware or malicious software) is a common computer security problem. Some Trojans modify the DNS resolution mechanism employed by the infected computer, such that the computer traffic, when browsing the Internet, is routed to a location not intended by the rightful owner of the computer. The present invention can detect this phenomenon from a remote device or location and may take action to mitigate its effects.
US08266286B2
Various systems and method are disclosed for automatically disseminating key server contact information in a network. For example, one method (e.g., performed by a discovery server) involves generating a discovery message that includes at least one list of one or more key servers and then sending that discovery message to one or more members of a key management protocol group. Each list of key servers can include contact information for one or more key servers and indicate the priority of each key server relative to other key servers within the list.
US08266282B2
A system and method for policy-based advertising. According to an embodiment, an advertisement server receives a request for advertising content from a user computer over a network, the advertising content associated with an advertising policy specifying one or more usage conditions to be met by a user of the user computer in connection with the advertising content in order for the user to qualify for a promotional consideration, provides to the user computer over the network, in response to the request for the advertising content, the advertising content and one or more constraints to be enforced by a content player on the user computer in accordance with the advertising policy, receives from the user computer metering data reflecting usage of the advertising content on the user computer, and determines whether the one or more advertising policy usage conditions have been met based on the received metering data.
US08266267B1
A network device is capable of recognizing and blocking network attacks associated with packet flows regardless of whether the packet flows are encapsulated within network tunnels. For example, the network device includes a filter module that receives packets associated with a network tunnel from an ingress device to an egress device. The filter module applies heuristics to determine whether the packets encapsulate encrypted data units. If the data units are not encrypted, the filter module extracts the data units and generates temporary packets for use within the network device. An attack detection engine within the device analyzes the temporary packets to detect any network attacks carried by the encapsulated data units. A forwarding component selectively forwards the packets to the egress device based on whether any network attacks are detected.
US08266266B2
Systems and methods for selectably controlling and customizing source access to a network, where the source is associated with a source computer, and wherein the source computer has transparent access to the network via a gateway device and no configuration software need be installed on the source computer to access the network. A user may be prevented access from a particular destination or site based upon the user's authorization while being permitted to access to other sites that the method and system deems accessible. The method and system can identify a source without that source's knowledge, and can access customizable access rights corresponding to that source in a source profile database. The source profile database can be a remote authentication dial-in user service (RADIUS) or a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) database. The method and system use source profiles within the source profile database to dynamically authorize source access to networks and destinations via networks.
US08266263B2
A computer program product and system are disclosed for distributed Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) server booting. The computer program product may include an image request module configured to send a PXE boot image request to a master boot server; an assignment receiving module configured to receive a temporary PXE server RAM image and a subset of target machines from the master boot server, the temporary PXE server RAM image configured to assign a recipient target machine as a temporary PXE server, the temporary PXE server configured to agent boot the subset of target machines; a subset boot module configured to send each target machine in the subset of target machines an agent boot image; a subset confirmation module configured to receive a boot confirmation from each target machine, the boot confirmation configured to indicate that the target machine booted successfully; a master confirmation module configured to send a subset boot confirmation to the master boot server, the subset boot confirmation configured to indicate that the subset of target machines booted successfully; and an image receiving module configured to receive an agent boot image.
US08266258B1
Techniques for enhancing a throttle management system are disclosed. A throttle management system can be configured to scale down a number of permits available for connections to a data source. The throttle configuration parameters can be viewed by an administrator and modified during the runtime operation of the computer system effecting the throttle.
US08266235B2
A method for electing a master blade in a virtual application distribution chassis (VADC), includes: sending by each blade a VADC message to each of the other blades; determining by each blade that the VADC message was not received from the master blade within a predetermined period of time; in response, sending a master claim message including a blade priority by each blade to the other blades; determining by each blade whether any of the blade priorities obtained from the received master claim messages is higher than the blade priority of the receiving blade; in response to determining that none of the blade priorities obtained is higher, setting a status of a given receiving blade to a new master blade; and sending by the given receiving blade a second VADC message to the other blades indicating the status of the new master blade of the given receiving blade.
US08266226B2
A method and system is provided to enhance user presence management to enable the federation of rich media sessions. The method is implemented on a system and includes a presence manager server receiving a notification of user activity of one or more users taking place on one or more participating ecosystem sites in a participant ecosystem. The method further includes processing the user activity of the one or more users based on preferences of the one or more participating ecosystem sites established during a registration process and stored in a preference repository. The method further includes sending a notification of the user activity of the one or more users to the one or more participating ecosystem sites in the participant ecosystem to enable the participating ecosystem sites to at least one of communicate the user activity of the one or more users to one or more users and maintain a session of the one or more users.
US08266218B2
At least one filing folder is suggested for filing a particular electronic message. The suggested filing folder is graphically distinguished from the remainder of the folders in the filing system, such that selection of a folder for filing an electronic message is facilitated. A suggested folder name is attached to an electronic message before it is sent. When the electronic message is received and to be filed, the suggested folder is the one bearing the name of the suggested folder name attached to the electronic message.
US08266216B2
A method for creates a directory service in a scalable peer-to-peer-network, which is distributed to groups having at least one peer. In order to release a resource and to start a search enquiry for a resource, allocation values are formed using an allocation instruction according to the resource allocation values from a predefined address area. Only one group is responsible for each allocation value and the release of a resource or search enquiry for a resource is transmitted to the responsible group only.
US08266213B2
An architecture for an electronic gaming machine (EGM) includes multiple processors that separate game logic from game presentation. The multi-processor architecture includes a dedicated game logic engine and a dedicated presentation engine. A first processor having the game logic engine is adapted to handle the input/output (I/O), peripherals, communications, accounting, critical gaming and other game logic, power hit tolerances, protocols to other systems, and other tasks related to operation of the EGM. A second processor is adapted to running a presentation engine. The second processor receives commands from the first processor to present game-oriented outcome and results.
US08266205B2
A first embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods for determining a priority for a set of alert triggers and performing additional processing based on the determined priority. In some embodiments, additional processing may include generating and sending of alert messages. In other embodiments, additional processing may further include determining that the generating and sending of alert messages are to be delayed until a later time. In yet other embodiments, additional processing may include determining that no alert message is to be generated and sent. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods for dynamically selecting a delivery channel and generating an alert message for the selected delivery channel. In some embodiments, the alert message may be formatted based on the selected delivery channel. According to one embodiment, the alert message may be generated based on a compact protocol format. When the alert message is received by a mobile device, the mobile device may use the alert message to generate a second alert message.
US08266200B2
An application interaction system includes: means (136) for storing extraction rules; means (141) for storing conversion rules; means (132) for selecting an extraction rule in means (136); means (133) for extracting data from a first application according to the selected extraction rule; means (134) for selecting a conversion rule in means (141); and means (131), according to the selected conversion rule, for supplying data extracted by means (133) to paste to a second application; and further, means (112) for presenting the selected extraction rule to the first application and supplying the extraction rule after alteration according to data alteration instructions specified in the presented extraction rule, and/or means (122) for supplying information indicating the alteration content according to the data alteration instructions supplied by means (131).
US08266199B2
A specialized processing block for a programmable logic device incorporates a fundamental processing unit that performs a sum of two multiplications, adding the partial products of both multiplications without computing the individual multiplications. Such fundamental processing units consume less area than conventional separate multipliers and adders. The specialized processing block further has input and output stages, as well as a loopback function, to allow the block to be configured for various digital signal processing operations.
