US08469954B2
A RF ablation device includes a probe assembly that has an elongate cannula having a lumen disposed interiorly of an external wall of the cannula. The elongate cannula includes a plurality of slots formed within the external wall that provide access to the lumen. The probe assembly includes an electrode member that is slidably disposed within the elongate cannula, the electrode member including a plurality of tines configured for passage through the plurality of slots. The slots are disposed in a staggered arrangement or pattern about the external wall of the cannula. The staggered arrangement of slots may be used in a monopolar or bipolar arrangement of the electrodes on the cannula. A bipolar arrangement of electrodes using the staggered configuration produces larger ablation areas in a shorter period of time as compared to prior designs.
US08469953B2
Devices and methods for cooling microwave antennae and microwave hub construction are disclosed herein. The cooling system and hub can be utilized with a variety of microwave antenna types. A microwave hub is utilized to provide cooling fluids to a microwave antenna. The hub is constructed using no glue or adhesive for holding the different parts of the chambers in place. O-rings provide an increased reliability and consistency for fluid-tight seals in the hub. The various parts of the hub are form fitted and work together with the o-rings.
US08469943B2
A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on at least a portion of the coating layer 16, wherein the coating layer 16 provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer 20 can be posited over the bioactive material layer 18, wherein the porous layer includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyamide, parylene or a parylene derivative, which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, and merely by condensation of a monomer vapor.
US08469935B2
A reduced-pressure abdominal treatment device is presented that has a plurality of liquid-impermeable layers with a foam spacer between two of the liquid-impermeable layers. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers have a coextensive area A1. The foam spacer has a plan-view area A2. A2 is less than 80% of A1 (i.e., A2<0.8A1). The foam spacer is configured such that, under reduced pressure, a target fluid removal zone experiences reduced-pressure vectors over an angle theta (θ) that is typically 360 degrees for a majority of locations in the target fluid removal zone. Applying 360 degrees of reduced pressure helps avoid blockage. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers may be bonded for various effects. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08469933B2
A system for controlling flow of a fluid in a tube with a controlling device includes a pinch clamp. The pinch clamp has a first leg, a second leg, a connecting region there between, a pinching region, and a first part of a quick release connector. The first leg and the second leg are both connected to the connecting region. Whether the pinching region is in an open position or in a closed position is determined by spacing between the first leg and the second leg. The first leg includes the first part of the quick release connector. The first part of the quick release connector includes an element for quickly mounting the pinch clamp to the controlling device and for quickly dismounting the pinch clamp from the controlling device.
US08469928B2
A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter.
US08469926B2
A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of randomly oriented fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.
US08469917B2
An insertion device for infusion sets, including a housing for generally enclosing an infusion set placed in the insertion device and a drive device for displacing the infusion set, wherein the displacing is as friction-free as possible with respect to the housing.
US08469916B2
Certain examples describe systems and methods for increasing plasma extracted from donor blood. An example method includes receiving blood extracted from a donor connected to a blood collection machine. The example method includes filtering the blood using a filtration device to remove at least a portion of plasma included in the blood to separate the plasma removed from remaining blood. The example method includes routing the plasma removed for collection. The example method includes re-filtering the remaining blood using a or the filtration device to remove additional plasma from the remaining blood. The example method includes routing the additional plasma removed for collection.
US08469912B2
A wrap for encircling a portion of a living body has a relatively non-stretchable support and a strap that has an attached zone attached to the support. The strap is relatively stretchable along its length as measured from that zone and long enough to encircle the portion of the living body and attach, with some stretching, back to an attachment means on the support for keeping the encircled portion of the body wrapped. The strap has relatively stretchable material that stretches with stretching of the strap and serves to attach the strap back to the attachment means on the support after having encircled the portion of the body.
US08469905B2
An ultrasonic foot massage machine is disclosed. The ultrasonic generator arranged inside the ultrasonic foot massage machine is connected with a first ultrasonic transducer and a second ultrasonic transducer that emit ultrasonic of different frequencies, respectively. The first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer are connected with a first group of ultrasonic emitters and a second group of ultrasonic emitters, respectively. The ultrasonic frequency wave directly acts upon the foot sole, which can promote the blood circulation of the whole body and relax the human body, thus treating the pain produced by problem of vein athero-obstruction.
US08469901B2
The invention features methods and systems for the diagnosis of ADHD and related disorders. The methods and systems of the invention can also be used to ascertain how much benefit an individual would derive from a particular therapy.
US08469895B2
A method of deriving central aortic systolic pressure comprises (a) creating a set having a predetermined number of blood pressure measurements, the set representative of an arterial waveform; (b) determining an integer interval value; (c) averaging a series of consecutive blood pressure measurement readings in the set equal to the integer interval value commencing from the fth blood pressure measurement in the set; (d) storing the averaged value in a central aortic systolic pressure set; and (e) setting the central aortic systolic pressure as the highest value in the central aortic pressure set. Steps (c) and (d) are repeated with the value of f being incremented by 1 each time until the value of f plus the integer interval value equals the predetermined number of blood pressure measurements in the set.
US08469893B2
A portable ultrasound imaging system includes a scan head coupled by a cable to a portable battery-powered data processor and display unit. The scan head enclosure houses an array of ultrasonic transducers and the circuitry associated therewith, including pulse synchronizer circuitry used in the transmit mode for transmission of ultrasonic pulses and beam forming circuitry used in the receive mode to dynamically focus reflected ultrasonic signals returning from the region of interest being imaged.
US08469887B2
A method and an apparatus for performing pulsed-wave spectral Doppler imaging at every color flow range gate location in a two-dimensional (or three-dimensional) region of interest. Spectral processing is necessary to determine the flow parameters. Performing this processing at every color flow range gate location creates the two-dimensional image. The method generates two-dimensional images of flow parameters such as peak velocity, pulsatility index, resistance index, etc. With the two-dimensional image, the user immediately observes where the most critical value of the flow parameter occurs and what that value is.
US08469878B2
A hood attachment jig includes a holding member whose diameter is increasable and that holds an endoscope hood in a state where the holding member is inserted into the endoscope hood; a diameter increasing member that increases the diameter of the holding member by entering the holding member, so that the diameter of the endoscope hood increases; and a push-out member that, when an attachment operation is performed in a state where a tip portion of the endoscope enters the holding member with the increased diameter, pushes out the holding member and the endoscope to separate the holding member and the endoscope from the diameter increasing member so that the endoscope hood, a force of restitution of which reduces the diameter of the holding member, is brought into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the tip portion of the endoscope and further pushes out the endoscope to detach the endoscope from the holding member so that the endoscope hood is attached to the endoscope tip portion.
US08469869B2
An apparatus for folding articles advancing in a machine direction including a rotatable roll having a roll surface, at least one protrusion that defines an outermost surface of the roll and at least one pocket that defines an innermost surface of the roll. The apparatus also includes a first and second vacuum conveyor assembly, each comprising two vacuum conveyors. The roll and the vacuum conveyor assemblies are cooperatively configured to fold an article.
US08469864B2
An exercise device having an anchor with multiple components is described. In one embodiment, the anchor includes one or more interlocking components, such as rigid or flexible loops. Rigid loops such as gated rings may advantageously be used to connect the different components. Embodiments permit for replacing, interchanging, or adding components to an exercise device anchor.
US08469863B2
A rehabilitation exercising equipment includes a main frame, a first geared member rotatably mounted on the main frame, a second geared member rotatably mounted on the main frame, a connecting mechanism mounted between the first geared member and the second geared member, a first idle geared member rotatably mounted on the main frame and connected with the connecting mechanism, a second idle geared member rotatably mounted on the main frame and connected with the connecting mechanism, and two handlebars secured on the first geared member and the second geared member respectively. Thus, a user's two hands can hold the handlebars to pivot the handlebars in two opposite directions by connection of the connecting mechanism so as to achieve an exercising or rehabilitating function.
US08469857B2
An ECU controls SOCs of a master battery and a sub battery so that the SOCs vary within the range of a predetermined upper limit value and lower limit value. A control is made so that the SOC of the sub battery is lower than the SOC of the master battery when the condition that execution of charging with electric power supplied from the source external to a plug-in hybrid vehicle is predicted is satisfied.
US08469854B1
A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device and a limited slip clutch assembly, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism, the torque transfer device and the limited slip clutch assembly.
US08469845B2
In a transmission chain having link plates with convex edges for sliding contact with a guide surface, the plates are asymmetric in shape so that the distance from a line connecting the centers of the connecting holes and the convex edge is greatest at a position other than at the midpoint between the connecting holes. A pivoting action of the link plates takes place as they slide over a guide surface, changing the abutment point.
US08469844B2
An engine includes a case member, a guide member disposed so as to make contact with an endless transmission belt, one end section of the guide member being swingably supported on the case member and the other end section of the guide member a free end, and a chain tensioner for pressing the free end of the guide member to apply tension to the endless transmission belt. The chain tensioner includes an accommodating concave section disposed in the case member, wherein an outer side of the accommodating concave section in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft has an opening section, and also includes an elastic member being accommodated in the accommodating concave section to press the guide member and a lid member covering the opening section of the accommodating concave section in the direction of the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.
US08469836B2
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a thermoset composition other than diene rubber.
US08469832B2
A swing apparatus comprises a support frame, a plurality of swing arms pivotally connected with the support frame, a mount platform connected with the swing arms, wherein the swing arms are operable to swing the mount platform relative to the support frame, and a portable infant holding device adapted to removably fasten with the mount platform. Once it is installed on the mount platform, the infant holding device can be positioned above the support frame and swing arms, in particular above the pivot links that connect the swing arms with the support frame. As a result, the swing apparatus can be used in a more versatile manner, and access to the infant holding device can be facilitated for placement and removal of the infant.
US08469828B2
An elastic joint body for a shaft arrangement for the articulated connection of two shaft sections is provided, with a plurality of bushings arranged in the circumferential direction at predetermined angular distances with respect to a center axis of the joint body, a plurality of loop bundles, each loop bundle looping around in each case two adjacent bushings, and a rubber-elastic casing in which the loop bundles and the bushings are at least partially embedded. A flange is provided at least one end region on at least one of the bushings for the axial support of an adjacent loop bundle, encircling the bushing, being at least partially embedded in the rubber-elastic casing and having a U-shaped cross-section, as viewed in the axis-containing section, the cross-section being designed with two U longitudinal limbs and one U transverse limb, the flange bearing with a U longitudinal limb against the bushing.
US08469827B2
A torque fluctuation absorber includes a seating member having a pivoting portion at an inner portion in a radial direction and a supporting portion, which rotationally supports the pivoting portion, at an end surface in a circumferential direction of a first and a second opening portion. When no relative rotational torsion existing between a first and a second rotational member, the pivoting portion is in contact with the supporting portion and a clearance is defined between a portion on each seating member positioned outwardly in a radial direction relative to the pivoting portion and a portion of the first and the second opening portion positioned outwardly in a radial direction relative to the supporting portion. At a first torsion angle, the portion on each seating member contacts the portion of first or second opening portion in a state where the pivoting portion is in contact with the supporting portion.
US08469825B2
An Elastic Coupling (1) has a pair of bodies (2,3) that can rotate about a common axis and are mutually associated by a plurality of springs (7). Each spring has an end associated with the other body; the ends of the springs are associated with the bodies by floating engagement means (8). The floating engagement means arc provided by mating spherical surfaces between the spring and the seats (6) and allows to recover the misalignment cased by the variation of the distance between the seats, limiting the stresses and allowing the spring to work exclusively in an axial direction, without warping, contrary to conventional spring couplings, wherein the springs are inserted in simple cylindrical seats and must necessarily warp.
US08469819B2
A game apparatus and game control method for controlling and representing magical ability and power of a player character, in an action power control program is provided. The game apparatus and game control method permits the accessing of an unlimited level of magical power available to the player character by affecting a control button on the input device, which then allows for a determination to be made on a proper amount of the unlimited level of magical power based upon the player character's known abilities and vitality to be used, which then in turn permits utilization of said proper amount of the unlimited level of magical power against at least one other character within the video game to obtain a desired result against said at least one other character before a detrimental effect causes a penalty to the player character.
US08469816B2
Device linking is described. In one or more implementations, data is maintained at a network service that describes characteristics of a plurality of devices that are associated with a user account of the network service. A communication is formed to be received by one of the plurality of devices that includes a portion of the data that pertains to another one of the plurality of devices and that is suitable by the receiving device to discover the other one of the plurality of devices to initiate a local network connection between the devices.
US08469812B2
A fret and method of making the fret are disclosed. The fret can include a body portion made of a non-conductive material, a first end, a second end, and a length defined between the first and second ends. A plurality of electrically conductive elements can be disposed along at least part of the body portion. Each element can be electrically insulated from the other conductive elements by the body portion. The method can include 1) providing a blank formed of electrically conductive material, 2) processing the blank to provide a plurality of electrically conductive elements, 3) affixing a body portion made of a non-conductive material to the plurality of electrically conductive elements, the body portion electrically insulating each element from the other conductive elements, and 4) removing material from the processed blank and affixed body portion to form a perimeter of the fret in a desired shape.
US08469810B2
Reference coordinates in a coordinate system and designated coordinates based on coordinate information outputted by a pointing device are provided, and a distance between the reference coordinates and the designated coordinates is calculated. When a first mode is selected, a calculated distance is converted into a predetermined parameter using a first conversion function. On the other hand, when a second mode is selected, a calculated distance is converted into a parameter using a second conversion function. According to whether the first mode is selected or the second mode is selected, a game is processed based on the aforementioned parameter.
US08469805B2
A game console has the capability to execute programming to unlock an achievement. After the achievements are unlocked, a data store accessible by the game console over a network stores the information in the profile of the user. The achievements associated with the user profiles can be retrieved from the store along with an indicator, that is indicative of a tier level associated with the achievement where the tier indicates a certain performance level associated with unlocking a particular achievement.
US08469803B2
Disclosed herein are a method and system for distributing funds associated with a game. The method receives a plurality of requests to enter the game and processes each request to issue a corresponding ticket in the game. Each ticket is associated with a donation to a selected charity and a pledge amount. The method determines a total pool of funds derived from the tickets and determines a winning ticket of the game from the plurality of tickets issued in response to the requests. The method then distributes the total pool of funds between a charity pool and a prize pool, dependent upon the donations and the pledge amount associated with the winning ticket.
US08469795B2
A method of gaming comprising: conducting at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols; and conducting at least one second game round in response to a trigger event occurring, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols.
US08469792B2
An electronic gaming method, system and program product for controlling the time a player has in which to play an electronic game based on the potential winnings available for the electronic game. A game field is constructed having a plurality of elements on a game display wherein each element is filled by a game symbol from a plurality of available game symbols. The game symbols for each element are automatically determined such that there is no winning combination without player interaction. A maximum value that can be obtained for a winning combination for the constructed field is determined. The field of game symbols is presented to the player on the game display. A game timer is initiated that varies with the maximum value that can be obtained for a winning combination. The player selects a field element to turn the symbol displayed into a wild symbol. The player's selection of the field element for the wild symbol location is received by the game software which determines each winning combination of symbols that is formed by such wild symbol location selection. Each winning combination of symbols on the field of game symbols is displayed to the player. A method and system are also provided for determining the total fees accrued by a game operator for plays of an electronic game during a license period, in which the per game fee is based on the denomination of play selected by the players.
US08469791B2
A method of playing a bingo-type game includes the steps of generating a result of the game and displaying a representation of the result. More specifically, the representation of the result of the game is displayed through a mechanical technological aid at an electronic play station. An apparatus for playing the game includes a server and the electronic play station in operative communication with the server. The server generates the called numbers, which correlate to the result of the game, and the electronic play station includes the mechanical technological aid for displaying the representation of the result of the game. A program product for playing the game is stored on computer readable media and includes a result program code for generating the result of the game and a display program code for displaying the representation of the result through the mechanical technological aid.
US08469780B2
A reverse oblique air curtain exhaust cabinet comprises a cabinet that has a bottom plate and an elongate air blow slot is provided in front of the bottom plate. Through the elongate air blow slot, air is blown upward at an oblique angle toward the rear plate of the cabinet. An air-extraction hood is provided in a space defined above the bottom plate in a way of being vertically movable relative to the cabinet. The air-extraction hood has an elongate air-extraction part that is parallel to the elongate air blow slot in a way that the elongate air-extraction part is above and spaced from the elongate air blow slot toward the rear plate of the cabinet. Thereby, an oblique air curtain that flows upward is formed to remove the pollutants between the oblique air curtain and rear plate and left and right lateral plates in a more energy-saving way.
US08469778B1
A peeling machine having series of insert rollers held down into notches between larger-diameter power rollers by holddowns. The holddowns include pins made of a bearing material received directly in bores in the ends of the insert rollers without conventional bearing sleeves. The heads of the pins may be coned to provide thrust bearings against concave interior ends of the bores.
US08469773B2
A structure for deburring a ball is provided. The structure includes an arm, a gear structure for changing the effective length of the arm, and a cam structure for changing the effective angular position of the arm. A finger having an abrasive surface reciprocates on the arm. A ball is placed in a rotating holder and positioned in effective position for the abrasive surface to contact and remove at least one burr on the ball.
US08469767B2
A toy vehicle is provided with front and rear wheelbase mechanisms. Both are movably secured to a chassis, but the front mechanism moves two front segments positioned within two channels on the chassis and the rear mechanism moves a rear segment with a rear axle pivotally secured to a lower portion of the rear segment. The segments include rotatable wheels. There is also provided a motor and a clutch. The clutch is in communication with the front and rear wheelbase mechanisms. The motor when moved in a first direction engages the clutch to direct the front wheelbase mechanism to raise and lower the front segments. The motor when moved in a second direction engages the clutch to direct the rear wheelbase mechanism to raise and lower the rear segment and rear axle.
US08469766B2
Systems and methods for interactive play are provided, including a method of interacting with an action figure. The method includes the steps of providing a base unit having a processor, providing an action figure having a memory which stores data relating to the action figure, communicating the data in the form of communication signals to the processor, and presenting an activity instruction based on the communication signals received, with the activity instruction enacting a real-life activity that the action figure can engage in.
US08469761B1
A method and apparatus is disclosed for rapidly joining a first glass substrate to a second glass substrate. The first glass substrate and second glass substrates are separated by a peripheral glass spacer or frame. The glass frame is sandwiched between the first and second substrates. A layer of glass frit is placed on the top and bottom surfaces of the frame or about the top and bottom peripheral edges of the substrates in contact with the frame. Heat is then applied substantially solely to the periphery of the substrates about the frame to cause the frit to melt thereby securing the top substrate to the bottom substrate.
US08469747B2
Provided is a card connector, including a housing and a plurality of electrical contacts. The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing connected each other. The upper housing and the lower housing together define a first opening and a second opening, which are layer-stacked and separately located two adjacent sides of the housing. The first and second openings are communicated each other in the housing to form a receiving cavity for stackedly accommodating at least two electrical cards. The upper housing disposes a plurality of contact-receiving grooves on an inner side of a top wall thereof, and the lower housing also disposes a plurality of contact-receiving grooves on an inner side of a bottom wall thereof. The electrical contacts include a first electrical contact group and a second electrical contact group, which are separately received in the contact-receiving grooves of the upper housing and the lower housing.
US08469737B2
A method for mounting a latch to a base, the base having an interior cavity for an electronic component, the latch configured to receive a support member for mounting the base to the support member, includes the steps of attaching a release member to the base and holding the release member in a stationary position, placing a latch against the base and forming a connection between the release member and the latch, and moving the release member and latch to a second position where the latch and release member are freely movable between latched and unlatched positions.
US08469732B2
A connector (100) is formed of a housing having a tab (112), a cover (104) for sliding over a section of the housing and a latch (106) slideably coupled to the cover. The connector (100) is attached to a device by aligning the tab (112) of the housing (102) into the device, sliding the cover (104) inward towards the housing thereby engaging the cover and housing to the device, and pressing the latch (106) downward to lock the connector to the device. The connector (100) is detached from the device by pulling the latch (106) upward to unlock the connector from the device, sliding the cover (104) outward to disengage the cover from the device, and releasing the tab (112).
US08469729B2
The present disclosure provides a rotary wireless network card with double rotating shafts, which comprises a wireless network card body, an ultra-thin USB interface and a first rotating shaft, wherein at the top of the wireless network card body a opening is provided to accommodate the ultra-thin USB interface as withdrawn; the ultra-thin USB interface extends out of or returns back to the opening by rotating around the first rotating shaft; inside the wireless network card body a rotating shaft support is provided; a second rotating shaft in the opening is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft support; the second rotating shaft is accommodated outside the ultra-thin USB interface and connected to the ultra-thin USB interface; and when the second rotating shaft rotates in the opening, the ultra-thin USB interface and the first rotating shaft rotate in the opening along with the second rotating shaft. By designing a rotary head, the present disclosure frees a USB from the external connection with a cap or other objects that are easily lost or broken, and as the rotary shaft of the ultra-thin USB interface is smaller than common rotary shafts, the whole wireless network card is much shorter and narrower, causing no interference on the use of a neighboring interface.
US08469727B2
An arrangement is provided for connecting two successive contact line rails, each made of a longitudinal plastic profile and of at least one contact rail extending along the contact line rails. A contact rail connector is connected to the opposing ends of the contact rails of two successive contact line rails, electrically and mechanically connecting the contact rail ends of the contact rails, and having cover elements attached at the opposing rail ends of the contact line rails of two successive contact line rails, covering the contact rail connectors and displaceable relative to an intermediate element. In order to provide an arrangement for attaching two successive contact line rails that is simple to produce and allows uncomplicated assembly, the intermediate element is attached at each of the opposing rail ends of the contact line rails to be connected together, and the cover elements are attached to the intermediate elements.
US08469722B2
A plug connector, a receptacle connector and an electrical connector assembly are provided. The plug connector includes a plug housing and a plurality of plug terminals located in the plug housing. Each plug terminal includes a first, second and third contact portions. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle housing and a plurality of receptacle terminals mounted in the receptacle housing. Each receptacle terminal includes a first, second and third side portions. When the plug connector and the receptacle connector are combined together to form the electrical connector assembly, the first, second and third contact portions respectively contact with the first, second and third side portions so that realizing a three-position contact between the plug and receptacle terminals for providing a stable signal transmission.
US08469720B2
Electrical connectors for interconnecting circuit boards. One such connector includes an integral flange for mounting a guidance pin in any of multiple orientations. A corresponding keying block may have a polarization component that can be mounted in a corresponding number of positions. The connector can accept conductive elements with different shapes for signals and grounds, but the housing may be adapted to receive either type of contact in any contact location. Protection of contact elements from excessive yield is provided within the insulative housing of the backplane connector. On the daughter card connector, height difference between ground and signal contacts in wafer assemblies protects components from electrostatic discharge.
US08469712B2
A method of enabling input into a handheld electronic device having stored therein a number of language objects includes detecting a selection of a languages, making a determination that the language is a default language or a non-default language, detecting as an ambiguous input an actuation of one or more input members, outputting at least a portion of a number of the language objects that corresponds to the ambiguous input, and outputting an indication representative of the language.
US08469684B2
A rotary vacuum pump includes a suction chamber (12) in a housing (10). A rotor (14) is eccentrically mounted in the suction chamber (12). Sliding vanes (18) are connected to the rotor (14). Further, a discharge channel (30) is connected to the suction chamber (12) and to an oil chamber (32). A valve (38) is disposed between the discharge channel (30) and the oil chamber (32) in order to prevent the medium from flowing back from the oil chamber (32) into the suction chamber (12). At least one compensating channel (50) is connected to the discharge channel (30) and to the oil chamber (32).
US08469679B2
An object of the present invention is to promote oil separation in a sealed container, thereby decreasing the amount of oil discharged to the outside of a compressor. The compressor comprises discharge hole provided at position facing the end surface of a rotor and through which a compressed refrigerant from first and second rotary compression elements is discharged into the sealed container; and a refrigerant flow path which is extended from a space surrounded with a coil end of a stator projecting from the end surface of the rotor to a rotary compression mechanism side to a space of an air gap between the rotor and the stator, to guide the compressed refrigerant discharged through the discharge hole to an electromotive element opposite to the rotary compression mechanism side. The outlet of this refrigerant flow path opposite to the rotary compression mechanism side faces the inner wall surface of the sealed container, and the volume of a space between the inner wall surface of the sealed container and the electromotive element is 1.5 times or more and 15 times or less that of a space between the rotary compression element and the electromotive element.
US08469676B2
A compressor for compressing a gas. The compressor receives the gas at a base pressure from a source and provides the gas at a higher pressure to a target. The compressor includes a series of pressure vessels and a one-way valve between the vessels, where a first pressure vessel is coupled to the source and a last pressure vessel is coupled to the target. For one period of time, every other pressure vessel in the series is heated starting with the pressure vessel coupled to the source. As the pressure in the heated pressure vessels increases as a result of the heat, the gas is sent to a next pressure vessel in the series of pressure vessels. After some period of time, the other alternating sequence of pressure vessels is heated to move the gas along the series of pressure vessels from the source to the target.
US08469675B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller determines an actual power consumption of the motor and compares the actual power consumption to a reference power consumption. The controller also determines that the pump is in an unprimed condition if the actual power consumption is less than the reference power consumption and that the pump is in a primed condition if the actual power consumption is at least equal to the reference power consumption.
US08469674B2
Disclosed are an operation control device of a compressor, which can reduce motor loss by applying an AC power to a motor of the compressor without a switching operation of a control unit, and a method thereof. The operation control device of the compressor comprises: a capacitor electrically connected to a motor of the compressor and having a predetermined capacitance; a control unit connected in series to the motor of the compressor and applying an AC power to the motor of the compressor according to a control signal; and a controller detecting a load variation amount on the basis of a current and voltage applied to the motor of the compressor and controlling on/off of the control unit according to the detected load variation amount.
US08469671B2
The invention relates to closed impellers (1) for centrifugal pumps used for conveying homogeneous liquids, especially in cooling systems of motor vehicles. The aim of the invention is to develop a novel design of closed impellers (1) for centrifugal pumps used for conveying homogeneous liquids, especially in coolant pumps, such that closed impellers comprising single-curved blades (3) as well as closed impellers comprising three-dimensionally curved blades (3) can be produced at a low cost while the effect of cavitation wear is minimized on the parts/subassemblies that are mounted downstream of the impeller and the hydraulic efficiency as well as the suction behavior of the respective impeller design is significantly improved. The aim is achieved by a closed impeller (1) for centrifugal pumps which is characterized in that the width of the blade channel continuously increases from the feeding point of the flow into the impeller to the discharge point of the flow from the impeller (1) from a perspective of the meridian section such that the ratio between the width (b2) in the discharge point and the width (b1) at the feeding point ranges from 1.01 to 1.2.
US08469669B2
A cover disk (1) for a closed rotor of a radial flow machine or diagonal flow machine for defining a flow channel has a wall thickness which has a local maximum along the profile mean line of the meridional cross section of the cover disk between a first front side (2) and a second front side (3) of the cover disk. An outer surface (1.2) of the cover disk remote of the flow channel has in the area of this local maximum a convex curvature with a radius (R2.2) whose ratio (R2.2/D2) to an outer diameter (D2) of the rotor is within a range of 0.05 to 0.5 (0.05≦R2.2/D2≦0.5).
US08469666B1
A turbine blade with a squealer pocket formed by a tip rail extending along the pressure side and suction side of the tip. A row of diffusion trenches are spaced along the pressure side tip rail and the suction side tip rail, each trench formed by side walls and a bottom wall so that the front face and top face of the trench is open. Each trench includes side walls that increase in width in the direction of the tip crown, is connected by a metering hole to discharge cooling air into the trench, are separated from each other and are spaced from near the leading edge to near the trailing edge, and includes a curved inward surface toward the squealer pocket. Two rows of convective cooling holes are spaced adjacent to the pressure side tip rail and the suction side tip rail and open into the squealer pocket.
US08469665B2
A vertical axis wind turbine (1) comprises three vertically extending sails (8) where each sail (8) comprises a strip (80) of substantially constant width. The opposite ends of each sail (8) are longitudinally twisted to have a pitch angle of approximately 90 degrees. The turbine (1) further comprises a vertically extending central core (7) and a vertically extending opening (9) between each sail (9) and the core (7). Also disclosed is an improvement in a vertical axis wind turbine (91) having at least one main blade (94) each of which has a longitudinal extent and a longitudinally extending radially outermost edge (924). The improvement comprises a longitudinally extending auxiliary blade (944) spaced from the main blade (94) to define a venturi inducing gap (99) between the main blade (94) and the auxiliary blade (944) whereby the turbine (91) has a zone of influence which extends radially beyond the maximum radial extent of the blades.
US08469653B2
A carriage with a cell carrier engages and retains a vertically driven cell so that the cell and its contents, such as a data storage cartridge, may be moved laterally from one linear library to another. A portal engagement device of the cell carrier includes a movable rack so that a pinion of the cell may move up or down the rack, and has pins that, when the device is down, engage a library vertical portal having a fixed rack. A cam state machine of the cell carrier guides a spring loaded cam follower hook of the cell in a pattern to lock the hook in position and, when hooked, attempted downward movement of the vertically driven cell moves the portal engagement device upward to disengage the pins of the portal engagement device from the vertical portal. The carriage may then transport the cell to another vertical portal.
US08469651B2
A conveyance device suitable for an automobile final assembly facility has an elevating table for supporting an object to be conveyed in a conveyance carriage which travels along a conveyance path. The elevating table has a table bearing base removably mounted on a table main body for supporting a bottom portion of the object to be conveyed. The table main body has a top surface flush with a flat work floor on the conveyance carriage when the table main body is at a lowering limit position. On the conveyance carriage, a strut bearing base formed of a pair of left and right strut members located on left and right sides of the object to be conveyed, when viewed in plan, and a bearing portion, provided for the strut member, for supporting left and right edges of the object to be conveyed is mounted removably in a state in which the pair of left and right strut members are positioned at both left and right sides of the elevating table.
