US08523554B2
A three-dimensional object-forming apparatus is disclosed, which includes an in-batches powder-rationing tank system, a construction tank system, a printing powder-applying system, a rapid drying heating system, a printing maintenance device, a dust-proof device, a successive liquid-supplying device, a powder auto-filtrating and recycling device, and a print quality detection device.
US08523553B2
An apparatus and methods for forming a composite part are provided. A method for forming a composite part may include placing initial composite material on a base tool, placing a tooling mandrel on the composite material, placing additional composite material over the tooling mandrel, covering at least a portion of the composite material that overlays the tooling mandrel with a composite forming tool, heating the composite material to at least partially cure the composite material, and permitting a first portion of the composite forming tool to change size during the heating of the composite material to a greater degree than a second portion of the composite forming tool. In this regard, the second portion of the composite forming tool is closer to the base tool than the first portion of the composite forming tool. A composite forming tool is provided that permits differential expansion of different portions of the tool.
US08523549B2
Scaffold systems (SMV) to make substantially vertical building works, with sensitive time and manpower savings. In an advantageous embodiment, a scaffold is formed by a couple of modular semi-scaffolds which face each other, a semi-scaffold being placed in a cis-position over the work under erection and the other semi-scaffold is set in the trans-position.
US08523547B2
An engine is described for operation on a fuel expanding about adiabatically in a power stroke of the engine. To aid the power stroke efficiency, the rotary engine contains one or more of a rotor configured to rotate in a stator, the rotor offset along both an x-axis and a y-axis relative to a center of the stator, a vane configured to span a distance between the rotor and the stator, where the inner wall of the stator further comprises at least one of: a first cut-out in the housing at the initiation of the power stroke, use of a build-up in the housing at the end of the power stroke, and/or use of a second cut-out in the housing at the completion of rotation of the rotor in the engine. The engine yields a cross-sectional area expanding during a portion of the power stroke at about the Fibonacci ratio.
US08523544B2
A three stage vacuum pump has three stages of fixed scrolls and orbiting scrolls that operate simultaneously. A motor drives the second orbiting scroll within the third fixed scroll upon three equally spaced idlers. One idler then transmits rotation and torque into the second stage. The second orbiting scroll to has involutes upon both surfaces to engage the second fixed scroll inwardly and the first fixed scroll outwardly. The first fixed scroll has fins upon its back that extend into the atmosphere to transfer heat to air cool the invention. This pump also has a fan accelerating heat transfer. The pump operates the scrolls directly from a motor or from a motor and magnetic coupling so that the atmosphere does not infiltrate the pump.
US08523542B2
The present invention describes a pumping device (1) for pumping fluids. The pumping device (1) comprises a force transmitting element (2), a tension unit (3) coupled to the force transmitting element (2) and a seal element (10). The force transmitting element (2) is adapted for transferring an upstroke and a downstroke to a pump plunger (5) for pumping fluid (12). The tension unit (3) is adapted for applying a tension force (F) to the force transmitting element (2) for keeping the force transmitting element (2) under tension during the upstroke and the downstroke. The seal element (10) is adapted for sealingly preventing pumping fluids (12) during the downstroke and for enabling pumping fluid (12) during the upstroke. A part (16) of the seal element (10) is rigidly coupled with the force transmitting element (2).
US08523533B1
A hydraulic rod pumping unit (12) has a constant horsepower regenerative assist featuring downstroke energy recovery. The pumping unit (12) has a hydraulic ram (26) connected to a ram pump (18). The drive shaft (40) of the ram pump (18) is coupled to the drive shaft (38) of an accumulator pump (20) and to a rotor of a drive motor (16). A hydraulic accumulator (24) is connected to the output of the accumulator pump (20). The ram pump (18) and the accumulator pump (20) are preferably variable displacement piston pumps which are controlled by a microprocessor based controller (44), such that during the downstroke of the hydraulic ram (26) the ram pump (18) operates as an hydraulic motor powering the accumulator pump (20) and during the up stroke of the hydraulic ram (26) the accumulator pump (20) operates as a hydraulic motor to provide assist to the ram pump (18).
US08523532B1
A basin for use in liquid handling, such as sewage handling. The basin is comprised of a bottom wall, a side wall, and an open top, and a hanging feature formed in the body of the basin. A basin assembly for liquid handling may include the basin, and a hanging member suspended from the hanging feature within the basin. One or more level switches may be attached to the hanging member. A sewage handling system may include the basin assembly, a top cover fastenable to the open top of the basin, and a pump disposed in the basin.
US08523530B2
A turbine rotor for an Air Cycle Machine includes a hub with a multiple turbine blades which extend therefrom, each of the multiple of turbine blades defined by a set of coordinates.
US08523529B2
A locking spacer assembly for insertion in a circumferential attachment slot includes a first end piece and a second end piece. The first and second end pieces each comprise an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces generally facing towards each other when the end pieces are inserted into the attachment slot. An actuator is movable between the inner surfaces and a spacer block is configured to be inserted between the inner surfaces. A fastener is configured to secure the spacer block to the actuator. The actuator is configured to engage the inner surfaces such that the end pieces move toward each other and lock the assembly within the attachment slot.
US08523527B2
The present subject matter discloses a turbine component including a platform and an airfoil extending radially upward from the platform. A plurality of curved cooling passages may be defined in the platform. Each of the curved cooling passages may have at least one end disposed at an exterior surface of the platform. Additionally, each of the cooling passages may be configured to direct a cooling medium through the platform.
US08523518B2
Systems, methods, and apparatus for linking machine stators are provided. A bracket may be utilized to link adjacent stators within a machine, for example, a turbine. The bracket may include a body portion, a first plurality of extensions, and a second plurality of extensions. The body portion may include a first edge operable to align with a base of a first stator and a second edge opposite the first edge and operable to align with a base of a second stator. The first plurality of extensions may extend from the first edge and may be operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the first stator. The second plurality of extensions may extend from the second edge and may be operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the second stator. When utilized to link the first stator and the second stator, the bracket may facilitate a reduction of vibrations in the first stator and the second stator.
US08523517B2
The aerodynamically shaped, symmetrical cross-sectional profile for the struts or the fairing (7) of struts and service lines in the bypass duct and the core-flow duct of a turbofan engine is defined by a course of the local thickness (T) and a position of maximum thickness (PMT) on both sides over the central chord (C) extending from the leading edge (LE) to the trailing edge (TE) of the strut or fairing (7). In order to avoid flow separations the course of the local thickness (T) between the position of maximum thickness (PMT) and a trailing-edge position (PTE), which is at 95 percent of the chord length, has a first turning point (WP1) with a trailing-edge thickness (TET) and a subsequent second turning point (WP2).
US08523508B2
A vehicle provided with at least one front axis and at least one rear axis, one vehicle frame and at least one loading box or loading surface which can be raised or lowered in a vertical direction by way of lifting devices, in addition to a loading ramp located in the rear area of the vehicle. At least one loading box or loading surface is arranged behind at least one rear axis such that it forms an inner loading ramp (9). At least one opening surface is arranged in a lateral (16) and rear position (20) on the vehicle frame and used to release loading openings for loading or emptying.
US08523505B2
A fastening arrangement having a first fastening part which is connected to a metal sheet and has a first threaded section, and having a second fastening part which has a second threaded section which engages with the first threaded section, with the fastening parts fixing an electrical connecting part such that an electrical connection is formed between the connecting part and the metal sheet. A cover part is fixed to the first fastening part in an end position and, in a covering position, has covered at least a part of the first threaded section until the second threaded section has engaged with the first threaded section and, in the process, the cover part has been moved from the covering position to the end position.
US08523501B2
A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
US08523499B2
The present invention aims to provide a working device for deburring or chamfering easily, for example on the both sides of a gear, and for desired deburring or chamfering effectively on a large-sized gear, and comprises a base stage, a workpiece hold and rotate device mounted thereon for holding and rotating a workpiece, a working device mounted on the base stage and movable to and from the workpiece and having a working tool for working against obverse and reverse sides of the workpiece, a pressing device for pressing the working device toward the workpiece, and a tracing device on the working means, composed of a workpiece obverse side tracing member corresponding to the obverse side of workpiece, and a workpiece reverse side tracing member corresponding to the reverse side of workpiece, for moving the working device in forward and rearward directions by becoming in contact with and tracing shape of the workpiece.
US08523494B2
An expansion shell assembly for mine roof bolts includes an expansion member threaded onto an associated mine roof bolt. A support device is annularly disposed around the associated roof bolt. An expansion shell is annularly disposed around the associated roof bolt between the expansion member and the support device. The expansion shell has a base ring for engaging the support device and fingers for engaging a peripheral edge of the tapered plug. The engagement between the base ring and the support device permits axial traverse movement of the support device relative to the expansion shell for tensioning the roof bolt.
US08523486B2
A concrete culvert assembly includes a set of spaced apart elongated footers, a plurality of precast concrete culvert sections supported by the footers. Each concrete culvert section has an open bottom, an arch-shaped top wall and spaced apart side walls to define a passage thereunder, each of the side walls extending downward and outward from the top wall. Each of the side walls has a substantially planar inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. First and second haunch sections each join one of the side walls to the top wall. Each side wall is tapered from top to bottom such that a thickness of each side wall decreases when moving from the top of each side wall to the bottom of each side wall. A bottom portion of each side wall has an exterior vertical flat extending upward from a horizontal bottom surface thereof.
US08523483B2
A system and method for clearing an approaching floating ice mass comprising locating a hydrocarbon development platform in a marine environment, and determining a direction from which the ice mass is approaching the hydrocarbon development platform. The method also includes providing an intervention vessel having a water-agitating mechanism associated therewith for propagating artificially generated waves towards a leading edge of the approaching ice mass to fracture the ice mass along the leading edge, thereby causing small ice pieces to separate from the ice mass.
US08523482B1
An underwater oil and gas containment and retrieval system comprising a collapsible deployable oil and gas containment canopy including a dome comprised of several separately stored dome panels (1), a discharge vent tube (2) including inflatable air chambers (14) to provide some rigidity and shape, dome panel storage containers (3) for storing the dome panels (1) on the ocean floor, and a separate discharge vent tube storage container (16) for storing the discharge vent tube separately on the ocean floor. The system is especially useful for deep water wells below 500 feet deep.
US08523481B2
Methods and systems for recovering, transporting, and using methane gas and conventional Natural Gas are disclosed. More particularly, such methods generally include the steps of (a) transferring gas from a source to a first subterranean capacitor and storing the gas in the capacitor and (b) transferring gas from the first subterranean capacitor to a second subterranean capacitor, a pipeline, an end user (such as an automobile), a gas processor, or a power plant.
US08523478B2
An access delay vehicle barrier for stopping unauthorized entry into secure areas by a vehicle ramming attack includes access delay features for preventing and/or delaying an adversary from defeating or compromising the barrier. A horizontally deployed barrier member can include an exterior steel casing, an interior steel reinforcing member and access delay members disposed within the casing and between the casing and the interior reinforcing member. Access delay members can include wooden structural lumber, concrete and/or polymeric members that in combination with the exterior casing and interior reinforcing member act cooperatively to impair an adversarial attach by thermal, mechanical and/or explosive tools.
US08523475B2
An oral care dispenser and oral care system incorporating the system that includes a resilient applicator that optimizes application of the subject fluid to the desired oral surfaces. In one embodiment, the invention is a dispenser comprising a housing having an internal reservoir containing the fluid. The resilient applicator is coupled to the housing and comprises a dispensing orifice. The resilient applicator comprises a working surface that is oriented at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis of the housing and is defined by a polygonal perimeter edge, the polygonal perimeter edge comprising a plurality of apex portions and a plurality of side portions, wherein one of the plurality of side portions forms a distal most-portion of the resilient applicator.
US08523456B2
A cold joint terminal for optical fibers comprises a box-shaped casing (1), a fixing device, and a compressing device which are provided in the casing (1). The fixing device comprising a tail shaft (4), a pushing pipe (5), and a guiding block (7), is used for fixing the fiber jacket when the fibers are inserted in position. The compressing device comprising a V-shaped groove metal block (2) and a cap (3), is compressed when the end faces of two fibers contact with each other. Connecting chambers (1-6) are provided respectively at both ends of the casing (1). A floating block (1-2) is provided in the middle of the casing (1). A caulking groove (1-1) and a groove (1-5) for receiving the cap (3) are provided respectively on both sides of the floating block (1-2).
US08523451B2
A roller bearing has spacers interposed between its rollers. The roller bearing also has a high permissible rotational speed which is achieved by allowing a lubricant to flow smoothly around rolling surfaces so that the stirring resistance of the lubricant due to the spacers is reduced. The roller bearing includes a plurality of rotatable rollers interposed between an inner ring raceway surface and an outer ring raceway surface and spacers provided between adjacent rollers. Each of the spacers includes extended portions facing roller end faces of the rollers at both axial ends thereof.
US08523449B2
A rolling bearing includes: an inner ring; an outer ring; a plurality of rolling elements; a retainer; and a sealing member. First to third lubricant reservoir portions that store the lubricant are respectively formed on the radially inner side of the retainer, on the inner side of the sealing member, and in an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring at a position near a raceway. An inclined first guide surface that guides the lubricant from the second lubricant reservoir portion toward the raceway is formed in an inner surface of the sealing member. An inclined second guide surface contiguous with the first guide surface and guiding the lubricant toward the raceway is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring. The first lubricant reservoir portion of the retainer is in communication with pockets of the retainer, which accommodate the rolling elements.
US08523436B2
A flexible transport container (1) includes an inner bag (10) formed by a flat casing closed at one end (12), the other end (13) of which is folded towards the first end. The inner bag is housed inside an outer bag (20) formed by a casing provided with a first access port (25) which extends through the two bags close to the closed end of the inner bag and a second access port (27) which only extends through the wall of the outer bag opposite a portion of the folded end of the inner bag.
US08523434B2
An X-ray imaging system is provided with an FPD and an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus is provided with a CPU, a coefficient table, an interpolator and a residual image remover. The CPU acquires an image taken with the FPD. A plurality of coefficients each corresponding to a parameter that changes an attenuation curve are previously stored in the coefficient table. The attenuation curve represents time-varying attenuation of a residual image of the previous image. In a case where the coefficient corresponding to a parameter of the present exposure is not contained in the coefficient table, an appropriate coefficient is calculated by interpolation based on the coefficients contained in the coefficient table. The residual image remover calculates the residual image based on the stored coefficient or the calculated coefficient and a time lapse between the previous and subsequent exposures, and removes the residual image from the present image.
US08523433B2
In one embodiment, an X-ray system includes a handheld X-ray interface device. The handheld X-ray interface device includes a wireless interface for communicating with an imaging system and for receiving system operational data from the imaging system, wherein the handheld X-ray interface device is configured to provide a user detectable indication of the imaging system operational status based upon the received data.
US08523428B2
A component in a processing chamber of a substrate processing apparatus, where a temperature may be accurately measured by using a temperature measuring apparatus using an interference of a low-coherence light, even when a front surface and a rear surface are not parallel due to abrasion, or the like. A focus ring used in a vacuum atmosphere and of which a temperature is measured includes an abrasive surface exposed to an abrasive atmosphere according to plasma, a nonabrasive surface not exposed to the abrasive atmosphere, a thin-walled portion including a top surface and a bottom surface that are parallel to each other, and a coating member coating the top surface of the thin-walled portion, wherein a mirror-like finishing is performed on each of the top and bottom surfaces of the thin-walled portion.
US08523426B2
The invention relates to a one-piece regulating member including a balance cooperating with a hairspring made in a layer of silicon-based material and including a balance spring coaxially mounted on a collet. According to the invention, the collet includes one extending part that projects from the balance spring and which is made in a second layer of silicon-based material and is secured to the balance.
US08523423B2
An LED mounting seat includes a main body having a supporting surface that abuts against a light emitting portion of an LED, a connecting end that is connected to a circuit board, and a side surface that interconnects the supporting surface and the connecting end. The side surface is formed with a pair of lateral grooves. Each of the lateral grooves is defined by a groove-defining surface that has an abutting surface portion facing an opening of the corresponding one of the lateral grooves. The LED has two leads extending respectively through the lateral grooves and abutting respectively against the abutting surface portions of the groove-defining surfaces.
US08523422B2
The present invention discloses a LED back light module and a LCD device, wherein the LED back light module comprises a lamp source fixing device for fixing the LED light bar, and a light guide plate which is arranged oppositely to the LED light bar; wherein said lamp source fixing device is fixedly connected with said light guide plate. The present invention can guarantee high incidence rate under various temperature conditions by keeping the light coupling distance between the LED and the light guide plate unchanged.
US08523415B2
A lamp for a vehicle has a light source (1), a first reflector (2), and at least one light pane (6, 7), which are disposed so that light emitted by the light source (1) is reflected by a reflector face (3) of the first reflector (2) and forms a first lamp face (17) of the lamp. The lamp has at least one second reflector (4), the reflector face (5) thereof being disposed separately from the reflector face (3) of the first reflector (2) and the second reflector being disposed so that light emitted by the light source (1) is reflected by the reflector face (5) of the second reflector (4) and forms a second lamp face (18) of the lamp, wherein the first and the second lamp faces (17, 18) are not coherent.
US08523409B1
Improved installation features for recessed light fixtures including downlights are provided. The recessed light fixture includes a housing and a lighting module removably attachable to the housing. The lighting module includes a flexible conduit connector that provides a pathway for electrical connections from outside the lighting module to access the inner portion of the lighting module. The conduit connector is disposed on an angled surface that improves the ease of installation and removal of the lighting module and reduces the required installation space of the recessed light fixture. The housing includes improved torsion spring receivers having angled edges for guiding the torsion spring into the proper position. The torsion spring receivers also include retaining tabs having a curved edge that better holds the torsion spring in place and also provides additional clearance for installing and removing the lighting module.
US08523406B2
An LED light assembly has a heat sink and electrical conductors for electrical communication with a supply of electricity. A ceramic base with an LED chip attaches to the heat sink. Electricity communicating pads in the ceramic base each operatively connect with the LED chip and with the electrical connectors. A plate defines an aperture and overlies the ceramic base for passage of light from the LED chip. The LED light assembly attaches to a housing of a lighting fixture that may include a light shade.
US08523402B2
A lighting fixture capable of efficiently radiating heat of a lamp device may be configured to be attached to a socket device. In some examples, by attaching the lamp device to the socket device, a cap portion of the lamp device is brought into contact with a fixture body, and pressed against and brought into close contact with the fixture body by an elastic body. Heat generated by lighting of LEDs of the lamp device is conducted from the cap portion to the fixture body and efficiently radiated.
US08523399B2
An illumination apparatus including a light source that emits illumination light, an optical member that transmits the illumination light to externally project the illumination light, and a reflector that reflects illumination light from the light source towards the optical member, the device comprising: a drive device to drive the reflector and the light source to advance and retract in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to a light projection surface of the optical member; and a relative movement device to cause the light source to relatively move relative to the reflector in a process of driving to advance and retract by way of the drive device, wherein the relative movement device includes a straight guide member that causes the light source to move straight ahead in the substantially perpendicular direction relative to the reflector.
US08523397B1
An apparatus, method, and system to provide, as one example, up-light for aerial viewing from downwardly aimed wide area, high intensity, lighting fixtures. The method controls a small percentage of light from the fixture to pass up and away for up-light, with the remainder used to produce a controlled, concentrated beam to a target. Some embodiments include a substantial amount of glare and spill light control. An apparatus can include a lamp and fixture with a visor length that is shorter than most conventional spill and glare control visors. The visor allows a controlled, relatively small percentage of direct light from the fixture for a desired or needed level of aerial illumination, but efficiently directs other light to the target. Optionally, a reflective plate is positioned inside the visor to reflect a small percentage of light from the fixture upwardly for up-light. Another embodiment can shift a fraction of light in direction(s) different than the main light output of the fixture.
US08523395B2
A light emitting diode (LED) lamp includes a plurality of LED chips and a heat dissipation member configured to dissipate heat generated from the LED chips. The heat dissipation member includes a tubular unit having a constant cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction, and a plurality of fins, each of which extends outwardly from the tubular unit and extends in the axial direction, having a constant thickness in the axial direction.
US08523382B1
A fluorescent lamp fixture for mounting a ballast and at least one fluorescent lamp and a method of dissipating heat from the same is disclosed. The fixture comprises a molded housing defining a groove and a hat-shaped metal strip having an outer wall with at least two surfaces in contact with the sides of the groove and at least one flange in contact with the top of the housing. The metal strip also has a pair of inner walls positioned relative to the outer wall so as to define a chamber. At least one fastener is slidably held by the strip such that a portion of the fastener is retained within the chamber and slides along the inner walls. The fastener secures a ballast in direct contact with the flanges whereby heat from the ballast is transferred to the metal strip and dissipated from the housing during use.
US08523377B1
An illuminating assembly for allowing hands free illumination of an area includes a panel which has a first end, a second end, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. A wrist coupler is attached to the first end. A finger sleeve is attached to the second end. The finger sleeve is positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge. A light emitter is attached to the wearable light mount. The light emitter is directed away from the first end of the panel. An actuator is operationally coupled to the light emitter. The light emitter is turned on or off when the actuator is actuated. The actuator is attached to the wearable light mount.
US08523370B2
An electronic apparatus includes a main body and a projection mechanism. The main body is used for providing video signals. The projection mechanism includes a built-in mini-projector that can either be stored in the electronic apparatus or extended out of the electronic apparatus for use. The mini-projector is capable of receiving video signals and projecting corresponding images when the projection mechanism is extended, and stops the projection of images when retracted.
US08523369B2
A method for compensating light reflection of a projection frame and a projection apparatus is provided. In the method, a preset frame is projected by the projection apparatus. Next, a spectrum of a light reflected by the projected preset frame is detected and compared with an original spectrum of the preset frame. A light characteristic value of the projected preset frame is then adjusted accordingly, so as to compensate a difference between the detected spectrum of the reflected light and the original spectrum.
US08523363B2
A projector includes: a light source that emits light having an asymmetric illuminance distribution; a light modulation device that modulates the light emitted from the light source; and an optical member disposed in an optical path between the light source and the light modulation device, the optical member changing the illuminance distribution of the light from the light source, wherein the optical member changes the illuminance distribution of the light passing therethrough in such a way that a highest illuminance area in the illuminance distribution of the light after passing through the optical member is shifted toward the center of the optical member as compared with the position of the highest illuminance area in the illuminance distribution of the light before incident on the optical member.
US08523358B2
A display unit 11 has a display area of a predetermined shape and displays an image on the display area. An image capturing unit 12 generates data of a captured image by capturing an image of an eye 2 of a user in which the display area is reflected. A reference detection unit 21 detects a moving reference point that moves along with the movement of user's eye-gaze and an unmoving reference point that can be assumed as approximately stationary regardless of the user's eye-gaze movement, and generates a vector drawn from the unmoving reference point to the moving reference point as a shift amount V(x,y). An eye-gaze detection unit 22 detects a movement vector ΔV(Δx,Δy) as the user's eye-gaze movement amount based on a reference shift amount Vo(xo,yo) generated in the past and the shift amount V(x,y) currently generated.
US08523357B2
A fundus optical image device includes a light source, a first optical element set and a second optical element set. The first optical element set includes a first diaphragm. The light emitted from the light source passes through the first diaphragm and reaches a fundus through the first optical element set. The second optical element set includes a second diaphragm. The light is reflected by the fundus and then passes through the second diaphragm to present an image of the fundus. At least one of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm is a microarray diaphragm.
US08523348B2
An image recording apparatus including: (a) a first conveyor configured to convey a recording medium along a first conveyance path; (b) a first recording head; (c) a second conveyor configured to convey the recording medium along a second conveyance path; (d) a second recording head; (e) a third conveyor configured to convey the recording medium along a third conveyance path; and (f) a posture changer configured to change a posture of at least a downstream-side portion of the first conveyor between a first angular posture and a second angular posture, such that at least a downstream-side part of the first conveyance path is directed to the second conveyance path when the at least the downstream-side portion of the first conveyor takes the first angular posture, and such that the at least the downstream-side part of the first conveyance path is directed to the third conveyance path when the at least the downstream-side portion of the first conveyor takes the second angular posture.
US08523333B2
A stacked structure is formed such that a plurality of thin plates, which include at least one liquid flow passage thin plate provided with a liquid flow passage having a predetermined pattern formed on at least one surface, are stacked with an adhesive. A release groove for releasing the adhesive is formed on the liquid flow passage thin plate. An air release hole, which is communicated with the release groove and which penetrates in the stacking direction, is bored through a thin plate stack stacked on the liquid flow passage thin plate. An opening, which allows the air release hole to be open to the outside, is formed on the thin plate disposed at the outermost layer of the thin plate stack. The air release hole has a diameter which is larger than the width of the release groove and which is larger than the opening disposed on the outermost layer. Any excessive adhesive is accumulated in the air release hole, and it is possible to greatly decrease the amount of the adhesive outflowing to the outside of a cavity unit.
US08523323B2
A system and method for mounting a fluid droplet ejection module to a frame is disclosed, where the fluid ejection module includes a mounting component having a mounting surface. A connector is configured to detachably attach to the frame and is positioned between the frame and the mounting surface of the fluid ejection module. A portion of a mating surface of the connector is positioned adjacent the mounting surface of a corresponding fluid ejection module and is in direct contact with the mounting surface. One or more recesses are formed in at least one of either the mounting surface of the fluid ejection module or the mating surface of the connector. The one or more recesses have a substantially uniform thickness and are filled with an adhesive. The adhesive is cured after aligning the fluid ejection module to the frame.
US08523309B2
A liquid discharger is provided, which includes a gap adjustor that moves a first liquid discharge head between a first position and a second position where a gap between the first liquid discharge head and a sheet is smaller than when the first liquid discharge head is in the first position, and a controller configured to, when determining that second liquid is left enough to form an image and that a quality level stored in a storage unit is equal to or more than a predetermined level, control the gap adjustor to place the first liquid discharge head in the second position, control the first liquid discharge head to discharge the first liquid, and forbid a second liquid discharge head to discharge the second liquid.
US08523306B2
A liquid supply device includes a pressure unit configured to generate a pressure to supply liquid to a printing unit, the printing unit configured to discharge the liquid and perform printing on a printing medium; a pressure detecting unit configured to detect the pressure generated by the pressure unit; and a control unit configured to drive the pressure unit with a power corresponding to a liquid consuming speed of the printing unit if the pressure detecting unit detects a lower pressure than a predetermined pressure while the printing unit discharges the liquid.
US08523303B2
A refrigerator having a deep freeze compartment door with an aluminum profile having lateral coverings at both sides and an additional guiding means mounted on a panel fixing element. The panel fixing element is embedded with the outer part of the door such that an ornamental spacing element is fixed to the guiding element and to the lateral coverings such that an easier on site mounting is obtained and a more appealing visual effect is achieved.
US08523290B2
A cutting tool holder-base assembly (399) has a base (400). The base (400) is adapted to attach to a surface (40) of a rotatable driving member (38). The tool holder-base assembly (399) includes a cutting tool holder (500) with head region (502) containing a cutting tool bore (506), and a shank region (504) with a distal end (524). The shank region (504) has an alignment notch (528) presenting an alignment surface (530) at the distal end (524). The assembly (399) further has a base (400), which contains a tool holder bore (418) and a transverse passage (430) intersecting the tool holder bore (418). There is an elongate pin (436) in the transverse passage (430). The elongate pin (436) has an exposed portion (440) thereof passing through the tool holder bore (418) wherein the cutting tool holder (500) is able to enter completely the tool holder bore (418) of the base (400) when the alignment surface (530) is in alignment with the exposed portion (440) of the elongate pin (436).
US08523288B2
An opening for a replacement bit can be closed without a large drive force, the replacement bit can be replaced without being moved, and the workability of replacement is not impaired. A rear surface frame (29) forms a workspace (28) on the rear surface side of a spoke front surface plate (21), and openings (33) are formed on the spoke front surface plate (21) such that a replacement bit (31) can be inserted into and removed from the opening (33). A bit guide body (37) having a bit guide hole (38) is provided on the rear surface side of the opening (33). A gate plate (34) is provided which has valve ports (35) capable of communicating and closing the openings (33) and the bit guide holes (38). A gate opening/closing device (36) is provided which can turn the gate plate (34) to open or close the openings (33).
US08523286B1
An apparatus and method for coupling different body types to a truck, specifically interchanging between dump and trailer bodies, so that a single truck may be used to perform dump truck and tractor truck operations. The truck includes a pair of rearward extending frame rails and a mounting bracket to which a 5th wheel may be releaseably attached. The truck is adapted for carrying at least one of a 5th wheel and a hydraulic lift system and, thus, is capable of being coupled to a trailer body or dump body, respectively. The truck is changed over from having a dump body to a trailer body by lifting the dump body with its hydraulic cylinder; attaching a hoist to a dump body; lifting the dump body with a hoist; removing at least part of the weight of the hydraulic cylinder from the truck; detaching the hydraulic cylinder from the truck; removing at least part of the weight of the dump body from a coupling pin holding the dump body to the truck; removing the coupling pin; positioning a 5th wheel onto mounting brackets; securing the 5th wheel to the mounting brackets; and coupling a trailer body to the 5th wheel. The method may be reversed in order to change over the truck from carrying a trailer body to a dump body.
US08523284B2
A seat frame includes a projecting portion formed on a surface of a recliner to face a reinforcement plate, the projecting portion having a cross sectional shape with a recessed portion and a protruded portion in a rotational direction of the recliner, the reinforcement plate including a first through-hole for fitting the projecting portion, the upward-downward direction frame including a second through-hole larger than the first through-hole which extends within the second through-hole when the upward-downward direction frame and the reinforcement plate are overlaid, and a three-member welding portion formed by a periphery of the projecting portion, a periphery of the first through-hole, and a periphery of the second through-hole wherein the recliner, the reinforcement plate, and the upward-downward direction frame are welded with the projecting portion of the recliner fitting to the first through-hole of the reinforcement plate while the reinforcement plate and the upward-downward direction frame are overlaid.
US08523279B2
Disclosed is a vehicle seat assembly with built-in heater having a configuration to minimize formation of creases. The vehicle seat assembly of the present invention comprises a seat heater. The seat heater is structured as a unit and comprised of a substrate and a heating wire. The heating wire has a first heater section and a second heater section. In the first heater section, a part of the segments bent on the left side extend leftward across the center. In the second heater section, a part of the segments bent on the right side extend rightward across the center. These segments are overlapped when viewed in the vertical direction. This configuration minimizes formation of creases in the middle area.
US08523267B2
A collapsible roof for a vehicle includes a roof cap and an impact energy absorbing protective device connected to the roof cap. The roof cap has ribs. The ribs are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and each rib extends along a transverse direction. The ribs extend into the protective device.
US08523266B2
A side fastening assembly for a flexible tonneau cover system of a pick-up truck is provided and has a first fastener sewn on an elongated slat by two sewing threads. The first fastener sewn on the elongated slat can ensure the attachment strength of the first fastener, so as to elongate the lifetime of the first fastener and lower the maintenance cost thereof. The side fastening assembly further has a second fastener attached to a flexible cover material of a flexible cover assembly. The first fastener and the second fastener are engaged with each other in a case that the flexible cover material is unrolled rearward on the side rail to cover the cargo bed.
