US08888237B2
There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus including: a liquid jetting head configured to jet liquid; a liquid discharge unit configured to discharge the liquid from the liquid jetting head; a waste liquid recover unit including a waste liquid absorber configured to absorb a waste liquid discharged from the liquid jetting head by the liquid discharge unit and detection electrodes configured to detect a waste liquid amount absorbed into the waste liquid absorber; and a vibration generating source configured to vibrate the waste liquid absorber in a vibration direction, wherein the detection electrodes are disposed to make contact with an end surface defining the waste liquid absorber, and a normal direction of the end surface intersects with the vibration direction.
US08888231B2
A cleaning method of an ink supply path in a recording apparatus where ink is supplied from an ink cartridge, includes a first cleaning step of cleaning by supplying to the ink supply path a gas-liquid mixture of a cleaning liquid A provided with an ink cleaning action and gas, and a second cleaning step of cleaning by supplying to the ink supply path a cleaning liquid B provided with an air bubble suppressing action after the first cleaning step.
US08888222B2
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection head, a conveyor, a recording controller, and a flashing controller. The conveyor conveys a recording medium along a conveyance path. The recording controller causes the conveyor to convey a recording medium, and controls liquid ejection from the liquid ejection head to form an image on the recording medium based on image data. The flashing controller causes the conveyor to temporarily stop conveyance of the recording medium, and causes liquid injection from the liquid ejection head based on drive data which is unrelated to image formation. The flashing controller determines timing for executing a subsequent flashing control on that, within a print enforceable period between one flashing control and the subsequent flashing control, the number of pages subjected to image formation based on image data increases with a decrease in time interval between image formation on one page and on another page.
US08888213B2
A circuit device drives actuator elements respectively associated with a plurality of nozzles to cause droplets to be ejected from the nozzles. The circuit device includes input terminals; a receiving unit; a switching unit; and a transfer unit. The receiving unit receives, via the input terminals, input signals including a terminal arrangement signal and drive signals for driving the actuator elements. The terminal arrangement signal indicates a type of assignment of signals to be assigned to the input terminals. The switching unit switches the assignment of signals in accordance with the terminal arrangement signal. The transfer unit transfers, to the actuator elements, drive signals that are input to the input terminals after the assignment of signals has been switched.
US08888208B2
A printing system includes an inkjet cartridge, an ink reservoir, and a reversible pump. A method and system of operating the printing system are providing in which first fluid line couples the ink reservoir and an input port of the inkjet cartridge. A second fluid line couples the reversible pump and an output port of the inkjet cartridge. The reversible pump is operated in a first direction to supply ink from the ink reservoir to the ink jet cartridge via the first fluid line. The reversible pump is a second direction to supply ink from the ink reservoir to the inkjet cartridge via the second fluid line. The reversible pump is operated in the first direction and the second direction repeatedly and sequentially for a predetermined duration.
US08888195B1
Embodiments described herein provide aerodynamic bicycle rims and wheels. Embodiments can include a bicycle rim that is wider than the width of the tire proximate to the outer edge of the rim and is shaped so that there is a tangent line tangent to the rim and the tire. The tangent line can be tangent to the rim on the sidewall or elsewhere on the rim. The widest part of the rim can be radially inward from the outer edge of the rim or elsewhere on the rim and the tangent line can be tangent at the widest part of the rim or elsewhere on the rim.
US08888187B2
A portable and adjustable head and neck rest device supporting the side of the neck and head while mounted on a vehicle or automobile sears head rest. It uses a cylindrical support bar and cushion to support the side of the neck and head. The supports are made adjustable by the pivoting motion of the cylindrical support bar about a pivoting pin and about a threaded rod. The device is securely fastened to the existing pillars of a sears head rest with the use of a threaded ‘V’ or ‘L’ shaped damp. Installation and removal of the device from an automobile seat head rest requires no external tool.
US08888181B2
A vehicle seat is equipped with a seat tilt mechanism capable of adjusting the amount one seat component is tilted relative to another. The tilt mechanism can couple a seat frame with a seat pan to adjust the relative amount of tilt therebetween. The tilt mechanism includes a housing and a bracket in sliding engagement with a surface of the housing that faces away from the seat pan during use. The bracket may include a bearing surface in sliding engagement with the housing. The bracket can be monolithic with generally U-shaped side walls extending away from the seat pan on opposite sides of the housing. Each side wall may extend partially around the housing with the seat pan providing structure that closes off the open end of the U-shape. The mechanism includes an optional cap on the seat pan side of the housing that may provide a low-friction bearing surface.
US08888178B2
There is provided a vehicle seat including reclining devices which are provided at both left and right side portions of a seat back, respectively, and having operation shafts connected to each other by a rod such that the operations shafts of the respective reclining devices rotate in synchronization with each other to release a locking state thereof, and a deformation member which is supported by a framework of the seat back and is configured to be deformed to move forward by collision of an object from a rear side due to a vehicle collision. The deformation member is engaged to the rod by the deformation movement to restrain a rotational movement of the rod in an unlocking direction of the reclining devices with a support of a framework strength of the seat back.
US08888175B2
A pod assembly for use in an aircraft that includes a seat with a seat bottom and a seat back, a shell that at least partially surrounds the seat, and a bed associated with the shell. The bed is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position where the bed is generally flat. The bed is supported by the shell in the deployed position.
US08888167B2
A dash panel has an impact absorption portion formed therein. A suspension tower is connected to the impact absorption portion, so that support stiffness thereof can be ensured. In addition, the suspension tower can be rotated around the front pillar due to an impact, so that an amount of backward movement of the dash panel toward a vehicle interior can be reduced. Thus, a brake booster cannot substantially be moved backward, so that a brake pedal and a steering column can be prevented from being displaced in an upward and backward projecting direction. As a result, a vehicle interior can be protected.
US08888166B2
A load transfer system and device for use in connection with structures forming a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The load transfer system includes a first surface, a second surface joined in an overlapping configuration with the first surface at a plurality of connection points, and, a load transfer device, wherein a force impacted on the first surface transfers via the load transfer device away from the connection points to prevent shearing of the connection points from the surfaces. The system and device are particularly useful on military vehicles, which are frequently subjected to high impact activities, including shock waves from a mine blast or impact between two objects, such as a vehicle crash. These events can subject the structures forming the vehicles and cabins to large shear stresses, particularly on the connection points holding the structures together, which could cause the connections to fail.
US08888165B2
A cargo container is disclosed having removable panels secured between roof bows that extend across the width of the cargo container. The roof bows may be constructed out of a metal or high strength composite material while the panels may be constructed from a similar high strength material or a lightweight plastic depending on the intended use of the trailer. A top sheet over the roof bows maybe required to secure the panels to the bows, or the top sheet may be optional for additional protection from the weather. Insulation may also be placed between the top sheet and panels if the container is to be used to carry refrigerated cargo.
US08888164B2
A connecting structure for a heavy vehicle may include a floor frame, a side pillar, and a skirt rail having a side rail to be selectively connected with the floor frame and an upper rail to be selectively connected with the side pillar, wherein the floor frame and the side rail may be joined together by a first fastening member and the side pillar and the skirt rail may be joined to each other by a second fastening member.
US08888158B2
A data center system can include a mobile support structure; one or more enclosures for removable electronic equipment where the enclosures are housed by the support structure; a cooling system in fluid communication with the enclosures for cooling of the electronic equipment where the cooling system is housed by the support structure; and a power system operably connected to the electronic equipment and the cooling system for supplying power thereto where the power system comprises a generator housed by the support system. The mobile data center can be moved to remote locations, and the electronic equipment can be placed in communication with a network when at the remote location. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08888145B1
A pipe fitting and method therefor includes one or more indicators to provide a visual indication that the fitting has been properly pressed around a tube and that the correct amount of pressure has been provided to create a permanent seal. In embodiments, the present invention includes a fitting having a main body component with at least a first segment having an axially inner portion, an axially intermediate portion and an axially outer portion, with a retaining compartment defined therein. The retaining compartment can retain one or more sealing rings, including an indicator sealing ring having an indicator flange extending from its outer surface. An external indicator band can be securely retained around the external surface of the pipe fitting, and can be adapted to change color upon receiving sufficient force, thereby indicating that the fitting has been properly pressed.
US08888141B2
A coupling assembly for use with a wire-reinforced elastomeric hose member includes a stem member defining at least one groove and the groove includes first and second walls, a bottom portion and a pair of shoulder portions separated by a width and a shell member at least partially enclosing said stem member and defining at least one axially extending barb member. The barb member includes a tip portion having first and second edge portions. The tip of the barb member is sized relative to the shoulders in said groove to transfer force developed by deflection of the reinforcement wire to compress a liner of the hose at the shoulders through the barb edge portions corresponding to a swaged state of the shell and stem members.
US08888140B2
A hose fitting that includes a body having a connection portion configured for connection to an external component, a tubular nipple portion configured for insertion into an end of a hose, and a union portion joining the nipple portion to the connecting portion. The socket also has a crimp portion extending from the union portion of the socket. A swage collar having a tapered inner surface radially inwardly deforms the socket when the swage collar is moved axially over the socket to retain a hose between the socket and the nipple portion of the body.
US08888138B2
A hose coupling assembly is described that includes a nipple section for retaining a flexible hose where the hose is crimped between the nipple section and a socket. A tubular sleeve covers a portion of the nipple section known as the nipple extension section and the sleeve is attached to the nipple section so as to cover at least one aperture formed in the nipple section such that the sleeve is forced outward towards the socket when pressurized fluid is introduced into the hose coupling assembly which increases the compression force on the hose.
US08888126B2
A seat cushion airbag device mountable to a vehicle seat, includes an airbag includes an inflation portion including an upper fabric portion and a lower fabric portion joined to form a bag shape. The inflation portion is inflated between a support portion and a seat cushion of the vehicle seat by an inflating fluid supplied in response to an impact applied to the vehicle from a front side, such that a seat surface of the seat portion bulges, thereby suppressing a forward movement of an object to be restrained on the seat portion. The airbag further includes a restriction member which extends in a front-rear direction of the vehicle seat within the inflation portion and which bridges the upper fabric portion and the lower fabric portion to restrict an inflated thickness of the inflation portion in the upper-lower direction.
US08888114B2
A torsion suspension assembly comprises a first housing and a first biasing body within the first housing, a second housing and at least a second biasing body within the second housing. A shaft has a first end supporting a suspension arm adapted to support a wheel or wheel assembly, an elongated body of the shaft operatively within both the first biasing body and the second biasing body. A preconstraining arrangement is provided such that the shaft is in an equilibrium condition when the first biasing body and the second biasing body apply opposite torsion forces on the shaft.
US08888103B1
A game apparatus includes a base panel having a narrow first end and a wide-profile opposing end surrounded by a continuous, vertical retaining wall that encompasses a plurality of semispherical cavities. Adjacent each cavity is a numeral corresponding to a score value that is added to a current cumulative score whenever a player's marble lands within a cavity. Using a catapult mechanism, each player sequentially propels a marble toward the cavities. The player having the highest cumulative score after a requisite number of launches wins the game.
US08888098B2
A ball lottery apparatus includes a roulette section having a roulette wheel and a retention plate that are superposed and rotatable as a unit, a slide motor unit for changing the relative position of the retention plate with respect to the roulette wheel, and a host controller for selecting either of a ball-hold mode or a ball-through mode for the roulette section. In the ball-hold mode, the host controller controls the slide motor unit so that the roulette section retains the balls. In the ball-through mode, the host controller controls the slide motor unit so that the balls fall down from the roulette section.
US08888091B2
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a stacking plate configured to stack sheets, a sheet feeding unit configured to feed the sheets by contacting the sheets stacked on the stacking plate, an elevating unit configured to elevate the stacking plate by a drive transmitted from a drive unit, a drive transmission unit configured to transmit the drive from the drive unit to drive the sheet feeding unit, and a clutch mechanism configured to cause the drive transmission unit to transmit the drive from the drive unit to the sheet feeding unit after the elevating unit urges the sheets stacked on the stacking plate toward the sheet feeding unit by elevating the stacking plate.
US08888082B2
A mount bushing of a stabilizer bar for a vehicle includes an insert adapted to be directly molded to a predetermined position of the stabilizer bar, a sliding bearing comprising a pair of bearings and adapted to be coupled to an exterior circumference of the insert, a lubrication layer being formed between the insert and the sliding bearing, a rubber bushing comprising upper and lower rubber members and adapted to be coupled to the sliding bearing such that the rubber bushing encloses an exterior circumference of the sliding bearing, a bracket adapted to enclose the rubber bushing and to be fixed to a vehicle body, and first and second sealing means adapted to prevent foreign materials from flowing into the rubber bushing and to prevent grease in the rubber bushing from flowing out.
US08888068B2
A system includes a split gate valve with first and second gate sections coupled together and configured to move together within a cavity of the split gate valve between an open position and a closed position. The split gate valve includes a rolling actuator to reduce friction and to convert a rotational input into a linear motion to move the first and second gate sections between the open and closed positions. The split gate valve also includes at least one expansion bar configured to bias the first and second gate sections from one another to seal against opposite seats of the split gate valve, wherein each expansion bar includes a spring mechanism configured to compress upon moving the first and second gate sections into and beyond the closed position to prevent buckling of the expansion bar.
US08888058B2
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for a stand for portable electronic devices, including electronic devices with built in displays, such as mobile telephones, media players and tablet computers and e-readers.
US08888056B2
A detachable lifting module includes a fixing support, a sliding unit, a mounting unit, and at least one fastening element. The fixing support has a first track defining a first space and a second track defining a second space. The sliding unit includes a first sliding element detachably disposed on the first track and a second sliding element detachably disposed on the second track. The first sliding element has a first pressing portion received in the first space, and the second sliding element has a second pressing portion received in the second space. The fastening element is capable of connecting the first and second sliding elements. The first and second pressing portions are respectively received by the first and the second spaces and respectively engaging the first and second tracks to lock the sliding unit by adjusting the fastening element.
US08888053B2
A conduit harness retention system has a base, a first spacer, a second spacer and a cap which snap-fit together to retain P-clip harnesses in position spaced from an aircraft fuselage.
US08888047B2
A de-icing system for a fixed or rotary aircraft wing. The system is capable of generating ultrasound that is transmitted at least locally to an outside surface of the wing, wherein the system comprising a base structure (2) covered at least locally with at least one leading edge (3), an elastomer structure (1) arranged and secured between the base structure (2) and the leading edge (3), housings (4) defined in the elastomer structure (1) and open towards the leading edge (3), piezoelectric actuators arranged in at least some of the housings (4) in order to generate ultrasound, wiring (10) connecting the piezoelectric actuators to an electrical control and power supply unit, and a fastener for fastening the leading edge (3) onto the base structure (2) while coming into contact with the piezoelectric actuators (4a) arranged in their respective housings (4).
US08888046B2
A computer implemented fuel management method and system for monitoring and minimizing a fuel consumption of an aircraft. The fuel management system and method determines, on the basis of model assumptions, a theoretical value relating to the quantity of fuel that is necessary for travelling along at least one sector of a flight route. Furthermore, the fuel management system and method determine a practical value relating to a quantity of fuel that is necessary for travelling along the same sector of the flight route, taking into account actual measured values. Moreover, the system and method compare the theoretical value with the practical value and to provide at least one measure in order to save fuel during a flight when the practical value differs from the theoretical value by a predeterminable amount.
US08888043B1
A crew bunk system may include a bunk frame assembly and at least two vertically spaced crew berths. Each one of the crew berths may have a lengthwise hinge line dividing the crew berth into a stationary panel and a foldable panel. The stationary panel may be fixedly coupled to the bunk frame assembly. The foldable panel may be hingedly coupled to the stationary panel along the hinge line. The crew bunk system may include at least one connecting member interconnecting the foldable panels such that the foldable panels pivot in unison between a deployed position and a stowed position. The crew bunk system may include a latching mechanism configured to lock the foldable panels in the stowed position.
US08888041B2
A tank module for an aircraft is designed for being fitted into the aircraft fuselage from outside. The tank module comprises at least one receptacle and a shell section that forms an outer end of the tank module and is connected to the receptacle. The shell section can be fitted into a fuselage opening in such a way that the receptacle is positioned in the interior of the aircraft fuselage.
US08888029B2
Milling apparatus suitable for mechano-chemical breakdown of contaminated media reliant upon housed ball mill units each able to be cradle mounted to receive a rotational drive of a shaft and to feed material downwardly from housing to housing.
US08888024B2
A fuel injection valve for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel injection value includes an injection hole plate having a plurality of fuel chambers formed by recessing part of the upstream side of the injection hole plate at a plurality of positions along the valve seat opening portion. Each of the fuel chambers has a shape in which the halves are symmetric with each other with respect to a line that radially extends from the center of the injection hole plate. The fuel chambers are is disposed in a place that ranges from the inside of a virtual circle to the outside of the inner circumference of the valve seat opening portion. Two injection holes are arranged outside the inner circumference of the valve seat opening portion in such a way as to flank the radial center line of the fuel chamber.
US08888019B2
A sprinkler comprises a nozzle, a turbine and a gear train reduction. The gear train reduction has an output stage that is coupled to the nozzle. The turbine is located between the nozzle and the gear train reduction and is coupled to an input stage of the gear train reduction.
US08888016B2
A pressure washer device is provided that employs an unloader bypass valve that directs a selective amount of fluid via a small diameter bypass line back to a water storage tank. The small amount of fluid allows for the pump to remain working and introduces cooler water into a bypass circuit, thereby allowing the thermal relief valve to be omitted. The diameter of the bypass line is of such a diameter to prevent siphonage of the detergent associated with the pressure washer system into the water storage tank as well.
US08888014B2
A fragrance delivery system similar in appearance, or used in similar locations as a tassel assembly having a fragrance delivery arrangement is provided. The fragrance delivery system similar in appearance, or used in similar locations as a tassel includes an attachment component for hanging the fragrance delivery system similar in appearance, or used in similar locations a tassel, from a conventional supporting article, a head component having a decorative configuration and a skirt component connected to the head component. The skirt component includes a support member and may or may not include a skirt of various materials including strings, cloth, ribbons, wood, glass, plastic or other decorative elements suspended from the support member. A fragrance delivery arrangement is releasably connected to the head component and may or may not be at least partially concealed by the skirt.
US08888009B1
A card may utilize an extended dynamic magnetic stripe communications device that may extend to approximately the full length of a card. A processor of a card may detect movement (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration and movement direction) of a read head in relation to movement of the card while the card is being swiped or otherwise moved across a read head of a magnetic card reader. Based on certain parameters (e.g., length characteristics of an extended dynamic magnetic stripe communications device as may be received from a memory of the card, initially detected read head position, and read head velocity) a processor of the card may change communicated bit parameters (e.g., bit period) so that a total number of data bits may be communicated by the card to the read head while the read head remains within a communication distance of the extended dynamic magnetic stripe communications device.
US08888001B2
A transaction card processing and activation system comprising the identification of a unique identifier corresponding to an aggregate of transaction cards of affiliated or non-affiliated card issuers and the activation of each transaction card corresponding to the unique identifier of the aggregate irrespective of the number, types, or card issuers of the transaction cards Additionally, the present invention allows a point of sale entity to initiate the activation of each of the multiple, disparate transaction cards in the aggregate by merely processing the unique identifier associated with the aggregate.
US08887997B2
The invention proposes a method for the securing of a transaction effected by means of a payment card and involving communication with an authorization center.It is notable for the use of an activation server in which is stored, in association with each payment card, an activation identifier, and the following stages: when a payment with a payment card is envisaged, establishment of a communication with the activation server on the initiative of the card owner, and provision to the said server of an identifier obtained or generated independently of the card itself and aiming to activate the payment card for a limited period, at the activation server, if the identifier received matches the stored activation identifier, activation of the payment card for the said limited period, during the transaction with the payment card, establishment of a communication between the authorization center and the activation server, with the authorization center delivering an authorization only if the payment card is activated.
US08887995B2
The invention relates to a device (10, 50, 60, 200) for handling notes of value. The device (10, 50, 60, 200) comprises a radio unit (20) for sending data from the device (10, 50, 60, 200) to a service unit (22) via mobile radio (24). Further, the device (10, 50, 60, 200) has a safe (12, 202) in which at least one cash cassette (14a, 14b, 100, 204a, 204b) is accommodated. The cash cassette (14a, 14b, 100, 204a, 204b) comprises an authentication data memory (18a, 18b, 106, 208a, 208b) in which authentication data for the unambiguous authentication of the cash cassette (14a, 14b, 100, 204a, 204b) by the service unit (22) are stored. The radio unit (20) transmits the authentication data and stock data with information on the current stock of notes of value in the cash cassette (14a, 14b, 100, 204a, 204b) to the service unit (22) via mobile radio (24). A further aspect of the invention relates to a cash cassette (100, 204a, 204b) for holding notes of value.
US08887990B2
Systems and methods allow units of produce to be traced back to the fields in which the produce was grown. In the field, a harvest form is completed with harvest information at the time of the harvest. In some instances, labels having unique codes are used to label the produce in the field, and an additional label is placed on the harvest form to associate a range of unique codes for an entire roll of labels with the harvest information on the form. In the alternative, the label can be read, such as with a hand-held device and associated with harvest information also entered through the hand-held device.
US08887989B2
The present invention discloses a method for providing a multimedia service, a POS and a mobile terminal, which method comprises the following steps: receiving by a POS the information about a multimedia service from an operator server; displaying the information about the multimedia service; receiving an operation from a RFID-SIM card; and generating an instruction according to the operation and sending a response about the instruction to the RFID-SIM card. The present invention extends the application range of the RFID-SIM card and improves user experience.
US08887987B2
Technology for use with computing devices, particularly mobile devices and wireless networks supporting federation, enabling people, devices, systems, or the like to join together in electronic federations for purposes of voting or the like. The votes in such voting situations may be weighted based on various criteria associated with the voter, the subject of the vote, and/or other criteria relevant to the voting scenario. The technology also enables users to monitor a voting scenario in real-time and tailor their own voting or decisions or the like to the scenario, even as it unfolds.
US08887977B2
A munitions carrier. The carrier securely retains a magazine and provides for rapid deployment of the magazine. The carrier is box-like and has one or more open ends. Four faces are sized and shaped to engage the four longitudinal faces of a magazine. The carrier has inside contours which can engage a complementary area of the outfeed end of a magazine. The carrier made from a material is flexible and has memory for returning to a configuration for retaining a magazine. At least two faces are discontiguous with each other and can be separated from each other. A retained magazine can be disengaged from the carrier and rapidly deployed if a multi-vectored force is applied to the magazine.
US08887972B2
A magazine pouch having slots for receiving a magazine having a conventional magazine notch engagable by the magazine catch assembly of firearm to retain the magazine within the magazine well of the firearm. The magazine pouch having a shuttle slidable to engage a retention element with a hook portion to move the hook portion into the slot such that the hook portion engages the magazine notch. The engagement of the hook portion to magazine notch retains the magazine within the slot during movement of an individual wearing the magazine pouch. The shuttle can be slid out of engagement with the hook portion to disengage the hook portion from the magazine notch allowing removal of the magazine.
US08887961B2
Tapping device for beverage, including at least one beverage container, a tapping line and a tapping cock, wherein the tapping line extends at least to adjacent the tapping cock and a connector for connection of the tapping line to the at least one beverage container, wherein a cleaning element is provided in the beverage container or the connector, which cleaning element upon broaching of a beverage container is situated near an end of the tapping line proximal to the beverage container and is movable through the tapping line under pressure of beverage from the beverage container, while abutting against an inner side of the tapping line, such that beverage will propel the cleaning element in the tapping line, at least to near the tapping cock.
US08887952B2
A carton with an improved dispenser at one of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened.
US08887946B2
An assembly device comprises an external element and an open-loop ring. The external element comprises a tubular part extending along an axis. The open-loop ring is elastically deformable between an open position and a closed position. The external element comprises an assembly part assemblable with the ring by elastic interlocking. The assembly part comprises recessed elements and/or projecting elements arranged on an internal wall of the tubular part. The ring comprises first assembly part assemblable with the external element by elastic interlocking when the ring is in the open position, and the second assembly part interlocking with the external element by elastic interlocking when the ring is in the closed position. Such elastic interlocking assembly device allows for the irreversible assembly of the external element with a container neck.
US08887943B1
A decorative serving container system that includes a serving dish, a ring element, and a cover element. At least two ring element handle portions extend outwardly from a ring element lip, wherein each ring element handle portion has a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of a serving dish handle, wherein each ring element handle portion includes a handle skirt portion that extends downwardly from the handle portion and is formed to be positionable around at least a portion of a serving dish handle and provide frictional engagement of the handle skirt portion with at least a portion of the serving dish handle. The cover element has one or more handles formed to be at least partially received within a recess of the ring element.
US08887942B2
A collapsible drinking cup assembly having a plurality of annular ring segments each flexibly coupled together, end-to-end. An upper drinking lip segment of the ring segments includes an interior and exterior sidewall such that the drinking lip segment tapers inwardly from a lower base portion to an annular upper distal edge thereof. A support floor of the cup apparatus includes an annular bottom flange extending radially beyond an exterior wall of the bottom ring segment. Atop lid member extends over an opening into the cup apparatus, and includes a pair of opposed, inner and outer contact walls that collectively define an annular receiving groove therebetween. The cup apparatus can be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded position when both the annular bottom flange and the lid member are radially gripped and axially pulled apart longitudinally thereof before separation of the lid member from the drinking lip segment.
US08887940B2
A container is provided for carrying a quantity of paint and a plurality of tools; a flange element is comprised having a variety of holes, recesses and magnets to receive tools and supplies; the container optionally comprising a bail type handle, sealing lid and carrying strap.
US08887939B2
The invention relates to a utensil for cooking food under pressure, which utensil comprises firstly a vessel and a lid and secondly a control member (6) for controlling locking/unlocking of the lid relative to the vessel, said utensil being characterized in that said control member (6) is mounted to move on the lid between firstly a deployed position corresponding to the lid being unlocked, and in which said control member (6) is designed to be taken hold of manually in order to enable the lid to be handled, and secondly a retracted position corresponding to the lid being locked and in which said control member is designed to be more difficult to take hold of manually than it is in the deployed position. Utensils for cooking food under pressure.
US08887935B2
A collapsible durable outdoor adventure container is constructed of polymer sheeting having holes in flaps of the sheeting. The sheet is bendable and bent by a user to a selected tubular configuration to align through holes along a seam line in flaps of the sheet or sheeting assembly with cable tie clamping elements clamping said flaps together through the holes. A strap coupled to at least several of the clamping element running along the seam line acting as an outside wrapping and/or tensioning element to contain the clamped flaps and fully or partially contain the contents of the container providing a connection tensioning element between adjacent clamping elements as connected along the seam line of the flaps.
US08887930B1
A storage system includes a track supported by a base that mounts onto a downwardly facing side of a horizontal shelf. An axle is slidable along the track, and a wheel is rotatably connected to the track via the axle. The wheel defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced C-clips that releasably snap about cylindrical containers.
US08887927B2
A method of preparation for polyimine self-supported dynamic polymeric membranes (called “dynameric” membranes) is provided along with their use in separation processes, especially for separating gaseous species.
US08887917B2
A transaction card holder for holding a transaction card, such as a gift card, on or within a functional insert that may be withdrawn from an enclosing main body of the holder. In certain embodiments, the insert is shaped and provided with indicia to appear and function as a measuring tape, and the main body of the holder is shaped and decorated to appear as a tape measure housing.
US08887915B2
Embodiments include a lamp and collapsing lampshade packaging, shipping and display device. The device includes a shell, with a hood, central trunk and bottom receptacle, and which further includes a graphic depiction of the collapsible lampshade on a display panel which may be deployed when the device is used for display purposes, thus making it appear that the collapsible lampshade is assembled and mounted on the displayed lamp. The panel may be permanently affixed in a fold-out manner to the top of the device or alternatively it may be separable from it. In the case of a permanent panel, a releasable holding secures the panel close to the shell during storage or transit. For a separable panel, releasable fixing allows panel deployment on the face of the hood for viewing. The device may store more than one lamp and the panel may include renderings of more than one lampshade.
US08887907B2
The invention relates to a security container formed to receive a cassette which visually indicates to a user what type or style of good is contained therein. The cassette may be of a general solid block type in one color or having one visual characteristic, or the cassette may have multiple inserts or slides which may be moved within the cassette to change the outwardly facing color or visible characteristic.
US08887898B2
A conveyor roller (10) has a cover (20), an axle (40), and a magnetic brake (50) having a magnetic component (51) and a braking component (54). The cover (20) is supported rotatably about an axis of rotation relative to the axle (40). The magnetic brake (50) is provided kinematically between the axle (40) and the cover (20) and is connected to the axle (40) and the cover (20) so that rotation of the cover (20) about the axis of rotation can be retarded by the magnetic brake (50). The magnetic component (51) and the braking component (54) are arranged displaceably relative to each other between a rest position and a braking position. A centrifugal device (60) for a rotational speed-dependent displacement of at least one of the magnetic brake components (51, 54) is provided between the rest position and the braking position.
US08887895B2
Systems and methods for displaying content in a conveyor system are provided. A content displaying conveyor plate includes a base plate and an upper plate that is configured to be releasably coupled to the base plate. The upper plate can be configured to display content, for example content that is integral to the base plate, content that is disposed between the upper plate and the base plate, or any combination thereof. The upper plate can be coupled to the base plate via one or more connection members defined on the upper plate and/or the base plate. Any, number, such as all of the base plates of an existing conveyor system can be replaced with respective content displaying conveyor plates. The base plate of the content displaying conveyor plate can define one or more recesses, the recesses configured to receive an attachment member and/or other components of a carousel therein.
US08887891B2
A pressure and flow control system for a dog clutch includes a pilot valve, a regulating valve, and a selector. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The selector is configured to engage and disengage the dog clutch in response to the control signal.
US08887890B2
A rotational coupling device having a self-contained wet clutch pack and fluid isolated field shell is provided. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall and a chamber on one side of the wall surrounding said hub and defining a sump containing a fluid. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith within the chamber and axially spaced from the wall. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. The field shell is isolated from the fluid in the chamber. Energization of the conductor urges the armature in a first axial direction towards the radially extending wall of said rotor to couple the rotor to the hub for rotation therewith.
