US08985895B2
An auxiliary member for pavement construction, including: a cylinder, a base plate and a leveling bolt; the cylinder includes a first cylinder part and a second cylinder part which are connected and communicated with each other, the first cylinder part is provided with a sling installing member and a slurry inlet, bottom of the second cylinder part is connected with the base plate, the base plate is provided with a bolt extending hole and multiple slurry discharging holes which are communicated with the inner cavity of the second cylinder part, the leveling bolt includes a bolt head and a screw, the screw extends through the bolt extending hole, the bolt head is arranged in the second cylinder part and the bolt head is smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylinder part. The present invention further provides a concrete slab and a method for pavement construction.
US08985894B1
A method of constructing a pump island protector to alleviate continuous maintenance required for a deteriorating existing steel pump island base, and a pump island protector constructed by the method. Using an adjustable form system and the combination of stainless steel members and new concrete, the existing pump island is re-wrapped with the stainless steel member and the new concrete.
US08985892B1
A method of constructing a pump island protector to alleviate continuous maintenance required for a deteriorating existing steel pump island base, and a pump island protector constructed by the method. Using an adjustable form system and the combination of stainless steel members and new concrete, the existing pump island is re-wrapped with the stainless steel member and the new concrete.
US08985891B1
A road safety barrier having a plurality of ropes supported by posts rigidly mounted on or in the ground is described. Each rope is held in tension against the posts and supported in a notch or groove in a side of the posts. The ropes are released from a post and the post is not pulled from the ground when a vertical force is exerted on the rope. The ropes when weaved are tensioned against the posts and this gives use to a combined frictional resistance to displacement of the ropes relative to each post along the length of the safety barrier. The structure of at least some of the posts and/or their mounting with respect to the ground defines a minimum bending yield strength in a direction along the length of the barrier. This minimum bending yield strength is greater than the bending moment resulting from the combined frictional resistance forces acting on the post.
US08985887B2
A wobble joint fitting for an adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat comprises a first fitting part, a toothed eccentric gear that has an eccentric hole and a collar, and an eccentric comprising a rotatable drive part, a control part and wedge segments, the control part comprising control surfaces that come to abut against the wedge surfaces. The fitting further comprises a second fitting part that is adjustable with respect to the first fitting part. A latching part is provided which has at least one latching tooth, biased only in an actuation position of the latching part into engagement with a latching recess, and having an actuating flank. The control part comprises an actuating portion which abuts against the actuating flank and, during a rotary movement of the control part, presses the latching tooth into abutment against the collar, and biases it into engagement into a latching recess.
US08985878B2
A rig for supporting a camera. A left rod and a right rod, each rod extending generally forwards and having a front end and a back end. Each rod configured to be operably connected to the other rod via a support structure that is configured for supporting a camera, each rod having a sliding element configured to operably connect each rod to the support structure, each sliding element being configured to be moveable towards and, alternatingly, away from the back end. Each rod is equipped with a spring positioned to bias each sliding element toward a registration position in relation to the back end, so that forward movement of the sliding element from the registration position develops a backward bias in the spring, and backward movement of the sliding element from the registration position develops a forward bias in the spring.
US08985872B1
An optical-electrical converting module includes a housing and a PCB with electrical terminals, optical-electrical converting components, and a reflector. The housing includes a first end surface and an opposite second end surface, and defines a receiving space including a first opening defined in the first end surface and a second opening defined in the second end surface. The PCB is received in the receiving space, the PCB includes a first end adjacent to the first opening and a second end adjacent to the second opening. The electrical terminals are arranged on the second end and are electrically connected with the optical-electrical converting components. The reflector is mounted on the first end, and includes a first optical surface facing the first opening, a second optical surface facing the optical-electrical converting components, and a reflective surface titled relative to the first optical surface and the second optical surface.
US08985867B2
An optical fiber connection system includes a first and a second optical fiber, each with end portions that are terminated by a first and a second fiber optic connector, respectively. A fiber optic adapter connects the first and the second fiber optic connectors. A fiber alignment apparatus includes V-blocks and gel blocks. Each of the fiber optic connectors includes a connector housing and a sheath. The end portions of the optical fibers are positioned beyond distal ends of the respective connector housings. The sheath is slidably connected to the connector housing and slides between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The sheath covers the end portion of the respective optical fiber when the sheath is at the extended configuration and exposes the end portion when at the retracted configuration. The end portions of the optical fibers are cleaned when slid between the V-blocks and the gel blocks.
US08985864B2
A fiber optic alignment device includes two alignment blocks and two gel blocks. A fiber passage is adapted to receive a first optical fiber through the first end and a second optical fiber through the second end. An intermediate portion is adapted to align the first and the second optical fibers between the first and the second alignment blocks. A first portion of the fiber passage extends between the first alignment block and the first gel block. A second portion of the fiber passage extends between the second alignment block and the second gel block. End portions of the first and the second optical fibers may be cleaned when slid between the alignment blocks and the gel blocks. The fiber passage may include an undulating portion.
US08985863B2
A method of manufacturing an optical cable including plural waveguides each including plural optical channels and each of the waveguides and the optical channels having a first end and a second end. A central portion of each of the waveguides is displaced along a central longitudinal axis of the waveguides which traverses a central bifurcation line of the first and second connectors. A first optical channel connection pattern is formed on the first connector by the first ends of the optical channels of the waveguides connected thereto; and a second optical channel connection pattern formed on the second connector by the second ends of the optical channels of the waveguides connect to the second connector. The first optical channel connection pattern is a different pattern than the second optical channel connection pattern in relation to a connection hole pattern which is the same for both the first and second connectors.