US08266190B2
Mechanisms of memory management in a real time runtime environment having a garbage collected memory heap are provided. The runtime environment includes a critical real time thread that is precluded from accessing the garbage collected memory heap. The runtime environment further includes a scoped memory area for the allocation of objects therein for access by the critical real time thread. The mechanisms determine whether the critical real time thread is in a defined state in which a delay associated with garbage collection can be accommodated by the critical thread. The mechanisms further initiate, in response to a determination that the critical real time thread is in the defined state, a process of garbage collection of the scoped memory area.
US08266189B2
Adapters are provided to convert a decoupled provider interface to a coupled provider interface and/or to convert a coupled provider interface to a decoupled provider interface. A decoupled provider may indirectly expose a data model by providing one or more of a sequence of unchanging views of data via snapshots and snapshot update events. A coupled provider may directly expose a dynamic data model or view and model update events. A decoupled consumer of data may consume data that is provided in snapshots and snapshot update events while a coupled consumer may consume data in the form of a dynamic data model and model update events.
US08266186B2
Techniques are disclosed for determining Business Intelligence (BI) tools and/or abstract queries that use similar semantic concepts. A semantics table standardizes semantic concepts across both BI tools and a data abstraction model. A BI concept repository maps BI tools to semantic concepts used by the BI tools. A BI tool and/or an abstract query is recommended to the user, on the basis of the semantic concepts.
US08266185B2
A system for generating concept structures respective of a plurality of multimedia data elements (MMDEs). The system comprises an attention processor (AP) for generating a plurality of items from a received MMDE of the plurality of MMDEs and determining which of the generated items that are of interest for signature generation; a signature generator (SG) for generating at least a signature responsive to at least an item of interest of the received MMDE of the plurality of MMDEs; a clustering processor (CP) for clustering a plurality of signatures received from the signature generator responsive of the plurality of MMDEs, and for creating a signature reduced cluster (SRC) of the cluster; and a concept generator (CG) for associating metadata with the SRC and matches the SRC with previously generated SRC such that SRCs that match form a concept structure comprised of a plurality of SRCs and their associated metadata.
US08266173B1
Searching electronic items stored in memory may include receiving search query terms, compiling a list of electronic items containing at least one instance of each query term, and sorting the list of electronic items based on one or more criteria. From the sorted list, search results may be determined and displayed.
US08266168B2
Disclosed are a system for, and method of, determining whether records correspond to the same individual. The system and method provide such a determination with a known minimum level of confidence. That is, the system and method provide an indication that records correspond to the same individual along with an associated confidence level. The system and method may be used to link records in a database that correspond to the same individuals, creating entity representations in the database.
US08266165B2
A method is disclosed for conducting a search in which measurements of a time-varying property are made and updated during the search, and in which the measurements might be uncertain. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, one or more search algorithm parameters (e.g., the maximum branching factor of a search tree, a depth cutoff for a search tree, a time cutoff, a threshold, etc.) are adjusted dynamically during the search based on at least one of: the degree of uncertainty of the measurements, the variability of measurements over time (e.g., standard deviation, etc.), and the fraction of members whose measurement is better than a threshold. In addition, the illustrative embodiment enables the search space to be pruned based on these criteria.
US08266160B2
Improvements to computer-aided methodology of morphological analysis of a set of text data objects and associated graphic images. The methodology, named contextual data modeling (CDM), involves personal discovery of meaningful interrelations of parametric values and names of text data objects using automated permutation of a data table; plus viewing for each item listed on the table an integrated dialog box (item screen), containing the item's parametric data and other data; plus concurrent and coordinated display of the data table and graphic images associated with items on the data table. Near real time operation optimizes retention of perceived data in the computer user's short term working memory as reasoning leads to modeling (manipulating) the data, including editing and colorization, until the user's reasoning is reflected in the displayed data.
US08266154B2
One particular embodiment accesses a plurality of user profiles corresponding to a plurality of users and a plurality of content objects; ranks the users in descending order based on a number of content objects each of the users has contributed to the social network; represents in log space ranks of the users versus in log space numbers of content objects contributed by the users; determines a threshold rank based on an increasing rate of the ranks of the users, a decreasing rate of the numbers of content objects, and a predetermined value in the log space; and identifies from among the users, those users ranked at and above the threshold rank as high-volume content contributors for the social network. The users belong to a social network; and each of the users has contributed at least one of the content objects to the social network.
US08266151B2
A method and apparatus are provided for building and using a persistent XML tree index for navigating an XML document. The XML tree index is stored separately from the XML document content, and thus is able to optimize performance through the use of fixed-sized index entries. The XML document hierarchy need not be constructed in volatile memory, so creating and using the XML tree index scales even for large documents. To evaluate a path expression including descendent or ancestral syntax, navigation links can be read from persistent storage and used directly to find the nodes specified in the path expression. The use of an abstract navigational interface allows applications to be written that are independent of the storage implementation of the index and the content. Thus, the XML tree index can index documents stored at least in a database, a persistent file system, or as a sequence of in memory.
US08266145B2
An example method is illustrated as including receiving a first content set, the first content set organized according to a rules set, using the rules set to parse the first content set to generate a first pattern set having a plurality of members, assigning a weighted value to each member of the first and a second pattern set based on a frequency of occurrence of each member in the first and second pattern sets, wherein each member of the first and second pattern sets includes digital content, and determining a relevancy score linking each of the members of the first and second pattern set in a one to one mapping of the members of the first pattern set to each of the members of the second pattern set, wherein the relevancy score is based upon the weighted value assigned to each member of the first and second pattern sets.
US08266138B1
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for generating a custom report using an on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for generating an on-demand database service custom report can enable embodiments to generate reports that reflect a relationship between at least two different objects. The ability of embodiments to provide such additional insight into database contents may lead to more efficient and effective reporting.
US08266129B2
A system for endoscope data management of an endoscopic image of a body acquired by an endoscope is provided. An image filing apparatus retrieves the image from the endoscope, and records data of the image and scope ID assigned to the endoscope in association with one another. A washer washes the endoscope. A memory is incorporated in the washer, for storing log information of washing of the endoscope. A data manager retrieves the log information on line with the washer, to record the scope ID and the log information in association with one another. A server device records the data of the image, the scope ID and the log information on line with the image filing apparatus and the data manager. Furthermore, the data manager includes an editor for editing the log information of the washer.
US08266127B2
An embodiment relates generally to a method of providing a directed discussion. The method includes providing for an on-line forum and providing a list of available personnel within the on-line forum. The method also includes receiving a query in the on-line forum and directing the query to the best available personnel on the list of available personnel.
US08266125B2
Systems and methods for managing databases are disclosed. One disclosed system includes a processor-addressable physical memory and a processor in communication with said processor-addressable physical memory and configured to execute an environment and to allocate an environment memory to said environment. In such a system, said environment is configured to maintain a database of objects in a database memory within said environment memory. An application executes in an application memory within said environment memory, and upon instantiation of a database object, the application environment allocates memory in said database for said database object, the database providing master storage for said database object. Upon an instruction to obtain said database object from said application, the environment provides to said application a reference to said database object; and upon an access operation on said database object by said application, provides to said application direct access to data of said database object.
US08266118B2
The use of one resource access policy to populate a second resource access policy. One of more fields of the first resource access policy are each to be used to populate corresponding one or more fields of the second resource access policy. After identifying the field(s) of the first resource access policy, and identifying their corresponding field of the second resource access policy, the information from the source fields of the first resource access policy are then used to populate the destination fields of the second resource access policy. This may be done in an automated fashion thereby allowing for at least the possibility of the transition from one type of resource access security to another.