US08469647B2
A book binding machine for processing book blocks (3) features a transport system (2) with a plurality of book block clamps (40) for receiving the book blocks (3) that can be continuously moved along a closed circulation path and are coupled to a traction mechanism (63), wherein the traction mechanism (63) revolves around a driving wheel (55) and a deflection wheel and is tensioned by means of a tensioning device. Processing stations (70, 80) are arranged in the region of straight sections of the circulation path. The driving wheel (55) is driven by a gearless, rotative electric direct drive (50), wherein a first rotating component (53) of the rotative direct drive (50) is mounted or realized directly on the driving wheel (55).
US08469636B2
A commodity splitter for granular agricultural material includes a chamber having a central section located between an input port and multiple output ports. The central chamber section includes upper and lower planar walls joined by parallel, vertical side walls. First individual upright diverting fins are joined to and extend towards the bottom wall from the upper wall and have respective lower longitudinally extending edges spaced above upper longitudinal edges of second individual upright diverting fins joined to and extend toward the upper wall from the lower wall. The first and second upright fins, respectively, together with the top and bottom walls and opposite side walls form upper and lower vertically spaced material directing channels for directing material from the input port to the outlet ports. The space between the upper and lower channels defines a blockage preventing and pressure-equalizing open area.
US08469634B2
Depth triggers for marine geophysical survey cable retriever systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including causing a submerged geophysical survey cable to surface. The cause may include: moving a piston within a cylinder of a housing coupled to the geophysical survey cable, the moving of the piston responsive to pressure exerted on a face of the piston as the geophysical survey cable reaches or exceeds a predetermined depth, wherein the movement of the piston overcomes a force created by interaction between two materials, the force latches the piston in place at depths above the predetermined depth; and responsive to the piston overcoming the force that latches the piston deploying a mechanism that makes the geophysical survey cable more positively buoyant, the deploying responsive to movement of the piston.
US08469631B2
The grilled cover piece for drainage channels has a substantially horizontal wall covering the channel and a longitudinal hollow ridge which extends upwards with its top wall having eyelets or holes. The cover piece is positioned flush with or just below the level of the surface from which the water to be drained must be removed, wherein the water flows down by means of gravity into the underlying channel which conveys the water away. The cover piece is provided transversely at one end with at least one female profile and at its other end with at least one male profile complementing the female profile, so that it is possible to connect and fix together several cover pieces arranged in succession so as to cover the channel along the entire length.
US08469624B2
A device (10) for fixing accessories in a motorcycle, in particular for a windshield (14), having at least one shaft (12) insertable in a sleeve element (18) constrainable to a fixed component (16) of the motorcycle. A portion of the shaft (12) has at least one elastic spacer element (20) insertable into the sleeve element (18) and actuable by a reversible junction element (30) between an expanded position, in engagement within the sleeve element (18), and a rest position, extractable from the sleeve element (18). At least one axial locking element (34) is integrally applied on shaft (12) which engages with a corresponding axial locking element (38) constrained to the sleeve element (18).
US08469622B2
Improved connection systems for pinned connections are disclosed. Although the connection systems may be utilized in dragline excavating systems, the connection systems may also be utilized for pinned connections in a variety of other types of mining, dredging, forestry, and construction equipment. An insert utilized in the connections systems has a frustroconical shape that joins with an aperture in an element being joined by the connection system.
US08469617B2
A platen support mechanism of a printer moves a platen unit of the printer. When moving the platen unit from a closed position to an open position, the platen support mechanism of the printer first moves the platen unit along a straight first path, and then moves the platen unit along a curved second path. A posture of the platen unit is held constant during this time by a six joint linkage mechanism.
US08469611B2
A method for connecting optical fibers and a connection structure of optical fibers capable of suppressing axial misalignment between cores in end-to-end connection of optical fibers at least one of which has a clad for a non-circular shape.The method includes: a preparing step of preparing a pair of optical fibers 30, 50 including a first optical fiber 30 having a clad 32 of a non-circular shape and a second optical fiber 50 having a clad 52 of a circular shape; a forming step of forming the clad 32 of the first optical fiber 30 at and near one end 35 thereof to have a more circular shape from the non-circular shape; an aligning step of observing in side view the first and second optical fibers 30, 50 and aligning a core 31 of the first optical fiber 30 at and near the one end 35 thereof and a core 51 of the second optical fiber 50 at and near one end 55 thereof in a straight line; and a fusing step of butting the one end 35 of the first optical fiber 30 and the one end 55 of the second optical fiber 50 against each other and fusing the ends together.
US08469610B2
A connection system and method in which, when a plug portion is mated with a receptacle portion, a reflector in the plug portion can redirect optical signals between an end of an optical fiber in the plug portion and an opto-electronic device, such as a light source or light receiver, in the receptacle portion.
US08469608B2
An optical transceiver with an enhanced EMI shielding is disclosed. The optical transceiver of the invention provides an optical receptacle made of metal and an optical subassembly with a metal cover assembled with the optical receptacle. The metal cover electro-magnetically divides the inside from the outside of the transceiver. The metal cover provides a plate portion and an edge portion, where the former portion forms an opening through which the sleeve passes without coming in contact with the metal cover, while, the latter of which comes in contact with the receptacle.
US08469600B2
A roller bearing cage for guiding rolling bodies in a rolling body bearing, which has multiple rolling bodies, two cage side elements, between which the rolling bodies are arranged, and which have multiple web appendages to guide the rolling bodies, and multiple connection elements that connect the two cage side elements. The azimuthal position of the connection elements defines a connection area. Exactly one connection element and at least one web appendage are arranged in a connection. The connection element and web appendage are arranged in sections inside a radial interior of the respective cage side elements, the border of which is defined by the positions of the rotation axes of the rolling bodies.
US08469593B2
A recloseable pouch defining an interior including a first wall, a second wall opposing and partially sealed to the first wall to form an opening, and a closure mechanism for selectively sealing the opening. The closure mechanism includes a female closure element having first and second spaced legs extending from the first wall that are substantially symmetric about a longitudinal centerline and defining female sealing surfaces. The closure mechanism also includes a male closure element including a proximal base portion extending from the second wall, a neck portion forming male sealing surfaces to engage the female sealing surfaces, and a distal head portion. The male closure element has a plurality of intermittent deformed portions so that upon inserting the proximal base portion into the female closure element, the female closure element deflects and, in turn, fluid is allowed to flow past the closure mechanism via the adjacent intermittent portions.
US08469582B2
The present invention provides a back frame, which includes at least first and second primary assembling pieces. The at least two primary assembling pieces are joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame. The back frame further includes secondary assembling pieces that are arranged inside the main frame structure. The secondary assembling pieces are joined to the main frame structure. The primary assembling pieces and/or the secondary assembling pieces form bumps, and the bumps support a light homogenization mechanism. The present invention also provides a backlight system. The present invention uses bumps formed on the primary assembling pieces and/or the secondary assembling pieces to have the back frame firmly support the light homogenization mechanism and making the structure of backlight system more stable.
US08469578B2
An optical element includes a first optical member with at least one indentation at a first surface thereof, and a second optical member attached to the first surface. The second optical member conforms to the at least one indentation in the first optical member. The optical element further includes at least one reflector at an interface between the first and second optical members, where the at least one reflector is located at the at least one indentation. The reflector is formed by an interface between a cavity formed between the first and second optical members and at least one of the first and second optical members.
US08469577B2
A display apparatus with at least two light guide plates, each including a light incident surface and a light exiting surface, the light guide plates being spaced apart from each other so as to form a gap therebetween. The display apparatus also has a light source disposed adjacent to at least one side portion of the light guide plates to emit light to the light incident surface, a display panel positioned to receive light from the light exiting surfaces to facilitate display of an image, and a diffusion member. The diffusion member covers the gap, so as to diffuse light directed toward the display panel.
US08469573B2
The present invention relates to a light guide plate and back light module having the same. The light guide plate includes a light guide plate body and a plurality of microreliefs. The light guide plate body has a light-emitting surface and a reflecting surface. The microreliefs are disposed on the reflecting surface. Each of the microreliefs has an outer surface and a base area. The outer surface is a curved surface, and the base area contacts the reflecting surface. A ratio of the totally height of each of the microreliefs to the diameter of the base area of each of the microreliefs is between 1/7 and ¼. As a result, the light guide plate has higher light extraction efficiency.
US08469570B2
The vehicle head light is provided with a heat radiating member including a pillar member provided to extend from a bottom wall of a housing, on which a light source is mounted, a heat radiating fins fixed radially to the outer periphery of the pillar member, and a guide wall provided surrounding sides of the heat radiating fins. The guide wall is sloped with respect to bottom wall of the housing so that spaces each formed by adjacent two of the heat radiating fins and the guide wall become narrower with increasing distance from the lower end of the guide wall. The guide wall is formed with slits to make air communication between the light chamber and each of the spaces, the slits being shaped to be narrower with increasing distance from the lower end of the guide wall.
US08469551B2
Optical films for enhancing light extraction from self-emissive pixelated OLEDs, without introducing significant pixel blur, are disclosed. The extraction films include a flexible carrier film, and a first and second layer carried by the carrier film. The first layer has a nanovoided morphology, includes a polymer binder, and may have a refractive index less than 1.35 or 1.3. An embedded structured surface of light extraction elements is formed between the first and second layers. The extraction film includes a major coupling surface for attachment to an outer surface of the light source. The film is configured such that a land portion between the structured surface and the major coupling surface is thinner than a specified amount, e.g., less than 50, 25, or 10 microns, or less than a thickness of the carrier film.
US08469546B2
The present invention relates to a moving head light fixture, which moving head light fixture comprises a light generating head, which head is carried in a yoke, which head is rotatable to the yoke, which yoke is rotatable to a base, which head comprises electronic circuits for LED control. The moving head comprises a first and a second end section, which first and second end sections comprise a number of light sources. Hereby it can be achieved that the moving head light fixture which is able at the same time to generate a light into different directions. By having independent control over the light sources in both directions, it is possible to control the light from an external controller independently in both directions. The light sources could be formed out of a multiple of single light sources generating light at different colors. In this way it should be possible by means of an external command to the moving head light fixture to control the color of the light as well in the front direction and also in the opposite rear direction.
US08469544B2
A LED light device has a number of LED's, a multiple optical assembly defined by a number of modular units; each modular unit has a total internal reflection lens associated with a LED; and the modular units are connected to one another so as the lenses have respective distinct optical reflecting surfaces.
US08469543B2
A backlight module, a light source module used therein, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The light source module outputs a mixed light which has color coordinates falling into a target zone in a color space. The light source module has a plurality of interlaced first light sources and second light sources. The light generated by the first and the second light sources respectively have color coordinates falling into a first zone and a second zone in the color space. The first and the second zones are respectively areas having a maximum width smaller than or equal to 0.02. In addition, the first and the second zones are symmetrical relative to the target zone.
US08469542B2
A light source channel is described. The light source channel includes an extrusion forming a channel having an open length and a light source positioned within the channel. A light transfer medium is positioned above the light source and covers the open length of the channel. The light transfer medium has a cross section. A method embodiment according to the present invention produces a light source channel by installing a light engine within a channel of an extrusion and covering the channel length with a light transfer medium above the light engine. The light transfer medium has a cross-section.
US08469537B2
A shade for a recessed light fixture and a method of making same. In some embodiments the shade may include a fastener that extends includes the can of the recessed light fixture through its open end. For example, the fastener may extend from the top end of the shade into the can and attach to an annular wall of the can.
US08469535B2
An article of footwear is provided having an array of light sources and a loudspeaker wherein the light sources are illuminated in a flashing pattern in response to activation of a motion switch, and in another mode of operation triggered by operation of a manual switch both the light sources and loudspeaker cycle through a series of discrete sequences of flashes and beeps culminating with only one light source remaining illuminated.
US08469533B2
A water-cooling heat dissipation system for LED signboard includes a frame, at least one water pipe system, and at least one water-cooling unit. At least one heat receiving section and at least one LED module in contact with one another are mounted to the frame. The water pipe system includes at least one water pipe extended through the heat receiving section. The water-cooling unit includes at least one water inlet and water outlet pipes, which are respectively connected to a front and a rear end of the water pipe system. The water-cooling unit drives a cooling liquid stored therein to circulate in between the water pipe system and the water-cooling unit, so that heat is quickly carried away from the heat receiving section by the cooling liquid to dissipate into surrounding environment. The water-cooling heat dissipation system has upgraded heat transfer efficiency to achieve good heat dissipation effect.
US08469531B2
An all-directional machine tool lamp includes an annular lamp, which includes a locating ring, which defines an upper part having a relatively smaller inner diameter, a lower part having a relatively greater inner diameter and a flange disposed at an inner side between the upper part and the lower part, three screw bolts equiangularly inserted through the locating ring to lock it to a vertically movable spindle of a machine tool, a lamp holder affixed to the lower part of the locating ring, light-emitting devices mounted in the lamp holder and a lampshade affixed to the bottom side of the lamp holder, and a switch device, which includes a housing, a switch mounted in the housing and electrically connected with the light-emitting devices by an electrical cord and a fastening member adapted for fastening the housing to the machine tool.
US08469529B2
A display device includes, within a panel formed of a front panel 11 and a rear panel 12, a switchboard 80 disposed in proximity to the front panel 11; a display board 20 disposed in proximity to the rear panel 12; a display 40 disposed between the switch board 80 and the display board 20; a switch mounting section 20a formed by protruding laterally at least a portion of the display board 20 from the display 40; a rotary switch 70 attached to the switch mounting section 20a; and an operation knob 90 attached to a shaft of the rotary switch 70 extended through the switch board 80 and the front panel 11.
US08469523B2
An illumination apparatus includes: first and second lamps; and a combining mirror configured to combine emitted lights from the first and second lamps The combining mirror includes first and second reflection surfaces opposing the first and second lamps respectively, being abutted vertically with respect to each other, whereby forming an edge. Since optical axes of the first and second lamp are respectively inclined with respect to a reference axis being orthogonal to a system optical axis of the illumination apparatus, central axes of the lights from the first and second lamps are incident on a downstream optical system in a state of being slightly inclined with respect to the system optical axis after being reflected on the first and second reflection surfaces respectively.
US08469521B2
A projector includes: a plurality of reflection type light modulation devices which modulates a corresponding color light; a color synthesize optical device which has a plurality of light entrance side surfaces and a crossing surface to combine the received color lights; a heat sink which has a base attached to the corresponding reflection type light modulation device, and a fin protruding from the base and extending in a direction crossing the crossing end surface; and a duct member disposed at a position opposed to the crossing surface to supply introduced air toward the heat sink, wherein the duct member includes a first outlet section disposed opposed to the fin such that the introduced air can be supplied toward the base through the first outlet section, and a second outlet section through which the introduced air is supplied in the extending direction of the fin.
US08469520B2
A light source device includes: a reference light source that emits reference color component light of a plurality of colors; an excitation light source that emits excitation light for supplemental color component light; a luminous body member including a luminous body that emits the supplemental color component light in response to the excitation light; and a combining unit that combines the reference color component light of the plurality colors and the supplemental color component light in such a way as to superimpose the supplemental color component light on light paths of the reference color component light of the plurality of colors.
US08469506B2
A printer has a pair of a right side member (8) and a left side member (9) placed on opposite side portions of a base (53), rollers including a transport roller (3), a carriage chassis (12), a platen (2) and a feed unit. The right side member and the left side member are formed by molding a resin material. The roller, the carriage chassis, the platen and the feed unit are positioned and held with the pair of the right side member and the left side member.
US08469505B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: an image formation unit including an inkjet head which forms an image on a recording medium, and an image formation drum which rotates while supporting the recording medium on a circumferential surface and thereby moves the recording medium relatively to the inkjet head; a drying process unit including a drying process device which performs a drying process on the recording medium on which the image has been formed by the inkjet head, and a drying drum which rotates while supporting the recording medium on a circumferential surface and thereby moves the recording medium in a process region of the drying process unit; and an air curtain generation unit which generates an air flow in a downward direction between the image formation unit and the drying process unit, and thereby generates an air curtain for thermal insulation between the image formation unit and the drying process unit.
US08469493B2
A flexible wiring member which connects a device and an external signal source has a plurality of wire members in which a plurality of wires are formed on one surface of a substrate, and a plurality of wire members is stacked to face the device. A plurality of bumps for connecting with the device are provided to the wires on a surface, of the wirings, facing the device. Bumps of one of the wire members overlapping with the other of the wire members face the device via the through hole formed in the other of the wire members. Accordingly, it is possible to realize high densification of wires in the flexible wiring while suppressing a rise in a cost.
US08469482B2
A method for determining a variance of a sensor in inkjet printers includes maintaining a printer carriage at a stationary position; illuminating a media patch of known characteristics with a light source that varies an intensity of the light between at least a first and second intensity, in which the second intensity is different from the first intensity; obtaining at least specular reflectance data from light reflected off the print media by measuring a signal from a photo-detector during the illumination; and comparing the specular data to stored values to determine a variation of the sensor response for forming a correction factor; and using the correction factor to calibrate at least a first signal of the inkjet printer.
US08469479B2
In one embodiment, a media is advanced in the process direction to cause a plurality of fiducials to successively appear within a sensor's focal width. Each fiducial includes a target and a background, with the target superimposed to the background. Each target has a substantially same target width, a substantially same optical density, and a position at a distinct distance from an edge of the media. Each background has an optical density less than the optical density of the targets and greater than an optical density of the media. An optical density for each fiducial is read utilizing the sensor. The target the sensor is most aligned with is discerned by identifying an identified fiducial with the highest-read optical density. Utilizing data indicative of a position of the discerned target relative to a desired position, the sensor is caused to move to the desired position.
US08469470B2
A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having one or more storage shelves for the reception of refrigerated goods and/or frozen goods is provided. The unit has one or more extension arrangements which are connected to the storage shelves and by means of which the storage shelves can be pulled out of and pushed into the appliance, wherein the extension arrangements are releasably connected to the storage shelves and/or wherein the extension arrangements are releasably connected to the unit.
US08469469B2
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator may have a door opening device which is connected at an external surface of a main body, and includes a pushing unit operated by a driving unit to open a refrigerator door by pushing one side of the refrigerator door. Also, a buffering member may be provided between the door opening device and the external surface of the main body. Accordingly, the reliability of the refrigerator is improved.
US08469468B2
A slide assembly with a buffering device includes a positioning member, a swing member, a push member, a resilient member and an engaging member, all of which are connected to the slide assembly having a first rail and a second rail. The positioning member is movably connected to the first rail and the swing member is pivotably connected to the positioning member. The push member is connected to the positioning member and biased by the resilient member so as to move longitudinally. The engaging member is connected to the second rail. A buffering member is located between the positioning member and the first rail. The buffering member maintains the positioning member at a first position relative to the first rail.
US08469467B2
A rail device and a server are provided. The server includes a rack, at least one chassis, and a rail device. The rail device includes a first rail and a bracket. The first rail is installed in the chassis. The bracket includes a second rail and a supporter, and the second rail is mounted onto the rack. The supporter has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the second rail, and the second end is slidably disposed at the first rail, so that the chassis moves between a first position and a second position relative to the rack. When the chassis is located at the second position, the first end leans against the second rail, and the second end leans against the first rail, so that the supporter supports the chassis on the rack.
US08469460B2
A spindle nut assembly includes inner and outer nuts having corresponding beveled surfaces. The inner nut is tightly threaded onto an end of a spindle and is positioned to achieve a desired endplay setting. The outer nut contacts the inner nut at an oblique angle via the beveled surfaces, which squeezes the inner nut more tightly onto the spindle while still maintaining the desired endplay setting.
US08469458B2
A roller drill for removing material, such as in particular rock, minerals or the like, according to the undercutting principle, comprising a cutting face which is formed concentrically around a central axis and widens conically toward an end face of the roller drill, and includes a supporting body which is arranged on the inner side of the cutting face and extends up to the end face of the tool. In order to provide a roller drill or a roller bit of which the tool life or service life is improved compared with the prior art, the cutting face is made of a harder material than the supporting body and the supporting body forms an annular web which is conical at least at an outer circumferential wall and which defines with its inner circumferential wall a free space at the end face of the tool. The tool can resharpen itself automatically due to the free space and the dissimilar material combination.
US08469455B2
The invention relates to a method for controlling a cutting extraction machine, which can be moved along a working front in longwall mining, in which method the heat emission of the working face (4) newly exposed by the extraction machine, in each instance, is observed using an infrared camera (10), and control data for the subsequent extraction run are generated on the basis of this observation. In order to make this method problem-free and more useful for practical situations, the invention proposes that observation of the heat radiation takes place perpendicular to the working face (4) and at a minimum distance from the cutting tools of the extraction machine, that a key bed package (X) having a characteristic sequence of border surfaces between layers of different heat conductivity is determined, that at the end of each extraction run, the progression of this key bed package (X) is determined, with reference to the delimitation surfaces of the longwall, on the basis of the heat images, and that the control data for the next extraction run of the extraction machine are generated on the basis of this progression of the key bed package.
US08469452B2
A headrest includes at least one seat back mounting member and a connector coupling a cushion to the mounting member. A hinge may be coupled to the connector to movably deploy a cushion between a first use position for supporting a portion of a user's head and second substantially vertically extending non-use position. At least one or a pair of bores extends from the front surface into the seatback. The cushion connectors are removably mountable in the bores.
US08469448B2
An operation mechanism of a side support apparatus adapted to be accommodated in a right and left side support portions provided at a seatback and being movable between a support position and an open position, includes a support structure including a pulley and being movable between the open position and the support position, a first fixing portion including a first guide portion and a second guide portion and fixedly provided at a seatback member, and a drive cable being fixedly attached to the first fixing portion at a first end portion of the drive cable and being engaged with the pulley at an intermediate of the drive cable. The pulley is pushed by a tensile force generated at the drive cable by pulling the drive cable so that the support structure is movable relative to the first fixing portion in a direction toward the support position.
US08469447B2
A vehicle seat includes a subwoofer enclosure seat support structure and a seat cushion supported on the subwoofer enclosure seat support structure. The subwoofer enclosure seat support structure includes a shell including a base, a seat cushion support wall connected to the base, and an internal space defining a subwoofer enclosure volume. The seat cushion is supported on the seat cushion support wall. A subwoofer speaker is connected to the shell. The seat cushion support wall of the shell includes at least one concave submarine protection layout recess adapted to accommodate compression of the seat cushion when the seat cushion is compressed by a seat occupant supported thereon during a collision. The seat comprises one or more cushion mounting brackets connected to the base of the shell by bracket support channels connected to or defined as part of the shell adjacent a front of the base. Alternatively, the cushion mounting brackets are defined as part of the shell by a polymeric or other structure.
US08469434B2
In a saddle-type vehicle having a structure for guiding a flow of air toward the rear side of a screen, to provide a technology by which thermal influences on the rider can be alleviated. A screen stay is integrally provided at its lower portion with a bridge-like section spaced upward from a front cover, and has left and right connection sections extending in the vehicle width direction from the bridge-like section and connected to the side of a body frame at positions on outer sides relative to a fork member in the vehicle width direction. This ensures that the flow of air guided in via a flow of air guide section is permitted to flow between an upper edge of the front cover and the bridge-like section toward the vehicle rear side. A meter for indicating operating conditions of the vehicle is supported on the screen stay.
US08469426B2
An extension tool is disclosed and comprises a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is slidably received within the first pole. The second pole has a plurality of apertures. A pin lever is pivotably mounted relative to the first pole. A pin slidably engages within the pin lever. The pin lever is released for inserting the pin into the plurality of apertures of the second pole for terminating displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. The pin lever is depressed for removing the pin from the plurality of apertures of the second pole for permitting displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. A device, tool or support may be secured to the second ends of the second pole. In one embodiment, a claw is secured to the second end of the second pole for engaging either a knuckle coupler or a wheel brake of a railroad car.
US08469422B2
A system and method for providing weed extraction so Industrial, Commercial and Home users (ICAHUs) can assure that unwanted weeds can be easily and effectively extracted. The system and method allows ICAHUs to work safely and efficiently and to extract weeds by using a hand-held device that can easily penetrate the ground around weeds, secure the unwanted weed, and aid the user in extracting the weed from the ground. ICAHUs can easily operate the levers of the device which operate jaws to secure to weeds. Specialized debris passages in the jaws of the device allow for debris to be passed through the jaws of the device which allow to for continued use and a greatly reduced need to clean the device during use. The method comprises a system in which unwanted weeds may be easily secured and extracted by the user without an increased risk of accidents or without unnecessary steps or procedures for cleaning.
US08469419B2
A device for retrieving objects from a grill or an oven. The device uses selectively retractable claws lift the object from the grill grate or oven rack and remove it. The claws retract when they come in contact with a cross beam and re-extend in the intervals between. They are arranged to ensure that enough craws are extended at any given time to support the object being removed.
US08469417B2
Bumper structure 10 for a motor vehicle includes at least two polymeric crash boxes 30 having preferably an alveolar structure, and including a cross member 20 which extends between the at least two polymeric crash boxes 30, in which the cross member 20 is a metallic cross member 20. The bumper structure 10 includes connection elements 40 which extend between the metallic cross member 20 and a frame of the motor vehicle, and besides which are positioned in proximity of the at least two polymeric crash boxes 30. The connection elements 40 are plastically deformable and are unable to resist to compression stresses avoiding advantageously to transmit the compression stresses to the frame.
US08469415B2
A bumper reinforcement having end portions in a width direction of a vehicle, includes a main wall extending in a first direction perpendicular to the width direction, first and second walls protruding from the main wall in the first direction to extend toward an interior side of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, flanges protruding from respective ends of the first and second walls along the first direction, the main wall, the first and second walls, and the flanges being integrally formed with one another, and gradually narrowing portions formed, in the width direction, at end portions of each of the first and second walls, wherein respective protruding lengths of the first and second walls in the longitudinal direction gradually decrease from an intermediate portion of the bumper reinforcement to the end portions of the bumper reinforcement in the width direction to form the gradually narrowing portions.
US08469403B2
The invention relates to a device and a method for mounting and connecting at least one sanitary equipment pipe provided behind a wall, and to a corresponding method. The device includes at least one member for connection to a rear portion to be connected to a free end of the pipe, and a front portion including means for connection to another member of the sanitary equipment, provided in front of the wall, and at least one housing having an open face through which a connection member can be inserted and an opening for the passage of a free end of the pipe, characterized in that said housing further has an open face through which a connection member can be inserted, said housing being adapted to be inserted in a passage formed through said wall from the front of said wall and having means for attaching the same against the front face of said wall.
US08469401B2
Various embodiments of seat harness pretensioning devices for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat unit for use in a military land vehicle or helicopter includes a stroking device that enables the seat to move downwardly in response to sudden movement. The seat unit also includes a seat belt or harness that extends around the occupant in the seat. Sudden movement of the seat in response to an explosion or hard landing causes a tensioning system to automatically pretension the seat harness.
US08469399B2
An interlocking seal assembly includes a panel having a first side and a second side and defining a hole. The seal assembly also includes an outer seal and an inner seal. A shaft extends through the outer seal, the inner seal, and the hole. The outer seal is mounted with respect to the panel such that the outer seal contacts the first side of the panel and thereby forms a first face seal around the hole. The inner seal is mounted with respect to the panel such that the inner seal contacts the outer seal and thereby forms a second face seal around the hole. The inner seal contacts the second side of the panel and thereby forms a third face seal around the hole.
US08469394B2
Disclosed is a vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle having a backrest (14) with a seat-mounted side airbag (20) having a first side wall (22) facing the occupant and a second side wall (24) facing the outside of the vehicle. The side airbag (20) is located on the side of the backrest (14) facing the outside of the vehicle, and the side airbag (20) includes a first ventilation opening (30) in the second side wall, the ventilation opening being at least throttled on lying against an object, so that a ventilation of the airbag is adapted as a function of the size of the occupant. The vehicle seat (10) is height adjustable so that, depending on the height adjustment of the vehicle seat, the first ventilation can be closed by the inner structure of the vehicle.
US08469390B2
A baby safety car seat convertible into a rollable baby seat, and comprising a front, head area and a rear, feet area, the head area being higher than the feet area; a right and left pair of front and rear legs, and a handle. The legs of each pair have distal ends associated with wheels and proximal ends articulated to the seat at corresponding leg attachment area. Both legs are rotatable relative to each other and to the seat between a storage position to be taken in a safety car seat mode of the seat, and an operational position to be taken in a rolling-carrier mode of the seat. The legs can have an intermediate position between the storage and operational position, and can be rotatable between the intermediate and operational positions, at least partially under the influence of gravity force.
US08469384B2
The articulated connection which is disconnectable and formed of a hitching device (6) with a drawbar component (7) for rapid coupling and uncoupling (5). The articulated connection is carried at the front of the following road module (2) and fixed in terms of orientation with respect to a central longitudinal axis (12) of the leading road module (1), independent of the steering axle of the following road module or of its steering assembly, and it has a rear end (9) of the piece pivot-mounted (14) on the chassis of the following road module (2) and a front end has a complementary coupling and uncoupling mechanism, together with roll and pitch travel mechanism and angular end stop mechanism. This device is applicable to the urban transport of passengers.
US08469379B2
A wheel axle suspension for suspending an axle body of a wheel axle from a vehicle, comprises on both sides of the vehicle a trailing arm which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The axle body is attached to the trailing arms. The trailing arms are each hingedly connected at the front in the direction of travel of the vehicle to a bearing bracket which is arranged on the vehicle chassis. The wheel axle suspension furthermore comprises a pneumatic spring which is operational between the trailing arm and the chassis. A pneumatic spring support arm is provided, which is coupled to the axle body for supporting an underside of the pneumatic spring. The pneumatic spring support arm is coupled to the axle body so that the pneumatic spring support arm is mountable in a plurality of orientations with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
US08469377B2
A truck assembly for a vehicle such as a skateboard or scooter may have a kingpin about which a hanger rotates. The hanger may be biased toward a caming surface having a depressed configuration by a spring, weight of the rider and also via a centrifugal force created during turning. This aids in dynamically stabilizing the truck assembly and the vehicle to which the truck assembly is mounted based on the particular rider and the maneuver being performed on the vehicle. The caming surface may have a regressive configuration such that the spring compresses at a different rate per degree of rotation of the hanger.