US08985862B2
An adapter housing for receiving a plurality of multi-fiber connectors includes a rectangular, box-like housing structure having opposing side walls and a back wall that to adapted to mount in a 2-U space in an equipment rack, wherein the housing structure has a width of no greater than about 17.75 inches and a height of no greater than about 3.50 inches. A bank of adapters is provided for receiving multi-fiber connectors. The bank of adapters includes individual connector-adapter-connector locations that together receive at least 200 multi-fiber connector pairs within the housing structure.
US08985861B2
Device for the coaxial connection of fiber-optic cables, comprising a single-piece coupling housing (10) and a single-piece sleeve mount (20), the sleeve mount (20) being designed with at least one latching nose (21) and the coupling housing (10) being designed with at least one latching mount which complements the at least one latching nose (21), wherein the latching mount is designed with at least one latching hook (14) and at least one stop (15).
US08985852B2
A CT scanner gantry comprises a base with a tiltable frame holding a rotating part, the rotating part having a rotation axis and drive means for tilting the tiltable frame with respect to the base. Furthermore, a tilt drive control unit is provided to control the drive means. In inclination sensor is provided at the tiltable frame to indicate the inclination of the tiltable frame with respect to the center of gravity of earth to the tilt drive control unit.
US08985842B2
An apparatus for mixing tank contents including sedimentary material is disclosed. The apparatus includes an agitator connected to a support including a plurality of detachable sections. The apparatus further includes a frame adjacent an opening in a top of the tank. The apparatus also includes an actuatable connector for interconnecting the frame to the support. The connector is configured to be actuated in order to lift a first portion of the support above the frame while a second portion of the support below the frame is maintained, to thereby cause a gap between the first portion and the second portion enabling at least one of the detachable sections to be inserted into the gap. The apparatus also includes at least one actuator for causing the connector to lift the first portion in order to cause the gap, and for lowering the first portion and the second portion.
US08985837B1
A concrete vibrator for a hopper which feeds concrete to a slip form is mounted to the outer surface of the hopper wall. The vibrator is fixed to the end of a tube which extends into the hopper through a hole in the hopper wall. A rubber isolator molded on the tube is clamped between flanges one of which is welded to the outer surface of the hopper wall.
US08985823B2
A vehicle lamp includes a lamp body having an opening, a front cover attached to the lamp body to close the opening, and a first optical unit disposed inside a lamp chamber defined by the lamp body and the cover. The first optical unit includes a printed wiring board having a first section formed with a first conductor pattern and a second section formed with a second conductor pattern electrically coupled to the first conductor pattern, an LED mounted on the first section of the printed wiring board, and a lighting control circuit provided on the second section of the printed wiring board to control a lighting of the LED. The first optical unit further has a bracket supporting the printed wiring board in a horizontal manner, and a drip-preventive cover covering the lighting control circuit. The drip-preventive cover is provided on the bracket.
US08985808B2
A planar sample, particularly of the type used in biological laboratories for detection and sometimes analysis of two-dimensional arrays of proteins, nucleic acids, or other biological species, is illuminated by epi-illumination using optically filtered line lights that are arranged along opposing parallel sides of a rectangle in which the sample array resides, with two coaxial line lights on each side of the rectangle, and the two on any given side being separated by a gap whose optimal width depends on the wavelength band transmitted by the optical filter. Surprisingly, the gap eliminates the peak in intensity at the center of the sample area and the decrease that occurs from the center outward that would otherwise occur with a single continuous filtered line light, producing instead a substantially uniform intensity along the direction parallel to the line lights.
US08985806B2
A back panel for use in a light emitting diode (LED) lighting assembly is disclosed. An extruded substrate formed of a thermally conductive material is provided, the substrate having a plurality of fins extending from a first side of the substrate, each of the fins having a substantially rectangular shape oriented so that a longitudinal axis of the fin is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the substrate. At least some of the fins include a hole formed through the fin to enable heated air to rise through the fins. A plurality of LEDs are mounted on a second side of the substrate, and oriented in a longitudinal orientation with the fins oriented parallel to the bottom edge of a surface to be illuminated, such that heat rises perpendicular to the surface of the fin.
US08985798B2
A backlight unit and a display apparatus using the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a first reflector, a second reflector partially having an inclined surface, a plurality of light sources disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector, and a third reflector disposed between adjacent light sources.
US08985792B2
Disclosed is an improved backlit indicator knob.
US08985786B2
Provided is an image projection apparatus, such as a projector, including a light source; an image generating element such as a DMD that receives light from the light source and forms an image; an image generating unit that irradiates the image generating element with the light from the light source; a first optical system including multiple transmission refractive optical elements; a second optical system arranged on an optical path of outgoing light of the first optical system and including a reflection optical element; and a projection optical system that enlarges and projects an image conjugate to the image generated by the image generating element as a projected image. The light source, the image generating unit, and the first optical system are arranged side by side in series in a direction parallel with the projected image plane.
US08985785B2
A projection system is provided. The system includes a first light source emitting light at a first polarization. A second light source is provided adjacent the first light source, the second light source emitting light at a second polarization. A digital mirror device (DMD) is provided having a first axis. A mirror optically is disposed adjacent the DMD between the first light source, the second light source and the DMD. The first light source and second light source emit light that is reflected onto the DMD.