US08266115B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for de-duplicating electronic content based on comparing metadata. In one aspect, a method includes comparing first metadata associated with a first item of electronic content to second metadata associated with a second item of electronic content, and generating a score based on the comparison. The method also includes establishing that the first and second items of electronic content comprise potentially duplicate content when the score is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and providing information identifying either the first or second items of electronic content for display when establishing that the first and second items of electronic content comprise potentially duplicate content.
US08266109B1
Various systems and methods for performing archive operations are disclosed. One method involves receiving a request to perform an archive operation on a number of data storage containers. The request is received by an archive computer system. A determination is made whether to exclude a given storage container from the archive operation based on information stored in a profile.
US08266095B2
There is provided a substrate processing system that can automatically inspect the operation of various kinds of parts of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus without increasing the load of a main controller in the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. In the substrate processing system of the present invention, inspection data of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus 1 under operation are shared and collected online by a main controller 5, a data collection auxiliary computer 2 and a data collecting computer 3 through a network 6, and the operation state is collectively inspected by an inspecting computer 4.
US08266089B2
The present invention is a method of solving the decision, for example, testing if, given a finite number of transformations which can be applied to a finite number of elements, the corresponding n-generated discrete object has a hamiltonian cycle and/or path, searching, for example, obtaining the explicit construction of one several or all the hamiltonian cycles and or paths of the given input, counting, for example, obtaining an upper bound of the number of Hamiltonian cycles and/or paths of the given input and optimization, for example, selecting one of several hamiltonian cycles and/or paths solutions according to an specified criterion, versions of the hamiltonian traversal (cycle and/or path) problem in class of combinatorial discrete objects.
US08266079B2
A scale-Space feature extraction technique is based on recursive decomposition of polyhedral surfaces into surface patches. The experimental results show that this technique can be used to perform matching based on local model structure. Scale-space techniques can be parameterized to generate decompositions that correspond to manufacturing, assembly or surface features relevant to mechanical design. One application of these techniques is to support matching and content-based retrieval of solid models. Scale-space technique can extract features that are invariant with respect to the global structure of the model as well as small perturbations that 3D laser scanning may introduce. A new distance function defined on triangles instead of points is introduced. This technique offers a new way to control the feature decomposition process, which results in extraction of features that are more meaningful from an engineering viewpoint. The technique is computationally practical for use in indexing large models.
US08266077B2
A method for analyzing documents is disclosed. The method compares concepts consisting of groups of terms for similarity within a corpus of document, clusters documents that contain certain concept term sets together. It may also rank the documents within each cluster according to the frequency of term co-occurrence within the concepts.
US08266076B2
An apparatus, system, and method for quantifying energy usage and savings enables applying the savings to a financial transaction. Quantification includes estimating and/or monitoring usage of utilities by detectors, comparing the usage to a predetermined baseline value, and valuating an energy savings. Quantification relies on a comprehensive database to establish the baseline and to predict usage and savings. A portion of the savings may be applied to any of early repayment of a mortgage loan, investment in securities, and a request for a credit. The method and system standardizes values of energy units and/or monetary units, and quantifies savings. The method and system aids in qualifying the building project based on a concrete estimation of energy savings or a savings within a range. Thus, the method forms a bridge between green, other energy conserving, or sustainable technologies and the financial markets.
US08266075B2
Illustrative embodiments manage an electric vehicle charging transaction. A set of principals associated with the electric vehicle charging transaction is identified. Electric vehicle charging information is retrieved from a set of sources. An energy transaction plan is generated using the electric vehicle charging information. A charging phase of the electric vehicle charging transaction is initiated for an electric vehicle connected to a charging station in accordance with the energy transaction plan. The charging phase comprises at least one of charging the electric vehicle with electricity, storing electricity in an electric storage mechanism associated with the electric vehicle, and removing electricity from the electric storage mechanism to de-charge the electric vehicle. In response to completion of the charging phase, the process then settles the financial obligations of a subset of principals in accordance with the energy transaction plan.
US08266071B2
The present invention is directed to systems and methods to generate a manifest of work that is to be performed by a driver. Specifically, systems and methods are described in the context of a package delivery system to generate a manifest of deliveries and pickups to be performed by a driver and to download the generated manifest to a portable computing device used by the driver to service the route.
US08266066B1
A framework for maintenance, repair and overhaul business management includes a first layer identifying business areas in an MRO business, a second layer identifying one or more processes within each business area and a third layer identifying one or more sub-processes within each process wherein the business area include flight operations management, maintenance execution, maintenance management, engineering and maintenance support, material management, product development, enterprise management, strategic management, and demand generation.
US08266061B2
A digital content editing apparatus that edits a content having license information defining a grant for a reusing operation or a multiple content including a plurality of the contents includes: a reuse license processor that obtains a constraint indicative of a condition on reuse between a content or the multiple content and a content other than the content or the multiple content from the license information of the content or the multiple content; an instruction generator that generates an operation execution instruction of reusing the content or the multiple content according to the constraint obtained by the reuse license processor; a reusing unit that reuses the content or the multiple content based on the operation execution instruction generated by the instruction generator; and an editor that edits the content or the multiple content reused by the reusing unit.
US08266059B2
A method includes receiving an authorization request for a purchase transaction, and determining whether the authorization request arose from proximity-reading a proximity payment device. The method further includes mapping a first account number included in the authorization request into a second account number associated with the first account number if it is determined that the authorization request arose from proximity-reading a proximity payment device and if the first account number is qualified for mapping. In addition, the method includes transmitting the authorization request to an issuer financial institution with the second account number substituted for the first account number in the authorization request.
US08266053B2
A method for providing a financial evaluation of at least one financial instrument or of an issuer supports the provision of a dynamic credit limit. A dynamic credit limit may be associated with a counterparty or a debt security of the counterparty, for example. The method includes obtaining counterparty credit quality data associated with a transaction of the financial instrument between a party and a counterparty. Debt market data is obtained where the debt market data is associated with or relevant to the transaction. A dynamic credit limit is determined for the counterparty or a financial instrument of the counterparty based on at least one of the inputted counterparty credit quality and the obtained debt market data. The dynamic credit limit may be defined in terms of a credit exposure versus time.
US08266049B2
A system and associated methods are provided for smart hedging in an electronic trading environment. According to one example method, a first order for a first tradeable object and a second order for a second tradeable object are placed based on a spread strategy. Upon receiving an indication that a quantity of the first order is filled, the method involves determining if the second order can be used to offset the quantity filled of the first order by determining if a price of the second order would result in achieving a desired spread price defined for the spread strategy. If the price results in the desired price, the second order is used to offset the quantity filled for the first order in an attempt to achieve the desired spread price. Other tools are provided as well.
US08266046B2
A computer-implemented method for analyzing a risk offset associated with a portfolio including a plurality of products traded on an exchange is disclosed. The method includes comparing a first market response of a first product in the portfolio with a second market response of a second product in the portfolio where the first and second market responses result from a change in market data, calculating an offsetting effect between the first market response and the second market response where the first and second market responses are substantially different responses to the same change in the market data, determining a diversification spread based on the offsetting effect derived between the first product and the second product, calculating a diversification spread credit based on the determined diversification spread, and adjusting a margin requirement for the portfolio based on the diversification spread credit.
US08266040B2
An interactive decision support system for monitoring and responding to system and market events displayed within a two dimensional view of a three dimensional system model.