US08887889B2
A device for uncoupling a drive shaft of a piece of equipment from an input shaft. The device includes a claw including first teeth and first splines to (i) move longitudinally along a first of the shafts by co-operating with second splines borne by the second of the shafts and (ii) engage or disengage the first teeth in relation to the second teeth positioned on the second shaft. The device also includes a longitudinal movement mechanism including a stationary part acting on a longitudinally mobile piece to move the claw between a coupling position and an uncoupling position. The longitudinal movement mechanism drives the claw by co-operation between a rotationally fixed piece and a piece that is linked to the claw and rotated therewith, a longitudinal clearance being maintained during operation between the piece that is rotationally fixed and the rotated piece.
US08887887B2
A synchronizing device for a transmission may include a clutch hub splined on a rotation shaft, a sleeve engaged to an external circumferential portion of the clutch hub by interposing a blocking key therebetween, the sleeve being movable axially, a clutch gear having a cone surface and disposed at both sides of the sleeve without an interference with the rotation shaft, and a blocker ring disposed between the clutch hub and the clutch gear and frictionally engaged to the cone surface of the clutch gear, wherein the blocker ring includes a servo load exerted portion and a key load exerted portion disposed alternately in a circumferential direction of the blocker ring and respectively having a key contacting surface, and the key contacting surface of the servo load exerted portion may be disposed axially apart from the key contacting surface of the key load exerted portion by a predetermined distance.
US08887884B2
An assembly for a torque converter including a first component, a second component non-rotatably secured to the first component by a connection member, wherein a seal is arranged between the first and second components, and the connect member extends through the seal, and wherein the seal is made from a cellulose-based material, wherein the first and second components at least partially define a first chamber and a second chamber, and wherein the seal separates the first chamber from the second chamber in a substantially fluid-tight seal manner.
US08887880B2
An efficient lubrication system for wet plate brake assemblies includes a flow control system that passes lubricant for cooling and lubrication through interdigitated wet brake plates when the plates are engaged. When the plates are disengaged, the wet plate assembly is controlled to limit its displacement by means of a pin and spring such that a gap is provided around the brake plates to provide a preferential path for lubricant, thus minimizing parasitic losses.
US08887870B2
A breather device includes a main body that includes a breather chamber with an inner bottom surface; a first communicating portion provided at the main body; a second communicating portion provided at the main body and at a position above the first communicating portion in a vertical direction and away from the first communicating portion in a horizontal direction; and a downward gradient provided at the inner bottom surface of the breather chamber, the downward gradient guides the oil that has entered the breather chamber through the first communicating portion toward the first communicating portion.
US08887868B2
A starting method is provided for a rotating machine which includes a main shaft, a main bearing rotatably supporting the main shaft and a main bearing lubricant pump circulating lubricant through the main bearing. The starting method includes steps of: rotating the main shaft to raise a temperature of the main bearing in a state in which the main bearing lubricant pump is not operated; and operating the main bearing lubricant pump to start supplying the lubricant to the main bearing after the step of raising the temperature of the main bearing.
US08887859B2
A brake pipe structure of a motorcycle includes: a first brake pipe connecting a master cylinder and an ABS unit; and a second brake pipe connecting the ABS unit and a hydraulic wheel braking part. The first brake pipe and the second brake pipe are suspended and held between a front fork and a body frame so as to pass near a center axis of a steering shaft under a head pipe.
US08887856B2
A drive assembly for a vehicle powertrain includes a planetary gearset including an input and an output, for producing a speed reduction of the output relative to the input, a sprocket secured to the input, a differential housing secured to the output, a casing, a first bearing for supporting the sprocket for rotation on the casing, and a second bearing for supporting the differential housing for rotation relative to the sprocket.
US08887846B2
An active air flap for a vehicle can absorb shock energy by a wing of a housing which pivots in a collision with a pedestrian and can minimize the pedestrian injury as possible.
US08887842B2
Provided is an arm-wheel type vehicle including: a main body; an arm that is rotatably installed to the main body; a wheel connected to the arm; a first buffer device that is installed on the main body; and a second buffer device that is installed on the arm.
US08887834B2
A drilling tool steering device includes, consecutively from upstream to downstream, a main body (1) and a steerable housing (2); a deflection system (7); and a flexible transmission shaft (3). The transmission shaft crosses the main body, the steerable housing, and the deflection system longitudinally, is bendable or flexible, and is connected to the main body (1) and to the steerable housing (2) by at least three connections forming bearings (4, 5, 6). Steering is carried out by the deflection system (7) acting by an essentially radial relative displacement of the main body (1) in relation to the steerable housing (2) in proximity of their interface.
US08887822B2
A flexible dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube having an inlet attached to a first end, the inlet defining an inlet orifice operatively sealed by an inlet seal assembly. An outlet is attached to the second end of the flexible tube, and defines an outlet orifice operatively sealed by an outlet seal assembly. A flexible linkage extends from the inlet to the outlet through the flexible tube, and is constructed to operatively release the inlet seal assembly responsive to axial translation of the flexible linkage from a first position to a second position. The flexible linkage is supported by the outlet seal assembly in the first position and wherein the flexible linkage is constructed to axially translate toward the outlet when the outlet seal assembly is released.
US08887821B2
A dry sidewall sprinkler and system and methods of installation provide extended coverage for ordinary hazard commodities. The preferred sprinkler and systems provide for sidewall ordinary hazard fire protection beneath a sloped or horizontal overhang extending from a structure by at least ten feet proximate to a garage or loading dock in accordance with applicable sections of NFPA-13 (2007).
US08887820B2
Nozzles (22) for reducing noise generated by the release of gas from a hazard suppression system (10) are provided. The nozzles (22) comprise a plurality of partitions (42, 44, 46, 48) that define a serpentine gas flow path through the nozzle. The flow path causes the gas to undergo a plurality of expansions and directional changes thereby reducing the velocity of the gas and dampening the generation of sound waves as the gas exits the nozzle (22) through the nozzle outlet (40).
US08887815B2
Inhibiting gas hydrate formation while transporting hydrocarbon fluids may include providing a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor, adding the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor to a fluid capable of producing gas hydrates, and transporting the fluid that comprises the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor. Generally a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor may include a heterocyclic compound comprising nitrogen, e.g., poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).
US08887810B2
An array of loop antennas for a heating subsurface formation by emission of RF energy and a method of heating a subsurface formation by an array of subsurface loop antennas is disclosed. The antennas are approximate loops and are positioned in proximity to adjacent loops. The antennas are driven by RF energy.
US08887809B2
Treatment fluid compositions may comprise transient polymer networks for use in methods related to subterranean applications. In one aspect, a method may include providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a transient polymer network, and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation. In another aspect, a subterranean treatment fluid may include an aqueous-base fluid and a transient polymer network.
US08887806B2
Disclosed herein is a method of servicing a wellbore comprising the steps of preparing a dry cement blend comprising a base cement and a crystalline component wherein the dry cement blend is based on an initial dry cement blend formulation, obtaining a diffraction pattern of a sample of the dry cement blend, generating a model diffraction pattern, refining the model diffraction pattern using a structural refinement method, determining the type and amount crystalline components present in the dry cement blend, generating a final dry cement blend formulation, and comparing the initial dry cement blend formulation to the final dry cement blend formulation.
US08887791B2
A stored energy emergency barrier release device comprising a barrier and a barrel member for storing the barrier thereon. The barrel member is rotatable on a stationary counterbalance shaft and a push down shaft. The release device further includes a push down spring coupled to the push down shaft for storing potential energy in order to exert a closing force on the barrier when the release device is positioned from an engaged position to a released position. The release device includes a reset mechanism interfaced with the push down spring for transmitting a lifting torque to the push down spring in response to moving the barrier from a first position to a second position to store energy within the push down spring.
US08887784B2
The invention relates to an ultrasonic vibration unit (10) for an ultrasonic welding device for sealing and welding material webs, comprising a sonotrode (12) connected to a converter (14) and having at least one sealing horn (16) radially protruding from an axis of rotation (a) and rotatable about the axis of rotation (a) and having a free end forming a sealing surface (18). The sonotrode (12) comprises a sonotrode shaft (20) having the axis of rotation (a). One or both end faces (22) of the sonotrode shaft (20) are connected to a converter (14) and the sealing horns (16) are attached to the sonotrode shaft (20) directly or by means of boosters (24, 26) when vibrational nodes (KL) of a longitudinal vibration (SWI) of the sonotrode shaft (20) are present.
US08887783B2
A unit for the glue application of at least two labels to containers, comprising at least first (8) and second application devices (9) both of which rotate and are positioned at two separate superposed portions of the main axis of rotation (Z), each for applying at least one label on a separate portion of the same container (2). The operating parts of the two application devices (8) and (9) are at different distances from the axis of rotation (Z), although they rotate at identical rotational speeds relative to said axis. The second application device (9) comprises two first follower elements (30) slidably connected to a stationary guide element (29), for guiding the movement of the second device At the label application position (24), the interaction between the first follower elements (30) and the guide element (29) causes an oscillation of the second application device (9) for varying the speed of movement of its operating part and adapting it to that of the container.
US08887782B2
A membrane applying apparatus comprises a wheeled frame adapted to ride on a surface to be covered with the membrane. The rear end of the wheeled frame is generally configured to support a roll of membrane. The apparatus also comprises a roller support frame pivotally mounted to the wheeled frame at the rear end thereof. The roller support frame pivotally supports an idler roller and a pressing roller for respectively guiding and pressing the membrane as the membrane is unrolled during its application. The roller support frame is pivotable between an operative position in which the idler roller and pressing roller respectively guides and presses the membrane, and an inoperative position. In the inoperative position, the roller support frame is pivoted substantially upwardly, thereby providing access to the rear end of the wheeled frame to allow the installation or removal of the roll of membrane.
US08887779B2
A pneumatic tire has a tread pattern including a lateral groove extending in a direction intersecting a tire circumferential direction and a shoulder block comparted by the lateral groove. A depression region in which a plurality of depressions extending in the tire circumferential direction are arranged in a tire width direction are formed on a surface of the shoulder block in an outer side in the tire width direction than a ground-contact end. The depressions are open to the lateral groove, and are segmented in a center portion in the tire circumferential direction of the shoulder block.
US08887778B2
An off-road motorcycle tire 1 having an improved cracking resistance, comprising a tread portion 2 having a plurality of blocks B, wherein at least one of the blocks B has a shallow groove 17 having a depth D1 of 10 to 50% of a height H1 of the blocks B to provide a shallowly-grooved block 16 in which the block is divided into at least two block segments 16s by the shallow groove 17, the shallow groove 17 has both ends opened on outer wall surfaces 12 of the shallowly-grooved block 16 and it has groove wall surfaces 17w extending radially inwardly from a tread surface 11 of the block and a bottom 17b connecting the groove wall surfaces 17w, and intersection portions 18 between the bottom 17b and the outer wall surfaces 12 are chamfered to form chamfered portions 19 having a convex circular arc-like curved surface.
US08887764B2
A faucet comprises a spout, and a valve assembly that can be positioned in at least three different positions so as to draw water from a cold water reservoir, a hot water reservoir and lukewarm water reservoir. The valve assembly may comprise three valves, one valve for opening and closing the flow of water between each valve and the reservoirs. The lukewarm water reservoir receives water from the cold water reservoir which sits therein and raises up to room temperature. At least one handle provides for controlling the valves of the faucet so as to draw water from each reservoir or simultaneously from at least two reservoirs. A plumbing system including the faucet, conduits for each reservoir and a lukewarm water reservoir is also provided.
US08887763B2
An arm made of composite material, and relative production method, consisting of a plurality of articulated segments with a longitudinal main axis (x), pivoted to each other, each of the articulated segments comprising a box-like structure and at least a joint element attached thereto by means of gluing, the box-like structure having an end cooperating with an end of the joint element on the inside of the surface of the joint element. The ends define a substantially conical reciprocally overlapping area and have profiles concordantly inclined by an angle (α) with respect to the longitudinal axis (x).
US08887755B2
A metal seated floating ball valve for in-line repair has a valve body, a ball mounted in the valve body, a stem connected to the ball, and a bonnet connected to the valve body. The floating ball valve further has a first seat and a second seat adjacent the ball mounted in the valve body, an energizing ring mounted in the valve body proximate the first seat and in series with the first seat and the second seat, and a valve seat bias mounted in the valve body proximate the energizing ring and in series with the energizing ring. The energizing ring may have a slot near the upper end and a wedge surface along the lower end.
US08887750B2
The present invention relates to a device for reducing electromagnetic pollution (1) which measures the electromagnetic radiation amount in the environment, and enables to reduce radiation when the radiation amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
US08887749B2
An apparatus including flexible tube having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end and the second end. The body portion of the flexible tube may have an inner cavity and a plurality of further openings leading out from the inner cavity. The apparatus may include a first connector, configured to be connected to a water source. The apparatus may further include a non-porous first outer member, having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end of the first outer member and the second end of the first outer member. The first outer member may substantially surround a portion of the flexible tube to block a first set of the plurality of further openings to inhibit liquid flow.
US08887741B2
Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus which performs a liquid processing by supplying a chemical liquid from a chemical liquid supplying unit to substrate rotating around a vertical axis, and includes a cover member arranged at an upper surface of substrate to oppose the substrate and have a space therebetween is provided with a gas supplying port, and gas is supplied from gas supplying port toward the space. The gas is discharged from the space through a gap between protrusion at the circumferential edge of cover member protruding downward and the substrate. In addition, lamp heater heating the circumferential edge of substrate is arranged in the space along the circumferential direction of substrate, the chemical liquid supplied from a chemical liquid supplying unit is supplied to a position closer to the circumferential edge side than a position at which lamp heater is provided.
US08887733B2
An endovascular sheath device for use with a thermal treatment apparatus is provided. The device includes a longitudinal tube which is designed to receive a thermal treatment device and is designed to be inserted into a blood vessel. An ultrasonically visible reinforcement element is disposed along the length of the longitudinal tube. The reinforcement element such as a braided wire provides several functions including increased visibility under ultrasound, clearer identification of sheath tip, and increased durability to protect the fiber from needle punctures during tumescent injections into the perivenous space. The wire reinforcement also increases shaft torquability and kink resistance during sheath insertion and withdrawal.
US08887720B2
A system for delivering a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide can include a reservoir including a restrictor with a length of at least 0.5 inch and at most 2 inches covered by a metal sheath, a gas supply, and a delivery conduit. A delivery conduit can include at least one cartridge and a patient interface. The at least one cartridge can include a surface-active material and a reducing agent.
US08887717B2
An introducer for a surgical airway catheter has a proximal handle; a curved, rod-shaped main section; an opening-enlarging region; and a rod-shaped distal tip, sized to receive the catheter tube. After making an initial opening in a patient's trachea, the operator inserts the distal tip into the initial opening up to the cutting region. The operator uses the opening-enlarging region to sufficiently widen the opening by moving the introducer from side to side or simply by inserting the introducer into the opening to enable the widened opening to receive the tube and cuff of the catheter. The operator rotates the introducer and catheter into the trachea through the widened opening and then removes the introducer leaving the catheter in place. The introducer and catheter can be pre-configured in a surgical kit having a retractable scalpel configurable onto the introducer's handle and used to excise the initial tracheal opening.
US08887712B2
A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.
US08887711B2
A solar tower system including an array of individually controlled carousel-type heliostats, where each heliostat includes a rotatable D-shaped carousel, a mirror array including horizontal, elongated flat mirrors supported in a tiltable (e.g., louvered) arrangement on the carousel, and a mirror positioning system that is disposed next to the carousel and controls the tilt position of each mirror and a rotational position of the carousel to reflect light onto a solar receiver. The heliostats are arranged in a closely-spaced (e.g., square or hexagonal) pattern that both maximizes the effective ground coverage ratio of solar power harvesting system and facilitates the formation of service pathways that allow access to any of the heliostats in the array (e.g., by aligning the straight peripheral wall portions of adjacent carousels in parallel with each other).
US08887710B2
The present invention provides a cooking gas burner assembly including a distributor (30), a gas manifold (50) and a cup (40), the cup (40) being located between the gas manifold (50) and the distributor (30). The gas manifold is spaced from the cup. The invention provides a burner assembly having at least a cap (220) and a distributor (30) on which the cap (220) is mounted, the distributor (30) including an internal and an external crown of flame ports, and at least one cross lighting passage (37) there between. The cap (220) includes an aperture (222) there through, which is adapted to be positioned over the cross lighting passage (37) when the cap (220) and distributor (30) are assembled.
US08887709B2
A foldable burner (10) is shown in the assembled and expanded condition. Foldable burner (10) comprises a raised platform (12) formed from aluminum foil portions (4b) and (4c) onto which fuel (14) can be placed. Tabs (16) are provided for gripping by a user to expand the burner from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. Tabs (16) may also act as supports to strengthen the burner (10) and make the burner (10) more stable. Pluralities of apertures (8) enable air to enter the burner (10) under a chimney effect in order to provide oxygen to fuel (14) for burning. The upper periphery (18) of the burner (10) provides support for a cooking vessel (20) such as a saucepan. The burner (10) is easy to transport in its folded condition. Further, it may be designed as to offer a second use as transportation box.
US08887705B2
An engine gas-oil separator for separating oil contents in blow-by gases that are recirculated into an intake system includes a head cover, a lower plate, and a plurality of baffles. The lower plate attaches to the head cover to define a separation chamber between an upper internal surface of the head cover and a lower internal surface of the lower plate. The separation chamber includes a blow-by gas inlet, a blow-by gas outlet and at least one oil outlet. The plurality of baffles are disposed in the separation chamber between the head cover and the lower plate. The plurality of baffles, the upper internal surface and the lower internal surface define a swirling flow path through the separation chamber in a longitudinal direction between the blow-by gas inlet and the blow-by gas outlet. The plurality of baffles are also configured to direct the blow-by gases in a generally transverse direction.
US08887704B2
An engine assembly includes an engine block at least partially defining a combustion chamber and a crankcase volume. The engine block defines an opening in fluid communication with the crankcase volume. An air-oil separator is mounted to the engine block at the opening and is configured to separate oil from blowby gasses flowing from the crankcase volume through the air-oil separator. A method of venting an engine crankcase volume is also included.
US08887696B2
A fuel cap includes a communication chamber configured to make a charge path and the inside of the fuel tank communicate with each other while in a closed state. The communication chamber includes: a positive pressure control valve configured to open, and send evaporated fuel, which occurs inside the fuel tank, to an evaporated fuel reservoir via the communication chamber and the charge path when the internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure; and a negative pressure control valve configured to open, and send air from the evaporated fuel reservoir to the fuel tank via the communication chamber and the charge path when the internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes equal to or less than the predetermined pressure. In addition, a key cylinder sets the negative pressure control valve open upon inserting a key into the key cylinder.
US08887687B2
A heat shield assembly includes shroud or housing fabricated from a heat shielding material having at least one pair of spring arms extending from side walls of the shroud for engaging a member to which the heat shield assembly is to be attached, and one or more retention tabs projecting into a longitudinal channel in position to limit longitudinal movement of the assembly relative to the member when the member is attached to the spring arms.
US08887679B2
A valve actuation mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes rockers moved by a camshaft, each rocker being adapted to exert a valve opening force on at least a portion of a valve actuation mechanism of each cylinder belonging to a housing of the engine, via an engine brake activation piston, housed in a bore of the rocker, and movable with respect to the rocker under action of a fluid pressure raise in a chamber fluidly linked to the bore, from a first position, in which an engine brake function is deactivated, to a second position, in which a roller of the rocker reads at least one engine brake bump of a cam of the camshaft so as to perform the engine brake function. Each rocker includes a discharge valve movable in translation with respect to the rocker, adapted to reduce fluid pressure in the chamber. The engine brake system includes, for each rocker, a stopper fast with the housing and adapted to exert, on a portion of the piston, a force for opening the discharge valve when the activation piston has to be moved from its second position to its first position.
US08887676B2
An assembly is disclosed which comprises an SCP camshaft 130 and a phaser mounted at one end of the SCP camshaft. The phaser has a stator 112 driven by an engine crankshaft and two output members 114, 116 each fast in rotation with a respective one of the inner shaft 140 and the outer tube 126 of the SCP camshaft 130. Two timing features 160, 172 are provided for enabling respective sensors to determine the angular positions of the inner shaft and the outer tube of the SCP camshaft. In the invention, both timing features 160, 172 are located on the side of the stator 112 remote from the camshaft 130.
US08887675B2
A control device includes: a first phase changing portion retarding a first intake valve phase relative to a second intake valve phase; a throttle valve adjusting an intake air amount of the engine, and a control portion configured to perform an intake valve phase control which controls the first phase changing portion to retard the first intake valve phase relative to the second intake valve phase such that an air amount in the cylinder of the engine is reduced to a target value to perform rich combustion, and the control portion configured to perform a throttle valve closing control which controls the throttle valve such that the air amount in the cylinder is the target value or smaller after the air amount in the cylinder is not reduced to the target value or smaller by the intake valve phase control performed by the first phase changing portion.
US08887668B2
Provided are a killing apparatus for use in a fish tank. The killing apparatus includes a first conductive mesh, a second conductive mesh, and a spacer which is disposed between the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh and insulates the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh. Accordingly, in the fish tank, algal blooms are prevented and reduced, fish disease is prevented, and the growth of water plants is expedited.
US08887662B2
Methods of pressure coating a target surface of an article comprising one or more passageways include fluidly connecting a pressure masker comprising pressurized masking fluid to a first side of at least one passageway, passing the pressurized masking fluid through the at least one passageway from the first side to a second side comprising the target surface, and, coating the target surface using a coating material, wherein the pressurized masking fluid passing through the at least one passageway prevents the coating material from permanently altering a cross sectional area of the at least one passageway.
US08887656B2
A closure for a container has a plurality of indicia such as date and/or time, disposed on the lid's top surface, with a rotary collar which is adjustable to a fixed position to highlight (select) indicia regarding the contents of the container.
US08887643B2
A railway truck is disclosed for use with a locomotive. The railway truck may have a first axle with a first end and an opposing second end, and a second axle with a first end and an opposing second end. The railway truck may also have a plurality of wheels connected to each of the first and second axles, and an equalizer operatively supported by the first and second axles in a vertical direction. The railway truck may further have a frame, at least a first spring disposed vertically between the equalizer and the frame and configured to transfer vertical forces from the equalizer to the frame, and at least a second spring located on a side of the frame opposite the first frame and configured to transfer vertical forces from the frame to a bolster assembly.
US08887633B2
A method of producing a printed sheet output of a printing press uses an aqueous solution, an ink, and an input sheet. The method applies aqueous solution to the input sheet to form a non-image area and an image area thereon, and contacts the non-image and image areas of the input sheet with ink. Ink is transferred substantially only to the image area to produce the printed sheet output of the printing press. A method of producing a printed web of a printing press is also disclosed.
US08887625B2
Hydrogen gas is added into living organism applicable fluid substantially without changing constituents of the living organism applicable fluid by reacting a hydrogen generating system and a generating-purpose water, wherein the hydrogen generating system contains metal aluminum, which is a food additive, as a hydrogen generating agent and calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, which is also a food additive, as a hydrogen generating reaction accelerator such that the hydrogen generating agent and the hydrogen generating reaction accelerator are adjacent to each other.
US08887623B2
The device is an extraction basket inserted and depressed to the bottom of a brewing apparatus' brewing chamber prior to adding flavor base and water to the chamber. Following the French press process of brewing, a filtration piston is inserted into the brewing chamber. After the allotted brewing time, the filtration piston is depressed into the chamber, thus pushing the spent flavor base to the bottom of the chamber, filtering the brewed beverage from the solid flavor base, and compacting the spent flavor base in the extraction basket. Once the brewed beverage has been removed, the filtration piston is removed from the chamber. The user then reaches into the chamber, lifts a handle on the extraction basket and quickly and neatly removes the basket and spent flavor base in one efficient motion whereupon the spent flavor base can be discarded properly without effort or mess.
US08887619B2
Devices, systems, and techniques for managing heat generated in coils for wireless energy transmission are disclosed. Inductive coupling between two coils (e.g., a primary coil and a secondary coil) may be used to recharge the power source of an implantable medical device. A phase change material may be thermally coupled to the primary coil to absorb heat generated during the inductive coupling and reduce temperature increases of the primary coil. In one example, the phase change material may be configured to absorb heat from an energy transfer coil. A housing may be configured to contain the phase change material and a coupling mechanism may be configured to removably attach the housing to the energy transfer coil.
US08887605B2
The present invention relates to a mobile device for destroying data carriers, such as hard disks. The mobile device according to the invention may include clamping means for inhibiting and/or preventing pieces of disk from being pulled out of the hard disk during the cutting. The invention also provides a corresponding method.
US08887587B2
A measuring device, in particular a measuring device for remote sensing, has a measuring instrument and an apparatus for movably mounting the measuring instrument. The apparatus has two non-parallel rotation axes. The rotation axes are different from a longitudinal axis of the measuring instrument. The measuring instrument is connected to a rotatable drive element via a power transmission element.
US08887586B2
The present invention relates to methods and systems for detecting leaks in a head space sampling device. One exemplary method for detecting leaks in a head space sampling device includes establishing fluid communication between a head space and a pressurization gas conduit. Gas pressure and flow rate are monitored within the pressurization gas conduit during pressurization of the head space. Changes in monitored gas pressure and flow rate are used to evaluate whether a leak exists within the head space sampling device or the vial containing the head space. One exemplary head space sampling device includes a conduit for receiving a pressurization gas, flow and pressure sensors for measuring gas flow and pressure within the conduit, a ventilation valve, a pressure valve for controlling gas flow through the conduit, and a controller for processing and controlling pressure and flow through the conduit.
US08887580B2
A torque detection device includes: a magnetic flux collecting unit that includes an annular holder formed by resin molding and having a through-hole that passes through the holder in a radial direction, a first magnetic flux collecting ring and a second magnetic flux collecting ring that are fitted to an inner periphery of the holder so as not to cover the through-hole, and a magnetic shield that is fitted to an outer periphery of the holder so as to cover the through-hole; and a sensor housing that is made of resin supplied onto an outer periphery of the magnetic flux collecting unit, and that is formed so as to be integrated with the magnetic flux collecting unit.
US08887578B2
A subassembly of a Coriolis flowmeter is fabricated from a single monolithic piece of elastic polymeric material. The subassembly includes two flow-sensitive members and a base integrally connected to the two flow-sensitive members. The two flow-sensitive members include straight sections, and are substantially similar and parallel to each other. Flow passages are drilled along the straight sections of the two flow-sensitive members, and drilled entrances are sealed using the elastic polymeric material. A temperature sensor is fixedly attached to a flow-sensitive member for measuring a temperature of the flow-sensitive member and communicating the temperature to a metering electronics. The metering electronics determines a calibrated flow rate of fluid flowing through the Coriolis flowmeter that accounts for the temperature.
US08887574B2
A measurement system for measuring a pressure of a fluid is provided. The measurement system includes a sensing module and a liquid electrical circuit. The sensing module includes a flexible film and a liquid electronic device. The flexible film has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The fluid is disposed on the first side of the flexible film, and the liquid electronic device is disposed on the second side of the flexible film. The flexible film converts the pressure of the fluid into a parameter of the liquid electronic device. The liquid electrical circuit is electrically coupled to the liquid electronic device. The liquid electronic device and the liquid electrical circuit output a measurement signal corresponding to the parameter in response to an applied electrical energy. A manufacture method of a measurement system is also provided.
US08887569B2
Disclosed herein an inertial sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. An inertial sensor 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a plate-shaped membrane 110, a mass body 120 that includes an adhesive part 123 disposed under a central portion 113 of the membrane 110 and provided at the central portion thereof and a patterning part 125 provided at an outer side of the adhesive part 123 and patterned to vertically penetrate therethrough, and a first adhesive layer 130 that is formed between the membrane 110 and the adhesive part 123 and is provided at an inner side of the patterning part 125. An area of the first adhesive layer 130 is narrow by isotropic etching using the patterning part 125 as a mask, thereby making it possible to improve sensitivity of the inertial sensor 100.
US08887566B1
A miniaturized inertial measurement and navigation sensor device and a flexible, simplified GUI operating in real time are provided to create an optimum IMU/INS. The IMU includes multiple angle rate sensors, accelerometers, and temperature sensors to provide stability device. A navigation GUI tests algorithms prior to embedding them in real-time IMU hardware. MATLAB code is converted to C++ code tailored for real-time operation. Any point in the algorithm suite structure can be brought out as a data channel to investigate the pattern of operation. The data channels permit zooming in on the algorithm's operation for the open-loop angle, velocity and position drift measurements for bias-compensated channels. The GUI can be used to verify results of an extended Kalman filter solution as well as the implementation of the real-time attitude and heading reference system. When the code has been verified, it is compiled and downloaded into a target processor.
US08887559B2
A method for checking the functioning of a ventilation apparatus for ventilating a crankcase connected via the ventilation apparatus to an air supply system of the internal combustion engine includes: determining a pressure difference between an ambient pressure and a crankcase pressure in the crankcase; identifying a fault in the ventilating apparatus as a function of the pressure difference if an enabling condition is met; the enabling condition being met if an air mass flow in the air supply system, filtered by a low-pass filter, exceeds a first threshold value in terms of absolute value.
US08887556B2
A sensor system that measures at least one parameter of water includes an electronics subsystem and includes a sensor housing electrically and mechanically coupled to the electronics subsystem. The sensor housing encloses a chamber that receives water via at least one inlet and that releases water via at least one outlet. At least one sensor has at least one electrode exposed to water in the chamber. A flow generator causes water to flow through the chamber. A plurality of objects within the chamber move in response to the water flow and abrasively clean the at least one electrode. Preferably, the sensor system includes a chlorine sensor having at least two electrodes. The electronics subsystem applies a first differential voltage between the two electrodes during a measurement interval and then applies a second differential voltage between the two electrodes during an interval following the measurement interval.