US08469368B2
A disclosed device for use with an electrostatic chuck configured to hold a substrate in a plasma environment comprises an edge ring configured to be placed either in contact with portions of only a ceramic top piece, a base plate, or coupled to the base plate through a plurality of pins and pin slots. The edge ring is further configured to be concentric with the ceramic top piece. In one embodiment, the edge ring includes an inner edge having an edge step arranged to provide mechanical coupling between the edge ring and the outer periphery of the ceramic top piece. The edge ring further includes an outer edge and a flat portion located between the inner edge and the outer edge. The flat portion is arranged to be both horizontal when the edge ring is placed around the outer periphery of the ceramic top piece and parallel to the substrate.
US08469366B2
An expanding bellows is disclosed for sealing an annular gap between two parts, which are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner and may be angled to one another, in a constant velocity joint. The expanding bellows has a first larger flange and a second smaller flange and an annular fold area, which extends between the first flange and the second flange, having annular folds implemented as outer folds, each having two annular flanks and a fold peak between two fold valleys. The expanding bellows further comprises a first area of at least two annular folds adjoining the first flange having diameters of the fold peaks and fold valleys decreasing in the direction toward the second flange and a second area having at least one annular fold adjoining the second flange having essentially uniform diameters of the fold valleys. A use of the expanding bellows is also disclosed.
US08469363B2
A target for use in an underwater target game and a method of the underwater target game are described. The target comprises a body for capturing a volume of gas; and one or more target surfaces positioned to release gas from an impacting vortex ring for capture by the body. A method comprises transitioning a target positioned within a body of water to a hit indication state in response to impact on the target by a vortex ring.
US08469358B1
A sheet medium transport apparatus has a sheet guide mechanism with drive rollers and reaction rollers mounted for gripping a sheet guided by the guide mechanism. The drive rollers provide a drive component in a transport direction and a transverse drive component for driving a sheet so that a side edge of the transported sheet lodges against a registration plate. Once the sheet is registered against the registration plate, drive from the drive rollers causes the sheet edge to slide past the registration plate in the transport direction with the drive rollers sliding over the sheet.
US08469350B1
An office machine includes a pedestal having an image-handling unit disposed in a top thereof and a passage guider, and an automatic document feeder capable of rotating between an open position exposing the image-handling unit and a closed position covering the image-handling unit. The automatic document feeder defines a passage for transmitting a document from upstream to downstream therethrough. A substantial middle part of the passage is opened to cooperate with the image-handling unit. A magnetic component is mounted to the automatic document feeder. The passage guider is pivoted to the top of the pedestal and near to a downstream side of the image-handling unit. The passage guider will rotate upward by the magnetic component to make a free end thereof for guiding the document when the cover is at the closed position.
US08469347B2
A perforation apparatus, having: a perforation device to perforate a sheet by a punch; a pair of aligning members to align the sheet in a sheet width direction; and a contact member to contact with an trailing edge of the sheet, capable of being inserted and retracted with respect to a conveyance path of the sheet, disposed at an upstream side of the punch in the sheet conveyance direction; wherein the sheet is moved and aligned to a sheet aligning position while being grasped by the aligning members, the aligning device is retracted from the sheet aligning position after the aligning operation is completed, subsequently the contact member pushes the trailing edge of the sheet and conveys the sheet to a predetermined position, then the sheet is perforated by the perforation device.
US08469346B2
A substrate mounting mechanism includes a substrate mounting table for mounting a substrate thereon; a heat source for supplying a heat or a cold heat to the substrate via the substrate mounting table; a substrate elevating member movable, having a substrate-supporting portion for supporting an end portion of the substrate, the substrate elevating member being upwardly and downwardly between a first position at which the substrate is mounted on the substrate mounting table and a second position that is located above the first position; and an elevating unit for upwardly and downwardly moving the substrate elevating member. The substrate elevating member serves as a part of the substrate mounting table at the first position.
US08469343B2
An assembly comprises a platform including a first clamping surface, a track proximate to an edge of the first clamping surface, and a clamp mechanism including a second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is configured to clamp a workpiece between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is mounted to the track. The clamp mechanism is positionable at different locations along the track. The assembly may further comprise one or more adjustable spacer blocks mountable to the track to facilitate precisely positioning a workpiece proximate to the track at least two different spacings.
US08469340B2
A foot device (29) for supporting a support device or lifting device, in particular a semitrailer support or the like, comprising a foot receptacle (31) for connecting a pivoting foot (32) to a support tube (12) of the lifting device (10), wherein the foot receptacle comprises an insertion body (120) for insertion into the support tube, comprising, in two support tube engagement areas spaced apart from one another by a spindle passage area (143) of a lifting spindle (20), bracket receptacles (123,124) for receiving pivoting brackets (130,131) of the pivoting foot, wherein the pivoting brackets are connected in a captive manner to the insertion body along a pivoting axis (136), and the bracket receptacles comprise counter support faces (133) which are arranged concentrically with respect to the pivoting axis and which, for transmitting the supporting forces, correspond with respective support faces (132) formed by the outer contour of the pivoting brackets.
US08469339B2
A push/pull tag line includes an elongated rigid member having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end. A flexible member is coupled to the elongated rigid member and extends from the first end of the elongated rigid member. A load connector is coupled to the second end of the elongated rigid member. The tag line may be coupled to a load using the load connector. A pushing force may then be applied to the rigid member that is directed towards the load, and the rigid member will transmit the pushing force to the load to allow precise positioned of the load.
US08469329B2
A pallet for use in transporting merchandise includes a pallet body having a top surface for supporting merchandise. A foot-driven winch is mounted on the pallet body, and a flexible tie-down for restraining merchandise on the pallet body is connected to the winch. In a preferred method of using the pallet, a plurality of such pallets are disposed inside a vehicle with the pallets defining a surface which substantially spans the width of the floor of the vehicle and on which a delivery person can stand to access merchandise on the pallets. The delivery person can remove merchandise from the pallets while remaining inside the vehicle and then can move the merchandise to outside the vehicle without having to perform any lifting. As a result, sickness of delivery persons due to exposure to the weather during delivery and injuries due to lifting of merchandise can be decreased.
US08469327B2
The slide rail device includes lock release levers rotatably supported in a vertical direction between a lock position where locking mechanisms restrict sliding of upper rails and an unlock position where front of the lock release levers move further upward to release the restriction on the sliding of the upper rails, a handle having rear-end connecting portions respectively inserted into the connecting portions of the lock release levers, rotation limit portions to prevent the rear-end connecting portions from rotating upward relative to the lock release levers, rotation allowance spaces to allow the connecting portions to relatively rotate downward from a position where the rear-end connecting portions contact the rotation limit portions, and biasers to bias and rotate the rear-end connecting portions in a direction to bring the rear-end connecting portions into contact with the rotation limit portions.
US08469325B2
A musical instrument stand includes a clamping unit and a support unit connected with the clamping unit. The support unit includes a base frame and a connecting module. The connecting module includes a connecting portion and a spherical universal connector. The clamping unit includes a clamp assembly, a spherical mounting seat, and a positioning nut. The mounting seat has an external thread onto which the positioning nut is screwed onto and has a periphery provided with at least two elongate slits. Thus, the mounting seat of the clamping unit is pivotally connected with the universal connector of the support unit so that the support unit can be pivoted relative to the clamping unit so as to adjust the angle of the support unit freely and variably.
US08469323B1
A monitor support assembly having an internal cable raceway. The support assembly includes a pole mount that can be secured to a desk or table top or to a vertical wall or furniture panel, a rotatable knuckle joint at the upper end of the pole mount, and a quick-release mount for a monitor or other peripheral device. The assembly may also include nonarticulatable and vertical members, connected to each other and to the pole mount with knuckle joints that include internal sleeves. One or more cables, with plugs attached, can be inserted into the cable raceway and joints without disassembling the monitor support. The assembly may have interchangeable parts to provide different lengths for the nonarticulatable and vertical members.
US08469319B2
An approach annunciator for a railway includes at least one sensor for sensing a vehicle traveling along the railway, a control device adapted to receive a first message from the sensor and to create a second message, and a transmitting module adapted to send the second message created by the control device. The control device is adapted to operate the transmitting module in one of a plurality of modes including an energy saving mode and an operation mode.
US08469316B2
A high-lift device suppresses the occurrence of aerodynamic noise while minimizing an increase in airframe weight. The device includes a slat main body disposed to be able to extend from and retract into a main wing, and a concave part formed on the slat main body at a location facing the main wing and able to accommodate at least a part of a leading edge of the main wing. The device also includes an airflow control part disposed at an area in the concave part facing an upper surface of the main wing, that is accommodated between the main wing and the concave part when the slat main body is refracted into the main wing, and that suppresses turbulence colliding against the area in the concave part facing the upper surface of the main wing when the slat main body is extended from the main wing.
US08469310B2
The idea of the present invention is that an airfreight container according to the invention, which is designed especially for an unpressurized cargo hold of an aircraft, comprises an airtight and pressure-tight container housing with a container interior space for accommodating airfreight goods. This airfreight container furthermore comprises an internal compressed air generating device which is designed for independently generating compressed air for supplying the container interior space with compressed air. The concept according to the invention of an at least partly autonomous airfreight container, which is created as a result, provides that the airfreight container according to the invention, in addition to the pure bundling of goods, now provides, moreover, different supply systems, such as the device for compressed air generation and compressed air provision, corresponding to the specific requirements. The particular advantage of this solution according to the invention is that cargo aircraft now do not have to provide supply systems, or have to provide at least a significantly reduced number of supply systems, in their cargo hold, and all further functions are now fulfilled by the airfreight container itself when required.The invention also refers to such an aircraft.
US08469303B2
A mechanism for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame and has one end of the stored section fixed to the frame, with the other end extending from the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal. The mechanism further includes a solenoid that is activated locally or remotely by a switch.
US08469301B2
A clutch includes a clutch housing that rotates with a spindle and has inner teeth; a pair of pawls that can engage with the inner teeth; a gear wheel that is joined to a motor and has a pair of sliding grooves that hold the pawls such that the pawls can move in the sliding grooves between a first position when the motor is not operating, a second position at which the pawls engage with the inner teeth of the clutch housing through operation of the motor, and a third position at which the pawls become positioned on the opposite side to that of the second position across the first position upon operation of the pretensioner; and a return prevention mechanism that prevents the pawls from returning to the first position and the second position after having moved to the third position.
US08469300B2
A fishing spinning reel having a housing and rotatably carrying a shaft between a crank handle and a main gear. The main gear drives a pinion gear shaft rotatably carried on one end by the housing. On the other end of the housing is mounted a rotor. Mounted on the housing, between the housing and the rotor, is a cup washer with male threads on the outside and a notch in the cup end facing the rotor. A clutch sleeve, non-rotatably attached to the rotor, around which a one way roller clutch locks, instantly engages a braking disc as the rotor rotates backwards and releases as the rotor turns forward. A frictioning disc is located on either side of the braking disc. A washer with a cleat is pushed towards the housing against the frictioning disc by a spring washer and is kept from rotation by the cleat inside the notch on the cup washer. The spring washer is pulled toward the housing by a tension adjusting drum.
US08469285B2
The present disclosure provides a chemical liquid supply nozzle capable of suppressing the drying process of chemical liquid with a low cost. The chemical liquid supply nozzle is provided with a cutoff valve and a suction unit that sucks chemical liquid to a suction flow path at a nozzle main body connected to a front end of flow path member. Accordingly, the chemical liquid remaining at the downstream side of the cutoff valve after the chemical liquid is discharged, is sucked toward the upstream side of the cutoff valve and removed, to thereby suppress the drying and solidifying process of the chemical liquid at the chemical liquid flow path. Also, there is no need to block the chemical liquid flow path by sucking thinner at the downstream side of chemical liquid flow path, and the number of dummy dispense may be reduced, thereby reducing an overall operation cost of the process.
US08469284B2
This pearlitic rail consists of a steel including: in terms of percent by mass, C: 0.65% to 1.20%; Si: 0.05% to 2.00%; Mn: 0.05% to 2.00%; and REM: 0.0005% to 0.0500%, with the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein, in a head portion of the rail, a head surface portion which ranges from surfaces of head corner portions and a head top portion to a depth of 10 mm has a pearlite structure, and the hardness Hv of the head surface portion is in a range of 320 to 500.
US08469282B2
The invention relates to a security tag made by randomly distributing a mixture of large numbers of multicolored objects into a unique, non-reproducible geometric array and encapsulating it onto a substrate. The 3-D aspect of the objects will prevent printing or 2-D copying of the stamp. The data, saved to a secure database, can be processed and quantities can be calculated from the field of binary data and can be affixed to the part that the stamp is affixed to. For one level of authentication, the array can be read out by scanner and compared to values printed on the part. For an additional level of authentication, the array can be read out by optical scanner and compared to the data stored in the secure database. The security tag is capable of replacing 2-D barcodes while containing only information capable of being scanned by 2-D barcode scanners.
US08469279B2
A personal electronic carrier device (PECD) comprising means for receiving PECD data; means for storing PECD data; means for transmitting PECD data directly or indirectly PECD; and operating software means to effect the receiving, storing and transmitting the PECD data. The PECD is part of a network having a plurality of data stations and preferably a main data base. The PECD data is selected from the group consisting of medical, educational and identification data. The networks provide for the efficacious and convenient handling of data.
US08469278B2
An information storage medium is formed of a card main body having a module embedded therein, and the module includes communicating unit for receiving a command from an external device, storing unit for storing a data processing routine including a plurality of check points, and data processing unit for executing processing corresponding to the command in accordance with the data processing routine, storing a plurality of check flags having the same value that varies in accordance with use of the plurality of check points included in the data processing routine, and confirming validity of data processing based on the plurality of stored check flags.
US08469277B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products for acquiring payment device data for wireless payment transactions are disclosed. According to one method, a request from a wireless payment reader for standardized payment device data for effecting a wireless payment is received by a wireless smart payment device. Payment device data elements are assembled by the wireless smart payment device into the standardized payment device data. The standardized payment device data are sent by the wireless smart payment device to the wireless payment reader.
US08469265B2
According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for implementing a card product or access mechanism with multiple relationships with an issuing entity (e.g., bank, etc.) where each relationship may be defined by one or more sets of rules that are customized for a particular customer. A computer implemented method and system for implementing a mechanism with multiple customized relationships may involve identifying one or more customized rules for an access mechanism associated with a customer; establishing a plurality of accounts for the customer wherein the plurality of accounts comprise different accounts with different account characteristics; and invoking one of the plurality of accounts for a transaction through the access mechanism, based at least in part on the one or more customized rules; wherein the plurality of accounts share at least one funding account.
US08469253B1
One example of a surgical apparatus may include at least one resorbable feeder belt, and a plurality of staples fixed to that feeder belt. Another example of a surgical apparatus may include at least one feeder belt and at least one resorbable carrier detachably connected to a corresponding feeder belt, where the carrier includes a plurality of staples attached to it. An exemplary surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing a surgical instrument that includes an end effector moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where the end effector includes an anvil and a staple holder pivotally connected to one another, where the anvil holds a knife; and at least one resorbable feeder belt and a plurality of staples fixed to the feeder belt, where the feeder belt extends into said staple holder; placing the end effector in proximity to tissue; deploying a plurality of staples into tissue; separating a distal segment of at least one feeder belt from a remainder of that feeder belt; and leaving that distal segment within the body of the patient.
US08469248B2
A fastening device for a bicycle includes a fixed assembly and a fastening assembly. The fixed assembly is fixedly mounted to the frame of the bicycle, and the fastening assembly is used for supporting an article. The first moveable socket and the second moveable socket of the fastening assembly are snapped into the first fixed holder and the second fixed holder of the fixed assembly correspondingly, so that the fastening assembly and the supported article are detachedly mounted to the frame of the bicycle. The fastening device for a bicycle can facilitate the disengaging and engaging of the article, prevent wear of the surface of the article, and enhance the fixing strength of the fastening assembly.
US08469241B2
A dispensing closure for a squeeze-type container produces a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment. The dispensing closure includes a closure body having an upper deck and a skirt depending from the upper deck. The skirt is configured and arranged to attach to a product container, such as a squeeze-type container. A flow conduit extends from an interior of the closure body and through the upper deck to provide a flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. The flow conduit has an entrance orifice and an exit orifice. The flow conduit has an inner wall extending between the entrance orifice and the exit orifice. The flow conduit and the closure body are integrally formed. The flow conduit includes a tip portion with an exit orifice defining a shape to provide a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment.
US08469239B2
A pressure control device (8) for medium-containing containers (2) such as liquid or gas containers, which pressure control device comprises a pressure control chamber (25) with at least one movable wall part (22) for operating a mechanism for opening and/or closing a gas supply opening (27) of a gas holder, while a scavenger (31) is accommodated in the pressure control chamber. Preferably, the pressure control device is stored at atmospheric conditions before the beverage and the pressure control device are brought into contact.
US08469235B2
The invention relates to a whipped-cream dispenser type cooking apparatus (400) includes multiple parts and in particular a fluid tank (320), a head (310), an endpiece (304), and at least one gas charger (302). The apparatus comprises a storage holder (100) with a base in which there are defined at least one concave housing (102) suitable for taking said endpiece, and said fluid tank, these two elements being open to the air, a stop (106) for positioning said head, also open to the air, and at least one cell (204) suitable for housing a gas charger. The storage holder of the invention allows said parts to be stored tidily in an aerobic environment unfavorable to the proliferation of bacteria.
US08469232B2
An ice dispensing system includes: a rotating bin having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface; at least one projection extending from the inner surface of the bin for directing ice within the bin; an input chute having a first end coupled to and in fluid communication with an ice making machine and a second end in fluid communication with the opening in the bin when the bin is in a first position; and an output chute in fluid communication with the opening of the bin when the bin is in a second position. The bin is configured to rotate from the first position to the second position and the opening has a geometry and size that directs ice within the bin and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position and dispenses the regulated amount of ice into the output chute when the bin reaches the second position.
US08469224B2
A crate comprises a bottom and two respective pairwise opposing side walls and end walls, each side wall comprising a plurality of vent holes in a region extending along a horizontal direction of the side wall, and each end wall comprising a grip hole, wherein the region is a distance away from a corner of the crate, the distance being equal to the distance the grip hole is away from the same corner of the crate, and wherein a height of the region is equal to the height of the grip hole.
US08469219B1
The present invention is directed to a steam ventilation system for providing an easy way to release steam from a container.
US08469217B2
A thermoformed container comprising a tray having a bottom wall with a recess for storing food items, an open top for providing access to the recess and a cover sized to close the open top of the tray. The cover is hingedly connected to the tray, with both the cover and tray having cooperating structures that form a closure when the container is closed, with a vent structure provided in the container for venting the interior of the container.
US08469180B2
A process for lubricating a container, such as a beverage container, or a conveyor for containers, by applying to the container or conveyor, a thin continuous, substantially non-dripping layer of a liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional dilute aqueous lubricant.
US08469175B2
A method for controlling an installation for a revolving passenger transport comprised of steps or pallets moving along a transport path that includes a plurality of drives. At least one drive is arranged in a reversing area and at least one further drive is arranged in an area of the transport path. Each drive is actively connected to a frequency converter. All of the frequency converters are monitored by a higher-order control. A defined drive pattern is memorized in the higher-order control. Measured values of the drives are transmitted to the higher-order control by individual frequency converters. The measured values are compared in the higher-order control with respect to each other. In case of divergences from the memorized drive pattern of the respective frequency converter, the respective frequency converter which diverges from a comparative value is corrected with aid of the higher-order control.
US08469174B2
A valuable document receiving and alignment method includes the steps of (a) a user inserts a valuable document obliquely into a transversely tilted tunnel, (b) a validation unit of the valuable document receiver senses the inserted valuable document and controls a delivery mechanism to hold down the valuable document, (c) a sheet-deliver wheel module of the delivery mechanism delivers the valuable document forwardly to a predetermined distance and the user releases the hand from the valuable document, (d) the sheet-deliver wheel module releases the valuable document for enabling it to fall downwardly to the lower side wall of the transversely tilted tunnel and to let one side edge of the valuable document be abutted against the lower side wall, and (e) the sheet-deliver wheel module delivers the valuable document to a validation position for enabling the validation unit to identify the authenticity and value of the valuable document.
US08469157B2
A brake assembly is provided for a utility vehicle. After a brake operation, a clearance between a control member and an intermediate part and/or between a brake element and an intermediate part is adjusted by means of a displacement or restoring unit arranged in an intermediate part. Wear, and the associated change of clearance, can be compensated for by means of friction gripping devices, located respectively in the control member and in the brake element.
US08469153B2
The present invention is related to a dispatching system for car assignment method. The method includes: (a) setting a set number based a history data, wherein the history data records a time and a location of each dispatching car event happening, the set number is an average number of dispatching car events that happen in a special time segment and in the region; (b) determining whether or not the first number is larger than the set number; (c) not issuing a dispatching car information when the first number is larger than the set number; and (d) issuing a dispatching car information and assigning a second number of cars to the region when the first number is less than the set number. Moreover, a dispatching apparatus to perform the dispatching car method is also provided.
US08469152B2
Methods and systems for a multi-capacity vehicle lift system are provided. The system includes a lift assembly having a plurality of lift capacities and a load platform coupled to the lift assembly. The load platform includes a plurality of lift starting positions, each of the plurality of lift starting positions corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of lift capacities.
US08469150B2
A lubricant distributor comprising a progressive distributor and a single-line metering valve is disclosed. An outlet of the single-line metering valve is in fluidic connection, or can be brought into fluidic connection, with an inlet of the progressive distributor.
US08469136B2
A hybrid construction machine includes an engine, a generator motor, and a hydraulic pump. They constitute a power unit, and are connected in series, with the generator motor being disposed between the engine and the hydraulic pump and with a center of gravity of the entire power unit being positioned closer to the generator motor than the center of gravity of the engine. A mount installation bracket is mounted at a side of each flange disposed at a corresponding side of the generator motor. A generator-motor-side mount device is mounted to the bracket.
US08469135B2
A device for preventing the start-up or initial operation of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, by a vehicle driver who is under the influence of alcohol, as well as a vehicle equipped with such a device. The device includes a device for determining the alcohol content in the breath, blood, tissue, sweat of the skin, or in the interstitial tissue fluid of the vehicle driver, as well as an immobilizer which prevents the start-up or the initial operation of the vehicle when the alcohol content in the vehicle driver's breath, blood, tissue, sweat of the skin, or interstitial tissue fluid, that is ascertained by the device, exceeds a specified threshold value. Means are provided for bypassing or disabling the immobilizer.
US08469130B2
A work vehicle comprises a front frame, a rear frame, an oscillation frame, a slew bearing, and a rolling-element bearing. The slew bearing and the rolling-element bearing allow oscillation between the oscillation frame and the rear frame about a fore-aft axis.
US08469125B2
An articulated vehicle system can include a first vehicle selectively and pivotally connected to a second vehicle. A first powertrain can be mounted on the first vehicle to drive a wheel mounted on the first vehicle. A second powertrain can be mounted on the second vehicle to drive a wheel mounted on the second vehicle independent from the drive of the wheel of the first vehicle. The vehicle system may also include a controller in electrical communication with each of the first powertrain, second powertrain, and steering mechanism to assist in steering and power distribution, especially when reversing the vehicle system.
US08469123B1
An energy-producing system comprising an axle configured to be driven by an electric vehicle's wheels when in motion. The axle supports a series of wind-catching cups contained within an aerodynamic housing configured to direct air to the cups while also increasing the air speed. During vehicle motion, the cups are acted upon by rushing air causing the rotation of the axle such that the rotation may be transferred into energy via a generator/alternator linked thereto. A series of similarly polarized magnets integrated on said cups and proximate thereto further maintain the axle in motion during short vehicle stops. The system extends the life of the batteries between charges as well the distance the vehicle can travel between charges.
US08469119B2
According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.
US08469118B2
A viscoelastic drilling fluid for drilling in underground rock formations, comprising (a) an aqueous and/or organic liquid base, (b) at least one weighting agent, in particulate form, with a mass per unit volume of at least 2 g/cm3, preferably at least 4 g/cm3, in suspension in said liquid base, and (c) carbon nanotubes with a mean diameter of between 10 and 30 nm and a specific surface in excess of 200 m2/g, preferably of between 200 m2/g and 250 m2/g and a drilling method using such a fluid.
US08469106B2
A technique facilitates actuating a variety of components in a downhole environment. The technique utilizes displacement based activation of an atmospheric actuation chamber. Activation of the atmospheric actuation chamber may be initiated via a variety of mechanisms, including manipulation of a restraining device, translation of a seal, and/or destruction of a seal. The atmospheric actuation chamber is coupled in cooperation with the corresponding downhole component to enable selective activation of the downhole component.
US08469098B2
A formation treatment system includes an annulus spanning member having one or more openings therein. A tubular having one or more ports therein in fluid communication with the one or more openings. A sleeve capable of isolating or communicating the one or more ports with an ID of the tubular. A method for effecting precision formation treatment is included.
US08469097B2
A tubular cutter that cuts with extendable and rotating blades has its depth of cut limited upon getting through the tubular to be cut. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular has a loosely mounted member exterior thereto to be engaged by the rotating cutters. When such engagement happens the effect is that the loosely mounted member serves as a cover to the cutters to prevent them from cutting other structures beyond the tubular to be cut. The loosely mounted member is grabbed by the rotating blades for tandem rotation this preventing further cutting action. The load on the mill drops noticeably so that surface personnel have a signal to stop hydraulic pressure to the drive mechanism to allow the blades to retract and the cutter to be removed.
US08469096B2
A whipstock with a longitudinal axis includes a tapered face surface, at least a part of which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis, for guiding a milling head as the milling head passes from a top end to a bottom end of the face surface. A deflecting arrangement protrudes from the face surface and has first and second deflection surfaces. At least a part of each of the deflection surfaces is raised above the face surface, and each of the first and second deflection surfaces are inclined at a greater angle with respect to the longitudinal axis than the face surface in the region of the deflection arrangement. The first deflection surface is located closer to the top end of the face surface than the second deflection surface.
US08469095B2
A self-healing cement system includes cement, water and at least one additive that swells in contact with water from reservoir or from formation in the case of a structural failure in the set cement to provide a physical barrier in the zone of failure. Examples of such material include particles of super-absorbent polymer. These additives have the effect of making the cement self-healing in the event of physical failure or damage such as micro-annuli. The self healing property is produced by the contact of the water itself, the potential repair mechanism is thus activated if and when needed in case of start of loss of zonal isolation. Several super-absorbent polymers have been identified such as polyacrylamide, modified crosslinked poly(meth)acrylate and non-soluble acrylic polymers.
US08469092B2
A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.
US08469087B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and/or apparatus for deploying wireline tools with a non-electric string. In one embodiment, a method of determining a free point of a tubular string stuck in a wellbore includes deploying a tool string in the stuck tubular with a non-electric string. The free point assembly includes a battery, a controller, and a free point tool. The method further includes activating the free point tool by the controller. The free point tool contacts an inner surface of the stuck tubular string. The method further includes applying a tensile force and/or torque to the stuck tubular string; and measuring a response of the tubular string with the free point tool.
US08469082B2
A heat transfer element includes curved mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of a pipe for attachment thereto; and a channel configured to receive a tracer therein. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with heat transfer cement (HTC) to both the pipe and the tracer. A system includes a pipe and a tracer; HTC; and a heat transfer element having curved mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of the pipe and attached thereto via the HTC, and a channel in which the tracer is received and secured via HTC. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with HTC to both the pipe and the tracer.
US08469074B2
Mechanism for controlling pressure during the adhesive thermal compression bonding provides benefits of higher production yield, improved adhesive bonding performance and quality. Springs and pneumatic pistons are utilized to provide improved pressure control during the adhesive thermal compression bonding process. All production parts have certain geometric tolerances and automatically accommodating these tolerances increases production yield by reducing waste of incompletely adhesive bonded parts. The gaps caused by the parts tolerance are closed in a controlled manner using the mechanism and the pressure is controlled for effective adhesive bonding.
US08469070B2
A tire configured to be mounted on a mounting rim, comprising two beads, a crown comprising a tread, two sidewalls, a carcass reinforcing armature, and a membrane situated radially on the inside of the carcass reinforcing structure, this membrane comprising: (a) a membrane reinforcing armature anchored in each bead to the annular reinforcing structure, said membrane comprises a layer of reinforcement elements directed substantially radially and (b) an airtight layer of rubber mix; wherein the membrane is arranged in such a way that part of the membrane together with part of the carcass reinforcing armature delimits a chamber extending transversely and circumferentially; wherein, in any radial section, the curved length Lm of the trace of the surface of the chamber delimited by the membrane is greater than the curved length Lc of the trace of the surface chamber delimited by the carcass reinforcing armature (Lm>Lc).
US08469068B2
This invention provides a one-piece golf bag wrap protector for protecting golf bags from damage when placed on golf carts. The protector includes a pair of ends, a plurality of spaced securing holes disposed proximate an upper surface thereon, a plurality of fastening means having one end secured within the spaced securing holes, and another end being cooperatively secured to an upper peripheral edge of a golf bag. Attachment means disposed proximate the pair of ends for securing the protector wrapped around the golf bag. A plurality of female fasteners near one of the ends and a male fastener positioned near the other end at their upper portions for engaging one another to accommodate golf bags of different sizes.A bungee cord associated with the spaced securing holes and golf hand cart handles for securing golf bags on golf hand carts to prevent movement there between.