US08266036B1
A method for scheduling processing of an instrument. The method receives instrument information, selects an instrument category for the instrument based on the instrument information, the selected instrument category having a calculation set, assigns the instrument to a job corresponding to the calculation set of the selected instrument category; and sends the job to a computing resource. In another aspect, the method also receives a purpose identifier, and chooses the calculation set from two or more calculation sets of the selected instrument category based on the purpose identifier. In another aspect, the calculation set includes two or more calculation sub-sets, each calculation sub-set having a job priority, and the method includes assigning the instrument to two or more jobs corresponding to each of the two or more calculation sub-sets.
US08266035B2
A data processing system for managing an annuity account associated with a first provision entitling a beneficiary to monetary transfers for a duration of time extending for the life of a first designated party and a second provision granting an option to modify the duration of time. The data processing system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing logic. The logic is operable when executed by the one or more processors to determine whether an option has been elected and, based at least in part on the determination, process one or more monetary transfers to the beneficiary.
US08266032B1
The present invention provides a system and method to process items for sale or bid, to transmit electronic negotiations between prospective buyer and seller, and to verify the condition of the item before delivery to the buyer. The invention facilitates autonomous and remote negotiation between sellers and prospective buyers while protecting buyers from fraud and item misrepresentation. With the present invention, items can be sold individually and are not treated as standardized items that are interchangeable with similar commodity goods. The present invention also provides a waitlisting function. In addition, the functionality of traditional auction systems may be integrated with the novel features of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention provides a system and method for conducting a reverse auction by allowing prospective buyers to list desired items.
US08266027B2
A method, performed by a mobile device, may include receiving transponder information relating to a consumer product, and verifying whether user consent exists to forward the transponder information to a network device for data mining processing. The method may further include transmitting the transponder information to the network device, when user consent exists.
US08266019B2
A method of optimizing the retrieval of object-associated information may include identifying data associated with an object identification. At least one optimization parameter for the retrieval of data associated with an object identification is also identified. An amount of the associated data for transmission is determined using the at least one optimization parameter.
US08266000B1
A real time auction system operates in a non real time mode, and an end game mode in which the users are placed in a forum. In both modes the users are capable of placing bids along with times when those bids should be executed. An agent treats the bids as secret until the time, and then at the time executes those bids.
US08265998B2
Systems and methods for personal financial management using a financial card having a primary account with a plurality of subaccounts within the primary account, the systems and methods includes the financial management, transaction processing systems such as point of sales system, financial account management system and support systems are configured for processing transactions from user selected subaccounts within the primary account in real time at the time of processing each payment transaction and including processing each transaction from user selected subaccounts by indicating at the time of each transaction a particular transaction identifier indicating the particular subaccount within the primary account.
US08265997B2
A system and method for providing dynamic pay-for-placement advertisements via graphics-enabled email that generates a display of advertisements when the email newsletter is opened so the advertisements displayed are based on rankings at the time the email is opened instead of when the email was generated and transmitted. In one embodiment, a graphical-content email having one or more embedded advertisement image references is provided to one or more email recipients. The advertisement image reference, in one embodiment, may include query string parameters indicating the context of the image reference and/or portion of the image reference (i.e., identifying the image reference as being part of a particular newsletter email), a position of the image reference in the email display, and the like. A URL reference also may be included with each advertisement image reference (.e.g., one URL for each advertisement portion of the image to be retrieved by the advertising image reference).
US08265993B2
The present invention involves spending loyalty points over a computerized network to facilitate a transaction. With this system, a loyalty program participant is able to use an existing transaction card to purchase an item over a computerized network, while at the same time offsetting the cost of that transaction by converting loyalty points to a currency value credit and having the credit applied to the participant's financial transaction account. Currency credit from converted loyalty points may also be applied to stored value cards, online digital wallet accounts and the like. Further, currency credit may also be applied to other accounts to effect a gift or donation.
US08265986B2
A system and method for optimizing order fulfillment by considering multiple supply modes in one aspect, plans supply of inventory by forecasting demand, estimating accuracy of said forecasted demand, and establishing reorder point policy based at least on said accuracy of said forecasted demand, a plurality of supply transportation modes, cost of carbon emissions and limit on carbon emission credits. Current inventory position is monitored and if the current inventory position is below the reorder point policy, orders are placed according to a selected shipping method. The selected shipping method may be based at least on customer order priority, transportation budget, and carbon emission limit.
US08265985B2
A goal management system stores at least first and second goals. The goal management system also stores a relationship between the first goal and the second goal. In one aspect, the goal management system detects modification of the first goal and, in response, causes the second goal to be automatically highlighted for alignment verification. In another aspect, the second goal is a parent goal to the first goal, and the relationship is stored as a parent link associating the first goal with the parent goal. The goal management system also stores an owner for the first goal. In response to detecting modification of the parent goal, the goal management system causes the first goal to be automatically highlighted for alignment verification in a display associated with the owner of the first goal, based on the parent link. Additional aspects relate to additional technological solutions which facilitate goal management through, for example, goal alignment.
US08265979B2
A method for process modeling includes reading a record of executions of a process including at least first and second activities, and identifying in one of the executions in the record respective first and second lifespans of the first and second activities, defined by respective initiating and finish events, such that the initiating event of the second lifespan occurs during the first lifespan. A graphic model of the process is generated, so as to reflect a concurrency of the first and second activities, responsively to occurrence of the initiating event of the second lifespan during the first lifespan.
US08265978B2
In a computerized system and method for scheduling medical procedures implemented by a number of medical apparatuses in a clinic or hospital, an exam or therapy is scheduled using a particular medical apparatus with a set time duration, and the exam or therapy is conducted and the actual time duration occupied by the medical apparatus to conduct the exam or therapy is recorded. The time durations for each medical procedure conducted by each medical apparatus are entered into and stored in a statistical data base. A scheduling computer has access to this statistical data base, and the next exam or therapy for the same apparatus is then scheduled using a time duration that is statistically updated based on the statistical compilation in the data base.
US08265967B2
A multiple routes for multiple passengers are produced by ordering passenger groups and for each passenger group, constructing an individual query and sending the individual query to a travel planning system. Solutions based on the individual query are received from the travel planning system and a single individual solution is selected from the response. Constraints are added to subsequent individual queries based on previously selected individual solutions and joint travel requirements or preferences.
US08265949B2
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed which generate surgical plans that have been customized for a particular patient. One such system includes a client, a surgical plan system and a computer assisted orthopaedic surgery system. The client generates a surgical plan request that includes data relevant to a patient and an orthopaedic surgical procedure to be performed upon the patient. The surgical plan system receives the surgical plan request and generates a surgical plan that has been customized based upon the data of the surgical plan request. The computer assisted orthopaedic surgery system assists a surgeon performing the orthopaedic surgical procedure per the surgical plan generated by the surgical plan system.
US08265947B2
The principles of the present invention provide the ability to flexibly change the delivery point and time for a mail item, while the item is en route. The recipient, sender, or mailer may flexibly change the delivery point of the item alone or in combination with each other. While an item is en route between the sending point and the delivery point, a notification is sent to indicate that the item is in transit. In response, the delivery of the item may be changed. For example, the destination specified by the sender (e.g., the delivery address written on the item) may be changed or a delivery time may be specified. The item is then delivered to the new delivery point and/or at the specified delivery time.
US08265945B2
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.