US08887554B2
Components of interest are captured on a resin column from a sample of exhaust gas from an operating vehicle. Makeup air is added to the residual exhaust gas flow exiting the resin column at a junction downstream of the resin column. Makeup air flow rate is determined using a laminar flow element and pressure and temperature gauges associated therewith. The sample and the makeup air are drawn together through a blower and the flow rate through the blower is calculated based on differential pressure across the blower and temperature of the gas drawn through the blower. The controller adjusts a proportional control valve in the makeup air line to regulate the sample flow rate, taken as the blower flow rate minus the makeup air flow rate, at a predetermined proportion of the exhaust gas flow rate.
US08887553B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for determining the inter-fiber frictional coefficient of staple fibers. The apparatus comprises a pair of clamps, one fixed and the other mobile wherein, each clamp receives an end portion of a sliver therewithin. The apparatus further comprises a pair of predetermined weights, each mounted over a clamp in order to exert normal force on either end of the sliver whereby the movement of the sliver within the clamps is resisted as the mobile clamp is moves away from the fixed clamp until the sliver is severed off, a force sensor for sensing the tensile force exerted by the sliver, and a means for computing the inter-fiber frictional coefficient, which is a function of the normal force and the amount of tensile force exerted by the sliver which overcomes the inter-fiber frictional force of the sliver.
US08887551B2
A method of calibration including placing an instrument on an arbitrary point and at an arbitrary rotational orientation on an ultrasonic probe, obtaining spatial coordinates of the instrument, obtaining spatial coordinates of three points on an external surface of the ultrasonic probe, and using the three points to define an ultrasonic image plane, obtaining spatial coordinates of a set of landmarks which have a known spatial relationship to the ultrasonic image plane, these landmarks defining a direction in which the ultrasonic probe is directed within the ultrasonic image plane, and obtaining spatial coordinates of a front point on a front facing surface of the ultrasonic probe, the front facing surface having a known relation with a reference axis of a scanning plane of the ultrasonic probe that defines where an ultrasonic image starts within the ultrasonic image plane.
US08887548B1
A land mine simulator includes a housing having an opening formed in one end thereof. A plate movably supported in the housing's opening has a first face exposed to a surrounding environment and a second face exposed to an interior region of the housing. A non-compressible fluid-filled reservoir in the housing includes a flexible diaphragm opposing and spaced apart from the second face of the plate. Plungers are between each of the second face of the plate and the diaphragm. Each of one or more air spring in the housing includes a cylinder having a movable piston sealed therein with a first side of the piston in fluid communication with the reservoir's fluid and a second side of the piston in fluid communication with a pressurized volume of gas within the cylinder. A pressure sensor is provided in communication with the fluid in the reservoir.
US08887545B2
There is provided a forging die holder including a resistance heater capable of efficiently heating a die via the die holder when warm forging or hot forging is performed. A die holder is for holding a die used in a forging press for performing warm forging or hot forging. The die holder has heater mounting holes into which resistance heaters are inserted, sensor mounting holes into which temperature sensors are inserted, and guide portions disposed on both end portions of holder surfaces of holders for supporting back surfaces of the foregoing die to support side surfaces of the foregoing die located therebetween on both sides thereof. The heater mounting holes are formed at positions opposing the holder surfaces in aligned relation with the side surfaces of the foregoing die.
US08887544B2
A conveyor apparatus conveys work that was conduction heated at an energizing position to a processing position that is separated from the energizing position in the horizontal direction in order to perform hot press-forming, and comprises: a holding member that freely clamps both end sections in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated; a drive mechanism that moves the holding member from at least the energizing position to the processing position; and a guide member that extends between the energizing position and the processing position and guides and supports the middle section in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated and is being conveyed toward the processing position. A hot press-forming apparatus comprises the conveyor apparatus when conveying conduction heated work to a downstream process.
US08887539B1
A manual laundering system comprising a bucket, a lid, and a handle assembly. Dirty clothes/laundry, detergent, and water are placed inside the bucket. The handle assembly is positioned within the bucket. The lid is mounted to seal the bucket by passing an end of the handle assembly through the lid having a hole. Once sealed, the handle is moved to agitate the clothes/laundry, detergent, and water inside the bucket.
US08887537B2
A drum type washing machine is provided. The drum type washing machine may include a cabinet, a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub, and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force that rotates the drum. The washing machine may also include a supporting plate to rotatably support a rotational shaft extending between the motor and the drum, and a plurality of supporters connected between the supporting plate and the cabinet. Such an arrangement may increase washing capacity by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing an external size of the cabinet.
US08887535B2
A washing apparatus includes a drive mechanism, a washing tub being configured to contain a washing article for washing and to be rotated by the drive mechanism, a casing that covers the washing tub, a liquid supply flow path for supplying the cleaning liquid for washing, a liquid discharge flow path, an air flow path, a detection portion being configured to detect whether or not the casing is filled with the cleaning liquid based on the cleaning liquid flowing into the air flow path, and a pump being configured to send the cleaning liquid to the liquid supply flow path, wherein the cleaning liquid is supplied to the casing in a condition that the casing communicates with the outside of the casing, after the washing article is put into the washing tub, and wherein the cleaning liquid is circulated, and wherein the washing tub is rotated, when the casing is filled.
US08887531B2
The invention envisions a method for improving the thermal shock resistance of glass objects. For this a glass object is heated starting from a surface temperature under the softening point (42) on the surface of a first side (3) until the viscosity reaches or goes below a value of 10(7.65±2) poise.
US08887526B2
The present invention describes an earring support device for relieving the tension caused by having large earrings hanging from a piercing for an extended amount of time. The support device has a set of clam-shell shaped earlobe guards that are hinged together and clipped onto an earlobe. The earring support device further has apertures that correspond with that of the ear piercing, wherein when the pin of the earring is placed through the earring support device apertures, the earring support device functions to distribute the forces applied by the earring more evenly through the earlobe. The clam-shelled halves of the earring support device cover an area from the piercing to the bottom of the earlobe, and thus further serves to mask the effects of prior extended wearing of heavy jewelry.
US08887521B2
Provided is an air conditioner for an automobile capable of having uniform perfume performance in a width direction of the automobile by discharging air mixed with a perfume component supplied from a perfume generating unit through a discharging part.
US08887517B2
The invention relates to a method for operating an aircraft cooling system (10), comprising the steps guiding a cooling medium through a cooling circuit (26) which is coupled to a refrigerating machine (12) and to at least one cooling energy consumer (14a-14d) in order to supply cooling medium cooled by the refrigerating machine (12) to the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d), and controlling the operation of the refrigerating machine (12) by a control unit (42), such that coolant medium cooled by the refrigerating machine (12) to a predetermined cooling medium flow temperature is supplied to the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d). The method for operating an aircraft cooling system (10) further comprises detecting a cooling energy requirement of the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d) and transmitting a signal indicative of the cooling energy requirement of the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d) to the control unit (42). The operation of the refrigerating machine (12) is controlled by the control unit (42) in such a way that cooling medium which is guided through the cooling circuit (26) is cooled to a cooling medium flow temperature which is adapted to the cooling energy requirement of the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d).
US08887511B2
The present invention relates to a nacelle (1) for a jet engine (4) comprising a forward air inlet section (5), a mid-section (6) intended to surround a jet engine fan, and an aft section (9), at least one portion forming the aft section being connected to the mid-section via an at least partially peripheral radial knife-edge (31) capable of engaging by complementarity of shape with a corresponding groove (32) belonging to a portion (6a) of the mid-section, characterized in that the knife-edge comprises at least one reinforcing segment (35, 36) situated in a region for accommodating high loads, said reinforcing segment being made from a material which is stronger than the remainder of the knife-edge and tailored to the loads which are to be borne by said segment in this region.
US08887506B2
A fuel injector having an injector body, a mixing circuit, and at least one injector is provided. The injector body has a plurality of manifolds, an inlet, and an outlet. The manifolds are configured for receiving fuel, and the inlet is configured for receiving air. The mixing circuit is positioned within the injector body. The mixing circuit is configured for receiving fuel from at least one of the manifolds, and air from the inlet to create an air-fuel mixture that exits the outlet. The least one fuel injector is positioned radially outwardly from the mixing circuit. The at least one injector receives fuel from at least one of the plurality of manifolds and injects fuel to the outlet.
US08887498B2
A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes a pump. A bypass valve assembly includes an inlet port in communication with the pump and an outlet port in communication with an accumulator. The pump and the accumulator are both in communication with a hydraulic control system that controls, lubricates, and cools a transmission of a motor vehicle. The bypass valve assembly has a valve moveable between at least a two positions. The bypass valve assembly is operable to bypass the accumulator when the vehicle is first started such that the pump charges the hydraulic control system before charging the accumulator. The accumulator provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic control system after vehicle start.
US08887494B2
The invention relates to a system for introducing fuel into the exhaust line of a motor vehicle, having a fuel evaporator with a housing, which has an inlet and an outlet, and a heating device arranged in the housing, and a pump for pumping fuel into the fuel evaporator via the inlet. Provision is made for an inlet of the pump to be connected to a branching, which encompasses a first branch for supplying fuel and a second branch for supplying air. The invention further relates to a fuel evaporator for such a system.
US08887492B2
In an exhaust gas purification apparatus of an internal combustion engine, there is provided a technique capable of suppressing a reduction in exhaust gas purification performance. The apparatus includes: an exhaust gas purification catalyst (6) that is arranged in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine for purifying an exhaust gas; an adsorption device (5) that is arranged at an upstream side of the exhaust gas purification catalyst, rises in temperature up to an upper limit temperature due to heat generated by adsorption thereto of an incoming first component, and falls in temperature after its temperature has reached said upper limit temperature; and a heat generating component supply unit (10) that supplies a second component which generates reaction heat in the exhaust gas purification catalyst, before the temperature of the adsorption device begins to fall.
US08887481B2
A method for starting a combined cycle power plant (1) includes loading the gas turbine unit (2), providing a starting temperature (Tstart) for the steam supplied to the steam turbine (5), while the control valve (7) is regulated controlling the temperature of the steam at a temperature substantially equal to the starting temperature (Tstart) at a position (P2) downstream of the control valve (7) and upstream of the rotor (8), when the control valve (7) is substantially fully open, supplying steam to the steam turbine (5) at the starting temperature (Tstart). The steam temperature is controlled by controlling the steam temperature upstream of the control valve (7) in accordance with the temperature drop caused by the control valve (7) when the steam passes through it.
US08887476B2
A bread packaging system comprising: a movable member on which a scoop for holding a packaging member to package bread is mounted; a guide member for defining a moving path along which the movable member is moved; a reciprocating motion mechanism having an endless revolving member for reciprocating the movable member along the guide member; and a link member for linking the endless revolving member with the movable member, wherein the bread packaging system is configured to reciprocate the movable member along the guide member by revolving the endless revolving member in one direction.
US08887472B2
A method of constructing a building includes fastening a first structural truss panel to a first structural column. A second structural column is fastened vertically to the first structural column. A second structural truss panel is fastened to the second structural column so that the second structural truss panel is vertically above the first structural truss panel, so that a clearance is defined between the first and second structural truss panels, and so that loads on the structural truss panels are transferred from the first and second structural truss panels to the first and second structural columns and then vertically between the first and second columns. Other construction methods, structural panels, and building sections are also disclosed.
US08887471B2
A strut end piece for a strut for connecting with a fin of a sleeve for a solar mirror frame support. A strut for receiving a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support. A sleeve for connecting with a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support having a main portion having an opening for receiving the chord. A method for connecting a sleeve to a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support.
US08887458B2
Self-adjusting firestopping sleeve apparatus with flexibly resilient supplemental constriction means
A firestopping sleeve positionable usually in walls which is self-adjusting and includes a sleeve defining an access corridor extending longitudinally therewithin with at least one firestopping pad positioned therein. The pad defines an access corridor extending therethrough for receiving wall penetrating cables which are firestopped therearound by the pad. A supplemental construction band is positioned extending around the pad for enhancing firestopping adjacent the penetrating wire for facilitating preventing the flow of heat, smoke or fire therepast.
US08887449B2
A benchmark marking tool includes a marking plate having an upper surface formed in a flat shape so as to mark a benchmark on the upper surface, a stud extending from a back surface of the upper surface of the marking plate and buried in a structure such as a floor of a building to fix the marking plate, and an outer peripheral flange provided around the marking plate and buried in a coating layer applied to the structure. The marking plate is provided such that the upper surface is located to be flush with or below an upper surface of the coating layer formed on the structure when the marking plate is located in the structure of the building.
US08887437B2
An animal deterrent device includes an elongated carrier having a conductive trace. The carrier can further include a bottom surface with a tread pattern having a pattern of grooves. The conductive trace can be coupled to the carrier by a fastener that extends from the conductive trace to the pattern of grooves, which can prevent water from contacting the fastener and shorting the conductive trace.
US08887430B2
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to an apparatus, device, or method for detecting aim or pointing direction of a firearm, the method comprising detecting a sound signature of a gunshot from the firearm; sensing an aim direction of the firearm substantially at the time of detecting the sound signature of the gunshot; setting a reference direction based, at least in part, on the aim direction; sensing a current aim direction of the firearm; comparing the current aim direction to the reference direction; and initiating an alarm if the current aim direction is beyond a threshold angle of displacement from the reference direction.
US08887427B2
An extractor for a self-loading firearm is mountable on a breech block and is formed of a body having a hook at one end. The body is pivotally mounted via a pivot pin. A surface is positioned between the pivot pin and the hook. The surface is divided into at least two surface portions offset from one another. One of the surface portions has a plurality of step surfaces offset from one another. The step surfaces are used to fix the bar dimension of the hook. The invention also encompasses a slide on which the extractor is mounted, as well as a self-loading firearm having the slide. A method of fitting the extractor to the pistol or slide is also disclosed.
US08887425B2
A display device has a cover window that is light, has good resistance against external impact, and is capable of being processed with various shapes. A display device according to the present invention includes: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area; and a cover window positioned at the front side of the display panel and including a transparent area corresponding to the display area and a non-transparent area corresponding to the non-display area, wherein the cover window includes a cover window main body formed with the transparent area and the non-transparent area, and a transparent protection layer formed at the front surface of the cover window main body. The transparent protection layer extends to the rear surface corresponding to at least a portion of the non-transparent area of the cover window main body.
US08887418B2
Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound and/or other special effects. The greeting cards may include various switch mechanisms that may be located and accessed through various locations on the foam greeting card body.
US08887406B2
A footer square apparatus for squaring a building foundation may include a footer square body, a first guide line, a second guide line, and a post receiving opening. The first guide line may be disposed on the footer square body and have a length that is substantially straight. The second guide line may be disposed on the footer square body and have a length that is substantially straight. The post receiving opening may be disposed through the footer square body and may receive a post. The length of the first guide line may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the second guide line. The post receiving opening may be located at the intersection of the first guide line and the second guide line.
US08887403B2
An object of the invention is to provide a medium processing device which carries out a plurality of processes, such as plotting and cutting, on a medium, such as paper, wherein there is no need to attach and detach units which carry out the plurality of processes, thus simplifying the structure of the device. A medium processing device, which carries out two kinds of processes on paper with a pen and a cutter, includes a carriage including a pen holder which holds the pen, a cutter holder which holds the cutter, and a changeover unit which, in a condition in which the pen holder is holding the pen and the cutter holder is holding the cutter, reduces and increases the distance between one of the pen and cutter and the paper in comparison with the distance between the other and the paper.
US08887399B2
A method of final assembly for constructing homes from substantially planar floor and wall sections. The method includes assembling a house from floor and wall sections in a final-assembly section of a final assembly facility. The final-assembly section is at an intersection of a crane section that is adjacent to a final assembly line. The crane section has at least one roof assembly area used for assembling the roof. The final assembly line further has a plurality of additional stations within the final-assembly section that are in-line with the at least one station. The method also includes lifting a roof assembled in the roof assembly area onto the house, and further finishing the house at each of the plurality of additional stations.
US08887397B2
A door inner panel as automobile parts is manufactured from a tailor welded blank formed from a different thickness steel sheet by means of different thickness connection for connecting different kind steel sheets having different sheet thicknesses. In the tailor welded blank, a weld line of the tailor welded blank includes linear weld line portions and a curved weld line portion through which the linear weld lines are connected.
US08887391B2
A method for forming a slot in a rotor disk includes a finishing step using a tool rotating at angle off normal in direction opposite a direction that the tool is driven through the slot. A finish profile is obtained in part by removing material from a bottom surface with a tool rotating about an axis off normal.
US08887387B2
A method of making a lead for a stimulation device includes forming at least one pre-electrode in the shape of a ring, the at least one pre-electrode comprises at least two thin-walled portions separated by at least two thick-walled portions; disposing the at least one pre-electrode near a distal end of a lead body; joining at least one conductor to each thick-walled portion of the at least one pre-electrode; and grinding the lead body and the at least one pre-electrode to remove the thin-walled portions of the at least one pre-electrode to form segmented electrodes from the thick-walled portions of the at least one pre-electrode.
US08887385B2
A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board, at least one pad formed on the circuit board, and at least one connection line. Each of the at least one connection line includes a connection end connected to a respective one of the at least one pad and has the same resistance value as the respective pad.
US08887380B2
A wire stop assembly is provided for a terminal crimping machine that crimps a terminal to a wire. The terminal crimping machine includes a crimping zone. The wire stop assembly includes a wire stop member having a stop surface configured to engage the wire to limit an amount of travel of the wire in the crimping zone. The wire stop member is movable relative to the crimping zone in a floating direction. A biasing mechanism is configured to exert a biasing force on the wire stop. The biasing force provides a resistance to the movement of the wire stop member in the floating direction.
US08887372B2
The invention is directed to a module injection mechanism and a method of using the same for mounting a module to a chassis, the module injection mechanism comprising an injection assembly secured to the module, comprising a lever, a screw affixed to the chassis, a sliding bushing, disposed between the module and the screw, wherein the screw is fixed to the chassis via the sliding bushing, the lever comprising a lever grabbing portion and a lower lever portion capable of connecting to the sliding bushing, wherein the injection assembly is secured to the module so that the injection assembly is capable to transfer a mechanical force applied to the lever grabbing portion to the sliding bushing so that the module is mounted to the chassis.
US08887368B2
A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.
US08887364B2
A rivet setter that can efficiently and smoothly perform, and reduce the takt time for a rivet setting operation. The rivet setter can be configured to set a rivet sequentially fed from a rivet supplying means by inserting the rivet into apertures formed at predetermined positions on workpieces. The rivet setter can have delivery paths for delivering the rivet one by one by sliding the rivet down to a settable position and can have a hanging support portion formed in the settable position in the tip end of the delivery path for supporting the head of rivet and for hanging the rivet shank downward. The rivet setter can be configured to enable the rivet to be set in the apertures of the workpieces by moving the hanging support portion substantially horizontally while keeping the rivet suspended in the hanging support portion and inserted into the apertures of the workpieces.
US08887358B2
A decorative carapace for a burial vault including a carapace having a top surface and a substrate having a decorative graphic, the substrate being attached to the top surface of the carapace.
US08887351B2
A sweeping broom apparatus for use with a vehicle comprises a main body with a debris receiving inlet, and a broom shroud with an open bottom. Airflow obstructing flaps are disposed around the bottom edge of the broom shroud. A forwardly facing debris outlet in the broom shroud permits the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A main sweeping broom is mounted within the broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet. An air blast nozzle is connected in fluid communication to a source of compressed air for receiving compressed air therefrom. There is a nozzle mount for mounting the air blast nozzle for movement between a lower position whereat the air blast nozzle is disposed adjacent the surface being cleaned and to emit air in a forward and downward direction to impact on the surface being cleaned, and a raised impact-absorbing position. There is also a biasing spring for biasing the air blast nozzle to the lower position.
US08887343B2
A system and method for propelling a hose, including: a system housing and a tractor element disposed in the housing. The tractor element includes: a tractor housing with a through-bore; and a protrusion extending into the through-bore. The system includes: a hose assembly including a substantially helical coil disposed about a hose; and an actuator for rotating the tractor housing with respect to the system housing. The tractor element is fixed in the system housing with respect to axial movement; and the hose assembly can be disposed in the through-bore so that the protrusion contacts a portion of the coil. As the tractor housing is rotated in a rotational direction: the protrusion exerts a displacement force on the coil; and the hose assembly reacts to the displacement force by displacing in an axial direction.
US08887331B2
A head holder for imaging is provided. The head holder includes a base, a head rest configured to receive a head of a subject, the head rest pivotally connected to the base and rotatable about a rotational axis defined through a lower end of the head rest, and a stopper configured to be inserted between the base and the head rest to support the head rest and fix the head rest at a tilt angle that corresponds to an insertion position of the stopper in a body axis direction of the subject.
US08887327B2
The invention involves a folding patient transfer apparatus with a material top layer and a material bottom layer. A plurality of inserts has handhold openings that are formed in the inserts that are positioned between the material top layer and the material bottom layer utilizing a sewn plurality of insert seams. The seams form enclosed material chambers containing the inserts. The materials can be disposed of due to contamination; however the inserts can be sterilized reducing hospital waste and cost. The apparatus is configured to slide and/or lift and/or carry a patient from a non-planer surface to a second planer or non-planer surface.
US08887320B2
A flow projector device is used between the rim of a toilet bowl and an overlying seat. The flow projector device includes a base having an upper surface, a lower support surface, an inner end, an outer end, and lateral sides extending between the inner and outer ends. The upper surface slopes downwardly from the outer end toward the inner end. The device also includes a return portion and an outer barrier. The return portion extends downwardly from the inner end. The outer barrier extends upwardly from the outer end. The outer barrier includes a recurved surface configured to redirect urine to the upper surface of the base. Urine directed along the upper surface towards the recurved surface can be redirected by the recurved surface back onto the upper surface of the base to flow down the upper surface, past the return portion and into the toilet bowl.
US08887319B2
A fixture support carrier, for mounting a plumbing fixture above the floor, that can be adjusted in either direction by means of interchangeable studs and plastic nipples.
US08887317B2
A protective garment and undergarment with scissor deflecting and jamming obstacles includes strapping having the obstacles in series patterned to be parallel to a strap thereof and have parallel and angular surfaces thereto configured to deflect a pair of commercial scissor blades into an angle of incidence to the strap. A spacing between obstacles is also configured to be less than a total thickness of the scissor blades in order to jam the scissors there between and impede or deter an assault of the wearer. The garment also includes a waist strap, a crotch strap and thigh straps disposed at an outer respective edge to of the garment. Each strap includes a non-elastic material and the cut-resistant obstacle strapping permanently disposed there around configured to deflect a pair of scissors into an obstacle cutting position or jam the pair of scissors on an obstacle thereof and impede or deter an assault.
US08887316B2
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a jock support short including a short member and an integrally-formed jock support member. The integral jock support member includes a pocket portion attached to a front portion of the short, which is configured to house a protective groin cup. At least two elongate members extend along opposing sides of the pocket portion and may intersect or meet at a crotch portion of the short such that the pocket and/or protective cup remains secured over a user's groin region during athletic or other physical activity.
US08887313B2
An appendage wrap having a sequential set of graphic instruction steps printed across the length of the wrap on one or both sides for explaining and illustrating how a user is to apply the wrap to a specific appendage. Each individual instruction step is readily visible to the user and is easily discernable as the wrap is unrolled and wound around the appendage. Text instructions provide concise directions to the user. Simply illustrations of the appendage (hand graphics) provide a visual reference to the user for the direction and location where the wrap will be wound. Arrows are used to visually guide the user as wrap is unrolled and wound around the wrist.
US08893306B2
A system to address resource management and security in a computer system may include an operating system kernel executing on a computer processor. The system may also include a data processing application and a mediator configured to execute on the computer processor. The mediator may operate between the operating system kernel and the data processing application. The mediator may control access of user generated state data of the data processing application and may restrict access of the operating system kernel to the user generated state data.
US08893302B2
A controller (900) for transferring media content rights between media devices comprising a memory (906), a user interface (910) and a transceiver (902). The memory (906) stores a list of media devices (914) capable of receiving the permissions associated with the media content from an originating device and an encryption key (920) that may be used to encrypt the permissions. The user interface (910) detects a user selection of a target device from the list of media devices (914). The transceiver (902) communicates an address (916) associated with the target device and the encryption key (920) to the originating device. Thus, the originating device is able to encrypt the permissions using the encryption key (920) and send the encrypted permissions to the address (916) associated with the target device.
US08893301B2
A system includes one or more processors and computer-readable storage media storing instructions executable by a processor to storing a digital good in a cloud data store that is accessible by a user devices associated with a first user and a second user through their respective accounts. When a request to transfer the access rights to the digital good from the account of the first user to the account of a second user, the transfer of the access rights to the digital good is authorized based on satisfaction of one or more business rules and the access rights are transferred from the account of the first user to the account of the second user while said digital good remains in said cloud data store. The access rights are deleted from the account of the first user.
US08893298B2
An app is made secure using an app wrapping security technique and a network linker that creates an executable binary file of the wrapped app that does not use custom dynamic libraries. The network linker includes a client-side linker component and a server-side linker component. When the app is created and the developer decides to have it security wrapped, an extra parameter is inserted in the client-side linker component for invoking the network linker of the present invention. If a call is being made from app security wrapping code, then the invocation resolves to normal system libraries and the call is not shimmed. Once all the symbols have been resolved on the server-side linker, the executable binary is transmitted back to the client-side linker component where it is digitally signed by the app developer and put in a suitable form for uploading to an app store or marketplace.
US08893290B2
A method and a system for detecting anomalies within a voluminous private data are provided. The voluminous private data, including sensitive information corresponding to one or more objects within the voluminous private data is received. The sensitive information within the voluminous private data is identified, and identified sensitive information is modified to generate a modified voluminous private data. The sensitive information is marked in the modified voluminous private data to generate a marked voluminous private data. The anomaly within the marked voluminous private data is detected.
US08893286B1
A computer-implemented method to prevent fraudulent activity associated with typo-squatting procedures is described. An input of a uniform resource locator (URL) for a un-assessed website is detected. A data field on the un-assessed website for sensitive information is detected. The inputted URL is compared to a database of URLs for trusted websites associated with trusted entities. A determination is made as to whether a difference between the inputted URL and the URLs in the database satisfies a threshold. Upon determining that the difference satisfies the threshold, a message regarding the un-assessed website is generated.
US08893277B2
Disclosed is a method of operating a data identification system. The method comprises identifying a first plurality of changed blocks in a first primary storage volume, processing the first plurality of changed blocks to generate a first plurality of fingerprints, scanning a first plurality of data items stored in a first secondary storage volume within the first primary storage volume corresponding to the first plurality of changed blocks to identify a first infected data item of the first plurality of data items, identifying a first reference fingerprint from the first plurality of fingerprints corresponding to the first infected data item, identifying a second plurality of changed blocks in a second primary storage volume corresponding to a second plurality of data items stored in a second secondary storage volume within the second primary storage volume, processing the second plurality of changed blocks to generate a second plurality of fingerprints, and identifying a first target fingerprint from the second plurality of fingerprints that corresponds to the first reference fingerprint.
US08893269B1
This disclosure relates to a method, article of manufacture, and apparatus of importing authorities for backup systems. In some embodiments, this includes having a directory service engine retrieve authorities from an external directory service, obtain users and groups from the authorities, map the users and the groups to roles of internal authorities, and distribute the mapping to the internal authorities. The directory service engine may also export authorities to the external directory service and may be used for communication with the external directory service for authentication and access control.
US08893266B2
Systems and methods for secure control of a wireless mobile communication device are disclosed. Each of a plurality of domains includes at least one wireless mobile communication device asset. When a request to perform an operation affecting at least one of the assets is received, it is determined whether the request is permitted by the domain that includes the at least one affected asset, by determining whether the entity with which the request originated has a trust relationship with the domain, for example. The operation is completed where it is permitted by the domain. Wireless mobile communication device assets include software applications, persistent data, communication pipes, and configuration data, properties or user or subscriber profiles.
US08893262B2
Systems, methods and apparatuses of establishing an IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) VPN (Virtual Private Network) tunnel are disclosed. One method includes receiving, by a wireless mesh network access point, a user configuration, wherein the user configuration includes a type of traffic, determining an internal interface of the wireless mesh network access node based on the type of traffic, dynamically determining a local endpoint address for the IPsec VPN tunnel based on the selected internal interface, and establishing the IPsec VPN tunnel through the selected internal interface of the wireless mesh network access node.
US08893257B2
Methods and systems for an intelligent network protection gateway (NPG) and network architecture are provided. According to one embodiment, a firewall provides network-layer protection to internal hosts against unauthorized access by hosts of an external network by performing network address translation (NAT) processing of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. The firewall changes data in headers of VoIP packets and corresponding data contents of the VoIP packets, to enable bi-directional VoIP communications. An external VoIP interface of the firewall receives incoming VoIP packets having a user alias (e.g., an email address) and an indication regarding a VoIP port of external interface. The packets are directed to an appropriate internal host by the firewall performing port address forwarding based on the port indication to an appropriate media gateway within the internal network that maintains a mapping of user aliases to private addresses of the internal hosts.
US08893256B2
A system and method that provides for protection of a CPU of a router, by establishing a management port on a router. Hosts which are connected to a non-management ports of the router are denied access to management functions of a CPU of the router. The system and method can utilize an application specific integrated circuit, in conjunction with a CAM-ACL, which analyzes data packets received on the ports of router, and the ASIC operates to drop data packets which are directed to the CPU of the router. This system and method operates to filter data packets which may be generated in attempts to hack in to control functions of a network device, and the operation does not require that the CPU analyze all received data packets in connection with determining access to the control functions of the router.
US08893253B2
In one embodiment, a processor-implemented method for monitoring network traffic between a first device executing a software application and a second device coupled to the first device. The method includes: (a) the processor analyzing application-level data contained within traffic originating from and/or received by the first device, the application-level data including data provided to and/or provided by the software application; (b) based on the results of the analysis in step (a), the processor creating one or more access rules; (c) the processor receiving a request from the second device to access the first device, the request including application-level data; and (d) the processor determining whether the request received in step (c) complies with one or more of the access rules.