US08985780B2
Disclosed is a liquid cooling system for use with MRI positioned video projectors to dissipate heat from the projector light source through liquid cooling. The system includes a heat sink body for mounting to the projector light source, the heat sink body constructed of a material to transfer heat away from the projector light. A remotely mounted motor-driven pump provides fluid circulation, the pump is constructed and/or mounted so as to not to be effected by the MRI magnetic field. The pump is coupled to the heat sink block by use of flexible tubing that is constructed and arranged to provide heat transfer to the environment thereby maintaining the projector light source temperature at a reduced level. A liquid reservoir is fluidly coupled to the pump intake for use in maintaining liquid levels at an optimum position.
US08985776B2
A projector for projecting light onto a projection surface includes a first group (1) with a negative meniscus, a second group (2) with positive refractive power, a third group (3) with a single lens, a fourth group (4) with a lens with positive refractive power, and a field lens (5) with positive refractive power, such that the light passes through the projection objective from the fourth to the first group. In order to be provide a high image quality with a small number of optical components and the smallest dimensions, the projector is configured so the common focal width of the fourth group (4) and the field lens (5) is smaller than twice the image circle diameter (9) of the projection objective and the maximum free diameter (8) is smaller than the overall focal width, and in particular smaller than 0.8 times the overall focal width of the projection objective.
US08985772B2
An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus includes: an optical coherence system for obtaining a tomographic image of an examinee's eye, having an optical scanner for scanning the eye with measurement light and a detector for detecting an interference signal of the light and reference light; an observing optical system for acquiring a front image of the eye; a scan controller for controlling the optical scanner to scan with the light different transverse positions set on the image, and acquire first interference signals at the positions; a display controller for displaying on a monitor an image created in response to the first interference signal; and an image recapture setting unit for setting a rephotographing transverse position in response to an operation signal from an operating unit for the image on the monitor. The scan controller scans the eye with the light at the rephotographing transverse position, and acquires a second interference signal.
US08985769B2
A method determines an optical property (S, C) of a patient eye with an intraocular lens. The patient eye and the intraocular lens define a system. In the method, a measured value of the optical property of the system is determined at a measurement time (tM) after injecting the intraocular lens into the patient eye. The measured value and the associated measurement time (tM) are compared to a known time profile of the values of the optical property for the lens. The known time profile since unfolding the intraocular lens was determined experimentally before the lens is injected and is made available in the form of measurement series or data derived therefrom. A value for the optical property of the system is determined at a different time than the measurement time (tM), according to the known time profile of the values of the optical property for the lens.
US08985759B2
An image forming apparatus includes a first power source configured to supply power for driving a load to be used for image formation via a first power line, a load control circuit configured to control driving of the load, a control circuit configured to output control data for the load control circuit to control the load, a second power source configured to supply power for the load control circuit via a second power line provided separately from the first power line, a superimposing circuit configured to superimpose the control data output from the control circuit onto the second power line, and a separation circuit configured to separate the control data from the second power line, on which the control data is superimposed and sent, and to output the control data to the load control circuit.
US08985757B2
An ink-based digital printing system includes an imaging member having an imaging surface; a dampening fluid metering system, the dampening fluid metering system being configured to apply a layer of dampening fluid to the imaging surface; an inking system, the inking system being configured to apply radiation-curable ink to the imaging surface of the imaging member after the dampening fluid layer is patterned according to digital image data using a laser imaging system; and an offset member, the offset member forming a first ink transfer nip with the imaging member, the imaging member and the offset member being configured for transferring the ink image from the imaging surface to an offset member surface of the offset member.
US08985754B2
A liquid container may be connected to a liquid consuming unit. The liquid container includes an ink holder containing an ink composition, and an ink delivering portion through which the ink composition flows out of the ink holder. The ink composition contains an aqueous medium and a water-resistant metal pigment that includes pigment particles whose surfaces are covered with a coating and reacts with the aqueous medium to generate hydrogen gas. The amount of hydrogen gas generated per day from the ink composition in the ink holder is lower than or equal to the amount of hydrogen gas permeating per day through the ink holder, in an environment of 25° C.
US08985745B2
A liquid jet head includes an actuator portion having a first recessed portion, a second recessed portion, sidewalls made of a piezoelectric material and forming grooves provided between and communicating with respective ones of the first and second recessed portions, drive electrodes provided on respective ones of the sidewalls, and electrode terminals for transmitting a drive signal to respective ones of the drive electrodes. A cover plate has a first liquid chamber communicating with the first recessed portion for supplying liquid to the grooves and having a second liquid chamber communicating with the second recessed portion for discharging liquid from the grooves. A nozzle plate has nozzles communicating with respective ones of the grooves for ejecting liquid supplied to the grooves due to deformation of the sidewalls upon transmission of a drive signal by the electrode terminals to respective ones of the drive electrodes.
US08985742B2
There is provided a liquid ejecting head in which a flow path width Wc of a pressure chamber is equal to or larger than 60 μm, and when a-50% average particle diameter of a quasi-diameter obtained based on a maximum projected area of glitter pigment is assumed to be R50, a maximum particle diameter of the quasi-diameter is assumed to be Rmax, and a thickness of the glitter pigment for the quasi-diameter is assumed to be Z, equations of 0.8≦R50≦1.1, 0.2>Z/R50≧0.02, and Rmax/Wc<0.1 are satisfied.
US08985735B2
The present disclosure is related to deposition of print treatments. In an example, treatment is to be deposited on substrate dot locations to receive ink according to selected treatment-to-ink regimes. The selected treatment-to-ink regimes include a variable treatment-to-ink regime and a constant treatment-to-ink regime. The variable treatment-to-ink regime is for depositing a variable amount of treatment dependent on the amount of ink to be deposited in a substrate dot location when the ink amount in the substrate dot location is below a threshold. The constant treatment-to-ink regime is for depositing a selected constant amount of treatment in a substrate dot location and an area surrounding the substrate dot location when the ink amount in the substrate dot location is above the threshold. Other examples are illustrated herein.