US08265944B2
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: detecting deviation from a compliant execution of a template by an end user, the template designed to facilitate the end user to achieve one or more target outcomes when one or more emulatable aspects included in the template are emulated, the one or more emulatable aspects being based on one or more relevant reported aspects of one or more source users that are relevant to achieving the one or more target outcomes; and executing one or more actions in response to the detecting of the deviation In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08265943B2
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: receiving a request for a personalized plan designed to facilitate an end user to achieve one or more target outcomes when one or more emulatable aspects indicated by the personalized plan are emulated, the request identifying at least a source user; acquiring source user data indicating a plurality of reported aspects associated with at least the source user in response to receiving the request; and developing the personalized plan by at least determining which of the plurality of reported aspects associated with the source user are relevant to the achievement of the one or more target outcomes. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08265935B2
Device independent Media Processing Extension (MPX) data, corresponding to media data, may be decoded by a media rendering device and may be utilized to determine and/or execute processing steps and/or processing parameters for processing the media data. During the processing and/or rendering, processing steps and/or parameters may be dynamically determined and/or adjusted. A user preference profile, media rendering device profile and/or media rendering environment profile may be utilized to generate, store and/or restore MPX data. Furthermore, MPX data that may be input by a user, manufacturer or a vendor, may be stored in a plurality of ways, for example, within a media data file, an external file and/or within an MTP or PTP object property associated the media data. The media data may comprise one or more of video data, still image data and audio data, for example.
US08265932B2
A system and method for identifying audio command prompts for use in a voice response environment is provided. A signature is generated for audio samples each having preceding audio, reference phrase audio, and trailing audio segments. The trailing segment is removed and each of the preceding and reference phrase segments are divided into buffers. The buffers are transformed into discrete fourier transform buffers. One of the discrete fourier transform buffers from the reference phrase segment that is dissimilar to each of the discrete fourier transform buffers from the preceding segment is selected as the signature. Audio command prompts are processed to generate a discrete fourier transform. Each discrete fourier transform for the audio command prompts is compared with each of the signatures and a correlation value is determined. One such audio command prompt matches one such signature when the correlation value for that audio command prompt satisfies a threshold.
US08265930B1
The present invention relates to recording voice data using a voice communication device connected to a communication network and converting the voice data into a text file for delivery to a text communication device. In accordance with the present invention, the voice communication device may transfer the voice data in real-time or store the voice data on the device to be transmitted at a later time. Transcribing the voice data into a text file may be accomplished by automated computer software, either speaker-independent or speaker-dependent or by a human who transcribes the voice data into a text file. After transcribing the voice data into a text file, the text file may be delivered to a text communication device in a number of ways, such as email, file transfer protocol (FTP), or hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP).
US08265919B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for emulating a mass storage device and a file system of a mass storage device. In a first aspect, a human-portable data processing device that includes one or more data processors that perform operations in accordance with machine-readable instructions, an incoming message classifier configured to classify an incoming read command according to an address of the data requested by the incoming read command, and an emulation data generation component connected to respond to the classification of the incoming read command by the incoming message classifier to generate emulation data emulating that which would have been read by the incoming read command were the human-portable data processing device a mass storage device; and a bus controller configured to respond to the incoming read command with the emulation data generated by the emulation data generation component.
US08265918B1
Co-simulation platforms generally include a software-based system and a hardware-based system in which different portions of the circuit design are either simulated in a software-based system or emulated on a hardware-based system. Before a model of circuit design can be co-simulated, the circuit design must be transformed and configured into a form that can execute and interface with a specific hardware-based system. The embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system, and article of manufacture for co-simulation of a portion of a circuit design and achieve an advance in the art by improving co-simulation configuration and setup and providing co-simulation adjustment capabilities during runtime.
US08265914B2
A system, method and memory medium for injecting positional information into a geological data set for improved modeling of surfaces in a geological formation. The method involves: (1) displaying a cross section of the formation through a selected subset of wells, where the displayed cross section includes well picks for the selected wells; (2) opening a gap in an unconformity of the displayed cross section, where the gap is opened at one or more wells that intersect the unconformity, where the gap represents non-deposition and/or material that is missing from the formation due to erosion; (3) receiving user input specifying positions of tops within the gap; and (4) closing the gap, where closing the gap includes calculating positions of restored tops based on the positions of the tops specified within the gap, where the positions of the restored tops are usable to model one or more surfaces in the formation.
US08265912B2
The present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method for modeling a mounting assembly having a mounting strap configured to couple a component to a bracket. The method includes modeling a loosened configuration of the mounting strap, wherein the loosened configuration provides a first substantially continuous curvature of portions of the mounting strap engaged with the bracket and the component. The method also includes applying simulated stresses to the mounting strap in the loosened configuration and outputting failure mode information of the mounting strap based on the simulated stresses on the mounting strap.
US08265906B2
A method for automatic identification of execution phases in load test data includes receiving load test data. A period of time of the load test data is divided into a plurality of intervals. For each pair of proximate intervals of the plurality of intervals, a first interval is compared with a second interval to determine whether application execution characteristics for each of the pair of proximate intervals are substantially equivalent. The pair of proximate intervals is combined into a single interval when it is determined that the pair is substantially equivalent. Each of the pair of proximate intervals is divided into subintervals when it is determined that the pair of proximate intervals is not substantially equivalent. One or more execution phases are automatically identified as occurring between proximate intervals that are not substantially equivalent.
US08265899B2
The present invention relates to the field of data merging, the term “data” encompassing “observation data”. It relates notably to the data obtained from processing of sonar, radar or optronic signals. The subject of the invention is a method for carrying out the spectral merging and characterization of tracks, each track including the data relating to the evolution over time of the bearing position and of the Doppler frequency of an assumed object. This method includes: a first step of merging the initial tracks which correspond substantially to identical observation directions (azimuths); and a second step of frequency analysis of the tracks resulting from merging the initial tracks and of characterizing the merged tracks whose spectrum takes the form of a harmonic comb characteristic of a single real object. The invention finds for example its application in data merging and echo classification, for narrowband passive sonar applications.
US08265898B2
A computing system and method verifies a probe tip of a coordinate measuring machine. The computing system simulates a virtual sphere and calculates coordinates of the center of the virtual sphere. The coordinates of first real contact points of the real sphere is obtained to calculate coordinates of the center of the real sphere and coordinates of the ideal contact points of the real sphere. The computing system obtains coordinates of second real contact points of the real sphere is obtained according to the coordinates of the ideal contact points of the real sphere. The radius of the probe tip is calculated according to the coordinates of second real contact points of the real sphere. The computing system determines if the calculated radius of the probe tip falls in an allowable range.
US08265895B2
The present disclosure relates to interactive systems and methods for dimensioning with a mobile device. The mobile device can include an accelerometer, imager, and a corresponding algorithm configured to compute dimensions based on a plurality of inputs from the accelerometer, imager, etc. Specifically, the accelerometer allows the mobile device to measure acceleration and time, and the algorithm is configured to convert these measurements into distances. Additionally, with a three-axis accelerometer, the user can move the device off an axis being measured and still receive an accurate measurement, i.e. the algorithm can compensate for off-axis movement. Further, the present invention can incorporate an imager on the mobile device to provide additional compensation supplementing the algorithm and allowing the user additional freedom to be positioned away from the starting and end-point of a measurement.