US08523256B2
A self contained mobile assembly capable of use for remote area maintenance and repair of unwanted damage to a wall of a confined space tanks. The assembly comprises an undercarriage carriage including a wheel base, a housing mounted above the wheel base and defining an internal space capable of receiving and retaining repair and maintenance equipment for repairing said tank. The equipment includes a defouling kit, equipment for desealing and resealing of an interior of the confined space tank, equipment for decontamination of air in the tank; and a breathing kit for a wearer to safely access the internal space and repair the unwanted damage from the inside of the confined space.
US08523247B2
A cylinder lock 1, including a housing 6 with an opening 7 for receiving a lock cylinder 12 with a radially protruding cam 17; a bolt 2 pivotally moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; a ring 15 including a radial opening 16 for engaging the lock cylinder cam 17; and a slider 20, coupled between the pivotally-mounted bolt 2 and the ring 15. The ring 15 also includes a toothed arc 18 for cooperating with a toothed rack 22 of the slider, and the slider including a recess 23 for engaging the lock cylinder cam 17. The ring 15 also has a raised flank 19 for cooperating with at least one stop of the slider.
US08523244B2
An air conditioner system fitting is disclosed including a first seal portion comprising a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal, and a second seal portion attached to a free edge of said first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.
US08523238B2
There is provided a light-emitting medium by which whether a valuable paper or the like is forged or not can be judged easily and promptly. A light-emitting medium constituting a valuable paper includes a light-emitting image. The light-emitting image is composed of a pattern area formed on a substrate by using a first fluorescent ink containing a first fluorescent material, and a background area formed on the substrate by using a second fluorescent ink containing a second fluorescent material. When UV-A is irradiated, the first fluorescent ink and the second fluorescent ink emit light of colors that are viewed as different colors from each other. In addition, when UV-C is irradiated, the first fluorescent ink and the second fluorescent ink emit light of colors that are viewed as different colors from each other, the colors being different from the colors that are viewed when the UV-A is irradiated.
US08523235B2
A cash and check automatic depositing apparatus is capable of automatically depositing a bundle of cashes and checks inserted at once. The apparatus includes a bundle insertion opening for allowing a user to deposit or receive therethrough a bundle of cashes and checks, and a bundle separator for separating the banknotes inserted through the bundle insertion opening one by one. The separated banknotes are automatically transferred one by one and verified to check authenticity or abnormality thereof. Further, the banknotes are transferred onto an authentic check transfer path and an authentic cash transfer path to be separately stored in storage cassettes.
US08523232B2
The present invention discloses a tank trailer for transporting flowable material. The tank trailer includes a low-profile tank having a rear section, a front section, and a transitional section. The transitional section connects the rear section and the front section such that flowable material can flow among the sections. The rear section has a rear circumference and a rear center of gravity. The front section has a front circumference and a front center of gravity. The front circumference is smaller than the rear circumference, and the rear center of gravity is lower than the front center of gravity. The front section and the transitional section are frameless. The tank trailer also includes a trailer suspension operatively connected to the rear section.
US08523230B2
An apparatus for displacing an anchor pre-tensioner for a seat belt may include the anchor pre-tensioner which is installed on a lower portion of a center pillar of a vehicle body, and to which a wire is coupled at an angle with the wire exposed above the vehicle body; and a trim guide which is installed on the vehicle body, and which has a guide hole in the middle thereof so as to allow the wire to be fitted into and guided in the guide hole, and a stopper formed at one end of the guide hole so as to allow the wire to be caught in the stopper when the wire is tilted in a backward direction of the vehicle body.
US08523228B2
Provided is construction of a steering column support apparatus that simplifies tuning for stabilizing the forward displacement of the steering wheel during a secondary collision, makes the apparatus more compact and low cost, and lowers and stabilizes the break away load. A bracket 12b on the column and a locking capsule 53 that are both made of metal plate are connected and fastened together by welding. A pair of left and right eave sections 56 are formed on both the left and right end sections of the locking capsule 53 by way of raised sections 55. The portion of the metal plate of a bracket 11 on the vehicle side on both sides of a locking hole 45 fits between the bottom surfaces of the eave sections 56 and the top surface of the bracket 12b on the column side so as to be able to break away during a secondary collision.
US08523222B2
An airbag assembly for a motor vehicle includes an inflator and a curtain airbag securable to a body structure of the motor vehicle. The airbag includes two or more deployment tubes and two or more inflatable chambers. Vents connect the deployment chambers with the inflatable chambers. Gasses from the inflator pass first into the deployment tubes to rapidly inflate them to vertically extending positions and draw the airbag over a window opening. The gasses then pass through the vents into the inflatable chambers to complete the deployment of the curtain airbag. The rapid inflation and deployment of the deployment chambers provides cushioning for an occupant's head early in a crash event, followed by the inflation of the inflatable chambers to provide additional head protection and increasing the resistance of the curtain airbag to ejection through the underlying window apertures.
US08523221B2
The invention relates to an airbag module (18) with a tear strip (13) for specific opening of a seat cover (20) under which the airbag module (18) is to be mounted, wherein a plurality of tear strips (13) is provided. Furthermore, the invention relates to a seat with one such airbag module and also to a manufacturing apparatus and to an assembly method for one such airbag module.
US08523218B2
A stroller has a seat assembly with a seat bottom and a seat back that is movable from an upright in-use orientation to a forward folded orientation closer to the seat bottom. A structure such as an arm bar extends across the seat assembly above the seat bottom and in front of the seat back. The structure is in a raised in-use position with the seat back in the in-use orientation. The structure moves from the in-use position to a lowered stowed position closer to the seat bottom when the seat back is moved to the folded forward orientation.
US08523214B2
A mobile patient chair includes a seat portion and an undercarriage coupled to and supporting the seat portion, where the undercarriage includes a frame having a set of rollers and a rocking mechanism coupling the seat portion to the frame. The chair has a rolling mode, whereby the set of rollers rotate and allow the mobile patient chair to move from a first location to a second location and a rocking mode, whereby the rocking mechanism is operable to move the seat in a substantially forward and backward translating movement relative to the frame. A lockout member renders the rolling mode and the rocking mode mutually exclusive.
US08523213B2
An adult scale three-wheeled device facilitates movement for mobility challenged persons. The device is foot propelled while seated either through walking while seated or pedaling. The device is provided with a limited footprint for navigating confined areas while the individual is seated in a substantially standing position, with the pedals being repositionable so as to allow unobstructed walking while remaining seated. A lockable braking system prevents one or more wheels from turning. The device is collapsible for storage.
US08523208B2
An independent suspension with no axle is disclosed which includes a hanger and a control arm having opposite first and second ends pivotally mounted to the hanger between the first and second ends. The suspension unit further includes a spindle arm mounted to the first end of the control arm. The suspension unit also includes a jounce spring on the control arm and a rebound spring mounted between the control arm and the hanger. The control arm and hanger are configured such that when the first end of the control arm pivots towards the frame of the vehicle the jounce spring is compressed and the rebound spring is relaxed and when the first end of the control arm moves away from the frame the jounce spring is relaxed and the rebound spring is compressed.
US08523207B2
A method for securing a suspension may include attaching a frame interface device to a vehicle frame and aligning a first connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector, or a first connector may be straddled by two second connectors, when the connector set is aligned. These aligned connectors may be secured by a fastener, thereby securing the suspension to the frame. A suspension attachment system may include a hanger bracket of a suspension, a frame interface device, and a connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector when the connector set is aligned. The suspension may be secured to the frame as a result of the aligned and secured connector set.
US08523201B2
The retractable stand device may include an upper device 161, a top device 171, and a lower device 181 that may hold a musical instrument such as a guitar. In addition, the retractable stand device may be in combination with a utility case 100 or it may be a kit with installation hardware. The utility case 100 may include a hinged lid 122 for access to an upper compartment 120, a base 140 for amplifiers, fixed compartments 130, movable compartments 128, handles 118, and wheels 142. Numerous combinations of stand devices and utility case options are included.
US08523199B2
A headrest-adjusting mechanism is adapted for use with a stroller. The stroller includes a headrest-supporting tube and a backrest-supporting tube. The headrest-adjusting mechanism is adapted to be connected between the headrest-supporting tube and the backrest-supporting tube in such a manner to allow for rotation of the headrest-supporting tube relative to the backrest-supporting tube from a usable position to a folded position in a predetermined direction.
US08523197B2
Disclosed herein is a folding transport cart which in a parking configuration has a minimum extension and in an operative configuration has a maximum extension in a transverse direction. A folding transport cart can comprise: two side parts which extend substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction of the transport cart, and a folding base part which comprises two flat base segments which are each connected on one base side axis for articulated movement to one side part and are connected on a common base central axis for articulated movement to one another. In order to ensure reliable folding and unfolding the transport cart can comprise a base locking mechanism for locking the folding base part in the operative configuration and a cover part which is connected for articulated movement to one of the side parts.
US08523196B1
A convertible beach cart and canopy apparatus includes a lower frame portion having front and rear support members and side members extending between opposed ends of the front and the rear support members. Wheels are coupled to opposed ends of the rear support members. The apparatus includes a rear frame portion having at least one upstanding support bar fixedly attached to the rear support member, the rear frame portion include a top support member coupled to an upper end of the at least one support bar. An upper frame portion is rotatably coupled to the top support member such that the canopy frame portion is movable between a stowed configuration generally adjacent the lower frame portion and an expanded configuration extending away from the top support member. A canopy is coupled to an end of the canopy frame portion and configured to shade an area adjacent the rear frame portion.
US08523193B1
Described is a convertible ride-on and pull wagon toy. The toy wagon includes a wagon body having a compartment therein for storage. A plurality of wheels are rotatably connected with the wagon body for supporting the wagon body on a ground surface. An elongated seat member having a wagon end and a handle end is attached with the wagon body such that the wagon end is pivotally connected with the wagon body. A handle is connected with the handle end of the elongated seat member. The elongated seat member is pivotally attached to the wagon body to rotate between a ride-on configuration, where the elongated seat member covers the compartment and operates as a seat (and can be selectively locked in place with a lock mechanism), and a pull wagon configuration, where the elongated seat member extends from the wagon and serves as a neck for the handle.
US08523186B2
A slide ring seal arrangement comprises a rotationally fixed slide ring (4) and a slide ring (11), which is provided for rotating together with a rotating component, these slide rings each being held in a loose seat and interacting, in, in essence, radially oriented sealing surfaces, which are prestressed with a main prestressing force while in contact with one another. Each slide ring, on its front face that faces away from the sealing surface, is axially supported on a supporting part (14, 17) via an annular bearing surface (16, 20) provided between the respective supporting part and the adjacent front face of the respective slide ring. A load ratio (d12−dH2)/(d12−d22) of =2.0, preferably between 0.8 and 2.0, preferably no greater than between 1.0 and 1.5, more preferably approximately 1.3 is maintained on the bearing surface (16, 20). The measurement (d1−d2) of each bearing surface (16, 20) is equal to =10 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 2.0, preferably no more than approximately 0.6 mm.
US08523184B1
The invention relates to table or floor games based on throwing a ball into the game field, and can be used in organizing leisure and entertainment for both children and adults. The game comprises a game field with a plurality of holes and at least one movable trap for the ball outside the game field. The trap for the ball may be fixed to a rod, which is slidably mounted on a bar, said bar being attached to the sidewall, which limits the game field. The trap for the ball may be fixed to a rod, which is mounted on a movable platform.
US08523181B2
A ticket CPU of a game machine counts up how many sheets of payout tickets were paid out and how many times of jackpot occurred during the performance of one game play. Then, the ticket CPU operates a data display to display the maximum number of payout tickets per one game play on that day and the maximum frequency of jackpots per one game play on that day. Thus, there is provided such game machine that a player can refer to the displayed game information as reference material for deciding the rough standard about amount of inserted medium they may bet.
US08523178B2
A discharge mechanism includes a rotating shaft that is rotatable, a plurality of roll portions provided around the rotating shaft, an opposing member provided above the roll portions so as to oppose the roll portions, the opposing member holding and conveying a material to be conveyed, in cooperation with the roll portions so that the material to be conveyed is discharged onto a discharge section, and a protrusion formed on an outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the protrusion not protruding beyond the outer diameter of the roll portions.
US08523170B2
A sheet feeder attracts an uppermost sheet of a sheet stack of a plurality of stacked sheets, and feeds the sheet in a sheet feeding direction. The sheet feeder includes an endless belt, a charging device, and a control device. The endless belt is made of a dielectric material, passes over upstream and downstream rollers, and is disposed above the sheet stack to face the sheet stack. The charging device applies an alternating voltage to an outer circumferential surface of the endless belt to form thereon alternating charge patterns. The control device separately controls the respective rotation states of the upstream and downstream rollers to make a sheet contact surface of the endless belt go slack in sheet attraction and make the sheet contact surface of the endless belt taut with tension into a substantially flat surface in sheet conveyance.
US08523168B2
There is provided an image recording apparatus including:a first and a second feeding roller; a recording head; a carriage; a first and a second drive motor; and a drive transmission switching mechanism transmitting a driving force of the second drive motor to the first and the second feeding roller. The drive transmission switching mechanism includes: a first to a fourth gear; a supporting shaft; a first transmitting section transmitting a rotation of the third gear to the first feeding roller and preventing transmission of rotation of the third gear to the first feeding roller, when the second gear is in a first posture; and a second transmitting section transmitting a rotation of the fourth gear to the second feeding roller and preventing transmission of rotation of the fourth gear to the second feeding roller, when the second gear is in the first posture.
US08523156B2
The present invention provides a positioning and pressing device, a pressing device and a tool for auxiliary machining of motor train underframe, the positioning and pressing device comprises a crossbeam, two supporting frames, two rotary vertical pressing structures, a lateral positioning structure, a lateral holding structure and two adjustable intermediate supporting structures; the two supporting frames are mounted in sliding manner on two sides of the upper surface of the crossbeam; the two rotary vertical pressing structures are respectively mounted on the tops of the two supporting frames; the lateral positioning structure is mounted on the side of one of the two supporting frames; the lateral holding structure is mounted on the side of the other one of the two supporting frames; and the two adjustable intermediate supporting structures are mounted on the upper surface of the crossbeam and between the two supporting frames. The present invention realizes that the tool for the auxiliary machining of the motor train underframe is modularized; the present invention solves the technical problems of the present technology that the motor train underframe machining structure is large in volume and is not convenient for transportation and movement and the adjustability thereof is not good and not capable of meeting the requirements of the auxiliary machining of the motor train underframe with different types.
US08523151B2
A fine bubble generating apparatus that efficiently generates fine bubbles on the nanometer level. A cylindrical member has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, a first end wall member closing one end of the cylindrical member, and a second end wall member closing the other end of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member and the first and second end wall members define a fluid swirling chamber. The cylindrical member has a fluid inlet hole at a position close to the second end wall member to supply a gas-liquid mixed fluid in the tangential direction of the peripheral surface of the fluid swirling chamber. The second end wall member has a fluid outlet hole extending therethrough along the center axis of the inner peripheral surface of the fluid swirling chamber. The gas-liquid mixed fluid is introduced into the fluid swirling chamber at a position close to the second end wall member.
US08523140B2
A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device.
US08523137B2
The invention relates to a slab formwork system comprising a plurality of formwork elements (98) which have on their underside girders (2) which can be coupled to heads (28) of vertical supports (90), in which slab formwork system the head of a vertical support has a lifting lock (44-51; 87) fixing a girder of a formwork element in the vertical direction. In addition, the head of a vertical support has fixing elements (52-66) which prevent a movement of the grider in its longitudinal direction.
US08523132B2
A back frame module includes a base plate, two locking plate members, a cable organizing plate, and a stowage plate. The base plate is adapted to be provided on a rear face of a display. The locking plate members, the cable organizing plate, and the stowage plate are selectively connected to the base plate. The locking plate members are adapted for mounting of a computer device therebetween. The cable organizing plate is adapted to stow a cable of the display or of the computer device. The stowage plate is adapted to stow an adapter of the display or other accessories. The locking plate members, the cable organizing plate, and the stowage plate can be selectively substituted by a support plate. The back frame module thus has various states of use to satisfy different user requirements.
US08523123B2
A foldable tool stand includes a base frame, a platform pivotally and slidingly connected to the base frame at a first side, a leg support having a top end pivotally connected to the base frame, a pair of links pivotally coupled between a second side of the platform and the base frame, a driving member pivotally connected to the links, and a follower set pivotally connected to the base frame. The driving member and follower set interact to selectively lock the foldable tool stand in either an extended supporting position, where the second side of the platform is spaced from the base frame, or a collapsed position, where the second side of the platform lies adjacent to the base frame.
US08523120B2
A component support device (7) that attaches components (61, 62) on a working structure (41) of a construction machine is formed by bending a plate along at least two bending lines, the component support device (7) including a support (711) formed at a center portion between the two bending lines for supporting the components (61, 62), and a pair of attachment legs (712, 713) formed at both sides of the support (711) to be fixed on the working structure (41), in which at least one of the pair of attachment legs (712, 713) is split into a plurality of portions at a portion to be fixed on the working structure (41), and rigidity of the attachment leg (712, 713) against a bending line direction is less than rigidity of the support (711) in the bending line direction.
US08523113B2
An aircraft leading edge ice protection system. The system includes: a thermoelectric heater mat (10) attachable to a leading edge component of an aircraft, the heater mat comprising: an electrically resistive heater element (12, 22) embedded in a thermoplastic layer (16, 26, 28), the thermoplastic layer having a first surface; and a first adhesive (20) receiving layer (18) located on a surface of the thermoplastic layer. A method of making an aircraft leading edge ice protection system, the method comprising: making a thermoelectric heater mat by embedding an electrically resistive heater element in a thermoplastic layer, the thermoplastic layer having a first surface; and locating a first adhesive receiving layer on a surface of the thermoplastic layer.
US08523110B2
A door frame component of cast titanium for a door opening in an outer skin of an aircraft or space vehicle and a structural fuselage part that includes the door frame component. The component includes a contact surface for bearing against the outer skin formed to correspond to an inner contour of the outer skin, The structural part includes the door frame component and an outer skin of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic material.
US08523107B2
A landing gear for an aircraft. The landing gear may have a wheel/truck assembly, an oleo strut/support frame for supporting the wheel/truck assembly, and a retraction assembly attached to the oleo strut/support frame, the retraction assembly for moving the landing gear between a deployed position and a retracted position. The retraction assembly may have a pivoting trunnion brace attached to the oleo strut/support frame and to a fuselage of the aircraft for positioning the wheel/truck assembly, the oleo strut/support frame and the retraction assembly at least substantially fully within the fuselage of the aircraft in the retracted position.
US08523099B2
The invention concerns a method and a coiler mandrel for coiling metal strip (110), wherein the coiler mandrel (100) comprises a mandrel body (120), a plurality of radially expandable segments (115) arranged around the mandrel body (120), and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (116) by which the segments (115) can be moved in the radial direction. To be able to coil the metal strip with a circular coil eye even when the friction varies in the individual cylinders, the invention proposes that each cylinder (116) of the plurality of cylinders be individually controlled.
US08523095B2
A feed control arrangement for controlling the infeed of materials into a machine such as a wood chipper is provided. The feed control arrangement includes a control lever and an emergency stop bar. The control lever and emergency stop bar can be selectively activated to effectively control the infeed of material into the machine.
US08523090B2
A housing for an armature of a fuel injector, a fuel injector and a fuel injection system are disclosed. The armature housing includes a first cylindrical portion for slidably accommodating the armature pin. The first cylindrical portion has a minimum inner diameter that is closely matched to the maximum outer diameter of the armature pin. A second cylindrical portion of the armature housing accommodates the armature. The second cylindrical portion has an inner minimum diameter that is closely matched to the maximum outer diameter of the armature. The disclosed armature housing provides more reliable and more consistent movement of the armature.
US08523084B2
The present disclosure pertains generally to thermostats that are adapted to assist utilities in communicating with its customers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a thermostat having a display, a controller and a receiver that is coupled to the controller. The receiver is adapted to receive messages from a utility, and the controller is adapted to display one or more related display messages on the display.
US08523072B2
Devices, systems and methods for detecting skimming devices are provided. The present disclosure provides for a card reader assembly including a face plate having a slot for receiving a card in a direction of entry into the slot; an array of infrared proximity detectors disposed on the face plate; and a controller configured to selectively activate the array of infrared proximity detectors to determine if an object, for example, a skimming device, is placed over the slot of the face plate.
US08523070B2
A fuel management system for use by operators of temporary and/or permanent inventories of vehicles such as vehicle dealerships. Fuel vouchers are issued by authorized issuing personnel to authorized recipients if a validation procedure is passed using a database incorporating employee and vehicle inventory information. At the time of delivery, the fueling station will verify the vehicle and individual presenting the voucher. If verification occurs, the authorized quantity of fuel is dispensed. The voucher and sales receipt are returned to the dealership for future auditing and report generation. The system stores information to enable reports to be generated concerning fuel voucher issuance, actual fuel usage and to detect fraud or misuse, allowing more effective fuel expense management. In the event a report generates a fraud alert, appropriate management personnel are immediately notified by email, text messaging or other means.
US08523069B2
A system, apparatus, and method for facilitating the payment and collection of transit system fares using a mobile device. The inventive system utilizes a contactless element embedded within a mobile wireless device, such as a mobile phone, PDA, or the like. The smart element is integrated with the circuitry of the mobile device to permit the data to be accessed and manipulated (e.g., read, written, erased) using the wireless communications network as the data transport channel. The data required to enable a user to access a transit system and for the system to conduct fare calculations may be provided to the memory in the contactless element using the wireless network. Such data may include access control data (keys, passwords, identification data) or data required for fare calculations (rates, historical data on system use).
US08523065B1
We provide a system and method for temporarily coupling a beverage purchase with an RFID tag or other media, then recovering the RFID tag or other media for reuse after the beverage has been dispensed. Media may be, for example, but are not limited to cards (including plastic, cardboard, or paper cards), keychains, or key fobs.
US08523064B1
In one embodiment, a graphical user interface includes a conversion option to convert at least a subset of non-negotiable credits earned from one into entity independent funds in accordance with a conversion ratio. The entity independent funds are accepted by a commerce partner as at least partial payment for goods or services provided by the commerce partner. In absence of converting the non-negotiable credits into entity independent funds, the commerce partner does not accept the non-negotiable credits as payment for goods or services. Responsive to a received selection of the conversion option, the computer presents within the graphical user interface a quantity of available entity independent funds for use as payment for the goods or services provided by the commerce partner. The quantity of available entity independent funds results from converting the subset of non-negotiable credits into the quantity of available entity independent funds in accordance with the conversion ratio.
US08523060B2
A server computer including a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor. The computer readable medium includes code executable by the processor. The code includes code for determining a load value loaded on a portable consumer device in a first currency and code for converting at least a portion of the load value to a second currency using an exchange rate associated with the first currency and the second currency, where the exchange rate is associated with a set date. The set date may be a current or future date.
US08523056B1
A card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine operates responsive to data included on user cards. A system and method for producing the automated banking machine incorporating a plurality of hardware devices in the automated banking machine responsive to order data associated with a purchase order for the automated banking machine. The hardware devices include a card reader, a cash dispenser, at least one processor, at least one hard drive, and at least one output device. The order data includes at least one hardware part number corresponding to at least one of the devices, at least one software part number corresponding to at least one software component, and at least one customization part number corresponding to at least one customization file. The system and method include installing the software component and the customization file on the at least one hard drive of the machine, through operation of the at least one server responsive to the order data.
US08523055B1
A card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine is provided which includes a safe and at least a portion of a cash dispenser positioned within the safe. The cash dispenser includes an input device which when manually operated from within the safe causes the cash dispenser to accept data usable to authenticate communications received from a computer located outside the safe in the automated banking machine. The cash dispenser is operative responsive to authenticated communication to dispense cash.
US08523035B2
A fastener driving apparatus includes a power source, a control circuit, a motor, a first hollow guide member having a first volumetric capacity, a first piston, a linear motion converter, a second hollow guide member having a second volumetric capacity, a second piston, an anvil, a valve arrangement and at least one sensor. The guide members may have an elliptical or oval cross-section. During a compression stroke, the first piston compresses gas in the first hollow guide member. The valve arrangement opens and communicates the compressed gas to the second hollow guide member, causing the second piston to move the anvil to drive a fastener. During a return stroke of the first piston, the valve arrangement opens, communicating a vacuum created in the first hollow guide member to the second hollow guide member, thereby causing the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.
US08523026B2
An apparatus and methods for hanging a garment are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first arm with a first end portion and a second end portion and a second arm with a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the first arm includes a hook configured to be disposed over a closet rod. The second arm is rotatably coupled to the first arm between a first expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration. The first end portion of the second arm is configured to selectively engage the closet rod and hold the hanger in the expanded configuration. The second portion of the first arm and the second portion of the second arm are collectively configured to hang a garment.
US08523009B2
A closure for a container includes a base and a peripheral wall, which may have a rim forming an upper margin of the peripheral wall and surrounding the opening of the container. The rim may have an external protrusion formed integrally with and surrounding the rim. The closure may have an overlying closure portion overlying the opening of the container when the closure is mounted on the container and a skirt formed integrally with the overlying closure portion to surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the container. The skirt includes a first portion adjacent to and surrounding an external upper end of the rim and a second portion connected to the first portion via a connection. The second portion may extend downwardly from the first portion to surround the rim below its upper end when the closure is mounted on the container.
US08523008B2
An insulation sleeve including a protrusion formed on a sidewall of the cup which is caught by a finger of a user's hand is provided, in which, in a case where the cup is filled with a hot content, the user can easily and safely grip the cup, without slippage, at movement with the cup. The insulation sleeve includes a sleeve body having a hollow portion which is formed when a force is applied both corners of the folded sleeve body so as to accommodate and support the cup therein; and a pair of protrusions formed by a -shaped, ⊥-shaped, ⊂-shaped or L-shaped cut line provided on the sleeve body, and protruding from the sleeve body in an outward direction when the hollow portion is provided, so that the protrusions are caught by a an upper portion of a finger of a hand gripping the sleeve body.
US08523007B2
Snapable narrow width rectangular dust pan that can clip about a flat side outer edge of the open end of a refuse container having curved or flat side open rim edges. The dust pan can be used for converting a refuse container into a dust pan refuse container. The receptacle can include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacle can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris into the D-shaped opening. At least one handle located on the apex of the D-shaped opening allows the container to be lifted to a vertical standing position, and curved interior wall surfaces allow debris to slide toward the bottom of the container.
US08523004B2
A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.
US08523001B2
A thermal expansion/surge reduction water tank includes a hollow housing with a bladder sealed to an inside of the housing forming two compartments therein. A compressed air inlet in communication with a first of the compartments is provided for expanding the first compartment by focusing the bladder into an abutting relationship with the housing inside. A water inlet and a water outlet in communication with a second of the compartments is provided and disposed for causing non-laminar flow of water through the second compartment for both expanding the second compartment by forcing said bladder into the first compartment and flushing the second compartment to effect self-cleaning thereof. A plurality of protuberances disposed on a side of said bladder facing the second compartment are provided for preventing sealing of the bladder in an area of abutment with the housing inside between the water inlet and outlet thereby enabling fluid flow between the water inlet and outlet with said bladder abutting the housing inside.
US08523000B2
Multi-compartmentalized container system includes a container having a lid member and a tray member. The lid member includes a plurality of first recesses formed on a bottom surface of the lid member and opening in a first direction, a membrane disposed over the first recesses to retain contents of the first recesses, and at least one second recess formed on an opposite surface to the bottom surface of the lid member and opening in a second direction opposite the first direction. The lid member is releasably lockable to the tray member by placing the bottom surface of the lid member toward the tray member.
US08522995B2
The invention closures that opens sealed containers and close such containers thereafter and method of using the same.
US08522994B2
A hermetically sealed thermoplastic container having a dispensing nozzle occluded by a unitary but removable cap is provided with at least one fin alongside the dispensing nozzle. The fin is situated adjacent to the cap so that the rim of the cap can engage the fin to facilitate removal of the cap from the container.
US08522985B2
A method of displaying consumer electronic devices comprises supporting a plurality of rails on a frame in a generally parallel, spaced relationship and configuring each rail for slidable movement relative to the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each rail. A first row of display units is supported between a first adjacent pair of the rails and a second row of display units between a second adjacent pair of the rails, with each display unit comprising at least one of a device support unit and a plate. The plurality of display units are reconfigurable by exchanging the display units between different lateral positions within at least one of the first and second rows of display units and/or by exchanging at least one display unit between the first row and the second row of display units.
US08522977B1
Disclosed is a packaging system for protecting a radio frequency readable label from being read while the label is on or embedded within a packaged product. The product packaging may include a shielding member that is rendered unusable upon removal of the product from the packaging. The radio frequency readable product label may be on or in a product, and contain information related to the product, such as product identification.
US08522975B2
A package assembly includes a plurality of syringe assemblies. Each syringe assembly has a syringe flange defining an opening. The syringe flange of each of the syringe assemblies is coupled to a plurality of adjacent syringe flanges to define a panel. Each of the syringe flanges includes a plurality of lateral edges. The plurality of lateral edges of each syringe flange is coupled to the lateral edge of adjacent syringe flanges in a breakaway configuration to facilitate separation of each of the plurality of syringe assemblies from the panel.
US08522969B2
An appliance storage and organizer device, the device includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an enclosure with a hollow interior. At least one of the plurality of walls includes a plurality of holes each adapted for receiving and retaining an electrical hair care appliance. The device further includes a means for organizing and preventing entanglement of an electrical cord(s) of an electrical appliance(s).
US08522964B1
A jewelry storage case is provided for organizing jewelry into separate labeled compartments within a portable case. The case includes a housing having an interior and a top hingedly coupled to a bottom. A plurality of lower cups is positioned in the bottom of the housing. Each lower cup is configured for receiving and holding a pair of earrings. An elongated lower channel is positioned in the bottom of the housing. An elongated lower wall is positioned in the lower channel defining a lower inner compartment and a lower outer compartment configured for holding a bracelet and a necklace respectively.
US08522961B2
A two-material conveyor belt module and a method for making it. A conveyor belt module comprises a rigid thermoplastic link substrate topped with a high-friction layer made of a resilient material. A dense array of teeth protrudes upward from the link substrate. The resilient material is overmolded onto the link substrate at a temperature high enough to melt the ends of the teeth. The melted ends of the teeth mix with the resilient material to form a bond firmly retaining the high-friction layer atop the substrate.
US08522956B2
An arrangement for separating cylindrical bodies, such as parisons for hollow bodies, which have at least one protuberance at a first end, has a pair of parallel guide elements between which the cylindrical bodies can be erected in that the cylindrical bodies hang on the guide elements in each case by way of the protuberance. The separating arrangement here has a detecting arrangement with an ejector by means of which cylindrical bodies which, although hanging on the guide elements by way of the protuberance, do not have their second end hanging downwards or are nested one inside the other, are detected and ejected from the individual row.