US08985731B2
A liquid ejection apparatus includes feeding mechanism that feeds a recording medium in a first direction, a head including nozzles that eject liquid; and a humidifying mechanism. The humidifying mechanism includes a humidified air generating device that generates humidified air, an output portion that outputs the humidified air generated by the humidified air generating device, and a receiving portion that receives the humidified air output from the output portion. The output portion includes a first opening and a second opening. An area of the second opening is greater than an area of the first opening, and the first opening is separated from the second opening in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The head is disposed between the output portion and the receiving portion in the first direction.
US08985718B2
A door locking assembly for a refrigerator includes a pivoting shaft (20) mounted on the door (80) of a refrigerator along a vertical direction. A rotating member (30) defines a first end (31) pivotably connected with the pivoting shaft (20) and a second end (32). The elastic member (40) defines a first end (41) fixed on the door (80) and a second end (42) connected with the rotating member (30) so as to apply a force on the rotating member (30). A stopping member (10) is disposed on the door (80) and configured to stop the rotating member (30) at a predetermined position. The positioning member (50) is disposed on the cabinet (90) of the refrigerator and configured to engage with the second end (32) of the rotating member (30) so as to lock the door (80) onto the cabinet (90) when the door (80) is closed.
US08985717B2
Hinge assembly for household appliances having an horizontally-pivoted front door, and which comprises: a first coupling element; a second coupling element; and a door-weight balancing device; the door-weight balancing device in turn comprising a supporting rod; a compression-preloaded elastically-deformable member which is fitted to the supporting rod so as to have a first end firmly fixed to the distal end of the supporting rod and a second end; a linking mechanism which connects the proximal end of the supporting rod to the second coupling element, so that the supporting rod is axially moved to further compress the elastically-deformable member when the second coupling element rotates from the first to the second working position; and an adjustable spacer element which is structured so to allow a manually-operated adjustment, thus varying the compression preload of the elastically-deformable member fitted on the supporting rod.
US08985716B2
The present invention relates to console modules and modular console systems. In one aspect, a console module unit is provided comprising a frame, the frame comprising first and second spaced apart frame sections, each frame section comprising two spaced apart side supports and two spaced apart lateral supports, each lateral support disposed between and forming junctions with corresponding ends of the side supports, and a plurality of cross supports interconnecting the first and second frame sections, wherein at least one of the side, lateral, and cross supports is in the form of an extrusion, the extrusion defining at least one re-entrant channel extending in a direction of its longitudinal axis, the at least one re-entrant channel for receiving at least a portion of a coupler. In another aspect, a modular console system comprising at least two console modules is provided.
US08985715B2
The invention relates to a dishwasher (1), in particular to a domestic dishwasher, having a washing cavity (2) in which at least one crockery basket (3) is arrangable, wherein the at least one crockery basket (3) can be moved forth and back between an inserted position and a pull out position, wherein a door (4) is arranged at the front side (5) of the dishwasher (1) which can be arranged in an open (0) and in a closed (C) position and wherein means (6) are arranged to prevent that the crockery basket (3) is pulled out of the washing cavity (2) too far, wherein the means (6) comprise at least one hook element (7) which is firmly connected with the crockery basket (3), wherein the at least one hook element (7) is designed to cooperate with a stop element (8) which is formed at or in a lower edge (15) of the door (4) or at or in an adjacent part (12) of a lower edge (15) of the door (4), preferably wherein the at least one hook element (7) is designed to grip below said stop element (8).
US08985713B2
Vehicle brake system comprises a hydraulic brake device, a regenerative brake device to drive wheels driven by a generator-motor and a brake control device for cooperatively controlling the hydraulic brake force and the regenerative brake force in response to an operation amount of a brake operation member. This vehicle brake system further includes a differential amount calculating portion calculating a differential amount by subtracting a regeneration execution brake force obtained by execution of the generator-motor from a regeneration request brake force, a regenerative range judging portion for judging whether the regeneration request brake force is within a range of a re-generable brake force which is executable by the generator-motor and a hydraulic pressure restricting portion for restricting increase of the hydraulic brake force when the differential amount is a positive value and the regeneration request brake force is within the range of the re-generable brake force.
US08985709B2
An improved vehicle wheel, including a rim, a hub with a central axle and an outer flange, a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub and a connecting element connected to at least one of the spokes. The spoke is a generally slender element with a longitudinal axis with a span portion between the rim and hub and a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the span portion. At least one of said rim and hub constitutes a bracing element. The connecting element includes an external surface and an internal cavity with an internal surface adjacent said spoke. The connecting element is joined to the spoke by means of a crimped joinder such that said external surface is pressed inwardly to plastically deform said connecting element to displace the internal surface toward the spoke. The crimped joinder supports tensile load through an engagement interface.
US08985704B2
A material extraction system is provided for an underground mine. The mine includes a roadway entry and a draw-bell entry intersecting the roadway entry and affording access to a draw-bell. The system generally includes a loader movable from the roadway entry into the draw-bell entry for removing material from the draw-bell, a sizer coupled to the loader for sizing the removed material, a material collector operable to collect the sized material, and a shuttle car operable to receive the collected material from the material collector. The material collector has a loading end and a discharge end, and material transport device extending therebetween. The shuttle car is movable along the roadway entry for transferring the collected material so as to facilitate a substantially continuous extraction of the material.