US08265893B2
A digital reordering unit, an ultrasonic front-end device and operating method thereof are provided. The ultrasonic front-end device may be connected between a probe and a detector of the ultrasonic system and controlled by a primary controller of the ultrasonic system, the ultrasonic front-end device having an ultrasonic transmission part and an ultrasonic reception part, wherein the ultrasonic transmission part includes a transmission beamformer and M transmission driving units, and has M transmission channels; the ultrasonic reception part includes M high-voltage isolation circuits, RC amplifiers, RC ADCs and a beamformer electrically serially connected and has RC reception channels, where RC=[N, 2N, 3N . . . p*N], N being an integer larger than or equal to 1, being characterized in that, M low-voltage analog switches and a network of resistors are serially connected between the M high-voltage isolation circuits and the RC amplifiers.
US08265890B2
A microcomputer-equipped system for electric power tool includes a microcomputer, a reference voltage generator, a reference data storage unit, and a first determiner. The microcomputer includes an analog-to-digital (AD) converter and at least one AD port. The reference voltage generator generates and inputs to the AD port a reference voltage having a predetermined value. The reference data storage unit prestores reference data corresponding to the reference voltage. The first determiner compares diagnostic data obtained by AD conversion by the AD converter of the reference voltage inputted to the AD port with the reference data to determine, in case that difference between the diagnostic data and the reference data is out of a predefined allowable range, that an AD abnormal state has occurred in which a correct result of the AD conversion is unable to be obtained from the AD converter.
US08265886B2
A non-destructive testing device for pipes is provided. The device extracts information on defects from signals captured by ultrasound receivers following the selective excitation of ultrasound transmitters according to a selected time rule. The receivers form an arrangement with a selected geometry, coupled in an ultrasound fashion, with relative rotation/translation movement, with the pipe. The device includes a converter that selectively isolates a digital representation of echoes in designated time windows, as a function of the movement, and by extracting an image of defects, a filter which determines presumed defect zones and properties of these, a combiner to prepare working digital inputs from an extract of images of a defect zone, a neural circuit receiving the working inputs, a digital decision and alarm stage working on the basis of the output of the neural circuit, and a sorting and marking robot.
US08265885B2
A method for monitoring stress on a wind turbine blade during loading is disclosed. The method includes capturing multiple images at respective locations of the blade. The method also includes measuring temperature at the respective locations based upon captured images. The method further includes calculating stress applied on the blade at the respective locations based upon the measured temperature. The method also includes calculating stress applied on the blade at the respective locations based upon the measured temperature. The method further includes comparing the calculated stress with respective theoretical stress in a finite element model to predict lifetime of the blade. The method also includes alerting an operator in event that the calculated stress at one or more of the respective locations is above a pre-determined limit.
US08265882B2
A method and a device for the automatic determination of selected physical and colloidal chemistry parameters by determining the attenuation of radiated waves through monodisperse or polydisperse dispersion samples subjected to gravitation or centrifugation, wherein during the segregation by means of centrifugation or gravitation, the instantaneous transmission IT(t, r) characterizing the current segregation status of the waves radiated with the intensity Io(t, r) and/or the instantaneous scattering IS(t, r) as a function of the position within the samples is repeatedly determined and recorded at high resolution at any arbitrary time for one or more wavelengths over the entire length of the sample or in selected partial sections of it, simultaneously for multiple and even concentrated samples with known and/or unknown physical and colloidal chemistry properties.
US08265856B2
A method to supply fuel to an engine of a vehicle is provided. The method includes adjusting a direct injection of fuel into a cylinder of the engine based on whether the vehicle is in a pre-delivery state. In one example, the method includes reducing an amount of fuel in a post injection to reduce cylinder bore wetting effects and lubricant dilution during the engine cold start. After pre-delivery, a normal post injection schedule may be used to reduce emissions.
US08265846B2
A method for reducing or mitigating the effects of vibration in a vehicle brake system, particularly those that can lead to brake groan or other unwanted noise. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the vehicle brake system detects certain vibratory conditions, it makes slight braking adjustments (e.g., adjustments to fluid pressure, brake force, brake torque, etc.) that are aimed to address the brake groan. The vehicle brake system can then determine the effectiveness of the braking adjustments and, if need be, make additional braking adjustments. The method is particularly well suited for use with brake-by-wire systems, but can be used with a number of different vehicle braking systems.
US08265845B2
A right-left driving force control system includes: a selecting unit which: selects an adjusting unit adjusting distribution of a driving force between right and left wheels, when a shifting direction in which the driving force is shifted between the wheels and which is related to a control amount is the same as a first direction towards one of the wheels which has a larger speed; selects a limiting unit adjusting a differential action limiting force, when the shifting direction is the same as a second direction towards one of the wheels which has a smaller speed, and a difference between the wheel speeds is equal to or larger than a threshold value; and maintains the adjusting unit or the limiting unit, which has been selected, when the shifting direction is the same as the second direction, and the difference between the wheel speeds is less than the threshold value; and a control unit which controls the adjusting unit or the limiting unit, which is selected or maintained by the selecting unit, based on the control amount.
US08265841B2
In a shift control device operative to determine shift positions based on an absolute positional information related to a mechanical displacement of a shift mechanism, it is intended that the shift positions are accurately determined regardless of disturbance and deterioration with time. It is determined as to whether a varying width of a position voltage PV representing absolute positional information relative to a varying width of a pulse count number CP representing relative positional information is larger than an varying allowable range. When a state, under which difference between the both variations is larger than the varying allowable range, continues beyond a determining time T, a determination is made that persistent disturbance is existed in the position voltage PV, and a correlation between the position voltage PV and the shift positions “P”, “R”, “N” and “D” is learnt and corrected. This allows the correlation to be corrected even if a variation occurs in the position voltage PV due to for instance variations in a disturbance magnetic field or an environmental temperature, a change with time of an output characteristic of a hall element 78, so that the shift position can be determined based on the position voltage PV with increased precision at all times.
US08265840B2
A control device for an automatic transmission is disclosed wherein a shift point depending on a variation in vehicle acceleration is modified on a real time basis in accordance with not only a corrected result on a shift point depending on piece-to-piece variations of automatic transmissions, but also actual acceleration for shortening a time required for learning with high precision with no need to be matched. Shift point real-time modifying means is provided for modifying the altered shift point based on a value of a ratio between a value of actual engine-rotation acceleration at an upshift-determining timing during a power-on running and a value of reference engine-rotation acceleration obtained by substituting a value of actual engine-rotation acceleration to a value for a reference running state having no impact on acceleration of a vehicle, and a target maximum engine rotation speed.
US08265839B2
A method for controlling an automatic gearbox pertaining to a motor vehicle in a braking phase. According to the method, a gear ratio or speed value of the gearbox, requested on the basis of pre-established laws, is determined; and, on the basis of the value and parameters representative of the situation of the vehicle, a corrected gear ratio or speed value of the gearbox, able to trigger an anticipated downshifting of the automatic gearbox, is determined. The corrected gear ratio value of the gearbox is determined on the basis of an estimation of the desired primary speed for the automatic gearbox.
US08265834B2
A sensor system has object detection sensors 4 which are mounted on door mirrors 2 and have a parking space search mode for searching for an object within ranges extending laterally from a vehicle 14, and a vehicle monitoring mode for searching for an object in rear lateral sides of the vehicle 14 by folding and retracting the door mirrors 2; and a control section 7 for causing the object detection sensors 4 to be driven when the vehicle 14 travels at a speed equal to or less than a prescribed value, and for making a search frequency of the object detection sensors 4 higher in the parking space search mode than in the vehicle monitoring mode.