US08469057B2
A valve includes a valve cap, a valve body, a diaphragm, biasing means and a locking mechanism. The valve cap includes a plurality of process conduits and process ports. The valve body faces the valve cap and includes a plurality of plunger passages extending therein. The diaphragm is positioned between the valve cap and the valve body. The valve body includes a plunger assembly, a first support structure and a second support structure. The plunger assembly includes a plurality of plungers, each slidable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the plunger deforms the diaphragm in order to block communication between two of the process ports. In the open position, the plunger is retracted away from the diaphragm. Each plunger is either a normally closed plunger or a normally open plunger. The normally closed plungers are mounted upon first support structure and the normally open plungers are mounted upon the second support structure. The locking mechanism is for engaging the first support structure and thereby physically restraining the normally closed plungers in the open position. A valve body assembly is also described.
US08469054B2
The application relates to a control device comprising a control element that can be rotated on a first functional level, an electronic controller, an electric power supply, and a base for mounting the control device. Said control device is designed to control plumbing appliances comprising a water discharge point and an electronically controlled mixing valve that has a cold water connection and a hot water connection. The flow or the temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge point can be changed by rotating the control element. The control device according to the invention is characterized in that a second functional level can be assigned to the control element by means of an electronic or electric pulse. Said second functional level is mechanically identical to the first functional level. The temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge point can be changed by rotating the control element when the second functional level has been assigned.
US08469049B2
A discharge extension assembly includes a main tube having at least first and second ends. The discharge extension assembly further includes at least one extension tube configured to telescope from within the main tube. The main tube and the at least one extension tube may include a plurality of collars that are configured to limit overextension of the at least one extension tube from the main tube. A first bracket is configured to mount to the first end of the main tube. A hinge assembly is configured to pivot the main tube and the at least one extension tube. The hinge assembly may include a stop and a sleeve slidably engaged with a shaft. The stop, the sleeve, and the shaft may be configured to limit movement of the sleeve. A second bracket may be configured to mount to the second end of the main tube.
US08469045B2
A collapsible tent frame includes an upper connecting holder, a guiding rod, a plurality of poles, a plurality of first support rods, a middle connecting holder, a plurality of second support rods, and a lower connecting holder. Each of the plurality of first support rods has an inner end articulated to the middle connecting holder and an outer end articulated to an inner end of one of the plurality of poles. The first support rods provide an outward support action between the middle connecting holder and the poles to ensure that the tent won't be collapsed automatically after the tent is expanded, without the need for the fasteners of a traditional tent frame. The present invention is simple in structure and operation, and provides a better rigidity because there are four second support rods.
US08469043B2
The present invention describes a drying system for a dishwasher having a washing tub (2). The drying system comprises: a first fan (3) for propelling a first air stream through the washing tub (2) to an air transporting space (9) situated in the dishwasher outside the washing tub (2), wherein the first air stream is propelled in such a way that humidity in the washing tub (2) is absorbed by the first air stream and propelled to the air transporting space (9); and a second fan (4) for propelling a second air stream received from an area outside the dishwasher to the air transporting space (9). The drying system is further arranged such that the first and the second air streams are mixed in the air transporting space (9), and in that the mixed air stream is propelled to an exhaust opening (10) leading out from the dishwasher. Thereby, an efficient drying process can be achieved wherein air leaving the dishwasher has an appropriate temperature and humidity.
US08469041B2
The present invention generally relates to an applicator system and in particular, relates to an applicator system capable of moving the applicator head in an irregular motion. The applicator system is provided with a mechanism that gives the applicator an irregular motion during usage thereby resulting in better application. The applicator system of the present invention is configured to move in an irregular motion that has no obvious pattern and may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as mascara application, scrubbing of lips, cleaning of nails, etc.
US08469032B2
An airway positioning device facilitates the maintenance of a patent airway by correctly positioning a patient's head during anesthesia. A flat base supports a supine patient's head. A pair of rails slope downward from a first end of the base to a second end of the base. A track mounts with at least one of the rails. At least one adjustable support arm movably mounts with the track via a locking coupling device at an end of the arm distal to the patient's head. A patient engaging member mounted with an end of the arm proximal to the patient's head supports the patient's head in a desired position during an operation or procedure.
US08469031B2
An exhalation valve assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation valve assembly includes an actuator module that may be fixed to the ventilation system and a valve module, removable for cleaning or disposal, through which the exhaled gas flows and that controls the pressure and release of the exhaled gas to the environment. Other components may also be incorporated into the assembly including a filter module, a flow meter and a condensate trap.
US08469026B2
A ventilator intended to be connected to a patient for breathing therapy has a control unit having an input for receiving EMG signals from an EMG detector and an output for an EMG based control signal and a pneumatic unit for generating breathing gas flows dependent on the EMG based control signal is described. The ventilator has a detector for determining a parameter related to breathing dynamics for the patient, this detector being connected to the control unit and control unit controlling the pneumatic unit dependent on the parameter related to breathing dynamics in the case of loss of EMG signals at the input.
US08469024B2
A tracheostomy tube assembly comprising a tracheostomy tube and an elongated neck plate secured to said tube having an upper edge, a lower edge and holes at opposite ends thereof, is characterized by a soft, flexible gel-like polymer pad having a center port surrounding the tracheostomy tube and releasably secured on the patient side of the neck plate and extending to or beyond the upper and lower neck plate edges and inside the holes. The pad has a smooth, substantially flat, planar first surface for resting against the patient side of the neck plate and a smooth, soft, transversely concave second surface for resting against a patient's neck, whereby the pad has a thicker cross-section at its opposite side edges and ends, and a thinner cross-section along a center portion extending between the upper and lower pad edges and ends.
US08469013B1
A compound archery bow comprises a riser, limbs, pulley members connected to the limbs, a draw cable, and a power cable. A first pulley member includes a draw cable journal, a power cable take-up mechanism, and coaxial axle segments extending from opposite sides of the pulley member. The effective lever arm of the power cable take-up mechanism decreases, during a latter portion of drawing the bow, from a distance that is greater than a radius of the axle segments to a minimum distance that is less than that radius. The first pulley member is further arranged so that, with the bow fully drawn, at least a portion of the power cable passes through at least a portion of a space between the first and second axle segments.
US08469009B2
A gaseous-fuelled internal combustion engine and a method of engine operation improve combustion stability and reducing emissions of NOx, PM, and unburned hydrocarbons. The method comprises fuelling an internal combustion engine with hydrogen and natural gas, which can be directly injected into the combustion chamber together or introduced separately. Of the total gaseous fuel delivered to the engine, at least 5% by volume at standard temperature and pressure is hydrogen. For at least one engine operating condition, the ratio of fuel rail pressure to peak in-cylinder pressure is at least 1.5:1. A fuel injection valve introduces the gaseous fuel mixture directly into the combustion chamber. Two separate fuel injection valves could also introduce the methane and hydrogen separately. An electronic controller controls timing for operating the fuel injection valve(s). The engine has a preferred compression ratio of at least 14:1.
US08469005B2
The present invention provides a fuel injector, comprising a housing having a sealable injector seat; a fuel injector pin disposed within the housing proximate to the injector seat such that the injector seat may be sealed and unsealed by displacing the fuel injector pin; a resilient element biasing the fuel injector pin in an unsealed direction; a piezoelectric actuator disposed within the housing proximal to the fuel injector pin configured to actuate to force the injector pin towards the injector seat to seal the injector seat; and a thermal compensating unit disposed within the housing proximal to the actuator and configured to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of a component of the fuel injector.
US08469004B2
A direct fuel injection cylinder for an engine of a vehicle includes a direct fuel injector disposed in an injector bore within a cylinder head. A beveled conical wave washer is disposed between a shelf in the injector bore and a shoulder of the direct fuel injector. During operation of the vehicle, the beveled conical wave washer is elastically deformed by radial displacement caused by absorption of high frequency energy from the direct fuel injector. Elastic deformation of the beveled conical wave washer may reduce noise which may be caused by impact of the direct fuel injector and the cylinder head.
US08468996B2
A balance shaft module of an engine may include a balance weight shaped eccentrically in a radial direction from the axial center of a balance shaft, and a balance cover combined with the balance weight and defining a circumferentially-uniform outer surface with the balance weight with respect to the axial center of the balance shaft.
US08468995B2
A balancer assembly for an engine includes a first balance shaft and a second balance shaft parallel with and laterally spaced from the first balance shaft. The first balance shaft includes a first counterweight portion and a second counterweight portion axially spaced from each other, with each defining a first radius. The second balance shaft includes a central counterweight defining a second radius. The central counterweight is axially disposed between the first counterweight portion and the second counterweight portion to allow a radial overlap with the first counterweight portion and the second counterweight portion, with the first radius being greater than the second radius.
US08468994B2
A valve assembly includes a tubular valve stem guide and a valve having a valve stem slidable in the bore of the valve stem guide. A lower valve stem seal has an annular body surrounding the valve stem and a skirt sealing with the valve stem guide. An upper valve stem seal has an annular body sealingly mounted on the valve stem and a skirt portion overlapping with the annular body of the lower valve stem seal during the reciprocating movement of the valve stem so that the upper and lower valve stem seals cooperate to prevent flow of oil to the bore of the valve stem guide. The valve stem is coated with a diamond-like carbon coating or a hard nitride coating, and the valve stem guide is of powered metal construction with approximately 1% by weight solid lubricant such as molybdenum disulfide or tungsten disulfide.
US08468988B2
Provided is a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which can favorably reduce electric power consumption in a vehicle system that may stop the internal combustion engine during power-up of the vehicle system.A changeover mechanism 90 is provided which is capable of switching between a connection state in which a first rocker arm 96 and a second rocker arm 98 are in connection with each other via a changeover pin 112, 118 and a disconnection state in which the connection is released. The changeover mechanism 90 performs energization of actuators 130 for each cylinder in a case in which fuel supply to the internal combustion engine 12 is stopped in response to an establishment of a predetermined stop condition. The above-described energization of the actuator 130 for each cylinder is stopped in a case in which a crankshaft 78 of the internal combustion engine 12 stops rotating during an energization time period of the actuator 130 and in which the crankshaft 78 is not driven by an external power.
US08468975B2
Systems and methods for monitoring laboratory animals includes a tag comprising an inductive element and a capacitive element attached to a portion of a laboratory animal. The position of the portion is detected by monitoring the effect of the tag on a time-varying magnetic field having different frequencies, one near tag resonance, and one away from tag resonance.
US08468974B2
A fish cage formed from a molecularly oriented single strand filament that is crossed and welded at the intersections to make a net or screen configuration. The filament being molecularly oriented by stretching ratio of about 3:1 and has a cross section of the filament being at least 2 mm2. The filament is an extruded thermoplastic material made from nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane or polypropylene having a preferred cross section in a D or oval shape to better facilitate welding the intersections. An antimicrobial or biocide may be added to the filament. The screen or net is preferably of a bright color such as yellow, green, white or a translucent white. The screen can also be formed by connecting small injection molded segments together thereby producing a larger screen.
US08468968B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed for remotely installing in a conduit a monolithic liner comprised of an amine terminated resin and a hydroxyl resin combined with isocyanate. The hydroxyl resin may include caster oil or soy based oil. The liner mixture may include anti-static agents such as quaternary ammonium ethosulfates, ethoxylated amines or glycerol esters. The apparatus includes a main component body including an umbilical comprising hoses for lining and air components and electrical power and signals, an impingement block for mixing the liner and remotely controlled by a termination rod. The device may reciprocate forward and reverse in the pipe and the laterally. The method and apparatus can structurally reinforce the pipe to allow operation at the pipe's original maximum allowable operating pressure.
US08468962B2
A sewing machine includes a thread holding device disposed downstream of a thread take-up lever and upstream of a needle bar in terms of a threading path of a needle thread, and including a fixed first disc and a movable second disc movable by an electromechanical unit between holding and releasing positions to be closer to and remote from the first disc, respectively. The first and second discs respectively have first and second holding surfaces cooperatively defining a thread holding clearance to permit passage of the needle thread therethrough. The needle thread can be clamped in the thread holding clearance so as to prevent the needle thread being pulled out of the needle during a thread cutting procedure. A required amount of the needle thread remaining on the needle can be secured.
US08468957B2
A multi-orientation stacking riser includes a main section; a protruding mating section extending from one surface of the main section; and a recessed mating section formed in an opposite surface of the main section, and wherein the recessed mating section accommodates insertion of a protruding mating section of an identical stacking riser in at least first and second positions.
US08468953B2
A device can be provided for pivoting a front hatch of a track-guided vehicle, which can a reduced weight, while at the same time being able to reduce susceptibility to failure. The device can include a first pivot lever connectable to the front hatch and a second pivot lever connectable to the front hatch, where the pivot levers can be rotatable about a common rotational axis, to pivot the front hatch relative the vehicle chassis. The device can also include a first actuating element connectable to the vehicle chassis which can interact with the first pivot lever. For example, upon the first actuating element being actuated, torque can be exerted on the first pivot lever. A second actuating element can be provided which is connectable to the vehicle chassis, and which interacts with the second pivot lever. Upon the second actuating element being actuated, torque can be exerted on the second pivot lever. The device can further include a synchronization element (e.g., in the form of a rod-shaped element) extending along the common rotational axis which is connected to the first pivot lever on the one side and to the second pivot lever on the other so as to synchronize the rotational movement of the pivot levers.
US08468951B2
An actuating mechanism includes first and second hollow outer shafts, two rotating wheels located between the first and second outer shafts, and an inner shaft received in the second outer shaft. Each of the first and second outer shafts forms a connecting portion at one end thereof. Each connecting portion defines two receiving holes. Each rotating wheel includes a body and a rod extending through the body. The bodies of the rotating wheels are in contact with each other. Two ends of the rod of each rotating wheel are correspondingly received in the receiving holes of the first and second outer shafts to connect the first and second outer shafts together. One end of the inner shaft contacts the rod of one rotating wheel. The inner shaft is rotatable in the second outer shaft to drive the two rotating wheels to rotate.
US08468942B2
Method for cleaning a lithographic printing plate comprising the step of applying a liquid to the plate including an aqueous phase, a solvent phase and at least one alkyl (poly) glucoside, said solvent phase including a mixture comprising aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbons, characterized in that the amount of solvent phase in the liquid is ≦40% wt.
US08468940B2
The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for exposing a cylindrical print sleeve. The method and apparatus can accommodate exposing various cylindrical print sleeves having different sleeve lengths and/or diameters. The apparatus includes a sleeve support for supporting the cylindrical print sleeve at one end, a plurality of light tubes supported in a longitudinal orientation, and a means for positioning the light tubes along one of a plurality of concentric rails to form a substantially circular wall of light tubes about the print sleeve.
US08468934B2
Dispensing device for preparing and dispensing food and/or nutritional composition comprising: a water circuit for transporting water, a water heater, an injection head (4) comprising an injection intruding part (25, 38) for injecting water in a capsule comprising the food and/or nutritional ingredient; a capsule holder (17) for holding the capsule during injection of water in the capsule, wherein the injection head and capsule holder are moveable relatively one another for approaching the capsule surface to the injection head and injecting water in the capsule, wherein it also comprises a cleaning and/or sanitizing means (13) which can be associated to the injection system for enabling hot water and/or steam to clean and/or sanitize the external surface of the injection intruding part.
US08468932B2
A brake booster includes a housing configured for mounting to the master cylinder of a braking system. The housing defines a bore for receiving a power piston and an end cap, with a return spring disposed between the head of the piston and end cap. The housing and end cap define a recess and a rib sized to be received within the rib but configured for an interference fit between the end cap and housing outside the recess. The interference fit is calibrated to require a force to push the end cap into the bore that exceeds the force generated by the return spring when it is compressed between the end cap and the piston head. The recess and rib at least temporarily retains the spring within the bore until the brake booster is mounted to the master cylinder.
US08468931B2
A fluid motor and a control system that includes an electronic controller and a mechanical servo to position a fluid motor. The electronic controller is combined with a non-electronic self storing position feedback device. The electronic controller is capable of providing accurate positioning and the positioning is maintained with a mechanical servo mechanism. The fluid motor can be either hydraulically or pneumatically operated.
US08468930B1
A rifle scope system allows adjustment of the point-of-aim of a scope while a shooter maintains the shooting posture and the scope sight picture. The scope system saves ballistic parameters and the associated point-of-aim information of a shot in a database of empirical data points. While the scope is aimed at a target, a processor may use the empirical data points along with the ballistic parameters of the target to determine point-of-aim adjustments of the scope. The adjustment system allows processor-determined adjustments to be effected in a quick manner.
US08468925B2
A non-lethal, sabot-deployed blast shield mitigates a suicide bomber by wrapping around the bomber and positioning a plurality of protective layers over an explosive device to absorb emitted heat, shock waves, and projectiles if the device is detonated. Stand-offs such as inflatable beams or pillows provide break-away zones between the protective layers, allowing some layers to expand to a point of failure and absorb the maximum possible energy. Inner layers absorb shock waves and heat. One or more outer layers resist projectile penetration. Protective layers can be positioned on opposing sides of a suspect in case two explosive devices are present. Shields can deploy with sufficient energy to knock down a bomber. In embodiments, a plurality of shields can be applied without interference therebetween. In some embodiments, a round shield includes bolas which spread the shield in flight in a cast-net dynamic and wrap around the suspect for shield attachment.
US08468922B2
A rail-guided power tool (1) has at least one carrying handle (24) and one device head (2) arranged on a guide carriage (12). The guide carriage (12) can be moved by an adjustment mechanism (23) from a locked position—in which the guide carriage (12) is engaged with a guide rail (9) via at least one adjustable guide roller (22)—into a released position—in which the at least one adjustable guide roller (22) is at a distance from the guide rail (9). The power tool (1) also has an unlocking mechanism (25) including an actuator (30), a transmitter (31) and an unlocking device (32), whereby the unlocking mechanism (25) is configured in one piece.
US08468918B2
A milling cutter includes a disk like cutter body having radially directed slots and a central aperture. An exchangeable hub of the milling cutter has two adapter members located on either side of the cutter body and has an inner side wall. One of the adapter members has at least two protrusions formed on the adapter inner side wall and one of the two adapter members has a raised portion located on the adapter inner side wall. The adapter members are secured to the cutter body by the protrusions positioned in the slots and the raised portion positioned in the central aperture.
US08468916B2
A biaxial foldout tool includes a body with opposing ends and one or more sets of tool drivers. The opposing ends are rotated 90° from each other. A first set of tool drivers is positioned on/near a first end and rotates about a first hinge; a second set of tool drivers is positioned on/near a second end and rotates about a second hinge. A first portion of the first set opens in a direction counter to an open direction of a second portion of the first set of tool drivers. A first portion of the second set opens in a direction counter to an open direction of a second portion of the second set of tool drivers. When tool drivers are in an open position, internal stops prevent the tool drivers from opening past a predetermined angle. The tool drivers are contained within channels of the body when in a closed position.
US08468906B2
When an end portion of a gearshift lever 20 is pressed into an inner insertion hole of a gearshift knob 23, an auxiliary lever 34 is brought into contact with the end of an operation member. Thereby, a link body 33 turns, and an end of a link lever 35 is inserted into a connection hole 24. In addition, when the end portion of the gearshift lever 20 is pressed into the inner insertion hole of the gearshift knob 23, the link lever 35 is guided by a guidance wall 24a to a deep portion of the connection hole 24. Thereby, the link body 33 turns, and the auxiliary lever 34 is separated from the end of the operation member 22. Furthermore, while the knob button 27 is being pressed down, the auxiliary lever 34 is always separated from the end of the operation member 22.
US08468904B2
First gear for use in a gear set including a second gear has a hub to which are attached a plurality of arms made of an elastic material. Each pair of adjacent arms defines a slot between them into which the arms may bend. The arms can deflect elastically in the plane as a cantilevered beam. Each arm has on the end thereof, a tooth for meshing with a tooth on the second gear to allow transfer of force between the first gear's tooth and the meshing second gear's tooth. A load distributor in contact with at least first and second arms distributes to the second arm at least a portion of force received by the first arm's tooth while the first arm's tooth meshes with a tooth on the second gear. In one embodiment, the load distributor comprises an insert within the slot between the first and second arms.
US08468900B2
A manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipettor includes a software biasing mode to assure proper alignment over wells in the 96-well plate and the 384-well plate. The system also includes manual repositioning levers for nesting receptacles which are customized for 96 well-plates and 384 well-plates respectively.
US08468898B2
Magnetically encoded shafts for use in detecting forces exerted on the shaft during operation. Magnetically encoded regions, arranged in tracks or bands, encircle the shaft and are formed within or affixed to the shaft. The magnetically encoded regions define force-sensitive regions therebetween. Magnetic fields surround the force-sensitive regions and are altered by force vectors passing through the force sensitive region. These magnetic fields are sensed by magnetic field sensors to determine various shaft parameters including, for example: shaft rotational speed, shaft rotational position, and forces exerted on the shaft, e.g., torque, bending forces, stress forces and strain forces. To provide continuous detection of shaft operational parameters and forces, dead zones between magnetically encoded regions are aligned with force sensitive regions associated with magnetically encoded regions in other bands.
US08468896B2
A media tester including a test body having an axial bore configured to receive media having a minimum bend radius, an adjustment member connected to the test body, the adjustment member configured for rotation about the axial bore of the test body, and a media engaging member connected to the adjustment member, the media engaging member configured to receive the media.
US08468890B2
Provided are an ultrasonic inspection device, an ultrasonic inspection method, and an atomic power plant nondestructive inspection method that are capable of efficiently generating ultrasonic waves having a sufficient intensity and that are capable of carrying out preferable inspection in a wide range. Provided is an ultrasonic inspection device including a laser device that emits output-adjusted laser light and a volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit having a transmitting diaphragm that generates ultrasonic waves upon being irradiated with the laser light emitted by the laser device, inspection being carried out by radiating the ultrasonic waves generated by the transmitting diaphragm of the volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit on a structural member, wherein the transmitting diaphragm is formed of titanium.
US08468886B2
A yaw rate sensor includes a substrate which has a main plane of extension and a Coriolis element which is movable relative to the substrate. The yaw rate sensor has an excitation arrangement for exciting a drive oscillation of the Coriolis element along a first direction parallel to the main plane of extension. The yaw rate sensor has a detection arrangement for detecting a Coriolis deflection of the Coriolis element along a third direction which is perpendicular to the main plane of extension. In addition, the yaw rate sensor has a quadrature compensation structure which includes a comb electrode structure and a plate capacitor structure.
US08468885B2
The reagent volume dispensed into wells (3) of a test plate (2) is determined by moving an upper electrode (5) of specific profile into each well to an optimum position above the well bottom, by determining the capacitance value of the capacitor formed by the upper electrode in each well and a lower electrode (6) arranged adjacent to the lower outside surface (11) of the test plate below each well, and by comparing the measured capacitance value with reference calibration values.
US08468882B2
A method and apparatus for logging a wellbore with a translating arm set is provided. The translating arm set has at least one translating sensor pad for measuring at least one downhole parameter. The translating arm set has at least one translating extendable arm extendable from the downhole tool for locating each of the at least one translating sensor pads proximate the wellbore wall. The translating arm set has an actuator for translating the at least one translating arm set along a longitudinal axis of the downhole tool whereby the translating sensor pad is positionable at a selected longitudinal position relative to the downhole tool.
US08468881B1
An apparatus for inspecting brake drums to quickly determine whether the drums pass or fail inspection comprising a housing dimensioned to be inserted between the brake shoes of a wheel and placed on the inner braking surface of a brake drum, whereby a sensor or switch means is utilized to determine whether or not the inner diameter has exceeded the maximum allowable diameter for such drum, and whereby a visual or audible signal is provided to indicated that the drum has passed or failed inspection.
US08468879B2
A vacuum system diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, vacuum system leaks are diagnosed via a pressure reading of a vacuum reservoir. The approach may reduce the number of sensors used to diagnose vacuum system degradation.
US08468869B2
A method of calibrating a group of parameters of an articulated coordinate measuring apparatus includes the use of primary and secondary standard units. These standard units each include one or more calibration reference portions, and the group of parameters include primary and secondary calibration parameters. Space coordinates of each reference portion of the primary standard unit is measured at a plurality of arm positions of the apparatus, and calibration is performed for the primary calibration parameters based on the measurements. Space coordinates of the reference portions of secondary standard unit is then measured and parameter calibration is performed for the secondary calibration parameters based on these measurements.
US08468867B2
A rolling machine comprises parallel guides delimiting a workpiece conveying channel extending from a plurality of per se known rolling tools to a machined workpiece unloading arrangement, wherein, upstream of the workpiece unloading arrangement, one of the channel delimiting guides is operatively coupled to a structural element swingably supported by a pivot pin, the structural element being integral with the piston rod of a cylinder-piston unit slidably driving the structural element together with the channel delimiting guide, thereby providing a side unloading opening for the workpiece.
US08468861B2
An electromechanical lock, its key, and its operation method are disclosed. The method includes: during a first and a second insertion phases of a key, conveying mechanical power to an electric generator by a key follower and enabling mechanically operation of an actuator by the key follower; generating electric power from mechanical power by the electric generator; reading data from an external source; matching the data against a predetermined criterion; and during a removal phase of the key, returning the key follower to a starting position and mechanically resetting the actuator to the locked state.
US08468860B2
A multiple laundry machine is provided. The multiple laundry machine may include multiple washing spaces capable of separately washing relatively small amounts of laundry in each. The multiple laundry machine may include a casing, and a plurality of individual laundry machines arranged in the casing. Each of the individual laundry machines provided in the casing may conduct washing operations in a different manner so as to provide washing capability of different sizes and types of loads.
US08468855B2
A downward pressing mesh mechanism and sinker thereof for flat knitting machines in which the downward pressing mesh mechanism includes a needle seat containing a bearing surface to hold a plurality of sinkers and knitting needles separated by spacers and a cam holder located above the sinkers to hold a cam. The cam has a guide track to drive the sinkers swinging. The spacers are vertically run through by a bracing shaft at a lower side. Each sinker includes a yarn pressing portion to press a yarn to form a mesh, a swing guide portion driven by the guide track and a shaft rotating recess to couple with the bracing shaft. The sinker thus structured is simpler and durable, hence can be produced and assembled, or repaired and replaced easier and faster. Thus manpower and material costs can be reduced, and product prices also are decreased to meet market requirements.
US08468850B2
In a preliminary forming step, positioning of a glass sheet is facilitated, and generation of a hinge mark by a flapping mechanism and generation of excessively bent portions, are prevented at the same time.
US08468849B2
A multi-port device such as a thermal expansion valve for an air conditioning system includes a seal structure with a first seal portion and a second seal portion. The first seal portion includes a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal. The second seal portion is attached to a free edge of the first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal. The multi-port device with seal structure militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.
US08468846B2
Systems and methods for Indirect Evaporative Cooling and for Two Stage Evaporative Cooling for conditioning fluids such as air are disclosed. The Indirect Evaporative Cooling Systems comprise scalable indirect evaporative heat exchangers formed with polymer substrates that have been treated to render one surface substantially hydrophilic while the other is substantially hydrophobic, with channels for passage of primary (cooled) an secondary (cooling) air streams between them. The Two Stage Evaporative Cooling System comprise an indirect evaporation component where the fluid is pre-cooled indirectly with the abovementioned scalable heat exchangers, followed by a direct evaporation stage where the pre-cooled fluid is further cooled directly by adiabatic evaporative cooling. The device employing these systems is scalable, energy-efficient, uses aseptic materials, filters/clean incoming fluids (e.g. air), circulates disinfected evaporating liquid (e.g. disinfected water and has enhanced performance efficiency.
US08468835B2
A method of operating a drive system for a load is disclosed. The drive system may have an electric motor/generator and a gas turbine engine. The engine may have a combustor, and main and pilot flow paths via which fuel is supplied to the combustor. The engine may be operable in low and standard emissions modes. A proportion of the fuel that is supplied to the combustor via the pilot flow path may be greater in the standard emissions mode than in the low emissions mode. The method may include determining an engine power requirement of the load, and whether the engine power requirement of the load is sufficiently large to operate the engine in the low emissions mode. Additionally, the method may include operating the electric motor/generator if the engine power requirement of the load is not sufficiently large to operate the engine in the low emissions mode.
US08468830B2
A heating and cooling system for inlet air of a turbine compressor. The heating and cooling system may include a fluid coil positioned about the turbine compressor and a thermal energy storage tank. The fluid coil and the thermal energy storage tank are in fluid communication such that fluid is both provided to the fluid coil from the thermal energy storage tank for exchanging heat with the inlet air and returned to the thermal energy storage tank without further heat exchange.
US08468828B2
The invention relates to a working fluid for a steam circuit process carried out in a device comprising a steam generator, an expander, a condenser, and a reservoir for the working fluid, comprising a working medium that evaporates by the addition of heat in a steam generator, performs mechanical work by expanding in the expander during the steam phase, and condenses in the condenser; an ionic fluid serving as an antifreeze component and having a melting point in the reservoir below the freezing point of the working medium, wherein the decomposition temperature of the ionic fluid is above the evaporating temperature of the working medium in the steam generator.
US08468827B2
A heating medium supply system is provided which is capable of sufficiently suppressing a temperature fluctuation of a heating medium, by the time when a heat exchanging device recovers heat of the heating medium, by leveling the temperature fluctuation fluctuating inevitably with time. The heating medium supply system includes: a heat collecting unit configured to heat a liquid heating medium by sunlight; a heat exchanging device configured to heat water supplied thereto by means of the heating medium supplied thereto from the heat collecting unit; heating medium supply piping for supplying the heating medium from the heat collecting unit to the heat exchanging device; and a heating medium heater for heating the heating medium and a temperature measuring device configured to measure a temperature of the heating medium, which are provided on the heating medium supply piping.
US08468826B2
A turbocharger including a turbine wheel having a hub-to-tip ratio of no more than 60% and blades with a high turning angle, a turbine housing forming an inwardly spiraling primary-scroll passageway that significantly converges to produce highly accelerated airflow into the turbine at high circumferential angles, and a two-sided parallel compressor. The compressor and turbine each produce substantially no axial force, allowing the use of minimal axial thrust bearings.