US08985703B2
A continuous material extraction system for a mine. The mine includes a roadway entry and a draw-bell entry intersecting the roadway entry and affording access to a draw-bell. The system generally includes a conveyor extending along the roadway entry, roadway rails extending along the roadway entry, and a material collector moveable along the roadway rails. The material collector is operable to crush material and deposit crushed material onto the conveyor. The system also includes a loading machine that is moveable along the rails and from the roadway entry into the draw-bell entry for removing material from the draw-bell and transferring material removed from the draw bell to the material collector. A bridge conveyor extends between the loading machine and the material collector.
US08985702B2
In an automotive road milling machine (1) for milling ground surfaces (3), with a machine frame (2), a milling drum (4) with a quick-change system arranged at the machine frame (2) in a drum housing (11), a driving device (6) for driving the milling drum (4), a reduction gear (8) arranged between the driving device (6) and the milling drum (4), where the milling drum (4) is arranged between drum housing walls (12,13) of the drum housing (11) running orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the milling drum (4), where the quick-change system is provided with a basic drum body (14) and at least one milling tube element (10) capable of being pushed onto the basic drum body (14), where the drum housing wall (13) opposite the drive-side drum housing wall (12) is easily removable for the quick exchange of alternatively usable milling tube elements (10), it is provided for the following features to be achieved: the housing (9) of the reduction gear (8) is attached to the machine frame (2) in a torsionally rigid fashion, inside the machine frame (2), between the driving device (6) and the drum housing wall (12) at the drum housing (11).
US08985700B2
Methods and equipment have been developed that combine the use of continuous miners, flexible conveyor trains, and longwall mining techniques to provide flexible and efficient removal of resources from subterranean formations. Some systems for use in a mining operation include: a continuous miner configured to cut material from a face; a plurality of powered roof supports positioned along the face; and a guidance system operable to receive a location signal based on relative location of the continuous miner along the face and to send a control signal to the plurality of powered roof supports positioned along the face.
US08985696B2
A vehicle seat comprising a fastened member and a fastening member. The fastened member comprising a fastened member-side base section formed from metal, and a fastened member-side reinforcement section formed from fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), laminated in a sheet thickness direction over the whole of the fastened member-side base section so as to reinforce the fastened member-side base section. The fastening member comprising a fastening member-side base section formed from metal, and a fastening member-side reinforcement section formed from FRP, laminated in a sheet thickness direction over the whole of the fastening member-side base section so as to reinforce the fastening member-side base section. The fastening member is fastened to the fastened member by bringing the fastening member-side base section into contact with the fastened member-side base section.
US08985695B2
A backrest is provided, whereby a frame-shaped base structure of which is made of a dimensionally stable plastic, The base structure being formed from beams. The frame-shaped base structure includes at least one functional element between the beams, and the at least one functional element is made only of a plastic and/or as a plastic-coated insert. Injection molding is proposed as a production method.
US08985693B2
An upright sleep support system incorporates a head cushion having a face relief aperture to receive the eyes, nose, mouth and chin of a passenger placing his or her face against the head cushion with a hinged support structure for angular adjustment, sleeves that open in front to support the passengers arms, and a chest cushion on the back of the device. The chest cushion receives the passenger's chest in a forward leaning position. The head cushion is deployable from a backpack and the chest cushion is integrated into the back of the backpack.
US08985685B2
A vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion defining a forward support frame having a plurality of forwardly extending connection pins on a front surface thereof. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed on the polymeric body portion and includes a plurality of slots configured to receive the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A seat includes a seat pan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open and closed positions. The seat pan includes a forward upwardly-rounded hump configured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward in the seat. The seat pan includes a storage compartment on an underside thereof that includes a latchable lid.
US08985673B2
A door frame structure of a vehicle door includes an upright pillar sash and an upper sash that are joined together at a corner portion. An opening is formed in a tubular enclosed frame body portion of one of the upright pillar sash and the upper sash, at the corner portion, into which a tubular enclosed frame body portion of the other of the upright pillar sash and the upper sash is inserted. A longitudinal-end surface of the other of the upright pillar sash and the upper sash is brought against an inner surface of the frame body portion of the one of the upright pillar sash and the upper sash. An insertion part of the other of the upright pillar sash and the upper sash is fixed and welded to the one of the upright pillar sash and the upper sash.
US08985665B2
A motor vehicle with a seat bench which includes a seat surface which is approximately horizontal in a normal position and a backrest which is approximately vertical in the normal position, wherein the seat surface and the backrest are adjustable into a partition position in which the seat surface and the backrest adopt an at least approximately vertical position and the backrest is arranged above the seat surface. The backrest upper edge is in contact with the roof of the motor vehicle in the partition position, such that the backrest together with the seat surface forms a partition which separates the region behind the partition in the direction of travel from the region in front of the partition in the direction of travel.
US08985663B2
A mounting structure for a vehicular interior member is provide and includes an opening flange formed by joining an outer flange of an outdoor-side panel and an inner flange of an indoor-side panel to each other at the peripheral edge of a door opening, an opening trim fitted to the opening flange, and an interior member that covers the vehicle indoor side of the indoor-side panel. An insertion piece extending from the edge part back surface of the interior member, together with the opening flange, is pinched by the opening trim. At the tip end of the insertion piece, a protrusion capable of being locked to the edge end of the opening flange is formed, and by fitting the opening trim to the opening flange in the state in which the protrusion is locked, the edge part of the interior member is fixed to the opening flange.