US08265832B2
There is described a vehicle comprising a spring-mounted vehicle seat (3; 13) in a spring-mounted vehicle cab (2; 12), wherein the vehicle seat (3; 13) is spring-mounted by means of at least one first spring element (24) and/or one first damping element (25) relative to the vehicle cab (2; 12) in the vehicle height and/or vehicle length and/or vehicle width direction, and the vehicle cab (2; 12) is spring-mounted by means of at least one second spring element (15) and/or second damping element (14) relative to a vehicle frame (11) in the vehicle height and/or vehicle length and/or vehicle width direction, comprising a control device (34) which, as a function of a first measured acceleration value of an excursion of the vehicle frame (11), causes a first application of force for regulating the excursion of the first spring element (24) and/or damping element (25) and a second application of force for regulating the excursion of the second spring element (15) and/or the functional element (14), in mutual dependence on one another. A method for the suspension of such a vehicle is also described.
US08265829B2
A steering control system is connectable to a motor configured to control a steering and a LAN (Local Area Network) and is allowed to receive a control signal for controlling said motor from the LAN is received. The steering control system includes: a motor configured to control a steering; a main calculation unit connectable to the LAN; a motor drive circuit connected to the main calculation unit and configured to drive the motor; a sub calculation unit connectable to the LAN; and a motor drive limiting unit connected to the sub calculation unit and configured to limit a drive of the motor.
US08265828B2
The control apparatus for an electric power steering system is designed to satisfy the first spec that a first relation characteristic between speed of the electric motor to generate steering assist force and the steering wheel torque is the same as a basic relation characteristic in which the electric motor is driven in accordance with a basic assist amount calculated on the basis of the measured steering torque not corrected by an assist compensation amount calculated depending on the operating state of the electric power steering system, and to satisfy the second spec that a second relation characteristic between speed of the electric motor and a road surface reaction force is such that speed of the electric motor is suppressed compared to a case where the electric motor is driven in accordance with the basic relation characteristic.
US08265827B2
A parking assist apparatus (1) has: an identifying portion (2a) that identifies a target parking position when the vehicle is at a temporary stop position having a predetermined positional relation with the target parking position; a parking-assisting portion (2b) that assists steering operation of a driver of the vehicle based on the target parking position when parking the vehicle. For facilitating the driver to visually confirm a positional relation between a specific portion of the target parking position and the vehicle, the parking assist apparatus includes at least one of a polarizing film (8), auxiliary mirror (12), member (22,32) provided on a vehicle mirror and extending in the vehicle lateral direction, transparent portion (42) provided in a passenger-side door, adjusting device (53) that adjusts the direction of the lower edge of the vehicle mirror, irradiating device (74) that radiates a laser, optical-axis adjusting portion (83) that adjusts an optical axis of a headlight of the vehicle.
US08265815B2
A method of controlling output torque in a hybrid or electric vehicle transmissions includes calculating a first long-term output torque constraint and a first short-term output torque constraint. A first effective output torque constraint is determined from at least one of the first long-term and short-term output torque constraints. The first effective output torque constraint is bounded by both of the first long-term and short-term output torque constraints. The method may further include calculating a rate limit, such that determining the first effective output torque constraint includes restricting the magnitude of changes in the first long-term output torque constraint to the calculated rate limit. A spread between the first short-term output torque constraint and the first effective output torque constraint may be measured, and the rate limit calculated as a function of that spread. The rate limit may also be calculated with an inversely-proportional relationship to the spread.
US08265809B2
The present invention relates to an autonomous underwater vehicle (“AUV”) for monitoring underwater fluid currents by detecting electrical currents induced by the flow of a conductive liquid through the Earth's magnetic field. More particularly, the present invention relates to the gathering of data related to underwater fluid currents and the control of AUV motion during data gathering.
US08265807B2
An automatic takeoff and landing apparatus for an aircraft for realizing a takeoff run and performing an ascending flight of the aircraft up to a target altitude at takeoff; and for realizing an approaching flight and performing a landing run of the aircraft at landing.
US08265802B2
A method of determining a dynamic stability margin MSD of an aircraft includes calculating the longitudinal position XMP of a maneuver point MP to find the distance between the maneuver point and the position XCG of the aircraft center of gravity CG, as a function of the angular velocity ωO of an incidence oscillation of the aircraft. A device for determining the dynamic stability margin MSD or a position XMP of the maneuver point MP includes means or acquisition of data and or calculating a dynamic stability margin. The means receive data for generating, the aircraft mass m and pitch inertia Iyy; the flight speed V; the angular velocity ωO of the incidence oscillation at a flight point; a coefficient C*α representing Czα of a “quasi-static” model of the aircraft. The aircraft flight control laws may be adapted according to the stability margin and to XMP.
US08265799B2
A first reception unit receives “ambient temperature” which is a temperature of surroundings where the computer is installed. A second reception unit receives “first device temperature” which is a temperature of a first device provided in the computer. A third reception unit receives “second device temperature” which is a temperature of a second device provided in the computer. A fan rotation speed indicating unit determines the rotation speed of the fan based on a comparison between the ambient temperature, first device temperature, and second device temperature which are received by the first to third reception units and a fan rotation speed description table describing a relationship between the respective temperature and fan rotation speed and instructs the fan to rotate at the determined rotation speed.
US08265797B2
Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, authentication procedures are provided for one or both of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module to determine if they are authorized to operate together.
US08265793B2
A mobile robot provides telecommunication service between a remote user at a remote terminal and a local user in proximity to the mobile robot. The remote user can connect to the mobile robot via the Internet using a peer-to-peer VoIP protocol, and control the mobile robot to navigate about the mobile robot's environment. The mobile robot includes a microphone, a video camera and a speaker for providing telecommunication functionality between the remote user and the local user. Also, a hand-held RC unit permits the local user to navigate the mobile robot locally or to engage privacy mode for the mobile robot. When NAT or a firewall obstructs connection from the remote terminal to the mobile robot, an Internet server facilitates connection using methods such as STUN, TURN, or relaying.
US08265787B2
Based on the positions of a first marker and a second marker of a first substrate placed on a placing surface of a substrate placing table (1), a substrate processing apparatus makes the direction of a line connecting the first marker and the second marker accord with the moving direction of a gantry (2). The positions of the first marker and a third marker, in the state that the direction of the line connecting the first marker and the second marker accord with the moving direction, are stored in a storage section. After a second substrate is placed on the placing surface of the substrate placing table (1), the direction of a line connecting the first marker and the third marker on the second substrate is made to accord with the direction of a line connecting the first marker and the third marker calculated from the position of the third marker and the fourth marker on the first substrate stored in the storage section.
US08265784B1
A library has a physical cartridge access port (PCAP) for receiving cartridges which are to be entered/ejected into/out of the library. The library is partitioned into partitions each having a set of the library cells such that the library appears to a host as multiple libraries with each partition appearing to the host as a respective one of the multiple libraries. Some cells are reserved for use by the partitions as virtual cartridge access ports (VCAPs) which appear to the host as being the PCAP such that cartridges, which are to be ejected out of the partitions, are exported from the cells of the partitions to the VCAPs for subsequent transfer from the VCAPs to the PCAP, and such that cartridges, which are to be entered into the partitions, are imported from the VCAPs to the cells of the partitions after having been moved from the PCAP to the VCAPs.
US08265771B2
A therapy or monitoring system may implement one or more techniques to mitigate interference between operation of a charging device that charges a first implantable medical device (IMD) implanted in a patient and a second IMD implanted in the patient. In some examples, the techniques may include modifying an operating parameter of the charging device in response to receiving an indication that a second IMD is implanted in the patient. The techniques also may include modifying an operating parameter of the second IMD in response to detecting the presence or operation of the charging device.