US08522954B2
The device for transferring items to a transport system or to a storage unit has a feed unit for conveying a plurality of items in three parallel feeding lines. Further, is has a transfer station for receiving the items from the feed unit and for transferring the items to the transport system or to the storage device. The transfer station includes three temporary storage lines arranged in parallel. The items are provided by the feed unit in a manner that the items in each of the temporary storage lines are arranged offset from the items in the other temporary storage lines with respect to a first direction. A pusher in the transfer station pushes the items in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to a single temporary storage line.
US08522949B2
A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing authentication accuracy from degrading even when a state change occurs due to attachment of water or the like. The paper sheet processing apparatus includes: a light receiving unit which receives transmitted and reflected lights from the paper sheet radiated by light emitting parts; a converter which converts the transmitted and reflected lights received by the light receiving part per pixel into data including color information having brightness; a RAM which stores transmitted and reflected light images received by the light receiving unit; an authenticity judgment processing part which determines the authenticity of the paper sheet based on the images stored in the RAM; and a determining part which excludes, based on a comparison result between brightness of the transmitted and reflected images in the predetermined area.
US08522948B1
A concrete dispensing chute extension device for facilitating the pouring of concrete attaches to an end portion of a concrete truck chute and comprises a funnel-shaped lower opening having a cylindrical flexible chute extending directly downward. Concrete is poured down the chute and into the device, the device is directed straight downward into a concrete form. Utilization of the device reduces the impact of the concrete against the sides of the form and the incidents of the form capsizing.
US08522938B2
An article securement system for attaching an article to another article, such as article of luggage to another article of luggage. The article securement system includes a cord, such as an elastic cord, that is inserted through a handle. A cord locking mechanism is mounted on the cord as well. A second handle may be mounted on the cord as well with the cord locking mechanism between the two handles. In use, the cord is secured to a first attachment point on the first article, such as on a luggage handle. The cord and handle are pulled over the second article and engages over a second attachment point on the first article, such as an extendible handle. The cord is then through the handle until the tension is sufficient on the cord to secure the second article. The cord locking mechanism is then used to lock the cord from movement relative to the handle.
US08522937B2
A luggage case system comprises a case, a wheel and handle assembly, and at least one clip. The case has a top, bottom, front, back and sides. The wheel and handle assembly comprises a partial housing including a bottom, a back, and sides, an extendable handle secured to said back. The partial housing conforms in shape to that of said case, such that said bottom of said case may be placed on the bottom of the partial housing, and said back and sides of said case will engage the back and sides of said partial housing. The at least one clip is configured to engage the case and the wheel and handle assembly to releasably secure the case to the wheel and handle assembly, whereby with said handle extended said case may be pulled by said handle.
US08522935B2
A balancing valve for balancing the braking system of a vehicle equipped with two separated master cylinders for the independent braking of the wheels situated at the two sides of the vehicle, wherein at least one of two ring packings which cooperate with the intake of a transfer channel connecting both master cylinders is housed within a containment space that allows a displacement of this packing to substantially increase the volume of the space located on the packing side communicating with the transfer channel.
US08522932B2
To provide a disc brake pad for a disc brake equipped with a metal disc rotor, having a friction material that includes a fiber base material, a binder, an abrasive material, and a frictional wear modifier, which effectively minimizes a sticking problem of the friction material and the disc rotor and simultaneously provides effective fading resistance, wear resistance, and formability. The friction material includes the fiber base material, binder, abrasive material, and frictional wear modifier, and friction material has the binder of 4.5-7.0 weight % relative to the gross friction material amount, aralkyl modified phenolic resin of at least 50 weight % relative to the binder amount, inorganic particles of 1-3 weight % as the abrasive material with 6-8 of Moh's hardness and average particle diameter of 10-200 μm. Furthermore, the friction material includes alkali metal titanate and/or alkali earth metal titanate of 20-30 weight %.
US08522923B2
A fluid supply apparatus includes a main passage through which fluid flows, a parallel passage section, and a pressure loss adjusting mechanism. The parallel passage section includes a plurality of passages connected in parallel to the main passage. The parallel passage section includes a selector valve, which changes the number of passages through which fluid passes among the plurality of passages. The pressure loss adjusting mechanism suppresses change in the pressure loss at the parallel passage section associated with change in an operating state of the selector valve.
US08522914B2
A pump apparatus including a pump housing, a drive shaft, a cam ring movably disposed in the pump housing, a pump element disposed within the cam ring and rotationally driven by the drive shaft to vary a specific discharge quantity which is a discharge quantity of the working oil per one rotation of the pump element in accordance with variation in eccentric amount of the cam ring with respect to the drive shaft, and a solenoid which is drivingly controlled on the basis of a steering condition and a vehicle speed and operated to control the eccentric amount of the cam ring. The solenoid is controlled to execute a flow rate reduction control during cranking of an engine of the vehicle in which the cam ring is allowed to move in such a direction as to reduce the specific discharge quantity.
US08522909B2
An attachment structure of an electromotor, connected to rear wheels, of a vehicle, includes: a sub frame, to which the electromotor is assembled, provided at a rear portion of the vehicle, and having members extending in a longitudinal direction, and front and rear cross members extending in a width direction of the vehicle, the sub frame having a rectangular shape in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions; a receptacle provided at a front of the sub frame; and a rear motor mount provided at a rear of the rear cross member, a position of the rear motor mount being substantially the same as that of the electromotor in the perpendicular direction, the electromotor being provided at an upper side of the rear cross member; and a connection member, to which the electromotor is fixed, being provided at a lower side of the front cross member.
US08522904B2
A battery mounting arrangement for a vehicle includes a compartment (e.g., an engine compartment), a cover disposed over the compartment (e.g., a hood disposed over an engine compartment) and a spring mounted set plate mounted to the cover for applying a hold down force on an associated battery mounted in the compartment.
US08522903B1
A long distance electric vehicle is provided with an onboard energy converter and an onboard energy recycler that will store large quantities of electric current into an onboard battery during transit thereby enabling said electric vehicle to travel 1,000 miles without exhausting the electrical charge of said onboard battery.
US08522896B2
Processes and apparatus that continuously change the physical state and characteristics of drilling fluids at planned periodic intervals to consistently and correctly compensate for differing geological formation properties, wellbore characteristics, rate of penetration, solids removal efficiency, and other essential factors involved in the drilling process, comprising: initiating a system correction of a Minimum Base Required (“MBR”); and administering a dilutant to a drilling fluid according to the MBR. The system corrections may be performed recursively, adjusting the system's base dilutant and chemical product additions according to MBR. The drilling fluid consistency produced is based upon several drilling-rig specific parameters. Drilling fluid consistency is provided onsite through the use of mathematical software, base fluid, rig software that targets the programmed parameters, and scheduled treatments that are structured for stability according to the minimum amount of base dilutant and required quantity of chemical product to produce consistent drilling fluid properties.
US08522892B2
An apparatus and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed for an impact device with interchangeable tools for applying precise momentum force to an external object. The device includes two elongated members, one of which containing a hollow portion, and a tool head disposed on one side of the first elongated member. The device can be configured to allow the first elongated member to be removably inserted into the second elongated member and to allow the second elongated member to strike the tool head in order to impart force on an external object.
US08522877B2
Systems and methods for locking a sliding sleeve valve in an open position and/or a closed position to prevent inadvertent operation of the sleeve valve during other operations. A sliding sleeve valve locking assembly includes an outer housing defining a locking bore portion with a first locking groove formed therein, a sliding sleeve collet member having a collet finger with a tab shaped and sized to reside within the first locking groove. The sliding sleeve valve locking assembly also includes a collet locking member that is moveably disposed within the sliding sleeve collet member to selectively lock the sliding sleeve collet member within the locking bore portion.
US08522875B2
The invention describes improved fracturing compositions, methods of preparing fracturing compositions and methods of use. Importantly, the subject invention overcomes problems in the use of mists as an effective fracturing composition particularly having regard to the ability of a mist to transport an effective volume of proppant into a formation. As a result, the subject technologies provide an effective economic solution to using high ratio gas fracturing compositions that can be produced in a continuous (i.e. non-batch) process without the attendant capital and operating costs of current pure gas fracturing equipment.
US08522870B2
Systems and methods for downhole formation testing based on the use of one or more elongated sealing pads capable of sealing off and collecting or injecting fluids from elongated portions along the surface of a borehole. The modified sealing pads increase the flow area by collecting fluids from an extended portion along the surface of a borehole, which is likely to straddle one or more layers in laminated or fractured formations. A tester device using the elongated sealing pads can be deployed and withdrawn using an extendible element pressing the pads to the borehole. Various designs and arrangements for use with a fluid tester, which may be part of a modular fluid tool, are disclosed in accordance with different embodiments.
US08522864B1
A stripper blow out preventer for oil field equipment, wherein the stripper blow out preventer can include a housing with a bore. The housing can have an open port and close port for accepting the hydraulic fluid, and a grease port for accepting grease. An annular recess of the housing can be in communication with the bore. A retainer ring can be engaged in the annular recess. A piston can be disposed in the annular recess. A seal element can be disposed in the annular recess between the retainer ring and the piston, and can have a thru bore. An insert can be engaged with the retainer ring. When the close port is pressurized, the piston can press against the seal element to form a seal against the oil field equipment. When the open port is pressurized, the piston can move to relax the seal element.
US08522855B2
A sunshade includes a roller, a screen wound on the roller, a torque unit, and a latch unit. The torque unit is mounted in the roller, extends outwardly of the roller, and is disposed for urging movement of the screen to a wound state. The latch unit includes a plug disposed in the roller and formed with a pin hole, a pin member, and a biasing member disposed in the roller. The pin member has a main portion (521) extending movably through the pin hole, a diameter-enlarged portion disposed in the roller and connected fixedly to the main portion, and a shoulder portion formed between the main portion and the diameter-enlarged portion and biased by the biasing member to abut resiliently against the plug.
US08522854B2
An operating device for rotating a winding roller of a window blind, includes an upright rotating shaft rotatable to cause rotation of the winding roller and having a thread segment, a sleeve shell movably surrounding the thread segment, a carrier disposed within the sleeve shell to be movable axially between pressed and non-pressed positions to hold a force transmitting member that is engaged with the thread segment, and a rotation preventing unit disposed between the sleeve shell and the carrier so as to transmit an axially manual force applied to the sleeve shell to move the carrier axially so as to rotate the rotating shaft through engagement of the force transmitting member with the thread segment in the pressed position, thereby winding up a window covering.
US08522845B2
Provided is a pneumatic tire which is capable of securing a driving stability on dry road surfaces and concurrently of improving snow performance without worsening its pattern noise. The pneumatic tire includes four main grooves each extending in its tread part in a tire circumferential direction, and the four main grooves partition the tread part into: a center land part; paired intermediate land parts located with the center land part being interposed in between; and paired shoulder land parts located with the center land part and the paired intermediate land parts being interposed in between. Each of the intermediate land parts and the shoulder land parts includes multiple V-shaped grooves each configured of: a thick groove part extending in a tire width direction; and a thin groove part extending in the tire circumferential direction. The V-shaped grooves are arranged in a way that each paired V-shaped grooves are opposed to each other in the tire circumferential direction with a connecting groove part being interposed between vertices of the respective paired V-shaped grooves. Each thick groove part communicates with the main grooves or the outside of a ground contacting area. Each thin groove part terminates within the land part.
US08522835B2
A hydrogen source comprises a first hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a first form and a second hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a second form different from the first form. The hydrogen source comprises a means for converting hydrogen from the first form to hydrogen gas and transferring the hydrogen gas from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir. An interface is provided for transferring hydrogen from the second hydrogen reservoir to a hydrogen reservoir in a portable device. The interface comprises a fluidic coupling. The hydrogen source may be used to provide hydrogen fuel to a wide range of portable devices.
US08522830B2
A crimping device for securing a seal member onto overlapped end portions of a strap material includes at least a tool head, operating and stationary handles, two rows of crimping elements having at least a pair of shears and oppositely situated pair of jaws extended between the pair of shears. The crimping elements may be disposed in the tool head and connected with the handles so that at least one row of crimping elements crimps a seal while at least one row is idle when the handles move away from each other. In an embodiment, the handles can make an inward stroke only when a full jaw-closing outward crimping stroke is completed. At least one row of crimping elements crimps the seal with an inward movement of the handles while at least one previously actuated row of crimping elements is not involved in closing the seal.
US08522826B1
An isolation device for oil circuit contains a first clamper and the second clamper which include a first clamping portion and a second clamping and two grip portions; the first clamping portion having a first plug and a notch; the second clamper being located at a recess of the notch, and the recess having a post extending upwardly, the post having a groove formed therein for inserting a fixing member, a disc, a compression spring, and a washer, the fixing member being received in the recess of the second clamper and having a plurality of ribs, the disc having a plurality of slots; the disc having a first cutout, a second cutout, and a third cutout provided in an array arrangement, wherein the first cutout, the second cutout, and the third cutout are in different sizes, and the disc also having a second plug in different sizes.
US08522825B2
A fluid apparatus unit structure in which a uniform tightening force is easily applied over the entire periphery by tightening a plurality of fastening members to obtain an advantageous sealing performance is provided. In s fluid apparatus unit structure in which plural fluid apparatus components that are connected via flow paths are collected together and integrated onto a base member, a casing member for the fluid apparatus components is partitioned into plural members in the base member mating direction, a female threading portion assembly (19) in which plural nut portions (18a) that form female threading portions that communicate in the mating direction are integrated by a linking member (18b), is fit and installed on base side partitioned members of a casing member that is disposed at a position in close contact with a base member or a base members, and with base side member interposed therebetween, different fastening members are threaded and tightened from both sides of the nut portion (18a).
US08522824B2
An aseptic or sanitary diaphragm valve has a valve body and at least one cylinder-actuated valve mechanism. A chamber is defined between a cylinder head and a plate or disk, which has a central bore or passage. A flexible diaphragm extends across the cylinder below the plate or disk. A piston within a cylinder is connected with a valve member foot portion, with a stem passing from the foot portion, penetrating the diaphragm, and passing through the bor or passage to the piston. A compression spring urges the piston to either its raised or lowered position, and air pressure may be used to lower or to raise the piston and the associated valve foot. An aperture in the cylinder can reveal a compromise of the diaphragms.
US08522823B2
A railway car control valve comprises a brake pipe port, an auxiliary reservoir port, a main piston configured to compare air pressures at the brake pipe port and the auxiliary reservoir port, and a one-way check valve positioned intermediate the brake pipe port and the auxiliary reservoir port. The one way check valve comprises a body having a bore extending from its first end to its second end, an elongated insert configured to reduce the rate of air flow through the body, and a sleeve received on the insert's outer surface. The insert is received in the body bore. One of the insert and the sleeve is configured to move between a first position and a second position that either allows air to flow or prevents air from flowing, respectively.
US08522821B2
A servovalve torque motor includes first and second pole pieces and an armature. Each of the first and second pole pieces includes an armature face that opposes the armature. The area of the armature face of the second pole piece is smaller than the area of the armature face of the first pole piece. The unequal areas of the first and second armature faces create a bias in the servovalve torque motor while allowing the first and second pole pieces to be disposed at equal distances from the armature to define substantially equal air gaps. The inclusion of substantially equal air gaps between the pole pieces and the armature reduces the maximum flux in the armature for the same bias and torque output, compared to conventional servovalve torque motors. The reduction in maximum armature flux decreases armature saturation and improves linearity during operation.
US08522819B2
Disclosed herein are fluid distribution methods and assemblies for supplying fluid to test assemblies. One embodiment of a fluid distribution assembly comprises at least two input lines each configured to supply a fluid. A source selection component is connected to the input lines and configured to receive the fluid of the input lines and select from the fluids a target fluid. A range selection component is configured to receive the target fluid and to select a flow range of the target fluid, outputting the target fluid to a flow component comprising a first flow adjustment component having a first flow rate resolution and a second flow adjustment component having a second flow rate resolution. The range selection component is configured to selectively output the target fluid to one of the first flow adjustment component and the second flow adjustment component based on the selected flow range.
US08522815B2
With a gas shutoff device in the related art, a non-uniform gas layer can be produced by mixing of a gas of a different type from the gas currently in use during a shift in the amount of heat or installation or replacement, and an unexpected flow rate may be detected due to a disruption in the propagation of ultrasonic waves, thereby causing an erroneous determination of a flow rate abnormality or a sensor abnormality. With the gas shutoff device according to the invention, a valve-closing timer section 14 starts to time based on a valve-closing signal which is output by the flow rate abnormality or the sensor abnormality, and outputs a valve-opening signal to a valve driving section 12 if a release input is accepted from outside within a setting time period. Thus, even when the non-uniform gas layer is produced by mixing the gas of a different type from the gas currently in use during the shift in the amount of heat or installation or replacement, an unexpected flow rate is detected due to the disruption in the propagation of ultrasonic waves, thereby causing the erroneous determination of the flow rate abnormality or the sensor abnormality, and the valve is closed, the erroneous determination is resolved and the gas is available again within a given time period.
US08522809B2
Systems and methods for venting gas from a gas regulator in the event of overpressurization of the gas regulator are provided. A bonnet for a gas regulator that includes one or more apertures through which gas may vent. The bonnet may be made of a moldable synthetic plastic material, such as glass filled nylon.
US08522803B2
A material-removal system can include a spray-head assembly with a plurality of rotatable fluid bars arranged in a single shroud with overlapping sweeps. A gear-box assembly can index the rotations of the fluid bars to coordinate their rotation and prevent the fluid bars from interfering with one another. The material-removal system can be mounted on a mobile platform, such as a vehicle. The vehicle can have a fluid-storage tank and a debris tank that can be tilted for dumping operation while the fluid-storage tank remains stationary. A peristaltic pump can advantageously remove liquid waste from the debris tank while a vacuum system has the debris tank operating under vacuum. The spray-head assembly can be coupled to the vehicle with an articulating-arm assembly that can include a four-bar mechanism and a pair of rotary actuators to facilitate vertical and rotational movement of the arm assembly and the spray-head assembly.
US08522794B2
A method of imparting hair strand effects may include identifying each of a plurality of hair strands to which to apply a hair strand effect product independently and individually, the plurality of hair strands associated with an illustration of at least one type of hair strand effects and one of a plurality of hair styles, and applying the product to each of the plurality of hair strands independently and individually subsequent to identifying the plurality of hair strands. In the alternative or in combination, a hair instruction guide may be consulted, the guide having at least one strand size associated with one of the plurality of types of hair strand effects, and a strand of hair may be identified according to the at least one strand size. A system for creating a hair strand effect may include a hair strand effect product and such a hair instruction guide.
US08522793B2
A flash dryer of cut tobacco comprises a drying duct (16) for connecting a feeding section (14) of cut tobacco to a tangential separator (18). The drying duct (16) has an upstream-side duct portion (16a) extending straight from the feeding section (14) at an elevation angle ranging from 30° to 60° and a downstream-side duct portion (16b) curving upward in a convex shape. A dry gas that flows through the drying duct (16) may contain superheated steam.
US08522787B2
An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. These cuffs may include features that facilitate detection or visualization of the cuff, for example with ultrasound devices, to ensure proper placement of the cuff and the tube. Such surface features may include particular types of materials or shaped or protruding features that may be detected in the environment of the trachea.
US08522780B2
A portable ventilator uses a ROOTS-type blower as a compressor to reduce both the size and power consumption of the ventilator. Various functional aspects of the ventilator are delegated to multiple subassemblies having dedicated controllers and software that interact with a ventilator processor to provide user interface functions, exhalation control and flow control servos, and monitoring of patient status. The ventilator overcomes noise problems through the use of noise reducing pressure compensating orifices on the ROOTS-type blower housing and multiple baffling chambers. The ventilator is configured with a highly portable form factor, and may be used as a stand-alone device or as a docked device having a docking cradle with enhanced interface and monitoring capabilities.
US08522771B2
An edge guard for use adjacent an edge. The edge guard comprises a cushion member and an edge attachment. The cushion member includes a first face, a second face, and a cushion edge portion disposed between them. Both faces have inner portions extending away from the cushion edge portion towards end portions. The inner portions are positioned adjacent surfaces surrounding the edge. The edge attachment includes an upper surface, an attached end, and a distal end. The attached end is attached to one of the end portions of the cushion member. The edge attachment is stiffer than the cushion member. The upper surface of the edge attachment is separated a distance from the surface it is positioned adjacent that tapers from a larger distance at the attached end to a smaller distance at the distal end.
US08522770B2
A system includes an intake, an exhaust, and an adjustable directing member. The intake is for taking in air, the exhaust is for exhausting air, and the adjustable directing member is positioned for directing exhaust air toward the intake. Another aspect is a system that includes a source of polluted air and an air cleaning system. The air cleaning system includes an intake, an exhaust, and a directing member. The intake is for taking in polluted air and the exhaust is for exhausting air. The directing member is for directing air from the exhaust toward the intake to provide an air screen for keeping the polluted air in the vicinity of the intake.
US08522765B1
A bowstring release mechanism includes first and second jaws pivotally connected to a housing with a trigger section operably associated with the jaws for moving the jaws between open and closed positions. A cylindrically-shaped bearing is located in grooves formed in the jaws to thereby laterally restrain movement of the first and second jaws while permitting pivotal movement thereof.
US08522763B2
The present apparatus is for a compound spring loaded archery bow and especially to an improved compound spring loaded archery bow having pre-adjustments for the compression spring and positioning of the compression spring housing to accommodate different archers.
US08522761B1
A trigger assembly includes a body having a pivot and a hook is mounted to the pivot. The body has a chamber and a path communicates with the chamber. A first positioning unit is located in the path and a safety member is located in the chamber which has two slots and the first positioning unit contacts the slots. An activation member is located on the top of the safety member and has a guide groove and a positioning hole. A guide rod on the safety member is located in the guide groove. A second positioning unit is located in the body and contacts the positioning hole. A pivotal member is pivotably connected to the body and has an end contacting a push portion of the activation member. A spring is mounted to the protrusion and contacts the inside of the body. The trigger assembly includes two safety protections.
US08522757B2
An internal combustion engine having an engine block for internal combustion, a high-pressure (HP) turbocharger for delivering pressurized intake air to the engine block, a low-pressure (LP) turbocharger for delivering pressurized intake air to the HP turbocharger, a turbogenerator for recovering heat energy from the exhaust gas downstream of the LP turbocharger to generate electricity, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system comprising an EGR-pump drawing exhaust gas from an EGR inlet located downstream of the turbogenerator, wherein the EGR-pump controllably delivers exhaust gas to an EGR mixer in the pressurized intake air stream at a location between the LP turbocharger and HP turbocharger. An electronic control unit (ECU) is adapted to command the EGR-pump to deliver a desired EGR flow-rate to the engine block based on look-up tables and either open-loop and/or closed-loop control algorithms.
US08522750B2
A method and apparatus for providing automatic pressure balancing of an internal combustion engine. The engine includes cylinders, fuel injector valves provided to selectively deliver fuel directly into the cylinders, fuel-balancing valves each fluidly connected to the fuel injector valves for controlling the fuel delivered to the fuel injector valves and cylinder pressure sensors each mounted to one of the cylinders. The method comprises an automatic pressure balancing procedure including the steps of monitoring a cylinder pressure in each of the cylinders, determining a peak combustion pressure produced in each of the cylinders, calculating a mean peak pressure produced in all of the cylinders, calculating a pressure difference between the mean and the peak pressure and incrementally adjusting the fuel delivered by one of the fuel-balancing valves to the corresponding fuel injector valve mounted to the cylinder having the pressure difference larger than a predetermined pressure value.
US08522747B1
The fuel injection apparatus includes: a fuel injector having a leading end portion that has an internal space in which fuel is accumulated and an injection port for injecting fuel; and an adsorbent disposed in the internal space, the adsorbent being capable of selectively adsorbing an alcohol component in a blended fuel of gasoline and alcohol. The fuel injection apparatus controls an injection amount from the fuel injector such that an air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine is a control target air-fuel ratio based on an alcohol concentration of the blended fuel to be supplied to the fuel injector. In this fuel injection apparatus, a fuel pressure is brought to a predetermined low fuel pressure when a request is issued for desorbing alcohol adsorbed on the adsorbent.
US08522736B2
OBJECT: To provide a compact phase varying device for an automobile engine, adapted to vary the relative phase angle between the crankshaft of the engine and the camshaft of the device over a wider range than that of conventional device.MEANS FOR ACHIEVING THE OBJECT:The phase varying device has: a drive rotor driven by the crankshaft of the engine; a first control rotor rotatable relative to the drive rotor under the action of a torque means; and a phase angle varying mechanism operably coupled to the first control rotor in rotational motion relative to the first control rotor, the drive rotor and first control rotor rotatably supported by a camshaft of the phase varying apparatus, the phase varying device adapted to vary the phase angle of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft by varying the phase angle of the camshaft relative to the drive rotor. The phase angle varying mechanism is characterized by comprising: a first circular eccentric cam integrated with the first control rotor and having a center eccentrically offset from the rotational axis of the camshaft; a second circular eccentric cam integrated with the camshaft and having a center eccentrically offset from the rotational axis of the camshaft; a cam guide member for rotatably coupling the first circular eccentric cams with the second circular eccentric cam and for converting the eccentric rotational motion of the first circular eccentric cam into the eccentric rotational motion of the second circular eccentric cam.
US08522727B2
A pet leash handle includes a hollow housing formed with a grip opening, and having a spring loaded wind up reel rotatably mounted within the housing on which a leash is wound which may be unwound against the resistance of a wind up spring, said leash extending out of said housing via a guide opening therein. An elongated water bowl is detachably mounted along a lower side of the housing in which a water bottle is nested. A bag storage cavity is provided within the housing above the lower side of the housings and a release button operates a mechanism which locks or releases the wind up reel.
US08522725B1
A retrieving tool including a retrieving dummy and/or a kit incorporating the same is provided that facilitates training a dog or puppy to find and/or retrieve antlers that were shed by antler bearing animals. The retrieving dummy is shaped to resemble a naturally grown antler and emits an antler scent. A scent carrier may be applied to the retrieving dummy, to allow the retrieving dummy to emit such antler scent. The kit may further include a second retrieving dummy that is less similar in shape, texture, hardness or feel, to a naturally grown antler than the first, and a scent intensity of the antler scent may be varied with use of the one or more retrieving dummies so as to allow for incremental or gradual introduction of the shape, feel, and/or scent of naturally grown antlers to the dog or puppy being trained.
US08522721B2
A method and apparatus that detects a condition of a cage for housing laboratory animals includes providing an animal cage including a base part and a top and cage means for automatically detecting at least one of at least one bedding condition corresponding to a humidity level or an occurring flooding condition. At least one of the resistance or the impedance of material between said pair of electrodes is determined using one of direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). At least one of the bedding condition or the flooding condition is measured based on a rate of one or more changes of one of a resistance or an impedance of said material between said electrodes.
US08522715B2
An apparatus for controlling gas flow conductance in a plasma processing chamber being configured with an upper electrode disposed opposite a lower electrode adapted to support a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a ground ring configured to include a first set of radial slots formed therein. The apparatus also includes a confinement ring arrangement which includes at least a first set of collapsible confinement rings and a second set of collapsible confinement rings which is configured to movably couple to the first set of collapsible confinement rings. The apparatus further includes a mechanism configured at least to collapse and to expand the first set of collapsible confinement rings and the second set of collapsible confinement rings to control gas flow conductance through the first set of radial slots between (a) an unobstructed gas flow, ON state, and (b) an obstructed gas flow, OFF state.
US08522710B2
Shaped metal deposition apparatus comprises a mounting head for mounting a shaped metal deposition device, an inert gas shield for providing an inert atmosphere around shaped metal deposited in use by the shaped metal deposition device, and a rotatable coupling between the mounting head and the inert gas shield to permit relative rotation therebetween.
US08522695B2
An electrically adjustable piece of furniture, such as a table or armchair comprising at least one actuator and/or lifting column driven by an electric motor for adjustment of the piece of furniture. The adjustment is executed via a control with touch keys. It is characteristic that touch keys are located on the back of an element in the piece of furniture, and that indications for the touch keys are provided on a visible and accessible surface above the touch keys. The touch keys can, however, also be inlayed in an element of the piece of furniture providing possibility for operation from several sides of the element. This provides many variation possibilities for designing the control. Very simply, the indications can merely be painted directly onto the surface, while they, more sophisticatedly, can be inlayed symbols in wood, metal etc., alternatively be a plate mounted on or inlayed in the element.
US08522692B2
The present invention relates to the technical field of railroad passenger car, and more particularly relates to a sleeper compartment of a railroad passenger car. The sleeper compartment may be an open type or a private booth type, comprising: sidewalls, partition walls, and two columns of longitudinally arranged sleepers that are parallel with each other; each column of the longitudinally arranged sleepers is formed by no less than two sleepers that are joined together, the sleepers comprise an upper-sleeper layer and a lower-sleeper layer; one partition wall is provided between adjacent sleepers; the length direction of the longitudinally arranged sleepers is consistent with the length direction of the railroad passenger car; the longitudinally arranged sleepers at two sides are fixed to the sidewalls respectively, and a corridor is provided between two adjacent columns of longitudinally arranged sleepers. The weight of the sleeper compartment of a railroad passenger car in this structure is evenly distributed, and passengers have better comfort when traveling.
US08522691B1
A supplemental cooling system for a mobile machine having a combustion engine fueled by a liquefied fuel gas is provided wherein the supplemental cooling system is activated when, or in anticipation of, the combustion engine encountering abnormal and/or temporary ambient conditions requiring supplemental cooling and wherein the supplemental cooling is provided by heat transfer from said liquefied fuel gas to a coolant fluid.
US08522690B2
A method of identifying an anomalous orientation definition condition of a remote locomotive (12) of a train includes monitoring an operating condition of the remote locomotive of the train, the remote locomotive configured to operate according to a defined orientation with respect to a lead locomotive of the train. The method also includes identifying an operating condition of the remote locomotive indicative of the remote locomotive operating contrary to an operating condition of the lead locomotive.
US08522687B2
A kinetic energy penetrator includes an elongated main body, a conical tip joined to the main body at the front end thereof, and fins located at the tail end of the main body. The tip is made of a hardmetal material which comprises hard particles including a first material and a binder matrix including a second, different material. A volume of the second material is from 3% to 40% of total volume of the hardmetal material. The hard particles include carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides, or borides, or combinations thereof. The binder matrix includes Re, a Ni-base superalloy, Ni, Co, W, Ta, or Mo, or combinations thereof. The main body is made of a high density metal or alloy (Density>16.0 g/cc), such as pure W, W—Re alloy, W—Mo alloy, W—Mo—Re alloy, W—Ni alloy, W—Co alloy, W—Ni—Fe alloy, W—Ni—Co—Fe alloy, depleted U.