US08468822B1
A process and electromechanical system for conditioning the incoming air or air/fuel charge for an internal combustion engine to result in an optimally prepared charge in terms of temperature of the charge and fuel dispersion in the charge. The process includes compressing intake air, bifurcating the compressed intake air stream to provide for heating one branch of the stream while not further purposely heating the other. The process further includes controlling the proportion between the bifurcated stream portions to provide for a desired set point temperature of the combined stream. The process includes selection of the set point temperature such that the temperature of the air is in the vicinity of the fuel self ignition temperature at the end of the compression stroke. Primary components include one or more of an air compressor, heat exchanger, bypass duct, proportioning valve, airflow director, and attendant control system including sensors, processor, and actuator(s).
US08468820B2
Disclosed herein is a method of determining the brake pedal actuation force exerted by a vehicle driver on an actuating pedal in an electrohydraulic brake system which includes a brake master cylinder and an electromechanically driven booster stage connected upstream of the brake master cylinder. The brake pedal actuation force sought is determined according to the formula FPed,Bet=FBet,Hz−FVerst by evaluating output signals of a pressure sensor which detects the pressure induced in the brake master cylinder, and of an auxiliary force determining device which detects the boost force made available by the booster stage.
US08468817B2
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
US08468815B2
In various embodiments, cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.
US08468809B2
A system is provided for removing particulate matter from a particulate filter. The system includes an engine controller coupled to a sensor and an engine, and a locomotive controller coupled to the engine controller. The sensor outputs a first alert signal to the engine controller, including the current load and the loading rate of one or more particulate filter units. The engine controller determines a projected load and projected loading rate of the one or more particulate filter units along a route, and a time gap or distance gap based on a trip plan until the one or more particulate filter units are fully loaded. The engine controller determines a time region or distance region to remove particulate matter from the filter unit.
US08468796B2
A by-pass turbojet including a thrust reverser is disclosed. The thrust reverse includes a deflector device which deflects all or part of the primary stream gas in such a manner that the deflected primary stream gas encounters the secondary stream, thereby reducing the injection speed of the secondary stream in an aft direction, and thus generating the thrust-reversal effect. The secondary stream escapes from the aft end of the nacelle. In the thrust-reversal position, the deflector device is inscribed radially substantially within the section of the primary nozzle cowl at the aft end of the nacelle. Such a thrust reverser is particularly simple in design, inexpensive, and makes it possible to avoid having moving parts present on the outside portion of the nacelle, thus simplifying the design of the turbojet.
US08468794B1
An electric propulsion machine includes an ion thruster having an annular discharge chamber housing an anode having a large surface area. The ion thruster includes flat annular ion optics with a small span to gap ratio. Optionally, a second electric propulsion thruster may be disposed in a cylindrical space disposed within an interior of the annulus.
US08468784B2
An ice bagging system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a first source of bags, and ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a second source of bags.
US08468776B2
In a flange to adapt a wind power generator to a pre-stressed concrete tower, the flange includes an annular tapered pre-stressed concrete shell having a bulging which inwardly protrudes toward a central axis of the flange, and a steel component to be embedded within the pre-stressed concrete shell. The bulging includes a horizontal flat surface for settling the steel component. The steel component includes an annular tapered body having an upper and lower end, a plurality of vertical and radially extended fins joined to an external face of the steel component, a connecting ring joined to the body upper end and including a plurality of holes for introducing bolts to join the wind power generator, and an annular base joined to the body lower end, which is settled on the bulging.
US08468767B1
A wall panel system includes a first wall panel and a second wall panel. The first wall panel has a first groove extending along a first end portion and a second groove extending along a second end portion. The second wall panel has a third groove extending along a third end portion. The wall panel system further includes a spline including first and second spline tongues, wherein the first spline tongue is mateable with the first groove and the second spline tongue is mateable with the third groove.
US08468758B2
A support frame for a sliding door comprising upper and lower support members, and a side panel attachable so as to extend between said upper and lower support members, wherein the side panel comprises two panel portions that slide relative to each other and overlap to enable the distance between the upper and lower support members to be altered during installation of the support frame.
US08468757B2
The present invention relates to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are disposed upon roofing elements such as shingles, tiles, shakes or slates. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing system comprising: a first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements; a bus bar batten system extending across the headlap regions of the first plurality of roofing elements, the bus bar batten system comprising one or more rigid supports and an electrical interconnection system; a first plurality of photovoltaic elements, each disposed on a butt region of one of the first plurality of roofing elements, each operatively engaged with the electrical interconnection system of the bus bar batten system; and a second plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements disposed on the roof deck and covering the bus bar batten system and the headlap regions of the first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements.
US08468756B2
A pan tile for use in a roofing system and assembly, wherein a plurality of such pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tiles, wherein the pan tiles may be structured individually or integrally in longitudinal arrays. The pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile. Solar energy systems may also be incorporated in the individual pan tiles and/or the longitudinal arrays thereof. The roofing assembly may further include a heat dissipating assembly and/or a stabilizing assembly.
US08468753B2
Systems and methods for erecting a drilling rig. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
US08468750B2
Seal a flashing joint on an open frame structure using a first barrier sheet having first and second adhesive strips on opposing primary surfaces proximate to opposing edges and running the length of the first barrier sheet by applying the first barrier sheet over the flashing joint with one edge below the flashing joint and adhering an adhesive strip to a building element below the flashing joint with the first adhesive strip and applying a second barrier sheet overlapping the first barrier sheet and adhere the first and second barrier sheets together using the second adhesive strip. The process can include applying flashing over the first barrier sheet and flashing joint and then overlaying the flashing with the second barrier sheet and sealing the second barrier sheet to both the first barrier sheet and the flashing.
US08468745B2
A lifting and storage mechanism for storing a component in a garage using the energy of a powered garage door opening and closing system is disclosed. The lifting and storage mechanism includes a pulley system for raising and lowering the stored components and a latching mechanism having a spring latch for securing the components in a stored condition. In order to lower the stored components from a storage position, an operator initiates manual release of the spring latch or activation of an electromechanical release combined with activation of the motor of the powered garage door opening and closing system.
US08468742B2
A planter having a body (1) suitable for receiving a volume of plant growth medium and the root structure of a plant (2), the planter having a lower opening (4), a retainer (6) which can removably engage the lower opening to reduce the effective size of the lower opening, and a reservoir (9) suitable for holding a body of fluid (10) such that the fluid can gradually move from the reservoir into the planter's body to water and/or nourish a plant when planted within the planter, the planter being formed such that when it is in use it can be secured in an elevated disposition with the root structure of a plant contained within the body and a stem and/or foliage of the plant passing through the lower opening (4) and through the retainer (6) such that the plant is oriented in a downwards disposition.
US08468738B1
A fishers device that enables a hook and hook shaft to maintain a given compound angle with respect to a fishing line. A double eye hook has an upper eye and a lower eye connected by a lever arm. A fishing line can be attached to the upper eye and a tag line passes from the upper eye through the lower eye and the tag line is attached to a weighted member below the hook. The hook angle can be adjusted and once adjusted the fisher's device will maintain the desired angle. The arrangement improves the ability to hook a fish because the fisherman knows the hook is oriented with the hooking end up at all times, improving the ability to hook the fish in the roof of the mouth.
US08468733B2
Accessory rails with slot adapters and mechanisms of use are disclosed. The accessory rail is mountable on a primary device, such as a firearm, for releasably attaching an auxiliary device directly to the accessory rail. The accessory rail generally includes a rail body and at least one slot adapter, which is integrally formed within the rail body, for receiving attachment means of the auxiliary device.
US08468728B2
An outdoor sign resistant to wind damage includes a support column; a display having secured and released positions, a lower edge and a central vertical axis aligned with the axis of the column when the sign is in the secured position; a lower horizontal arm with opposed ends mounted on the upper end of the support column; an upper horizontal arm with opposed ends attached to the display, the upper arm being parallel to the display lower edge and the lower support arm when the display is in the secured position; a pivot mechanism joining the support arms adjacent one end; and a retainer mechanism between the opposite ends of the support arms, the mechanism releasibly securing the support arms to each other when the sign is in the secured position. The retainer mechanism is unlatched when the wind force is greater than a predetermined value.
US08468726B1
A recessed exit sign includes an electrical component housing, a plaster ring, and an illuminated message panel. The lighting assembly includes an electrical component assembly, an internal power source housed within the electrical component assembly, a light source housed within the electrical component assembly, and a lens. The power source is electrically coupled to the light source. A portion of the lens is inserted into an opening formed within the electrical component assembly and coupled to the electrical component assembly. The lens extends from within the electrical component assembly to a location outside the electrical component assembly. A portion of the lighting assembly is slidably inserted through the plaster ring and into the electrical component housing. When plaster is applied over the plaster ring the lens appears to simply enter a hole in the ceiling with not additional features visible on the ceiling surface to cause a distraction.
US08468720B2
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a midsole element that defines a void, and the void may extend substantially vertically through a central area of the midsole element. The void may also extend between an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsole element to define an interior surface. A plurality of bores are also defined in the midsole element. The bores may extend substantially horizontally through the midsole element, and the bores may extend between an exterior surface of the midsole element and the void.
US08468711B2
Disclosed is a clothes dryer, comprising: a body; a drum rotatably installed at the body; a duct for guiding air exhausted from the drum; and a filter assembly for filtering lint included in the air exhausted from the drum. The filter assembly includes a lint filter and a cover filter, and a lint collector encompassed by the lint filter and the cover filter. The clothes dryer includes sensing means for sensing whether the lint filter has been mounted to a precise position or not. The sensing means consists of a magnet mounted to a mesh frame of the lint filter, and a reed switch mounted to a cover guide.
US08468705B2
A ruler has a first incremented surface, a second incremented surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a bottom surface. All the surfaces connect together forming the general structure of the ruler. The ruler also includes a keypad having a plurality of buttons. In one mode, the ruler measures points on scaled drawings and calculates a scaling factor from those two points. In another mode, the scaling factors are entered directly for use with scaled drawings. The ruler is particularly useful for distorted scaled drawings such as those that have been altered by electronic media.
US08468703B2
An image card has an image formed on a card base by engraving striped grooves having different angles according to the degree of shading of the image by the engraving.
US08468696B2
In a crankshaft 200, one hole 213L formed in a crankpin 213 has a bottom surface having a larger area and a depth from a surface of the crankpin less than those of another hole 213M. In forming the hole 213L and the hole 213M, a preformed product 200 of the crankshaft having a shape smaller than that of a cavity is disposed in a die set and punches are simultaneously inserted into the crankpin 213. By this operation, the hole 213L and the hole 213M are simultaneously formed in each crankpin 213 of the preformed product 200.
US08468687B2
In a component mounting apparatus, a picking member picks components and mounts them on a board through movements of a plurality of moving members driven by motors. The apparatus is provided with a regenerative electric power control section for controlling regenerative electric power produced by regenerating a motion energy when each of the motors is decelerated; power supply sections for the motors each for exchanging electric power with the regenerative electric power control section; and a control section. When two moving members are moved, the control section begins to start and accelerate one of the two moving members in synchronized relation with a timing of beginning to decelerate and stop the other moving member and controls the regenerative electric power control section to utilize a regenerative electric power which is obtained from the motor driving the other moving member, in starting the motor which drives the one moving member.
US08468685B2
A wire forming device for applying a paste material on an insulating substrate to form a wiring pattern. The wire forming device includes a paste material application unit which includes an atomizing unit atomizing the paste material and a nozzle spraying the atomized paste material onto the insulating substrate. The atomizing unit includes: a medium supplying portion which mixes a medium with a carrier gas to form a mixed gas and an atomizing portion. The atomizing portion holds the paste material and brings the mixed gas into contact with the paste material to atomize the paste material, thereby making a mist stream of the mixed gas and the paste material as the atomized paste material fed to the nozzle. The wire forming further includes a mixing ratio adjusting unit adjusting a mixing ratio of the paste material to the mixed gas in the mist stream.
US08468674B2
A device for the preferably automated supply of structural components to an assembly zone for producing a fuselage portion of an aircraft by multi-shell construction is provided and can include at least one side shell support for introducing at least one side shell, and at least two positioning towers for moving and aligning at least one side shell inside device. The device enables side shells to be quickly and precisely supplied to an assembly zone for production of an entire fuselage portion. It is possible to dispense completely with the hitherto required manual and therefore time-consuming “hovering” of side shells and other large structural components, such as upper shells, lower shells, floor frames and other technical equipment systems necessary for the production of a fuselage portion, this process being prone to problems and difficult to control.
US08468669B1
A handle assembly for a rivet gun has a handle, a trigger and a control valve. The handle has an annular shoulder, an air inlet channel, an airflow passageway, an inlet hole, a mounting hole, a communication hole and an exhaust hole. The trigger is mounted in the handle and controls the communication between the air inlet channel and airflow passageway. The control valve is mounted in the mounting hole of the handle and has a stopper, a casing and a valve shaft. The control valve is controlled by high pressure without additional springs such that the fabrication and structure of the handle assembly are simplified and the fabricating and manufacturing cost is lowered.
US08468667B2
The present disclosure relates to a device for compressing a stent or a stent with a prosthetic heart valve affixed thereto, as well as a method for loading a stent into a medical delivery system. The device may comprise a compressing mechanism designed so as to exert a compressive force in radial direction on at least parts of a stent accommodated within the compressing mechanism such that the cross-section of the stent is reduced to a predefinable value at least at certain areas. The device may further comprise a manipulating mechanism moveable relative to the compressing mechanism for moving at least one clamping means in the radial direction in order to adjust the internal cross-sectional diameter of the compressing mechanism.
US08468663B2
A method for manufacturing an apparatus for generating electrical energy may include; disposing a nanowire including a piezoelectric material on a first electrode, disposing an active layer, which is electrically connected to the nanowire, on the first electrode, disposing an insulating film on the nanowire, disposing a conductive layer on the active layer, and disposing a second electrode in proximity to the nanowire and substantially opposite to the first electrode.
US08468654B2
An embodiment of a hinge assembly includes a main body defining a shaft hole, a connecting shaft including an inserting end rotatably received in the shaft hole, and an expansion member forming a tapered portion and axially positioned in the shaft hole. An end surface of the inserting end toward the expansion member defines a tapered hole corresponding to the tapered portion, and the tapered portion is pressed into the tapered hole to expand the inserting end to resist the inner surface of the shaft hole, thus rotatably connecting the connecting shaft to the main body.
US08468649B2
The joint system comprises a first piece secured to a driven tool and suitable for pivoting about a horizontal axis, and a second piece secured to a manual steering member and articulated to the first piece about an axis orthogonal to the horizontal axis. According to the invention, at least the second piece is formed by a flexible structure having a longitudinal neutral axis and including a base fastened to the first piece of the tool, and a head fastened to the member; said base and said head being interconnected via a pair of splines that are opposite and parallel to the neutral axis and that extend in a plane transverse to the horizontal axis, it being possible for said pair to be flexed under the effect of a force applied orthogonally to its plane and transmitted by the manual member. The invention applies to the field of household electrical appliances.
US08468644B2
An apparatus for use in cleaning a floor uses a flat mop including a generally flat mop head having a handle and absorbent fabric material. The mop head is foldable to a folded condition, wherein a loop of the fabric material depends from the folded parts. The fabric material is inserted into cleaning liquid to wet the material. The mop head is introduced to a wringer to wring the material between the jaws and a wringing surface. The damp absorbent fabric material is used to mop the floor. The floor is dried using a separate drying tool that includes a head secured to a handle, and one or more attachment devices to attach a dry absorbent cloth to the head. The floor is dried by applying the cloth to the floor using the tool and moving a dry portion of the cloth over the floor.
US08468639B2
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for extracting material from a container includes a handle and a knife blade. The handle has a neck and a primary axis. The knife blade is coupled to the handle and has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is configured to conform to a bottom surface of the container. The second edge is configured to conform to an interior wall of the container. An oblique angle is formed by the first edge and the second edge. Another oblique angle is formed between the primary axis of the handle and the first edge of the knife.
US08468634B2
An electric toothbrush includes a driving source, a vibrating member having a brush, a transmission mechanism for converting output of the driving source into vibration of the vibrating member, and control means for controlling output of the driving source. The control means has a plurality of operation modes for allowing the brush to perform a predetermined operation. The plurality of control modes are switched at high speed to allow brushing using a transient state at a time of operation mode switching. It is suitable to switch at high speed between operation modes using two resonance points in which resonance occurs in different directions. Accordingly, the electric toothbrush is improved in plaque removing power and sense of medical treatment.
US08468629B2
An infant holding device, including an infant holding portion, including a ductile sheet covered with infant-compatible material and a stand portion, adapted to support the infant holding portion in a vertically diagonal position, so that the infant holding portion thereby has a top and a bottom. In one preferred embodiment the ductile sheet is made of aluminum.
US08468619B2
A open/close device of washing tank drain comprises an open/close controller having a sliding shaft and a fixed sleeve, a drain plug mechanism with an open/close function mechanism, and a connecting cable between the open/close controller and the open/close function mechanism. The open/close controller has a retaining hook to be connected with the sliding shaft. A first stop position and a second stop position, which are moveably connected with the retaining hook, are set on the surface of the sliding shaft, at different height, and the first one being closer to the head of the sliding shaft than the second one. The sliding shaft is provided with a first one-way slideway and a second one-way slideway. The open/close controller also has a spring for applying a force to the sliding shaft along the direction from the head to the tail of the sliding shaft. One end of the connecting cable is connected with the sliding shaft.
US08468616B2
A vacuum-aided toilet comprises a toilet bowl, a deodorization pipeline, a flushing pipeline, a sensing switch (4) and a control device. A flushing port of the toilet bowl is communicated with the deodorization pipeline. The deodorization pipeline is communicated to a vacuum device. Inside the toilet bowl are provided a trap I (1.1), a trap II (1.2) and a draining port (1.3). The flushing pipeline being connected to the flushing port of the toilet bowl and the trap II (1.2), respectively. The sensing switch (4) is connected to a control device, which controls the deodorization pipeline and the flushing pipeline. An ejector (2.4) mounted on an air discharge pipeline (2.5) is directly driven by gas from an air outlet of a ventilating fan (2.2), so that vacuum is produced in a draining pipe. Thus the vacuum-aided toilet can save water and get rid of the odor.
US08468614B2
A fluid container carrying device including a back piece and a front piece forming a pocket having an opening for receiving and holding a fluid container, wherein the fluid container carrying device further including a first strap provided with a first fastener for fastening to a first side portion of a neck protection device, a second strap provided with a second fastener for fastening to a second side portion of the neck protection device, and a fastening means arranged on the back piece of the pocket for fastening to a rear lower member of the neck protection device. The present invention also relates to a neck protection device provided with such a fluid container carrying device.
US08474059B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for embedding or embedding digital data into an analog host or cover signal. A distributed signal feature of the cover signal in a particular domain (time, frequency or space) is calculated and compared with a set of predefined quantization values corresponding to an information symbol to be encoded. The amount of change required to modify the signal feature to the determined target quantization value is calculated and the cover signal is modified accordingly to so change the feature value over a predefined interval. Information symbols are extracted by the opposite process. In one embodiment, the predefined value is a short term auto correlation value of the cover signal.
US08474058B2
Method and system for managing a data object so as to comply with predetermined conditions for usage
A method and a system for managing a data object so as to comply with predetermined conditions for usage of the data object. To control the usage of the data object, a set of control data, defining uses of the data object, which comply with the predetermined conditions, is created for the data object. The data object is concatenated with the user set of control data, encrypted and transferred to the user. When the user wants to use the data object, a special user program checks whether the usage complies with the control data. If so, the usage is enabled. Otherwise it is disabled.
US08474056B2
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store a virtual machine token associated with a virtual machine running on a particular device and a secure image of the virtual machine. The virtual machine token may include a timestamp indicating when the virtual machine was established. The apparatus may receive a token indicating that the particular device is attempting to access a resource. In response, checking the validity of the virtual machine running on the particular device based at least in part upon the timestamp associated with the virtual machine token and a time threshold associated with the virtual machine. If the virtual machine is invalid, then the apparatus may communicate at least one token to initiate the recycling of the virtual machine by replacing the invalid virtual machine with the stored secure image of the virtual machine.
US08474053B2
A data security manager in a multi-nodal environment enforces processing constraints stored as security relationships that control how different pieces of a multi-nodal application (called execution units) are allowed to execute to insure data security. The security manager preferably checks the security relationships for security violations when new execution units start execution, when data moves to or from an execution unit, and when an execution unit requests external services. Where the security manager determines there is a security violation based on the security relationships, the security manager may move, delay or kill an execution unit to maintain data security.
US08474052B2
The product keys of software applications that can be utilized to identify, and activate to a higher functional state, legitimate copies of such software applications can be asymmetrically encrypted. Such encrypted product keys can be provided to potential purchasers without fear of theft of the original product keys. The encrypted product keys can be provided to an independent, trusted third-party validation authority that can decrypt such encrypted product keys and can, such as in conjunction with the software application manufacturer, verify the validity of the software applications associated with such product keys. For software applications bundled on a computing device, a tool can be executed by either the seller or potential purchaser to collect and display encrypted product keys for verification purposes. For software applications sold in an online environment, an escrow service can be utilized to keep, and provide when requested, product keys of software applications offered for sale.
US08474042B2
Systems and methods for calculating threat scores for individuals within an organization or domain are provided. Aspects of the invention relate to computer-implemented methods that form a predictive threat rating for user accounts. In one implementation, a threat score representing a first time period may be calculated. The first threat score may be calculated from a quantification of a plurality of activity violations across a plurality of control groups. Weighting schemes may be applied to certain activities, controls, and/or user accounts. Further embodiments may be configured to consider additional indicators. Further aspects relate to apparatuses configured to execute methods for ranking individual user accounts. Certain embodiments may not block transmissions that violate predefine rules, however, indications of such improper transmission may be considered when constructing a threat rating.
US08474037B2
A method includes assessing a trustworthiness level of a user computer by communication between the user computer and a first server. A record indicating the trustworthiness level is sent from the first server to the user computer, for storage by the user computer. A request is sent from the user computer to a second server, different from the first server, for a service to be provided to the user computer by the second server. The record is provided from the user computer to the second server by communicating between the user computer and the second server. At the second server, the trustworthiness level is extracted from the record, and the requested service is conditionally allowed to be provided to the user computer depending on the extracted trustworthiness level.
US08474036B2
A method for detecting an unauthorized action in a database, the method comprising estimating correlation between a predicted result of an intercepted database statement and at least one context parameter associated with the database statement, wherein lack of correlation indicates the database statement being associated with an unauthorized action.
US08474034B2
An apparatus comprising a processor configured to implement an anti-replay check for a plurality of received packets and a plurality of corresponding sequence numbers; and a circular buffer coupled to the processor and comprising a bitmap, wherein the bitmap is slided in a circular manner by updating a low index that points to a first sequence number for a first received packet and a high index that points to a last sequence number for a last received packet without bit-shifting, and wherein, when the update results in the new value of one of the low index and the high index exceeding the end of the circular buffer, the one of the low index and the high index wraps around from the beginning of the circular buffer.
US08474030B2
A method for authenticating a user by IP address check includes: receiving a URL and a session cookie from a client; determining whether or not an IP address of the client has been changed based on the session cookie; resetting the session cookie, if the IP address has been changed, by adding the changed IP address as a temporary IP address thereto; determining whether or not the URL is required to perform IP address check; requesting a re-login to the client if it is determined that the URL is required to perform IP address check; and adding the temporary IP address to a valid IP address list for the user if the re-login is successful.
US08474025B2
A secure credential validation compares stored and received modified credentials, e.g., biometric credentials, such that the validating system does not have access to the unmodified credentials. A capture system and a credential validation system are operatively coupled to a network (e.g., the Internet). The credential validation system is configured to store a set of modified stored credentials associated with the principal, receive a set of modified received credentials, and perform a credential validation procedure to validate the modified received credentials, wherein the credential validation procedure performs a one-way consistency test to compare the modified stored credentials and the modified received credentials. The credential validation procedure employs one or more similarity measures, e.g., a weighted quorum of exact matches, a discrete N-ball (or “N-shell”) intersection, or a client-based algorithm with encryption.
US08474015B2
A system to manage a key license includes an information handling system having non-volatile memory accessible to a processor. The non-volatile memory stores feature enablement information related to a feature that the information handling system is adapted to provide. The non-volatile memory stores instructions that are accessible to the processor and executable by the processor to send the feature enablement information to an external system after the information handling system is deployed, and to request the feature enablement information, or other feature enablement information, from the external system in response to receiving a request for the information handling system to provide the feature.
US08474008B2
The invention in particular has as an object methods and devices for management of events linked to the security of aircraft computer systems. After having received at least one information item relating to the detection (110) of at least one event, the latter is characterized (125) according to at least one rule of a plurality of predetermined rules, that can be updated, to allow the establishment of a security report according to the said characterization of the said at least one detected event. The said at least one event advantageously is detected according to a set of predetermined events, the said set of predetermined events being updated according to a previously detected event.
US08474007B2
A system and methods for controlling identity privacy in a communication session include processing, at a communication server, a request from a first participant of the communication session to add a second participant to the communication session. Based on the request, the communication server establishes a set of privacy rules related to the second participant that control sharing of identity information between the second participant and a third participant of the communication session.
US08474006B2
These and other objectives are attained with a method and system for evaluating an access policy change. The method comprises the step of providing an access control mechanism having a first policy, and an audit log having entries of accesses made under that first policy. The method comprises the further steps of submitting a second policy to the access control mechanism, comparing the log entries to the second policy, and based on the results of the comparing step, taking one of a predetermined number of actions.
US08474004B2
A system includes at least one telecommunications terminal having data processing capabilities, the telecommunications terminal being susceptible of having installed thereon software applications, wherein each software application has associated therewith a respective indicator adapted to indicate a level of security of the software application, the level of security being susceptible of varying in time; a software agent executed by the at least one telecommunications terminal, the software agent being adapted to conditionally allow the installation of software applications on the telecommunications terminal based on the respective level of security; a server in communications relationship with the software agent, the server being adapted to dynamically calculate the level of security of the software applications, and to communicate to the software agent the calculated level of security of the software applications to be installed on the telecommunications terminal.
US08473998B1
A method, apparatus and computer program product for utilizing network coding for multi-resolution multicast is presented. A network source partitions source content into a base layer and one or more refinement layers. The network source receives a respective one or more push-back messages from one or more network destination receivers, the push-back messages identifying the one or more refinement layers suited for each one of the one or more network destination receivers. The network source computes a network code involving the base layer and the one or more refinement layers for at least one of the one or more network destination receivers, and transmits the network code to the one or more network destination receivers in accordance with the push-back messages.
US08473993B2
The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for creating and using video playlists within a network. In accordance with the invention, a user is enabled to create a playlist comprising a plurality of video segments and store the playlist for later access and viewing. In some implementations, the user may upload playlists to the network in order to permit other users to view the playlist and, if desired, watch the playlist's contents. In other implementations, the content provider or third parties may create playlists and make the contents available for viewing. In yet other implementations, the content provider or a third party may insert advertisements into a playlist's contents.
US08473991B2
A method performed by a user device connected to a content server, via a public network, that includes sending, to a digital video recorder (DVR) server and via the public network, a request to display images on a display device associated with a local server; receiving, from the DVR server and via the public network, a notification to upload the images, the notification including an address for the content server; selecting a group of images stored on the user device; sending, to the content server and based on the address, the group of images; and sending, to the local server and via a local network, a notification to retrieve the group of images from the content server for display on the display device.
US08473990B2
A video controller broadcasts input video through a premises media, such as a coaxial cable to one or more premises televisions or television channels. When a PC provides the input video, a mode change may occur to direct the video to the PC monitor or to the broadcast output. The video resolution of the PC is set to provide a desired digital television resolution with broadcast video. An audio driver may be used to provide USB audio output from the PC. When the PC monitor or broadcast output is selected for video output, the non-selected output is disabled or provided with a video indication that another video output is active. An EDID can be captured from the PC or PC monitor to assist with mode changes and setting PC video resolution. The input video may be provided directly from a digital video source and broadcast to selected televisions or channels.
US08473989B2
Described is a technology by which a remote or local geo-location service provides white space information that one or more client devices and/or base stations may use to determine which white spaces are available for use, e.g., for wireless networking. Because of the information, low-threshold sensing is not needed by the client devices and/or base stations to know which white spaces are available. The service computes the available white spaces for a given location based upon television transmitter parameters, elevation data, and information received regarding any operational wireless microphones.
US08473983B2
A method and apparatus to process customized recording contents includes generating customized replay control information at a time of recording contents. The method also includes extracting broadcasting-associated additional information from a broadcasting stream, extracting user interaction information by matching the extracted additional information with one or more viewing preferences of a user, selectively parsing the broadcasting stream according to the user interaction information to generate stream parsing information, and generating replay control information corresponding to the broadcasting stream based on the user interaction information and stream parsing information.
US08473977B2
A method of dynamic advertisement insertion is disclosed where an essentially limitless number of non-staged, unbound advertisement advertisements are made available for advertisement insertion. The dynamic advertisement insertion may include the use of stage, bound advertisements so as to permit dynamic insertion of staged and non-staged advertisements.
US08473971B2
Systems and methods that enhance and balance a late binding and an early binding in a programming language, via supplying an option component to opt-in (or opt-out) late binding, and wherein a late binding is triggered based on a static type for the variable (e.g., object or a type/string.) Additionally, the variable is enabled to have different static types at different regions (e.g., a program fragment) of the programming language.
US08473968B2
A driving method for a video device is disclosed. The driving method includes following steps. Obtaining a first instruction from a virtual file system of a first operating system. Converting the first instruction into a second instruction compatible with a second operating system. Virtualizing a kernel of the second operating system. Controlling a video driver according to the second instruction through the kernel of the second operating system. A driving module for a video device is also disclosed.