US08893250B2
Data can be protected in mobile and payment environments through various tokenization operations. A mobile device can tokenize communication data based on device information and session information associated with the mobile device. A payment terminal can tokenize payment information received at the payment terminal during a transaction based on transaction information associated with the transaction. Payment data tokenized first a first set of token tables and according to a first set of tokenization parameters by a first payment entity can be detokenized or re-tokenized with a second set of token tables and according to a second set of tokenization parameters. Payment information can be tokenized and sent to a mobile device as a token card based on one or more selected use rules, and a user can request a transaction based on the token card. The transaction can be authorized if the transaction satisfies the selected use rules.
US08893249B2
In a system that partitions an application program into page segments, a minimal portion of the application program is installed on a client system. The client prefetches page segments from the application server or the application server pushes additional page segments to the client. The application server begins streaming the requested page segments to the client when it receives a valid access token from the client. The client performs server load balancing across a plurality of application servers. If the client observes a non-response or slow response condition from an application server or license server, it switches to another application or license server.
US08893238B2
A method for enabling the user of at least one mobile terminal to access a plurality of services, includes: creating (E1) a user account containing user identification data; installing (E2) a software application for accessing the plurality of services on the mobile terminal; creating (E5) an image containing at least one software application identifier on the mobile terminal using the software application; decoding (E6) the data contained in the image using a secure entity for managing the software application; and authorizing (E8) or not authorizing (E9) the access of the user to the plurality of services based on the decoded data.
US08893234B2
A method of securing access to a near-field communication module (30) included in a terminal (10) comprising a security device (20) adapted to be blocked remotely and including a security component (32) connected to wireless communication means (33, 34). The method includes a step of storing security data in the security device (20) and a step of authentication of the security device (20) by the security component (32) of the near-field communication module (30) as a function of the security data stored in the security device (20).
US08893226B1
An improved system and method for providing Internet access services to guests of a hotel chain. A web services (WS) framework is used for communications between a central authentication server (CAS) and property management system (PMS) of a hotel within a chain. Authentication of a user to a high speed Internet network is accomplished using the WS framework to facilitate communication between the CAS and PMS. A gateway device for authentication is bypassed and transactions are posted by implementing a WS interface between a CAS and PMS at each hotel. Additional transactions may be incorporated within the WS interface thereby increasing the system and method's ability to deliver significant improvements in customer service to the hotel guest. Reduced dependence upon a gateway device to facilitate communications allows a hotel to implement a high speed Internet access program with a degree of independence from one particular vendor.
US08893225B2
The security of web widgets is improved by transferring a set of access control decisions conventionally handled by the Web Runtime system (WRT) to a more secure portion of the computing system, such as a kernel in the operating system. Access control rules are extracted and provided to the more secure portion. This may be performed during widget installation or at invocation of a widget. During runtime, the more secure portion performs security checking functions for the widget instead of the WRT.
US08893222B2
A method of linking a security policy stored in a policy database that is specific to an application in the application layer with a new corresponding process launched in the LINUX layer in a security system for an operating system running on a device that comprises a LINUX-based kernel. The system architecture is defined by a middleware layer between the LINUX layer associated with the kernel and the higher application layer comprising the applications.
US08893221B2
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for providing a managed browser are presented. In various embodiments, a computing device may load a managed browser. The managed browser may, for instance, be configured to provide a managed mode in which one or more policies are applied to the managed browser, and an unmanaged mode in which such policies might not be applied and/or in which the browser might not be managed by at least one device manager agent running on the computing device. Based on device state information and/or one or more policies, the managed browser may switch between the managed mode and the unmanaged mode, and the managed browser may provide various functionalities, which may include selectively providing access to enterprise resources, based on such state information and/or the one or more policies.
US08893212B2
Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.
US08893206B2
Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.
US08893201B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an avatar engine having a controller to retrieve a user profile, cause a presentation device to present a user an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, detect one or more responses of the user, identify from the one or more responses a need to communicate with a merchant system, establish a communication session with the merchant system, receive a notification from the merchant system of a merchant avatar engine, establish communication with the merchant avatar engine, adapt the characteristics of the avatar at least in part according to instructions supplied by the merchant avatar engine, and cause the presentation device to present the user the adapted avatar. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08893193B2
A mobile video system includes a first video source, a second video source, a first video monitor, a second video monitor, an audio signal receiver, and a wireless transmitter. One of the first video source and the second video source generates a first audiovisual signal. One of the first video monitor and the second video monitor receives a video portion of at least one of the first audiovisual signal and the second audiovisual signal. The wireless transmitter transmits an audio portion of one of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal to the audio signal receiver. A video portion of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal is displayed on the first video monitor, on the second video monitor, or on both the first video monitor and the second video monitor.
US08893185B2
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for combining user profiles. According to an example embodiment, a method is provided for refining group content choices. The method includes identifying that at least two users are accessing media content on a same device, wherein each of the at least two users is associated with a different set of profile attributes; generating a spliced user profile having spliced profile attributes based at least in part on at least a portion of the set of profile attributes associated with at least one of the at least two users; determining at least one content recommendation based on the spliced profile attributes; and delivering the at least one content recommendation over a content distribution channel to the at least two users on the media device.
US08893184B2
A mechanism is described for facilitating multiple multimedia viewing planes in media display systems according to one embodiment of the invention. A method of embodiments of the invention includes using a plurality of multimedia planes corresponding to a plurality of multimedia content types. The plurality of multimedia planes may be integrated to be presented through an integrated user interface at a media processing device. The method may further include selecting, via the integrated user interface, one or more content categories from a plurality of multimedia content categories, and presenting, via a multimedia plane of the plurality of multimedia planes, contents associated with the one or more selected content categories.
US08893181B2
A method of arranging row ads system within a program guide includes communicating row ad metadata to a user device and communicating program guide information to a user device. The program guide information defines a plurality of rows, wherein at least a first row is associated with a first channel. The method includes associating positioning information with the row ad relative to the first row, populating a second row from the plurality of rows in response to the metadata and displaying the row ad and displaying the first row associated with the first channel within a program guide structure on a display associated with the user device in response to the positioning information.
US08893164B1
Methods and systems for providing audio information based on gaze information are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to receive gaze information indicative of a wearer-view associated with the computing device. Based on the gaze information, the computing device may be configured to determine content displayed in the wearer-view. Further, the computing device may be configured to determine audio information relating to the content and cause an audio stream associated with the audio information to be played at the computing device.
US08893163B2
Techniques are presented herein for delivering multimedia content to members of an audience. At a content delivery device, an activation event is detected that causes the content delivery device to operate in a first mode to detect a presence of one or more of members of an audience in a viewing area. A number of members of the audience in the viewing area is determined. The content delivery device switches to a second mode to initiate a payment request event. The payment request event requests payment for the multimedia content based on the number of members of the audience. A determination is made as to whether an appropriate payment has been received based on the number of members of the audience. When the appropriate payment has been received, the content delivery device switches to a third mode to deliver the multimedia content to the members of the audience in the viewing area.
US08893161B2
A technique to suppress a remote procedure call from a client by a server is provided. An information processing system is provided that includes a client component and a server component, wherein a program of the client component makes an RPC for a function of the server component. The client component includes a holding unit that holds return value information of the function, and a calling unit that receives an RPC request for the function from the program. The server component includes an execution unit that returns a return value of the function to set return value information. When the return value information has not been set in the holding unit, the calling unit makes an RPC for the function. When the return value information has been set in the holding unit, the calling unit returns the return value included in the return value information without making an RPC.
US08893157B2
Administering incident pools including assigning an incident received from one or more components of the distributed processing system to a pool of incidents; assigning to each incident a particular combined minimum time for inclusion of the incident in the pool; in response to the pool closing, determining for each incident in the pool whether the incident has met its combined minimum time for inclusion in the pool; if the incident has been in the pool for its combined minimum time, including the incident in the closed pool; if the incident has not been in the pool for its combined minimum time, moving the incident from the closed pool to a next pool; applying incident suppression rules using the incidents assigned to the next pool; and applying incident creation rules to the incidents that were assigned to the next pool, while omitting any duplicate incidents caused by the assignment.
US08893156B2
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed for monitoring a distributed application. A particular method identifies a plurality of components of a distributed application. The method also identifies a specific technology associated with a particular component and attaches a technology specific interceptor to the particular component based on the identified specific technology. The method includes intercepting messages that are sent by or received by the particular component using the technology specific interceptor. At least one potential work item is generated based on the intercepted messages. The method includes determining whether to schedule the at least one potential work item for execution based on a predicted impact of the at least one work potential item on performance of the distributed application.
US08893153B2
A first set of one or more hardware threads for receiving messages sent from hardware threads are registered. After receiving indications of a message location value and a number, the message location value is increments and sent to a different hardware thread of the first set of one or more hardware threads until the message location value has been incremented the number of times or a criterion for interrupting the incrementing and sending is satisfied. An actual number of times the message location value was incremented is indicated to a hardware thread that sent the indications of the message location value and the number.
US08893151B2
When an instruction about changing the job execution limit information is made, a policy server determines whether or not the changed job execution limit information indicates that the execution of the job by the job execution unit is not limited. When the changed job execution limit information indicates that the execution of the job is not limited and the setting is made such that the job history information for the job is recorded on the image processing apparatus, the policy server sets the changed job execution limit information to the image processing apparatus.
US08893144B2
According to some embodiments, a script written in a scripting programming language may be received (e.g., by a script executer). It may be determined that a first line in the script comprises a first comment, and the first comment may be interpreted as an embedded parallel part control statement. Parallel execution of a portion of the script may then be automatically arranged in accordance with the parallel part control statement.
US08893136B2
Selection of operations in a desired order and, as necessary, input of processing parameters by the user are received. Based on each operation corresponding to the received input, operation information, which classifies the operation corresponding to the input into a non-routine operation, which requires input of a processing parameter during execution of an automated operation list, or a routine operation other than the non-routine operation in advance, is obtained. Then, an automated operation list is generated based on the obtained operation information by registering, if the operation corresponding to the input is a routine operation, the operation corresponding to the input in the automated operation list with associating, as necessary, a necessary processing parameter for the operation with the operation, and registering, if the operation corresponding to the input is a non-routine operation, the operation corresponding to the input in the automated operation list.
US08893134B2
A method for identifying a consumer-producer pattern in a multi-threaded application includes obtaining synchronization event data of the multi-threaded application, and identifying the consumer-producer communication pattern from the synchronization event data.
US08893133B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system dynamically schedules performance of tasks, and comprises a computer system including at least one processor. The system determines resources required or utilized by each task for performance of that task on a target system, and compares the determined resources of the tasks to identify tasks with similar resource requirements. The identified tasks with similar resource requirements are scheduled to be successively performed on the target system. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for dynamically scheduling performance of tasks in substantially the same manner described above.
US08893117B2
Techniques for interactive product improvement through the use of variants and data gathering reports in a system that can be updated on the fly are disclosed. In some embodiments, interactive product improvement through the use of variants and data gathering reports in a system that can be updated on the fly includes processing a manifest to determine that a plug-in that includes a plurality of variants is available; randomly selecting a variant for the plug-in to automatically install on a device; and automatically installing the plug-in, in which the randomly selected variant is executed at run-time.
US08893114B1
A computer-implemented method for executing a software package from within random access memory may include (1) identifying a computing device that contains both random access memory and firmware updatable read only memory, (2) providing a network accessible software package repository, (3) providing a download agent within the firmware updateable read only memory, the download agent being programmed to, (4) create a working area within the random access memory by emulating persistent storage, (5) access the software package repository through a network connection to extract a software package, and (6) execute the software package in the working area of the random access memory that emulates persistent storage. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08893113B1
In a typical network setup, a networked capable device interfaces to either one wired network hub or to a wireless network hub. The networked capable device will send and receive data packets to and from the wired or wireless hub it is connected to. The invention provides a system, method and a computer program to send and receive data packets to and from multiple wired and/or wireless network hubs in order to, for example, increase the number of data packets the networked capable device can receive to multiple applications run on the networked capable device.
US08893110B2
Methods and devices supporting the management of a plurality of electronic devices and processing of update information for updating software and/or firmware in the electronic devices. Prompting of users may be made using a language associated with the electronic device, and authorization to update an electronic device may be secured using a subscriber identity module.
US08893108B1
A method for updating a software program, including: determining a context of the user while the user is using the software program; subscribing to an update service associated with the context of the user; obtaining at least one update related to the context of the user, where at least one update is supplied by the update service; and updating the software program based on at least one update.
US08893103B2
Methods and systems for asynchronous offload to many-core coprocessors include splitting a loop in an input source code into a sampling sub-part, a many integrated core (MIC) sub-part, and a central processing unit (CPU) sub-part; executing the sampling sub-part with a processor to determine loop characteristics including memory- and processor-operations executed by the loop; identifying optimal split boundaries based on the loop characteristics such that the MIC sub-part will complete in a same amount of time when executed on a MIC processor as the CPU sub-part will take when executed on a CPU; and modifying the input source code to split the loop at the identified boundaries, such that the MIC sub-part is executed on a MIC processor and the CPU sub-part is concurrently executed on a CPU.
US08893100B2
A dynamic code translator with isoblocking uses a return trampoline having branch instructions conditioned on different isostates to optimize return address translation, by allowing the hardware to predict that the address of a future return will be the address of trampoline. An IP relative call is inserted into translated code to write the trampoline address to a target link register and a target return address stack used by the native machine to predict return addresses. If a computed subject return address matches a subject return address register value, the current isostate of the isoblock is written to an isostate register. The isostate value in the isostate register is then used to select the branch instruction in the trampoline for the true subject return address. Sufficient code area in the trampoline instruction set can be reserved for a number of compare/branch pairs which is equal to the number of available isostates.
US08893093B2
In application testing and debugging processes, it is necessary to change, rebuild and test code. Thus, to speed the testing and debugging process, the process of retrieving application change lists, rebuilding the application, executing the application and recording application performance metrics may be automated. Additionally, through the use of environment independent metrics 110, application performance can be better evaluated for a wider range of hypothetical hardware configurations than tradition metrics which are highly dependent on the environment in which the test is running.
US08893090B2
Stepping out of an asynchronous process. A method includes, as part of a computer program execution, at a caller, making an asynchronous function call from the caller to a callee. Associated with the asynchronous function call a continuation waits for the completion of the callee with respect to the asynchronous function call. The method further includes correlating a debugging indicator to the callee indicating that a user wishes to step out of the caller when the callee returns. An indication of completion of the callee with respect to the asynchronous function call and that a user wishes to step from the callee to the continuation is received. The debugging indicator is referenced and based on the debugging indicator execution at entry into the continuation is stopped.
US08893086B2
A method includes generating a test model based on at least one of test group dependencies and test group constraints and generating a resource base. The method includes generating a cost model and generating a resource allocation plan based on the test model, the resource base, and the cost model.
US08893083B2
Collective operation protocol selection in a parallel computer that includes compute nodes may be carried out by calling a collective operation with operating parameters; selecting a protocol for executing the operation and executing the operation with the selected protocol. Selecting a protocol includes: iteratively, until a prospective protocol meets predetermined performance criteria: providing, to a protocol performance function for the prospective protocol, the operating parameters; determining whether the prospective protocol meets predefined performance criteria by evaluating a predefined performance fit equation, calculating a measure of performance of the protocol for the operating parameters; determining that the prospective protocol meets predetermined performance criteria and selecting the protocol for executing the operation only if the calculated measure of performance is greater than a predefined minimum performance threshold.
US08893081B2
A particular method includes receiving credentials during execution of an application at a computing device. The credentials are evaluated to determine whether a user associated with the credentials is authorized to edit the application while the application is being executed. Upon determining that the user is authorized, an editing control is enabled during the execution of the application. The editing control is associated with a graphical user interface (GUI) element of the application and is operable to update the GUI element during execution of the application.
US08893066B2
A method for circuit design includes a parasitic aware library embedded with one or more parameterized cells. The parasitic aware library is used to insert nets representing some but not all parasitic effects of a circuit into a circuit schematic enabling a single circuit schematic to be used for simulation of the circuit, parasitic verification of the circuit and LVS (Layout Versus Schematic) check. Only the single circuit schematic is required for the circuit design process and to form a mask set. Critical paths of the single circuit schematic are identified and parasitic effects are extracted and inserted into the schematic, enabling a pre-estimation of parasitic verification to be carried out and the LVS check to be carried out using a circuit schematic with some parasitic effects prior to the post-layout simulation in which all parasitic components of the layout are included.
US08893059B2
One embodiment relates to a pattern data system for maskless electron beam lithography. The system includes a renderer that receives pre-exposure die image data, performs rendering of the pre-exposure die image data to generate raster data. The system further includes a plurality of data distributors communicatively coupled to the renderer. Each data distributor adapts the raster data to characteristics of an associated pattern writer. Other embodiments, aspects and feature are also disclosed.
US08893052B2
A system and a method for controlling a mobile terminal application using a gesture may identify a gesture corresponding to a contact signal input to a display screen. The gesture may then be verified in an event table as corresponding to a command event for one of many possible different applications, and command event may be performed by an application associated with the gesture. The application may be running in the background of the mobile terminal, and may not be displayed on the mobile terminal display screen when the command event is executed. The method may include executing a first application, executing a second application while executing the first application, identifying a gesture corresponding to a contact signal, verifying a command event corresponding to the gesture, and controlling the first application to perform the command event.
US08893051B2
A method for selecting at least one element of a user interface on an electronic unit, including a step during which an action of an initialisation tool, positioned into an initialisation position on the user interface on the unit, triggers a display of a virtual magnifier encompassing the initialization position; and then a step during which an action of a validation tool triggers a display in the magnifier of a cursor centered on the initialization position; and then a step during which any movement of the validation tool causes an identical movement of the cursor and the virtual magnifier on the interface and which depends on the movement of the validation tool; and then a step during which at least one element of the interface is selected when the validation tool is picked up from the interface or that a selection tool is put onto the interface.
US08893049B2
Useful work or services can be automated or otherwise facilitated or solutions to real world events developed by emulation of a real-world environment (which can contain objects representing virtual objects) with a virtual environment and generating a prioritized sequence of locations and associated tasks in accordance with resources related to the event in a virtual universe. Performance of the prioritized tasks at the prioritized locations is facilitated in the virtual universe by locally generating teleportation invitations corresponding to locations in the ordered sequence of locations.
US08893048B2
A computer system and method according to the present invention can receive multi-modal inputs such as natural language, gesture, text, sketch and other inputs in order to manipulate graphical objects in a virtual world. The components of an agent as provided in accordance with the present invention can include one or more sensors, actuators, and cognition elements, such as interpreters, executive function elements, working memory, long term memory and reasoners for object placement approach. In one embodiment, the present invention can transform a user input into an object placement output. Further, the present invention provides, in part, an object placement algorithm, along with the command structure, vocabulary, and the dialog that an agent is designed to support in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
US08893046B2
A method of visualizing and manipulating data on a display of a computer is provided, the method comprising retrieving a plurality of documents from a file system operably connected to the computer, each said document having at least one attribute associated therewith; graphically organizing the plurality of documents retrieved from the file system along a first substantially linear axis on the display; selecting a selected attribute associated with a selected document, the selected document being selected from among the plurality of documents organized along the first substantially linear axis; and graphically organizing a subset of the plurality of documents retrieved from the file system along a second substantially linear axis on the display, the first and second axes being organized such that the first and second substantially linear axes are non-parallel to one another, wherein the subset of the plurality of documents only includes documents having attributes associated therewith that match the selected attribute. A program, an interface and a system thereof are also provided.
US08893041B2
A preferred contact group centric interface for a communication device can be used to facilitate communications by a user. The user interface can be arranged to activate from a user's “home page” on the display, from an idle screen that is accessed after a timeout period expires, or any other appropriate mechanism that activates the preferred contact group centric experience. A user selects the preferred contact group from among an array of the user's contacts. Once the contact group is configured, a minimal number of navigation/selection features is necessary to activate any number of communication modes available to the contacts. The contact group is configured such that simple and quick navigation between the contact members is achieved. The contact group can be presented in 2D and 3D arrangements, in any number of list or geometric configurations. A pricing plan can optionally be tied to each member of the contact group.
US08893039B2
The focus is automatically shifted among a plurality of application windows which are displayed concurrently. In order to achieve this, an interruption of communication processing started by an application corresponding to a first window displayed with the focus is detected. Then a second window to which the focus is to shift is determined based on the detection result and state data. As a result, the focus is automatically shifted, based on the determination result, from the first window displayed on a display section to the second window.
US08893006B2
A method and system is disclosed for providing information about operational data from a plurality of building systems and service and maintenance information for a plurality of building sites. A customer web portal is provided with a database for storing the operational data and the service information allowing users to more readily generate reports and obtain service related information for a plurality of sites without having to maintain separate database systems at remote locations.
US08893005B2
A display of an icon includes creating and displaying an icon that provides indicia regarding information relevant to an application to which the icon is assigned. The indicia provides information to a user and is always in the foreground of a display when the application is running regardless of whether the application is currently actively in use and being interacted with by a user or not. At least one expandable indicia is included within the icon. Input provided by clicking the expandable indicia actuates an expanded window for displaying more detailed information. Indicia is also presentable on the icon to provide real time information to a user who is actively using another application such as whether a connection to a server hosting services for the application is lost. A presence state of the user is displayable via presence indicia located on the icon as well.
US08892991B2
The reading unit reads mapping information that maps a particular point in a document structure defined by XML schema to the name of a variable and a training XML document that includes a substitute character string positioned at a particular point and tags. A parser converts the training XML document into a sequence of events each specifying one of substitute character string and the tag names. The reading unit reads in an EXI grammar form. A code composer processes the sequence of events and generates an EXI event code based on the EXI grammar form, generates a function to retrieve the value of a variable mapped to the particular point at which the substitute character string is positioned when the event is an event specifying substitute character string, and produces an EXI encoder including output instruction codes to output EXI event codes and the retrieved value of the function.
US08892989B1
A method for searching companies and contacts is described. The user is able to search companies, contacts or both companies and contacts simultaneously. Search results are updated in real time so the user can intelligently refine the criteria. Users can select multiple companies and find matching contacts all from one place, or search contacts irrespective of companies.
US08892987B2
A method for operating a website for an online social networking includes is provided. The website receives a group picture depicting a plurality of individuals. Faces of the plurality of individuals depicted in the group picture are identified and personal information related to each identified face is requested and received. Each identified face in the group picture is cropped to create a plurality of cropped images, and the plurality of cropped images are displayed.
US08892978B2
Techniques for controlling synchronous HARQ retransmissions are disclosed, in which non-adaptive retransmissions scheduled for a first transmission time interval are automatically deferred to a later transmission time interval in the event that a control message prohibiting the retransmission during the first transmission interval is received. In an exemplary method, a NACK message is received in response to a previous data transmission corresponding to a stop-and-wait HARQ process, and a synchronous HARQ retransmission is scheduled for a first transmission interval in response. A control message indicating that data for the stop-and-wait HARQ process may not be sent during the first transmission interval is received, and the synchronous HARQ retransmission is automatically deferred to a second transmission interval, responsive to the control message. An explicit grant is not required to trigger the retransmission during the second transmission interval.
US08892976B2
Methods and apparatus are described for determining, via a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) module, that a maximum number of retransmissions has been reached for a HARQ packet. The HARQ module may communicate an internal NACK to a message retransmission module indicating a transmission failure. The message retransmission module may retransmit at least a part of the message. The retransmission may be performed prior to the expiration of a timer.
US08892971B2
An output control scan flip-flop according to the present invention includes a first scan flip-flop that captures first data in a first mode and second data in a second mode in synchronization with a clock signal to output the data that is captured, a second scan flip-flop that captures the data output from the first scan flip-flop in the second mode in synchronization with a clock signal to output the data that is captured, and a gating circuit that generates the data output from the first scan flip-flop in the first mode as output data, and generates output data having a change rate of a logic value lower than a change rate of a logic value of the data output from the first scan flip-flop based on the data output from each of the first scan flip-flop and the second scan flip-flop in the second mode.
US08892963B2
A system and method for detecting errors in high-speed asymmetric interfaces are described. Embodiments include transmitting digital data between a first system component and a second system component over a bidirectional interface, wherein the first component is significantly more intelligent than the second component. The first component receives a signature from the second component over a line of the interface concurrent with READ and WRITE operations over the interface. The latency associated with transmission of a signature from the second component to the first component is the time taken for the second component to compute a signature. The signature received is compared to a signature stored by the first component. Both signatures correspond to a particular READ or WRITE command. Based on the comparison, the first component determines whether the READ or WRITE operation was successful, and directs the second component as necessary.
US08892957B2
A remote data memory access method for use in a computer system having a plurality of nodes, each node using a respective memory and remote data memory access between nodes being performed by transferring user data from the memory used by one node to the memory used by another node, the method comprising: maintaining memory correctness information of the user data at a subunit level; selecting subunits of user data for transfer in dependence upon memory correctness information of each subunit; and selectively transferring the subunits so selected. The method preferably involves transferring the memory correctness information of at least the selected subunits of user data, in addition to the selected subunits of user data. The memory correctness information may be compressed prior to transfer.
US08892955B1
A method, system, and apparatus for debugging an application program from a workstation that is remote from a server on which the application program resides includes invoking the application program from the workstation via a network interface; displaying a user frame at the workstation that includes information generated by the application program; providing a debug view option at the workstation for generating a debug frame of the application program; and displaying the debug frame at the workstation when the debug view option is selected. When the debug view option is selected, the information for the user frame is saved and can be restored to regenerate the information on the user frame when the user view option is selected. The developer can view internal, public, and private code associated with the application program without compromising the security of other application programs on the server.
US08892942B2
A system, and a corresponding method, are used to implement rank sparing. The system includes a memory controller and one or more DIMM channels coupled to the memory controller, where each DIMM channel includes one or more DIMMS, and where each of the one or more DIMMs includes at least one rank of DRAM devices. The memory controller is loaded with programming to test the DIMMs to designate at least one specific rank of DRAM devices as a spare rank.
US08892939B2
Optimization of a RAID volume is described. In an example, a method of optimizing a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) volume includes: identifying a RAID level used for a plurality of disks in the RAID volume; defining a relation among rebuild rate, scrub rate, and annualized data loss event rate (ADLER) for the RAID volume using constant values and the RAID level; selecting a value for the ADLER; applying a policy to the relation to choose a value for one of the rebuild rate or the scrub rate; and determining a value for the other of the rebuild rate or the scrub rate from the relation using the value of the rebuild rate or the scrub rate as determined from the policy.
US08892937B2
The control device detects a failed node in which a failure has occurred from a plurality of computation nodes included in a plurality of computation units included in the parallel computer. The control device chooses execution nodes for executing the program from the computation nodes of the parallel computer except the detected failed nodes based on the number of computation nodes needed to execute the program. The control device selects a paths to connect the computation nodes from a plurality of links each connecting two computation units adjacent to each other through a plurality of paths configured to connect computation nodes included in two computation units adjacent to each other in a one-to-one manner included in the links connecting two computation units adjacent to each other in the plurality of computation units including the choosed execution nodes except the path connected to the detected failed node.
US08892934B2
A method for synchronizing the operating clock and the timing clock of a subordinate domain of an automation network, wherein sync slaves are synchronized by a clock sync master with respect to an operating clock, a clock sync master forms part of a subordinate domain, a single synchronization message serves to synchronize the sync slaves with respect to their respective operating clock and timing clock, wherein the method comprises providing a notification of the difference between the timing clock and the operating clock using the synchronization message, and accepting this difference into the synchronization message as additional information.
US08892924B2
In one embodiment, a multi-core processor includes multiple cores and an uncore, where the uncore includes various logic units including a cache memory, a router, and a power control unit (PCU). The PCU can clock gate at least one of the logic units and the cache memory when the multi-core processor is in a low power state to thus reduce dynamic power consumption.
US08892920B2
A method and apparatus configures a power level for a device able to receive audio, video, and data signals. An input signal is received by a receiver capable of receiving broadcast data signals and digital home networking signals. The system determines if the receiver is operating in a first mode having a first power level or a second mode having a second power level based on a type of input signal received by the receiver. A control signal is generated for modifying at least one setting on a first circuit for configuring the first circuit to operate according to the first power level if the input signal is a first type of input signal. The control signal is provided to the first circuit and the first circuit is configured to operate according to the first power level based on the control signal.
US08892915B2
The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus of power over Ethernet, and belongs to the field of communications. An Ethernet power sourcing equipment sets a power supply port to a sleep state, and sets a timer for the power supply port; enables the power supply port when the timer reaches a set time; and detects whether a powered device PD is connected to the power supply port, and if a PD is connected to the power supply port, triggers the power supply port to supply power to the PD; if no PD is connected to the power supply port, resets the power supply port to the sleep state, and sets the timer for the power supply port. Implementation of the present disclosure effectively reduces power consumption of the system and saves energy.
US08892910B2
Embodiments include a network switch for use in a local area network that interconnects the switch and one or more network powered devices, the switch also being operatively connected to at least one power supply that powers the switch, the switch comprising a plurality of ports to which network powered devices are connected, at least one management module for controlling the operation of the switch, the module having memory for storing information relating to the power and operating requirements of each connected network device, and a processor for controlling the distribution of power from the power supply among the ports, including selectively time slicing power provided to at least selected ones of the ports.
US08892909B2
A data processor comprises a decoder for decoding the compressed data into decoded data while reading the compressed data from a first data storage, a second data storage for storing therein the decoded data, a DA converter for converting the decoded data into an analog signal while reading the decoded data in real-time, a first controller for controlling the decoder to perform intermittent operation by executing a process between reading the compressed data and storing the decoded data at a speed faster than real-time, a clock/power controller for making a restriction of power consumption of the decoder and the first controller in downtime of the intermittent operation, a second controller for outputting a control signal in accordance with the storage state of the decoded data, and an activation controller for controlling the clock/power controller to lift the restriction in response to reception of the control signal.
US08892908B2
A cryptography module includes a key store having a plurality of storage locations for storing a key as k key fragments including a plurality of random key fragments and a remainder key fragment. One or more crypto-processing segments each operate based on corresponding ones of the k key fragments to process an input signal to produce an output signal.