US08522678B2
A strapping machine having a movable working assembly includes comprises a machine body, a chute, and a movable working assembly. This machine body contains a storing space. The chute has an upper chute portion and a lower chute portion. The movable working assembly which is in the storing space includes a horizontal movable portion, a vertical movable portion, a working device, and an operation linkage mechanism. When the vertical movable portion moves to the move-down position, the lower chute portion is separated from the upper chute portion. Then, the movable working assembly can be moved out for easy maintenance. So, it is quick and easy to repair any internal device or part inside the strapping machine. The repairer does not need to stoop or squat down for repairing it. In addition, it saves strength and time to move out the working device or related part.
US08522670B2
A hydraulic circuit for instant beverage machines includes a tank, a water extraction pipe contained in the tank, a flow-meter connected to the extraction pipe, a pump, a first vibration-damping valve, a boiler, a second relief and safety valve, a water/steam faucet, a third beverage flow valve, and a recovery tank.
US08522667B2
A method and apparatus for maintaining a seal between a cylinder and a fluid manifold for a reciprocating force delivery device is disclosed. A cylinder retention assembly comprises a rotatable member with a variable topography surface. The rotatable member is disposed against a stop extending outwardly from the cylinder, and is fastened to the fluid manifold by a locking ring. When rotated, the rotatable member produces an axial force on the locking ring and the cylinder, urging the cylinder against the fluid manifold. The cylinder retention assembly may be used in reciprocating pumps and compressors.
US08522656B2
One aspect of the invention can include a cutting machine having a table supporting a workpiece, a cutting machine body able to move vertically and laterally, the cutting machine body is supported on the table by a body supporting member. The body supporting member includes a fixed-side support member, a tilting-side support member connected to the fixed-side support member by a lateral tilt shaft, a fixing screw capable of fixing the tilting-side support member to the fixed-side supporting member, a fixing lever capable of rotating the fixing screw, the fixing lever has two grips capable being held for operating the fixing lever, and the two grips are arranged to extend upward in a V-shape from a head of the fixing screw.
US08522654B2
The cutting-edge position detecting method includes the steps of: under a condition in which the cutting edge of the tool is positioned in an image that is taken by a camera, performing first sampling scanning operations for the image in a predetermined scanning direction at predetermined first intervals, and recognizing points on an upper edge line of the cutting edge of the tool and points on a lower edge line thereof, based on brightness changing points upon the first scanning operations; connecting the recognized points on the respective two edge lines, so as to obtain two first-level approximate linear lines by a least-squares method; performing second sampling scanning operations for the respective two first-level approximate linear lines in directions perpendicular thereto at predetermined second intervals, and newly recognizing points on the upper edge line of the cutting edge of the tool and points on the lower edge line thereof, based on brightness changing points upon the second scanning operations; connecting the newly recognized points on the respective two edge lines, so as to obtain two second-level approximate linear lines by a least-squares method; and obtaining a coordinate of an intersection of the second-level approximate linear lines, as the position of the cutting edge of the tool, with respect to the measurement reference point.
US08522652B2
A ratchet wrench includes ratchet wheel rotatably received in a compartment of a body. A pawl is movably received in the compartment and includes a first side having a toothed section engaged with teeth of the ratchet wheel and a second side having a pressing face. A switch is pivotably mounted to the body and operatively connected to a first end of a spring. A second end of the spring presses against the pressing face of the pawl. The spring is a helical compression spring including an intermediate section between the first and second ends. Each of the first and second ends and the intermediate section includes a plurality of adjoining turns. The adjoining turns of the intermediate section are spaced from each other and form a compressible portion. The adjoining turns of the second end of the spring abut against each other and have no gaps therebetween.
US08522626B2
A clamping force sensor assembly for a transformer includes at least one sensor disposed within a casing. The design and configuration of the sensor assembly is such that it accurately measures clamping force values placed on the windings, without adversely impacting the operation of the transformer and with the ability to continue operating under electrical and thermal changes within the transformer. The sensor assembly can include loading members that distribute the pressure evenly over the casing that contains the sensor. The output of the sensor can indicate to an operator the extent of pressure changes experienced by the transformer windings. The output can be coupled with a process by which the damage to or the possibility of failure of the transformer is readily evaluated.
US08522624B2
A system is provided with a pressure balancing system configured to protect a flow meter. The pressure balancing system includes a housing configured to surround a fluid conduit to define a fluid chamber around the fluid conduit. The fluid chamber is configured to house the flow meter. The pressure balancing system is configured to at least substantially balance fluid pressure internal and external to the fluid conduit via the fluid chamber.
US08522622B2
A fixture for testing a tubular member simultaneously in bending and torsion is disclosed. The fixture includes first and second attachment elements that are configured to couple to the tubular member, and a load shoe that is configured to fit within the tubular member. The load shoe includes a body having a contact surface configured to contact a portion of an internal surface of the tubular member and at least one load reaction strut coupled to the body. The load reaction strut is configured to pass through a hole in the tubular member and accept a first force applied in a first direction that is perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the tubular member.
US08522621B2
A measurement bearing includes a rotational axis and at least one first bearing ring. The first bearing ring defines a main supporting direction and a circumferential direction extending transversally with respect to the main supporting direction. The first bearing ring also has at least one first recess in which a sensor device is arranged. The sensor device is adapted to sense a sensing variable which represents the bearing forces which are applied to the first bearing ring. The first bearing ring further has at least one second recess, in which a further sensor device is arranged. The first recess and the second recess are arranged a distance apart in the circumferential direction and transversally to the circumferential direction.
US08522613B2
There is provided an acceleration sensor including: a weight portion; plural fixed portions formed above a bottom plate around a periphery of the weight portion; a beam portion coupling the fixed portions and the weight portion, and holding the weight portion at a position separated from the bottom plate; a detection portion provided at the beam portion and detecting deformation of the beam portion; a frame portion provided so as to project out from the bottom plate and surround the fixed portions at a position separated from the fixed portions; and a lid portion of plate shape that seals an opening of the frame portion.
US08522612B1
An on-chip navigation system, optionally combined with GPS (Global Positioning System) and/or an imaging array, which incorporates MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) components is possible by the use of careful material selection and novel bonding techniques used during fabrication. The use of MEMS components permits many of the components of a typical inertial navigation system to reside on a single chip. Because the components are in close proximity, the components can then be used to monitor the environmental changes of the chip, such as temperature and vibration, and correct for the resulting offsets of other components. This allows improved system performance even if the individual sensor components are not ideal.
US08522610B2
A tire pressure gauge includes a holder, an air intake seat, and a detection device coupled with the air intake seat. The holder and air intake seat have respectively a first positioning ring and a second positioning ring. A fastening and unfastening tool of the tire pressure gauge includes an outer barrel and an inner barrel held in the outer barrel. The outer barrel has a first anchor portion to latch the first positioning ring. The inner barrel has a second anchor portion to latch the second positioning ring. The outer barrel and inner barrel respectively drive the holder and air intake seat to be fastened to an air nozzle of a vehicle tire, and the holder and air intake seat are butted tightly to allow the tire pressure gauge to be securely installed on the air nozzle of any type of vehicles through the fastening and unfastening tool.
US08522605B2
The same phenomenon as the phenomenon that a component of feed water is adsorbed to the surface of the membrane is used to assess water quality. Specifically, a sensor whose surface has a thin layer made of the same material as the material of the surface of the membrane and which includes a measurement unit such as a quartz crystal sensor that measures an adsorption rate on the thin layer is used to assess an effect of the water quality of the feed water on the membrane on the basis of a change in the adsorption rate on the sensor surface.
US08522604B2
An apparatus and a method for detection of wear particles in a lubricant are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a microchannel sized for a lubricant containing wear particles to pass therethrough and first and second electrodes extending into the microchannel. A detection system is coupled with the electrodes for detection of wear particles passing through the microchannel, based on a change in capacitance of the electrodes.
US08522595B2
A guided keeper assembly for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face and a fastener aperture to mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. A guide pin having a central portion is closely received in the central guide aperture for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and the die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at one end which abuts the the-base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at an opposite end with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the guide pin on the die pad. A fastener extends through the fastener aperture in the base to securely connect the same with the die shoe. Another fastener securely connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.
US08522588B2
A clamp for a disk rotation driving device has a centering hole which is fitted to an outer circumference of a centering projection of a hub of the disk rotation driving device. A clamping screw is screwed into an axial center of the hub whereby a fastening head of the clamping screw fastens the clamp to the hub and a contact portion of the clamp comes in contact with an information recordable magnetic disk attached to the hub and presses onto the disk in a rotation axis direction. The clamp includes a centering cylinder bent in an axial direction. The centering cylinder has a circumferential inner surface which defines the centering hole. The rounded section is provided along an edge of the centering hole and has a radius smaller than the thickness of the centering cylinder. The fastening surface is continuous to the rounded section.
US08522586B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a sheet metal component. A hot or cold strip is electrolytically coated or coated in a smelting bath and the thus coated hot or cold strip is subjected to a flexible rolling process. During said process, sheet metal having various thicknesses of the flexibly rolled steel strips are produced due to various rolling pressures. Said invention is characterized in that in accordance with the thickness of the sheet metal after being rolled in a flexible manner or in accordance with the rolling pressure during flexible rolling, either the coating whilst being coated has various thicknesses, and in accordance with the rolling pressure with increasing rolling pressure that is expected, the thickness of the coating is thicker and/or the coating prior to or after the flexible rolling is subjected to a mechanical or chemical surface treatment for adjusting the desired emissivity or heat absorption capacity.
US08522576B2
A glass sheet bending station includes a framework, lower and upper deformable molds for receiving therebetween a glass sheet to be bent, and lower and upper linkages that respectively support the lower and upper molds on the framework. Each linkage includes connector links that are fixedly connected to the associated mold and that have pivotal connections to each other, wherein the pivotal connections define pivot axes that are parallel to a shape defined by the connector links between the lower and upper linkages throughout the bending. Each linkage also has control links connected to the connector links thereof such that the control links are pivotable about axes that extend perpendicular to the shape defined between the lower and upper. Furthermore, at least one of the control links of each linkage is configured to permit glass sheet bending by linkage movement on one side thereof independently of the other side thereof.
US08522568B2
An air conditioner (1) includes a refrigerant circuit (10) configured to perform a supercritical refrigeration cycle and including: an outdoor circuit (21) including a compressor (22), an outdoor heat exchanger (23), and an outdoor expansion valve (24); and two indoor circuits (31a, 31b) including indoor heat exchangers (33a, 33b) and indoor expansion valves (34a, 34b). The air conditioner (1) further includes a controller (50) configured to control outlet refrigerant temperatures of the indoor heat exchangers (33a, 33b). The controller (50) includes a valve control part (50a) configured to adjust the opening degrees of the indoor expansion valves (34a, 34b) such that a deviation of the outlet refrigerant temperature of each of the indoor heat exchangers (33a, 33b) from an average value of the outlet refrigerant temperatures of all the indoor heat exchangers (33a, 33b) approaches a deviation of a target value which is a deviation, from the average value, of a target refrigerant temperature of the outlet refrigerant temperature of each of the indoor heat exchangers (33a, 33b).
US08522562B2
An apparatus for magnetically processing a specimen that couples high field strength magnetic fields with the magnetocaloric effect includes a high field strength magnet capable of generating a magnetic field of at least 1 Tesla and a magnetocaloric insert disposed within a bore of the high field strength magnet. A method for magnetically processing a specimen includes positioning a specimen adjacent to a magnetocaloric insert within a bore of a magnet and applying a high field strength magnetic field of at least 1 Tesla to the specimen and to the magnetocaloric insert. The temperature of the specimen changes during the application of the high field strength magnetic field due to the magnetocaloric effect.
US08522560B2
An apparatus includes an inlet conduit assembly surrounding a gas flow path and a combustor arranged downstream of the inlet conduit assembly. The inlet conduit assembly includes a thermoelectric (TE) device configured to convert heat into electrical energy, a gas flow conduit arranged between the gas flow path and the TE device, and a resilient member configured to bias the TE device into contact with the gas flow conduit.
US08522553B2
A system for conditioning a working fluid in a combustor includes a primary combustion chamber, a liner circumferentially surrounding the primary combustion chamber, and a primary nozzle in fluid communication with the primary combustion chamber. A secondary combustion chamber located outside of the primary combustion chamber includes a shroud that defines a fluid passage, a secondary nozzle, and means for igniting fuel in the secondary combustion chamber. A method for conditioning a working fluid in a combustor includes flowing the working fluid through a primary combustion chamber and flowing at least a portion of the working fluid through a secondary combustion chamber located outside of the primary combustion chamber. The method further includes flowing a fuel through the secondary combustion chamber, combusting the fuel, and flowing the combustion gases from the secondary combustion chamber into the primary combustion chamber.
US08522547B2
In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle with a turbine comprising a turbine housing with at least a first and a second spiral channel, each being coupled to an exhaust gas line of an exhaust gas tract of the internal combustion engine for conducting exhaust gas to a turbine wheel arranged within the turbine housing and driving a compressor wheel of a compressor of the exhaust gas turbocharger, an area ratio Qg of the turbine corresponds to the formula Qg=(Aλ+AAGR)/AR>0.40, wherein Aλ refers to a narrowest flow cross-section of the first spiral channel, AAGR to a narrowest flow cross-section of the second spiral channel (52b) and AR to a wheel exit flow cross-section of the turbine exhaust channel. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and such an exhaust gas turbocharger.
US08522537B2
The present invention provides an exhaust heat recovery device configured to perform heat exchange between three media such as, exhaust gas, coolant, and oil. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the exhaust heat recovery device is configured such that the heat of exhaust gas discharged from an engine is transmitted to the coolant and the oil at the same time and direct heat exchange between the coolant and the oil is made, thereby simultaneously increasing the temperature of the coolant and the oil during the initial start-up of the engine (fast warm-up). As a result, it is possible to reduce friction loss of powertrain, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust heat recovery device which is configured to perform the integral heat exchange between the exhaust gas, the coolant, and the oil.
US08522536B2
An exhaust gas emissions aftertreatment system for spark-ignition engines, which simultaneously reduces the particulate matter, HC, CO, and NOx content of the exhaust. Various embodiments of the system have both a closely-coupled TWC device, and an under-floor treatment device. The under-floor device has either TWC or NOx reduction functionality, depending on whether the engine is run under stiochiometric or lean burn operating conditions.
US08522535B2
A breather device A1 for pressure relief includes a breather pipe 121 serving as a fixing part, and an inner pipe 122 serving as a communication part and is provided by the breather pipe 121 with fixation strength enough for securing the breather device A1 to a liquid tank 101. The inner pipe 122 has a vent hole P formed therein for provide fluid-communication between the inside of the liquid tank 101 and the outside thereof in a manner such that an inner surface forming the vent hole P is made of a resin.
US08522531B2
A determination oxygen storage amount used to determine whether a catalyst is degraded is a value obtained by applying a correction amount for removing error caused by response delay time of an output signal of an oxygen sensor to an oxygen storage amount calculated every short time. The correction amount is a value that is calculated using slopes stored in memory, i.e., the slopes for the number of storage cycles (>the short time) corresponding to the response delay time, or the like, and becomes more accurate as a value corresponding to the error as the storage cycle becomes relatively shorter with respect to the response delay time and the number of the slopes stored in the memory increases. The necessary storage capacity of the memory is inhibited from increasing excessively even if the number of the slopes stored in the memory is large.
US08522526B2
With an engine for aircraft with high electric power demand, the power of the low-pressure shaft (7) operating in a lower speed range is transmitted to the high-pressure shaft (6) by an electromagnetic clutch (10). In the clutch element (14) on the side of the low-pressure shaft a frequency-controllable rotary field is generated, which drives a magnet (13) connected to the high-pressure shaft.
US08522525B2
A device and method for drawing off and recirculating cooling streams, specifically for drawing off and recirculating a cooling stream of fuel for cooling at least one aircraft engine accessory, is disclosed. The device having a tubular jacket part defining a flow cross-section through which a primary stream, specifically a fuel stream, flows by way of an extraction pipe which is positioned approximately in the center of the flow cross-section, or jacket part, in order to draw off a cooling stream from the primary stream, by way of a hollow strut extending in the radial direction to divert this cooling stream from the device with the aid of the extraction pipe and to supply it to at least one accessory to be cooled, and by way of a return opening to recirculate the cooling stream directed through the accessory for cooling purposes to the primary stream.
US08522523B2
An air compressor is driven by a steam engine that generates power using steam. The steam is supplied to the steam engine through a steam supply path, and the steam is exhausted through a steam exhaust path. The steam from the steam engine is supplied to a steam using device through a steam header. The usage load of the steam is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged in the steam header. The compressed air from the air compressor is supplied to a compressed air using device through a compressed air path. The usage load of the compressed air is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged on the compressed air path. The steam supply to the steam engine is controlled based on the usage load of the steam and the usage load of the compressed air.
US08522515B2
An apparatus for customizing a cigarette package is provided, wherein the cigarette package is configured to receive a plurality of as-formed cigarettes therein. Such an apparatus comprises a feeder unit configured to feed one of a plurality of cigarette packages to a register position. An imprinting unit is configured to interact with the cigarette package in the register position so as to imprint at least one of an alphanumeric character and a graphical character thereon. An associated method is also provided.
US08522511B2
Methods and apparatus for providing a mast system including a telescoping mast having first and second mast sections, the mast having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the first mast section including an inner surface having ribs disposed thereon, and, the second mast section including a coupling mechanism to engage the ribs on the first mast section for enabling axial movement of the second mast section with respect to the first mast section.
US08522502B2
Tower structures of wind power installations having a height of more than 80 meters have a mast structure with corner posts composed of sub-profiles. The corner posts are each formed a sub-profile A and a sub-profile I which are not integrally connected to one another. The sub-profiles together form a closed overall profile. Separating joints of the closed overall profile are arranged aligned with corresponding separating joints of an adjacent corner post which is connected to struts.
US08522489B2
A panel and panel systems are described herein and can include a rigid panel that includes a plurality of apertures and an undulating pattern. The panel acts to block sunlight and may otherwise protect the area behind the panel. In an example, the panel is fixed in a spaced apart relation to a building. The panel or panels block a portion of the direct sunlight to assist in the environmental control of the building. The panel can be strong enough to further protect the building from weather damage or other damage.
US08522487B2
In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input. Said hatch system may include an actuator and guides for automatically locking/unlocking and opening/closing a hatch, an actuator and guides for automatically raising/lowering a railing system, hazard, security, lighting, and other safety monitoring detectors/apparatuses, and a centralized controller.
US08522479B2
A double door assembly having an active door and a passive door includes an astragal that is formed of a composite of aluminum and wood. The astragal is formed of an aluminum rail with a U-shaped cross section that receives a wooden insert. The astragal is mounted to a passive door such that the U-shaped cross section opens to the active door and the wooden insert presents a mounting surface for hardware.
US08522476B2
A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover.
US08522475B2
A horticultural cut flower container assembly having a triangular shaped piece of flexible foam material with the ends of the triangular shaped foam material being adapted to be folded over the stem ends of a bunch of cut flowers. An elastic band is placed over the folded foam material to hold foam material in a folded configuration and an outer plastic bag is placed over the folded foam material and stem ends.
US08522473B2
A yarn object which, even though made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, can be satisfactorily prevented from color fading caused by contact with other objects or the like, can be produced easily at low cast, and can maintain high strength. The yarn object is colored with a colorant. The yarn object includes a core yarn 2 colored with a predetermined colorant and an outer-layer yarn 3 disposed on the periphery of the core yarn. The outer-layer yarn 3 is disposed in such a manner that the core yarn 2 is prevented from contacting with other objects. The outer-layer yarn 3 includes a transparent filament and a space 4 is formed between the outer-layer yarns 3. The color applied to the core yarn 2 is externally visible through the transparent outer-layer yarn 3 and the space therebetween 4.
US08522467B1
An integral hand guard and accessory rail has an elongated shell with a shell wall adapted to be spaced-apart from and circumscribing a barrel of a firearm. The shell has a portion adapted to be griped by a user and defining a hand guard. The shell wall has another portion protruding radially away from the barrel defining an elongated rail, the rail having a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the axis with a narrower neck a wider head coupled to the shell by the neck.
US08522459B2
The present invention relates to a sediment/water separator used to dredge sediment from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors, lagoons, tanks, dykes, reservoirs and seashore. The invention, also named submergible densification cell, dredges sediment of various types at various depths. The sediment can vary as far as their consistency, contamination, stratigraphy, density, origin, concentration, granulometry and other aspects of its formation are concerned. The invention also relates to a sediment densification method which utilizes the submergible densification cell, resulting in an increase of 1.5 to 3 times (by weight) in the concentration of the dredged sediment, reducing the removed volume, the area necessary for deposition, and, as a result, accelerating the open-air drying process of the dredged sediment.
US08522451B2
A method of spraying a treating chemistry into a dispensing dryer in a manner to avoid the pooling and dripping of the treating chemistry.
US08522441B2
A utility tool comprising a body having a first end and a second end positioned on opposite ends of the body; a removable device; as well as a first tool and a second tool configured to be selectively coupled to each other or one of either the first end and second end of the body.
US08522433B2
A low cost and simple seal installation method provides for easy installation of bonded pistons and lip seals in an automatic transmission or other industrial machine. The installation method utilizes a flexible circular disc that can be inserted in a gap between the bore and the shaft and is pressed against the seal lip to flip the seal lip to its desired orientation while the disc is rolled around the circumference of the gap to orientate the entire seal in its proper position.
US08522431B2
During mounting to an inlay substrate, at least one end portion (including end) of an antenna wire is positioned directly over a terminal of the chip module for subsequent connecting thereto. A sonotrode is disclosed with a cutter above the capillary for nicking the wire. The antenna may comprise two separate stubs, each having an end portion (including end) positioned over a terminal of the chip module. Additional techniques for mounting the antenna wire are disclosed.
US08522425B2
A method for assembling an electronic device comprises inserting a thermal element into an electrical connector contained within a special volume defined by a constricted enclosure that comprises a housing of the electronic device. The spatial volume contains a printed circuit board and the electrical connector includes internal electrical contacts that are positioned proximate to solder connection pads on the printed circuit board when the electrical connector and the printed circuit board are contained within the constricted enclosure. Insertion of the thermal element heats the internal electrical contacts so that solder on the solder connection pads reflows to form solder connections respectively between the internal electrical contacts and the solder connection pads. Thereafter, the thermal element is removed from the electrical contact.
US08522414B1
A portable hand operated hose fitting swaging device preferably includes a swaging frame, a pair of swaging die halves, a hydraulic cylinder and a hand hydraulic pump. The swaging frame includes a cylinder support, a pair of support straps and a die base. The two swaging die halves are retained in the die base. The swaging die halves include a substantially conical bore to receive a hose end of a hose fitting. The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder rod. A fitting ram is attached to an end of the cylinder rod. The hand hydraulic pump includes a pump, an accumulator and a pump relief valve. The pump includes an actuator rod, which is pulled to generate pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pump forces hydraulic fluid through an output opening. The output opening is connected to the hydraulic cylinder through at least one hydraulic line.
US08522408B2
A clamp includes a base section, from which a pair of sidewalls and prongs extend, where the prongs are designed to grip gussets within the curb inlet and maintain proper alignment with designated portions of the restrictor plate despite manufacturing variations in gussets positioning within the curb inlet. The clamp is capable of securely positioning a floatable restrictor plate within or flush with an opening of the curb inlet so as to prevent floatables from entering storm sewer systems through the curb inlet.
US08522405B2
A belt buckle is provided with a waist belt outlet slot (1) for connecting with a waist belt beginning (6) and at least one inlet retainer (5) engaging in openings of the belt at the opposite waist belt inlet slot (2).As a result of the design of the central section of the belt buckle as an essentially flat element (3), which permits deflection toward the waist belt, which reaches in the section of the, or of each inlet retainer (5) at least their height, can, in spite of a simple design, prevent an opening that is against the will of the carrier.
US08522404B2
A button assembly including a button head operable to rotate in three-dimensional space. The button assembly having a mounting portion and an elongated shaft attached to a base is provided. The button assembly includes a bearing member disposed on one end of the shaft. The bearing member is configured to fittingly engage the mounting portion of the button head so as to pivotably attach the button head to the shaft. The base may be inserted into an article of clothing in alignment with a corresponding buttonhole. Accordingly the user is able to rotate and pivot the button head about the bearing member of the shaft so as to facilitate the insertion of the button head into the buttonhole.
US08522398B2
The carriage, which serves for holding a slidable separation element, comprises a carriage body and at least one running wheel, which is a rolling along a rail when the separation elements is displaced. According to the invention the carriage body comprises a housing with an interior space, in which a holding unit is provided, which is protruding through an opening out of the housing and which is seated slidable in a direction at least approximately vertically to the running direction of the carriage, and which the holding unit comprises a holding element that interacts within the housing with an adjusting element, that is displaceable in relation to the holding element by means of an adjusting screw, which is held by the carriage body, so that the holding unit is held at a selected position, whereas either the part of the holding unit that is protruding out of the housing is provided with the at least one running wheel and the carriage body is connected to the separation element; or the part of the holding unit that is protruding out of the housing is connected to the separation element and the carriage body is provided with the at least one running wheel.
US08522393B2
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighbouring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the special feature that the connecting device comprises at least two parts provided with protrusion/hole features for detachably connecting the parts together, wherein the first part is retained onto the wiper blade and wherein the second part has an at least substantially U-shaped cross-section at the location of its connection to said first part, wherein each leg of said U-shaped cross-section is allowed to bend outwardly upon insertion of the oscillating arm into said second part for connecting said first and second parts together through a snapping operation.
US08522389B2
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a needle-shaped bristle having a short taper length. The method includes preparing a bundle of toothbrush bristles by mixing a polyester resin (a polyester resin other than a PTT resin) and a PTT resin in a ratio of 90˜40 to 10˜60 and spinning the mixture thereof; cutting the bundle of toothbrush bristles; and tapering the cut bundle of toothbrush bristles by immersing it into a chemical. According to the present invention, since needle-shaped bristles having a taper length of 6 mm or less can be efficiently obtained, the needle-shaped bristles can be implanted even in an anchorless toothbrush.
US08522384B2
A powered toothbrush assembly (100) includes an outer housing (102, 104), a brush head (106) and a fluid nozzle (138) adjacent the brush head (106), an inner housing (122) disposed within the outer housing (102,104) and having a motor (130) which is in operative engagement with the brush head (106) to impart motion to the brush head (106) and a pump mechanism (134) disposed within the inner housing (122). The outer housing (102,104) and the inner housing (122) define a chamber (142) therebetween for accommodating a fluid. The pump mechanism (134) includes a pump housing (156) having a pump inlet (168) dimensioned to permit entry of the fluid from the chamber (142) and a pump outlet (172) for permitting exit of the fluid from the pump housing (156), a pump (170) for imparting energy to the fluid entering the pump inlet (168) and directing the fluid to the pump outlet (172) and a conduit (180) in fluid communication with the pump outlet (172) and the fluid nozzle (138) for directing the fluid to the fluid nozzle (138) for release under pressure therefrom.
US08522380B2
Disclosed herein is a control method of a washing machine that performs washing using bubbles. The control method may generate a large number of bubbles using a small amount of water to reduce water consumption and transmit detergent water to laundry placed in the washing machine effectively and rapidly using high-concentration detergent on the surfaces of the bubbles, thereby reducing time and energy consumption and improving washing efficiency. The bubbles may act as a cushion to reduce friction between laundry articles, thereby preventing expensive laundry (such as wool or silk) from being damaged due to the friction between the laundry articles and between the laundry and water and preventing damage to and deformation of general laundry when washing the laundry.
US08522374B2
Infant-care furniture includes a playyard and a playyard accessory unit coupled to the playyard. The playyard accessory unit includes an accessory frame and a case coupled to the accessory frame, and further includes a changer shell coupled to an upper pedestal section that is coupled to the playyard. The accessory unit further includes a storage shell and a hamper shell coupled to the changer shell.
US08522363B2
Latex articles with geometrically defined surface structure providing enhanced grip characteristics in dry, wet or oily environment; and a method of making same comprising applying a polymeric coagulant coating to a smooth former surface, wherein the coating becomes tacky during drying, applying discrete coagulant particles of selected size, shape and distribution to the tacky coating to attach and protrude from the former surface with the polymeric coagulant coating, dipping the former into an aqueous latex emulsion, wherein the polymeric coagulant coating and the discrete coagulating particles destabilize the latex, thereby developing a latex layer, vulcanizing and stripping the latex article inside out, and dissolving the discrete coagulant particles in water or suitable solvents to reveal the geometrically designed texture with pre-selected size, shape and distribution of impressions providing improved dry, wet and oily surface grip by removal of a fluid boundary layer.
US08528107B1
An administrator may set restrictions related to the operation of a virtual machine (VM), and virtualization software enforces such restrictions. There may be restrictions related to the general use of the VM, such as who may use the VM, when the VM may be used, and on what physical computers the VM may be used. There may be similar restrictions related to a general ability to modify a VM, such as who may modify the VM. There may also be restrictions related to what modifications may be made to a VM, such as whether the VM may be modified to enable access to various devices or other resources. There may also be restrictions related to how the VM may be used and what may be done with the VM. Information related to the VM and any restrictions placed on the operation of the VM may be encrypted to inhibit a user from circumventing the restrictions.
US08528101B1
A computing data center that contains a set of physically isolatable units of computing resources for which a physical security exception action plan is to be provided. Upon determining that a security event has occurred for one or more physically isolatable units, the computing data center implements physical security settings on potentially affected computing resources so that a physical security exception action plan can be met. The computing data center may, for example, remove data from the physically isolatable units and make the removed data available elsewhere.
US08528093B1
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to perform a static analysis of a set of target code to identify a first set of security issues. A dynamic analysis of the target code is executed to identify a second set of security issues. The first set of security issues and the second set of security issues are compared and common security issues are reported.
US08528092B2
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for identifying unwanted activity utilizing a honeypot accessible via virtual local area network (VLAN) trunking. In use, a honeypot device is allowed to be accessed via VLAN trunking. Furthermore, unwanted data is identified, utilizing the honeypot device.
US08528083B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for enveloping a thread of execution within an IDT-based secure sandbox. In one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide that a request is received from an application, the request being generated using an application programming interface of a device driver. After the request is received a call gate descriptor for a call gate is added to a segment descriptor table for the application. The call gate descriptor specifies: (a) that the call gate can be called from a first privilege level of the application; and (b) that the call gate requests a second privilege level higher that the first privilege level. A call gate selector for the call gate descriptor is provided to the application in response to the request.
US08528082B2
A security disposing method and device for the input data involves generating an interference data according to a predefined rule when inputting the data, and mixing the input data with the interference data and sending the mixed data, and parsing out the interference data according to the predefined rule after receiving the mixed data, and separating the input data according to the parsed interference data.
US08528078B2
The authenticity of a website is determined using a unique string of characters known only to the user and the website on each page of the website that is displayed to the user, with a false site being incapable of displaying this unique string of characters, thereby putting the user on notice that the current site is not the authentic one the user desires to access. Voice methods for conveying one-time pass codes to users and for permitting customer institutions to select authentication rules are also disclosed.