US08473966B2
An inter-processor communication approach is applicable to a message passing pattern called iterative exchange. In such patterns, two processors exchange messages, then perform a computation, and then this process is repeated. If two sets of send and receive buffers are used, then it is possible to guarantee that a receive buffer on the receiver's side is always available to receive the message. A message passing system controls which buffers are used for sending and receiving. These buffers are registered beforehand, thereby avoiding repeated registration at the time messages are sent. The sender is initially informed of all the possible receive buffers that the receiver will use, and the sender then uses these receive buffers alternately. Examples of this approach can avoid the use of multiple-step rendezvous protocols, memory copies, and memory registrations when a message needs to be sent.
US08473964B2
Embodiments for performing cooperative user mode scheduling between user mode schedulable (UMS) threads and primary threads are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, an asynchronous procedure call (APC) is received on a kernel portion of a user mode schedulable (UMS) thread. The status of the UMS thread as it is being processed in a multi-processor environment is determined. Based on the determined status, the APC is processed on the UMS thread.
US08473963B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of assigning a location within a shared variable for each of multiple threads and writing a value to a corresponding location to indicate that the corresponding thread has reached a barrier. In such manner, when all the threads have reached the barrier, synchronization is established. In some embodiments, the shared variable may be stored in a cache accessible by the multiple threads. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08473961B2
In response to a request for launching a program, a list of one or more application frameworks to be accessed by the program during execution of the program is determined. Zero or more entitlements representing one or more resources entitled by the program during the execution are determined. A set of one or more rules based on the entitlements of the program is obtained from at least one of the application frameworks. The set of one or more rules specifies one or more constraints of resources associated with the at least one application framework. A security profile is dynamically compiled for the program based on the set of one or more rules associated with the at least one application framework. The compiled security profile is used to restrict the program from accessing at least one resource of the at least one application frameworks during the execution of the program.
US08473949B2
Concepts and technologies are described herein for providing task continuity and supporting task completion across devices and time. A task management application is configured to monitor one or more interactions between a user and a device. The interactions can include the use of the device, the use of one or more applications, and/or other tasks, subtasks, or other operations. Predictive models constructed from data or logical models can be used to predict the attention resources available or allocated to a task or subtask as well as the attention and affordances available within a context for addressing the task and these inferences can be used to mark or route the task for later reminding and display. In some embodiments, the task management application is configured to remind or execute a follow-up action when a session is resumed. Embodiments include providing users with easy to use gestures and mechanisms for providing input about desired follow up on the same or other devices.
US08473936B2
An application running on a virtual machine includes a plurality of runtime classes. A class loader can load one or more runtime classes of the plurality of runtime classes into the virtual machine to support an operation on the application. In addition, the class loader can record a context information for each runtime class of the one or more runtime classes. Based on the recorded context information of each runtime class, the one or more runtime classes can be extracted.
US08473928B2
In one embodiment, a method for call graph analysis is provided. The method includes determining a plurality of nodes in a call graph. The plurality of nodes represent resource consumption of functions of a software program executed in a software system. A simplification factor is determined. A first set of nodes in the plurality of nodes is then eliminated based on exclusive values for the plurality of nodes, inclusive values for the plurality of nodes, and the simplification factor. An inclusive value for a node is a first amount of resources consumed by the node and any descendent nodes of that node. An exclusive value for the node is a second amount of resources consumed by the node. A simplified call graph is output including a second set of nodes in the plurality of nodes. The second set of nodes does not include the eliminated first set of nodes.
US08473926B2
A software-to-hardware compiler is provided that generates hardware constructs in programmable logic based on pure software constructs. More particularly, a high-level program language may be used to create a program using only software constructs that is compiled into hardware constructs. Optimizations may be made in the later stages of compilation to retime the circuit, allowing for maximum data flow. The hardware may make run-time decisions with respect to executing programmable logic blocks in parallel. The decisions may be at least partially based on a control flow.
US08473923B2
A portion of a nonvolatile memory array that is likely to contain, partially programmed data may be identified from a high sensitivity read, by applying stricter than usual error correction code (ECC) requirements, or using pointers to programmed sectors. The last programmed data may be treated as likely to be partially programmed data. Data in the identified portion may be copied to another location, or left where it is with an indicator to prohibit further programming to the same cells. To avoid compromising previously stored data during subsequent programming, previously stored data may be backed up. Backing up may be done selectively, for example, only for nonsequential data, or only when the previously stored data contains an earlier version of data being programmed. If a backup copy already exists, another backup copy is not created. Sequential commands are treated as a single command if received within a predetermined time period.
US08473914B2
An apparatus and method for maintaining a collection of test scripts. At least one test script module is identified that is common to at least two unmodularized test scripts that are each associated with a common application. The at least two unmodularized test scripts are divided into modularized test scripts that each comprise the at least one test script module. An update to the common application is received and at least one of the at least one test script modules is updated in response to the update of the common application. The updating of each of the at least one of the at least one test script module causes a corresponding update to the at least two unmodularized test scripts.
US08473913B2
An automated system randomly generates test cases for hardware or software quality assurance testing. A test case comprises a sequence of discrete, atomic steps (or “building blocks”). A particular test case has a variable number of building blocks. The system takes a set of test actions and links them together to create a much larger library of test cases or “chains.” The chains comprise a large number of random sequence tests that facilitate “chaos-like” or exploratory testing of the overall system under test. Upon execution in the system under test, the test case is considered successful if each building block in the chain executes successfully; if any building block fails, the test case, in its entirety, is considered a failure.
US08473911B1
Generation of documentation from a computer readable symbolic representation is described. In an embodiment, a reified version of an input is obtained as coded objects. The input is readable by a programmed computer for execution, and is in an applied form of a symbolic representation of knowledge for a defined domain of knowledge. The reified version is a coded form of the applied form, wherein the coded objects are in a dynamic language. A content sequence library is accessed by the programmed computer responsive to the coded objects to extract content for a document plan. A reasoning library is then accessed by the programmed computer responsive to the content extracted to provide a sequenced organization of phrase structure for the content extracted. A natural language representation of the input is output from a realization of the sequenced organization of phrase structure.
US08473908B2
In a method, system and computer program product for administration of different versions of a configuration file for configuration of medical apparatuses in a clinical system, the configuration file can also be locally changed at the apparatus itself and be made centrally available. Together with one configuration file, a set of versions regarding the configuration file is automatically administered while maintaining consistency of the data.
US08473902B2
A solution for identifying build errors associated with a source code file for determining source code elements for refactoring. An embodiment of the invention utilizes a source code management system in combination with build logs generated by a build environment to determine source code elements that would benefit from refactoring.
US08473894B2
Collecting and storing an artifact identifier for one or more artifacts, project identifiers for one or more software projects that use each artifact, and information about the temporal version for the artifacts. Collecting and storing project information related to the software projects, including a project identifier for each project, and contact information for a user of each software project. Collecting Metadata associated with the software artifacts, which includes information identifying the artifact, information about security risks associated with the artifact, information about a license associated with the artifact, or information indicative of a level of use or user rating of the artifact. The metadata is periodically or continually monitored to determine whether there has been any actionable change, and notifying the user about the actionable change.
US08473882B2
A method, system, and computer program product for reducing the size of a logic network design, prior to verification of the logic network design. The method includes eliminating registers to reduce the size of the logic network design; thereby, increasing the speed and functionality of the verification process, and decreasing the size of the logic network design. The system identifies one or more compatible resubstitutions of a selected register, wherein the compatible resubstitution expresses the selected register as one or more pre-existing registers of fixed initial state. The resubstitutions are refined utilizing design invariants. When one more resubstitutions are preformed, the system eliminates the selected registers to reduce the size of the logic network design. As a result of the resubstitution process, a logic network design of reduced size is generated.
US08473880B1
Approaches for creating a pipelined circuit design from a high level language (HLL) specification. In one embodiment, the HLL specification is translated into an intermediate level language specification of operations of the pipelined circuit design, and a data dependency graph of the operations is created. A sequence of operations that is bounded by two write operations and that has no intervening write operations between the two write operations is identified, along with two or more read operations within the sequence. A pipelined design specification is generated from the dependency graph and hardware components associated with the operations in the intermediate level language specification. At least two of the components corresponding to the two or more read operations access a memory in parallel, and each component corresponding to the two or more read and the two write operations requires a synchronization token as input and outputs a synchronization token upon completion of the operation.
US08473866B2
A decision assistance device provides a user the ability to access and obtain actionable intelligence or other information to make tactical and strategic decisions. The decision assistance device allows the user to obtain information for future, near-future, and/or real time scenarios. The device advantageously provides the information to the user in a manner that minimizes an amount of attention and interaction required by the user while still permitting the user to rapidly manipulate the device while moving down a desired decision path. The decision assistance device may take a physical or virtual form.
US08473864B2
A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, or the like presents a physical display comprising a plurality of viewing windows or modules containing items to be vended. The physical windows or modules are organized into visually recognizable patterns of rows or columns physically apparent from the machine exterior. A controlling computer responds to software and provides a visual display controlled by the software for establishing screens for inputting customer selections and displaying machine options. The screen presents virtual representations of physical displays arranged in said recognizable patterns, whereby images appearing the virtual screen selected and viewed by customers correspond to actual items available in corresponding physical displays.
US08473861B2
A method of magnifying text across a computer operating system platform, the method including the steps of loading a background text viewer process on a computer operating system, the background text viewer process having access to internal operating system messaging relating to text sent to a graphics display driver for presentation to an end-user on a GUI, drawing a text viewer on a portion of the GUI whereby the text viewer and a third party application that displays text are shown on the GUI concurrently, intercepting text originating from the third party application and sent to the graphics display driver, the interception performed by the background text viewer process, selecting a substring of intercepted text associated with an end-user focus on the third party application and displaying the substring on the text viewer according to end-user defined settings.
US08473850B2
Methods and apparatuses share shared content from a presenter device with an attendee device; display the shared content on the attendee device; display an indicator associated with the shared content on the presenter device; and display a control tab configured to change a shared status.
US08473847B2
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for comparing two slide decks using a compare service. The compare service generates a comparison analysis for the two slide decks based on a comparison theme selected by the user. The result of the analysis is displayed in a comparison display that includes a slide selector section, a slide pair viewer section, and a navigable change summary section. In one embodiment, the compare service allows the user to select preferred slides from the two slide decks displayed in the comparison display, and subsequently generates a new slide deck that contains only the preferred slides selected by the user.
US08473846B2
A computer-implemented method includes displaying, within a user interface in a digital media system, a project pane, displaying video content within the project pane, the video content aligned relative to a time line, adding overlay content to the video content, and anchoring a first position in the overlay content to a second position in the video content such that content corresponding to the first position is synchronized to content corresponding to the second position.
US08473837B2
Data cells in a spreadsheet report are collapsed and expanded without disrupting other spreadsheet data. A user may want to drill down on data corresponding to a parent member of the report to display more detailed information about the parent member. Likewise, a user may want to drill up the displayed information corresponding to the parent member to hide detailed information associated with the parent member. Before expanding or collapsing a report, the spreadsheet is scanned for information to determine whether the display of other data in the spreadsheet would be disrupted by the expansion/collapse. The information may include cross-join information associated with the parent member, the number of child members associated with the parent member, the dimension of the report created by the parent member and the associated child members, and other reports that may be linked to the report that includes the parent member.
US08473834B1
A method for a dynamic portal menu and message system. The method includes receiving, in a web service, a web service call from a web part. The method also includes transmitting a procedure call, corresponding to the web service call, to a database server. The method also includes receiving, from the database server, unformatted data corresponding to the procedure call. The method also includes formatting the unformatted data to produce a formatted data. The method also includes transmitting the formatted data to the web part. A data processing system and a dynamic portal system are also discussed.
US08473826B1
Embodiments in accordance with the invention utilize Reed Solomon (RS) forward error correction (FEC) coding in conjunction with M-ary Bandwidth Efficient Modulation (BEM) schemes and soft decision decoding to improve the robustness of high spectral efficiency communications links. In one embodiment, information symbols in communication data blocks are encoded utilizing Reed Solomon (RS) forward error correction (FEC) coding and transmitted with either M-ary phase shift keying (MPSK) or M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (MQAM). Using standard Reed Solomon (RS) hard decision decoding, a receiver either correctly decodes the received block or returns a decoding failure. In the event of a decoding failure, soft decision reliability information is used to identify received code symbols with a low probability of being correctly received and to generate new code symbol estimates that are used in the traditional Reed Solomon decoding algorithm.
US08473823B2
An encoding device and decoding device for improving an error floor while taking advantage of the features of a convolutional code capable of encoding/decoding an information sequence with an arbitrary length are disclosed. An error correction encoding section is provided with an LDPC-CC encoder and an LDPC-BC encoder. The LDPC-CC encoder acquires an LDPC-CC code word sequence by applying LDPC-CC encoding to a transmission information sequence. The LDPC-BC encoder acquires a parity sequence by applying LDPC-BC encoding to the LDPC-CC code word sequence. The LDPC-CC encoder further applies the LDPC-CC encoding to the parity sequence.
US08473820B2
A transmitting apparatus in a transport network, which performs forward error correcting encoding for each virtual lane set, which is a multiple of the number of transmission channels, in order to generate virtual frames including independent parity bytes for each of the virtual lanes. These generated virtual frames are transmitted through at least one transmission channel. A receiving apparatus for detecting the virtual frames for each virtual lane from a signal received through a transmission channel by using a frame assignment sequence, and performing forward error correcting decoding by using the parity bytes included in the virtual frames detected for each virtual lane.
US08473815B2
An ECC controller comprises an ECC encoder, an ECC divider, an ECC constructor and an ECC decoder. The ECC encoder is configured to generate ECC data with different lengths in response to information data to be stored into a flash memory. The ECC divider is configured to divide each ECC datum generated by the ECC encoder into one or more ECC segments according to the length of the ECC datum. The ECC constructor is configured to generate an ECC datum by combining one or more ECC segments for each information datum read from the flash memory. The ECC decoder is configured to correct the errors of the information data read from the flash memory device by using the ECC data generated by the ECC constructor.
US08473801B2
A method for increasing the efficiency of transferring packets of isochronous transfer type in USB 3.0 includes ignoring a packet of isochronous transfer type with an incorrect header. When the receiving end receives a packet of isochronous transfer type with an incorrect header, the receiving end does not send a retry signal to the transmitting end. Therefore, the transmitting end can more quickly transmit the following packets of isochronous transfer type.
US08473800B2
A method, node, and system are provided that overcome problems with using inaccurate estimates of a current round trip time RTT for verifying the ACK/NACK information received in an ACK/NACK report, e.g., a piggy-backed ACK/NACK (PAN). This is accomplished by de-coupling the RTT from the ACK/NACK analysis performed in the sending node that receives the ACK/NACK report. As a result, unnecessary re-transmissions are avoided, communication delays are decreased, and spectrum and other system resources are used more efficiently.
US08473788B2
A method for a computer, which is configured to access to hierarchical information indicating a hierarchical structure relating to processes executed by devices included in a network, includes receiving abnormal observation data from the network, detecting a transmission source device of the abnormal observation data and a process by which the abnormal observation data is issued, specifying a process relating, to the detected process in accordance with a kind of the detected transmission source device by referring to the hierarchical information, determining, by the computer, a failure occurrence point based on a status of the specified process.
US08473785B2
A computer based method and system for tiered inference multiple fault diagnosis is provided. The method includes using a computer processor to dissect a hypothesis space representing a production system having a plurality of production modules into tiers. Production modules in the current tier are partitioned into a group or a set of sub-groups. A fault diagnosis algorithm is applied to the group of each sub-group to identify an acceptable fault diagnosis. When no acceptable fault diagnosis is found, the process moves to the next tier to perform further investigations. The process continues to move to higher tiers until an acceptable fault diagnosis is obtained or the system instructs the process to end.
US08473782B2
A method of controlling a mobile terminal, method including performing, via a controller on the mobile terminal, data synchronizations with at least one external device, displaying, via a display on the mobile terminal, a list of data synchronization history corresponding to the performed data synchronizations, determining, via the controller, whether or not a particular data synchronization from the list includes an error, undoing, via the controller, the particular data synchronization to a state prior to the particular data synchronization, if it is determined that the particular data synchronization includes the error, and re-performing, via the controller, the particular data synchronization using data corresponding to the undone particular data synchronization.
US08473779B2
Systems and methods for recovering from a fault in an array of data storage devices are provided. Fault recovery includes determining that a first data storage device of the array of data storage devices is more likely to fail that other storage devices of the array of data storage devices. A second data storage device in the array of data storage devices is selected to be used in recovering from a failure of the first data storage device. Data from the first data storage device is stored at the second storage device. In the event of a failure at the first data storage device, data storage operations are performed using the second storage device.
US08473772B2
A method for providing applications with a current time value includes receiving a trap for an application to access a time memory page, creating, in a memory map corresponding to the application, a mapping between an address space of the application and the time memory page in response to the trap, accessing, based on the trap, a hardware clock to obtain a time value, and updating the time memory page with the time value. The application reads the time value from the time memory page using the memory map.
US08473771B2
A clock source generates a first clock signal for clocking a first clocked module and a rate adapting module produces an operation dependent clock signal from the first clock signal for clocking a second clocked module that is rate dependent. The first clock signal has a rate such that frequency dependent noise components associated with the first clock signal are outside a given frequency range that causes adverse performance in the first clocked module.
US08473766B2
A method and apparatus to monitor architecture events is disclosed. The architecture events are linked together via a push bus mechanism with each architectural event having a designated time slot. There is at least one branch of the push bus in each core. Each branch of the push bus may monitor one core with all the architectural events. All the data collected from the events by the push bus is then sent to a power control unit.
US08473759B2
A mechanism is provided for routing a computing task to a computing resource for executing the computing task. A dispatcher receives a timestamp at which execution of the computing task can start on the computing resource and a duration that the execution would take. The computing resource is associated with a power consumption profile. The dispatcher estimates a power efficiency factor as a function of the power consumption profile, the timestamp and the duration thereby forming an estimated power efficiency factor. The dispatcher determines whether the computing resource can execute the computing task as a function of the estimated power efficiency factor. The dispatcher then sends the computing task to the computing resource in responsive to determining that the computing resource can execute the computing task.
US08473751B2
A method for data cryptographic processing, that is implemented by an electronic entity and includes the conversion of input data (M′i−1), masked by an input mask (X), into output data, the conversion using a conversion table (S), and the method including the following steps: for at least one plurality of possible values (A) for the input mask (X), transferring the output value of the conversion table (S) corresponding to the masked input data (M′i−1) converted by the application of an unmasking operation using the possible value (A), into a table (T) at a position corresponding to a determined value (0) masked by the input mask (X) and converted by the application of an unmasking operation using the possible value (A); determining the output data using the value located in the table (T) at the position corresponding to the determined value (0).
US08473750B2
A bridge is disclosed having a security engine to protect digital content at insecure interfaces of the bridge. The bridge permits cryptographic services to he offloaded from a central processing unit to the bridge. The bridge receives a clear text input from a central processing unit. The bridge encrypts the clear text input as cipher text for storage in a memory. The bridge provided the cipher text to a graphics processing unit.
US08473749B1
In some embodiments, a non-transitory processor-readable medium includes code to cause a processor (e.g., on an enterprise server) to receive, from a communication device, a request for a client application, and in response to the request provision the installation file data associated with the client application to include an application token associated with the client application. The code is to cause the processor to send the installation file that includes the application token to the communication device such that the communication device uses the installation file to install the client application that authenticates to an application module using the application token extracted from the installation file.
US08473745B2
An integrity hash is obtained of rights information stored at a client device. The rights information is associated with content stored at the client device. The integrity hash is encrypted using a client device key to generate an encrypted hash. The client device key is externally inaccessible from the client device. The encrypted hash is stored on the client device.
US08473742B2
Secondary content in encrypted for distribution to client terminals by selecting at least a portion of raw encrypted audio-video data (REAVD) that is provided on a media article as an encryption key, encrypting secondary content using the encryption key, and storing encrypted secondary content at a remotely located host. The media article can then be used for providing access to the encrypted secondary content to client terminals by receiving encrypted secondary content at a client terminal, extracting a decryption key from a media article encoded with REAVD, the decryption key being determined by at least a portion of the REAVD, using the decryption key to decrypt the secondary content, and outputting the decrypted secondary content from the client terminal.
US08473727B2
Systems and methods for history based pipelined branch prediction. In one example, access to prediction information to predict a plurality of branches within an instruction block is initiated in a same clock cycle of the computer processor as a fetch of the instruction block. The prediction information may be available to the predictor not later than a clock cycle of the computer processor in which the plurality of branches are decoded.
US08473726B2
An apparatus for extracting instructions from a stream of undifferentiated instruction bytes in a microprocessor having an instruction set architecture in which the instructions are variable length. Decode logic decodes the instruction bytes of the stream to generate for each a corresponding opcode byte indictor and end byte indicator and receives a corresponding taken indicator for each of the instruction bytes. The taken indicator is true if a branch predictor predicted the instruction byte is the opcode byte of a taken branch instruction. The decode logic generates a corresponding bad prediction indicator for each of the instruction bytes. The bad prediction indicator is true if the corresponding taken indicator is true and the corresponding opcode byte indicator is false. The decode logic sets to true the bad prediction indicator for each remaining byte of an instruction whose opcode byte has a true bad prediction indicator. Control logic extracts instructions from the stream and sends the extracted instructions for further processing by the microprocessor. The control logic foregoes sending an instruction having both a true end byte indicator and a true bad prediction indicator.
US08473725B2
A system, processor and method are provided for digital signal processing. A processor may initiate processing a sequence of instructions followed by an interrupt. Each instruction may be processed in respective sequential pipeline slots. A branch detector may detect or determine if an instruction is a branch instruction, for example, in turn, for each sequential instruction. In one embodiment, the branch detector may detect if an instruction is a branch instruction until at least a first branch instruction is detected. A processor may annul instructions which are determined to be branch instructions when the interrupt occupies a delay slot associated with the branch instruction. An execution unit may execute at least the sequence of instructions to run a program. The branch detector and/or execution unit may be integral or separate from each other and from the processor.
US08473723B2
A computer-implemented method for a computerized system having at least a first processor and a second processor, where each of the processors are operatively interconnected to a memory storing a set of data to be processed by a processor. The method includes monitoring data accessed by the first processor while executing, and if the second processor is at a shorter distance than the first processor from the monitored data, instructing to interrupt execution at the first processor and resume the execution at the second processor.
US08473717B2
A data processing apparatus is provided, configured to carry out data processing operations on behalf of a main data processing apparatus, comprising a coprocessor core configured to perform the data processing operations and a reset controller configured to cause the coprocessor core to reset. The coprocessor core performs its data processing in dependence on current configuration data stored therein, the current configuration data being associated with a current processing session. The reset controller is configured to receive pending configuration data from the main data processing apparatus, the pending configuration data associated with a pending processing session, and to store the pending configuration data in a configuration data queue. The reset controller is configured, when the coprocessor core resets, to transfer the pending configuration data from the configuration data queue to be stored in the coprocessor core, replacing the current configuration data.
US08473688B2
Interaction between a client and a service in which the service responds to requests from the client. In addition to responding to specific client requests, the service also anticipates or speculates about what the client may request in the future. Rather than await the client request (that may or may not ultimately be made), the service provides the unrequested anticipatory data to the client in the same data stream as the response data that actual responds to the specific client requests. The client may then use the anticipatory data to fully or partially respond to future requests from the client, if the client does make the request anticipated by the service. Thus, in some cases, latency may be reduced when responding to requests in which anticipatory data has already been provided. The service may give priority to the actual requested data, and gives secondary priority to the anticipatory data.
US08473686B2
Methods for selecting a line to evict from a data storage system are provided. A computer system implementing a method for selecting a line to evict from a data storage system is also provided. The methods include selecting an uncached class line for eviction prior to selecting a cached class line for eviction.
US08473680B1
A system includes a counting module, a region defining module, and a caching module. The counting module is configured to count a first number of accesses to a first region of a storage medium during a first time period. The counting module is configured to count a second number of accesses to the first region during a second time period following the first time period. The region defining module is configured to selectively define a second region and a third region within the first region when the second number of accesses is greater than the first number of accesses by a predetermined amount. The caching module is configured to selectively cache the second region into a cache memory when a third number of accesses to the second region during a third time period following the second time period is greater than a fourth number of accesses to the third region during the third time period.
US08473676B2
A control apparatus connected to different types of storage devices include a performance-information storing section that stores performance information on the storage devices; a list storing section that stores a list of data on the storage devices; a monitoring section that monitors the load statuses of the storage devices and the control apparatus; a detecting section; an estimating section; and a determining section.
US08473670B2
A BIOS may provide bad block and wear-leveling services to a flash memory during a boot cycle until a full-functioned memory controller, such as a software memory controller, is available. After the full-functioned memory controller is available, the controller may use data passed by the BIOS to determine what, if any, steps to take to account for write activity during the boot process. Alternatively, the BIOS may use a reserved portion of flash memory so that wear leveling for boot-related data, such as a shut-down flag, is not needed.
US08473669B2
Method and system for concurrent background and foreground operations in a non-volatile memory array
A method and system for permitting host write operations in one part of a flash memory concurrently with another operation in a second part of the flash memory is disclosed. The method includes receiving data at a front end of a memory system, selecting at least one of a plurality of subarrays in the memory system for executing a host write operation, and selecting at least one other subarray in which to execute a second operation. The write operation and second operation are then executed substantially concurrently. The memory system includes a plurality of subarrays, each associated with a separate subarray controller, and a front end controller adapted to select and initiate concurrent operations in the subarrays.
US08473666B2
Systems and methods of re-enumerating peripheral devices operatively connected to a computer system are provided. In one example, a system is configured to disable an existing connection between an operating system and a peripheral device established through a device driver by re-describing the peripheral device to the OS. In another example, the system can be further configured to execute operation(s) on the peripheral device without new driver installation using communication channels native to the OS. Once the operation(s) are complete, the system can be configured to restore the existing connection.
US08473637B2
A method and system for extended ordering of collections of data for synchronization over a wireless network, each collection having an existing priority level, the method having the steps of: adding, to each collection, a dependency field having a dependency value; exchanging the priority level and dependency value for each collection; and ordering synchronization of the collections based on priority levels and dependency values of the collections.
US08473630B1
Systems and methods are provided herein relating to adaptive video streaming. A time-to-offset mapping, also known as a seek index, associated with a set of video blocks can be used to more accurately estimate bandwidth for sections of a video. A video block among the set of video blocks can be dynamically selected as a function of client capabilities. Client capabilities can be dynamically monitored and a stream can be dynamically selected based on the dynamic monitoring. The benefits in using time-to-offset mapping to better estimate bandwidth can better maximize client performance and reliability when playing a video stream.
US08473613B2
A plurality of repeater servers form a shared content delivery network (CDN) to serve resources to clients on behalf of a plurality of content providers. First and second resources are associated with a first content provider, the first resource referencing the second resource. The second resource is associated with a domain of the shared CDN. Responsive to a request that causes the first resource to be served to a client from a server in a domain associated with the first content provider, a CDN server is identified in the domain associated with the shared CDN to serve the second resource to the client. The CDN server is selected based, at least in part, on load conditions on at least some of the CDN servers, and on the client's location. Responsive to the CDN server being requested to serve the second resource: if a copy of the second resource is available on the CDN server, the copy is served to the client from the CDN server; otherwise, the second resource is replicated on the CDN server and then served to the client from the CDN server.
US08473611B1
A request for content is received at a content filter of a computer system, and a determination is made, based on a referrer included in the request, regarding a root site directly or indirectly associated with the request. Thereafter, the content is permitted or not permitted according to whether or not the root site is a permitted site and a site associated with the content is categorized in a semantically equivalent content category with the root site. The determination regarding the root site may involve consulting a referrer chain cache storing lists of referrers which associate referring Web sites with root sites from which referrals originate.
US08473609B2
According to one embodiment, a server 11 performs aggregate signal processing for n-to-one signal transmission. The processing includes waiting processing and time adjusting processing. In the waiting processing, from a time point where a first constitutional element signal constituting a specific aggregate signal bound for the upper level control center reaches the server until a wait time that is based on a preset condition elapses, the server waits for another constitutional element signal of the specific aggregate signal to arrive (S202-S208). In the time adjusting processing, the server extracts an earliest generation time from generation times attached respectively to constitutional element signals arriving during the waiting processing, and attaches the extracted time as a generation time of the specific aggregate signal (S210).
US08473601B2
A method of testing connectivity of networks includes pinging multiple devices on the network upon a single command. The devices to be pinged are pre-arranged in one or more catalogs (lists) and stored in the memory of a connectivity test instrument. A ping catalog is selected, and each device in the list automatically is pinged three times from a single ping command. Data from the network devices is parsed, stored and formatted for display to a user.
US08473594B2
A multi-tenant virtual machine infrastructure (MTVMI) allows multiple tenants to independently access and use a plurality of virtual computing resources via the Internet. Within the MTVMI, different tenants may define unique configurations of virtual computing resources and unique rules to govern the use of the virtual computing resources. The MTVMI may be configured to provide valuable services for tenants and users associated with the tenants.
US08473587B1
Some embodiments provide a method that, at a caching network of a hosting and storage system that includes several nodes for hosting virtual machines for users, receives a request for an image of a particular computer system configuration for deployment as a virtual machine on a particular node of the hosting system. The method determines whether the requested image is presently stored on the caching network. When the image is present on the caching network, the method streams the image to the particular node of the hosting system for deployment as a virtual machine on the particular node. When the image is not presently stored on the caching network, the method retrieves a copy of the image from a permanent storage network and then streams the image to the particular node of the hosting system for deployment as a virtual machine on the particular node.
US08473572B1
A communications system including one or more alert gates and an alert controller. Each alert gate is configured to detect a different type of alert feed corresponding to a particular kind of alert. The alert controller is connected to the alert gates and operable to receive detected alerts from the alert gates and to deliver the detected alerts to a user of the communications system.
US08473562B2
Included are systems and methods for directing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving a listing for a data provider, the listing including a plurality of criteria related to the data provider and receiving an indication to add at least a portion of the listing to a personal directory. Other embodiments include adding at least a portion of the listing to the personal directory and receiving an indication from the data provider to send data to the personal directory.