US08892906B2
Methods and systems for analyzing an image, such as a newspaper or magazine pager or the like including text by mapping the image to determine regions of text and analyzing portions of the image in accordance with characteristics of selected regions of the text to develop a desired ordering of at least the selected regions in accordance with a textual relationship between the selected regions. The desired order may be related to the order in which the selected regions, and or words therein, are to be presented in a different format appropriate for a specific use, such by a human reader, for transferring the text over a network, for use in a database or by a search function, word processor or printer. Normalizing, columnizing, regionalizing, frameset building and article tracing functions may be used to develop the desired order in related regions in an article within the image.
US08892905B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for performing selective encryption/decryption in a data storage system. During operation, the system receives a data block from a storage medium at an input/output layer, wherein the input/output layer serves as an interface between the storage medium and a buffer cache. Next, the system determines whether the data block is an encrypted data block. If not, the system stores the data block in the buffer cache. Otherwise, if the data block is an encrypted data block, the system retrieves a storage-key, wherein the storage-key is associated with a subset of storage, which is associated with the encrypted data block. Using the storage-key, the system then decrypts the encrypted data block to produce a decrypted data block. Finally, the system stores the decrypted data block in the buffer cache, wherein the data block remains encrypted in the storage medium.
US08892903B1
A circuit for detecting power analysis attacks includes at least one load circuit, a power supply line, and a switch coupled to the load circuit and to the power supply line. The switch is configured to enable and disable the at least one load circuit, and a voltage monitor is configured to sample voltage levels of the supply voltage. A detection circuit is coupled to the switch and to the voltage monitor. The detection circuit is configured to generate control signals for enabling and disabling the at least one load circuit, compare a first voltage level sampled when the at least one load circuit is disabled to a second voltage level sampled when the at least one load circuit is enabled, and generate an attack-detection signal in response to a difference between the sampled first voltage level and the sampled second voltage level being greater than a threshold voltage level.
US08892898B2
A projector system includes an information processing apparatus and a projector. The projector includes a device connection unit which enables communication between the information processing apparatus and the projector, a password generating unit which generates a password, and an encryption unit which encrypts the password and outputs the encrypted password to the information processing apparatus through the device connection unit. The information processing apparatus includes a device connection unit which enables communication between the projector and the information processing apparatus, a decryption unit which decrypts the encrypted password input through the device connection unit of the information processing apparatus using a decryption key, and a password determining unit which has functions of determining whether the decrypted decryption password is correct and outputting a signal directing to start the process for projection to be performed by the information processing apparatus in a case where the decrypted password is correct.
US08892897B2
A method for creating a password on an electronic computing device is disclosed. On the electronic computing device, a first password is obtained. The first password comprises a string of one or more characters. A first character is appended to the first password to form a second password. A hash function is applied to the second password to generate a first hashed password. The first hashed password comprises a first bit string. A determination is made as to whether the first hashed password includes a predefined sequence of bits. When it is determined that the first hashed password includes the predefined sequence of bits, the second password is designated as an auditable password.
US08892893B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for embedding information in software and/or other electronic content such that the information is difficult for an unauthorized party to detect, remove, insert, forge, and/or corrupt. The embedded information can be used to protect electronic content by identifying the content's source, thus enabling unauthorized copies or derivatives to be reliably traced, and thus facilitating effective legal recourse by the content owner. Systems and methods are also disclosed for protecting, detecting, removing, and decoding information embedded in electronic content, and for using the embedded information to protect software or other media from unauthorized analysis, attack, and/or modification.
US08892891B1
A method and a system is provided for establishing a communications path over a communications network between a personal security device (PSD) and a remote computer system without requiring the converting of high-level messages such as API-level messages to PSD-formatted messages such as APDU-formatted messages (and inversely) to be installed on a local client device in which the PSD is connected.
US08892890B2
A key establishment protocol includes the generation of a value of cryptographic function, typically a hash, of a session key and public information. This value is transferred between correspondents together with the information necessary to generate the session key. Provided the session key has not been compromised, the value of the cryptographic function will be the same at each of the correspondents. The value of the cryptographic function cannot be compromised or modified without access to the session key.
US08892888B2
A method for setting the bandwidth of a multiple stream decrypting and decoding system includes at least the following steps: authenticating a multiple transport stream decryption card; sending a transport stream through the system; extracting program information from the transport stream; utilizing the program information to set a bandwidth limit to the system; and enabling the multiple transport stream decryption card.
US08892887B2
Disclosed is a method for mutual authentication between a station, having a digital rights agent, and a secure removable media device. The digital rights agent initiates mutual authentication by sending a message to the secure removable media device. The secure removable media device encrypts a first random number using a public key associated with the digital rights agent. The digital rights agent decrypts the encrypted first random number, and encrypts a second random number and a first hash based on at least the first random number. The secure removable media device decrypts the encrypted second random number and the first hash, verifies the first hash to authenticate the digital rights agent, and generates a second hash based on at least the second random number. The digital rights agent verifies the second hash to authenticate the secure removable media device.
US08892882B2
The invention relates to information security technologies, provides a content security transmission device and a content security transmission system which separate data transmission function of a digital interface from data management and processing function thereof, and provides a content security transmission method based on the device and the system. The content security transmission protection device comprises digital interfaces and a management/processing unit, the management/processing unit is configured in a specific chip in the device, used for updating a revocation list stored therein and collecting information from downstream devices. A transmitting device and a forwarding device in the content security transmission protection system comprise digital interfaces and management/processing units. The invention employs software in the specific chip CPU to implement data management and processing function without increasing cost, thus being capable of increasing any functions, improving flexibility and expansibility of the system, and greatly reducing size and cost of digital interface chips, namely reducing the development difficulty. The digital interfaces only implement simple data transmission function at fast processing speed.
US08892875B1
A server computer provides centralized key management services to several computers having encrypted files or file systems. The server computer receives key requests from the computers. The server computer issues a key to a computer that passes an integrity check. The key is used to unlock an encrypted file or file system in the computer. When the computer fails another integrity check after receiving the key, indicating a change in the security posture of the computer, the server computer may revoke the key automatically or upon receipt of an instruction from a key administrator.
US08892872B2
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for secure redacted document access. A viewing application for viewing documents is executed, the viewing application comprising standard code for the viewing application that can not process the container data type, and custom code configured to allow the viewing application to process a container data type. A container of the container data type is received from a remote computing device comprising a set of redacted documents corresponding to an original document, each redacted document having a level of redaction corresponding to a viewing location, and a header comprising encryption information for each redacted document in the set of redacted documents. The container is processed based on a location of the computing device and the custom code.
US08892866B2
A secure cloud storage and synchronization system and method is described that provides, among other things: (1) local password recovery, including a mechanism by which the user of the system can recover their password without having stored it on a remote server; (2) secure, private versioning of files, including a mechanism to privately store a version history of files on one or more remote servers in such a way that it is technically infeasible for anyone other than the legitimate owner to access any component of the file history; (3) secure, private de-duplication of files stored on one or more remote servers that reduces storage requirements by allowing for the storage of a single file when there are duplicates, even across users; and (4) secure, private sharing of files between users of the system that allows one user to share a file on the “cloud” with another user without deciphering or transporting the file.
US08892858B2
A data processing system may include a high integrity storage (HIS) device with a partition or cache that is protected from updates. The data processing system may perform a boot process in response to being reactivated. The boot process may include the operation of executing a boot object. During the boot process, before executing the boot object, the data processing system may retrieve a digest for the boot object from the protected cache of the HIS device. The digest may be a cryptographic hash value for the boot object. During the boot process, the retrieved digest may be extended into a platform configuration register in a trusted platform module of the data processing system. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08892857B2
Systems and methods for transforming an initial quantum state to a target quantum state are disclosed. The initial quantum state is denoted by superposed initial quantum sample states and the target quantum state is denoted by superposed target quantum sample states. The initial quantum state is initialized with a set of primary registers for the initial quantum state and with at least one ancillary register. The initial quantum state is transformed such that the set of primary registers reflects the initial quantum sample states and the at least one ancillary register is varied to compose an intermediate quantum state. In addition, the intermediate quantum state is amplified by implementing quantum state rotations in accordance with a plurality of reflections on the intermediate quantum state such that the reflections result in the target quantum sample states of the target quantum state with a discarding of the at least one ancillary register.
US08892855B2
A method for securely generating and distributing encryption keys includes generating, by a secured server, a pair of keys including a first key and a second key and providing, by a key distributing unit, the first key to a first recipient and a second key to a second recipient. The first recipient may use the first key to encrypt a data file and send the encrypted data file via a non-volatile memory device to a target subscriber. The second recipient may program the second key into an one-time-programmable register contained in a secure element during a manufacturing process. The secure element may further include a random access memory configured to store an image of the encrypted data file, a read-only memory containing a boot code, and a processing unit coupled to the random-access memory and the read-only memory and operative to decrypt the encrypted data file.
US08892848B2
A device, system and method for assigning values to elements in a first register, where each data field in a first register corresponds to a data element to be written into a second register, and where for each data field in the first register, a first value may indicate that the corresponding data element has not been written into the second register and a second value indicates that the corresponding data element has been written into the second register, reading the values of each of the data fields in the first register, and for each data field in the first register having the first value, gathering the corresponding data element and writing the corresponding data element into the second register, and changing the value of the data field in the first register from the first value to the second value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08892835B1
In one aspect, a method includes continuously replicating a physical volume with no disruption to the replicating while inserting a virtualization layer which virtualizes the physical volume with a virtual volume and replicating the virtual volume instead of the physical volume after the inserting. In another aspect, an article includes a non-transitory machine-readable medium that stores executable instructions. The instructions cause a machine to continuously replicate a physical volume with no disruption to the replicating while inserting a virtualization layer which virtualizes the physical volume with a virtual volume and replicate the virtual volume instead of the physical volume after the inserting. In a further aspect, an apparatus includes circuitry configured to continuously replicate a physical volume with no disruption to the replicating while inserting a virtualization layer which virtualizes the physical volume with a virtual volume and replicate the virtual volume instead of the physical volume after the inserting.
US08892825B2
A method, apparatus and system for reducing memory latency is disclosed. In one embodiment, data between a host computer system and a memory is communicated via a port or a group of ports at the memory over multiple time intervals, wherein the host computer is coupled to the memory. Further, a command associated with the data is communicated between the host computer system and the memory via the port or the group of ports over a single time interval.
US08892810B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a processor, and a memory device. The memory device has a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device and is configured to serve as a main memory for the processor. When the processor executes a plurality of programs, the processor manages pieces of information required to execute the programs as worksets for the respective programs, and creates tables, which hold relationships between pieces of information required for the respective worksets and addresses of the pieces of information in the memory device, for the respective worksets. The processor accesses to the memory device with reference to the corresponding tables for the respective worksets.
US08892798B2
A method of communication between a master circuit and two slave circuits over a serial bus wherein: the two slave circuits simultaneously transmit their associated identifiers; the two slave circuits simultaneously transmit the inverse of these identifiers; and each slave circuit exploits the combinations present on the bus to determine an order of communication between the two circuits.
US08892797B2
The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the network includes a system device coupled to a data bus. The system device includes a functional block adapted to respond to a message received via the data bus. The system device is configured to thereby enter a disabled state in which the system device does not provide a service or broadcast messages via the data bus, but may continue to receive messages via the data bus.
US08892792B2
An in-flight system provides a user with an entertainment environment including movies, music, games, internet, map, etc. The in-flight system provides stored media content on one or more servers located throughout an aircraft cabin and each server is associated with a plurality of seats. In a preferred embodiment, the in-flight system provides for a communication port (e.g., USB or mini-USB connector or micro-USB connector) for connection to personal electronic device providing access to the server containing the stored media, access to an internet connection, and power. In one embodiment, the in-flight system provides for a seat display unit (typically located in the seat back of the next forward seat) and associated media module hardware to process the stored media content and drive the display. In one embodiment, the in-flight system comprises an isolation module or equivalent circuitry or logic that can isolate the media module and/or the personal electronic device from the remainder of the in-flight system, allowing for updates to the in-flight system without recertification from the FAA.
US08892786B2
Systems and methods are provided for wirelessly controlling a client computer system from a host computer system. A HID class command is received from a host computer system that is generated by an application executing on the host computer system in order to control a client computer system using a first wireless transceiver device that connects to a USB port of the host computer system. The HID class command is transmitted across a wireless channel using the first wireless transceiver device. The HID class command is received from the wireless channel using a second wireless transceiver device that is connected to a USB port of the client computer system and is configured by the client computer system as a HID. The HID class command is sent to the client computer system in order to control the client computer system using the second wireless transceiver device.
US08892780B2
Automated management of shared I/O resources involves use of a policy engine for implementing I/O scheduling group I/O policies. The I/O policies are used for determining whether corresponding I/O requests should be issued to a shared storage system immediately or should be delayed via corresponding policy-based queues. In the context of database systems, a database administrator can specify policies regarding how I/O resources should be used and the database system itself enforces the policies, rather than requiring the database administrator enforce the I/O usage of the database and of the individual users.
US08892769B2
A method of routing a data packet between a first node and a second node on a communication network includes defining a first graph through the first node and the second node and zero or more intermediate nodes, associating several nodes which belong to the communication network with the first graph, associating a first unique graph identifier with the first graph and providing at least partial definitions of the first graph and the first unique identifier to at least some of the nodes associated with the first graph. The method then sends data packet with the graph identifier from the first node, and directs the data packet to the second node via the zero or more intermediate nodes using the graph identifier. This method may include forwarding the packet to a neighbor node of an intermediate node if the intermediate node and the neighbor node are nodes associated with the first graph and if the intermediate node and the neighbor node are connected by at least one direct communication connection.
US08892767B1
This discloses a host system and a target configured to communicate via a point-to-point coupling a Host Target Communication (HTC) protocol for sharing the host system's wireless interface using endpoints to optimize messaging and with the host system managing the buffer resources of the target to minimize target requirements, latency and so on. The HTC integrates into a large number of point-to-point communications protocols. The program systems for the host and the target, installation packages, computer readable memories including program systems and/or installation packages, and a download server are also disclosed.
US08892765B2
A method for facilitating substantially simultaneous receipt of content included in at least one document by a plurality of intended recipients is disclosed. At least one portion of impactful content is delimited in the at least one document to define at least one impactful block (IBlock). A remaining portion of content is delimited to define at least one non-impactful block (NIBlock). The least one IBlock is transmitted to be received substantially simultaneously by the plurality of intended recipients.
US08892764B1
An iterative operation is performed at a computing device to identify a parameter set for an initial segment. A parameter set for an initial segment includes a plurality of encoding parameters and values assigned to the encoding parameters. The initial segment is re-encoded using the parameter set, thereby generating a transcoded segment. In some embodiments, the transcoded segment is transmitted to a client computing device that presents media represented by the transcoded segment.
US08892757B2
A method and apparatus for intelligent selection of a transport protocol for streaming content is presented. Successful use of transport protocol over each data network infrastructure is tracked for each streaming content server. Subsequent content playback requests sent to streaming content servers default to previous successfully employed transport protocol over a data network infrastructure.
US08892754B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for executing untrusted content in a trusted network through the use of an external proxy server application. An identification of a resource specified by a user is obtained in one or more computing devices. The user is associated with one of a plurality of network sites hosted by the one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices are within a trusted network that is separated from an untrusted network by a firewall. The resource is obtained from an external proxy server application executed in the untrusted network. One or more network pages are generated for the one of the network sites based at least in part on the resource.
US08892744B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for requesting handling web applications provided from a server. A bootstrap object is received from the server. The bootstrap object is independent of the requested web application and includes default settings for a plurality of different web applications. An application configuration object is also received from the server. The application configuration object is specific to the requested web application and includes a plurality of plugin handles. The bootstrap object loads the application configuration object, and identifies, based on the plugin handles, a first plugin for the requested web application. The first plugin is requested, and upon receipt the from the server the first plugin is loaded in a user interface. The first plugin exposes an application programming interface (API) of the first plugin to the bootstrap object.
US08892720B2
As more internet service providers have more customers with high-speed internet access accounts and these customers access more multi-media rich data (such as videos), the network infrastructure of internet service providers becomes saturated. Thus, internet service providers are facing pressure to upgrade their networks. Thus, internet service providers need to optimize the usage of their existing networks. To optimize the usage of existing networks, a system of performing predictive downloading for data caches is proposed. The system for performing predictive downloading examines network traffic conditions and does not issue predictive download requests if the network is busy. By restricting predictive downloads to times when the network is not busy, the system utilizes an under used resource. Accurate predictions will reduce future network traffic. Incorrect predictions cause no harm since the transfers only occur when free network bandwidth is available.
US08892714B2
Techniques are disclosed for managing inventory data for components of a server system. In one embodiment, a global management controller is provided, that is operatively connected to a plurality of local management controllers. Each local management controller is configured to manage a subset of the components of the server system. Each local management controller is also configured to generate, for each component, a checksum based on vital product data (VPD) of the component. Each local management controller is also configured to compute a composite checksum based on the checksums generated for the components in the subset. The global management controller is configured to maintain a global view of the VPD in the computer system, based on the checksums and/or composite checksums.
US08892713B2
Provided is straightforward management of licenses which are assigned to virtual storage spanning a plurality of physical storage. In a storage system 1 which provides virtual storage spanning a plurality of physical storage apparatuses 2 to a host computer 4, the physical storage apparatuses 2 comprise a controller portion 11 which manages storage, and a license management portion (management computer 12) which manages licenses assigned to virtual storage such that the licenses are shared by the plurality of physical storage apparatuses 2 comprising the virtual storage. In the plurality of physical storage apparatuses 2, in which the controller portion 11 and the license management portion in the same physical storage apparatus 2 synchronize and retain first information for managing the storage and second information for managing the licenses, and share the licenses, the respective license management portions retain the second information relating to the licenses with the same content.
US08892707B2
Exemplary embodiments provide various techniques for identifying a virtual application for backup in a cloud computing system. A cloud service layer of the cloud computing system is queried for a listing of virtual applications. In response to the querying, an attribute associated with the virtual application is received from the cloud service layer. The attribute associated with the virtual application is then transformed into an attribute associated with a hypervisor-managed virtual machine, and this transformation of the attribute exposes the hypervisor-managed virtual machine associated with the virtual application such that the hypervisor-managed virtual machine is identifiable for backup. As a result, the virtual application can be backed up based on the attribute of the hypervisor-managed virtual machine.
US08892704B2
Methods and systems for smart data processing and dissemination in wireless sensor networks are provided herein. In one aspect, the present invention provides dynamic and independent data processing and dissemination at individual sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network. In another aspect, the present invention provides data processing and/or dissemination methods at a sensor node that are responsive to, among other parameters, network traffic conditions, network connectivity conditions, conditions at the sensor node, and the data characteristics and QOS (Quality of Service) requirements of the data being processed and/or disseminated. In yet another aspect, data processing and/or dissemination rules according to the present invention are easily configurable and modifiable depending on the specific sensor networking application.
US08892703B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for cross-cutting event correlation in an enterprise computing monitoring and management system. An enterprise computing monitoring and management system can include a hierarchy of nodes, where several of the nodes are each coupled to a corresponding embedded correlation engine and an event bus. The system further can include a root node among the nodes. The root node can be coupled to the event bus and to centralized correlation logic programmed to identify a high correspondence between events from a particular event source among the nodes and a particular set of correlation rules in that correlation engine. The identification of such correspondence can be used to move to the set of correlation rules to an embedded correlation engine closer to the particular event source.
US08892692B2
A consumer-to-consumer lending system and method for digital content such as digital ebooks. The lending system invention enables a user who has purchased digital content to lend that content to another user. The lending system enables a lender to extend a lending offer to a lendee and a lendee to respond to the lending offer. A lendee may accept or reject a lending offer. Upon acceptance, the lending system provides the lent content to the lendee who controls the content until returning it, purchasing it or until a predetermined lending period expires. During the lending period the lender does not have access to the lent digital content item. The lending system assists a lender with initiating a lending offer, such as providing a pre-populated email form, and delivers the lend offer notification to the target lendee. Lending offers may be initiated and notifications received over common channels, including email systems, mobile devices, and web-based user accounts. The lending process can be initiated directly from a consumer device.
US08892691B2
Methods and apparatuses provide real-time or near real-time streaming of content, specified in one or more playlists, using transfer protocols such as an HTTP compliant protocol. In one embodiment, a method can execute a user application on a client device to present media files and to control presentation of the media files. The method can further run a media serving process on the client device to retrieve a playlist specifying the media files and a media source at which the media files are available, to retrieve the media files from the media source, and to decode the media files retrieved. The media serving process can call the user application to process a custom URL in order to obtain an object referred to by the custom URL.
US08892683B2
A mobile computing device comprising a wireless transmitter/receiver, processing components, memory components, and a web browser. The web browser is adapted to, initiate a first request to view a website comprising a plurality of objects, and, receive the plurality of objects in a first order. The web browser is further adapted to, determine a new order for requesting the plurality of objects, and, initiate a request to view the website comprising the plurality of objects in the new order. The web browser is also adapted to receive the plurality of objects in the new order.
US08892680B2
A system and method for allowing requests generated as a result of dynamic URLs to be efficiently looked up in a cache are provided. The system and method involve receiving a request for a content element, the request being generated from a dynamic URL. A static content element identifier is generated from the request. In an embodiment, the static content element identifier includes only the content identification parameters and the dynamic parameters are removed. The static content element identifier is then used to determine whether the content element is in the cache.
US08892678B2
In a method for writing (S9, S11) of operating data (6) through a writing system (1, 2) comprising a central station (1) and at least one distribution station (2) to a portable data carrier (3) connected with the at least one distribution station (2) within the framework of a production of the data carrier (3) there is generated (S4, S5) an individual addressing for the data carrier (3) connected with the at least one distribution station (2), via which addressing the data carrier (3) is uniquely addressable system-wide upon the writing (S9, S11) of the operating data (6). In doing so, at least a part of the system-wide unique individual addressing can be generated (S4, S5) by the data carrier (3) itself or by the distribution station (2) with which the data carrier (3) is connected.
US08892663B2
Provided is gossip-based peer-to-peer service apparatus and a method for quickly establishing a partnership. A first node that desires to join a service receives partial view information of a second node from the second view that is participating in the service. In response to receiving the partial view information from the second node, the first node extracts one or more candidate nodes to establish a partnership with, and engages the candidate nodes in a temporal partnership.
US08892655B2
A network scanner for transmitting image data as read from a document, which has been stored in a predetermined memory includes: a transmission part specifying means for specifying a part of the image data to be transmitted to said terminal(s); and specified data transmission means for transmitting the part of the image data as specified by the transmission part specifying means to the terminal(s). According to the foregoing structure, the load on communicating can be significantly reduced.
US08892653B2
Systems and methods for the forming of user device groups are presented. Tuning parameters are pushed to a first user device operated by a first user the tuning parameters specifying weights and/or functions to be applied to data from one or more sensors on the first user device. Tuned data is received from the first user device, the tuned data representing data from the one or more sensors that has been tuned in accordance with the tuning parameters. Then potential membership of the first user in a first group of users is determined based on logical relationship information, by selecting the first group from a plurality of possible groups, the selecting being based on scores generated, for each of the plurality of possible groups, by a candidate scorer module using the tuned data.
US08892650B2
To provide a sponsored story unit, the social networking system receives a story request from an advertiser. The story request specifies properties of content used to generate the sponsored story. When the social networking system stores an object or an action performed on an object, properties associated with, and describing, the object or the action are also stored. For example, properties of an object include an object type, an object identifier, metadata describing the object or other suitable information. The social networking system identifies actions or objects associated with users connected to a viewing user having one or more properties included in a story request. A sponsored story is generated from the identified actions or objects and presented to a viewing user.
US08892647B1
A system and method for cookie association is disclosed. The system is communicatively coupled to a client via a network. The client has a first user and a second user. The system receives a first set of login information for the first user from the client. The first set of login information is for the first user. The system determines a first user identifier for the first user and a device identifier. The system associates the device identifier with the first user identifier. The system determines a cookie that includes a device identifier. The system receives logout information for the first user, and disassociates the device identifier from the first user identifier. The system receives a second set of login information for the second user from the client. The system associates a second user identifier with the device identifier.
US08892646B2
An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method enables the joining and/or recording of an ongoing peer-to-peer communication session in real time.
US08892645B2
A system for selective sharing of flagged information in a group chat (i.e. instant messaging) that generates a user interface object enabling a flag setting participant to indicate which of the other chat participants can see a visible flag they are setting in association with selected content of the chat session. The flag is then visible only to those indicated other participants, both during the chat session and within copies of the saved chat transcript. A user interface object (e.g. a context window) provides chat participants with the ability to conveniently identify information about individual flags in the chat session, such as the identity of the participant that set a flag, when the flag was created, the priority associated with the flag, and/or other information. The system further enables chat participants to filter the contents of a chat transcript, so that only a subset of the chat transcript is displayed, based on flags contained in the transcript. Chat participants can also associate priorities with specific individual flags and/or all flags set by a given participant, and/or generate a “to do” list based on the flags in the transcript.
US08892642B2
A test person is compared to a reference person by comparing detailed information regarding the configuration, capabilities and usage of computers—such as installed hardware devices, makes and models and firmware versions of such hardware devices, installed software, versions of installed software, and usage logs—used by the respective individuals. In effect, each person's computer is considered a proxy for the person herself, representing countless purchasing, maintenance, pastime choices in the configuration and use of a thoroughly complex personal and professional tool.
US08892632B2
Client-server interaction frequency control may be provided. First, a collaborative electronic document may be loaded at a client device in a document collaboration session. The client device may then request a client-server interaction with a server hosting the collaboration session. Next, the client may receive input from the server indicating a state of the server. This input may then be used by the client device to adjust a rate at which the requested client-server interaction may occur.
US08892631B2
A computer implemented method includes storing generated digital media created by each portal server of a plurality of portal servers in a destination accessible by at least one of a plurality of HTTPD servers in response to a request for web content including the generated digital media. Additionally, the method includes determining that a subsequent request for digital media received by an HTTPD server of the plurality of HTTPD servers is for generated digital media created by any of the plurality of portal servers in the destination and accessible by the HTTPD server. Furthermore, the method includes serving the generated digital media from the HTTPD server to a browser.
US08892629B2
A system is provided that includes a plurality of electronic devices, a network and a server. The plurality of electronic devices each having a graphic user interface (GUI). The network is in communication with the plurality of electronic devices. The server is in communication with the network. The server is operable to execute an online lobby application and promote presentation of the online lobby or virtual meeting room to the plurality of GUIs of the electronic devices. The online lobby or virtual meeting room displays a first activity area that is selectively replaceable with a second activity area supported by the online lobby.
US08892626B2
Resources are organized into collections to facilitate more efficient and reliable resource access. Namespace managers communicate with one another to form a federation namespace infrastructure. The infrastructure efficiently routes, migrates, and processes namespace requests, such as, for example, namespace registration requests from providers requesting to manage portions of namespaces and lookup requests from consumers requesting access to managed resources. Resources are registered in and made accessible from multiple different namespaces. Resources are identified using nested queries that filter results at multiple levels of a hierarchical namespace.
US08892622B2
A pipelined circuit for performing a divide operation on small operand sizes. The circuit includes a plurality of stages connected together in a series to perform a subtractive divide algorithm based on iterative subtractions and shifts. Each stage computes two quotient bits and outputs a partial remainder value to the next stage in the series. The first and last stages utilize a radix-4 serial architecture with edge modifications to increase efficiency. The intermediate stages utilize a radix-4 parallel architecture. The divide architecture is pipelined such that input operands can be applied to the divider on each clock cycle.
US08892619B2
A floating-point fused multiply-add (FMA) unit embodied in an integrated circuit includes a multiplier circuit cascaded with an adder circuit to produce a result A*C+B. To decrease latency, the FMA includes accumulation bypass circuits forwarding an unrounded result of the adder to inputs of the close path and the far path circuits of the adder, and forwarding an exponent result in carry save format to an input of the exponent difference circuit. Also included in the FMA is a multiply-add bypass circuit forwarding the unrounded result to the inputs of the multiplier circuit. The adder circuit includes an exponent difference circuit implemented in parallel with the multiplier circuit; a close path circuit implemented after the exponent difference circuit; and a far path circuit implemented after the exponent difference circuit.
US08892618B2
Methods and apparatuses for convolutive blind source separation are described. Each of a plurality of input signals is transformed into frequency domain. Values of coefficients of unmixing filter corresponding to frequency bins are calculated by performing a gradient descent process on a cost function at least dependent on the coefficients of the unmixing filters. In each iteration of the gradient descent process, gradient terms for calculating the values of the same coefficient of the unmixing filters are adjusted to improve smoothness of gradient terms across the frequency bins. With respect to each of the frequency bins, source signals are estimated by filtering the transformed input signals through the respective unmixing filter configured with the calculated values of the coefficients. The estimated source signals on the respective frequency bins are transformed into time domain. The cost function is adapted to evaluate decorrelation between the estimated source signals.
US08892616B2
A device generates a random bit sequence with a digital ring oscillator circuit comprising logic components. The circuit has an input node and an output node, wherein the digital ring oscillator circuit is designed such that oscillation occurs during a change of state of a logic start signal coupled on the input node, said oscillation having a fixed point, and wherein on the output node a random signal can be tapped having an arbitrary level curve.
US08892599B2
A method of processing a query in a distributed database implemented across a set of nodes includes receiving a query. The query is divided into split characterization queries. The split characterization queries are distributed to worker nodes. Each worker node stores a partition of the distributed database with encoded textual objects and pre-defined indices characterizing encoded textual object fragments. The split characterization queries are executed at the worker nodes to obtain preliminary information about query results. Executing the split characterization queries includes matching query fragments associated with the split characterization queries with encoded textual object fragments of the pre-defined indices to produce fragment matches representative of the size of the query results. For each split characterization query the preliminary information about query results includes a fragment count, a database partition identification, and a database host name.
US08892594B1
The present application describes performing a user initiated search query comprising receiving user input comprising description details of at least one desired object, retrieving a plurality of objects from a database sharing one or more of the description details of the user input, retrieving an image of the at least one desired object based on one or more of the plurality of objects, generating a contour of the image and comparing the generated contour with other related contours of other images stored in the database, displaying all of the available contours of all of the images that match the generated contour, receiving a selection of one of the available contours from the user and performing the search query based on the user selected contour.