US08528072B2
A method, apparatus, and system for accessing at least a portion of a device based upon an access input. An access input is received. The access input includes information for gaining access to one or more functions of the device. A user access mode of the device is changed from a first access mode to a second access mode based upon at least in part on the access input. An application is selected in the device in response to changing from the first access mode to the second access mode. At least a portion of the output of the selected application is provided.
US08528046B2
An information handling system includes a host mapped general purpose input output (GPIO), a shared memory, a board management controller, and a cryptography engine. The host mapped GPIO includes a plurality of registers. The board management controller is in communication with the host mapped GPIO and with the shared memory, and is configured to control accessibility to the plurality of registers in the GPIO, and to control write accessibility of the shared memory based on a private key received from a basic input output system requesting accessibility to the plurality of registers and write accessibility of the shared memory. The cryptography engine is in communication with the board memory controller, and is configured to authenticate the private key received from the board management controller.
US08528045B2
According to some embodiments, a member authentication request is received at a security server from a client server. The member authentication request may be associated with, for example, a member attempting to access confidential information from the client server. A secure key associated with the member may be determined and data associated with that key may be transmitted to the member (e.g., via his or her wireless device or computer). Secure key information may be received from the member and validated. Based on the validated secure key information, it may be arranged for the member to receive the confidential information from the client server.
US08528044B2
An information processing apparatus that can easily and safely transmit data. A registering unit registers first authentication information in association with user information indicating a first user. The first authentication information is necessary for the first user to log on to the information processing apparatus. A generating unit generates an address data that is used to transmit data from an external apparatus to the information processing apparatus and includes the user information and second authentication information. A transmitting unit transmits the address data to the external apparatus. An authenticating unit authenticates by utilizing the second authentication information included in the address data when the data is transmitted based on the address data from the external apparatus. A storing unit stores the received data in association with the first user when the authentication by the authenticating unit succeeds.
US08528041B1
A computer-implemented method, network management system, and network clients are provided for out-of-band network security management. The network management system includes routers, firewalls, and out-of-band interfaces. The out-of-band interface of the network management system transmits access control lists to network clients connected to a trusted network. The trusted network connects the routers, firewalls, and network clients. The firewalls receive access control lists from the network management system to police communications that traverse the trusted network and an untrusted network. The routers receive access control lists from the network management system to police communications that traverse the router within the trusted network. The access control lists for the routers and firewalls are transmitted over a network interface to the trusted network and are transmitted separately from the access control lists for the network clients.
US08528034B2
A modem system may include modems that have multiple upstream transmitters for transmitting signals upstream in a communication network. In some embodiments herein, one or more of those upstream transmitters may be retasked to transmit downstream signals for reception at devices within a modem's premises. The downstream signal may be modulated differently from its original modulation as received by the modem, and may be modulated in a manner that can be received by legacy components on the premises, such as analog televisions.
US08528033B2
Methods and systems for providing subscription data are described. Subscription data may be received from a subscription data source. The video content may be provided for presentation. A determination may be made of whether the subscription data is contextually relevant to the video content. The subscription data may be provided for presentation in accordance with the determination and the providing of the video content.
US08528031B2
In one embodiment consistent with the invention a method of quality of service (QOS) data aggregation and service management for Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) involves receiving data from a plurality of DDRIVL collector devices representing QOS service for sets of IPTV content providers assigned to each collector device, with each collector device being in a separate specified region of Internet service; evaluating from a geographic and interconnection perspective the data from the plurality of collector devices to isolate IPTV receivers located in areas where problems with IPTV service is likely to be occurring; and populating the isolated IPTV receivers with channel set tuning information that either excludes or flags the channels that may be having problems with IPTV service. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08528029B2
Apparatus and method for providing and receiving media programming information including providing programming package information comprising attributes of a package of media presentation channels. Further, a subscription characteristic is defined that determines an ability subscribe to the package and to present the programming package information on a device. The device operates to compare the subscription characteristic with device-related subscription information. A subscription is allowed and/or the programming package information is presented on the device based on a predetermined relationship between the subscription characteristic and the device subscription information.
US08528017B2
Closed caption (CC) data is carried across a digital interface such as HDMI by a source such as a set top box arrange CC data into a HDMI packet that is then transmitted, along with video packets, across the interface to a sink such as a TV. The CC data is kept in the same format that it was received and the TV's decoder processor processes the packets and renders CC text as if the CC data had been received by the tuner of the TV.
US08528016B2
A set-top box may receive program guide information from a server. The program guide information may identify a group of programs and specify, for each program, an indicator of set-top boxes tuned to the each program or providing the each program. The set-top box may further provide, to a display and using the received program guide information, a program guide, where the program guide represents each program, in the group of programs, as a shape, and where a size of each shape corresponds to the indicator of set-top boxes tuned to the represented program or providing the represented program. The set-top box may also receive updated program guide information from the server and dynamically increase or decrease at least one shape in the program guide, based on the updated program guide information.
US08528010B2
An optical disc apparatus includes: a chassis; an optical pickup that is movably disposed on the chassis; a flexible member including wiring, which extends out from the optical pickup; and a wall portion that is provided in a standing manner at one end portion of the chassis. In the optical disc apparatus, an opening that allows the flexible member to be disposed in a bent state is formed through the chassis, and a first cutout is formed at the wall portion so as to be continuous with the opening.
US08528009B2
An electronic device includes a housing having top and bottom walls, and an optical disk drive disposed in the housing between the top and bottom walls and including a supporting plate, and a motor shaft disposed at the center of the supporting plate. An optical disk drive support module includes an upper support unit provided on the top wall and having a rotatable element disposed above the motor shaft, a lower support unit provided on the bottom wall below the motor shaft, a bracket connected to the optical disk drive and including top and bottom plates. When the optical disk drive is inserted into the housing, the top plate presses the rotatable element downwardly toward the motor shaft, and the bottom plate pushes the lower support unit upwardly toward the supporting plate. A rolling unit is provided on the top plate, and is in rollable contact with the rotatable element.
US08528001B2
A system and method for automatically controlling run-time parallelization of a software application. A buffer is allocated during execution of program code of an application. When a point in program code near a parallelized region is reached, demand information is stored in the buffer in response to reaching a predetermined first checkpoint. Subsequently, the demand information is read from the buffer in response to reaching a predetermined second checkpoint. Allocation information corresponding to the read demand information is computed and stored the in the buffer for the application to later access. The allocation information is read from the buffer in response to reaching a predetermined third checkpoint, and the parallelized region of code is executed in a manner corresponding to the allocation information.
US08527996B2
A method and system for throttling a plurality of operations of a plurality of applications that share a plurality of resources. A difference between observed and predicted workloads is computed. If the difference does not exceed a threshold, a multi-strategy finder operates in normal mode and applies a recursive greedy pruning process with a look-back and look-forward optimization to select actions for a final schedule of actions that improve the utility of a data storage system. If the difference exceeds the threshold, the multi-strategy finder operates in unexpected mode and applies a defensive action selection process to select actions for the final schedule. The selected actions are performed according to the final schedule and include throttling of a CPU, network, and/or storage.
US08527993B2
Techniques are provided which may be implemented in various methods and/or apparatuses that to provide a tasking system buffer interface capability to interface with a plurality of shared processes/engines.
US08527990B1
A computer-implemented method for migrating virtual machines may include: 1) identifying a request to migrate a virtual machine from a primary site to a secondary site, the primary site including a primary storage device used by the virtual machine and configured for asynchronous replication to a secondary storage device at the secondary site, 2) identifying a difference map that reflects differences between data on the primary storage device and the secondary storage device, 3) initiating the virtual machine at the secondary site, 4) intercepting an input/output attempt from the virtual machine at the secondary site to the secondary storage device, 5) determining, based on the difference map, that a region of the input/output attempt has not been synchronized from the primary storage device, and 6) retrieving the region from the primary storage device before allowing the input/output attempt to proceed. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed.
US08527986B1
A method of identifying a problem with a mobile application, comprising an emulation application initiating execution of a mobile application, the emulation application providing an execution environment that simulates a portable communication device in which the mobile application executes, wherein the emulation application is stored in a memory and executed by a processor of a computer; the emulation application detecting that the mobile application has self-reinstalled twice in succession; and the emulation application, based on detection of successive reinstallations, transmitting notification to an application store that the mobile application has self-reinstalled twice in succession.
US08527961B2
A debugging tool pauses or stops the execution of a computer program midway through the evaluation of a single line of source code that contains multiple expressions. A debugging tool pauses or stops the execution of a computer program after evaluating and executing one or more expressions within a particular line of source code, but before evaluating and executing one or more other expressions within that same particular line of source code. Thus, programmers can use such a debugging tool to debug a computer program at a level of granularity that is finer than source code line-level. Programmers can use such a debugging tool to debug a computer program, using breakpoints and/or stepping, at an expression-level of granularity.
US08527957B2
Systems, methods, computer program products, and the like for testing to validate software operations are described. A first part of a test can be executed in a tenant currently having a first system state. The tenant can be transitioned from the first system state to a second system state. The transitioning can have an unknown effect on a business process or business scenario running in the tenant. A second part of the test can be executed in the tenant while the tenant is in the second system state. Upon completion of the test, it can be determined whether the transition of the tenant from the first system state to the second system state negatively impacts the running of the business process or business scenario.
US08527948B2
The invention relates to a process for the automatic matching of a control software component to a control unit network in order to permit communication between control software components of the control unit network, whereby the control unit network-independent communication commands of a control software component in the program code are replaced by control unit network-dependent communication commands.
US08527946B2
The present invention provides a programming model based on a relational view of the heap which defines identity declaratively, obviating the need for equals( ) and hashcode( ) methods. Each element in the heap (called a tuple) belongs to a relation type and relates an immutable identity to mutable state. The model entails a stricter contract: identity never changes during an execution. Objects, values, and singletons arise as special cases of tuples.
US08527937B2
Building a software product in an integrated development environment using build styles. Applying a plurality of build styles, each of the build styles comprising a dictionary of build settings, to a target, determining an order of precedence for the build styles and other dictionaries containing build settings, and building a software product using said target and said build styles.
US08527936B2
An improved method, system, user interface, and computer program product is disclosed for performing graphical analysis of coverage. According to some approaches, a graphical user interface uses treemaps to provide analysis of verification coverage. This allows the user to efficiently obtain the overall and/or complete picture of the coverage space, as well as the relative size of nodes in terms of number of coverage elements contained in them. Moreover, the present treemap approach provides relative comparison of coverage of the nodes and allows the user to identify whether there is any missing coverage, and if so, whether the missing coverage evenly balanced. This information is very useful for the decision made by the user regarding overall coverage and steps to be taken to improve the coverage.
US08527934B2
Disclosed is an improved mechanism and method for implementing electronic designs. According to some approaches, a method, mechanism, and compute program product is disclosed for implementing electronic designs that allows visual editing of complex objects with advanced editing features, which also provides for automated correspondence of the editing results to parametric values for a programmable object in the design.
US08527928B1
A computer-readable medium stores a specification for a circuit layout. The specification includes: a configuration of rooms for placing devices, one or more room constraints for the configuration of rooms, one or more groups of devices for the rooms, and one or more device constraints for devices in a same room. The configuration of rooms may include a tree-structure for the rooms. The room constraints may include a common symmetry line for a first room and a second room. The device constraints may include a self-symmetry constraint for a first device about a symmetry line in a first room. The device constraints may include a symmetry constraint for a first device and a second device about a symmetry line in a first room. The devices may include analog or RF (radio frequency) devices.
US08527927B2
Some embodiments provide a system that facilitates the creation of a design in an electronic design automation (EDA) application. During operation, the system determines a processing order for processing a set of cells in the design. In some embodiments, the processing order can be a reverse-levelized processing order. Next, the system may select a cell for performing area recovery according to the processing order. The system may then tentatively perform an area-recovery operation on the selected cell. Next, the system may determine a zone around the selected cell. Next, the system may propagate arrival times within the zone to obtain updated slack values at endpoints of the zone. The system may compute one or more timing metrics at the endpoints. If the updated slack values do not degrade the timing metric(s) at the endpoints, the system may accept the area-recovery operation of the selected cell.
US08527925B2
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for estimating a clock skew. The method comprises: obtaining a basic clock skew of each clock tree in the circuit; judging whether two units are in a same clock domain; if they are in different clock domains, estimating the clock skew between units to be a larger one of basic clock skews of the clock trees corresponding to these two unit; if these two units are in the same clock domain, further judging whether they are in a same hierarchical logic block; if they are in different hierarchical logic blocks, estimating the clock skew between units to be the basic clock skew of the clock tree of these two units plus additional clock skew caused by different hierarchical logic blocks. The apparatus is corresponding to the method. With the method and apparatus, the clock skew in the circuit can be estimated more accurately, which improves the efficiency of circuit design.
US08527921B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system which verifies a circuit design by biasing input stimuli for the circuit design to satisfy one or more temporal coverage properties to be verified for the circuit design. This system performs a simulation in which random input stimuli are applied to the circuit design. The system performs the simulation by using a finite state automaton (FSA) instance for a temporal coverage property to observe inputs and outputs of the circuit, and by using soft constraints associated with the FSA instance to bias the input stimuli for the circuit design so that the simulation is likely to progress through a sequence of states which satisfy the temporal coverage property.
US08527914B2
A flare map calculating method of an embodiment calculates an optical image intensity distribution in each division region set in a pattern region. Furthermore, an average value of the optical image intensity distribution is calculated in each division region. A pattern or plural patterns, which has a pattern density corresponding to the average value, is calculated as a corresponding density pattern in each division region. Furthermore, a density map, which represents a pattern density distribution within the pattern region, is generated based on the corresponding density pattern, and a flare map representing a flare intensity distribution within the pattern region is calculated by convolution integral of the density map and a point spread function.
US08527898B2
A direction-based data entry system displays a field having an initial value and a field location. When the user selects the field, the direction-based data entry system enters a data entry mode in which an auxiliary data entry tool is not displayed. To enter a new value for the field, the user indicates movement across the display relative to the field. As the user indicates movement, the direction-based data entry system may display an indication of a new value for the field represented by the movement. When the new value is the value that the user wants entered into the field, the user terminates the movement, which causes the new value to be the current value for the field.
US08527896B2
A graphical user interface is provided that has two distinct sections. A first area has an array of menu items. When a menu item is hovered over by a pointer, an icon such as a contextually-related animated icon is displayed on a second area and changes its appearance in such a way as to indicate to the user the location of the pointer and/or the consequence of selecting that menu item.
US08527894B2
A computer-implemented method of navigating a GUI can include, responsive to a user input initiating a navigation mode, overlaying, atop of the GUI located within a first layer, a virtual keyboard within a second layer, wherein the virtual keyboard includes a plurality of virtual keys. The method can include, for each virtual key, associating the virtual key with a region of the first layer including an area of the GUI beneath the virtual key. The method can include mapping each virtual key with a physical key of a physical keyboard communicatively linked with a computer rendering the GUI and, responsive to a user input selecting a physical key of the physical keyboard, selecting a region corresponding to the selected physical key. A level of magnification for the selected region can be increased within the first layer while keeping the virtual keyboard sizing constant.
US08527893B2
This patent application relates to taxonomy editing. One implementation involves a taxonomy editor configured to generate a visual representation of a taxonomy associated with a set of scientific papers. The taxonomy editor includes a properties module configured to identify properties relating to an individual node of the taxonomy and a statistics module configured to determine trends relating to the individual node. The taxonomy editor further includes a similarity module configured to evaluate keyword similarity relative to individual scientific papers associated with the individual node. The taxonomy editor also includes a suggestion module configured to utilize the properties, the trends and the keyword similarity to identify potential modifications to the taxonomy. The taxonomy editor is further configured to present at least some of the potential modifications, the properties, the trends, and the keyword similarity concurrently with the visual representation of the taxonomy.
US08527889B2
An application and method for dynamically presenting data regarding end points and services relative to a subscriber. In one embodiment, the application is operable with a service management system and is configured to employ the service management system to determine relationships between a subscriber and services and end points associated therewith and generate a user interface that provides a view, based on the relationships, of at least one of: (1) one of the services in terms of end points that play roles in the one of the services and (2) one of the end points in terms of services in which the one of the end points plays a role.
US08527880B2
A method and apparatus for viewing desired portions of a multimedia presentation. Desired portions of a multimedia presentation are determined. In one embodiment, an editor may determine which portions of the presentation are desired. Alternatively, or additionally, specified criteria may be applied to the presentation to determine the desired portions. An annotation file is then created based upon the determined desired portions of the multimedia presentation. The annotation file contains pointers corresponding to the desired portions of the multimedia presentation. Annotation management software may be use the annotation file to cause a display device to display only desired portions of the presentation. The annotation file may be applied to a broadcast presentation or a recorded program file. In one embodiment the annotation file may contain information related to the desired portions of the multimedia presentation and/or the remainder of the multimedia presentation.
US08527879B2
An editing method includes: detecting a selection of first and second clip portions of a source media depiction, generating corresponding first and second block icons and snapping hands-free the first and second block icons across the screen to a linear queue so that the blocks are snugly adjacent, detecting a move of the first or second block icon relative to one another substantially along the queue, and if the first or second block icon overlaps the other by substantially one half of the other block icon, reversing displayed positions in the queue of the first and second block icons.
US08527878B2
A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device. When the administrator finishes the wizard, the wizard computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs. These parameters are then loaded into the user interface software automatically.
US08527875B2
The information processing apparatus includes a screen display unit configured to display a first screen that displays content acquired from an external server and a second screen that displays content stored in the information processing apparatus, an accepting unit configured to accept language information about selection of a language to be used to display the first screen, a notification unit configured to notify a predetermined external server of the accepted language information and address information representing an address of the content, a first determination unit configured to determine whether the predetermined external server is a specific external server, and a setting unit configured to, when the first determination unit determines that the predetermined external server is the specific external server, set a language to be used to display the second screen to the same language as that of a received content.
US08527874B2
The invention is directed to a system and method of organizing search results. The invention may leverage a chronological timeline of user action information to infer relationships between objects in a search result. The search may be iterative. Search results may be graphically represented as tiles. In one embodiment, the tiles may provide a graphical representation of users associated with an object. The tiles may be updated dynamically upon user action that occurs subsequent to the search. In an alternative embodiment, search results are organized by object type and each tile represents an object within a particular object type. A default action may be associated with an object type.
US08527869B2
The invention includes a method and system for personalizing displays of published Web pages provided by Web content providers to meet the interests of Web users accessing the pages, based on profiles of the users. The system preferably provides to the requesting user, through a proxy server, an edited version of the HTML file for the original published Web page that is served by a host Web server. The system uses user profiles that may include demographic and psychographic data to edit the requested Web page. The content of a Web page as published by a host Web server may be coded to correlate components of the Web page with demographic and psychographic data. The user profiles may then be used to filter the content of a coded Web page for delivery to a requesting user. The system may rearrange content on a published Web page so that content determined to be of higher interest to a user is more prominently featured or more easily or quickly accessible. The system may also delete content on a published Web page that is determined to be of low interest to a user. In embodiments of the invention, a single proxy server or proxy server system personalizes Web pages from multiple Web servers, using a single user profile for a user.
US08527861B2
A method for processing a page character array finds links and creates link groups containing adjacent link characters. Adjacency of link characters is preferably defined as characters which are separated by any combination of no characters, blank space characters, line feed characters, or separator characters, such as vertical or horizontal separator bars or other separator characters. Once link groups have been defined, the method lays out each link group for display in an optimized form. Links are displayed as buttons. An optimized form of display includes centering all the buttons in a vertical list. Another optimized form of display includes laying out the link group as a rectangular matrix of buttons. According to another aspect, each of the links in a link group are logically mapped to a distinct user input, such as a key or voice command. The logical mapping aspect and optimized display aspect are optionally combined for certain types of hardware. For example, if keys are physically adjacent to any part of the display, the links are displayed near the keys, or in horizontal and/or vertical alignment with the keys, so that the key to which a link is mapped is apparent from its position on the display screen. As another example, the name of key or command to which a link is mapped is displayed within or beside the button containing the name of the link.
US08527853B2
A Golay-code generator configured for generating Golay complementary code pairs comprises a sequence of delay elements configured for providing a predetermined set of fixed delays to at least a first input signal and a sequence of adaptable seed vector insertion elements configured for multiplying at least a second input signal by a variable seed vector, wherein each of a plurality of seed vectors corresponds to at least one predetermined piconet. The Golay-code generator may further comprise multiplexers configured for switching inputs and outputs of at least two delay elements in the sequence of delay elements to produce a plurality of compatible delay vectors. The Golay-code generator may further comprise a code-truncation module configured to shorten the Golay complementary code pairs for producing a plurality of daughter codes. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
US08527849B2
The subject disclosure describes a method for performing error code correction, the method includes, loading a code word including a plurality of encoded bits into a memory array, initializing, into one or more of a plurality of memory units, a plurality of bits associated with each of the encoded bits, wherein the plurality of bits initialized for each of the encoded bits is based on a value of the associated encoded bit and wherein the plurality of encoded bits and the plurality of bits initialized for each of the encoded bits includes soft information. In certain aspects, the method further includes decoding the code word using the soft information and outputting the decoded code word from the memory array. A decoder and flash storage device are also provided.
US08527843B2
The iterative decoding of blocks may be continued or terminated based on CRC checks. In an example embodiment, one iteration of an iterative decoding process is performed on a block whose information bits are covered by a CRC. The iterative decoding process is stopped if the CRC checks for a predetermined number of consecutive iterations. In another example embodiment, a decoding iteration is performed on a particular sub-block of multiple sub-blocks of a transport block, which includes a single CRC over an entirety of the transport block. The CRC is checked using decoded bits obtained from the decoding iteration on the particular sub-block and decoded bits obtained from previous decoding iterations on other sub-blocks of the multiple sub-blocks. The decoding iteration is then performed on a different sub-block if the CRC does not check. Also, the decoding iterations for the sub-blocks may be terminated if the CRC checks.
US08527838B2
A memory controller comprises at least a memory control processing module and/or a distributed storage processing module. A method begins by the memory control processing module receiving a memory access request regarding a data segment. The method continues with the memory control processing module interpreting the memory access request to determine whether an error coding dispersal function of the data segment is applicable. The method continues with the memory control processing module sending the memory access request to the distributed storage processing module when the error coding dispersal function is applicable. The method continues with the distributed storage processing module performing the error coding dispersal function on the data segment to produce an error coded processed data segment. The method continues with the distributed storage processing module sending the error coded processed data segment to the memory control processing module.
US08527833B2
A parameterized interleaver design process is provided, which optimizes the design for interleavers of any size, and can be completely specified using only a few design parameters. According to the parameterized interleaver design process an interleaver π(i) of a length N is generated. A number of subpermutation masks are defined, and a first intermediate interleaver permutation is partitioned into a number of subgroups, wherein the number of subgroups corresponds with the number of subpermutation masks. Each of the subgroups of the first intermediate interleaver permutation is partitioned into a number of further subgroups, and each of the subpermutation masks is applied to each of the further subgroups of a corresponding subgroup of the first intermediate interleaver permutation, resulting in a corresponding portion of a second intermediate interleaver permutation. The resulting interleaver π(i) is generated based at least in part on the first and second intermediate interleaver permutations.
US08527831B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for decoding data. As an example, a data processing circuit is disclosed that includes a multi-tier decoding circuit having a first tier decoding circuit operable to decode portions of an encoded data set exhibiting low row weight, and a second tier decoding circuit operable to decode portions of an encoded data set exhibiting high row weight.
US08527819B2
A method for data storage includes performing an erasure operation on a group of analog memory cells (32). One or more of the memory cells in the group, which failed the erasure operation, are identified as erase-failed cells. A storage configuration that is used for programming the analog memory cells in the group is modified responsively to the identified erase-failed cells. Data is stored in the group of the analog memory cells using the modified storage configuration.
US08527818B2
An interface with universal serial communication comprises a switching device, a medium device, and a data restoring device for transmitting the data and obtaining the serial communication via one signal line that is inter-strung by afore devices. By simplifying such communication device, the compatibility thereof could be enhanced. Moreover, during the data transmission, computation made by an error coefficient and an error beyond value in the switching device allows the transmitted data to be kept within an acceptable noise value, so that the accuracy of the data could be assured.
US08527806B2
The present invention provides an information processing device having a CPU which executes an OS and firmware, and a plurality of memory controllers which are connected to the CPU, control writing to and reading from a plurality of memory units, and perform error monitoring, wherein the plurality of memory units each connected to the plurality of memory controllers, the memory controllers sequentially read memory areas of the plurality of memory units connected to the memory controllers, and perform error area monitoring, and the firmware converts addresses recognized by the memory controllers corresponding to the error areas into logical addresses recognized by the OS, and supplies the logical addresses to the OS.
US08527799B2
An image processing apparatus that is capable of being instructed to power off, by a power switch or a command from an external apparatus, and is capable of executing the restart thereof under appropriate conditions. When power-off is instructed, shutdown is started. Upon completion of the shutdown, if the power switch is on, and at the same time the power-off has been instructed by the power switch of the apparatus, the restart of the apparatus is executed, whereas upon completion of the shutdown, if the power-off has been instructed by a command from the external apparatus, the restart of the apparatus is not executed.
US08527797B2
Systems and methods of leakage control in an asynchronous pipeline are disclosed. In an embodiment, a signal is received from a preceding stage at an operative stage of an asynchronous circuit device, and a switch associated with the operative stage is activated in response to the control signal being sent to the operative stage to enable power to the operative stage.
US08527788B2
A network wake up system includes a network card, a controller, a south bridge chip, and a baseboard management controller (BMC). The network card receives a network wake up data packet, and outputs a network wake up signal. The BMC determines whether a temperature of the computer is in a predetermined temperature range and determines whether a voltage of the computer is normal, and outputs a state signal to the controller. If the temperature of the computer is in the predetermined temperature range and the voltage of the computer is normal, the controller wakes up the computer at the power-off state. If the temperature of the computer is not in the predetermined temperature range or the voltage of the computer is abnormal, the controller fails to output the network wake up signal to the south bridge chip, so that the computer at the power-off state cannot be woken up.
US08527786B2
An electronic apparatus includes a power receiving unit that receives electric power supplied from the power supply apparatus in a non-contact manner; and a control unit that controls the electronic apparatus to be set in a second state until a predetermined time elapses since identification information is assigned from the power supply apparatus and controls the electronic apparatus to be set in a first state if the predetermined time has elapsed, wherein, if the power supply apparatus detects an electronic apparatus that is set in the first state, the power supply apparatus assigns identification information to the detected electronic apparatus.
US08527781B2
A solid state disk system is disclosed. The system comprises a user token and at least one level secure virtual storage controller, coupled to the host system. The system includes a plurality of virtual storage devices coupled to at least one secure virtual storage controller. A system and method in accordance with the present invention could be utilized in flash based storage, disk storage systems, portable storage devices, corporate storage systems, PCs, servers, wireless storage, and multimedia storage systems.
US08527777B2
A prover of a data processing system may prove to a verifier of the system that the prover satisfies a condition imposed by the verifier. The prover holds in memory at least one cryptographic credential in which are encoded a biometric template characteristic of the prover and a set of prover attributes such that each of the template and attributes are bound to a common secret value of the prover. A biometric measurement is made of the prover, which then communicates with the verifier to make a cryptographic proof demonstrating: possession of the cryptographic credential; that the biometric measurement matches the biometric template encoded in the cryptographic credential; and that the set of prover attributes encoded in the cryptographic credential satisfies the condition imposed by the verifier. The cryptographic proof is made without revealing the template or the at least one credential to the verifier.
US08527776B2
Detecting harmful or illegal intrusions into a computer network or into restricted portions of a computer network uses a process of synthesizing anomalous data to be used in training a neural network-based model for use in a computer network intrusion detection system. Anomalous data for artificially creating a set of features reflecting anomalous behavior for a particular activity is performed. This is done in conjunction with the creation of normal-behavior feature values. A distribution of users of normal feature values and an expected distribution of users of anomalous feature values are then defined in the form of histograms. The anomalous-feature histogram is then sampled to produce anomalous-behavior feature values. These values are then used to train a model having a neural network training algorithm where the model is used in the computer network intrusion detection system. The model is trained such that it can efficiently recognize anomalous behavior by users in a dynamic computing environment where user behavior can change frequently.
US08527775B2
A first storage device provides a host device with access to a private memory area by communicating a password between the first storage device and a second storage device via the host device using a double-encryption scheme. In one embodiment, a host device receives a twice-encrypted password from a first storage device, sends the twice-encrypted password to a second storage device, receives a once-encrypted password from the second storage device, decrypts the once-encrypted password to obtain the password, and sends the password to the first storage device. In another embodiment, a first storage device sends a twice-encrypted password to a host device, receives the password from the host device after the twice-encrypted password is decrypted by a second storage device and the host device, and provides the host device with access to the private memory area only if the password matches one that is stored in the first storage device.
US08527774B2
A gateway server interoperates with client and remote server systems to provide stateless security management for a distributed Web application. A Web client application on the client system initiates a WebSocket connection directed to a remote Web service by performing an authentication challenge directed to a user of the Web-browser client where a secure token is not present in a local store instance corresponding to the client application. The authentication challenge obtains the user credentials and then exchanges the user credentials with the gateway server for a secure token. The secure token is then sent in a protocol specific connect message to the gateway server. The gateway server, in response to receipt of the connect message, initiates a WebSocket connection directed to the remote Web service by inspecting the connect message to recover the secure token, evaluating the secure token to obtain user credentials, injecting the secure token with the user credentials, and sending the connect message to the remote Web service.
US08527771B2
A method of managing revocation when an alternate transmission method, using an alternate transmitter identity and an alternate receiver identity, is juxtaposed into an original transmission system, the original transmission system having its own original transmitter and receiver identities that communicate via an original transmission method involves at an alternate transmission receiver (ATR), providing a digital certificate, the digital certificate cryptographically binding the ATR identity to an original transmission (OT) re-transmitter identity; at the ATR, responsive to an initiation of a communication session from an alternate transmission transmitter (ATT), sending the digital certificate to the ATT using the alternate transmission method; at the ATT, extracting the original transmission identity from the certificate and sending it to the original transmission transmitter (OTT) using the original transmission method for checking in a revocation list; and if the OT identity is found to be in the revocation list, preventing copy protected content from being sent from the OTT. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08527769B2
A cryptographically-secure component is used to provide read-undeniability and deletion-verifiability for messaging applications. When a messaging application of a sending node desires to send a message to a messaging application of a receiving node, the sending node requests an encryption key from the receiving node. The cryptographically-secure component of the receiving node generates an encryption key that is bound to a state of the receiving node. The messaging application of the sending node encrypts the message using the encryption key and sends the encrypted message to the messaging application of the receiving node. Because the encryption key used to encrypt the message is bound to the state associated with reading the message by the cryptographically-secure component, if the receiving node desires to decrypt and read the encrypted message, the receiving node may advance its state to the bound state to retrieve the decryption key.
US08527761B2
A client hosted virtualization system includes a processor to execute code, a non-volatile memory, and a switch. The memory includes code to implement a basic input/output system (BIOS) for the CHVS, and code to implement a virtualization manager. The virtualization manager is operable to initialize the CHVS, authenticate a virtual machine image associated with a virtual machine, and launch the virtual machine on the CHVS. The switch is operable to select one of a first state and a second state. The processor operates to execute the BIOS code when the switch is in the first state and to execute the virtualization manager code when the switch is in the second state.