US08473560B2
A system and method for improved client and server communications, more particularly, an improved protocol that may be used for communication between a client and a server, such as in an email environment. Many features are provided for improved communications. An email server may provide the best message body available for an email message, may transfer an entire data object if requested property or properties are not well defined within the data object, may provide progress data for use in tracking download progress, and may send error information for a data object having an error. Email changes may be optimized at an email server component, even if the email changes occurred at another email server component. An email server may maintain a table of changes that occur to folders at an associated data store, and may notify a subscribed email client component of changes that occur in the table.
US08473558B2
A media sharing system accommodates passively registered users, who receive information from the system but do not provide content media to the system, and actively registered users, who provide content to the system and then share it with others. The system collects and stores information about a user as the information is needed to accomplish a function, shielding the user from burdensome data entry.
US08473556B2
An e-mail processing system includes an e-mail received from an external apparatus through a network and a managing center that manages the information regarding spam mails. An e-mail system detects a spam mail from the received e-mail based on the information received from the managing center, and user PCs that receive a legitimate e-mail other than spam mails, through the e-mail system.
US08473555B2
One or more illustrative embodiments provide a method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing a session of electronic communications. In one illustrative embodiment, a language is identified using a processor for an incoming electronic communication received from a sender computer in the session. It is determined whether the language differs from a desired display language. The incoming electronic communication is translated into the desired display language using a translation service to form a translated incoming electronic communication responsive to a determination that the language differs from the desired display language. The translated incoming electronic communication is displayed in the session on a display device.
US08473550B2
Example systems and methods of content sharing using notification within a social networking environment are presented. In one example, an indication is received from a first user device associated with a first user, the indication indicating that the first user device is available for supplying media content over a communication network. Social network information regarding the first user is retrieved. A second user of a second user device is identified based on an association between the first user and the second user according to the social network information. The second user device is notified of the availability of the first user device for the supplying of the media content.
US08473545B2
A method of distributing availability information from a first user terminal to at least one further user terminal connected via a communication network, comprising: executing a communication client at the first user terminal; the communication client accessing schedule data stored on a storage means relating to a user of the first user terminal; the communication client analysing the schedule data to determine a current status of the user; mapping the current status of the user to a selected one of a group of predefined availability settings at the communication client; and transmitting a message comprising the selected availability setting over the communication network to the at least one further user terminal.
US08473544B2
If a user specifies a location on a map image, he or she can see an image shot at that location. An imaging apparatus (an imaging/display apparatus 1 or an imaging apparatus 30) placed on a movable body transmits shot image data to a server apparatus together with additional data that includes location information about a photographing point, so that they are stored in the server apparatus. That is, the server apparatus accumulates pieces of image data obtained by photographing in various places by a great number of imaging apparatuses together with the location information thereof. A user of the display apparatus (the imaging/display apparatus 1 or the display apparatus 40) specifies a location on the map image. Then, the display apparatus transmits location specification information to the server apparatus, and the server apparatus searches for the image data based on the location specification information, and transmits the image data corresponding to the location specification information to the display apparatus. The display apparatus receives and displays the image data.
US08473543B2
A method and apparatus is for implementing a conflict resolution policy. The method includes providing a rule set that includes a plurality of rules that define the conflict resolution policy. An algorithm is generated by decomposing each rule in the rule set into at least one pre-action that is to be performed on data in identified fields in first and second conflicting objects, at least one condition that is to be applied to the first and second conflicting objects, and at least one action that is to be performed on the identified fields in the first and second conflicting objects if the at least one condition is satisfied. The algorithm is loaded from a configuration file for execution during a synchronization component runtime using first and second conflicting objects provided by the synchronization component.
US08473542B2
A computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that when executed by a processor perform a method for interaction between a business system and a mobile device. The method includes forwarding, from a business system that includes an application program having logical functionality, a visual interface for storage on a mobile device and display by a browser on the mobile device, the visual interface configured for making a call from the mobile device to the logical functionality. The method includes storing a business system proxy on a computer device configured for communication with the mobile device at a remote location, the business system proxy including the logical functionality and configured to receive the call from the mobile device. The method includes receiving, in the business system, an update from the business system proxy relating to use of the mobile device at the remote location.
US08473541B2
There is disclosed an M-bit adder capable of receiving a first M-bit argument, a second M-bit argument, and a carry-in (CI) bit. The M-bit adder comprises M adder cells arranged in R rows, wherein a least significant adder cell in a first one of the rows of adder cells receives a first data bit, AX, from the first M-bit argument and a first data bit, BX, from the second M-bit argument, and generates a first conditional carry-out bit, CX(1), and a second conditional carry-out bit, CX(0), wherein the CX(1) bit is calculated assuming a row carry-out bit from a second row of adder cells preceding the first row is a 1 and the CX(0) bit is calculated assuming the row carry-out bit from the second row is a 0.
US08473539B1
Nulling a cell of a complex matrix is described. A complex matrix and a modified Givens rotation matrix are obtained for multiplication by a processing unit, such as a systolic array or a CPU, for example, for the nulling of the cell to provide a modified form of the complex matrix. The modified Givens rotation matrix includes complex numbers c*, c, −s, and s*, wherein the complex number s* is the complex conjugate of the complex number s, and wherein the complex number c* is the complex conjugate of the complex number c. The complex numbers c and s are associated with complex numbers of the complex matrix including the cell to be nulled. The modified form is then output by the processing unit. The modified Givens rotation matrix may be implemented as a systolic array or otherwise used for processing complex numbers or matrices.
US08473530B1
A data structure defining a field in an electronic file is described, the field including updateable text. The data structure can be included, for example, in a computer-aided design drawing. In one implementation, the data structure includes: an evaluator identifier; a field code; a child field quantity; if the child field quantity is greater than zero, then one or more child field identifiers; an object reference quantity; if the object reference quantity is greater than zero, then one or more object reference identifiers; a field format; a field filing option; a field state; an evaluation status; an evaluation error; an evaluation error message; an evaluated field value; a formatted field value; a formatted field value length; an extended data quantity; and, if the extended data quantity is greater then zero, than one or more extended data.
US08473524B2
The invention is directed to a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) update process for updating objects with respect to specifications. The process invokes dependence relations between objects. It relies on building a directed graph, wherein objects are the nodes of the graph. An arc (also called “edge”) is directed from a second object to a first object, the latter depending on the second object according to dependence relations of the PLM system. Thus, the update can be carried by browsing the graph along the direction of the arcs in the graph. Owing to the reversion of the graph with respect to the dependence of objects, the simple solution of the invention guarantees that the update of an object occurs only when the ancestor object it depends on is up to date, and so on. This drastically reduces failures at update in practice.
US08473512B2
Systems and methods are provided for maintaining a dynamic profile slice of a user profile of a user. In one embodiment, a real-time user-generated context of the user is monitored over time to accumulate keywords in the dynamic profile slice of the user that are representative of dynamic interests of the user. Weights are assigned to the keywords in the dynamic profile slice using a time and/or location weighting function.
US08473497B2
Example systems and method enable limiting shares of voice of individual users in a result set. In example embodiments, a listing user providing each listing in a result set of a search is identified. Sorting criteria indicating a number of listings a same listing user is allowed within a number of consecutive listings of the result set are reviewed. Using the sorting criteria, a sorted result set is generated by sorting the plurality of listings in accordance with the sorting criteria. The sorted result set is provided to a searching user.
US08473495B2
A system and method for modifying a parameter of a website in order to optimize an organic listing of the website at one or more search engines is described. Several embodiments include methods and systems for generating scored representations based upon different portions of data associated with a website, and then combining the scored representations to achieve a result. The result indicates a feature of the website that may be modified in order to optimize the organic ranking of the website at one or more search engines.
US08473486B2
A supervised technique uses relevance judgments to train a dependency parser such that it approximately optimizes Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain (NDCG) in information retrieval. A weighted tree edit distance between the parse tree for a query and the parse tree for a document is added to a ranking function, where the edit distance weights are parameters from the parser. Using parser parameters in the ranking function enables approximate optimization of the parser's parameters for NDCG by adding some constraints to the objective function.
US08473485B2
Computer-storage media, methods, and systems for improving the ability of a user to accomplish a task that is pending during a search session are provided. This pending task can be distilled by identifying a current searching intent associated with a recently submitted query and by determining which candidate tasks are most comparable to the current searching intent of a user. The candidate tasks are mined from a search history of the user by categorizing those navigation events that appear to share a semantically common concept. Upon performing a comparison, the candidate task that captures the user's true current searching intent is designated as the pending task. When a user invokes the pending task, a collection of elements that are associated with the pending task are dynamically organized into a sharable content page, thereby providing a collaborative experience that involves exposing the collection to contacts and accepting feedback therefrom.
US08473471B2
An information processing apparatus comprises: a receiving unit adapted to receive designation of a plurality of types of attribute values, which indicate characteristics of data, from a user; a presenting unit adapted to selectably present data having a characteristic that matches at least any one of the attribute values for which a designation has been received, from among a plurality of items of data that have been stored in a storage unit for storing the plurality of items of data and each of the attribute values of the plurality of items of data; and an updating unit adapted to update an attribute value, which has been stored in the storage unit, of data that has been selected by the user from among the presented data, the updating being performed based upon an attribute value for which a designation has been received.
US08473470B1
A software program and associated web-based portal is provided for industry-specific product comparison. The program and an associated web portal allows the user the ability to search multiple manufacturers' catalogs and to enter a query based upon customized search criteria. Query results are returned of products that satisfy the user's search criteria. The query is made available to manufacturers whose products are identified in the query results and a communication link is provided whereby such manufacturers can contact the user to discuss the product identified in the search. The user can respond using the message board associated with the web portal. The program and portal can also integrate updates to pump manufacturers' catalogs and can also produce best-fit solutions for users' design criteria.
US08473466B1
Systems and methods are described that create storage classes for data and store the data using storage resources based on the created storage classes. In some examples, the system stores data using storage resources having characteristics that satisfy the requirements of a storage class associated with the data. In some examples, the system stores data using storage resources that meet the minimum requirements for a storage class.
US08473463B1
A system and method for avoiding duplicate backups of data in a volume backup image. A cluster of nodes is coupled to a data storage medium configured to store data corresponding to a shared volume. A node receives a request for the backup of the shared volume. In response to this request, the node queries all other nodes in the cluster for identification of a subset of the shared volume data that should be excluded from the backup. The identified subset of the data may correspond to at least a file under control of a database application or other particular application. It may be known that this identified subset of the data will be backed up by a subsequent agent-based backup operation after the volume backup. In response to receiving all query responses, the node initiates a backup corresponding to the data in the shared volume excluding the identified subset of the data.
US08473457B2
A method of distributing contact and calendar information in a multi-component environment includes maintaining a plurality of contact or calendar records and the records contain a plurality of fields and directives. The records are designated and distributed to at least one component based on the directives.
US08473440B2
Observation-based user profiling and profile matching are provided. The network behavior of users of a computer-implemented social network are observed and used for user profiling. By observing network behavior instead of necessarily relying on user self-reported data, accurate and objective user profiles can be formed; user profiling is accomplished based on the observed network behaviors with or without the knowledge of the user being profiled. The observed network behaviors can include the customization of a visual graphic, a media preference, a communication preference, or a selection of words from a word list. The user profiles can be with respect to a domain and two or more users can be matched based on their profiles with respect to the same domain. User ratings and profile updating based on the ratings are also provided.
US08473437B2
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for predicting propagation of a message on a social network. A predictive model is trained to determine a probability of propagation of information on the social network using both positive and negative information propagation feedback, which may be collected while monitoring the social network over a desired period of time for information propagation. A particular message can be input to the predictive model, which can determine a probability of propagation of the message on the social network, such as how many connections may receive at least a portion of the message and/or a likelihood of at least a portion of the message reaching respective connections in the social network.
US08473435B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of using General Bayesian Networks to automate oilfield operations. In certain aspects, a Monte-Carlo method is used to propagate probability density functions for root-variables to continuous-valued hidden variables reflecting some oilfield operation properties. Evidence in the form of observed properties are used to weight samples used in the Monte-Carlo process thereby propagating the observed values onto other variables. The inferred probability distributions are provided to an oilfield control system or monitoring system.
US08473433B2
Systems and methods use machine learning techniques to resolve location ambiguity in search queries. In one aspect, a dataset generator generates a training dataset using query logs of a search engine. A training engine applies a machine learning technique to the training dataset to generate a location disambiguation model. A location disambiguation engine uses the location disambiguation model to resolve location ambiguity in subsequent search queries.
US08473432B2
Techniques are provided for improved issue resolution in an expert network. For example, a method comprises the following steps. Information is extracted comprising: content of one or more historical records associated with resolutions of one or more previous issues; and transfer routing sequences indicating routes through routing entities in an expert network that the one or more previous issues passed in order to be respectively resolved. A model is computed based on at least a portion of the extracted information, wherein the computed model statistically captures one or more ticket transfer patterns among routing entities in the expert network. One or more future issue resolution routing recommendations are determined based on at least one of the one or more ticket transfer patterns captured by the computed model.
US08473431B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on one or more computer storage devices, for training a predictive model. In one aspect, a method includes receiving over a network predictive modeling training data from a client computing system. The training data and multiple training functions obtained from a repository of training functions are used to train multiple predictive models. A score is generated for each of the trained predictive models, where each score represents an estimation of the effectiveness of the respective trained predictive model. A first trained predictive model is selected from among the trained predictive models based on the generated scores. Access to the first trained predictive model is provided over the network.
US08473428B2
In one embodiment, when executing data compression or decompression for a data set, a particular compression category of the data set is determined, and a corresponding probability table specific to the particular compression category of the data set is accessed. Then, one of either arithmetic coding (e.g., an encoder device) or decoding (e.g., a decoder device) may be performed on the data set based on the specific probability table. Specifically, in one or more other embodiments, techniques may statistically generate probability tables specific to particular compression categories.
US08473424B2
An electronic business transaction system is provided for a product purchaser to purchase a product from a product supplier, and for a product delivery service provider to deliver the product to an address of the product purchaser or a product receiver. The product purchaser instructs an identification code and the product to the product supplier without disclosing a name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver. A terminal of an information administrator identifies the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver according to the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver. The terminal of the information administrator instructs the name and the address of the product purchaser or the product receiver to the product delivery service provider without disclosing the identification code of the product purchaser or the product receiver, so that the product delivery service provider delivers the product.
US08473422B2
Methods and system for social commerce network analysis are described. In one embodiment, a strongly connected component value, an in-component value, an out-component value, a disconnected component value, a tendril value, and a tube value of a social network for a time period may be accessed. A social strength of the social network for the time period may be calculated by combining the strongly connected component value, the in-component value, the out-component value, the disconnected component value, the tendril value, and the tube value. The social strength of the social network for the time period may be utilized for analysis of the social network. The strongly connected component value may have a greatest weight and the disconnected component value may have the lowest weight in the combining.
US08473420B2
Individuals may interact with automated services as one or more parties, where such individuals may have collective (as well as individual) intents. Moreover, parties may concurrently communicate with the interface, and the interface may have to manage several concurrent interactions with different parties. Single-individual interfaces may be unable to react robustly to such dynamic and complex real-world scenarios. Instead, multi-party interfaces to service components may be devised that identify individuals within a scene, associate the individuals with parties, track a set of interactions of the parties with the service component, and direct the service component in interacting with the parties. A multi-party interface may also detect and politely handle interruptions, and may identify information items about individuals and parties based on context and history, prioritize the intents of the individuals and parties, and triage interactions accordingly.
US08473416B2
A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user is provided. For example, information specific to a recognized user may be stored and optionally may include a recognized user avatar representative of the recognized user. The user avatar may be an image, video, and/or animation, which may be displayed on and/or played through the jukebox. The user avatar may be associated with transactions associated with the user. For example, an avatar may be displayed when a playlist of the recognized user is played, when a message is sent, etc. In other examples, the avatar may introduce instances of media by playing an audio and/or video message, and the avatar may sing, dance, etc. while an instance of media is playing.
US08473409B2
A method and system for electronically facilitating loan closing transactions that include sub-transactions involving third parties. The method and system provide functionality to quickly and easily order a sub-transaction and bill the respective party, or pay for the sub-transaction directly from various payment systems. An interactive closing document updates automatically as different services and sub-transactions are ordered. Designated parties to the transaction make and approve changes and updates to the interactive document as sub-transactions are completed and billed. The interactive document receives information from the earlier stages of the loan or mortgage transaction, and incorporates the information into the interactive closing document. Upon approval by all parties, at the closing of the transaction, the interactive closing document is generated as a hard copy for signature.
US08473402B2
Systems and methods that provide for a perpetual futures/derivatives contract with periodic reckoning are disclosed. An embodiment may include a method of receiving a new perpetual contract and managing that contract through to its termination. The perpetual futures contract may comprise an option to terminate the contract at recurring predetermined intervals. The exchange may allow or prohibit exercise of the option based on particular parameters.
US08473393B2
A method for providing a wager in a financial market environment is provided that includes presenting an opportunity to make a wager that is based on a moving market line associated with a financial market. An end user is given an opportunity to bet on whether a financial market value will be above or below the moving market line at a designated time. The wager may be accepted from the end user. The wager may be monitored in order to determine whether the financial market value was above or below the moving market line at the designated time.
US08473382B2
A method and system provides transactions and arrangements in virtual world environments. A user can participate in transactions to acquire virtual property and related virtual rights. In some implementations, real-world and virtual parties can be involved in virtual collateral transactions as well as conditional transfers and/or revocations involving various types of virtual objects and virtual rights. A possible relinquishment of designated aspects of the virtual collateral may result from unsatisfactory compliance with a real-world obligation or virtual world obligation that is secured by the virtual collateral.
US08473378B2
A global treasury monitoring system can provide a single centralized system of record for maintaining and updating global treasury limits to enable an organization to consistently allocate, apply and manage such limits across multiple types of platforms. Through a single system of record for the management of global treasury limits, an organization may comprehensively assess its risk exposure at any given time and make adjustments to limits on a real-time basis in response to rapidly-changing market conditions. The global treasury monitoring system can provide an organization with the ability to access, evaluate and reconfigure recorded treasury limits in real-time through various graphical user-interfaces (GUIs) accessible to users at various global locations. As treasury limits are utilized the system may update the availability of such limits so that an organization's risk exposure may be constantly monitored and assessed. The system also provides an organization with additional flexibility in programming a client's treasury limits to match the client's various liquidity needs around the globe while also managing the amount of the risk that the organization is willing to take on to attain appropriate returns.
US08473374B2
A method for monitoring inventory on a self-adjusting shelf and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes a method for determining the number of packages on a shelf or hanger of a self-adjusting shelf. The number of packages on a shelf or hanger are determined by measuring the distance from the back end of a shelf to the package closest to the shelf with a sensor, ascertaining the thickness of the product, and by calculating the amount of space occupied on a shelf or hanger and consequently the number of packages on a shelf. In another embodiment, the product is identified by a product identifying means such as an SKU reader. Thus, the quantity and type of product located on a shelf or hanger is known. Such information allows a store to know the type and quantity of packages needed to restock a specific hanger.
US08473373B2
A system and method for calibrating an inventory planning model in a parts supply chain. The inventory planning model is determined based on certain input. A performance monitor measures the parts supply chain and provides performance metrics. The movement of parts through the parts supply chain is also monitored by a supply chain visibility system that keeps track of actual supply chain conditions. Both information on the actual supply chain conditions and the performance metrics is sent to a feedback filter that formats the information into an appropriate form. The feedback from the feedback filter is sent to a feedback controller. Based on the feedback information and the input, the feedback controller adjusts the input of the inventory planning model while determining how frequently the inventory planning model is calibrated and how the inventory planning model is calibrated.
US08473371B2
Embodiments of methods and systems are provided that allow a user to upload inventories, view inventories in the proximity of the user, and/or facilitate transactions over a user device in a simple manner. In an embodiment, a method for transactions comprises loading, by a server at a remote location, an application on a user device of a user, wherein the application allows the user to upload an inventory comprising one or more items and/or services offered for sale by the user, as well as to view on the user device other inventory offered for sale by one or more other users as the user comes into proximity of the one or more other users, and wherein an inventory list maintained at the user device is constantly updated with the other inventory viewed by the user device. The method also comprises receiving, by the server at the remote location, transaction information associated with conducting a transaction in connection with the inventory list over the user device. The method further comprises facilitating, by the server at the remote location, the transaction between the user via the user device and the one or more other users.
US08473369B2
This disclosure describes systems and associated methods that can selectively filter seed behavior, e.g., user activity used to generate item recommendations. In some embodiments, seed behaviors and catalog items are associated with categories in an electronic catalog, and a particular seed behavior is used to generate user recommendations if it is more recent than a user's last purchase in the category of the seed behavior. For example, a user's activity in the TV category, e.g., viewing various TV models, may not be used to generate recommendations if the activity occurred prior to the user's purchase of a TV. As a result, in certain embodiments, additional TVs may not appear in the user's recommendations following her purchase, reflecting that the user has fulfilled her desire to purchase a TV.
US08473363B1
Price searching and customer self-checkout on a mobile device is provided. A system for purchasing products comprises at least one subsystem that receives from a mobile device at least price and seller identification data of a product, (at least the price of said product having been electronically read by the mobile device), and at least one subsystem that charges a user for the product based upon the received price and identification data.
US08473360B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to offer items for sale, wherein at least some of the items for sale have been matched to item categories and/or item attributes. The categories and attributes may be derived from token weights determined in accordance with a ratio of a total number of the items for sale and the number of items for sale that are associated with a common token. Additional activities may include locating some of the items for sale associated with the common token by executing a navigation application. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.
US08473337B2
Various embodiments enable auctioning of segmented advertisement insertion opportunities, e.g., segmented avails, associated with distributed content. In at least some embodiments, bids from advertisers to place advertisements in conjunction with a segmented avail are obtained. The bids that are obtained can have different durations (e.g., 60, 30, 15 seconds) that can be selectively enabled by a segmented avail in various combinations to fill a total duration of the segmented avail. Ranking criteria and/or logic can be applied to rank the bids one to another. In at least some embodiments, the bids are ranked within groups corresponding to different time durations. Bids can be allocated to the segmented avail by testing one or more combinations of the bids and selecting a winning combination based at least in part upon a sum of the ranks associated with bids in the combination.
US08473329B1
A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for developing and managing a the test of a business initiative for a business network including business locations. In one aspect of the invention, a method is performed that includes performing a process for developing a business initiative to apply to the business network and performing a process for designing a test for the initiative. Further, the method includes executing the initiative at a set of test sites in accordance with the designed test, each test site corresponds to a selected business location in the business network. Also, performance results of the executed initiative may be analyzed and a rollout plan is created for implementing the initiative at a first set of business locations.
US08473326B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for courier management. For example, in one embodiment, a courier application is executed on a mobile computing device to retrieve a list of stops associated with a courier from a computing device over a network. The list of stops includes a plurality of orders to be delivered, wherein a customer location is associated with each order. The courier application generates user interfaces to facilitate a confirmation that items associated with orders have been delivered, to facilitate an input of a review of the performance of the courier, and to perform other functions.
US08473321B2
A technique for associating privileges to people within an organization involves: maintaining for each of a plurality of objects an identification of an owner; maintaining for each of the objects an identification of at least one privilege associated therewith; and defining a role associated with a selected owner, the role identifying a privilege set containing at least one of the privileges, and the role having a criteria that defines which of a plurality of subjects are eligible to enjoy the privilege set, each privilege in the privilege set being associated with one of the objects associated with the selected owner.
US08473320B1
A method and system for measuring transferability of workers between and among occupations by means of the mathematical relationships between those occupations' key attributes, as defined by publicly available data on the competencies required as specified by a complete catalog of U.S. occupations known as O*NET. This method provides a concise, informative measurement for comparing the relative requirements of Abilities, Skills, Knowledge, and other relevant attributes of occupations, enabling users to gauge the feasibility of transferring workers from one occupation to another.
US08473315B1
A method for detecting an adverse drug event in a patient. The method includes reading an adverse drug reaction (ADR) description of the patient, reading identifiers for medications currently taken by the patient, and accessing ADR records corresponding to the identifiers. Each record comprises an identifier for a medication, an ADR description for the medication and a risk profile for the medication. Next, the method compares the ADR description of the patient with ADR descriptions in the ADR records, identifies an ADR record with a matching ADR description and calculates a level of risk that a medication of the ADR record is causing the ADR description of the patient. Finally, the method transmits an identifier and a risk profile for each medication of the ADR record, and a notice indicating that each medication of the ADR record may be causing the ADR description of the patient.
US08473297B2
A mobile terminal outputs text-to-speech (TTS) voice data. The mobile terminal displays text data including link data on a display unit of the mobile terminal, selects the link data, receives an original data of the link data as a background process, converts the original data to the TTS voice data, and outputs the TTS voice data though a voice outputting unit of the mobile terminal.
US08473294B2
Techniques for notifying at least one entity of an occurrence of an event in an audio signal are provided. At least one preference is obtained from the at least one entity. An occurrence of an event in the audio signal is determined. The event is related to at least one of at least one speaker and at least one topic. The at least one entity is notified of the occurrence of the event in the audio signal, in accordance with the at least one preference.
US08473290B2
An interactive voice response system is described that supports full duplex data transfer to enable the playing of a voice prompt to a user of telephony system while the system listens for voice barge-in from the user. The system includes a speech detection module that may utilize various criteria such as frame energy magnitude and duration thresholds to detect speech. The system also includes an automatic speech recognition engine. When the automatic speech recognition engine recognizes a segment of speech, a feature extraction module may be used to subtract a prompt echo spectrum, which corresponds to the currently playing voice prompt, from an echo-dirtied speech spectrum recorded by the system. In order to improve spectrum subtraction, an estimation of the time delay between the echo-dirtied speech and the prompt echo may also be performed.
US08473287B2
Method for jointly optimizing noise reduction and voice quality in a mono or multi-microphone system
The present technology provides adaptive noise reduction of an acoustic signal using a sophisticated level of control to balance the tradeoff between speech loss distortion and noise reduction. The energy level of a noise component in a sub-band signal of the acoustic signal is reduced based on an estimated signal-to-noise ratio of the sub-band signal, and further on an estimated threshold level of speech distortion in the sub-band signal. In embodiments, the energy level of the noise component in the sub-band signal may be reduced to no less than a residual noise target level. Such a target level may be defined as a level at which the noise component ceases to be perceptible.
US08473272B1
Approaches for preparing a system that is reconfigurable to implement a plurality of optional hardware functions are disclosed. In one approach, a method includes simulating the operation of the system during a time interval. The system is reconfigurable to implement a subset of the optional hardware functions, and the simulating determines which of the optional hardware functions are active and which of the optional hardware functions are inactive during a plurality of subintervals of the time interval. Respective circuit resource sets are estimated for the subintervals of the time interval. For each of the subintervals, the respective circuit resource set implements the system including the optional hardware functions that are active during the subinterval. Information describing the respective circuit resource sets for the subintervals is stored for preparing partial reconfigurations of the system.
US08473270B2
Software for controlling processes in a heterogeneous semiconductor manufacturing environment may include a wafer-centric database, a real-time scheduler using a neural network, and a graphical user interface displaying simulated operation of the system. These features may be employed alone or in combination to offer improved usability and computational efficiency for real time control and monitoring of a semiconductor manufacturing process. More generally, these techniques may be usefully employed in a variety of real time control systems, particularly systems requiring complex scheduling decisions or heterogeneous systems constructed of hardware from numerous independent vendors.
US08473253B2
Methods, computer-readable mediums, and a circuit are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided which obtains a digital sample. The method calculates a second derivative of the digital sample and thereafter determines when the second derivative passed through a zero crossing point. A master clock value and the second derivative value before and after the second derivate passes through zero are used to calculate a clock fraction and add the clock fraction to the master clock value. Thereafter, an event start signal is triggered to initiates signal processing.
US08473251B1
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a method for crash reporting for resource-constrained devices. The method includes a step for accessing one or more rules for crash data management upon an application crash on a resource-constrained device. The one or more accessed rules take into account at least one resource constraint of the resource-constrained device. The method also includes a step for collecting crash data and communicating the crash data to a crash report management system. Either or both the collecting or the communicating of the crash data is based on the one or more accessed rules.
US08473248B2
A first transform unit transforms clock change point information which indicates the change timing of a clock signal into information with respect to the frequency domain thereof so as to generate first clock change point frequency information. A digital filter performs filtering of the first clock change point frequency information so as to generate second clock change point frequency information. A second transform unit inverse-transforms the second clock change point frequency information into information with respect to the time domain so as to generate second clock change point information. A judgment unit evaluates a DUT based upon difference data between the change timing represented by the data change point information and the change timing represented by the second clock change point information in increments of phases.
US08473247B2
Methods for monitoring processing equipment are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for monitoring processing equipment when in an idle state for a period of idle time may include selecting a test from a list of a plurality of tests to perform on the processing equipment when the processing equipment is in the idle state, wherein the test has a total run time; starting the selected test; comparing a remaining idle time of the period of idle time to a remaining run time of the total run time as the selected test is performed; and determining whether to end the selected test prior to completing the total run time in response to the comparison.
US08473246B1
A length of a cable may be measured. First, a wave may be transmitted in a cable. Then, the transmitted wave may be received. Next, a length of the cable between a first end of the cable and a second end of the cable may be calculated based upon a time the transmitted wave took to travel in the cable.
US08473243B2
The method and device for analyzing position are disclosed. By analyzing sensing information with at least one zero-crossing, each position can be analyzed. The number of analyzed positions may be different from the number of zero-crossings. When the number of analyzed positions is different from the number of zero-crossing, the number of analyzed positions is more than one.
US08473240B2
System for controlling a person (P), characterized in that it comprises: a kiosk (10) with an analysis zone (16) destined to accommodate a person (P) to control, a frame (30) disposed inside the kiosk (10), the frame having a hollow (32), a plurality of sensors (31) disposed on the frame (30), each sensor being able to collect information from a portion of the hollow (32) and to generate signals representative of the information, an actuator (20) for translating the frame (30) inside the kiosk (10), a frame envelop (33) being defined by the translation of the hollow (32) when the frame (30) is translated, the analysis zone being included in the frame envelop, a processing unit (60) for analysing the signals generated by each of the plurality of sensors (31) and to detect from the signals the possible presence of searched items within the analysis zone (16).