US08985659B2
A hand-held remote access device, such as a netting tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of nets movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member having alternating ridges and grooves that is bendable so as to attain a predetermined shape.
US08985658B2
A carabiner comprising a body having an opening, a closure movably coupled to the body, the closure being movable to an open position, and to a closed position in which the opening is closed by the closure such that the body and the closure define a closed shape, and an actuator, coupled to the closure and operatively connected to the body, the actuator being configured to cause the closure to move to the closed position in response to loading of the carabiner, and to cause the closure to move from the closed position to the open position in response to unloading of the carabiner.
US08985657B1
A spill-proof platter apparatus is arranged to minimize spillage of items supported thereon during transport and use. The platter apparatus employs connector fixtures secured to a holder plate at one or more locations in a predetermined pattern. Receivers taking the form of beverage container braces, plates, bowls, and the like are removably engaged to the connector fixtures to locate beverage and food related items at a fixed position of the platter apparatus.
US08985653B1
A waste collector having a body and a scooper, the scooper having a trap door that opens in one direction to allow waste to move through the door into the body, but prevents the waste from coming back out of the body in the opposite direction, thereby securely containing the waste. The scooper is movably attached to the body to allow the scooper to be opened from the body to discard the waste. The body comprises a back door to allow the waste to be discarded through the back end. The scooper comprises a plurality of openings to allow re-usable litter to pass through while containing the waste. The body has a slot to hold a roll of bags configured to fit inside the body to give the user the option of lining the interior of the body with a bag for easier disposal of the collected waste.
US08985652B1
A system for protecting a pedestrian during impact with a vehicle, the system having a bumper adapted for attachment to an end of the vehicle, wherein the bumper is comprised of a plurality of air sacs, wherein the bumper has a horizontal thickness extends from the end of the vehicle, wherein at least some of the plurality of air sacs stretch and then burst during impact between the bumper and a pedestrian causing deceleration along the horizontal width of the bumper during the impact, wherein the bumper undergoes plastic deformation during impact with the pedestrian as the at least some of the air sacs burst during impact, and wherein the bursting of some of the plurality of air sacs reduces spring back of the bumper on the pedestrian.
US08985649B2
A material handling vehicle includes a laminated bumper that provides both durability and reduced energy transmissibility. The laminated bumper includes at least a first bumper layer and a second bumper layer, such that at least one of the first bumper layer and second bumper layer of the laminate bumper are allowed to translate upon bumper contact with an object.
US08985644B2
A barrier release mechanism for a construction including a barrier and frame has a latch biased towards an unlatching position. An actuation device adjacent the construction is movable, under pressure from a fluid pressure source, into an engaged position in abutment with the latch to urge the latch against the bias to cause constraining of the barrier. Reduction of the pressure allows the actuation device to move to a disengaged position wherein the bias moves the latch to the unlatching position in which the barrier is not constrained.
US08985643B2
A position-limiting mechanism includes a first position-limiting element, a second position-limiting element, and a knob. The first and second position-limiting elements and the knob are slidably configured on a main body. A first component and a second component are secured to the main body by the first and second position-limiting elements, respectively. The knob is movably connected to the first and second position-limiting elements. When the knob slides relatively to the main body along a first direction, the knob drives the first position-limiting element to release the first component. When the knob slides relatively to the main body along a second direction, the knob drives the second position-limiting element to release the second component.
US08985639B2
Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.
US08985630B2
A cradle assembly for a vehicle having an underbody is provided. The cradle assembly includes a cradle body attachable to the underbody of the vehicle by at least one fastener. The cradle body may define at least one pathway, which may have a first pathway portion and a second pathway portion between which the at least one fastener is movable. The at least one fastener may be positioned in the first pathway portion to enable the cradle body to be secured to the underbody, and in the second pathway portion to enable the cradle body to be separated from the underbody. The cradle body is configured to move with respect to the at least one fastener when an applied load on the vehicle is at or above a threshold magnitude.
US08985627B2
In a steering system that includes: an intermediate shaft on a steering wheel side; a pinion shaft on a steered wheel side; and a cross joint by which the intermediate shaft and the pinion shaft are rotatably connected to each other on a plane intersecting with each of the shafts, and that steers steered wheels by transmitting steering torque of a steering wheel from the intermediate shaft to the pinion shaft, a weakened portion is formed in a joint spider of the cross joint. The weakened portion can be identified in advance as a portion that breaks first. This makes it possible to realize a failure mode in which a vehicle is able to run by itself for a certain period of time after a failure.
US08985614B2
The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).
US08985606B2
A side bar and steps attached to the side bar attached to a vehicle or to the side of the vehicle by welds, brazing, or bolting to brackets welded to the side bar or vehicle. A step is constructed by attaching a curved or flat member to the top of an L-shaped support bar that is in turn connected to the side bar or vehicle. The steps are movably affixed to a tab that is welded to the side bar or vehicle. The L-shaped supports have a plurality of engagement points so that the step can be adjusted upward and downward using the different attachment points. In this manner steps can be moved for different users depending on the height of the vehicle or user preference. The L-shaped support bars may be flared outward and provided with a plate for mounting the step thereon.
US08985605B2
A rear shock absorber mounting structure for a vehicle includes a rear shock absorber upper cover which may be mounted on a wheel housing and on which a rear shock absorber may be engaged and supported, an inner dual rail member which may be mounted on an inner surface of the wheel housing, which may be oriented toward a vehicle interior along a width direction of a vehicle, and an outer dual rail member which may be mounted on an outer surface of the wheel housing, which may be oriented toward an outside of the vehicle interior along the width direction of the vehicle, and thereby, the rear shock absorber mounting structure may be configured by a simple structure, and mounting stiffness of the rear shock absorber may be increased.