US08527758B2
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for facilitating network transactions including user identity verification over a network provide strong mutual authentication of client web application to server side application server, provide session encryption key negotiation after authentication to continue encryption during communication, and provide a high-level encryption technique referred to as an effective zero knowledge proof of identity (eZKPI) algorithm. In various implementations, the eZKPI algorithm is adapted to couple something the user Knows (e.g., a password) with something the user Has (e.g., a biometric signature) to create a stronger identity authentication proof for access to a mobile device and applications running on that device.
US08527745B2
An I/O device includes a host interface configured to process function level reset (FLR) requests in a specified amount of time. The host interface includes a control unit and groups of configuration space registers, each group corresponding to a function. The host interface also includes application availability registers, each associated with a respective function, and which may indicate whether application hardware within the respective function is available for access by a corresponding application device driver. The I/O device also includes application hardware resources associated with a respective function. In response to receiving an FLR request of a particular function, the control unit may cause the associated application availability register to indicate that the application hardware within the particular function is not available to the driver. The control unit may reset the corresponding configuration space registers within a predetermined amount of time and reset the associated application hardware resources.
US08527740B2
A system and method for enhancing barrier collective synchronization on a computer system comprises a computer system including a data storage device. The computer system includes a program stored in the data storage device and steps of the program being executed by a processor. The system includes providing a plurality of communicators for storing state information for a bather algorithm. Each communicator designates a master core in a multi-processor environment of the computer system. The system allocates or designates one counter for each of a plurality of threads. The system configures a table with a number of entries equal to the maximum number of threads. The system sets a table entry with an ID associated with a communicator when a process thread initiates a collective. The system determines an allocated or designated counter by searching entries in the table.
US08527717B2
A content data storage device which stores content data which includes a wide-band content and a narrow-band content includes a buffer memory temporarily storing the content data to be externally input, a storage unit including a plurality of nonvolatile memories configured to be written for each page and storing in turn the content data to be output from the buffer memory, and a controller controlling an output from the buffer memory so as to output content data of one page to the storage unit when the content data of not less than one page is stored in the buffer memory, wherein the controller adds dummy data to the narrow-band content as the content data of one page, if the narrow-band content stored in the buffer memory reaches the prescribed capacity.
US08527713B2
A Block Normal Cache Allocation (BNCA) mode is defined for a processor. In BNCA mode, cache entries may only be allocated by predetermined instructions. Normal memory access instructions (for example, as part of interrupt code) may execute and will retrieve data from main memory in the event of a cache miss; however, these instructions are not allowed to allocate entries in the cache. Only the predetermined instructions (for example, those used to establish locked cache entries) may allocate entries in the cache. When the locked entries are established, the processor exits BNCA mode, and any memory access instruction may allocate cache entries. BNCA mode may be indicated by setting a bit in a configuration register.
US08527693B2
An auto-commit memory is capable of implementing a pre-configured, triggered commit action in response to a failure condition, such as a loss of power, invalid shutdown, fault, or the like. A computing device may access the auto-commit memory using memory access semantics (using a memory mapping mechanism or the like), bypassing system calls typically required in virtual memory operations. Since the auto-commit memory is pre-configured to commit data stored thereon in the event of a failure, users of the auto-commit memory may view these memory semantic operations as being instantly committed. Operations to commit the data are taken out of the write-commit path.
US08527692B2
A data storage apparatus includes a non-volatile hard disk drive platter, a coupling interface for removably receiving a non-volatile solid state device operable as a cache. The data storage apparatus also includes a communication line functionally connected to the hard disk drive platter and the coupling interface and a storage controller are connected to the communication line to control operations of the hard disk drive platter and the solid state device, in which the storage controller is to determine whether the solid state device is coupled to the coupling interface and to modify operations of the hard disk drive platter based upon whether the solid state device is coupled to the coupling interface.
US08527691B2
A nonvolatile storage device includes a controller and a nonvolatile memory. The controller has: a logical-physical address conversion part for converting a logical address designated by a host device into a physical address; and a boot code address conversion part for converting boot code address information designated by the host device into a physical address. After the power-on and before the logical-physical address conversion part becomes usable, a boot code is read from a part of region which can be accessed by designating a logical address from the host device by designating the boot code address information from the outside. Thus, it is possible to rapidly start the nonvolatile memory system after the power-on. In the state where the logical-physical address conversion part can be used, data-reading and data-writing are carried out by designating a logical address from the host device.
US08527689B2
An apparatus generally including an internal memory and a direct memory access controller is disclosed. The direct memory access controller may be configured to (i) read first information from an external memory across an external bus, (ii) generate second information by processing the first information, (iii) write the first information across an internal bus to a first location in the internal memory during a direct memory access transfer and (iv) write the second information across the internal bus to a second location in the internal memory during the direct memory access transfer. The second location may be different from the first location.
US08527674B2
Embodiments related to switching of data packets have been described.
US08527671B2
Disclosed herein is a method of accessing a slave device from a circuit including a central processing unit, a data transfer engine, and an interface to the slave device. In one embodiment, the method includes: executing code on the central processing unit to set up the data transfer engine to access the slave device; and based on the set-up, operating the data transfer engine to supply a read request word to a transmit buffer of the interface for transmission to the slave device, and, after return of a corresponding response word to a first-in-first-out receive buffer of the interface, to disable the first-in-first-out receive buffer from receiving any further data such that the last word therein is assured to be the response word. The method further includes using an underflow mechanism of the first-in-first-out receive buffer to determine the last word therein and hence determine the response word.
US08527670B2
A method for modifying a USB device driver matching string includes: when a plug-and-play manager sends a request for querying device information to a physical device object, capturing, by a filter driver, the request for querying device information, and sending the request to an enumeration driver; receiving, by the filter driver, device information that is returned, according to the request for querying device information, by the enumeration driver, and forming, according to the returned device information and compatibility information of the device, a device driver matching string; and sending the device driver matching string to the plug-and-play manager.
US08527661B1
A network system gateway and method providing remote direct memory access controls to separate data path from control path. Control operations are passed between the gateway and a control processor node, and data is passed between the gateway and a memory node via remote direct memory access operations. The memory node may also receive instructions for the remote direct memory access operations through proxy remote direct memory access messages received from the control processor node.
US08527660B2
A system enables data synchronization for data files shared between or among multiple devices. When a shared data file is modified on one of the computing devices, metadata describing or otherwise enabling recreation of that modification are generated. To enable synchronization of the shared data file, the metadata—rather than the modified shared data file—are transmitted to other devices. These other systems can then use the metadata to recreate the modification of the shared data file and thus achieve data synchronization without requiring retransmission of the shared data file after each modification thereto.
US08527659B2
A method and apparatus for providing enhanced functionalities in a CPNS enabler are discussed. According to an embodiment, a method includes receiving content translation capability information and function information from each of the CPNS entities; compiling CPNS translator information for the CPNS enabler based on the content translation capability information and the function information; receiving a request to translate a content along with the content from a certain CPNS entity among the CPNS entities; determining whether a CPNS server can translate the content in response to the request based on the CPNS translator information; translating the content if the determining step indicates that the CPNS server can translate the content; and transmitting the translated content to the certain CPNS entity.
US08527657B2
In a server-implemented video game or simulation, a method for providing updates to a remote client regarding a plurality of objects located in a virtual spatial field of the simulation. The method comprises operations of receiving an update locus from the remote client, the update locus indicating a client-specified position within the virtual spatial field of the server-implemented simulation; determining a distance of each of the plurality of objects from the update locus; sorting the plurality of objects according to their determined distances from the update locus; determining an update rate for each of the plurality of objects based upon their sorted order; and sending updates regarding each of the plurality of objects to the remote client according to the determined update rates.
US08527649B2
A method for communication includes providing an item of media content for streaming in a plurality of versions having different, respective bit rates. The media content is streamed from a server to a client by transmitting a first version of the item over a network at a first bit rate from the server to the client via a server buffer associated with the server and monitoring a fill level of the server buffer while streaming the media content. The server switches to transmitting a second version of the item at a second bit rate, different from the first bit rate, to the client in response to a change in the fill level of the server buffer.
US08527646B2
Methods and systems for remotely editing a video file involve: receiving, at a server, a video editing command from a remote client; modifying, at the server, a virtual representation of a media file in accordance with the received command, the virtual representation including a reference to a source media file stored on a storage device, the storage device being connected to the server over a high-speed link; and generating and transmitting, from the server to the remote client, a proxy representation of the source media file modified by the editing commands, wherein the various regions of the proxy representation are rendered either in the background or in real-time according to their complexity. Rendered frames, whether generated in the background or in real time, are stored for reuse. Individual frames of the edited video file may be transmitted upon request from a client. Simultaneous editing of independent projects by multiple users connected to the server via multiple thin clients is supported.
US08527629B2
A method is disclosed for determining attributes of a client connection configured for use with a telecommunications network; comparing determined attributes with location definition information stored in a configuration file; determining at least one user-defined location in the location definition information associated with the client connection based on the comparison; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.
US08527621B2
A method includes scanning to detect presence of a wireless local area network WLAN, detecting presence of said wireless local area network, contacting a base station of said wireless local area network detected to request the location of said base station, and receiving location of said wireless area network.
US08527615B2
An apparatus and method for determining a program neighborhood of a client node in a client-server network is described. The program neighborhood of the client node includes application programs hosted by application servers on the network. The present invention enables a user of a client node to learn of these application programs. The user is not required to know where to find such applications or to manually establish links to such applications. To make the client node aware of its program neighborhood, a host server collects application-related information corresponding to application programs hosted by the servers in the network. The application-related information can include the application name, the server location of the application, minimum capabilities required of client nodes for executing the application, and those users who are authorized to use that application. User credentials are received from the client system. The user credentials are used to filter the application-related information. Information representing those application programs that are available to the client node is transmitted from the host server to the client system for display. In a Windows-based client node, the information can be represented by a graphical icon for each available application program.
US08527610B2
A cache server control device selects cache servers necessary for storing contents to be reproduced, and allows the selected cache servers 300 store the contents to be reproduced; the cache server control device herein uses a first threshold value when the number of units of the cache servers, for storing the content to be reproduced related to the judgment, is increased; and uses a second threshold value, being smaller than the first threshold value, when the number of units of the cache servers, for storing said content to be reproduced related to the judgment, is decreased.
US08527609B2
A command stream is generated that includes serialized commands for editing a document. The command stream can be applied to a modified document to generate a single document that contains modifications to the document made using both a Web application and a client application. The command stream can also be utilized to recreate the edited state of a document following the disconnection from a Web application for editing the document, to load balance a server computer hosting the Web application even while editing sessions are in progress, to perform an upgrade of a server hosting the Web application while editing sessions are in progress, and for other purposes.
US08527607B2
Exchange of small pieces of data among end user terminals and/or between end user terminals and a network has increased. Examples of such small pieces of data include presence information updates. A messaging mechanism piggybacking the data in a push session initiation request enables sending of small pieces of data with minimum delay and without an activated packet data connection, and without user interaction.
US08527605B2
Methods for performing client to client communication in a wireless local area network are disclosed. At an ‘n’ tier client in the wireless local area network, a signaling message from an ‘n−1’ tier client is received wherein the signaling message comprises a first period, a second period, and a third period. Communicating with the ‘n−1’ tier client during the first period and communicating with the ‘n+1’ tier client during the third period. At an access point in the wireless local area network, an association table identifying clients in the wireless local area network is created and a first period for client to client communication based upon the association table and traffic in the wireless local area network is determined where the access point does not communicate with the clients during the first period.
US08527604B2
A system and method for managing rich media content in a computer system. The method can comprise assembling rich media content at a first computer system; encoding the rich media content into a plurality of computer readable data formats; uploading the encoded rich media content from the user computer system to a second computer system; storing the uploaded rich media content at the second computer system; indexing the uploaded rich media content in a computer library; creating a flyer by matching and linking uploaded rich media content and an executable icon; and distributing the flyer to at least one recipient computer system in one of the plurality of computer readable data formats determined by the network computer system to be compatible with the at least one recipient computer system.
US08527601B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a sending apparatus, sending method and a communication system with utilizing the sending apparatus that can improve efficiency of data sending operation and can reduce a duty for data communication. Each sending apparatus classifies data stored on a storage into groups “X”, “Y” and “Z”, fractionates a clump of data, classified into each of the groups “X”, “Y” and “Z”, by a number of fractions based on a sending completion allowable time for the classified data, and sends the fractionated data in multi cycles at every sending interval, without sending and receiving the data stored on the storage all at once. Each sending apparatus selects any one piece of data generated from fractionated clump of data for each of the groups “X”, “Y” and “Z”, and then sends the selected piece of data at every sending interval.
US08527596B2
A system and method are provided for monitoring activity on an internet-based social network. Monitoring criteria is pre-established by a client for monitoring activity on a specified user's page of the social network. Activity monitoring access to the specified user's page of the internet-based social network is established via an application programming interface of the social network based on pre-established identification information that identifies the specified user within the internet-based social network. The client is notified when the monitored activity satisfies at least one of the pre-established monitoring criteria.
US08527592B2
A system and method for providing a reputation service for use in messaging environments employs a reputation of compiled statistics, representing whether SPAM messages have previously been received from respective a selected set of identifiers for the origin of the message, in a decision making process for newly received messages. In a preferred embodiment, the set of identifiers includes the IP address, a tuple of the domain and IP address and a tuple of the user and IP address and the set of identifiers allows for a relatively fine grained set of reputation metrics to be compiled and used when making a determination of a likelihood as to whether a received message is undesired in accordance with the invention.
US08527583B2
A communication device includes a communication start request output unit and a response notification acceptance unit. The communication start request output unit outputs a communication start request to an output destination communication device. The response notification acceptance unit accepts a response notification with respect to the communication start request from the output destination communication device. When the response notification acceptance unit accepts a response notification indicating connection rejection due to a mismatch of a communication standard as the response notification with respect to the output communication start request, the communication start request output unit again outputs the communication start request to the output destination communication device in the communication standard to which the output communication start request conforms.
US08527580B2
A method for saving data may include determining dependencies, by a processing device, between a plurality of data items. The method may also include initiating a save operation by the processing device. Initiating the save operation may include forming a partial-order plan for saving the data items. Forming the partial-order plan may include creating an ordered list of steps which are executable for saving the data items based on the dependencies between the data items.
US08527578B2
A software provisioning environment can include several provisioning server for providing software provisioning. One of the several provisioning server can be configured to be a central provisioning server. The central provisioning server can be configured to maintain the provisioning objects required for the software provisioning. The central provisioning server can be configured to manage the software provisioning supported by additional provisioning servers in the environment. The central provisioning server can be configured to select the provisioning objects to be supported by each additional provisioning server.
US08527574B2
The invention relates to a device for determining the temporal position of an analogue trigger signal with relation to an analogue clock signal, comprising an analogue cross-correlator (30), which carries out an analogue cross-correlation between the trigger signal and clock signal to provide a fine resolution.
US08527571B2
A method (and structure) for performing a matrix subroutine, includes storing data for a matrix subroutine call in a computer memory in an increment block size that is based on a cache size.
US08527570B1
A system to perform Montgomery multiplication includes a first multiplier array configured to multiply w bits of an operand X by W bits of an operand Y, where w and W are integers and w is less than W. A second multiplier array is configured to multiply w bits of an operand Q by W bits of a modulo M. An adder array is configured to add outputs of the first and second multiplier arrays to generate a sum. A partial sum array is configured to store a left portion of the sum. A memory is configured to store a right portion of the sum. Q computation logic includes a lookup table and a half-multiplier that compute W bits of the operand Q sequentially in 2 · W w cycles or W w cycles. The W bits of the operand Q are stored in the fourth buffer for use by subsequent W×W operations.
US08527559B2
In an object-relocating garbage collector, objects are copied and new copies taken into use concurrently with mutator execution without needing to use a read barrier, and importantly, without requiring verification (read-back) of each copied word and without requiring atomic instructions for the copying. Write barriers, thread-local write barrier buffers and processing them by the garbage collector, and write propagation are used for achieving this.
US08527557B2
A batch of data records generated by at least one application for persistent storage is cached by a cache management device. At least one of the batch of data records includes at least one foreign key reference that each references one non-existent data record. It is determined that one of a group of batch database storage events has occurred. In response to one of the group of batch database storage events, it is iteratively determined which of the at least one of the batch of data records do not include the at least one foreign key reference that each references the one non-existent data record. Each of the cached batch of data records that do not include the at least one foreign key reference that each references the one non-existent data record is persisted to a database by a batch storage operation.
US08527555B2
A device and method direct towards the packaging, transporting and extracting of essence files, metadata files and service data files are provided. The device and method include receiving content files (e.g., essence and metadata files) and service files, the service files identifying an application to be applied to the content files, combining the content files and the service files into a media package, and transmitting the media package. The device and method also include receiving the media package containing content files and service files and extracting the content files and the service files from the media package. The media package may further include command data that describes how to process the content files and the service files as well as identification data that identifies the content files and service files. The command data, and content and service files may be encrypted.
US08527551B2
A data structure maintained in a computational device stores how many control areas splits have occurred to store a data set, wherein each control area split causes an addition of a single new control area. A command is received to add a new data record to the data set. A determination is made as to whether adding the new data record to the data set will result in a threshold for control area splits to be exceeded. In response to determining that adding the new data record to the data set will result in the threshold for control area splits to be exceeded, creating at least two new control areas in addition to continuing to use one existing control area for storing the data set.
US08527544B1
A system and method for performing garbage collection. A system includes a storage medium, a first table including entries which map a virtual address to locations in the storage medium, and a second table with entries which include a reverse mapping of a physical address in a data storage medium to one or more virtual addresses. A storage controller is configured to perform garbage collection. During garbage collection, the controller is configured to identify one or more entries in the second table which correspond to a segment to be garbage collected. In response to determining the first table includes a valid mapping for a virtual address included in an entry of the one of the one or more entries, the controller is configured to copy data from a first location identified in the entry to a second location in the data storage medium, and reclaim the first storage location.
US08527541B2
A flat namespace includes a flat identifier. A hierarchical namespace includes containers in some organization. A cache includes associations between flat identifiers, locality reference cues, and containers in the hierarchical namespace. A combiner combines the flat identifier with containers in the hierarchical namespace. The combiner can be used first with containers found in the cache, before trying other containers in the hierarchical namespace.
US08527536B2
A method and system for quickly retrieving the information service on a mobile terminal, adopt the structure of client/server. The method comprises: the user is directly interactive with a server and retrieves the information service via the client module bound at the terminal; the user directly enters a keyword on the desktop of the terminal; the client module queries the client database, server-side database and server-side searching device respectively, based on the present service mode and the information entered by the user, obtains the corresponding network service and content resource, and selects the relevant network as the service carrier based on the service mode, directs the user to enter these network resources to obtain the information service directly.
US08527534B2
Architecture that employs a modeling technique based on language modeling to estimate a probability of a document matching the user need as expressed in the query. The modeling technique is based on the data mining results that various portions of a document (e.g., body, title, URL, anchor text, user queries) use different styles of human languages. Thus, the results based on a language can be adapted individually to match the language of query. Since the approach is based on adaptation, the framework also provides a natural means to progressively revise the model as user data are collected. Different styles of languages in a document can be recognized and adapted individually. Background language models are also employed that offer a fallback approach in case the document has incomplete fields of data, and can utilize topical or semantic hierarchy of the knowledge domain.
US08527528B2
The present invention is an improved system and method for analyzing multiple real estate properties. The system includes a pool of properties that are searched based on user-defined search criteria. The system identifies comparison properties from the search pool. The comparison properties include attributes that match or are a near match to the search criteria. The system compares each of the comparison properties to at least one average value and demonstrably depicts the comparison to the user.
US08527526B1
A computerized method, system for, and computer-readable medium operable to select a list of network user identifiers. A processing circuit receives a list of network user identifiers represented by long-term history data indicative of web pages visited prior to a first time and short-term history data indicative of web pages visited after the first time and prior to a second time. Long-term interest categories, corresponding weight values for each long-term interest category, short-term interest categories and corresponding weight values for each short-term interest category are identified. A model comprising the long-term and short-term interest categories is generated based on the weight values of the long-term and short-term interest categories using either arithmetic or harmonic progression. The processing circuit receives a list of candidate network user identifiers and generates a list of similar network user identifiers based on the model.
US08527524B2
A system may determine a measure of how a content of a document changes over time, generate a score for the document based, at least in part, on the measure of how the content of the document changes over time, and rank the document with regard to at least one other document based, at least in part, on the score.
US08527516B1
Relationships between digital text volumes in a corpus are identified by comparing a plurality of digital text volumes in the corpus to identify clusters of similar volumes. For a given cluster, the pages of pairs of volumes within the cluster are compared to determine page similarity data, the page similarity data indicating degrees of similarity between the compared pages. The relationships between pairs of volumes in the clusters are classified based on the similarity data.
US08527515B2
Systems and methods are described that calculate the interestingness of a set of one or more records in a database, either absolutely (i.e., compared to an overall collection of records) or relative to some other set of records. In one embodiment, the measure is a relative entropy value that has been normalized. Various applications of the measure are described in the context of an information retrieval system. These applications include, for example, guiding query interpretation, guiding view selection and summarization, intelligent ranges, event detection, concept triggers and interpreting user actions, hierarchy discovery, and adaptive data mining.
US08527512B2
A method performs a database query in a relational database, the query being carried out by a database engine and being based on user-defined search criteria. The method includes retrieving a number N of properties of a record within a main database table, the number N being higher than zero, creating a search criteria option for each of the N properties, creating a search criteria table for every search criteria option, creating an index for every search criteria table, and performing the database query based on a user-defined combination of a plurality of the search criteria options.
US08527502B2
A system method and computer-readable media for searching an object oriented database are provided. The present invention may be employed to detect software bugs, deficiencies and/or errors in, affecting, or related to, an object database management system. The invented technique may use an SQL table join query to search for incomplete, damaged or erroneous software objects.
US08527501B2
A method, system, and program for combining and processing transactions. The method includes the steps of: receiving a plurality of transactions from a plurality of clients, where each of the plurality of transactions includes a select query; combining the select queries in the transactions; and sending combined select queries to the database as a combined transaction.
US08527499B2
A computer implemented method for providing a user interface, the method including: providing an interface generator for generating a user interface, the user interface allowing a user to perform a search within a business object or within business objects in a business situation, using a combination of searching using one or more key words and browsing in accordance with predefined options.
US08527496B2
Indexing and retrieving real time content in a social networking system is disclosed. A user-term index includes user-term partitions, each user-term partition comprising temporal databases. As a post is received from a user, a user identifier, a post identifier, and a post is extracted. An object store communicatively coupled to a temporal database for recently received content is queried to determine whether terms in the post has already been stored. A term identifier is stored in the user-term index with the user and post identifiers. A forward index stores the post by post identifier. Responsive to a search query, the user-term index is searched by the user's connections and the terms. A real time search engine compiles the results of the user-term index query and retrieves the stored posts from the forward index. The search results may then be ranked and cached before presentation to the searching user.
US08527487B2
The present invention provides a method and system for automatic construction of information organization structure for related information browsing. The method comprises: inputting a target entity; retrieving information objects related to the target entity from an information object set; extracting topics related to the target entity; searching an existing structure resource to identify existing structures and entities which are relevant to the target entity based on the extracted topics; and selecting a matched structure, which is used for organizing the retrieved information objects related to the target entity, from the identified existing structures by comparing the target entity with each of the identified entities. Compared with the prior arts, the present invention can largely improve the readability of the relevant generated information organization structure.
US08527475B1
Embodiments of a system and method for identifying structured data items lacking requisite information for rule-based duplicate detection are described. Embodiments may include generating a deficiency score for each of multiple structured data items including applying a set of rules based on duplicate detection techniques to each given structured data item in order to perform a comparison of the given structured data item to itself. The deficiency score of the given structured data item may be based on a result of the comparison. Embodiments may also include, based on the deficiency scores of the structured data items, identifying one or more deficient structured data items having less than a requisite quantity of information for performing duplicate detection on structured data items. Embodiments may also include identifying one or more key attributes missing from some of the one or more deficient structured data items and requesting those key attributes.
US08527470B2
Methods, software suites, networks, and systems of recovery point data view formation with generation of a recovery view and a coalesce policy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network includes a virtualization module to form a data view around a recovery point, a recovery module to generate a recovery snapshot having an ability to position forward and backward from the recovery point when a rolling algorithm is applied, and an events module to generate a coalesce policy around the recovery point to reduce a storage requirement. The network may include an export module to transfer the data view to an external processing device as a virtual volume using one or more of an iSCSI and a fiber channel transport interface. The export module may automatically communicate the data view to a backup tape to provide extended data retention using a lifecycle management policy.
US08527463B2
A computer system with read/write access to storage devices creates a snapshot of a data volume at a point in time while continuing to accept access requests to the mirrored data volume by copying before making changes to the base data volume. Multiple snapshots may be made of the same data volume at different points in time. Only data that is not stored in a previous snapshot volume or in the base data volume are stored in the most recent snapshot volume.
US08527451B2
Pre-existing business objects (e.g., component parts of large business applications) may already define a hierarchy of related terms and include a search index created by a pre-existing search function. A semantic network including a plurality of semantic knowledge domains may be constructed automatically, based on the objects' initial terms structure and search index, and further modified by search results and related terms returned by the search function. This way, a customer specific semantic network may be constructed automatically from pre-existing software components and terms.
US08527449B2
A computer-implemented sepsis alerting method is disclosed. The method involves automatically extracting with a computer system, from records maintained for a patient under care in a healthcare facility, information from a electronic medical record, and obtaining with the computer system information about real-time status of the patient. The method also involves using the information from the electronic medical record and the information about the real-time status to determine whether the patient is likely to be suffering from dangerous probability of sepsis, using information from the electronic medical record to determine whether treatment for sepsis is already being provided to the patient, and electronically alerting a caregiver over a network if it is determined that a potentially dangerous level of sepsis exists and that treatment for sepsis is not already being provided.
US08527437B1
We describe a method for using a classical computer to generate a sequence of elementary operations (SEO) that can be used to operate a quantum computer. The SEO drives as near as desired, in an efficient way, a starting quantum state to a target one.
US08527435B1
A novel Levenberg-Marquardt like second-order algorithm for tuning the Parzen window σ in a Radial Basis Function (Gaussian) kernel. Each attribute has its own sigma parameter. The values of the optimized σ are then used as a gauge for variable selection. Kernel Partial Least Squares (K-PLS) model is applied to several benchmark data sets to estimate effectiveness of second-order sigma tuning procedure for an RBF kernel. The variable subset selection method based on these sigma values is then compared with different feature selection procedures such as random forests and sensitivity analysis. The sigma-tuned RBF kernel model outperforms K-PLS and SVM models with a single sigma value. K-PLS models also compare favorably with Least Squares Support Vector Machines (LS-SVM), epsilon-insensitive Support Vector Regression and traditional PLS. Sigma tuning and variable selection is applied to industrial magnetocardiograph data for detection of ischemic heart disease from measurement of magnetic field around the heart.
US08527426B2
The present intention permits a user to conduct remote transactions without a network while using an untrusted computing device, such as a hand held personal digital assistant or a laptop computer. The computing device is augmented with a smartcard reader, and the user obtains a smartcard and connects it to the device. This design can be used by an untrusted user to perform financial transactions, such as placing bets on the outcome of a probabilistic computation. Protocols are presented for adding (purchasing) or removing (selling) value on the smartcard, again without requiring a network connection. Using the instant protocols, neither the user nor the entity issuing the smartcards can benefit from cheating.
US08527425B2
Systems and methods for processing and distributing legal text information allow content providers to distribute legal text to terminals receiving broadcast content. The legal text may include terms and conditions associated with content that a user may want to purchase or subscribe. Upon receiving a content selection that a user wishes to purchase, a terminal may determine whether the content is associated with legal text information. If so, the legal text may be obtained and rendered for the user. The terminal may further determine whether user consent is required and if so, prompt the user with a consent agreement. Legal text information may be obtained in a variety of manners including from a service provisioning system, from a local cache in the terminal and/or from a file delivery server. Communication of legal text information may further be conducted using messages storing legal text attributes and elements.
US08527417B2
A system and computer-based method for using a one-time password (OTP) to authenticate an identity of a cardholder in a financial transaction initiated by the cardholder with a merchant via a first communication medium. A one-time password is generated at an interchange computer system and transmitted to the cardholder via a second communication medium. The cardholder is prompted to enter access credential information, including the one-time password. When the entered access credential information is verified (e.g., the entered one time password is equal to the generated one-time password), a successful authentication is indicated to the merchant.
US08527414B2
In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for prepaying, covering, avoiding, negating, and/or otherwise offsetting future account discrepancy assessments. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving one or more payments for offsetting one or more future account discrepancy assessments, where the one or more payments are associated with an account; (b) receiving transaction information associated with a transaction, where the transaction involves the account, and where the transaction is initiated after the receiving the one or more payments; (c) determining, based at least partially on the transaction information, that the account will incur an account discrepancy as a result of the transaction; (d) determining that the one or more payments are sufficient to offset an account discrepancy assessment associated with the account discrepancy; and (e) authorizing the transaction based at least partially on the determining that the one or more payments are sufficient.
US08527409B1
A method, system and computer program product for auditing and reconciling custodial accounts. A tool is provided to allow a custodial agent to audit a custodial account at one or more depository institutions at which deposits are held by the custodial agent on behalf of one or more individuals and reconcile such accounts. According to one embodiment, the method includes comparing account balance data from a depository institution for a custodial account against account balance data from a second source for the custodial account, identifying discrepancies between the balance data from the depository institution and the balance data from the second source, identifying a prospective write-off in the amount of one or more of the discrepancies, and prompting the custodial agent to indicate whether the custodial agent accepts the prospective write-off. The prospective write-off may be offset against an account.
US08527403B2
In general, embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for predicting population migration and analyzing migration-affecting programs. For example, an apparatus is provided having a memory device with population information and a plurality of migration factors stored therein. The population information includes information about population distribution across a plurality of classifications. Each of the plurality of migration factors corresponds to a particular classification of the plurality of classifications and indicates how population members of the particular classification migrate to other classifications over a particular time period. The apparatus also includes a processor communicably coupled to the memory device and configured to use the migration factors and the population information to forecast changes in the population distribution across each of the plurality of classifications over multiple time periods. In one embodiment, the systems, methods, and computer program products are configured to predict lateness characteristics of a lending portfolio.
US08527399B2
A system and methods for dynamically changing a trade order quantity in an electronic trading environment are described herein. According to one example embodiment, an automated trading tool determines if a leaned on quantity of a trading strategy has increased or decreased and if so, dynamically changing a desired order quantity to reflect the change in the leaned on quantity. Dynamically changing an order quantity may be more profitable for a trader as order queue position may be maintained and portion of the desired order quantity may get filled; rather than a trader losing their order queue position and/or taking a chance of not getting any of their order quantity filled.