US08892573B2
Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for selecting updates to associated records to publish on an information feed in an on-demand database service environment. In one embodiment, one or more updates associated with a data record are stored in a database. One or more criteria are applied to the one or more updates to generate a score associated with each update. The score is compared with a designated threshold. When the score is identified as meeting or exceeding the designated threshold, the one or more updates are provided as one or more candidates for publication on an information feed associated with the data record, where the information feed is capable of being displayed on a display device.
US08892571B2
Methods, systems and computer program products for associating healthcare records in healthcare databases with an individual are provided. One or more attribute types are located in first and second records. The one or more attribute types being associated with the individual. A weighted score is determined for the located at least one attribute type based on a comparison of the located at least one attribute type in the first record and the located at least one attribute type in the second record. The weighted score indicates a likelihood that the located at least one attribute type in the first and second records are both associated with the individual. A confidence is provided and is associated with the first and second records based on the weighted score. The confidence score indicates a likelihood that both the first and second records are associated with the individual.
US08892568B2
A method of controlling polishing includes storing a library having a plurality of reference spectra, polishing a substrate, measuring a sequence of spectra of light from the substrate during polishing, for each measured spectrum of the sequence of spectra, finding a best matching reference spectrum using a matching technique other than sum of squared differences to generate a sequence of best matching reference spectra, and determining at least one of a polishing endpoint or an adjustment for a polishing rate based on the sequence of best matching reference spectra. Finding a best matching reference spectrum may include performing a cross-correlation of the measured spectrum with each of two or more of the plurality of reference spectra from the library and selecting a reference spectrum with the greatest correlation to the measured spectrum as a best matching reference spectrum.
US08892567B2
A distributed system having a plurality of nodes, wherein the system comprises a set of index nodes for providing a searchable index which comprises metadata for locating data in the system, the set of index nodes is divided into read zones comprising a group of index nodes containing the complete searchable index, and the read zones are subdivided in write zones, each write zone comprising at least one index node containing a partition of said searchable index; and includes a master index node maintaining an index structure of said searchable index by collecting from each index node measures of the current read and write throughput of the respective index node dependent on a current load of the respective index node, where the master index node re-configures the read zones and the corresponding write zones in response to the measured read and write throughputs and the measured loads of the index nodes.
US08892564B2
A directed graph of data includes nodes 10, properties 22 attached to nodes and resources 34. The nodes 10, properties 22 and resources 34 are classified as indexable or non indexable. At least one property 30 links a pair of nodes, one node being a parent and one being a child. An indexing algorithm indexes each indexable property pointing to a resource as related to any respective indexable nodes linked to the node to which the indexable property is attached through a chain of indexable links from child to parent through intermediate nodes, all of which are non-indexable.
US08892555B2
An apparatus and method summarize a user's daily life information. The apparatus includes an information collection unit, an analysis unit, a story generator, and a display unit. The information collection unit collects log information including user's daily life information, from at least one electronic device. The analysis unit analyzes the log information collected from the information collection unit and decides at least one topic representing the user's daily life information. The story generator generates at least one sentence representing the user's daily life information using the at least one topic decided in the analysis unit. The display unit displays the at least one sentence generated in the story generator.
US08892554B2
Method, system, and computer program product for automatic generation of a word-cloud for a content item are provided. The method includes: extracting terms from a content item using statistical selection criteria; weighting a term by a probability that the term is used as a tag; and generating a visual representation of terms with enhanced representation of terms according to the weighting. Weighting a term by a probability that the term is used as a tag may include determining the relative frequency of the term in a folksonomy of tag terms for a domain.
US08892552B1
A user can issue a query on a search host site. The search host can construct a corresponding reference to custom search engine (CSE) with a URL pointing to a site with information for a CSE specification. The search host sends the reference to a CSE provider and the CSE provider dynamically generates the CSE specification based on the reference. The CSE provider then conducts a search and processes search results accordingly. The processed search results are sent to the search host who outputs the search results for the user. The information for the CSE specification can be stored anywhere accessible in a computer network and can be stored in various formats. Any number of CSE specifications can be automatically generated on demand corresponding to different queries or content requests on the search host site.
US08892547B2
The present inventive subject matter relates to prior art analysis. Various embodiments of the present inventive subject matter include systems and methods for analyzing prior art in a patent portfolio and annuity management system. In an example embodiment, a method comprises maintaining a patent matter database and a database of prior art documents including data about the prior art documents such as the priority or publication dates of the documents. A keyword analysis is performed on a given patent matter and associated prior art documents to identify keywords occurring uniquely in the first patent matter as potential claim elements differentiating the patent matter over the disclosures contained in the one or more prior art documents.
US08892544B2
Systems, methods and computer program products for testing the stability and efficiency of a database query engine are described herein. In an embodiment, all possible query execution plans considered by a query optimizer are retained in the form of abstract plans (APs). Each AP is then subsequently supplied with a query to test for stack traces and incorrect results that may occur during the execution of the query. An embodiment includes determining an optimizer efficiency index (OEI) by comparing each AP with a query execution plan chosen by the query optimizer and classifying the APs into various performance buckets based on the degree of improvement or degradation in performance with respect to the query execution plan chosen by the query optimizer. In another embodiment to determine the optimizer efficiency index, APs are ranked based on estimated cost and classified into a plurality of categories based on query optimizer estimates and actual execution behavior.
US08892534B2
A method and system for assessing data quality stored in an enterprise database is provided. In response to a request by a user, a pre-determined event, or other event, a profile is chosen from a list of profiles stored in a profile database based on the request, wherein the profile includes a set of rules for calculating data quality metrics and for triggering workflow processes. One or more data records are received from one or more enterprise databases. The data quality metrics of the one or more data records based on the set of rules for calculating data quality metrics is calculated. Based on the calculated data quality metrics and rules for triggering workflow, a determination is made regarding whether to trigger one or more workflow processes: and, if so, triggering the one or more workflow processes; and/or converting the calculated data quality metrics to a representation for display.
US08892531B2
Managing a shared file system comprising a directory and files stored on a multiple storage devices shared by plural processing nodes, is provided. A plurality of parallel directory traversal records are partitioned into a plurality of ranges to allow for the records in each range to be written independently in parallel by plural processing nodes during parallel directory traversal. Parallel operations are performed comprising parallel directory traversal of all directory paths and files in the shared file system.
US08892528B2
Mechanisms are provided for accelerated data deduplication. A data stream is received an input interface and maintained in memory. Chunk boundaries are detected and chunk fingerprints are calculated using a deduplication accelerator while a processor maintains a state machine. A deduplication dictionary is accessed using a chunk fingerprint to determine if the associated data chunk has previously been written to persistent memory. If the data chunk has previously been written, reference counts may be updated but the data chunk need not be stored again. Otherwise, datastore suitcases, filemaps, and the deduplication dictionary may be updated to reflect storage of the data chunk. Direct memory access (DMA) addresses are provided to directly transfer a chunk to an output interface as needed.
US08892527B1
A method and system for eliminating the redundant allocation and deallocation of special data on disk, wherein the redundant allocation and deallocation of special data on disk is eliminated by providing an innovate technique for specially allocating special data of a storage system. Specially allocated data is data that is pre-allocated on disk and stored in memory of the storage system. “Special data” may include any pre-decided data, one or more portions of data that exceed a pre-defined sharing threshold, and/or one or more portions of data that have been identified by a user as special. For example, in some embodiments, a zero-filled data block is specially allocated by a storage system. As another example, in some embodiments, a data block whose contents correspond to a particular type document header is specially allocated.
US08892525B2
A method, computer program product, and system for analyzing data within one or more databases, comprising selecting one or more databases for analysis, each database comprising one or more database objects comprising one or more data values, applying a function to each data value in each database object within the one or more databases, where the function produces function values limited to a predetermined range, identifying for analysis the data values producing a certain function value within the predetermined range to form a sampled data set, and analyzing the sampled data set to determine relationships between the database objects within and across the one or more databases.
US08892514B2
Systems, methods and computer program products for multi-path replication in databases are described herein. A non-limiting embodiment includes instantiating a plurality of replicate connections to a replicate database, providing transactions to the replicate database through a plurality of transaction streams, where the transaction streams associated with respective instantiated replicate connections. Transactions occurring in distinct transaction streams are applied, in parallel, at the replicate database. Another non-limiting embodiment includes instantiating a plurality of replication sender threads, where the replication sender threads communicate in parallel with respective replication servers over respective replication paths. Data sharing one or more attributes can be bound to a replication path in communication with the respective replication servers.
US08892512B2
A method includes computing, in a local storage system having a local volume with a plurality of local regions, respective local signatures over the local regions, and computing, in a remote storage system having a remote volume with remote regions in a one-to-one correspondence with the local regions, respective remote signatures over the remote regions. A given remote region is identified, the given remote region having a given remote signature and a corresponding local region with a given local signature that does not match the given remote signature. The data in the given remote region is then replaced with data from the corresponding local region.
US08892505B2
Provided is a method and system for scheduling a task in a data warehouse. A task in a data warehouse is scheduled based on selection of a report related to the data warehouse.
US08892504B2
A data warehouse system comprising a warehouse database and a data warehouse manager communicatively coupled to the database. The warehouse manager is to store data to and retrieve data from the warehouse database and perform metadata reconciliation to update metadata of objects in the data warehouse to reflect a change in metadata of a first object in the warehouse by identifying a first set of objects impacted by the change to the metadata of the first object, identifying a second set of objects on which the first object depends, identifying at least one task that has to be completed to propagate the impact of the change in the metadata of the first object to objects in the first and second sets of objects, performing the task, and dynamically computing additional tasks based on whether or not definitions of objects in the first or second sets of objects changes based upon completion of the at least one task.
US08892497B2
To classify moving images using audio signals. An audio signal is acquired, a section feature relating to an audio frequency distribution is extracted with respect to each of a plurality of sections each having a predetermined length contained in the acquired audio signal, each extracted section feature is compared with each of reference section features to calculate a section similarity indicating a degree of correlation between each section feature and each reference section feature. An integrated feature relating to the plurality of sections and being calculated based on the section similarity calculated with respect to each of the plurality of sections is extracted from the acquired audio signal. The extracted integrated feature is compared with each of one or more reference integrated features, and the audio signal is classified based on comparison result. Then, classification result is used for moving image classification.
US08892493B2
A “Compatibility Tester” extracts observable behaviors from different system implementations (e.g., software, operating systems, device drivers, hardware interfaces, etc.), then performs compatibility testing via comparisons of the extracted behaviors. Traces (e.g., bus level signals between controllers and hardware devices or commands between software components) representing observable behaviors of different implementations of a system are captured. Temporal and structural rules are then mined from these traces. The mined rules (or a model constructed from those rules) are used by a “Rule Checking” process that determines whether reference rules (mined from a known compatible system) are compatible with rules mined from test traces of a second system. Invalid rules are flagged as behavioral compatibility bugs. Alternately, the mined rules are used by a “Rule Diffing” process that performs set differencing of the behavioral and structural rules mined from the different system implementations, with differences between the systems flagged as behavioral compatibility bugs.
US08892491B2
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for improved state space modeling (SSM) comprising two added layers to model the substructure transition dynamics and action duration distribution. In embodiments, the first layer represents a substructure transition model that encodes the sparse and global temporal transition probability. In embodiments, the second layer models the action boundary characteristics by injecting discriminative information into a logistic duration model such that transition boundaries between successive actions can be located more accurately; thus, the second layer exploits discriminative information to discover action boundaries adaptively.
US08892483B1
A plan representing a final solution to a problem is obtained efficiently, if the problem changes while being solved, by identifying the solution elements not affected by the change, and by reusing those solution elements.
US08892478B1
An adaptive model training system and method for filtering asset operating data values acquired from a monitored asset for selectively choosing asset operating data values that meet at least one predefined criterion of good data quality while rejecting asset operating data values that fail to meet at least the one predefined criterion of good data quality; and recalibrating a previously trained or calibrated model having a learned scope of normal operation of the asset by utilizing the asset operating data values that meet at least the one predefined criterion of good data quality for adjusting the learned scope of normal operation of the asset for defining a recalibrated model having the adjusted learned scope of normal operation of the asset.
US08892474B1
Apparatus and methods for the execution of a transaction between a customer and a merchant using a virtual purchasing instrument. The apparatus and methods may involve receiving from the customer a request to pay funds or draw credit from an account based on the customer's electronic presentation of the virtual purchasing instrument to the merchant.
US08892472B2
A system and method for lending digital content in which a user employs her contacts list to lend and borrow the digital content. The lender initiates the lending process using her local device by generating a lending offer. The lending offer contains an identification of the lender, an identification of the contact and an identification of the digital content to be lent. The lending offer is communicated from the lender's local device through a communication channel to a server which generates a lending offer email and/or a lending notification. The lending offer email and notification are sent to the potential lendee. The potential lendee can click on a URL contained in the email or respond to the lending offer notification to accept the loan. The server processes this acceptance by the lendee and transfers the loaned copy of the digital content to the lendee.
US08892470B2
In one embodiment, a method for promoting the sale of a substitute product at the point of sale (POS). Upon the presentation of an original product for purchase by a consumer at a POS terminal, various manufacturers may decide to offer a substitute product to the consumer, prior to completing the purchase of the original product. If the customer accepts the offer, the point of sale terminal completes the sale of the substitute product.
US08892469B2
At least one aspect disclosed herein relates to a wager-based gaming device which includes a security monitoring and reporting system. In at least one embodiment, the security monitoring/reporting system may be configured or designed to automatically monitor various conditions, events, and/or activities at the gaming device for various types of security-related issues, and to automatically and/or dynamically report the detection of security-related issues to one or more devices, systems and/or other entities.
US08892466B2
Disclosed embodiments relate to a method implementable on a computing device for modifying color characteristics of an image. The method includes identifying one or more regions in the image based on a luminance value associated with one or more pixels in the image. Each region comprises a first set of pixels having a predefined range of luminance values. The first set of pixels is categorized in a first set of predefined color categories corresponding to the each region based, at least in part, on a chroma value associated with each pixel in the first set of pixels. Each predefined color category in the first set of predefined color categories comprises a second set of pixels. The color characteristics of the second set of pixels are modified based on a region and a predefined color category associated with the second set of pixels.
US08892465B2
A method of delivering an audio and/or visual media file including, for example, one or more of full or partial master recordings of songs, musical compositions, ringtones, videos, films, television shows, personal recordings, animation and combinations thereof, over the air wirelessly, from one or more servers to an electronic device with or without an Internet connection, said method comprising transmitting and audio and/or visual media file in compressed format to said electronic device, and wherein the electronic device is effective to receive said audio and/or visual file and playback said audio and/or visual content on demand by a user.
US08892447B1
According to example configurations, a translation quality assessment application (e.g., system) receives a set of text derived from a translation of an audio signal. The translation quality assessment application aligns and compares the received set of text to reference text to identify occurrence of speech-to-text translation errors in the set of text. For each of the errors, the translation quality assessment application identifies a type associated with the error and retrieves an appropriate weighted coefficient. For example, the translation quality assessment application produces a respective weighted value for each error based on the weighted coefficients. A magnitude of each of the weighted values varies depending on a type of the error that occurred during the translation. The translation quality assessment application utilizes the weighted values to generate a metric indicating a level of quality of the set of captioned text with respect to the set of reference text.
US08892435B2
Provided is to a text data processing apparatus, method and program to add a symbol at an appropriate position. The apparatus according to this embodiment is a text data processing apparatus that executes edit of a symbol in input text, the apparatus including symbol edit determination means 52 that determines whether symbol edit is necessary or not based on a frequency of symbol insertion in a block consisting of a plurality of divided text; and symbol edit position calculation means 53 that calculates likelihood of the symbol edit based on likelihood of symbol insertion for a word and a distance between the symbols and calculates a symbol edit position in the block in accordance with the likelihood of symbol edit or a word in the block when the symbol edit determination means determines that the symbol edit is necessary.
US08892434B2
There is provided a voice emphasis device with which voice clarity can be improved. This voice emphasis device comprises a correlation component removal filter circuit that removes a correlation component from a voice signal produced at a specific sampling frequency, a multiplication circuit that produces an extracted signal by multiplying a specific gain coefficient by the output of the correlation component removal filter circuit, and an arithmetic circuit that adds or subtracts the extracted signal to or from the voice signal. The correlation component removal filter circuit is a lattice-type filter circuit that combines a feedforward filter and a feedback filter. The feedforward filter and the feedback filter update the filter coefficient at the specific sampling frequency based on the formula ki,j+1=ki,j+α×fi/bi−l.
US08892429B2
The present invention relates to an encoding device and an encoding method, a decoding device and a decoding method, and a program that reduce deterioration of sound quality due to encoding of audio signals.An envelope emphasis part (51) emphasizes an envelope (ENV). A noise shaping part (52) divides an emphasized envelope (D) formed by emphasis of the envelope (ENV) by a value larger than 1, and subtracts noise shaping (G) specified by information (NS) from a result of the division. A quantization part (14) sets a result of the subtraction as a quantization bit count (WL), and quantizes a normalized spectrum (S1) formed by normalization of a spectrum (S0) based on the quantization bit count (WL). A multiplexing part (53) multiplexes the information (NS), a quantized spectrum (QS) formed by quantization of the normalized spectrum (S1), and the envelope (ENV). The present invention can be applied to an encoding device encoding audio signals, for example.
US08892423B1
Embodiments of the present invention disclose computer-implemented method for generating examples for electronic dictionaries to serve as an aid to translation between languages, comprising: for at least one dictionary entry comprising a headword Wj in a source language and at least one translation Tj1, Tj2, . . . Tjn for the headword Wj in a target language: generating a first set comprising possible forms for the headword Wj in the source language and a second set comprising possible forms for each translation Tj1, Tj2, . . . Tjn in the target language; searching a corpus of translations for at least one translation sentence pair that includes the headword Wj, or one of its generated forms, in a first part of the pair, and a translation Tjn or one of its generated forms, in a second part of the pair; and providing each translation sentence pair to a user.
US08892422B1
Methods and apparatus related to phrase identification. Methods are provided for determining co-occurrence consistencies for positional word pairings of a plurality of sequences of words in a corpus that may be utilized in identifying a phrase; determining a phrase coherence of a sequence of words based on the co-occurrence consistencies for positional word pairings in the sequence of words; and determining one or more phrase boundaries in a sequence of words.
US08892415B2
Modeling systems and methods for constructing one or more models of a computing system using collected data. Certain model-based systems build topology models and/or model instances by transforming collected performance data into a collection-location independent form. In certain examples, systems include at least one agent for collecting performance data from monitored resource(s), canonical data transform (CDT) configurations, and a data transformation module for performing data transform operation(s) on the performance data based on at least one CDT configuration. The data transform operation may include generating and/or updating a topology model, assigning metrics to model object(s), updating properties of model object(s), creating associations between existing model objects, or the like. Certain systems and methods also allow for a single piece of data to be processed by multiple models or for pieces of data collected from different locations to be matched and/or associated with the same model object.
US08892408B2
A fluid-flow simulation over a computer-generated surface is generated using a quasi-simultaneous technique. The simulation includes a fluid-flow mesh of inviscid and boundary-layer fluid cells. An initial fluid property for an inviscid fluid cell is determined using an inviscid fluid simulation that does not simulate fluid viscous effects. An initial boundary-layer fluid property a boundary-layer fluid cell is determined using the initial fluid property and a viscous fluid simulation that simulates fluid viscous effects. An updated boundary-layer fluid property is determined for the boundary-layer fluid cell using the initial fluid property, initial boundary-layer fluid property, and an interaction law. The interaction law approximates the inviscid fluid simulation using a matrix of aerodynamic influence coefficients computed using a two-dimensional surface panel technique and a fluid-property vector. An updated fluid property is determined for the inviscid fluid cell using the updated boundary-layer fluid property.
US08892406B2
A composite part including a ply stack-up and resin is modeled. The modeling includes performing a convolution on a representation of the stack-up to approximate smoothed ramps between different plies of the stack-up.
US08892401B2
A method includes receiving location data of a monitoring device when carried by a user and receiving motion data of the monitoring device. The motion data is associated with a time of occurrence and the location data. The method includes processing the received motion data to identify a group of the motion data having a substantially common characteristic and processing the location data for the group of the motion data. The group of motion data by way of processing the location data provides an activity identifier. The motion data includes metric data that identifies characteristics of the motion data. The method includes transferring the activity identifier and the characteristics of the motion data to a screen of a device for display. The activity identifier being a graphical user interface that receives an input for rendering more or less of the characteristics of the motion data.
US08892399B2
A method of detecting one or more blocked sampling holes in a pipe of an aspirated smoke detector system. The method includes ascertaining the base flow of fluid through a particle detector using a flow sensor; monitoring subsequent flow through the particle detector; comparing the subsequent flow with the base flow; and indicating a fault if the difference between the base flow and the subsequent flow exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08892398B2
An optical measurement apparatus, comprising a reference support on which are mounted a fixed headstock and a movable tailstock opposed to the fixed headstock and movable in order to maintain a piece to be measured between headstock and tailstock, and a mobile carriage movable along the linear axis, the carriage carrying a light source for directing a beam of collimated light across the x axis to be interrupted by the piece under measurement, the carriage further carrying an optical detector aligned with the light source and arranged to receive the residual light of the beam of collimated light that has not been interrupted by the piece under measurement. The measuring apparatus has a automatic measure mode triggered by a button on the apparatus, that is arranged to automatically guess the features of a workpiece and/or recognize workpieces for which a measurement program is available.
US08892387B2
A driving circuit of a test access port is disclosed. The driving circuit includes an input terminal for receiving a first test data signal when the driving circuit is operating in an external test mode. The driving circuit is configured to receive a second test data signal (BS) carrying a test command to be executed on the test access port when the driving circuit is operating in an internal test mode. The driving circuit comprises a control logic circuit configured for processing the test command and generating therefrom an internal test data signal carrying the processed test command when the driving circuit is operating in the internal test mode. The driving circuit includes a selector configured for generating a selected test data signal, the selected test data signal being selected from the first test data signal when the driving circuit is operating in the external test mode.
US08892377B2
A digital programmable load measurement device provides a controllable and variable load unit in a system. The variable load unit is connected to a voltage follower and a current follower to measure and figure out dynamic load voltage and load current of a device under test. Selected loads can be switched in a short period to measure the voltage and current values thereof, sampled for saving, and an I-V curve of the system can be depicted.
US08892376B2
A data processing device includes: a data obtaining section obtaining time series data on a total value of current consumed by a plurality of electric apparatuses; and a parameter estimating section obtaining a model parameter when states of operation of the plurality of electric apparatuses are modeled by a factorial HMM on a basis of the obtained time series data.
US08892372B2
A method and apparatus for operating a pumping system includes the following: determining a motor operating parameter of a motor configured to drive a pump in a well; determining a pump operating parameter of the pump based on the motor operating parameter; operating the pump in a first mode to determine pump characteristics at a desired fluid level; generating first mode output data based on operation of the pump in the first mode; operating the pump in a second mode based on the first mode output data; determining an estimated fluid level in the well based on the motor operating parameter, the pump operating parameter and the first mode output data; and adjusting the pump speed based on the estimated fluid level in order to maintain a desired fluid level.
US08892369B2
A predicting apparatus includes an obtaining unit and a predicting unit. The obtaining unit included in the predicting apparatus obtains actual measurements of data about a fan being rotated at a predetermined revolution frequency N [rpm]. The predicting apparatus then predicts data about the fan to be rotated at a revolution frequency N′ that is different from the predetermined revolution frequency N based on the actual measurements of the data thus obtained.
US08892366B2
A method of measuring torque acting on a drive shaft (13) and a torque measurement system for implementing said method. Vibration sensors (18, 20) are attached to each of said main gearbox (11) and said tail gearbox (15) in order to detect gear mesh vibrations resulting from interaction of said drive shaft (13) with said main gear (12) and said tail gear (16), said detected gear mesh vibrations being transferred to an evaluation unit (19) for analysis.
US08892362B2
A technique provides a methodology for improving surveys of subterranean regions. The methodology comprises estimating macro anisotropy and an intrinsic or micro anisotropy of an overburden. A surface electromagnetic survey is conducted, and the data from the survey is inverted based on or including information gained from estimating the macro anisotropy and/or intrinsic anisotropy. A processor system can be used to conduct the inversion with the adjustments for anisotropy to improve the information provided by the survey.
US08892359B2
Systems and methods for estimating time of arrival for vehicle navigation are described. One embodiment of a method includes determining a route for a vehicle to reach a destination from a current location determining, by the computing device, an estimated time for reaching the destination from the current location. Embodiments of the method additionally include determining, by the computing device, a current range of the vehicle, based on current fuel level and vehicle fuel efficiency and determining, by the computing device and based on the current range, whether the vehicle can reach the destination without refueling. Some embodiments include revising, by the computing device, the estimated time for reaching the destination to include a waypoint to refuel in response to determining that the vehicle cannot reach the destination without refueling and providing, by the computing device, the estimated time for reaching the destination for display to a user.
US08892356B1
A method and system for representing traffic control signals in a road network database is provided. The database may include lane-level modeling, intersection modeling, and traffic signal modeling of a road network. An individual traffic signal is represented in the database with data indicating the traffic signal's geographic location and other attributes of the traffic signal such as an arrangement of lenses in the signal, an indication as to whether the signal is vertically or horizontally oriented, a height of the traffic signal over the roadway, and others. The database can be used by a system in a vehicle that provides convenience features to the vehicle's driver. The system may attempt to warn or control a vehicle that is determined to be at imminent risk of violating a traffic signal.
US08892355B2
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: selecting a search keyword; marking a point of interest as closed with the search keyword; and generating a notification with the point of interest marked as closed for displaying on a device.
US08892348B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products for aircraft conflict detection and resolution are proposed. Embodiments of the present invention detect potential conflicts without a predetermined look-ahead time threshold and determine the time for issuing resolution alerts dynamically based on the relative movements of the aircraft. A method embodiment for detecting a potential airborne conflict between an ownship and at least one intruder includes, determining a relative motion trajectory of the ownship and the intruder, generating a plurality of resolution advisories based upon the determined relative motion trajectory and corresponding to respective motion dimensions of the ownship, determining an alert time for each of the plurality of RAs responsive to the corresponding motion dimension and the determined relative motion trajectory, and transmitting at least one of the plurality of RAs to at least one of the ownship or an aircraft control entity.
US08892339B2
An engine system of a vehicle includes an engine torque module. The engine torque module determines an engine output torque profile including predicted torque outputs based on an accelerator signal and an engine state variable. A load control module determines a dynamic transmission load profile based on the engine output torque profile and an engine speed profile. The dynamic transmission load profile includes transmission loads as a function of engine speed during an auto-start of an engine. A compensation module generates a torque compensation signal based on the dynamic transmission load profile. An actuator module compensates for a change in a transmission load based on the torque compensation signal and during a transition of the engine from a cranking state to an idle state.
US08892333B2
A signal processing circuit inputs a signal from a rotation speed sensor for detecting a rotation speed of the engine. The signal processing circuit further inputs at least one of a noise signal, which is from a noise detection unit for detecting a noise caused by combustion in an engine equipped to a vehicle, a control signal, which is for controlling a fuel injection valve and/or an igniter of the engine, and a combustion state signal, which is from a combustion state sensor for detecting a combustion state of the engine. A distinction circuit distinguishes a vehicle rank of the vehicle equipped with the engine, according to the rotation speed and the at least one of the noise signal, the control signal, and the combustion state signal.
US08892329B2
A plurality of position data sets representing a plurality of points on a road ahead of a vehicle are acquired, and the degree of curvature of the road at each point is computed. On the basis of the degree of curvature, a constant curvature degree section of a curve is identified, and the degree of curvature and the end position of the constant curvature degree section are determined. In order to cause the vehicle to properly pass through the curve, curve deceleration control is executed on the basis of the actual vehicle speed, a proper vehicle speed determined from the degree of curvature, and the end position of the constant curvature degree section. That is, the curve deceleration control is performed on the basis of the start point of a section of a curve having the maximum degree of curvature and the constant degree of curvature of that section.
US08892323B2
A control device controls a transmission mechanism which includes a first clutch to be engaged at startup and a second clutch, and is interlocked when hydraulic pressure is supplied to the first and second clutches and when the first and second clutches are completely engaged. The control device includes a hydraulic pressure control unit controlling hydraulic pressure supplied to the transmission mechanism so that the first clutch is set in a completely engaged state and the second clutch is set in a slip interlock state where the second clutch is not completely engaged in the case of a return from an idle stop control in which an engine is automatically stopped. The hydraulic pressure control unit starts reducing hydraulic pressure supplied to the second clutch when an increased amount of an engine rotation speed per unit time becomes smaller than a predetermined value.
US08892321B2
A clutch controlling apparatus includes a shift change transmission having a plurality of gear trains between a main shaft on an input side and a countershaft on an output side. A clutch controls transmission of power between the shift change transmission and an engine between engagement an disengagement. The clutch controlling apparatus automatically controls the clutch upon shift change of the shift change transmission. An input power ratio is calculated as a ratio between a rotation of the engine and a rotation of the countershaft. If the input/output power ratio exceeds a predetermined value in a direction of a rise of the rotation of the engine during shift change of the shift change transmission, a target control amount of the clutch is corrected in a clutch engagement direction.
US08892312B2
A side collision determination apparatus for a vehicle includes: a first acceleration sensor and a second acceleration sensor mounted on each side surface of the vehicle; and a determination unit configured to perform determination whether a level of collision, which has occurred at apart of the side surface, is equal to or higher than a prescribed level. The determination unit performs the determination based on the acceleration detected by a non-collision side one of the first and second acceleration sensors when the part of the side surface at which the collision has been occurred is adjacent to the sensor-mounted position. The determination unit performs the determination based on the acceleration detected by a collision side one of the first and second acceleration sensors when the part of the side surface at which the collision has been occurred is apart from the sensor-mounted position.
US08892304B2
A vehicle crash safety system includes a pre-crash sensing system configured for gathering and/or receiving target vehicle ride-height data, and at least one actuator operatively coupled to the sensing system and configured for adjusting a height of a portion of a host vehicle responsive to a command from the sensing system. A timing of the command is responsive to an estimated dynamic response time of the at least one actuator.