US08265759B2
A device and method are provided to treat heart failure by stimulating to cause diaphragm contraction.
US08265753B2
Detecting patterns in sensed implantable medical device (IMD) data is described. One implementation involves an IMD that includes a data-driven pattern detection network embodied on the IMD to detect a pattern from sensed patient data. The IMD also includes one or more algorithms embodied on the IMD to utilize the pattern to effect patient therapy.
US08265745B2
A system and method is provided that allows for determining the local impedance of one or more electrodes of an electrode catheter. Such local impedance may be utilized to identify the relative position of an electrode catheter to a sheath of a guiding introducer. In another arrangement, local impedance of a catheter electrode can be utilized to calibrate a catheter electrode to provide improved contact sensing.
US08265741B2
A medical device for processing physiological signals such as electrocardiograms. The processing includes: sampling a physiologic signal in a first channel with a first sampling rate, simultaneously sampling the physiologic signal in a second channel with a higher sampling rate to thus generate pairs of sampling values, forming the difference between two sampling values of each pair, comparing said difference with a threshold, and generating a noise detection indicator whenever said threshold is exceeded.
US08265739B1
Techniques are provided for use in a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) for distinguishing cardiac ischemia from other conditions affecting the morphology of electrical cardiac signals sensed within a patient, such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or other systemic conditions. In one example, the device detects changes in morphological features of cardiac signals indicative of possible cardiac ischemia within the patient, such as changes in ST segment elevation within an intracardiac electrogram (IEGM). The device determines whether the changes in the morphological features are the result of spatially localized changes within a portion of the heart and then distinguishes cardiac ischemia from other conditions affecting the morphology of electrical cardiac signals based on that determination. In another example, the device exploits the interval between the peak of a T-wave (Tmax) and the end of the T-wave (Tend). A significant increase in the Tend−Tmax interval is indicative of ischemia rather than a systemic condition.
US08265737B2
Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In illustrative examples, sensed data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data.
US08265727B2
A surgical vaporization electrode (1) including an electrode head (2) which in turn is fitted with a functional surface (6) and which is connected at a minimum of one connection site (10) to a feed conductor (3) enclosed by an insulating sheath (4), is characterized in that the surface zone (7) of the electrode head (2) surrounding the connection site (10) is fitted with a ceramic covering (8).
US08265724B2
There is provided a system and method for canceling shunted light. The method includes transmitting electromagnetic radiation at tissue of interest and generating a signal representative of detected electromagnetic radiation. A portion of the generated signal representing shunted light is canceled from the generated signal and the remaining portion of the generated signal is used to compute physiological parameters.
US08265721B2
An apparatus including a first housing; a second housing slidably connected to the first housing along a substantially straight linear path between a first position and a second position; and a biasing system configured to alternatively bias the second housing towards the first position and the second position. The biasing system includes a linkage connected to the first and second housings and a spring connected between the first housing and the linkage.
US08265705B2
A mobile terminal and a method of executing a call function using the mobile terminal are provided such that the call function is executed in the mobile terminal including a plurality of touch screens, and various graphic user interfaces with respect to the call function are displayed to a user such that the user can conveniently use the call function.
US08265703B2
A method of running an application in a mobile communication terminal is disclosed. The method includes, if a predetermined key-value is input on a standby screen, analyzing the key-value to determine which application (or applications) to run; setting a parameter for running the application determined according to the key-value analysis result as the key-value; and running the application using the set parameter. A mobile communication terminal for running an application includes: a key input unit for receiving a predetermined key-value on a standby screen; a controller for if the key-value is input through the key input unit, analyzing the key-value to determine which application to run and setting a parameter for running the application determined according to the key-value analysis result as the key-value; and an application driver for running the application using the parameter set by the controller.
US08265702B2
A access point (AP) during wireless communication with at least one wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), transmits a beacon signal periodically among a plurality of sectors, each sector having its own sector identity, the beacon signal being periodically received at least once in a beacon period and the beacon period comprising a plurality of beacon service periods for all sectors. The AP determines a scheduling value to indicate a number of inactive beacon periods for a first sector to at least one WTRU located in the first sector. The scheduling value is transmitted with the sector identity for the first sector, such that a variable beacon period is established for the first sector, enabling the at least one WTRU located in the first sector to enter a sleep mode for an adjustable period of time.
US08265700B2
A processing unit transmits, from at least one of a plurality of antennas, data corresponding respectively to the plurality of antennas. A control unit generates request signals with which to let a second radio apparatus supply information on rates at the second radio apparatus. When transmitting the request signal, the processing unit also transmits, from a plurality of antennas which includes antennas other than the antennas that transmit the data, known signals corresponding respectively to the plurality of antennas.
US08265699B2
A quantized multi-rank beamforming scheme for multiple-antenna systems such as a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless downlink. User equipment (UE) estimates downlink channel and transmit power and determines rank and power allocations. A quantized beamforming matrix is then determined by the UE using successive beamforming. The UE also determines channel quality indices (CQI) which it feeds-back to the wireless downlink base station along with the index of the quantized beamforming matrix. The base station uses the CQI information to select a UE for scheduling of downlink transmission and the quantized beamforming matrix index received from the selected UE to beamform the downlink transmission to the UE. Base station overhead and is minimized while providing near-optimal performance given the constraints of a limited feed-back channel and computational complexity of the UE.
US08265698B2
A quantized multi-rank beamforming scheme for multiple-antenna systems such as a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless downlink. User equipment (UE) estimates downlink channel and transmit power and determines rank and power allocations. A quantized beamforming matrix is then determined by the UE using successive beamforming. The UE also determines channel quality indices (CQI) which it feeds-back to the wireless downlink base station along with the index of the quantized beamforming matrix. The base station uses the CQI information to select a UE for scheduling of downlink transmission and the quantized beamforming matrix index received from the selected UE to beamform the downlink transmission to the UE. Base station overhead and is minimized while providing near-optimal performance given the constraints of a limited feed-back channel and computational complexity of the UE.
US08265695B2
A wireless communication terminal includes a SIM card and a memory card equipped with respective radio transceivers for allowing a terminal-independent and network-independent radio communication between both cards. Server and client applications on the controllers of the transceivers allow the SIM to manage the memory card. The memory card tries to become connected to the SIM. If connection is successful, the SIM authenticates the memory card and then configures it, in secure mode, to set the access policy to the memory card itself.
US08265685B2
The invention relates to a user equipment (600) comprising a receiving unit (606) arranged to receive, when the user equipment (600) is in idle mode, data from a base station indicating an identification of a second cell of a second frequency, a control unit (610) arranged to determine, based on the received data, that the user equipment (600) is not allowed access to the second cell, and, upon determination that the user equipment is not allowed access to the second cell, to perform a cell selection process to change from a present camped first cell of a first frequency to a third cell of a third frequency being different than the first frequency.
US08265678B2
A method (400) of communicating data and a communication device (104) that communicates data. At least a first portion of the data can be encoded into at least one frame (202, 204, 208, 210) having a first bit length, and encoding at least a second portion of the data into at least one frame (206, 212) having a second bit length. The method also can include placing the at least one frame having the first bit length and the at least one frame having the second bit length into an adaptive data packet (108) having a fixed bit length and a fixed number of frames. The adaptive data packet can be communicated to a communication device (106).