US08527395B2
Disclosed is a method and system for effectuating a buyer-driven and buyer-executed commerce system. The system allows prospective buyers and sellers of goods and services to anonymously exchange conditional Requests For Bids and Conditional Sales Offers based on the buyer's guaranteed ‘purchasing loyalty’ for a self-defined minimum quantity of goods or services, and/or quality of goods of services and/or the length of time or price to which the buyer would agree to be bound or any combination of those condition's. That buyer guarantee permits a seller to easily pre-determine their offers based on the calculated value of ‘capturing’ that buyer's ‘guaranteed purchasing loyalty’. In a preferred embodiment, the method and system of the present invention includes a controller which receives Requests For Bids from prospective buyers and also receives, stores and displays to prospective buyers bindable sales proposals from a multitude of prospective sellers.
US08527394B2
A system, medium storing processor-executable process steps, method and apparatus for supporting a derivative transaction, the method including receiving data identifying a reference entity participating in the derivative transaction; receiving data identifying at least a first reference obligation associated with the derivative transaction; identifying a contractual relationship between the reference entity and the at least first reference obligation; and generating a data record associated with the derivative transaction, the data record including the data identifying said reference entity, the data identifying the at least first reference obligation, and data identifying said contractual relationship, wherein the data record is verified as accurate as of an issue date of the derivative transaction.
US08527389B2
An auction service is provided that stimulates competition between energy suppliers (i.e., electric power or natural gas). A bidding moderator (Moderator) receives offers from competing suppliers specifying the economic terms each is willing to offer to resellers or customers of resellers for estimated quantities of electric power or gas supply (separate auctions). Each supplier receives feedback from the Moderator based on competitors' offers and has the opportunity to adjust its own offers down or up, depending on whether it wants to encourage or discourage additional energy delivery commitments in a particular geographic area or to a particular customer group. Each supplier's offers can also be changed to reflect each supplier's capacity utilization. The Moderator selects at least one supplier to provide electric power or natural gas to each reseller or customer of a reseller, with each supplier providing at least a portion of the electric power or natural gas to be used by each reseller or customer of a reseller during a specific future time interval.
US08527387B2
A method to maximize a post-mortem asset disbursement, the method receives information about one or more assets owned by an asset holder, selects a life expectancy from the group consisting of a single life, a joint life, and both a single life and a joint life, and sets an expected aggregate expenditure of the asset holder over the life expectancy period. The method further calculates a first investment corpus, a first investment corpus life expectancy value, and calculates a first estimated post-mortem tax liability. The method further sets a value for carve out funds deducted from the first investment corpus, wherein said carve out funds take into account both gift tax and estate tax exclusions, calculates a second investment corpus, a second investment corpus life expectancy value, and a second estimated post-mortem tax liability. The method then determines a value for life insurance proceeds paid at end of life expectancy.
US08527380B2
A method for using an electronic transaction device with an electronic transaction service provider may include the steps of registering the electronic transaction device with the electronic transaction device service provider, registering a plurality of accounts corresponding to a plurality of service institutions, providing a data connection between the electronic transaction device and the electronic transaction device service provider, and storing account information for a plurality of service institutions at the electronic transaction device service provider. The method may also include the steps of providing access to a database of client information to the client and analyzing transactional information in the database of client information for a plurality of accounts. The method may also include the steps of designating a portion of the client database non-confidential; analyzing the portion of the client database designated as non-confidential for preferences and patterns; and providing analyzed transactional information to a plurality of vendors.
US08527378B2
A method for providing technical support for a computing device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a method includes detecting a problem associated with a computing device. The method then determines a support level assigned to the computing device. A set of problems is associated with the support level. If the problem belongs to the set of problems associated with the support level, the method automatically sends a message to a support provider so that the support provider can address the problem.
US08527374B2
An asset management system includes a controller area network bus and a data acquisition module connected to the controller area network bus. The data acquisition module has a plurality of analog input channels. One or more sensor systems are connected to the input channels with the input channels receiving analog signals from the sensor systems. The data acquisition module passively conditions the received analog signals prior to digital conversion.
US08527370B2
An aggregation of functionality related to a product within an electronic catalog hosted by a wholesaler web system is provided by presenting on a client computing device a webpage in which a single product is directly associated with a single access point. The single access point provides a means by which plural wholesaler web system functions related to the single product are made available to a consumer. A listing of the plural wholesaler web system functions related to the single product is displayed within the webpage in response to an activation of the single access point by the consumer. In response to a selection by the consumer from the displayed listing the wholesaler web system initiates a performance of the one of the plural wholesaler web system functions so selected.
US08527360B2
A method of eliminating the need to wait in line to conduct a payment transaction in a retail establishment includes initiating a network-based electronic payment transaction with a communications device in a retail establishment. A shopper initiates the network-based electronic payment transaction. Moreover, the method includes entering a machine readable code from at least one good with the communications device, determining a price of the at least one good and a total payment transaction cost, and displaying the total payment transaction cost on a screen of the communications device. Furthermore, the method includes determining whether to approve payment for the electronic payment transaction, authenticating the shopper, completing the electronic payment transaction in the retail establishment, and transmitting a transaction complete message to the communications device when the shopper is authenticated.
US08527347B2
A communications marketing and advertising system is described for delivering advertising content to subscribers of a telecommunications network. The system includes a marketplace component accessible by advertisers and ad space owners, which is used to create ad space for delivering content to subscribers of a telecommunications network. The marketplace allows advertisers to submit bids on the ad space and the ad space owners to approve or reject the bids. The system also includes a campaign manager that creates a campaign upon determining that the bid has been approved by the ad space owner. The campaign includes a set of messages containing ad content to be sent out to the subscribers. The subscriber profile module of the system obtains profile data associated with the subscribers of the telecommunications network and customizes the content of the messages according to the profile data. The ad engine delivers the messages to the recipients.
US08527342B2
A method of delivering advertising in an online environment includes determining an intent of a user interacting with an e-commerce website and determining a hurdle rate, based at least on the intent of the user, that identifies a threshold amount to be bid by an advertiser in order to display an advertisement to the user interacting with the e-commerce website. The method may further include selecting, from a plurality of advertisements, one or more optimal advertisements having a combined advertiser bid that exceeds the determined hurdle rate. The method may further include providing one or more controls in a user interface of a client computer system, each of the controls being associated with a respective advertisement of the one or more optimal advertisements and adapted to enable the user to select one or more of the controls, and providing an element, responsive to an input of the user, that is adapted to display, to the user, the respective advertisements selected by the user.
US08527336B2
A computerized system and method that enables identifying the best payment currency for a product or service is disclosed. Payment currencies include cash, reward programs and the unit or currency in which reward programs are denominated, and combinations thereof. A single product search request initiates searches of multiple payment currencies. Availability, discounts, prices, comparable costs, net values and relative values are determined and/or calculated per each payment currency. Comparable cost, relative value, or other criteria, may be used to determine the best payment method, that is, the lowest cost in a common currency, such as cash. Determination of the best payment currency is accomplished in “real-time” and has an advantage of leveraging quantitative and qualitative analysis in its determination. In addition, the search may be personalized by adding information unique to each user.
US08527335B1
In various embodiments, pollution is reduced by associating a pollution credit with a consumer product or service. The pollution credit is transformed into points and purchasing the product or service earns the points. The points may be accumulated and redeemed for value, thus retiring the pollution credit.
US08527334B2
Technologies are described herein for sharing advertisement revenue. An advertiser-generated avatar is provided to a first participant. The advertiser-generated avatar may be associated with an advertisement. Further, the first participant may be associated with a current avatar. The current avatar is replaced with the advertiser-generated avatar. While the first participant is associated with the advertiser-generated avatar, a level of interaction between the first participant and other participants is monitored. An amount of compensation to provide the first participant is determined based on the level of interaction between the first participant and the other participants. The compensation is provided to the first participant.
US08527333B1
A system and method is provided that uses a processor to rank advertisements based on their likely appeal to users and the price that will be charged for the advertisement. In one aspect, and advertiser may pay a fee in order to have its advertisement considered to be the most expensive in terms of price even though the advertiser is actually paying less. The fee may also be paid in connection with a transferable option, whereby the advertiser may have the right but not the obligation to have it advertisement displayed at the price.
US08527326B2
Techniques for determining maturity of a delivery process in an information technology maintenance project are provided. The techniques include collecting information during a delivery process, wherein the information comprises operational data, aggregating the collected information for each delivery dimension into one or more aggregate delivery measures, wherein the one or more aggregate delivery measures comprise one or more delivery dimensions, comparing the one or more delivery dimensions against a threshold to determine a level of maturity for each delivery dimension, and determining an overall level of maturity of the delivery process by combining the level of maturity for each delivery dimension.
US08527319B2
A two-leg MLM organization construction system encourages a member who puts in effort in recruiting members by offering a chance to drastically increase bonus earnings. New first and second positions are provided between the position of the upper level member and the positions that are immediate right and left to the upper level member. These new first and second positions are initially set to an OFF-state position. When the number of positions filled with recruited members reaches a predetermined level, the new first and second positions are turned to on ON-state position.
US08527315B2
For each of tasks performed in an operation of manufacturing equipment, a proficiency of a worker with respect to a task to be performed is obtained from a proficiency DB (120) storing proficiencies of workers with respect to the tasks. A guidance base time (314) determined based on a manufacturing schedule is controlled corresponding to the proficiency of the worker, a guidance control time (334) corresponding to the proficiency of the worker is determined, and guidance is outputted at the guidance control time (334). The proficiency of the worker with respect to the task is corrected based on task record information (340) including a task content and a task time of a task performed by the worker and on the guidance control time (334), and the proficiency of the worker with respect to the task stored in the proficiency DB (120) is updated.
US08527312B2
A system and methods for managing dynamic teams and workflows is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system and methods include processes for dynamically creating and modifying a team-based workflow. In one instance, the system and methods may include processes for defining a plurality of generic roles, assigning participants to the team, defining focus items, associating the focus items with the plurality of generic roles, and assigning each of the participants at least one of the plurality of generic roles. Additionally, the system and methods may include processes that manage workflows by providing interactive prompts that provide information to direct participants to perform certain actions and providing mechanisms to communicate responses to the interactive responses to other participants based on their assigned generic roles.
US08527305B1
Aspects of the invention are directed to methods and systems for efficiently communicating data between an insurer and a non-referral repair shop, e.g., vehicle repair shops that are normally not preapproved by the insurer to perform the estimating and repair work. The methods and systems described herein are particularly useful for insurers utilizing non-referral repair shops for servicing vehicles involved in insurance claims. According to aspects of this invention, the insured may be able to select a non-referral repair shop, not delegated or preapproved by the insurer, thereby generally allowing the insured to select any available vehicle repair shop.
US08527302B2
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for managing insurance plans. Multiple bids are received from multiple reinsurance companies for the price of a unit of an insurance product (e.g., a fixed annuity paying ten dollars a month starting at the age of sixty five). The unit of the insurance product is associated with a set of one or more risk factors (e.g., age, range of ages). A bid is selected from the bids based on a relationship between the bids (e.g., lowest bid, lowest weighted bid). The selected bid is associated with a selected reinsurance company. Units of the insurance product associated with the selected bid are offered to participants associated with the set of one or more risk factors.
US08527292B1
A medical data analysis service is provided. The service may be implemented as an on-line service using a data analysis server. The data analysis server may maintain patient databases and a community database. Each patient database may be populated with patient medical expense data such as medical bills from health care providers and insurance statements from insurance providers. The service analyzes the data in the databases to identify potential errors. The system detects errors in billing and insurance coverage and enables the patient to query medical expense data. The system enables patient's notes relating to these services to be easily tracked, queried and shared. The system enables a patient to derive additional knowledge from the medical expense and insurance coverage data. This knowledge can be queried by the patient. The system enables a patient to derive more knowledge from collective patient medical expense and insurance coverage data and annotations.
US08527291B1
A system, method, and computer software product for managing medical information on a networked computer system. An inputted search string is used with at least two medical sources accessible over a communications network. Results from the two or more sources are displayed in a single results page. Results can be ranked with special weight attributed to the source depending on source weighting criteria, the searcher's profile or healthcare worker type, or a combination of both of these factors. Results can be annotated and stored. Retrieval from storage is assisted by using keywords assigned to a particular document at the time of storage, or other similar metadata assigned to a particular document. Documents can have security designations assigned to them to limit read or read/write access to authorized users.
US08527290B2
Flour may be treated to denature the proteins and modify starches. The invention includes methods and systems for determining whether to use treated flour or untreated flour. The invention also includes methods and systems for determining whether to treat flour or not.
US08527289B1
A system and method for providing one or more client systems for communicating with a host system over a network. The client systems use a scanner to convert a paper form of a check, coupon, or other paper document to a digital representation and then the client systems send the digital representation over a network to the host system for storage. The host system archives the digital representation and determines the appropriate processing stream for a transaction related to the paper document (e.g. coupon, check), via a decisioning engine, based on a set of predefined stream selection rules. The host system then communicates the transaction to a back end transaction destination, according to the selected processing stream. Examples of the transaction destination can include ACH, Reproduce Paper, and Remittance.
US08527280B2
Methods and devices for voice communications and foreign language translation are disclosed. One method includes selecting one of a plurality of microphones of an earpiece unit, receiving a selected voice communication of a first language from the selected microphone and translating the selected voice communication from the first language to a second language, the second language different from the first to create a translated voice communication, and transducing the translated voice communication at a speaker within the earpiece unit. Preferably the microphones are oriented in different directions and are directional microphones. The present invention further optionally provides for the sensing and transmission of pulse oximeter measurements and temperature measurements.
US08527278B2
An intelligent home automation system answers questions of a user speaking “natural language” located in a home. The system is connected to, and may carry out the user's commands to control, any circuit, object, or system in the home. The system can answer questions by accessing the Internet. Using a transducer that “hears” human pulses, the system may be able to identify, announce and keep track of anyone entering or staying in the home or participating in a conversation, including announcing their identity in advance. The system may interrupt a conversation to implement specific commands and resume the conversation after implementation. The system may have extensible memory structures for term, phrase, relation and knowledge, question answering routines and a parser analyzer that uses transformational grammar and a modified three hypothesis analysis. The parser analyzer can be dormant unless spoken to. The system has emergency modes for prioritization of commands.
US08527277B2
A system for managing recognition errors in a multiple dialog state environment incorporates an error management module. The error management module includes error counters and error set points associated with the system globally as well as associated with specific dialog states. User interaction within the system may then be managed based upon the status of the error counters in relation to the error set points.
US08527270B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for enhancing interactive translation and dialogue systems. In one embodiment, a method for conducting an interactive dialogue includes receiving an input signal in a first language, where the input signal includes one or more words, processing the words in accordance with a vocabulary, and adjusting a probability relating to at least one of the words in the vocabulary for an output signal. Subsequently, the method may output a translation of the input signal in a second language, in accordance with the vocabulary. In one embodiment, adjusting the probability involves adjusting a probability that the word will be used in actual conversation.
US08527253B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that accurately models polarization states of an illumination source in an optical lithography system for manufacturing integrated circuits. During operation, the system starts by receiving a two-dimensional (2D) grid map for an illumination source pupil in the optical lithography system. The system then constructs a source-polarization model for the illumination source by defining a polarization state at each grid point in the grid map. Next, the system enhances a lithography model for the optical lithography system by incorporating the source-polarization model into the lithography/OPC model.
US08527252B2
A process control system simulation technique performs real-time simulation of an actual process control network as that network is running within a process plant in a manner that is synchronized with the operation of the actual process control network. This real-time, synchronized simulation system includes a simulation process control network and a process model which are automatically updated periodically during the operation of the actual process control network to reflect changes made to the process control network, as well as to account for changes in the plant itself, i.e., changes which require an updated process model. The simulation system provides for more readily accessible and usable simulation activities, as the process control network and the process models used within the simulation system are synchronized with and up-to-date with respect to the current process operating conditions.
US08527247B1
A computer-implemented method of determining the pitch stability of an airfoil system, comprising using a computer to numerically integrate a differential equation of motion that includes terms describing PID controller action. In one model, the differential equation characterizes the time-dependent response of the airfoil's pitch angle, α. The computer model calculates limit-cycles of the model, which represent the stability boundaries of the airfoil system. Once the stability boundary is known, feedback control can be implemented, by using, for example, a PID controller to control a feedback actuator. The method allows the PID controller gain constants, KI, Kp, and Kd, to be optimized. This permits operation closer to the stability boundaries, while preventing the physical apparatus from unintentionally crossing the stability boundaries. Operating closer to the stability boundaries permits greater power efficiencies to be extracted from the airfoil system.
US08527242B2
Disclosed is a method for determining an phase spectrum θ(ω) of the complex spectral transfer function H(ω) of a medium. In some embodiments, the method is applied for detecting or imaging an object screened by scattering medium or for determining a refractive index spectrum of a material.
US08527241B2
A telemetry system for use in a combustion turbine engine (10) having a compressor (12), a combustor and a turbine (16) and includes a sensor (118) in connection with a turbine blade (111) or vane (23). A transmitter assembly (117) includes a telemetry transmitter circuit/transceiver may be affixed on a turbine blade (111) or seal plate (115) proximate the turbine blade with a first connecting material (119) deposited on the turbine blade (111) for routing electronic data signals, indicative of a condition of the turbine blade (111), from the sensor (118) to the telemetry transmitter circuit/transceiver. An induction power system for powering the telemetry transmitter circuit/transceiver may include a rotating data antenna (116) affixed to the seal plate (115) with an electrical connection (122) between the telemetry transmitting circuit/transceiver for routing electronic data signals from the telemetry transmitter circuit/transceiver to the rotating data antenna (119).
US08527238B2
A method includes determining a total storage input/output capacity of a set of storage elements available for use by a software application located on an operating system volume of a computer system. The total storage input/output capacity is determined by evaluating storage input/output capacity of the storage elements at a physical device level and at a file level. The method includes measuring a number of input/output storage operations performed on behalf of the software application. The method also includes determining a storage input/output utilization of the software application based on the measured number of input/output storage operations as compared to the total storage input/output capacity of the set of storage elements.
US08527236B2
A displacement detection apparatus includes a scale 115 on which marks are disposed, first and second position detection sensors 111 and 112 detecting positions of the marks 110, and a processor 409 performing a calculation processing of an output signal from each of the first and second position detection sensors 111 and 112. The first and second position detection sensors 111 and 112 are disposed at a distance L from each other to be movable relative to the scale 115. The processor 409 calculates a correction value P′ of a mark pitch P of the marks 110 using the distance L, a first time TPK required for K marks of the marks 110 to pass a detection position, and a second time TL required for a specific mark of the marks 110, which are measured at the same time of the first time TPK, to move the distance L.
US08527233B2
The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus and method for identifying an airspeed for an aircraft. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus consists of a plurality of pitot-static probes. The plurality of pitot-static probes generate a first data. The apparatus also consists of a plurality of angle of attack sensor systems. The plurality of angle of attack sensor systems generate a second data. The apparatus also consists of a plurality of light detection and ranging sensors. The light detection and ranging sensors generates a third data. The apparatus also consists of a signal consolidation system configured to detect errors in the first data generated by the plurality of pitot-static probes, the second data generated by the plurality of angle of attack sensor systems, and the third data generated by the plurality of light detection and ranging sensors.
US08527232B2
Methods of diagnostic test pattern generation for small delay defects are based on identification and activation of long paths passing through diagnosis suspects. The long paths are determined according to some criteria such as path delay values calculated with SDF (Standard Delay Format) timing information and the number of logic gates on a path. In some embodiments of the invention, the long paths are the longest paths passing through a diagnosis suspect and reaching a corresponding failing observation point selected from the failure log, and N longest paths are identified for each of such pairs.
US08527226B2
An apparatus for modulating an incident beam includes a body that is non-transmissive and rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a surface of the body. The body has a first set of features including transmissive features with respect to the incident beam along a first radial path at a first radial distance from the axis and a second set of features including data storage features along a second radial path at a second radial distance from the axis. The apparatus also includes a reference sensor disposed over a first position along the second radial path. In the apparatus. the radial distances are different and the numbers of transmissive features and data storage features are relatively prime. When the body is rotating, the first set of features modulate the incident beam and the reference sensor generates a reference signal based on the data storage features traversing the first position.
US08527224B2
An apparatus using a battery includes a receiving unit, a determination unit and a calculation unit. The receiving unit receives a dischargeable capacity, a first voltage and a second voltage from the battery. The first voltage is used to display the end of an available time and the second voltage is used to carry out a low power operation. The determination unit determines whether the first voltage is less than the second voltage. The calculation unit corrects the dischargeable capacity and calculates the available time based on the corrected dischargeable capacity, if the determination unit determines that the first voltage is less than the second voltage.
US08527221B2
A method for monitoring an activity of partial electrical discharges in an electric apparatus powered with direct voltage comprises the following steps, repeated in succession at predetermined time intervals: measuring (1) analogue electrical signals and generating corresponding digital signals representative of the wave form of partial discharge impulses; deriving (2) for each of said digital signals, at least one shape parameter and at least one amplitude parameter; separating (3) the set of the measured data into homogeneous sub-sets with respect to the shape parameter; correlating (4) the sub-sets of signals having similar values of the shape parameter and measured in successive steps; selecting (5) the correlated sub-sets for which the amplitude parameter has a predetermined profile over time and attributing the signals of said subsets to partial discharge activities. The methods currently in use do not allow to monitor partial discharge activities in an apparatus in DC, because they do not allow to distinguish the signals relating to the partial discharges from those relating to noise or to disturbances.
US08527214B2
A mechanical seal monitoring system and method that measure the wear of seal faces of a mechanical seal where the mechanical seal seals a rotating machine portion from another portion of the machine. The system preferably uses a wear probe movable relative to a rotating seal component so that the wear probe can contact the rotating component. The wear of the seal is preferably determined by the relative movement that is required for the wear probe to contact the rotating component. Preferably, stress waves induced by the rubbing between the probe and the rotating component are detected by a stress-wave sensor, processed by a signal processor, and either displayed to the user numerically or reported to a monitoring computer. A signal intensity comparison method is preferably used to make the detection process insensitive to background noise generated by sources other than the contact of the wear probe and the rotating component.
US08527196B2
A system includes a first module receives N points (N≧3) from a remote device, the N points indicating (i) a current location, (ii) a desired location, and (iii) one or more points between the current location and the desired location. A second module determines whether first information in a first datastore of the system is missing a link between each neighboring pair of points within the N points. A third module receives M points (M≧1) from the remote device for each missing one of the N−1 links, the M points indicating points between two of the N points associated with a missing link. A fourth module generates a route from the current location to the desired location based on the N points and the first information in a first datastore, and any M points received for missing ones of the N−1 links.
US08527192B2
Watercraft automation and aquatic data utilization for aquatic efforts are utilized for fishing and network communication. In one aspect, an anchor point is obtained and a water craft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another, aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.
US08527189B2
The present invention relates particularly to a method for detecting electric power blips during transmission of an electric signal representative of a magnitude detected by a sensor (1) to an electronic control unit associated with a motor, characterized in that it includes the steps of: a) measuring said electric signal known as “raw signal” (SBTE); b) proceeding with the filtering of said raw signal to obtain a “filtered signal” (STFE); c) calculating for a constant time pitch, |raw signal−filtered signal|, that is, the absolute value of the difference between the raw signal and the filtered signal; d) comparing said absolute value to a predetermined threshold of maximum variation (SVM); e) when said absolute value is greater than said predetermined threshold of maximum variation, declaring a state of power blip; f) otherwise, repeating the preceding steps.
US08527184B2
A logical sensor method is provided for internal combustion engines (Compression Ignited or Spark Ignited) based on a software algorithm (SBS). This algorithm identifies the mixture diesel/bio-diesel present in a vehicle's fuel tank and adapts the engine control strategy as a function of the fraction of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) vegetal-based oil or oil produced from organic waste blended into a crude oil based diesel fuel (average chemical formula C12H23).
US08527175B2
A braking/driving control apparatus for a vehicle includes a basic control unit which calculates and outputs a target axle torque based on a target acceleration and a driving resistance of the vehicle and which determines an axle torque for a power train of the vehicle and an axle torque for a braking apparatus of the vehicle based on the calculated target axle torque, a sliding-down prediction determining unit which determines whether there is a possibility that the vehicle slides down rearwards on an uphill road, and a sliding-down preventing process executing unit which performs a process for reducing a possibility that the vehicle slides down, based on a determination result of the sliding-down prediction determining unit. After the sliding-down prediction determining unit determines that there is the possibility, the sliding-down preventing process executing unit controls the basic control unit to calculate and output the target axle torque so as to reach an axle torque which is obtained by reducing a predetermined positive amount form an estimated value of an axle torque necessary for the vehicle to achieve the target acceleration against the driving resistance.
US08527173B2
The method for managing an energy variation of an aircraft provided with at least one propulsion system, capable of generating a thrust force on said aircraft comprised in a thrust range, is characterized in that said energy variation is expressed by a size representative of said energy variation and homogenous to a gradient of the aircraft, and in that it includes steps for determining the current energy variation of said aircraft, ordering an energy variation of the aircraft, determining, as a function of said ordered energy variation, a necessary thrust force that must be generated by said propulsion system for the energy variation of the aircraft to be able to tend towards said ordered energy variation, and developing and applying a control order to said propulsion system so that it delivers said necessary thrust force.
US08527169B2
An apparatus and method of controlling a torque transmitting apparatus having multiple selectively engageable couplers is provided. The multiple couplers may be selectively engaged and disengaged to provide a mechanical, friction or fluid coupling between portions of the torque transmitting apparatus and other components of a vehicle powertrain during various operational stages. The control apparatus includes a fluid pressure control device and a fluid flow control device.
US08527164B2
A method of controlling and/or regulating an automated transmission of a vehicle in which a rolling function or a coasting function of the vehicle is activated in an automatic mode, under predetermined conditions, such that the drivetrain is disengaged and the drive motor is one of operated at idle or is switched off at times. The rolling function or the coasting function is automatically terminated if at least one of the predetermined conditions is no longer present. The rolling function or the coasting function can also be terminated manually by the driver, and a manually operable shifting strategy can be initiated.
US08527162B2
A control apparatus for an automatic transmission prevents friction engagement elements from being kept in an engagement state in accordance with the traveling state of a vehicle when a shift lever is operated to the position where a neutral range is formed, even if the malfunction of a solenoid valves occurs. If the shift range is switched to an N range, an ECU controls an So3 solenoid valve to enter an energized state, and controls a speed change mechanism to enter a non-transmission state, when the ECU judges that vehicle speed V is smaller than an N range forming method changing threshold Vn. The ECU controls an SL1 linear solenoid valve to enter a de-energized state, and controls the speed change mechanism to enter the non-transmission state, when the ECU judges that the vehicle speed V is no less than the N range forming method changing threshold Vn.
US08527161B2
The present disclosure relates to a control circuit for a vehicle transmission cooling system having a controller configured to control an air compressor to selectively pressurize a transmission clutch housing and provide air to an alternative vehicle subsystem (or subsystems).
US08527159B2
An electronic-hydraulic controller for an automatic transmission includes a transmission control module (TCM) which is disposed outside the transmission housing and is connected to the actuators, sensors and switches within the transmission by a serial data link such as the car area network (CAN). Electrical power is also provided to the components within the transmission resulting in a connector requiring only five or six terminals. Each of the actuators, sensors and switches includes its own integrated electronic circuitry which receives, stores and provides data and allows it to communicate through the serial data link with the externally mounted control module. The electronic circuitry of each actuator stores data regarding its input signal to output pressure and flow characteristics which facilitates replacement of the transmission control module.
US08527155B2
An avoidance system is disclosed for operating a vehicle on a pile of material on a worksite, the material being released through an opening at the worksite and causing a disturbance zone to form on a surface of the pile. The system has a sensor positioned at the worksite and configured to sense the surface of the pile, and a processor in communication with the sensor and the vehicle. The processor is configured to identify the disturbance zone based on the sensed surface and a known location of the opening, and to transmit a signal indicative of the disturbance zone to the vehicle.
US08527152B2
A vehicle control device has first and second transmission circuits that communicate by radio with a portable unit and also has a control section that, when the portable unit is confirmed to be correct, engages in a permission mode that permits the start of an engine. The first and second transmission circuits transmit first and second request signals from first and second transmission antennas to first and second communicatable areas respectively. When a back door is detected to be open, the control section does not permit the start of the engine even if an ID code signal is returned from the portable unit in response to the second request signal.
US08527144B2
An in-vehicle apparatus changes icon appearance of gadget-associated icons according to travel impediment information associated with respective gadgets during the travel of a vehicle. The icon appearance has an improved recognizability if the icon is associated with a gadget that does not impede the travel of the vehicle, or has a worsened recognizability if the icon is associated with a gadget that impedes the travel of the vehicle. As a result, the in-vehicle apparatus allows a user to easily recognize whether a gadget-associated icon has impeding operation steps or non-impeding operation steps for the execution of the respective gadgets, thereby enabling a safer travel of the vehicle.
US08527140B2
This application describes the detection of the state of a vehicle and various actions to be performed based on the detected state. The detection of the state is done by a portable device, carried by the user, which uses onboard sensors to receive operations indicators, and uses rules in a predetermined criteria to determine the operational state of the vehicle. Various methods are described for detecting the states of the vehicle and applications based upon it.
US08527127B2
A method and system of determining a maximum oil change limit for an engine considering the engine operating environment and location is provided. An engine location indicator is generated in response to a trigger, using a locating device in communication with a controller. The locating device may include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The engine may be an internal combustion engine on a vehicle configured as one of a hybrid vehicle and an extended range electric vehicle. The trigger may be one of a calendar time, a key-on event, an oil change event, and a signal provided by the controller. The controller may generate the maximum oil change limit of the engine using one or more oil change indices, each defined by the engine location and/or time in location. The maximum oil change limit and/or an oil change limit alert may be provided as an output of the controller.
US08527115B2
An airborne reconnaissance system comprising: (1) Gimbals having at least two degrees of freedom; (2) At least one array of light sensors positioned on the gimbals, for being directed by the same within at least two degrees of freedom; (3) Map storage means for storing at least one Digital Elevation Map of an area of interest, divided into portions; (4) Inertial Navigation System for real-time providing to a gimbals control unit navigation and orientation data of the aircraft with respect to a predefined global axes system; (5) Portion selection unit for selecting, one at a time, another area portion from the area of interest; and (6) servo means for directing the gimbals. The system uses data from the inertial navigation system and from the digital elevation map for real-time calculating direction to selected area portions, and for maintaining the direction during integration of light from the terrain, and for producing corresponding images of area portions.
US08527113B2
A system for providing enhanced operator control of a remote vehicle driving at increased speeds comprises: a head-mounted display configured to be worn by the operator and track a position of the operator's head; a head-aimed camera mounted to the remote vehicle via a pan/tilt mechanism and configured to pan and tilt in accordance with the position of the operator's head, the head-aimed camera transmitting video to be displayed to the operator via the head-mounted display; and a computer running a behavior engine, the computer receiving input from the operator and one or more sensors, and being configured to utilize the behavior engine, operator input, sensor input, and one or more autonomous and/or semi-autonomous behaviors to assist the operator in driving the remote vehicle. The remote vehicle includes releasably mounted wheels and high-friction tracks.