US08892300B2
A method and a system for changing the power consumption value available for an HVAC unit of a vehicle when an available battery power for batteries of the vehicle is low. A method and a system for non-linearly changing the power consumption value available for the HVAC unit when the available battery power decreases to a power value less than a low power value. The system can be a vehicle including batteries, an HVAC unit, an ECU and a memory. The method may include setting an HVAC power consumption value to a relatively constant power value when the available battery power is greater than a low power value and decreasing the HVAC power consumption value by a non-linear rate of power reduction when the available battery power decreases to a power value less than the low power value.
US08892295B2
A monitoring system and a monitoring method applied to the monitoring system, in which the monitoring system includes detectors detecting a state of a turbojet thrust reverser, a monitoring computer device controlling the reverser monitored by the computer as a function of information from the detectors provided to the computer by way of the control device, and a device regulating the turbojet monitored by the computer as a function of the information from the detectors provided to the computer by way of the control device.
US08892294B2
Included are embodiments for providing vehicle control limits. One embodiment of a system includes a navigation system and a vehicle that includes a memory component that stores a program. Embodiments of the system are configured to receive an indication for automatic control of the vehicle, receive a route for the vehicle to reach a destination for completing a work order from the navigation system, and determine a vehicle limit, wherein the vehicle limit is based on a current state of the vehicle. Some embodiments are configured to communicate the vehicle limit from a vehicle control module (VCM) to a navigation control module (NCM), determine, via the NCM, an automatic command based on the destination and the vehicle limit and send the automatic command to a motor of the vehicle.
US08892292B2
A control system includes an electric motor, an electric storage device, a throttle grip, a brake lever, a controller, and an acceleration/deceleration adjustment lever. The controller supplies electric power from the electric storage device to the electric motor in response to an acceleration command input by the throttle grip when the acceleration/deceleration adjustment lever is placed in a location closer to a driver than a cut-off position to cause the electric motor to activate the rear wheel, and cuts off electric power supplied to the electric motor irrespective of an operation of the throttle grip in a state in which the acceleration/deceleration adjustment lever has been operated and placed in the cut-off position.
US08892288B2
A method for controlling an electric vehicle drivetrain having least two drive units with wheels located on opposite axles are driven by respective drive units, includes in a first operating mode, the ratio of the torques provided by the drive units in each case for a given torque requirement is set taking into account the efficiency applicable to each drive unit under the given operating conditions, and in a second operating mode, the ratio of the torques provided by the drive units in each case for a given torque requirement is set independently of the efficiency applicable to each drive unit under the given operating conditions.
US08892284B2
A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, a multi-mode transmission having a plurality of torque machines, and a driveline. A method to determine extrema for an objective function employed to control operation of the powertrain system includes establishing an objective component equation related to an objective function and corresponding to an object component of interest. A plurality of linear constraints and a non-linear constraint are imposed on the objective component equation. The objective component equation is solved in relation to the plurality of linear constraints and the non-linear constraint to determine the extrema for the objective function. The extrema for the objective function are employed to control operation of the powertrain system.
US08892281B2
A control system for an electric vehicle has a vehicle speed calculation section that calculates a speed of the electric vehicle and a control unit that controls an inverter of an electric motor to provide road wheels with a predetermined reference torque in accordance with a manipulated value of an accelerator pedal, wherein the unit has a reference torque correction section that changes the reference torque from an original value and then returns the changed reference torque to the original value when a calculated speed of the electric vehicle is in a given speed range.
US08892277B2
A vehicle air-conditioning control method includes: calculating an air-conditioning reference temperature for an interior of a vehicle on the basis of an in-vehicle temperature measured by an in-vehicle temperature sensor provided inside a vehicle that runs between stations, an outside air temperature measured by an outside air temperature sensor provided on the exterior of the vehicle, an in-vehicle humidity measured by a humidity sensor provided inside the vehicle, and a vehicle occupancy rate measured by a load-compensating sensor provided in the vehicle; determining an air-conditioning control pattern for performing air-conditioning of the inside of the vehicle on the basis of the air-conditioning reference temperature; and controlling a vehicle air-conditioning apparatus on the basis of the air-conditioning control pattern, wherein the data of a preceding vehicle is received, and is used in air-conditioning control of a following vehicle.
US08892272B1
A vehicle thumbprint door-lock and ignition access system is a fingerprint recognition system used in conjunction with automobile locks and automatic door openers. A thumbprint scanner compares a thumbprint with a stored database of thumbprints for a match. When a match is found, the vehicle door unlocks and is automatically opened to the fully opened position where it returns to manual operation. A second scanner, the ignition thumb-pad, then searches for an image match of the entered thumbprint on the ignition thumb-pad for a match and starts the engine if found. The ignition thumb-pad has a master-door-opener-interface with a five button keypad for automatically opening any combination of doors on the car, or all may be opened simultaneously. A key fob with five buttons is able to remotely access the master-door-opener-interface for door opening operation.
US08892271B2
Method for transmitting information to a vehicle in which, at a location separate and apart from the vehicle, a determination is made by a processor whether a condition relating to transmission of information to the vehicle is satisfied and only when the condition is determined to be satisfied, the information is transmitted to the vehicle using a transmitter. The condition may be a weather pattern, for example, snow in which case, the information being transmitted may be road icing information.
US08892270B2
An apparatus, a system and a method obtain, transmit and/or provide transportation information. A microprocessor is configured to receive and/or transmit real time information concerning the operation of a vehicle. Real time information, such as, for example, a weight of a vehicle, an air pressure of tires, a location of the truck and the trailer, brake wear of brakes of the truck and/or the trailer, and/or engine measurements may be obtained. The real time information may be encrypted and may be transmitted to a central location using Wi-Fi communication, a cellular telephone network, radio transmission, a transponder, and/or the like. The real time information may be accessed by a terminal communicatively linked to the microprocessor and/or the central location. The signal may indicate vehicle compliance and/or non-compliance with a private commercial requirement and/or state and federal regulations.
US08892268B2
Methods and systems for measuring and/or managing power consumption by power units connected to an electricity distribution network are disclosed. Power flow to and/or from a power unit connected to an electricity distribution network is controlled in accordance with a control sequence, such that the consumption and/or provision of power by the power unit results in a power flow having a predefined flow pattern, and having a characteristic, such as an amplitude, which can be remotely measured. This measurement may be performed using a method in which a signal indicative of power flowing at a measurement node is measured and correlated with a predefined pattern, and a characteristic of the correlated signal is measured. Thus, power flow characteristics resulting from a group of one or more power flow devices can be remotely detected and measured.
US08892247B2
A system is described for determining a relative location of a plurality of items upon a plurality of platforms. The system may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory may store a first item, a second item, a first period of time and a second period of time. The interface may be operative to communicate with a user and an antenna. The antenna may be able to detect an item for a period of time. The processor may be operative to receive from the antenna, via the interface, the first item, the first period of time, the second item and the second period of time. The processor may determine whether the periods of time overlap. If the periods of time overlap the processor may communicate to the user that the items are upon the same platform, otherwise that the items are on consecutive platforms.
US08892245B2
Method and systems for sorting are described. In one embodiment, a container is released into a pocket section, with the pocket section being at a first alignment stage. The pocket section is rotated with the container away from the first alignment stage to a second alignment stage. Attributes of the container are acquired at the second alignment stage. An order to which the container belongs is identified with the acquired attributes. The pocket section with the container is rotated to a third alignment stage. The location of the third alignment stage is selected based on the identified order. The container is received to group with one or more containers in the identified order. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
US08892244B1
Methods and apparatus are provided for the automated assembly of individual tiles on a surface in a predetermined pattern. In one exemplary embodiment, an automated apparatus comprises a tile dispenser with an open ended shoe portion adapted for holding a stack of regularly shaped tiles, and a tile advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing tiles in the shoe toward the open end thereof. The automated apparatus may further comprise a robotic mechanism adapted to retrieve a tile from the end of the tile stack, and place the tile on the surface.
US08892241B2
A robot-enabled method of picking cases in a warehouse is provided. A robotic vehicle includes a processor configured to access a memory, a user input device, an output device, and a load platform, and has access to an electronically stored representation of a warehouse. The representation includes a map that defines aisles for storing items arranged as pick faces within the warehouse. A pick list is generated from an order; the pick list provides identifications of items to be picked to fulfill the order. Determined from the pick list is a plurality of stops at pick faces associated with the items. A route within the map is generated that includes the plurality of stops. The robotic vehicle iteratively guides itself along the route and automatically stops at each of the plurality of stops to enable loading of the items from the pick list onto the load platform.
US08892239B2
The disclosure describes a method for cutting a food product into slices for producing portions by taking into account the target weight thereof. Information about a remainder of the food product to be sliced is used to control corresponding actuators for a successive food product to be sliced.
US08892231B2
Embodiments for audio classification are described. An audio classification system includes at least one device which executes a process of audio classification on an audio signal. The at least one device can operate in at least two modes requiring different resources. The audio classification system also includes a complexity controller which determines a combination and instructs the at least one device to operate according to the combination. For each of the at least one device, the combination specifies one of the modes of the device, and the resources requirement of the combination does not exceed maximum available resources. By controlling the modes, the audio classification system has improved scalability to an execution environment.
US08892221B2
A system for resource usage optimization employs an automatically controlled sensor suite providing data to a computer system for the analysis of spatial relationships of the sensors and resources. A control module incorporates an interactive logic, in an exemplary embodiment of well-stream coupled dynamic or game theory engines, operating in conjunction with the spatial data processing algorithms, GIS in an exemplary embodiment, receives as an input an objective function set for the use of the resource and constraint sets which are then monitored by the sensor suite. Incoming data is compared to the constraint sets and upon impact to any of the elements of the objective function set, creates a report/alarm for action or to trigger a corrective action.
US08892217B2
The disclosure describes a medical lead with a retrieval wire that extends from the proximal end of the lead. The retrieval wire allows a physician to insert the medical lead into a patient and grab the retrieval wire to pull the proximal end of the lead away from the implant site. Upon gaining access to a lead connector on the proximal end of the medical lead, the physician may remove the retrieval wire and couple the lead connector to an implantable medical device that provides stimulation therapy. In this manner the physician may avoid damaging the lead connector when retrieving the medical lead. In addition, the retrieval wire may be used to provide test stimulation to verify correct electrode location. The medical lead may be used to stimulate tissue such as the stomach, small intestine, and the large intestine.
US08892215B2
Disclosed methods and devices treat lower back pain from degenerated or injured intervertebral discs. Electrodes connected to a pulse generator deliver electrical impulses to nerves located within the posterior longitudinal ligament and posterior annulus fibrosus of lumbar intervertebral discs. Percutaneous and paddle leads containing the electrodes are disclosed. The percutaneous lead, designed to prevent inappropriate stimulation of the thecal sac, is inserted in the anterior epidural space using a special cannula and lead blank. Paddle leads are configured individually for implantation in each patient. The electrical stimulation may reduce back pain reversibly, with or without the simultaneous use of non-thermal irreversible electroporation. If such stimulation is unsuccessful, nerves in the ligament or annulus fibrosus may then be injured therapeutically without repositioning the lead, using impulses that result in heating, wherein a thermal insulator covers the thecal sac, thereby shielding nerves within the thecal sac from potential heat damage.
US08892213B2
An orthotic feedback system for facilitating ambulation of a user requiring assistance in the joint motion of the ankle and foot. An energy-storing and energy-returning orthosis is coupled to the leg and foot of a user. Force sensors are positioned under the plantar surface of the heel and metatarsals of the foot. The sensors are coupled to a main control unit that sends signals to transcutaneous electrode pads coupled to the user's leg. The main control unit receives signals from the force sensors and sends signals to the transcutaneous electrode pads to cause plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the user's foot during ambulation, to train the user's muscles to fire at the appropriate time and retrain the user to walk with a more normal gait.
US08892200B2
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating tissue using focused energy. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for stimulating tissue that includes a first energy source, a second energy source, and a focusing element that focuses at least the first or second energy source so that the first and second energy sources target the same region of tissue such that the combined effect stimulates the tissue.
US08892197B2
Control of conduction through a heart is described. A lead with a proximal end and a distal end is provided. The distal end of the lead is inserted into a target area. An agent is delivered through the lead to the target area. Delivery of the agent is monitored via a closed loop feedback system.
US08892195B2
The present invention provides a handy remote physiological signal detection system, comprising a sensing unit, a stimulation unit and a control unit. The sensing unit includes a detecting electrode, a first surface detection electrode, a second surface detection electrode and a sensing module. The sensing modules is used to detect the signals between the detection electrode and the first surface detection electrode to get an epicardial detection signal, and is also used to detect the signals between the second surface detection electrode and the first detection electrode to get a surface-ECG signal. The stimulus unit includes a stimulating electrode and a stimulus module used to provide a stimulus signal to the stimulating electrode. The control unit includes a user interface and a processing module used to convert the epicardial detection signal and the surface-ECG signal to digital signals and display the digital signals in the user interface. All systems were controlled through the remote system and are small and handy.
US08892194B2
A method for monitoring the respiration rate of a patient includes attaching a plurality of electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes and a pressure sensor to a patient, producing a first respiration signal based on variations detected in signals provided by the ECG electrodes attached to the patient, and producing a second respiration signal based on pressure variations detected in the pressure sensor secured to the patient. The method also includes selecting at least one of the first respiration signal and the second respiration signal based on respective signal qualities and producing a respiration rate from the selected signal. The method also includes providing indicia of the respiration rate. The method may also include displaying ECG signals with the indicia of the respiration rate.
US08892193B2
A method for automatic threshold control and detection of lead failure in an implanted medical device obtains three sensing vectors for measurement of an electrocardiogram signal. A dynamic error signal is determined from the vectors, and may be used to set a detection threshold for insufficient ECG signals, and/or to passively monitor the device for indications of lead failure without performing an impedance measurement. Passive mode operation conserves battery power and enables continuous lead integrity checks. A quality factor may also be determined from the error signal, to indicate whether or not signal measurements are valid with respect to noise levels. If the detection threshold is allowed to decay between successive features of the electrocardiogram, the decay rate may be made adaptive such that it automatically adjusts to changes in heart rate or to changes in amplitude of the electrocardiogram features.
US08892187B2
A method is disclosed for reducing step artifacts in the forward increment direction of a cardio CT representation. In at least one embodiment, volume recordings or section images of first and second sub-volumes of a heart volume, which lie adjacent to one another in the forward increment direction and partially overlap in an overlap region, are recorded by a computer tomography system. Each sub-volume's detector data is used for the reconstruction coming from different heart cycles. Finally, a displacement vector relative to a second sub-volume is determined at least for a selected point of the overlap region of a first sub-volume and the second sub-volume is subjected at least partially to a spatial transformation according to the at least one displacement vector.
US08892183B2
A method for planning a combined examination of an examination object using two imaging modalities is disclosed, with measurements being taken in at least two regions of the examination object. In at least one embodiment, the method includes planning of at least one measuring protocol of the first modality, which includes at least one measurement in a first of the regions and at least one measurement in a second of the regions; planning of at least one measuring protocol of the second modality, which comprises at least one measurement in the first region; and automatic production of a combined measuring sequence by arranging the measurements in such a manner that carrying out the measuring sequence taking into account modality preparations to be carried out between measurements takes as little time as possible.In at least one embodiment, the automated production of the actual measuring sequence allows the measuring protocols of the individual modalities to be planned in a simple manner for a number of regions. The focus can therefore be on diagnostic questions at the measurement planning stage.
US08892179B2
An electronic apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing and a coupling portion movably coupling the first housing and the second housing to each other. The first housing includes a guide groove formed in a surface of the first housing facing the second housing that restricts a direction of movement of the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other. The guide groove includes a bottom portion. The coupling portion includes a coupling main body fixed to a surface of the second housing facing the first housing, a guide pin protruding from the coupling main body so as to be able to advance and retreat within the guide groove and including a tip portion, the tip portion being housed in the guide groove, and an urging member urging the guide pin toward the bottom portion of the guide groove.
US08892176B2
An apparatus and method for reducing the power consumption of a Base Station (BS) in a multi antenna system are provided. The method for reducing the power consumption of the BS includes identifying an amount of resources being in use for communication, determining whether to convert at least one Radio Frequency (RF) unit into a power saving mode considering the amount of resources, if converting at least one RF unit into the power saving mode, turning OFF a power supply of a power amplifier of at least one of at least two antenna paths constituting the at least one RF unit converted into the power saving mode, and increasing a gain of at least one antenna path turning ON a power supply such that a transmission Power Spectral Density (PSD) is not changed according to the power saving mode conversion.
US08892175B2
A system and method for connection management between a consumer device and a vehicle. The connection management is performed automatically using a computing device, e.g., an application executing on a smartphone. The system and method configure the vehicle and consumer device in a manner that optimizes the vehicle and consumer device connections based on a variety of factors such as available connections/ports and protocols to be used.
US08892173B2
According to an aspect, a mobile electronic device includes: a sound production unit for producing a sound based on a sound signal; an input unit for receiving input; a processing unit configured to cause the sound production unit to produce a sound, and set, when a response to the produced sound is received by the input unit, a compensation parameter for adjusting sound volume for each audio frequency based on the response; and a compensation unit configured to compensate a sound signal based on the compensation parameter, and supply the compensated sound signal to the sound production unit.
US08892170B2
Unlock screen and notification techniques are described. In an implementation, an unlock screen is displayed by a mobile communications device that indicates that the mobile communications device is locked. If an input is detected to remove the lock by dragging across a Y-axis of the display device, an animation is displayed that gives an appearance that the unlock screen is being removed and the lock on the mobile communications device is removed.
US08892166B2
An apparatus and a method of securing private content stored in a memory are presented. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include accessing a private content identifier associated with private content. The private content identifier is based on international mobile subscriber identity information associated with a memory and a mobile station integrated services digital network number. The operations also include determining whether to grant or deny access to the private content based on the private content identifier and a memory device identifier associated with the memory.
US08892161B2
A radio communication system includes transmission/reception devices which perform communication by dynamically switching a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode having a lower quality than the first transmission mode, wherein the transmission/reception devices have a transmission mode decision means which fixes a transmission mode upon communication to the first transmission mode for a given period of time.
US08892155B2
A method of selecting a cell or cells for use in multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) transmission to user equipment or a relay station in a serving cell of a cellular wireless network, there being a set of N cells of the cellular network from which a selection of cells is to be made, N being an integral number greater than one and the set including the serving cell, the received signal power of the serving cell and the received interference power of the other cells in the set relative to the serving cell are sorted in descending order of power P, such that P0≧P1≧ . . . ≧PN-1, and a group of M cells are selected from the said set of N cells, where the cells selected are those giving the smallest value of M for which the inequality ∑ k = 0 M - 1 P k ≥ β ∑ i = 0 N - 1 P i is satisfied, β being a first decision threshold parameter.
US08892141B2
In various embodiments, a base station may be provided. The base station may include a first determiner configured to determine whether user data has been received from a radio communication terminal by the base station; a second determiner configured to determine whether information from which it may be determined that the user data has been received from the radio communication terminal by another base station has been received from the other base station; and a transmitter configured to transmit to the radio communication terminal information indicating whether at least one of the base station and the other base station has received the user data based on at least one of the result of the determination of the first determiner and the result of the determination of the second determiner.
US08892133B2
Apparatus comprising a first antenna configured to receive alignment signalling from a first transmitter over a first communication channel, the first communication channel having a first set of characteristics, and a second antenna configured to exchange data with a second transmitter over a second communication channel, the second communication channel having a second different set of characteristics. The apparatus also comprising a processor configured to process the alignment signalling received from the first antenna and determine the location of the second transmitter relative to the apparatus; and generate control signalling representative of the determined location of the second transmitter relative to the apparatus. The apparatus further comprising a user interface configured to provide a user with an indication of the relative location of the second transmitter relative to the apparatus in accordance with the control signalling to allow for the second antenna to be aligned for data exchange with the second transmitter.
US08892130B2
A system enables interactive socialization of users having a wireless device at a venue. The system includes a registration mechanism for registering a user. A location determination mechanism comprises a global positioning system that identifies the longitude and latitude of other users. An on-location update mechanism publishes the availability of the service at a given venue. A data mechanism runs a list of active sessions against a user compatibility engine. A notification is transmitted to each user that contains a compatibility match listing compatible users at the venue. Intercommunication among users is provided through the system/application, whereby a user receives the compatibility match notification and can respond with a message, block or ignore based on a compatibility assessment. The subject system or application may be used for a dating aid for meeting others, or to create networking opportunities.
US08892129B1
Disclosed are examples of performing mobile station modifications. According to one example a method may include transmitting a notification from a mobile station to an advertisement server and receiving at least one advertisement parameter at the mobile station responsive to the transmitted notification. The method may also include performing a modification to a current state of the mobile device based on the at least one advertisement parameter and a distance between the mobile station and at least one establishment registered with the advertisement server.
US08892128B2
Location based geo-reminding system retrieves, from a location based geo-reminder physical server, a current location of wireless client devices within a given area. The method accesses, from the location based geo-reminder physical server, a physical location based geo-reminder database comprising an identity of a trigger identifier and a limits of trigger identifier. Transmission of a location based geo-reminder message is initiated if the current location of a particular wireless client device is within a limits of restriction distance from a location of the identity of the trigger.
US08892126B2
Methods and systems that ascertain and record the specific named location of a user of a wireless device. A geographic location of a mobile device based on a geographic location sensor is received. A selection of the likely locations that may have been visited is provided to the wireless device based on location data produced at similar days (e.g., only Saturday, only every other week, monthly), and/or at similar times (e.g., only around 5:00 PM, between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, after sunset, before high-noon, before a particular stock market opens in the time zone of the user, etc.), or any combination. A verification of the specific named location of the user is received from the wireless device based on the provided selection of locations. The location history is updated with, for example, the location of the wireless device, the specific named location visited, and time of day information.
US08892118B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided which may be implemented in various devices to provide position assistance data and/or the like to a mobile station with regard to at least one of a plurality of different indoor regions.
US08892111B2
The invention concerns a method at a base station device for performing service admission control, the base station device comprising an interface to a cellular network, and an interface to connect to a broadband device, the base station device being adapted to provide service access to devices of the cellular network, the service being provided through the broadband network.To this end the method comprises the steps of receiving a service admission request from a device of the cellular network, sending a resource reservation request to the broadband device for enabling said service on the broadband network, receiving a resource reservation response from the broadband device and responding to the device of the cellular network on the availability of the service, the availability depending on the service admission response received from the broadband device.
US08892092B2
Disclosed are apparatus, methods and computer programs to establish device-to-device communications in a wireless network. A method includes sending an initiation message from a first device to initiate device-to-device communication with a second device; receiving a message indicating a request for setting up radio resources for device-to-device communication; sending a message to the second device, the message including a request to set up resources for device-to-device communication and, in response to establishing device-to-device communication with the second device using the resources, sending an acknowledgment that device-to-device communication is established.
US08892085B2
Memory 42 stores conditions (schedule, position, and travel condition) for triggering switching to a manner mode. When any of the conditions is met, a CPU 33 requests a user for an instruction as to whether or not to switch to the manner mode according to the condition stored in the memory 42. In response to a user instruction for approvable of the switching to the manner mode, the CPU 33 executes control to switch the mobile phone to the manner mode.
US08892084B2
Methods and systems for deactivation of one or more applications operating on a transferable device are provided.
US08892080B2
A method allowing for heterogeneous types of communication between heterogeneous devices includes receiving a message from a mobile device belonging to a message sender based on the type of the electronic device of the message sender, converting the message into a proprietary format, determining a device type of the message recipient using the user interface component, based on the data including the device number or the application number of a device belonging to the message recipient, converting the proprietary communication format of the message to a format corresponding to a device type of the message recipient, and delivering the approved communication message to the message recipient.
US08892078B2
A method and system for presenting an MRT for an IM is provided. In an Instant Messaging Application Server (IM-AS), an MRT presenting rule of the IM is set for a user; when the IM-AS receives an IM from the user, the IM-AS determines, according to the MRT presenting rule of the IM, whether an MRT is to be presented for a receiver of the IM, selects an MRT to be presented from MRT resources of the user when the MRT needs to be presented, and sends address information of the MRT to be presenting in a Resource Server (RS) along with the IM to the IM receiver; and the IM receiver downloads the MRT from the RS according to the address information and presents the MRT.
US08892077B2
A method and apparatus for providing multimedia content over a wireless network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a customer via a data enabled cellular phone for accessing one or more multimedia content from a multimedia content server of the customer, and performs an authentication for obtaining the one or more multimedia content from the multimedia content server. The method obtains the one or more multimedia content from the multimedia content server, and transmits the one or more multimedia content to the data enabled cellular phone.
US08892075B2
In one embodiment, a method includes recording a communication at a mobile device, wherein the recorded communication is a user's portion of a conversation between the user and at least one other participant, transmitting the recorded communication to a network device, transmitting a request for the conversation to the network device, and receiving the conversation generated from the recorded communication and at least one other recorded communication from the other participant. An apparatus is also disclosed.
US08892068B2
A subscriber device receives a message from a network device external to the subscriber device, where the network device implements a first metering engine that meters usage of a network service by a subscriber using the subscriber device and where the message includes the subscriber's usage data. The subscriber device includes a second usage metering engine that receives the subscriber's usage data from the usage synchronization unit, and performs real-time metering of the subscriber's usage of the network service, based on the subscriber's usage data received from the network device and independently of the first metering engine of the network device, to generate real-time usage metering data. The second usage metering engine further outputs the real-time usage metering data to a display at the subscriber device.
US08892063B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to multi-mode multi-band radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) circuitry, which includes a multi-mode multi-band quadrature RF PA coupled to multi-mode multi-band switching circuitry via a single output. The switching circuitry provides at least one non-linear mode output and multiple linear mode outputs. The non-linear mode output may be associated with at least one non-linear mode RF communications band and each linear mode output may be associated with a corresponding linear mode RF communications band. The outputs from the switching circuitry may be coupled to an antenna port via front-end aggregation circuitry. The quadrature nature of the quadrature PA path may provide tolerance for changes in antenna loading conditions.
US08892057B2
A carrier aggregation radio system is provided. The carrier aggregation radio system includes a transceiver having a main receiver, a diversity receiver and a carrier aggregation receiver. The carrier aggregation radio system further includes a control system adapted to command a radio front end to route diversity signals from a diversity antenna to the main and diversity receivers in a first mode and to command the radio front end to route carrier aggregation signals from the diversity antenna to the carrier aggregation receiver in a second mode. The control system may also command a third mode in which diversity signals are routed to the main and diversity receivers while carrier aggregation signals are routed to the carrier aggregation receiver.
US08892056B2
Protocol adaptation layer for wireless communications. Communication devices that include one or more radio modules operable in accordance with multiple communication protocols establish communications using one communication protocol and then switch to another communication protocol. This switching to another communication protocol may be performed based on a variety of factors including effectuating communications of higher throughput, supporting uni-directional communications vs. bi-directional communications, or any other desired factor. In some embodiments, various communication devices include two radio modules that are each implemented to operate in accordance with one particular communication protocol. Alternatively, a multi-protocol capable radio module may support and operate in accordance with more than one communication protocol. Examples of possible communication protocols include those compliant with Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, and/or 802.15.3c.
US08892048B1
An urban environment having many subscribers in close proximity is interconnected by a line of sight wireless network such that individual subscribers connect to an ISP backbone or hub directly or indirectly through other subscribers in the wireless network. A set of subscribers therefore form a multi-node mesh network of line-of-sight adjacency. In an urban environment, line-of-sight adjacency between buildings is facilitated by window placement of transparent directional antennas. High density, high capacity, networks are formed using the transparent directional antennas where transparency facilitates window mounting and directionality reduces received interference and increases capacity. Each subscriber employs a configuration for communication “upstream” towards the ISP and “downstream” to other subscriber nodes. Each subscriber node includes one or more radios for communication upstream and downstream, a router, and a transparent directional antenna for communication with adjacent nodes.
US08892043B2
A method and system for optimizing data throughput in a Bluetooth communication system is provided. The method may include determining the bit error rate (BER) of a first Bluetooth packet type of a plurality of Bluetooth packet types transmitted at a first power output level by a Bluetooth transmitter and selecting a second packet type from the plurality of Bluetooth packet types in response to determining the bit error rate. The different packet types may comprise DM1, DM3, DM5, DH1, DH3, DH5, HV1, HV2, HV3, 2DH1, 2DH3, 2DH5, 3DH1, 3DH3, and 3DH5 Bluetooth packets. The method may also include estimating the BER from the packet error rate (PER) of the first Bluetooth packet type, where the PER may be computed by comparing a number of packets of said first Bluetooth packet type with good CRCs to a number of packets of said first Bluetooth packet type with bad CRCs.
US08892033B2
A wireless power transmission system includes a receiver and a transmitter. The transmitter includes: a power transmission unit that transmits power; a power adjustment unit that adjusts power to be transmitted; and a communication unit. The receiver includes: a power receiving unit that receives power; a power detection unit that detects the received power; a power storage unit that stores the received power; and a communication unit. The power to be transmitted is adjusted on the basis of power transmission efficiency and the remaining energy storage level. The power transmission efficiency is the ratio between the transmitted power and the received power.
US08892028B2
A method, apparatus and computer program product are therefore provided according to an example embodiment to provide a cellular based ITS environment. The cellular based ITS environment may be configured based on LTE based interfaces. In this regard, a method includes receiving configuration information from a first access point, wherein the configuration information defines an ITS target area comprising at least the first access point and a first RSU. A method also includes receiving an ITS paging message from the first access point. A method also includes causing a reselection of the first RSU while in the communications range of the first access point in the ITS target area and in response to the received ITS paging message.
US08892019B2
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium includes a fixing unit configured to fix on a recording medium, a toner image formed on the recording medium, through heating and pressurization and a gloss control unit configured to lower gloss of a surface of the toner image by charging the surface of the toner image fixed onto the recording medium and heating the toner image such that toner contained in the toner image reaches a softening point or higher thereof.