US08473237B2
A method for calibrating a specimen stage of a metrology system is provided, in which a specimen that has multiple marks is positioned successively in different calibration positions, each mark is positioned in the photography range of an optical system by means of the specimen stage in each calibration position of the specimen, and the mark position is measured using the optical system. A model is set up that describes positioning errors of the specimen stage using a system of functions having calibration parameters to be determined. The model takes into consideration at least one systematic measurement error that occurs during the measurement of the mark positions. The values of the calibration parameters are determined based on the model with consideration of the measured mark positions.
US08473234B2
Method and detection assembly for the detection of changes in a building structure of a wind turbine
A method for detecting changes in a building structure of a first wind turbine is provided. A reference value representing the eigenfrequency of the first wind turbine is monitored over time, whereby substantial changes in the reference value are used as an indication of changes in the building structure. Further, a detection assembly for such detections is provided.
US08473232B2
A measuring apparatus is capable of separately measuring at least one of the purely resistive component and the reactance component of a measured circuit. The measuring apparatus applies an AC voltage to the measured circuit and detects a current flowing in the measured circuit. When doing so, a first detection signal whose amplitude changes in accordance with an amplitude of a real component of the current and a second detection signal whose amplitude changes in accordance with an amplitude of an imaginary component are generated. The at least one of a purely resistive component and a reactance component of the measured circuit is then calculated using the first detection signal and the second detection signal.
US08473226B2
A method of determining an average degree of saturation with ammonia (X) of a solid ammonia storage medium porous or not and capable of ad- or absorbing and desorbing ammonia reversibly in a storage container is described. A part of the volume (Vcon) of the container is occupied by gaseous ammonia of a pressure (p) and defines a free volume (Vfree)). Ammonia flows out of the container with a flow (f). n pairs ((fi, pi), (Fi, pi)) of flows (fi), or accumulated flows (Fi), and pressures (pi) are sampled at a sequence of points of time (ti), i=1 . . . n and n≧2; an estimate volume value (Vfit) on the basis of the sampled pairs ((fi, pi), (Fi, pi)) is determined;and the degree of saturation with ammonia (X) is determined by applying a predetermined relationship (Rel) between a plurality of estimate volume values (Vfit) and a plurality of values of the average degree of saturation with ammonia (X) to the determined estimate volume value (Vfit).
US08473220B2
Methods and devices to detect analyte in body fluid are provided. Embodiments include receiving one or more analyte sensor data, receiving a reference measurement value associated with an analyte level, determining a sensitivity parameter based on the received one or more analyte sensor data and the reference measurement value, performing a probability analysis based on prior analyte sensor data to determine presence of signal attenuation, and generating an output value based on the probability analysis.
US08473219B2
A computational method for generating a feeding score for an individual infant based upon a comparison of feeding factor measurements obtained from the individual infant, values associated with the feeding factor measurements, and feeding parameter metrics from a population of infants having a similar gestational age as the individual infant.
US08473215B2
A method and/or system for analyzing data using population clustering through density based merging.
US08473214B2
A method for determining permeability of a reservoir using a packer-probe formation testing tool. The elements of the method include generating, using a dual packer tool module, fluid flows from the reservoir into a wellbore, obtaining pressure data associated with the fluid flows using an observation probe tool module, wherein the packer-probe formation testing tool comprises the dual packer module and the observation probe tool module, identifying a portion of the pressure data corresponding to a spherical flow regime, determining horizontal permeability based on the portion of the pressure data, and displaying an output generated using the horizontal permeability.
US08473213B2
A hydrocarbon exploration method is disclosed for generating anisotropic resistivity models of a subsurface reservoir from seismic and well data using a rock physics model. In one embodiment, the method comprises: selecting wells within a region of interest (101); obtaining a plurality of rock properties (102) and adjusting selected rock parameters (103) in the calibration of the rock physics model at the well locations; inverting porosity and shale content from seismic data (107); propagating the calibrated rock physics model to the region of interest (109) and calculating effective resistivity for the entire region of interest (109). The inventive method also provides for analyzing the uncertainty associated with the prediction of the resistivity volume.
US08473203B2
A system for power facility navigation is disclosed. For rapid dispatch in the field service including power failure recovery and maintenance, the destination location can be set using various items such as pole numbers, computerization codes, customer names, trade names, equipment numbers and GIS coordinates. Destination location setting and path finding can be performed in order of priorities assigned to these items and in consideration of characteristics of field service activities. Location coordinates are received through a GPS receiver, coordinate conversion is performed according to a facility GIS coordinate system, and map matching is processed when GPS coordinates do not match facility GIS coordinates. The road network database is composed of linear array structures and the structure of a link is configured to include information regarding all other links connected to the start node and end node in a manner that link information and node attributes are integrated together.
US08473198B2
When users travel to an intended destination, a plurality of information can be beneficial to assist their travel. If a person is traveling to a crowded event, then information can be provided such that congested traffic areas can be provided. There can be financial opportunities available in relation to providing information concerning an intended destination. An advertiser can pay money to have information played about the advertiser when it relates to the intended destination. Furthermore, a user can pay money for detailed data concerning an intended location, such as where cheapest parking is located.
US08473193B2
A method and device are disclosed for utilizing a selectable location marker for relational display of point of interest entries. In one embodiment, the method includes prompting selection of a point of interest location marker on a navigation device, and displaying selectable point of interest entries on the navigation device in an order based upon a location related to a selected point of interest location marker and a relative location of each of the selectable point of interest entries.
US08473187B2
A mapping method includes using a first mobile unit to map two-dimensional features while the first mobile unit traverses a surface. Three-dimensional positions of the features are sensed during the mapping. A three-dimensional map is created including associations between the three-dimensional positions of the features and the map of the two-dimensional features. The three-dimensional map is provided from the first mobile unit to a second mobile unit. The second mobile unit is used to map the two-dimensional features while the second mobile unit traverses the surface. Three-dimensional positions of the two-dimensional features mapped by the second mobile unit are determined within the second mobile unit and by using the three-dimensional map.
US08473185B2
An engine control system includes a determination module and a detection module. The determination module, based on an engine vibration signal generated by an engine vibration sensor, determines a frequency of engine vibration and determines a crankshaft position corresponding to the engine vibration. The detection module detects engine oil aeration and starvation when the frequency and crankshaft position are greater than predetermined thresholds, respectively.
US08473181B2
A method is disclosed including operations to interpret an engine load level for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine. In response to determining the engine load level is less than 40% of a maximum engine load level, the method further includes operations to performing a first fuel injection event including less than 25% of a combustion fuel amount, the first fuel injection event occurring before 10 degrees after top dead center (TDC), to perform a second fuel injection event including between 15% and 65% of the combustion fuel amount, the second fuel injection event occurring after 10 degrees after TDC, and to perform third fuel injection event comprising between 10% and 85% of the combustion fuel amount, the third fuel injection event occurring before 63 degrees after TDC.
US08473178B2
An ECU executes a program including: detecting an amount of an aqueous urea solution; setting a predetermined operation line if the solution amount is equal to or more than 15%; setting a predetermined operation line if the solution amount is equal to or more than 10%; setting a predetermined operation line if the solution amount is less than 10%; controlling an engine based on a set operation line; controlling a motor generator; calculating a degree of deterioration of fuel efficiency; and performing display control.
US08473167B2
A lift gate system includes a lift gate assembly comprising an actuator system for actuating a lift gate, an interface device for receiving lift gate operation information from an operator, and a main controller device comprising a solid state relay switch for controlling electrical power to the actuator system. The main controller device further includes a microcontroller configured for determining that one or more conditions are satisfied, and upon satisfaction of said one or more conditions, then controlling the actuator system via the solid state relay switch based on the received information from the operator for controlling operation of the lift gate assembly accordingly.
US08473153B1
A system for transitioning a key fob between a standard operating mode and a battery conserving shipping mode includes a shipping mode controller which detects a vehicle state indicative of a vehicle shipping mode operation having been performed, and causes a shipping mode instruction signal to be sent from a vehicle to the key fob associated with that vehicle instructing the key fob to transition from the standard operating mode to the shipping mode. The vehicle shipping mode operation is an operation which initiates a transition of the vehicle from a standard operating mode to a shipping mode, and serves as a trigger for the shipping mode controller to transmit the shipping mode instruction signal. When in the shipping mode, the key fob may be entirely powered-off or have certain communication-related functions disabled.
US08473146B2
A method of managing information interchanged within a modular-architecture control system of a motor vehicle power plant and values of which are liable to be affected by malfunctioning of the control system and/or of the power plant. In the method an indication of the validity of the value of the information is allocated to each of the information items, this indication of validity being formulated by a module that generates the information on the basis of input indications received by the generating module and representative of a potential malfunctioning of this generating module or of another module.
US08473120B2
The invention relates to the field of civil aviation and, more specifically, relates to the flight management systems, more commonly known by the English acronym FMS. The method for assisting in the management of the flight of an aircraft in order to keep to a time constraint according to the present invention allows for a control of the keeping to the time constraint that presents a rapid dynamic, by avoiding as far as possible having the estimated time of arrival (ETA) at a particular point (P) able to drift relative to a required time of arrival (RTA) at said particular point (P), thanks to the use of a maneuvering margin (M) granted to the guidance module of the aircraft.
US08473113B2
An on-line compensation apparatus for feedback positions of an encoder and method for operating the same are applied to a motor driven to rotate at a constant speed by a driver, thus compensating the errors of feedback positions of the encoder. First, a compensation quantity calculation unit is used to calculate the compensation quantity of feedback positions of the encoder. Afterward, a position interval judgment unit is used to determine the position interval of the compensation quantity. Finally, a compensation quantity modification unit is used to modify the compensation quantity by using different weightings. Therefore, the compensation quantity is modified by an iteration calculation to achieve that an error between the feedback position and an ideal position is in an acceptable region, thus increasing accuracy of the feedback position compensation of the encoder.
US08473112B2
A battery pack includes a battery cell, a temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature of the battery cell, a cooling unit configured to cool down the battery cell, an information reception unit configured to receive first information whether electronic equipment is compatible with the cooling unit from the electronic equipment that is supplied with power from the battery cell, and a cooling function control unit configured to switch ON and OFF of the cooling unit depending on the temperature that is detected in a case where the electronic equipment is compatible with the cooling unit, and keep a drive of the cooling unit OFF in a case where the electronic equipment is incompatible with the cooling unit, based on the first information.
US08473102B2
A robot controller in accordance with the present invention is a robot controller that makes a robot including a plurality of legs walk by driving joints of the robot, the robot controller being configured to determine a permissible range for a trunk vertical position of the robot based on measured environmental parameters, the measured environmental parameters being information of an environment around the robot, and to make the robot walk based on measured posture parameters representing a posture of the robot so that the trunk vertical position remains within the permissible range. In this way, a legged robot with high robustness as well as its controller and control method can be provided.
US08473092B2
A working route of a main shaft is divided into a plurality of measurement points, and a length from a center of a complete round to the working route of the main shaft at each of the measurement points is measured, and this measured value is compared with a radial length of the complete round to operate a deviation amount from the complete round at each of the measurement points. This deviation amount is utilized to find a transferred position. As correction values for correcting the deviation value, an X-axis incremental amount and a Y-axis incremental amount obtained from a difference in the transferred position between the respective measurement points, or an X-axis absolute value and a Y-axis absolute value of the transferred position at each of the measurement points are incorporated into an NC working program to perform complete round working according to the program.
US08473083B1
In some embodiments, techniques for audio processing may include receiving a first characterization of a first audio device, including a first audio parameterization that includes at least one parameter relating to characteristics of the first audio device; receiving a second characterization of a second audio device, including a second audio parameterization that includes at least one parameter relating to characteristics of the second audio device; determining a processing parameterization that includes a combination of a plurality of audio processing factors, wherein the audio processing factors include the first characterization and the second characterization; receiving a first electronic audio signal, as the input signal; generating a second electronic audio signal, as the output signal, wherein generating the second electronic audio signal includes processing the input signal using the processing parameterization; and providing the output signal via an electronic audio output interface.
US08473081B2
A method for administering an audio message to a user of an earpiece can include receiving event information from a paired communication device, updating a personal event calendar by ordering event information to generate a first event list, generating a modified event list by grouping events in the first event list according to acceptance criteria based on event priority of event types, and generating an audio token for collective events in the modified event list for audible delivery to the ear canal. Events can be ordered by event name, event location, event data, event importance, event invitees, or event category.
US08473080B2
A system for controlling a cooling tower that cools condenser fluid for a condenser of a chiller includes a cooling tower fan system that controllably varies a speed of at least one fan motor. The system further includes an extremum seeking controller that receives inputs of power expended by the cooling tower fan system and of power expended by the chiller. The extremum seeking controller provides an output to the cooling tower fan system that controls the speed of the at least one fan motor. The extremum seeking controller determines the output by searching for a speed of the at least one fan motor that minimizes the sum of the power expended by the cooling tower fan system and the power expended by the chiller.
US08473078B1
Systems and methods for target optimization using regression are described. The system includes a regression subsystem to generate a function based on metric relationships, and an optimization subsystem to determine parameter values associated with an optimized target. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08473073B2
An apparatus and related methods for a deployable deep brain stimulating probe with multiple, extendable tendrils capable of independently deploying from openings within the shaft of the probe into surrounding tissue. An electrode is disposed on at least one of the tendrils for treatment of deep brain tissue.
US08473068B2
In one embodiment, an implantable stimulation apparatus includes a vagal nerve stimulator configured to generate electrical pulses below a cardiac threshold of a heart, and an electrode coupled to the vagal nerve stimulator which is configured to transmit the electrical pulses below the cardiac threshold, to a vagal nerve so as to inhibit injury resulting from an ischemia and/or reduce injury resulting from an ischemia. In another embodiment, an implantable stimulation apparatus includes a vagal nerve stimulator configured to generate electrical pulses below a cardiac threshold, and includes an electrode, which is coupled to the vagal nerve stimulator and configured transmit electrical pulses to a vagal nerve so as to reduce a defibrillation threshold of the heart.
US08473059B2
A description is given of a method to treat dementia, in particular Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia, by means of electrical brain stimulation.
US08473058B2
An apnea preventing stimulation apparatus having a conductive unit is attached to a mental region of a patient and electric pulses flow from the conductive unit to the mental region of the patient to thereby apply stimuli thereto. A formula is utilized to increase a rate of an output level of the amplitude in an electric pulse until a first time width elapses. Consequently, immediately after outputting stimulation signals, the amplitude of the electric pulse groups does not abruptly increase, thus enabling the patient to be hardly affected by the stimulation signals. Until just before the time reaches the end of a time width after the output start of the stimulation signal, the rate of the output level of the amplitude in the electric pulse groups does not reach 1, permitting the emotional strain on the patient to be eased.
US08473057B2
Techniques for minimizing interference between first and second medical devices of a therapy system may include providing an outer housing for at least one of the medical devices that comprises an electrically insulative layer formed over at least the electrically conductive portions (e.g., an electrically conductive layer) of the housing, or providing an electrically insulative pouch around an electrically conductive housing of at least the first medical device. The electrically insulative layer or electrically insulative pouch may reduce or even eliminate shunt-current that flows into the medical device via the housing. The shunt-current may be generated by the delivery of electrical stimulation by the second medical device. In some examples, the techniques may also include shunt-current mitigation circuitry that helps minimize or even eliminate shunt-current that feeds into the first medical device via one or more electrodes electrically connected to the first medical device.
US08473056B2
An implantable medical device (IMD) having a hermetic housing formed from a case and a cover each having an exterior surface and an interior surface. An IMD component is mounted to the interior surface of the cover and has an electrical contact. A hybrid circuit is assembled in the case. The IMD component electrical contact is electrically coupled to the to the hybrid circuit assembled in the case.
US08473054B2
Techniques are provided for use by implantable medical devices such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices for detecting pulmonary edema based on transthoracic impedance sensed using cardiac pacing/sensing leads, wherein detection can be performed while lead maturation occurs. Briefly, the implantable device determines whether the leads are within an initial post-implant interval following implant during which lead maturation generally occurs. The device then detects pulmonary edema or related medical conditions within the patient based on transthoracic impedance using a set of detection parameters adjusted for use during the post-implant interval. Thus, rather than “blanking” impedance data during lead maturation, the device instead detects and processes impedance during this period to identify possible episodes of pulmonary edema so that appropriate measures can be undertaken, such as delivery of warnings or titration of appropriate medications.
US08473053B2
An implantable cardiac pacing device delivering minimum ventricular pacing and an associated method control intervals timed by the device during sensing and pacing. An atrial-only pacing mode is set in response to sensing intrinsic ventricular events in the ventricular chamber. A first post-ventricular atrial refractory period is set following each of a plurality of ventricular events sensed in the ventricular chamber, and atrial events each being sensed during first post-ventricular atrial refractory periods are detected. A second post-ventricular atrial refractory period is set in response to detecting the atrial events each being sensed during the first post-ventricular atrial refractory period.
US08473050B2
Vector selection is automatically achieved via a thoracic or intracardiac impedance signal collected in a cardiac function management device or other implantable medical device that includes a test mode and a diagnostic mode. During a test mode, the device cycles through various electrode configurations for collecting thoracic impedance data. At least one figure of merit is calculated from the impedance data for each such electrode configuration. In one example, only non-arrhythmic beats are used for computing the figure of merit. A particular electrode configuration is automatically selected using the figure of merit. During a diagnostic mode, the device collects impedance data using the selected electrode configuration. In one example, the figure of merit includes a ratio of a cardiac stroke amplitude and a respiration amplitude. Other examples of the figure of merit are also described.
US08473048B2
The present invention is an improved hermetic package for implantation in the human body. The implantable device of the present invention includes an eclectically non-conductive bass including electrically conductive vias through the substrate. A circuit is flip-chip bonded to a subset of the vias. A second circuit is wire bonded to another subset of the vias. Finally, a cover is bonded to the substrate such that the cover, substrate and vias form a hermetic package.
US08473045B2
The control method for a device includes steps of: presenting a visual stimulation concerning a manipulation menu for a device; measuring event-related potentials after the visual stimulation is presented, where event-related potentials based on a timing of presenting the visual stimulation as a starting point are measured from a potential difference between each of electrodes and at least one reference electrode respectively worn on a face and in an ear periphery of a user; from each of the measured event-related potentials, extracting electroencephalogram data which is at 5 Hz or less and contains a predetermined time section, and combining the extracted electroencephalogram data into electroencephalogram characteristic data; comparing the electroencephalogram characteristic data against reference data prepared in advance for determining a desire to select an item in the manipulation menu; and, based on a comparison result, executing a manipulation of the device corresponding to the item.
US08473040B2
A hand-held device for acquiring electrocardiographic (ECG) signals from a patient comprises an electrode array with a gripping handle (15) and four electrodes (11-14). The electrodes typically form a quadrilateral array, the array being adapted for placement on the patients thoracic region without the need for upper clothing or underwear to be removed. The device can be used in a method to rapidly acquire ECG data relating to atrial fibrillation and/or flutter without the need for a conventional 12-lead ECG apparatus. The data can be transmitted to a computer for further manipulation and analysis. A kit for putting the method into effect includes the device, a means for communication with a computer and a computer program for running on the computer.
US08473039B2
A system for monitoring a heart of a patient, the system includes: (i) a physiological data input interface, operative for receiving signals indicative of cardiac activity of the patient; (ii) a processor configured to process the signals to provide monitoring results; and (iii) an output interface operative to provide the monitoring results; wherein the monitoring results include information indicative of: (a) a heart rate of the patient during a monitoring period; (b) at least one first time period in which the heart rate of the patient exceeded a first threshold; and (c) at least one second time period in which the heart rate of the patient exceeded both the first threshold and a second threshold.
US08473038B2
The present invention provides a mobile and web-based 12-lead ECG management information system for processing clinical 12-lead ECG, comprising: (a) a clinical device for automatically extracting a SCP-ECG or XML-ECG file and processing signals; (b) an ECG database for saving data exported from the clinical device with web-based user interface, and a mobile database which is synchronized with the ECG database; and (c) an interactive electric document for annotating 12-lead ECG with clinical diagnosis codes.
US08473033B2
According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include signal sources for providing information at various locations on the tube or in an inflated cuff. The signals from the signal sources may be triangulated to determine the location of the tube in relation to a reference point on the body. The location information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea.
US08473021B2
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08473013B2
A duty cycle scheme for wireless communication employs three or more duty cycle levels. In some aspects, a wireless device may continually scan for signals in an active state associated with a first duty cycle, periodically scan for signals during a periodic state associated with a second duty cycle, and periodically scan for signals during a standby state associated with a third duty cycle. Here, the second duty cycle may be lower than the first duty cycle and the third duty cycle may be lower than the second duty cycle. In some aspects the timing of different states may be correlated. In some aspects each wireless device in a system may independently control its duty cycle states.
US08473009B2
A CPU of mobile a terminal causes, if to-do data is selected on a to-do review screen, a liquid crystal display to display a to-do data confirmation screen of the to-do data. In the to-do data confirmation screen, if the to-do data contains a character string that is an index of a telephone number or an email address in a phonebook data storage area, the character string is linked to the telephone number or the email address.
US08473005B2
A mobile communication device for transmitting media content to a receiver assembly in proximity to the mobile communication device includes a transceiver assembly for communicating information with a wireless communication network, and a transmitter assembly for transmitting media content received via the wireless communication network to a receiver assembly in proximity to the housing of the mobile communication device. Media content may be received via a GPRS bearer service, an EDGE bearer service, a UMTS bearer service, and the like. The transmitter assembly is coupled with a software module for configuring the media content for reproduction as sound and/or video. For example, streaming audio data downloaded from the Internet may be configured via frequency modulation (FM) for radio frequency (RF) transmission to an RF receiver in proximity to the mobile communication device.
US08473003B2
A method of controlling a dual mode mobile terminal, and which includes receiving, via a wireless communication unit of the mobile terminal, synchronous time information from a first communication network, the synchronous time information being used for a system time of the mobile terminal and for system time synchronization of the mobile terminal with the first communication network; receiving, via the wireless communication unit, asynchronous time information from a second communication network, the asynchronous time information not being used for system time synchronization of the mobile terminal with the second communication network; calculating, via the controller, an average of a calculated difference between the synchronous time information and the asynchronous time information; receiving, via the wireless communication unit, a message from the second communication network; and setting, via the controller, a reception time stamp of when the message is received based on time information contained in the message received from the second communication network and the calculated average difference.
US08472994B2
Systems and methods for selecting data rates at which to transmit data over a primary uplink in the presence of one or more secondary uplink channels. One embodiment comprises a method including determining probabilities associated with numbers of attempted transmissions of data, determining the number of times pending data transmissions have been attempted, determining probabilities associated with the data transmissions, and allocating power for transmission of the data in a succeeding frame based upon the associated probabilities. In one embodiment, a highest supportable data rate for a primary uplink is initially selected. Then, power is allocated for a minimum set of channels on the primary uplink. Then, power is allocated for pending data transmissions on the secondary uplink. A maximum power level for the transceiver is then adjusted to account for the allocated power, and the highest supportable data rate for the primary uplink is recomputed.
US08472976B1
Disclosed are examples of modifying a current state of a mobile station based on the location of the mobile station with respect to a nearby acquaintance. The method may include detecting a presence of a mobile station in a predefined domain area identified by an application, the predefined domain area being associated with at least one acquaintance, and performing a modification to a current state of the mobile station based on a level associated with the at least one acquaintance.
US08472975B2
Highly-accurate approximate positional information is transmitted to a communication terminal. An approximate positional information database of a server included in a positioning support system includes approximate positional information used for positioning calculation at the communication terminal and which indicates a position of a cell in which the communication terminal is located and a cell identifier identifying the cell, with approximate positional information and the cell being associated with each other. Based on a positioning information transmission request which includes a cell and which is transmitted from the communication terminal, approximate positional information stored in the approximate positional information database is acquired and transmitted from a communication unit to the communication terminal. Positioning result information indicating a result of the positioning calculation transmitted from the communication terminal is received and, based on this information, approximate positional information stored in the approximate positional information database is updated by a control unit. The accuracy of approximate positional information is enhanced due to the approximate positional information stored in the approximate positional information database being updated based on positioning result information.
US08472971B2
To determine whether a mobile terminal of a communications system has moved outside a locale, the terminal measures relative time offsets of signals received by the terminal from transmitters of the network, relative to each other or a reference. At a first time when the terminal is within a given locale, the time of receipt of signals received by the terminal from a plurality of the transmitters relative to a reference or each other are measured to create a first set of receive time offsets. At a second time, a second set of receive time offsets is measured. Change(s) in receive time offsets is/are calculated, and change(s) between the first and second times in transmission time offsets of the signals transmitted by at least one transmitter is/are obtained to determine movement indicators that are compared with threshold valuets to determine whether the mobile terminal has moved outside the locale.
US08472969B1
A method and system for selecting a coverage area in which a given mobile station should operate. The system will receive user ratings of call quality per coverage area. The system will then use the received user ratings as a basis to select a coverage area in which the given mobile station should operate. The system will then cause the given mobile station to operate in the selected coverage area. By using these user ratings as a basis to select a coverage area in which the given mobile station should operate, the system can help improve call quality overall for users, thus increasing user satisfaction with wireless performance.
US08472959B2
A system that selects an optimum codec flexibly adapting to a change in the communication environment and to switch to the optimum codec during communication. A communication control system includes a handover detection unit detecting a handover in which a communication terminal present in a communication area formed by a BTS moves from the communication area to a communication area formed by another BTS, an information acquisition unit acquiring, if the handover detection unit detects a handover, information based on the handover for use in codec switching, a codec selecting unit selecting a codec after switching based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a codec switching unit controlling such that the codec after switching that is selected by the codec selecting unit is applied to the communication currently performed.
US08472947B2
Disclosed herein is a call processing system and method for mobile communication terminals. The call processing system for mobile communication terminals according to the present invention includes a gateway location register (130) for generating a Database (DB) for an international roaming service subscriber. A roaming control unit (120) registers a location of a mobile communication terminal (101), determines whether a call originates using a primary number or a secondary number in the international roaming service on a basis of originating service provider information and a called number, included in a call origination signal from the mobile communication terminal, and sends a signal corresponding to a result of the determination to a mobile switching center of a network in which the mobile communication terminal is located. The international roaming service assigns a primary number in a home network and assigns a secondary number in a partner network.
US08472945B2
Embodiments are concerned with method and a system for event processing in a communications network, and are suited to coordinating the provision of services in response to service initiation triggers. Embodiments are particularly applicable for use in controlling operation of service nodes, each of which is arranged to provide a particular service in a mobile network, or a fixed network or a combination of the two.
US08472940B2
The method includes determining (100) a first surface of a first coverage zone, determining (102) second surfaces of second coverage zones, determining (104), amongst the second coverage zones, a second coverage zone, referred to as the most probable second coverage zone, whose second surface has the greater overlapping with the surface of the first coverage zone, and attempting (106) to synchronize the turner with a second signal emitted over the most probable second coverage zone, in order to receive a second service.
US08472934B2
A method for handling a plurality of processes running on a portable apparatus including: receiving a first user input and in response to the first user input suspending a subset of the plurality of processes. Corresponding portable apparatus, computer program product and user interface are also presented.
US08472929B2
A method for providing presence information associated with a first user of a telecommunications network, includes collecting from at least one network apparatus user-related data adapted to build the presence information; and publishing the collected user-related data. The publishing includes arranging the collected user-related data in the presence information and making it available to at least a second user. The collecting of the user-related data from the network apparatus is conditioned to the receipt from the second user of a request for providing the presence information for the first user.
US08472928B2
A system for multi-tasking access to applications by a clientless mobile phone. The system includes at least a clientless mobile interaction (CMI) application server communicatively connected to a network; at least one application server communicatively connected to a network, the at least one application server having at least a first application executable on the clientless mobile phone and a second application executable on the clientless mobile phone; and a presentation layer gateway communicatively connected to the network, wherein the CMI application server enables the clientless mobile phone communicatively connected to the presentation layer gateway by at least a presentation layer protocol to access the first application and the second application executed on the CMI application server while presenting a menu on the clientless mobile phone for seamless switching between the first application and the second application executed on the CMI application server.
US08472927B1
A wireless communication and control system including a wireless device. There is a central server for storing communication protocols and control protocols and communicating the communication protocols and selectively communicating the control protocols between the wireless device and the central server. A communication protocol configures the system for communication and control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of intelligent appliance controllers. Alternately the control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of Internet terminals. The wireless device is any hand-held communication device, such as a hand-held computing device, wireless telephone, or cellular phone.
US08472918B2
Multiple access internet portal billing systems are provided. A representative system, among others, includes a communication facility, a wireless internet server, and a transaction billing system. The communication facility includes a billing platform, and is operable to connect to a plurality of wireless device platforms through a mobile network, and to connect to the wireless internet server. The wireless internet server provides internet access to the wireless devices and communicates at least one billing information record including a usage time to a transaction billing system. The transaction billing system receives the billing information record from the wireless internet server, formats the billing information record, and communicates the formatted record to the communication facility billing platform. Methods and other systems for multiple access internet portals are also provided.
US08472907B2
An antenna device includes: a substrate; a radiating electrode formed on the substrate, a ground electrode formed on the substrate and disposed opposite the radiating electrode, a feed line as a distributed constant transmission line connected via a feed point to the radiating electrode, at least one impedance matching element for impedance-matching the radiating electrode at a prescribed signal frequency by being connected in parallel with the radiating electrode to the feed line at a position a prescribed distance away from the feed point, and a switch, interposed between the at least one impedance matching element and the feed line, for connecting or disconnecting the at least one impedance matching element to or from the feed line in accordance with a prescribed control signal.