US08527112B2
An on-vehicle device with a storage unit that includes a transfer unit that transfers data stored in the storage unit to another on-vehicle device of equal capability that is also equipped with a storage unit. In the on-vehicle device, the transfer unit is configured by a data transfer jack provided to each of the on-vehicle device and the another on-vehicle device, and a data transfer cable for connecting the transfer jacks.
US08527111B2
A device for moving a jet member in a first path over a layer to be treated by the jet has means configured to enable input of data relating to a geometrical shape of a surface of said layer to be treated by the jet member and means configured to use said data for calculating end positions (S1, S2) of an impact point of the jet member for a plurality of consecutive stripes (S) extending substantially perpendicularly to a second path for indexing, each having a width substantially corresponding to an indexing step and together forming said geometrical shape. A control arrangement co-ordinates movement of the impact point of the jet member and said indexing for treating a surface of said layer having said geometrical shape by said jet member.
US08527110B2
A charge/discharge control device capable of increasing the lifetime of a storage portion while suppressing effects of fluctuation in power generated by a power generator on a power grid is provided. This charge/discharge control device is so formed as to start charge/discharge control of the storage portion if an amount of change in power detected by a power detection portion detecting power passing through a prescribed portion of a line between the power generator and the power grid is at least a prescribed amount of change when the detected power changes from first power to second power while the detected power does not return to power in the vicinity of the first power from the second power within a first period from a time point when the detected power changes from the first power to the second power.
US08527108B2
A method for managing an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads and a method for managing the group of energy consuming loads. The method includes generating sets of load state data from the loads, making enablement state decisions for one or more loads independently of the other loads using the sets of load state data, and implementing the enablement state decisions. A computer readable medium for providing computer readable instructions directing a processor in order to manage an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads. An apparatus including a processor programmed to manage an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads.
US08527100B2
A method of providing a flow control device is disclosed, which one aspect may include: defining a flow rate; defining a desired relationship between a parameter of the flow control device that exhibits a substantial change when a selected property of the fluid changes in a first range and remains substantially constant when the selected property is in the second range; determining using a computer and a simulation program the relationship between the performance parameter and the selected property over the first range and the second range for the defined flow rate for a geometry of a flow through area of a flow control device; comparing the determined relationship of the performance parameter with the desired relationship; altering the geometry to a new geometry when the difference between the desired performance and the determined performance is outside a desired range; determining using the computer and the simulation program the relationship between the performance parameter and the selected property over the first range and the second range for the defined flow rate for the new geometry of the flow through area of the flow control device; repeating the process of altering the geometry and determining the performance until the difference between the desired performance and the determined performance for a geometry is acceptable; and storing the geometry of the flow through device on a suitable storage medium for which the difference between the determined performance and the desired performance is acceptable.
US08527096B2
A programmable controller includes a user interface which includes a default interface, a home screen, an indoor settings interface and one or more tab interfaces. As the home screen covers a predominant portion of the default interface and is associated with the indoor settings interface, the home screen enables an operator of the programmable thermostat to intuitively transition from the home screen to the indoor settings and one or more tab interfaces.
US08527088B2
Upon receiving first data, a stop control unit (211) performs control such that a transportation vehicle (200) stops at a first stop position at which the transportation vehicle (200) can load the article onto a second apparatus. Upon receiving second data, the stop control unit (211) performs control such that the transportation vehicle (200) stops at a second stop position corresponding to a first apparatus.
US08527084B2
In the method for cutting a material layer (20) along a given cutting line (21), a cutting beam is moved so as to impinge on the material layer (20) laterally offset by a distance (W) from the cutting line (21). The distance (W) is determined as a function of the variations of the cutting speed at which the cutting beam is moved, and/or as a function of the deviations of the effective cutting beam cross-section from a circular shape.
US08527067B2
A medical electrical lead includes a tapered distal tip having a tapered drug-eluting component incorporated therein. The drug-eluting component can be an overmolded drug-eluting collar or a pre-molded drug eluting collar. The drug-eluting collar is disposed in a recess formed in the tapered distal tip and maintains the overall tapered profile of the distal tip.
US08527060B2
Disclosed herein is a shield for shielding a telemetry wand from electromagnetical interference capable of interfering with telemetry communications between the telemetry wand and an AIMD in a patient. The telemetry wand may include a first side that is configured to be placed against a patient, a second side generally opposite the first side, a lateral side between the first and second sides, a hole extending between the first and second sides, and a cable extending from the lateral side. The shield may include a shell including a wall that defines a volume and an opening in the shell. The volume may be configured to receive therein the telemetry wand such that the second and lateral sides of the telemetry wand face respective portions of the wall and the first side faces the opening in the shell.
US08527058B2
An exemplary method includes a sound processing unit 1) directing an implantable cochlear stimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes to generate an electrical stimulation current in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters, 2) automatically detecting an impedance of at least one of the electrodes, and 3) directing, in accordance with the detected impedance, the implantable cochlear stimulator to adjust a pulse width of the electrical stimulation current to maintain constant a total electric charge level of the electrical stimulation current.
US08527044B2
A user interface method and apparatus is described for use with a defibrillator (100) such as an automated external defibrillator (AED). The user interface comprises a plurality of layered user interface components which become available to the operator of the defibrillator (100) as they become necessary or appropriate during the operation of the defibrillator (100) and treatment of the patient. In one embodiment, the layered user interface components comprise an on/off actuator (108), a lid (104), an electrode package (120) containing defibrillation electrodes (142, 144), and a shock key (170), as well as accompanying visual and aural instructions for operating the defibrillator (100) and for treating the patient.
US08527039B2
Systems and methods for detecting and/or treating nervous system disorders, such as seizures. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to implantable medical devices (IMDs) adapted to detect and treat nervous system disorders in patients with an IMD. Certain embodiments of the invention include detection of seizures based upon comparisons of long-term and short-term representations of physiological signals. Further embodiments of the invention include preparing for the delivery of therapy by warming up therapy delivery components prior to the expected delivery of therapy.
US08527033B1
Systems and methods which determine the position of an instrument internal to an object using an opto-mechanical sensor are shown. Embodiments utilize an opto-mechanical sensor system in which a mechanical instrument interface provides instrument movement information to a corresponding optical sensor system to determine instrument movement. Determinations of instrument movement preferably provide information regarding movement direction and speed. Such information, when used in combination with other information such as starting position or starting position offset, insertion angle or angle of attack, and/or insertion plane, is utilized by embodiments of the invention to determine the position of an instrument or portion thereof. Embodiments are adapted to accommodate different instrument configurations. Position information may be utilized in combination with an ultrasound image to display a visual representation of the instrument, or portion thereof, within a object being imaged.
US08527026B2
Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices include unique architectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.
US08527024B2
An in vivo amperometric sensor is provided for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid. The sensor comprises a counter electrode and a working electrode, and the working electrode comprises a sensing layer which is generally water permeable and arranged on a support member adjacent to a contact pad. The sensing layer comprises an immobilized enzyme capable of acting catalytically in the presence of the analyte to cause an electrical signal. The sensing layer has an upper surface facing the body fluid and a lower surface facing away from the body fluid, and the immobilized enzyme is distributed within the sensing layer in such a way that the enzyme concentration in the middle between the upper and lower surfaces is at least as high as on the upper surface of the sensing layer.
US08527023B2
The device for the transcutaneous determination of blood gases including a transcutaneous sensor for the measurement of at least one of the parameters of skin carbon dioxide partial pressure (PsCO2) and skin oxygen partial pressure (PsO2) includes at least one sensor for the measurement of the tissue blood flow (F) local with respect to the transcutaneous sensor, and includes a device for the calculation of at least one of the parameters of transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure (tcpCO2) and transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure (tcpO2) from the measured skin carbon dioxide partial pressure (PsCO2) or the measured skin oxygen partial pressure (PsO2), with a factor dependent on the local tissue blood flow (F) being taken into account in the calculation of at least one of the parameters of transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure (tcpCO2) and transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure (tcpO2).
US08527021B2
An entertainment system for a vehicle, including a media player and a control panel having an option that allows a user to select either a first communication mode or a second communication mode, wherein the first communication mode sets the entertainment system to respond to a transmitted first set of codes and the second communication mode sets the entertainment system to respond to a transmitted second set of codes.
US08527019B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding mechanism with which when a state of two connected members is changed to a plurality of states by sliding, the state can be changed from an arbitrary state to another arbitrary state without passing through the other state. The sliding mechanism of the present invention is disposed between a first member and a second member and includes a body to be guided arranged on the first member and a guide body arranged on the second member and guides the body to be guided. The guide body includes an annular guide groove which guides the body to be guided. The guide groove is a groove section composed of at least three sides including an arc-shaped side and a linear side.
US08527018B2
An apparatus and a method for reducing battery consumption of a mobile terminal are provided. More particularly, an apparatus and a method for reducing battery consumption by allowing a mobile terminal to perform a wakeup process by expiration or update of a timer which coincides with a paging period in order to reduce battery consumption. The controller reduces a frequency of waking up from a sleep mode by matching a wakeup time set by a timer to a paging period with a certain condition is met.
US08527009B1
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for presenting coverage bars on a mobile device based on available telecommunications signals. In particular, a mobile device is associated with a plurality of telecommunications signals. Further, the telecommunications signals associated with the mobile device are assessed based on signal strength. A determination is made as to the relative strength of one telecommunications technology over another. Additionally, identifiers of the telecommunications signals are presented on a screen of the mobile device.
US08527003B2
A system and apparatus including a wireless network architecture that provides broadband data network coverage over an expandable geographic area. A media access control layer is also provided that facilitates access to the broadband wireless network. A high-frequency wireless modem enables high data rate access to the wireless network in a spectrally-efficient manner using SSB modulation. A wideband millimeter-wave antenna includes a cosecant-squared reflector enabling signal propagation between network elements thereby enabling seamless wireless communications. A millimeter-wave polarizer, and a septum polarizer each convert between linear and circular polarization. A cross-shaped horn antenna adapted for circularly polarized signals can also be used in combination with the septum polarizer. A combined horn antenna is fed using a microstrip patch antenna.
US08527000B2
Wireless communication system for monitoring and managing client interface for area-specific process
A method enables a communication between a process client and a wireless process server to carry out an area-specific process in an area. The method includes a step of transmitting it message from a wireless process server to a wireless communication device operated by the process client. The message includes information related to the area-specific process for enabling the process-client to better arrange time before the area-specific process is scheduled to carry out in the area. In a specific embodiment, the wireless communication server sends a message to notify the process client about a location and an estimate time for the process client to carry out the area-specific process. In another preferred embodiment, the communication system enables the process client to employ a wireless communication device owned by the process client.
US08526998B2
A mobile terminal (10) of the present invention has a sensor (15) for detecting a pulse, in an upper end portion of a back surface of a main body of the mobile terminal (10). The sensor (15) is constituted by a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. A position of the sensor is determined so that a force acting on the sensor falls within a range from 50 gf to 200 gf in a case where the mobile terminal is supported at its lower end portion and at the sensor by a fingertip. Thus, the present invention provides the mobile terminal (10) which can be always carried with a user and which realizes easy and stable pulse measurement.
US08526994B2
A method and apparatus for controlling a Transmit power (TX power) of an indoor Base Station (BS) in a broadband wireless communication system. An operation of the indoor BS includes receiving received channel quality information on the indoor BS from at least one Mobile Station (MS), increasing in steps the TX power by as much as a basic unit amount and, determining whether an MS located outside a building has accessed the indoor BS using the received channel quality information in every increase and, when the MS located outside the building has accessed the indoor BS, decreasing the TX power of the indoor BS.
US08526990B1
Methods and systems are disclosed herein that may be used to share transmit-power information between mobile stations. An exemplary method involves a first mobile station: (i) determining a verified transmit power (VTP) for the first mobile station; (ii) using the VTP to generate a transmit-power message, wherein the transmit-power message is usable to determine an initial transmit power (ITP) for the second mobile station; and (iii) the first mobile station sending the transmit-power message to at least the second mobile station. For instance, the first mobile station may set the ITP for the second mobile station equal to the VTP for the first mobile station, and include an indication of the ITP in the transmit-power message. Alternatively, the first mobile station may calculate the ITP for the second mobile station by adjusting its VTP according to the ratio of the distance between the second mobile station and the serving base station, and the distance between the first mobile station and the serving base station.
US08526983B2
A Short Message Service (SMS) message is communicated to a mobile user equipment (MUE) over an Internet Protocol (IP) network using an IP communication. An SMS network includes a Short Message Service Centre (SM-SC), a gateway mobile switching centre (GMSC), the SMS network communicating SMS messages. An IP/SMS gateway communicates between the SMS and IP networks. A home location database maintains address data identifying a current location of a MUE. After interrogation by the GMSC, the home location database provides the GMSC an address of the IP/SMS gateway, stored in association with the subscriber identify number. The GMSC sends the SMS message to the IP/SMS gateway. The IP/SMS gateway retrieves an IP address corresponding to the mobile subscriber number pre-stored in an IP/SMS database associated with the IP/SMS gateway. The IP/SMS gateway communicates the SMS message to the MUE at the retrieved IP address via the IP network.
US08526981B2
A method for delivering a short message service (SMS) message to an interworking wireless local area network user equipment (UE) begins by registering the UE with an Internet Protocol short message gateway (IP-SM-GW). A capability report is sent from the UE to the IP-SM-GW, the capability report including the capabilities of the UE. A SMS message is transmitted from a short message service center (SMSC) to the IP-SM-GW. The capabilities of the UE are evaluated at the IP-SM-GW to determine whether the UE can receive the SMS message, and the SMS message is delivered to the UE via the IP-SM-GW if the UE has the capabilities to receive the SMS message.
US08526974B2
Own communication equipment locates a source of wireless transmissions, the own equipment including a serving base station (BS). The serving BS receives, from remote sensors including at least one user equipment (UE), sensing information from which transmitter location information (“location information”) can be determined. The location information is oriented in a serving BS coordinate system. The location information can comprise white space sensing information from which a direction of a transmitter relative to a position of the UE can be determined, and pilot signal sensing information from which respective directions of one or more BSs relative to the position of the UE can be determined. The BS transforms the white space and pilot signal sensing information into the location information. Geographical safety margins are determined from the location information, and BS transmissions are adjusted to limit transmitting signals beyond the geographical safety margin area.
US08526964B2
A communication system for supporting carrier aggregation and a method and apparatus for updating system information thereof are disclosed. A method for providing system information in the communication system supporting carrier aggregation includes: when system information of said communication system changes, generating first information including information for indicating the change of system information; determining a first cell of a terminal related to the change of system information, wherein said first cell is one of cells to which said terminal connects, and corresponds to a carrier unit currently used by said terminal for keeping connection with a base station of said communication system; and transmitting said first information to said terminal through said first cell.
US08526960B2
The present invention relates to a first node and a second node in a mobile telecommunication network. The network comprises a first node, a second node and a third node, wherein the first node is connectable to the second node and the second node is connectable to the first node and to the third node and the third node is connectable to the second node. A system function is realized by the execution of a master-process implemented in the first node and a slave-process implemented in the third node, wherein the execution of the master-process realizes a control function associated with the system function. The master-process of the first node is adapted to temporarily delegate the responsibility to realize the control function to a master-proxy-process implemented in the second node and the master-proxy-process implemented in the second node is adapted to take over the responsibility to realize the control function from the master-process of the first node.
US08526957B2
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention there is at least a method, apparatus, and executable computer program to perform operations including detecting that a cell in a wireless communication system is able to selectively increase or decrease its transmit power by an amount, where the cell is configured with a transmit power and a parameter that indicates a maximum difference in power change, resulting from a change in transmit power, that can exist between a power change of the cell and a power change of a neighbor cell, examining, at the cell, a signal comprising at least one value received from at least one neighbor cell, based on the examining, determining that a transmit power change is possible, modifying a value associated with the transmit power, and modifying the transmit power of the cell by the modified value, and signaling the modified value to the at least one neighbor cell in the wireless communication system.
US08526940B1
A telecommunications network includes a plurality of operators, each performing customer service activities. Each operator uses an analytics engine to apply troubleshooting rules to help diagnose customer problems. In addition to a local rules repository at each of the different operators, a centralized rules repository is used to collect domain knowledge of the different operators. Additionally, rules generated by software vendors and device manufacturers are also included in the centralized rules repository. By accessing this centralized rules repository, the local rules repositories can be updated with rules from these other sources, thereby increasing the rules available for each individual operator.
US08526939B2
The invention relates to a device and to a method for testing a mobile radio device in a multiple antenna system using a frequency-selective static channel model for channel simulation in frequency space. In the method according to the invention, the useful data to be transmitted are first allocated to a plurality of carrier frequencies and the associated coding parameters per antenna. The useful data are then modulated onto the carrier frequencies according to the allocation. One or more modulated carrier signals are now distorted in frequency space according to a frequency-selective static channel model. A transmission signal composed of the channel-modeled modulated carrier signals is subsequently transmitted in the period of time to a mobile radio device to be tested.
US08526938B1
A method of testing a mobile phone maintenance channel is provided. The method comprises transmitting a plurality of mobile phone activation set-up messages to an open mobile alliance (OMA) platform, the OMA platform storing activation set-up information in a data store, and generating test activation request messages. The method further comprises transporting the activation request messages over a mobile phone maintenance channel, the OMA platform retrieving activation set-up information from the data store, the OMA platform transmitting activation response messages, the activation response messages comprising at least a portion of the mobile phone activation set-up information associated with the test activation request, transporting the activation response messages over the maintenance channel, and the computer, in response to receiving the activation response messages, determining a first test result based on comparing the plurality of activation request messages to the activation response messages.
US08526937B2
A method of handling minimization of drive tests (MDT) reporting of a mobile device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises not transmitting a request message to a network of the wireless communication system, when the mobile device is performing the MDT reporting to the network, wherein the request message is used for releasing a connection between the mobile device and the network.
US08526934B2
A system that facilitates inter-operable communications between first responder (FR) wireless communications devices at an emergency location. The system includes an on-site tactical communications plan that is configured into a communications control device. The communications control device is part of an emergency command vehicle. First responders utilize their associated FR devices to establish a wireless IP data session with the communications control device via a macro wireless network. Once the IP data session is established, the FR device is authenticated by the communications control device. The tactical plan is then transmitted to the FR device via the established wireless IP data sessions. Once the tactical plan is transmitted to the FR devices, each of the FR devices comprises identical radio configurations and channel assignments.
US08526915B2
Equipment to prevent spoofing in an authentication technique that uses a portable terminal and the like, includes an authentication unit for performing personal authentication of the user, a communication unit for communicating with a register, and an authentication control unit for permitting the authentication unit to execute the personal authentication of the user when receiving authentication start instructing information from the register connected to the communication unit. Spoofing is difficult to carry out because the authentication start instructing information must be received from the register in order to perform the required personal authentication prior to the post-authentication communication.
US08526913B2
Systems, methods, and computer program products are for managing access to a femtocell coverage area. An exemplary method includes storing in a memory component a first identifier corresponding to a subscribed service of a communication device and a second identifier corresponding to a user of the communication device, and granting access to the femtocell coverage area using the second identifier.
US08526909B2
An Emergency Alert System (EAS) alert message may be used to activate a security system. For example, a mobile device of a subscriber may receive an EAS alert message from a network provider of the mobile device. Upon receipt of the EAS alert message, the mobile device may send an indication of the EAS message to the security system. A component of the security system may be activated to provide notification of the EAS alert message to the subscriber.
US08526904B2
Techniques to reduce LO leakage by controlling the amplitude of LO signal based on the level of output signal after the frequency conversion process. An LO generator receives a VCO signal and generates an LO signal having a variable amplitude and a frequency that is related to the frequency of the VCO signal. A variable gain amplifier receives a control signal and adjusts the amplitude of the LO signal based on the control signal. The variable amplitude LO signal is used for frequency upconversion (e.g., direction upconversion) of an input signal (e.g., at baseband) to obtain an output signal (e.g., at RF). The relationship between LO signal amplitude and output signal level may be defined by a particular transfer function. In general, the LO signal is set higher for higher output signal level and is reduced proportionally for lower output signal level.
US08526897B2
According to one aspect of the present invention, a controller is coupled to at least first and second signal processors (at least one of which includes analog demodulation circuitry and another of which includes digital demodulation circuitry). The controller may operate to disable the first signal processor responsive to a control signal that indicates that a second signal (corresponding to a demodulator output) is available from the second signal processor.
US08526893B2
A configurable transceiver includes an RF receiver that generates a stream of inbound data from at least one received RF signal, wherein the RF receiver is configurable in response to a control signal. An RF transmitter generates at least one RF signal from a stream of outbound data, wherein the RF transmitter section is configurable in response to the control signal. A configuration controller generates the control signal based on channel data. A power management unit generates at least one receiver supply signal and at least on transmitter supply signal in accordance with a plurality of power consumption parameters, and wherein the power management unit adjusts at least one of the plurality of power consumption parameters based on the control signal.
US08526890B1
A radio frequency (RF) module capable of self-calibration is provided. According to an embodiment, the RF module includes an RF signal processor, a plurality of RF signal paths, an antenna switch module (ASM), and a power detector. The RF signal paths are connected between the RF signal processor and the ASM. The ASM has an antenna port and selectively connects the RF signal processor to the antenna port through one of the RF signal paths. The power detector is operative to detect power of an RF transmission signal that exits the antenna port of the ASM and enters an antenna when the ASM connects an RF transmission path of the RF signal paths to the antenna port of the ASM.
US08526874B2
A transmission mechanism of an image forming apparatus includes: a first transmitting section transmitting a driving force of a drive mechanism to a first transporting roller; and a second transmitting section transmitting the driving force of the first transmitting section to a second transporting roller. The first transmitting section has a first gear rotatable integrally with the first transporting roller. The second transmitting section has a second gear engaged with the first gear; a shaft extended in a direction intersecting the rotational axes of the first and second transporting rollers, and rotatable integrally with the second gear; a third gear rotatable integrally with the shaft; and a fourth gear engaged with the third gear and rotatable integrally with the second transporting roller. The image forming apparatus is capable of transporting a paper favorably along a re-transporting path.
US08526863B2
A toner discharge mechanism which is attached to a toner cartridge includes an auger screw for conveying and discharging a toner stored in the toner cartridge, the auger screw having an end portion downstream thereof, the end portion forming a taper portion having a predetermined length and an outer diameter diminishing toward a tip thereof; a cover member for covering the taper portion, the cover member having a conical inner wall configured to correspond to a taper shape of the taper portion; and a toner discharge outlet formed on the cover member.
US08526859B2
A system and method for determining LEP ink conductivity are provided. A pair of electrodes is arranged to define a narrow gap there between. A non-conductive propeller rotates within the gap and causes liquid ink to flow over respective planar surfaces of the electrodes. The rotating propeller further prevents the accumulation of ink sludge on the planar surfaces of the electrodes within the gap. Electrical current is conducted between the electrodes. The electrical current is measured and the conductivity value of the ink determined there from.
US08526857B2
Provided a charging member which can prevent any contaminants deposited on a cleaning member from adhering thereto by making low a surface free energy and coefficient of friction thereof. The charging member has a substrate, an elastic layer and a surface layer, and the surface layer contains a polymer having an Si—O—W linkage; the polymer having a constitutional unit represented by the following formula (1) and a constitutional unit represented by the following formula (2):
US08526856B2
An image forming unit includes a first rotating body having a first gear; a first unit that rotatably supports the first rotating body; a second rotating body having a second gear; a second unit that rotatably supports the second rotating body; and a biasing part that biases the second unit toward the first unit, wherein a drive force is generated by transmitting rotation from the first gear to the second gear in order to transmit the rotation from the first rotating body to the second rotating body, and the biasing part biases the second unit in a biasing direction substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the drive force.
US08526839B2
An image forming apparatus arranged to produce groups of printed sheets. Each group includes a plurality of sequential sheets. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of storage units each configured to store the printed sheets produced by an image forming unit, a sorter unit configured to sort the printed sheets of a group into a plurality of portions, wherein the sheets in each portion are in sequential order, and to output each of the portions to a different storage unit, and a display unit configured to display an indication of the storage unit storing the portion including the first or the last sheet of the group such that a user is directed to collect the portion including the first or the last sheet of the group from the indicated storage unit first.
US08526830B2
A method of analyzing an input signal, the method including the steps of: (a) dividing a first input signal into first and second orthogonal signal polarization components; (b) dividing a second input signal into orthogonal first and second orthogonal local polarization components; (c) mixing the first orthogonal signal component with the second orthogonal local polarization component to provide a first mixed signal; (d) mixing the second orthogonal signal component with the first orthogonal local polarization component to provide a second mixed signal; (e) analyzing the first and second mixed signal to determine the polarization or phase information in the input signal.
US08526822B2
A flexible circuit assembly is described that integrates a first fiber optic die, for example a transmitter die, a second fiber optic die, for example a receiver die, a trans-impedance amplifier die and a transmitter driver die on a single flexible circuit. Alignment holes and multiple die are accurately placed on a single flexible circuit. The precise placement of alignment holes and fiber optic die facilitate micron alignment accuracy to a fiber optic connector, preferably a mechanical transfer (MT) connector. A heat sink is provided that transfers heat from the trans-impedance amplifier die and the transmitter driver die and isolates the fiber optic die from the heat source. Circuitry for the first fiber optic die, second fiber optic die, impedance die, and driver die, including isolated grounding circuitry, is also integrated on the flexible circuit assembly.
US08526819B2
A receiver receiving a phase-modulated optical frequency division multiplexed signal is provided. The receiver includes a light spectrum shaper configured to extract a carrier wave and a modulated light component contained in either one of a short-wavelength-side waveband or a long-wavelength-side waveband with respect to the carrier wave, to output a spectrum-shaped light signal; and an optical-to-electric converter configured to convert the spectrum-shaped light signal into an electric signal.
US08526817B2
A communications device includes a transmitter device having an optical source to generate an optical carrier signal, and a first modulator coupled to the optical source and to modulate the optical carrier signal with a radio frequency (RF) input signal, and an optical waveguide coupled to the transmitter device. The communications device includes a receiver device coupled to the optical waveguide and including a second modulator to further modulate the modulated optical carrier signal with a local oscillator (LO) signal, a frequency modulation-phase modulation (FM-PM) discriminator coupled to the second modulator and to convert the modulated optical carrier signal to an intensity modulated optical carrier signal based upon the LO signal, and an optical-to-electrical converter coupled to the FM-PM discriminator and to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) signal based upon the intensity modulated optical carrier signal.
US08526809B2
An adapter for a camera flash including: a first terminal portion corresponding to a flash terminal of a camera; a mounting portion supporting the first terminal portion and installed on the camera; an operating portion coupled to the mounting portion in a manner that allows an orientation of the operating portion to be adjusted; a second terminal portion disposed on the operating portion for an external flash to be installed thereon and electrically connected to the first terminal portion; and a connection unit disposed between the operating portion and the mounting portion and supporting the operating portion with respect to the mounting portion in a manner that allows the orientation of the operating portion to be adjusted.
US08526801B2
The present invention relates to a line connector for media lines, consisting of a connector piece with at least one junction portion for junction connection to a media line or to an assembly and with a transitional portion contiguous to the junction portion and having a flow duct. In this case, at least in the region of the transitional portion, electrical heating means are provided in an arrangement at least partially surrounding the flow duct. Furthermore, the invention relates to a ready-made media line consisting of a pipeline with a heating conductor arranged on the circumference and with a heatable line connector fastened at least to one pipeline end of the media line.
US08526799B2
An air dehumidifier for use in small enclosures such as gun and other types of safes is disclosed. The air dehumidifier provides a natural convection dehumidifier circulation system for use in enclosures that reduces natural convection airflow through a drying chamber and thereby dehumidifies and circulates air within the enclosure. Heated air released through the air flow apertures combine with air drawn in through the air intake apertures in the base, to provide air circulation and dehumidification within the safe interior. This invention also provides a drying chamber end cap which prevents articles within the enclosure from blocking the airflow out of the drying chamber.
US08526782B2
In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a link to a video program; obtaining metadata that relates to the program and that defines, for a specified time point in the program, annotations to be invoked at the specified time point; wherein the annotations comprise: a graphic image; one or more filters, each of the filters comprising a key and one or more matching values; and optionally a reference to a video segment, an electronic document, program code statements, or a programmatic call; during playing the video, detecting that the video program is playing at the specified time point; in response to the detecting: for each particular annotation for the specified time point, retrieving a current value for the key, and causing to display the graphic image associated with that particular annotation only when the current value of the key matches one of the matching values of one of the filters.
US08526781B2
A multimedia time warping system allows a user to store selected multimedia data streams while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing other multimedia data. Data streams are converted to digital streams for internal transfer and manipulation. A parser and event buffer decouple the CPU from having to parse the digital stream. Video segments are stored on a storage device and when data is requested for display, its video segments are extracted from the storage device and sent to a decoder that converts them into display output signals and delivers the display output signals to a display.
US08526778B2
An apparatus and method for capturing and editing a moving image according to a theme of the moving image, the apparatus including: a theme selector to select the theme of the moving image to be captured; a scene selector to select, according to a user command, a scene clip from a plurality of scene clips of a story board of the moving image to be captured, the story board provided according to the theme selected by the theme selector; and a photographing unit to capture a portion of the moving image corresponding to the selected scene clip while a template corresponding to the selected scene clip is displayed on a display screen.
US08526775B2
A fiber fuse terminator including an optical fiber with a core and cladding having holes, wherein: a refractive index of the core of the optical fiber is higher than a refractive index of a portion of the cladding excepting portions of the holes; wherein: a mode field diameter at a used wavelength of the optical fiber is MFD, and a distance in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber between a center of the core and a position, closest to the center of the core, of the hole that is closest to the core is Rmin, is no less than 1.2 and no more than 2.1; a width, in a diameter direction, of a region where the holes present in the cladding is W, is no less than 0.3; and a diameter of the cladding of the optical fiber is Dfiber, W≦0.45×Dfiber is satisfied.
US08526774B2
A cable management and termination arrangement constructed for use in both a sliding drawer application and a hinged panel application. The cable management and termination arrangement including a sliding drawer and first and second hinged access panels. In a sliding drawer application, the arrangement is horizontally mounted; the drawer slides between an open position and a closed position to provide access to the interior. In a hinged panel application, the arrangement is vertically mounted; the first and second hinged access panels pivot between open and closed positions to provide access to the interior.
US08526763B2
Seamless image compositions may be created. A plurality of images may be received, one image being a base image and the remaining image or images being source images. A selection may be received of one or more regions of one or more of the sources images to be copied onto the base image. An input may be received setting a blend parameter for each of the selected regions. The plurality of images may be blended together into a composite image by matching image gradients across one or more seams of the composite image. The image gradients may be based on the blend parameters. In one embodiment, input may be received to set a modified blend parameter for at least one of the selected regions and the plurality of images may be re-blended into a composite image in a similar manner but using the modified blend parameter.