US08892016B2
A fixing device which may include a nip plate which has roll marks formed on at least a first surface of the nip plate, a flexible cylindrical member having an inner peripheral surface that is configured to slide on the nip plate and a pressure member that is configured to rotate while the pressure member and the nip plate pinch the flexible cylindrical member, so that the pressure member and the cylindrical member convey a recording sheet. Further, a lubricant may be provided between the nip plate and the flexible cylindrical member. Also, the nip plate may be arranged so that the roll marks extend along a conveying direction of the recording sheet.
US08892012B2
A development device includes a developer carrier configured to supply developer on a latent image formed on a latent image carrier to visualize the latent image. Wherein the developer carrier includes: an elastic layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of a conductive support body, the elastic layer including urethane rubber; and a top layer formed by treating a surface of the elastic layer with treatment solution that includes urethane polymer, silicone-based additive and conductive agent. The top layer includes convex parts that include the urethane rubber and concave parts in which the silicone-based additive and the conductive agent are laminated.
US08892010B2
A developing device includes two developer-transporting members, a container, and four gap retainers. The container contains a developer and rotatably supports rotation shafts of the developer-transporting members using side walls located on both end portions. The gap retainers are supported at end portions of the developer-transporting members and are brought into contact with a subjected-to-development member or a supporter to maintain a gap between the subjected-to-development member and each developer-transporting member. A force with which the two developer-transporting members are pressed toward the subjected-to-development member is applied to the container and all the gap retainers are brought into contact with the subjected-to-development member or the supporter, while axes of rotation of the two developer-transporting members are allowed to become non-parallel with an axis of rotation of the subjected-to-development member.
US08892005B2
Printer charging blades and printers are disclosed. An example charging blade for a printer includes an insulating layer to contact a photo imaging surface at an angle to apply pressure to the photo imaging surface, the pressure to control an amount of material present on the photo imaging surface, and a conductive layer attached to a side of the insulating layer, the conductive layer to be charged and to apply a first charge to the photo imaging surface.
US08892002B2
A holder is movable in a horizontal direction between an internal position within the main casing and an external position outside of a main casing. The holder has a first opening extending in the horizontal direction. A drum unit is configured to be held by the holder and is movable in a vertical direction with respect to the holder. The drum unit includes a photosensitive drum having an axis extending in an axial direction, a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the axial direction. A particular pressure member is positioned in confrontation with the drum unit and urges the first end portion upward through the first opening to permit the photosensitive drum to be in contact with an endless belt when the holder is in the internal position.
US08891992B2
An image forming apparatus includes a fusing unit with a heating member arranged to fuse toner to a printing paper, a heat source arranged to heat the heating member, a thermal sensor arranged to measure a surface temperature of the heating member, an electricity controlling unit arranged to control electricity supplied to the heat source based on a temperature measured by the thermal sensor, a first temperature controlling unit arranged to control the surface temperature of the heating member in STANDBY mode to gradually rise to an upper limit temperature by turning on/off electricity to the heat source with an electricity controlling unit, and a second temperature controlling unit arranged to control the surface temperature of the heating member in STANDBY mode to gradually fall to a lower limit temperature by turning on/off electricity to the heat source with the electricity controlling unit.
US08891989B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming station for forming a toner image on a sheet; an image heating portion including a flexible heating roller and a pressing roller to form a nip, the image heating portion being effective to heat while feeding the sheet, by the nip; a pressing state switching portion for switching a state of the nip between a pressing state and a released state; and a sheet feeding position detector for detecting misalignment of the sheet relative to a feeding reference position with respect to a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of the sheet; wherein when the sheet feeding position detector detects the misalignment, the pressing state switching portion permits the nip to feed at least one sheet in a state of the misalignment, and then switches the nip to the released state and then switches to the pressing state.
US08891977B2
A receiver chip, system and method for on-chip multi-node visible light communication, the receiver chip comprising: an array of receiver cells comprising an array of photodetectors, each receiver cell comprises at least one photodetector and is to receive light through the at least one photodetector, and a logical layer for independently configuring at least one selected receiver cell as a communication receiving channel. The system comprises an array of receiver cells comprising an array of photodetectors, each receiver cell includes at least one photodetector and is to receive light through the at least one photodetector, a logical layer to independently configure at least one selected receiver cell as a communication receiving channel, and a processor to receive data from the logical layer and control the logical layer for configuration of the receiver cells.
US08891972B2
An optical receiving apparatus includes a variable dispersion compensation unit, a delay interference unit, a photoelectric converter, a polarization control unit for control the polarization state of an optical signal inputted to the photoelectric converter, a received data processing unit for monitoring the number of error occurrences, and a control unit for controlling the dispersion compensation amount at the variable dispersion compensation unit and the optical phase control amount at the delay interference unit, based on information on the number of error occurrences from the received data processing unit. The control unit adjusts the polarization state of the optical signal inputted to the photoelectric converter to a first polarization state, in which errors are more likely to occur than in normal operation, by controlling the polarization control unit and then starts control of the variable dispersion compensation unit and the delay interference unit, and upon completion of the control, adjusts the polarization state of the optical signal to a second polarization state, in which errors are less likely to occur than in the first polarization state, by controlling the polarization control unit.
US08891970B2
A controller for optical components. A controller includes mixed signal interface that is configured to connect to an optical component external to the controller. The mixed signal interface is able to deliver and/or receive signals to and/or from the optical component. The controller includes a digital interface that is able to connect to a memory external to the controller. The digital interface may receive a digital representation of operating characteristics of the optical component. The controller is configured to deliver and/or receive signals to and/or from the optical component based on the digital representation of operating characteristics.
US08891955B2
A digital camera is provided with a high dynamic range (HDR) mode of operation wherein a nominal exposure is automatically bracketed by one or more under exposures and one or more over exposures. The images thus obtained can then be used by suitable software to process the images to produce a final HDR image.
US08891944B2
Access point pictures designated as randomly accessible positions are I pictures or P pictures. Information indicating the decoding sequence (I1, P1, B1, B2, B3, B4, P2, . . . ) of pictures functioning as access points and attribute information (picture_type) indicating whether a picture functions as an access point or is necessary for decoding of the access point following a given access point are recorded on the video information recording medium. Random access is possible even if the GOP interval is lengthened.
US08891935B2
In a user interface a plurality of videos are simultaneously played for the purpose of allowing a user to select the desired video on the basis of a plurality of played frames.
US08891932B2
The invention provides an amplification module for an optical printed circuit board, the optical printed circuit board including plural polymer waveguide sections from independent waveguides, each of the sections being doped with an amplifying dopant, wherein the plural waveguide sections are routed so as to pass through an amplification zone in which the plural polymer waveguide sections are arranged close or adjacent to one another, the amplification module including: a pump source including plural light sources arranged to provide independently controllable levels of pump radiation to each of the plural waveguide sections. In an embodiment, the amplification module also includes plural polymer waveguide sections corresponding to the plural polymer waveguides of the printed circuit board on which in use the amplification module is to be arranged, each of the sections being doped with an amplifying dopant.
US08891931B2
A fiber optic enclosure assembly includes a housing having an interior region and a bearing mount disposed in the interior region of the housing. A cable spool is connectedly engaged with the bearing mount such that the cable spool selectively rotates within the housing. A termination module disposed on the cable spool so that the termination module rotates in unison with the cable spool. A method of paying out a fiber optic cable from a fiber optic enclosure includes rotating a cable spool, which has a subscriber cable coiled around a spooling portion of the cable spool, about an axis of a housing of the fiber optic enclosure until a desired length of subscriber cable is paid out. A termination module is disposed on the cable spool.
US08891930B2
A fiber management frame for a fiber optic closure having a removable tray holder configured to mount a fiber optic tray offset from a fiber management interface. The tray holder has optical fibers mounted thereon and can be mounted and/or removed from the fiber management interface without interfering with optical fibers mounted on the fiber management interface. The fiber management interface defines a first slack storage area for a first group of optical fibers. The removable tray holder defines a second slack storage area for a second group of optical fibers offset from the fiber management interface. The fiber optic tray can be mounted to or removed from the fiber management interface without interfering with the first group of optical fibers.
US08891927B2
A fiber distribution hub includes a chassis mounted to move relative to a cabinet. A termination field is mounted to the chassis. The chassis includes a first location at which a splitter region and a first pass-through region are positioned; and a second location at which a second pass-through region is positioned. The second location is spaced from the first location. Fibers input into adapters at the first pass-through region can be rerouted to act as splitter inputs at the splitter region.
US08891919B2
An optical device includes first and second optical waveguides that each include a core and a cladding, and a connector that optically couples the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide with a lens interposed therebetween, wherein, in at least one of the first and the second optical waveguides, a difference in refractive index between the core and the cladding in a first direction differs from a difference in refractive index between the core and the cladding in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and wherein, in at least one of the first and the second optical waveguide, a first point of emergence of first rays that are output at angles in the first direction and a second point of emergence of second rays that are output at angles in the second direction are offset from each other along an optical axis.
US08891901B2
A system and method are provided by which a user can operate any particular image forming device in a manner that emulates any other particular image forming device. These systems and methods decouple the user from a device-specified origin, or device-specified order of operations, by affording the user an opportunity, at a graphical user interface of an image forming device, to pick an origin and an order of operations that the user desires be undertaken by the image forming device. An ability to pick which origins and orders of operations the user desires allows for establishment of a policy for image forming operations in multiple different image forming devices. The user can define the order of operations when the user walks up to the machine. Otherwise, a system administrator may set up a particular user desired origin and order of operations as a system policy to convert printing job tickets.
US08891900B2
What is disclosed are a novel system and method for transforming coordinates in an image processing system. In one embodiment, image data is received in a first coordinate space and second coordinate space information is received. A first selection is made, based on a set of relative coordinate space mappings, to select at least a first transformation for mapping of the image data in the first coordinate space to an intermediate image canonical coordinate space using at least a first coordinate change matrix. The intermediate image canonical coordinate space has coordinates which are independent of the image processing system. A second selection is made, based on the set of relative coordinate space mappings, to select at least a second transformation for mapping from the intermediate image canonical coordinate space to the second coordinate space using at least a second coordinate change matrix to transform the intermediate image canonical coordinate space.
US08891894B2
Psychovisual image compression techniques are disclosed that compress pixel data by a fixed compression ratio with little or no perceptual loss of detail. In some implementations, a psychovisual compression process is selected among several psychovisual compression processes based on characteristics of the pixel data. Compression is achieved during encoding by discarding psychovisually unnecessary bits from the pixel data. The psychovisual compression processes can be implemented in hardware and operate on scan lines of pixels captured by the image sensor. The psychovisual compression techniques can be used with image compression techniques to compress further the pixel data.
US08891893B2
An apparatus for decoding an image, the apparatus including an entropy decoder that performs entropy-decoding to obtain quantized transformation coefficients of at least one transformation unit in a coding unit of the image, a decoder that determines a prediction mode of at least one prediction unit in the coding unit from information indicating the prediction mode for the at least one prediction unit, when the prediction mode is determined to be an inter prediction mode, not in an intra prediction mode, determines a size of the at least one transformation unit in the coding unit regardless of a size of the at least one prediction unit in the coding unit, and performs inverse-quantization and inverse-transformation on the quantized transformation coefficients of the at least one transformation unit to obtain residuals, and a restorer that performs inter prediction for at least one prediction unit in the coding unit to generate a predictor and restores the image by using the residuals and the predictor.
US08891886B2
A graphics texture data encoding arrangement in which the texels in a texel block 30 to be encoded are divided into different partitions within the block. A reference partitioning pattern for a texel block to be encoded is generated by using a partitioning function 32 to partition the data values for the texels into a number of data value partitions, and then sorting the individual texels in the texel block into respective partitions 33 based on their values. A set of predefined partitioning patterns 35 that the encoding scheme supports is then compared 36 to the generated reference partitioning pattern. The predefined partitioning pattern that best matches 39 the generated reference partitioning pattern is then used 42 to encode the block of texels.
US08891885B2
Method, computing unit, CT system and C-arm system for reducing metal artifacts in CT image datasets
A method is disclosed for reducing metal artifacts in CT image datasets. An embodiment of the method includes reconstructing a first CT image dataset with and a second CT image dataset without metal artifact correction, weighted summation of a high-pass-filtered first and a high-pass-filtered second CT image dataset plus a low-pass-filtered second CT image dataset, wherein the weightings are dependent on the proximity to metal in the CT image datasets. A computing unit, a CT system and a C-arm system designed to execute the method are also disclosed.
US08891879B2
An image processing apparatus for extracting a contour of an object which extracts boundary candidate points from the image and sets reference areas each having one of boundary candidate points as a center and includes small areas. A first reference area is set from the reference areas and a first small area is set from small areas included in the first reference area. From reference areas, a second reference area is set, whose feature is similar to that of the first reference area and as a second small area, a small area is set which has a feature amount similar to that of the first small area among small areas included in the second reference area. The boundary candidate points is tracked to extract the contour of the object based on the first reference area, the second reference area, the first small area, and the second small area.
US08891877B2
A data processing apparatus that executes determining processing, using a plurality of stages, for determining whether or not a partial image sequentially extracted from an image of each frame of a moving image corresponds to a specific pattern, assigns a plurality of discriminators to each stage such that a plurality of partial images are processed in parallel. The data processing apparatus divides an image into a plurality of regions, and, for the image of each region, calculates a passage rate or accumulated passage rate from a ratio between the number of partial images input to a stage and the number of partial images determined to correspond to the specific pattern. The assignment of the discriminators to each stage is changed based on the passage rate or accumulated passage rate of the image processed immediately of a region to which the partial image extracted from the image being processed belongs.
US08891875B2
The invention relates to a method of evaluating the confidence of matching signatures of a hyperspectral image of at least one tracked object, defined by pixels on an image sensor, to a hyperspectral image template in real time while tracking the at least one tracked object.
US08891870B2
A method of removing a hyperspectral signature from at least one hyperspectral image, includes among other things, selecting a hyperspectral signature and determining a dissimilarity value between each pixel in the at least one hyperspectral image and the selected at least one hyperspectral signature. If the dissimilarity value between the signature of a given pixel in the at least one hyperspectral image and the selected at least one hyperspectral signature is less than a predetermined threshold value then the value of the signature for the given pixel is set to zero to create a signature-subtracted hyperspectral image.
US08891869B2
A system and method for effectively performing an integrated segmentation procedure comprises an image segmenter that includes a texture modeler, a contrast modeler, and a model integrator. The texture modeler creates a texture model based upon an original image. Similarly, the contrast modeler creates a contrast model based upon the original image. The model integrator then performs a model integration procedure to create a final segmented image by integrating the texture model and the contrast model according to a calculated texture model metric. A processor of an electronic device typically controls the image segmenter to perform the integrated segmentation procedure.
US08891864B2
Some embodiments provide a program that provides a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI includes a display area for displaying an image that includes several pixels. Each pixel includes a set of pixel values in a three-dimensional color space. The GUI includes a first selectable GUI item for activating a color masking tool (1) for selecting a set of pixels in the image and (2) for defining a three-dimensional volume to encompass the pixel values of the set of pixels in the three-dimensional color space. The three-dimensional volume serves as an approximation of a rectangular cuboid that has at least one rounded corner. The GUI includes a second selectable GUI item for applying a color correction operation to the image by modifying pixels in the image that have pixel values encompassed by the three-dimensional volume in the three-dimensional color space.
US08891853B2
The image processing device includes a three-dimensional image data input unit which enters three-dimensional image data representing a three-dimensional image, a subject extractor which extracts a subject from the three-dimensional image data, a spatial vector calculator which calculates a spatial vector of the subject from a plurality of planar image data having different viewpoints contained in the three-dimensional image data, and a three-dimensional image data recorder which records the spatial vector and the three-dimensional image data in association with each other.
US08891848B2
A method is disclosed for fully automated segmentation of human vertebral body images in a CT (computerized tomography) study with no user interaction and no phantoms, which has resiliency to anatomical abnormalities, and protocol and scanner variations. The method was developed to enable automated detection of osteoporosis in CT studies performed for other clinical reasons. Testing with 1,044 abdominal CTs from multiple sites, resulted in detection of 96.3% of the vertebral bodies and 1% false positives. Of the detected vertebral bodies, 83.3% were segmented adequately for sagittal plane quantitative evaluation of vertebral fractures indicative of osteoporosis. Improved results were observed when selecting the best sagittal plane of 3 for each vertebra, yielding a segmentation success rate of 85.4%. The method is preferably implemented in software as a building block in a system for automated osteoporosis detection.
US08891846B2
The present embodiments relate to a device and a method for data postprocessing of K-space data acquired using a magnetic resonance tomography device. Each part of a K-space matrix is generated with one recording using a magnetic resonance tomography device in a plurality of recordings with the aid of a plurality of transmitting transmit channels of the magnetic resonance tomography device using excitation signals of one amplitude and phase. A field generated in total by the plurality of transmitting transmit channels is determined through addition of the spatial distribution of field distribution datasets representing a field generated by at least one transmit channel of the plurality of channels. A spatially dependent phase correction of the data is performed for data acquired in one recording using phases resulting from the added field distribution datasets.
US08891842B2
A method includes obtaining a first image of first contrast agent uptake in non tissue of interest of a patient. The first image is generated based on data from first data from a first imaging modality. The method further includes obtaining a second image of second contrast agent uptake in tissue of interest and the non tissue of interest of the patient. The second image is generated based on second data from a second different imaging modality. The method further includes generating a first image mask based on the first image and generating a first feature image based on the second image and the first image mask. The method further includes displaying at least the first feature image.
US08891831B2
Apparatus and methods are presented for estimating the velocity field based on a multi-image frame sequence having an integer number M frames, M is greater than two, in which a set of M−1 displaced frame difference (DFD) equations is solved using a set of iteration equations to determine a velocity field.
US08891830B2
A distance measurement system and method are provided. The distance measurement method first projects a light beam with a speckle pattern to reference planes and an object to allow the reference planes and a surface of the object each have an image of the speckle pattern, the speckle pattern having a plurality of speckles. Next, images of the speckle pattern reflected by the reference planes are captured to generate reference image information, and an image of the speckle pattern reflected by the surface of the object is captured to generate an object image information. A processing module which may be a processing software can compare the object image information with the reference image information to obtain several similarity scores. If the most the most similarity score is greater than a threshold value, the processing module identifies the corresponding reference plane, thereby computing the position of the object.
US08891829B2
There is provided an image processing device including a depth acquisition unit and a smoothing processing unit. The depth acquisition unit acquires a depth to a subject in correlation with a pixel in a captured image of the subject, and the smoothing processing unit designates a pixel in a region excluding a predetermined region in the image as a target pixel, and performs a smoothing process of the degree according to the depth corresponding to the target pixel for a pixel value of the target pixel in a predetermined direction. This causes a pixel in a region excluding the predetermined region in the image to be blurred, thereby generating a panning image.
US08891824B2
The present application discloses a method and device of detecting fatigue driving, comprising: analyzing an eye image in the driver's eye image area with a rectangular feature template to obtain the upper eyelid line; determining the eye closure state according to the curvature or curvature feature value of the upper eyelid line; and collecting statistics on the eye closure state and thereby determining whether the driver is in a fatigue state. The present application determines whether the eyes are opened or closed according to the shape of the upper eyelid, which is more accurate because the upper eyelid line has characteristics of higher relative contrast, anti-interference capacity, and adaptability to the changes in the facial expression.
US08891814B2
Systems and methods for embedding metadata such as personal patient information within actual medical data signals obtained from a patient are provided wherein two watermarks, a robust watermark and a fragile watermark are embedded in a given medical data signal. The robust watermark includes a binary coded representation of the metadata that is incorporated into the frequency domain of the medical data signal using discrete Fourier transformations and additive embedding. Error correcting code can also be added to the binary representation of the metadata using Hamming coding. A given robust watermark can be incorporated multiple times in the medical data signal. The fragile watermark is added on top of the modified medical signal containing the robust watermark in the spatial domain of the modified medical signal. The fragile watermark utilizes hash function to generate random sequences that are incorporated through the medical data signal.
US08891811B2
The present invention relates generally to digital watermarking. In one implementation, we provide a hierarchical digital watermark detector method. The method includes: i) in a first layer of a hierarchical search, performing watermark detection on blocks of at least a portion of an incoming suspect signal; ii) identifying a first block in the portion that is likely to include a decodable digital watermark; and iii) in a second layer of the hierarchical search, performing additional watermark detection on overlapping blocks in a neighborhood around the first block. Another implementation provides a hierarchical watermark detector including a buffer and a detector. The buffer stores portions of an incoming signal. The detector evaluates watermark detection criteria for blocks stored in the buffer, and hierarchically zooms into a neighborhood of blocks around a block associated with watermark detection criteria that satisfies detection criteria.
US08891807B2
There is provided a loudspeaker apparatus which has a diaphragm and a magnet system for driving the diaphragm. The loudspeaker apparatus also has a light source and a cooling device (K) having at least one cooling unit for cooling the at least one light source. The light source is thermally coupled to the first cooling unit. The first cooling unit with the at least one light source is arranged in front of the diaphragm. The outside of the diaphragm can have light reflecting properties.
US08891806B2
A mobile terminal including a case forming an external appearance, a circuit board positioned in the case, an acoustic output unit, and a connector joined to the acoustic output unit and electrically connected to the circuit board is provided. The connector contacts one lateral surface of the circuit board and is elastically deformed through the contact. The connector may include a fixed end portion inserted into the acoustic output unit and a free end portion connected to the fixed end portion to be elastically displaced.
US08891800B1
A case for a mobile device includes a rear panel, a plurality of walls extending around the rear panel, a base portion having a jack configured to receive a power cord input, a first aperture configured to receive a first earbud, a first electrical contact of the first aperture configured to engage a first corresponding charging contact of the first earbud, a second aperture configured to receive a second earbud, a second electrical contact of the second aperture configured to engage a second corresponding charging contact of the second earbud, a first electrical connection configured to engage the jack with a power input port of the mobile device, and a second electrical connection configured to engage the jack with the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.
US08891791B2
An audio mixer (20) include a chassis (22) adapted to receive a docking tray assembly (24), which in turn is adapted to receive a computing device (26). The computing device functions to operate and control the audio mixer (20), and to this end includes a touch screen display (28). The docking tray assembly (24) includes formed tray (110) and, optionally, an adapter configured as a formed insert (112) that nests with the tray (110) to dock a computing device of a configuration different from the computing device docked directly with the tray (110).
US08891789B2
The loudness of an audio signal is adjusted while reducing changes in its perceived spectral balance, using a dynamically-controllable filter having a high-frequency response characteristic and a low-frequency response characteristic, controlled by dynamically-changing information on the desired gain in each of a plurality of frequency bands of the audio signal.
US08891781B2
An active vibration noise control device having a pair of speakers, including: a basic signal generating unit generating a basic signal based on a vibration noise frequency; an adaptive notch filter generating a first control signal provided to one speaker using a first filter coefficient and generating a second control signal provided to the other speaker using a second filter coefficient to cancel the generated vibration noise; a microphone detecting cancellation error between the vibration noise and the control sounds and outputting an error signal; a reference signal generating unit generating a reference signal based on a transfer function from the speakers to the microphone; a filter coefficient updating unit updating first and second filter coefficients, minimize the error signal; and a phase difference limiting unit limiting a phase difference between control sounds generated by different speakers. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately ensure a uniform and wide noise-cancelled area.
US08891780B2
A microphone array device includes a first sound reception unit configured to obtain a first sound signal that is input from a first microphone, a second sound reception unit configured to obtain a second sound signal that is input from a second microphone, a noise state evaluation unit configured to compare the first sound signal and the second sound signal and to obtain an evaluation parameter to evaluate an influence of a non-target sound included in the second sound signal on a target sound included in the first sound signal according to a result of the comparison, a subtraction adjustment unit configured to set a suppression amount for the second sound signal based on the evaluation parameter and to generate a third sound signal; and a subtraction unit configured to generate a signal to be output based on the third sound signal and the first sound signal.
US08891775B2
The invention discloses a method and an encoder for processing a digital audio stereo signal. A digital audio encoder for coding such audio signal comprises a predictive Temporal Noise Shaping (TNS) filter, a Mid-/Side (M/S) coding unit, a control unit for determining a first prediction gain related to the unmodified L/R signal processed by the TNS filter and for determining a second prediction gain related to the M/S-coded L/R signal processed by the TNS filter, wherein the control unit is adapted to disable TNS-filtering—i.e. to bypass the TNS filter—for a current signal frame, if the first and second prediction gains differ by more than a pre-determined mismatch range. Preferably, the first and second prediction gains are determined from signal energy ratios calculated for each channel of the stereo signal including the signal energies of both the TNS-processed (unmodified) L- respectively (unmodified) R-signal and the TNS-processed M/S coded L- respectively M/S coded R-signal divided by the respective signal energies before TNS processing. Furthermore, the control unit is preferably adapted to overrule the disabling of the TNS filter, if the input signal is a near-mono audio signal exhibiting only low energy either in its M- or S-band. In that case, operation of the TNS filter on the stereo audio signal is maintained.
US08891768B2
A method, system, and computer program product for using hidden buffer formatting and passing obfuscated encryption key values to detect tampering with and/or prevent unauthorized inspection of a data buffer. The method comprises receiving an unencrypted sequence to be encrypted, selecting a layout version to associate to an encryption method and a checksum method, then encrypting the unencrypted sequence using the encryption method to form an encrypted sequence, and calculating, using the checksum calculation method, an unencrypted sequence checksum. Further, storing the encrypted sequence to form a hidden buffer payload, which hidden buffer has its own hidden buffer payload checksum. Encryption keys are not stored in program data, nor sent in the hidden buffers. Instead obfuscated encryption key values are used to generate keys on the fly. The receiver of a hidden buffer and obfuscated encryption key values can detect tampering or data corruption of the payload for further processing.
US08891765B1
A method, apparatus, and manufacture for a content decryption module (CDM) is provided. A user agent loads a web application. The web application gets a license for encrypted media content. The web application instructs a media stack of the user agent to play the encrypted media content. The license is sent from the web application to the media stack. Next, the license is sent from the media stack to the CDM. The media stack and the CDM are distinct binaries from each other. Encrypted data is sent from the media stack to the CDM. The encrypted data includes at least a portion of the encrypted media content. Next, the CDM provides decrypted data by decrypting the encrypted data.
US08891756B2
Elliptic curve hash functions are provided which do not require a pre-existing hash function, such as that required by the MuHash. The elliptic curve hash functions can be built from scratch and are collision free and can be incremental. In one embodiment, rather than a pre-existing hash function, the identity function with padding is used; and in another embodiment, rather than a pre-existing hash function, a block cipher with a fixed non-secret key is used.
US08891753B2
The present invention provides flexible call processing. For example, a call processor system can receive an inbound call intended for a called party and place an outbound call to the called party. The call processing system can provide the called party with a call transfer option.
US08891736B2
A method and a device for clustering lines of a wireline network in a number of virtual binders includes obtaining a noise value samples pertaining to different lines of the wireline network at substantially coinciding sampling moments, detecting corresponding features in these series, determining degrees of correlation between these features, and assigning the lines to one or more virtual binders on the basis of their mutual degrees of correlation.
US08891726B2
When performing nuclear (e.g., SPECT or PET) and CT scans on a patient, an imaging system (10) includes three or more carbon nanotube x-ray sources (20) are circumferentially spaced along an arc of a rotatable gantry (16) that spans a distance larger than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of a section of a patient (14) to be imaged. The x-ray sources are sequentially pulsed to emit x-rays for scanning a section of a patient (14) including a volume of interest (VOI) (13). Only one source (20) is in an ON state at a time to create a duty cycle, which reduces cooling time for the respective sources as well as radiation dose to the subject. X-rays traversing the patient (14) are received at a flat panel x-ray detector (22) that has a width smaller than the maximum cross-sectional dimension, which further reduces the weight and size of the system (10).
US08891714B2
A system for synchronizing a receiver of a bit stream to the bit stream include a correlator to remove the PN code modulation and to generate a stream of time sequence values (samples) from the received bits. Multiple accumulators are included, each accumulator corresponding to a different offset from a first time period. The accumulators add a number of values equal to a number of samples in a bit period. Multiple magnitude calculators receive sums from the corresponding accumulators and calculates respective magnitudes. Multiple non-coherent summers are then used to add the magnitudes for each offset in each bit period for all of the received bits. The outputs of the non-coherent summers are analyzed to find the highest value, to identify the location of the bit transition in the bit period.
US08891709B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed to compensate for interference and/or distortion impressed onto a transmitted communication signal in the presence of one or more time-varying noise and/or interference conditions. A communications receiver includes a noise analyzer to characterize the composition of the interference and/or the distortion and produce a selection signal indicating the composition of the interference and/or the distortion. The communications receiver selects at least one set of equalization coefficients and/or updates at least one parameter of a least-squares algorithm or the suitable equivalent algorithm to compensate for the interference and/or the distortion impressed onto a transmitted communication signal in the presence of a particular time-varying noise and/or interference condition.
US08891707B2
A receiving device includes: a mixer module arranged to receive an input signal to generate a down-converted output; a first active filter, the first active filter arranged to receive the down-converted output and perform an active filtering process upon the down-converted output to generate a first filtered output; a passive filter, the passive filter arranged to receive the first filtered output and perform a passive filtering process upon the first filtered output to generate a second filtered output; and a processing circuit, the processing circuit arranged to receive the second filtered output and process the second filtered output to generate an output signal corresponding to the input signal.
US08891706B2
The present invention relates to a combiner, channel identifier, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing OFDM receiver and method for optimizing use of channel state information of a received signal. The method comprises analyzing a received signal in a time domain and extracting from the received signal characteristics of a communication channel. The method furthermore comprises determining a dynamic indicator of channel station information accuracy based on the characteristics of the received signal. Additionally, the method comprises applying a weight to the channel state information according to the dynamic indicator.
US08891704B2
In one embodiment, a method includes applying, by a transimpedance amplifier at a receiving end of a communication link, equalization to a signal carried by the communication link at the receiving end of the communication link.
US08891700B1
Interference in a wireless network is detected by first applying during a detection stage a two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test to samples obtained from a channel in the wireless network to obtain a KS statistic. When the KS statistic is larger than a predetermine threshold, it is determined that the samples include narrowband interference, and wideband otherwise.