US08985595B2
The invention relates to a wheel suspension for vehicles, with a vehicle body and wheels articulated on the vehicle body by means of wheel suspension parts. The wheel suspension parts of each wheel oscillate during the driving mode, and contain a wheel carrier supporting the wheel rotatably about a wheel axle and links connecting said wheel carrier to the vehicle body. The relative movement between the vehicle body and wheel suspension parts can be detected by means of detecting means. Articulation positions of the same and/or other wheel suspension parts can be automatically changed by at least one actuating means depending on the relative movements detected by the detecting means. At least one first and at least one second detecting means are respectively assigned to first and second vehicle sides of a vehicle axle.
US08985588B2
The seal arrangement (1) for piston compressors comprises a deformable ring support (2) and a first and a second endless sealing ring (3a, 3b), wherein the ring support (2) has a longitudinal axis (L) which extends perpendicularly with respect to its circumferential direction, and wherein the ring support (2) has a gap (2i) with play in its circumferential direction, and wherein each sealing ring (3a, 3b) has a longitudinal axis (3c, 3d) which extends perpendicularly with respect to its circumferential direction, and wherein the sealing rings (3a, 3b) are arranged in such a way that the ring support (2) encloses them from the outside, and wherein the two sealing rings (3a, 3b) are arranged next to one another in the direction of extent of the longitudinal axis (L), and wherein the ring support (2) and the sealing rings (3a, 3b) are designed to be adapted to one another in such a way that the first sealing ring (3a) bears on one side against a first side wall (2d) of the ring support (2) and forms a first gap (S1) to the ring support (2) on the opposite side with regard to the longitudinal axis (3c) of the first sealing ring (3a), and wherein the second sealing ring (3b) bears in a diametrically opposed manner on one side against a second side wall (2l) of the ring support (2) and forms a second gap (S2) to the ring support (2) on the opposite side with regard to the longitudinal axis (3d) of the second sealing ring (3b), wherein the first and second side walls (2d, 2l) are arranged so as to lie opposite one another with regard to the longitudinal axis (L), with the result that the ring support (2) can in each case bring about a prestressing force (5a, 5b) on the first and second sealing rings (3a, 3b) respectively via the first and second side walls (2d, 2l) respectively, wherein the prestressing forces (5a, 5b) extend in an opposed manner.
US08985576B1
Disclosed are systems and methods that allow for concurrent leading edge registration and side edge registration of print media sheet(s). Specifically, segmented scuffer disk(s) are mounted to an axle above a tray. The disk(s) can each comprise multiple segments and, as the axle rotates, these segments can engage a print media sheet in the tray (e.g., the top print media sheet on a stack in the tray) and can continuously force that print media sheet in a first direction against a leading edge registration guide. The segments can also be independently flexible in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This independent flexibility allows tamper(s) to perform a tamping process in the second direction at the same time as the print media sheet is forced in the first direction, thereby avoiding any slippage of the print media sheet away from the leading edge registration guide.
US08985573B2
Disclosed is an image forming system including: the relay apparatus; the image forming device which is connected to the first communication control unit of the relay apparatus and which acquires the sheet interval information of the downstream post-processing device through the first communication system; and the second post-processing device which is connected to the second communication control unit of the relay apparatus, the second post-processing device being compliant with the second communication system.
US08985561B2
A beverage carbonation system, container, carbonator and method for carbonating a beverage are provided. The beverage carbonation system has a container that is removably engageable with a carbonator. The container has a container outlet valve and a container inlet valve that are fluidly engageable with a carbonator outlet port and carbonator inlet port, respectively. At least one pump transfers liquid and carbon dioxide gas between a container chamber and a carbonation chamber when the container is engaged with the carbonator, thereby carbonating the liquid. When the container is disengaged from the carbonator, the container outlet valve and the container inlet valve are closed to fluidly seal the container containing the carbonated liquid.
US08985560B2
According to one specific embodiment, an oxygen humidifier includes a container that defines an interior space. The oxygen humidifier also includes a top portion that is permanently coupled to the container. The top portion includes an opening for accessing the interior space of the container. The humidifier further includes a lid portion that is movably coupled to the top portion. The lid portion is configured to move between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the lid portion seals the opening, and in the open configuration, the lid portion allows access to the interior space through the opening. The oxygen humidifier additionally includes an oxygen diffuser positioned within the interior space.
US08985559B2
A heat exchanger plate includes a corrugated sheet of stiff material configured in a repetitive series of elongated corrugations. Each corrugation has a first corrugation segment, a second corrugation segment disposed offset from and extending parallel to the first corrugation segment and an intermediate corrugation segment. The first and second corrugation segments extend vertically. The intermediate corrugation segment is disposed between and interconnects the first corrugation segment and the second corrugation segment and extends obliquely relative to the first corrugation segment and the second corrugation segment to form a continuous, uninterrupted offset corrugation. A plurality of the heat exchanger plates are connected together to form a fill pack.
US08985556B2
At least one electric atomizing fan is mounted on a portable land craft or a raft. An electric pump delivers pond water to the land craft or raft to evaporate the pond water. A land based power supply powers the pump and the atomizing fans. The either (submersible) pump sends the pond water to a dissipater adjacent the electric atomizing fan to produce a micro droplet mist. Preferably no additional evaporation chamber or heater is used. One embodiment uses a berm/platform to mount a plurality of land craft thereon. Either system could be mounted on a single trailer.
US08985554B2
An apparatus of the present invention is used for movable objects upwardly and downwardly relative to a fixed surface. The apparatus includes a lifting device presented by a pair of blocks movable relative one and the other. A carriage device is supported by the blocks. The carriage device is connected to object to be lifted relative the fixed surface. An actuator is connected to the blocks. As the actuator moves the blocks relative one and the other, the blocks move above the carriage device relative the fixed surface at various distances lift and lower the objects.
US08985544B1
An anti-theft apparatus for gripping mobile phones and other handheld items to allow secure marketing display of the handheld products. The anti-theft device grips a handheld product in legs, which are manually screwed tight by rotating a specially shaped key that fits into a similarly shaped slot aligned on the axis of a draw pin. The draw pin tightens and loosens the legs around the handheld device.
US08985539B2
A modular assembly for mounting electronic control modules is disclosed. The modular assembly comprises a generally planar bracket having a main portion having a first side and a second side opposite of the first side, and at least mounting three feet extending from said main portion. At least four mounting points are located near a perimeter of each of the first and second surfaces. At least one electronic control module is attached to the mounting points on the first surface and at least one electronic control module is attached to the mounting points on the second surface.
US08985537B2
A support arm includes a bracket supported by a support, a bracket arranged away from the bracket, a parallel link arranged between the bracket and the bracket and coupled pivotally to the bracket and the bracket, and a self-weight compensation device producing a force that cancels a force of gravity acting on the parallel link. The parallel link has an upper shaft and a lower shaft arranged in parallel to each other with spacing, the spacing being changed with a pivoting movement of the parallel link. The upper shaft and the lower shaft are arranged offset with respect to each other in a direction of an axis on which the parallel link is pivoted. With such a structure, a support arm for which a large movable range is achieved is provided.
US08985536B2
A suspending arm comprises a multifunction head provided with a main transversal slide able to receive the engagement of a secondary slide of an electrical appliance, and a main electrical plug coupled with a longitudinal slide arranged so as to move the plug longitudinally between a retracted position in which it is retracted and an advanced position in which it protrudes so that it can be engaged with a secondary electrical plug of the electrical appliance, and thus ensure the mechanical and electrical connection between the multifunction head and the electrical appliance. An equipment for an operating room comprises a suspending arm supporting an electrical appliance comprising a secondary slide and a secondary electrical plug.
US08985533B2
A clamp block assembly for securing hydraulic pipes, the clamp block assembly comprising one or more unitary clamp blocks of deformable material each having a through hole for receiving a respective pipe, and a clamp adapted to apply a predetermined load around the clamp block(s).
US08985528B2
Embodiments described herein comprise a cable system. The cable system has a plurality of cables and a plurality of cable hangers. The cable hangers are configured to support the plurality of cables in a building. The plurality of cable hangers have one or more cable supports configured to hold at least one of the plurality of cables and a support configured to couple the cable support to the building.
US08985526B2
A mechanism for coupling a switch point to a point detector box having a point detector bar includes a first portion structured to be slidably coupled to the point detector bar and a second portion structured to be slidably coupled to the switch point.
US08985512B1
Fuselages according to the present disclosure include a structural frame and a skin operatively coupled to the structural frame. In some embodiments, the skin includes a plurality of core sections that extend circumferentially around the fuselage and that are spaced-apart longitudinally along the fuselage. In some embodiments, the inner side of the skin generally undulates longitudinally along the fuselage. Methods of constructing fuselages also are disclosed.
US08985504B2
A system comprising an aerial vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to control pitch, roll, and/or yaw via airfoils having resiliently mounted trailing edges opposed by fuselage-house deflecting actuator horns. Embodiments include one or more rudder elements which may be rotatably attached and actuated by an effector member disposed within the fuselage housing and extendible in part to engage the one or more rudder elements.
US08985502B2
An aircraft (1) provided with a main gearbox (3) fastened to a load-bearing structure (2) via at least three suspension bars (5). An active vibration absorber (10) is fastened around each suspension bar (5), each vibration absorber (10) being provided with a first mass (11) connected to the associated suspension bar (5) via first resilient means (21), and with a second mass (12) connected to the first mass (11) via second resilient means (22), said vibration absorber (10) having a force generator (15) interposed between the first mass (11) and the second mass (12) and inputting a control force on being instructed by a control unit (16) as a function of information coming from at least one first measurement sensor (17) for sensing monitoring parameters for monitoring the associated suspension bar.
US08985501B2
A vibration control system includes four mass discs located at a central axis and rotatable thereabout. Each mass disc includes a mass secured thereto wherein rotation of the four mass discs creates a vibratory force output. A power transfer assembly is located between adjacent mass discs of the four mass discs and is configured to transfer rotational energy between the adjacent mass discs. The power transfer assembly includes a power transfer shaft rotatable about a power transfer shaft axis and a power transfer disc connected to the power transfer shaft and in frictional contact with each of the adjacent mass discs at a contact point. When the power transfer shaft is rotated, a radial location of the contact point at each of the adjacent mass discs relative to the central axis is changed, altering the vibratory force.
US08985500B2
A system and method of minimizing the attitude hump phenomenon of a rotary wing aircraft is provided. The rotary wing aircraft includes upper pitching-stabilizer and at least one lower pitching-stabilizer. The lower stabilizer is positioned in a wake of the upper stabilizer generated by a stream of air passing through the rotary wing and impacting against the upper surface of the upper stabilizer.
US08985499B2
The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large rigid buoyant platform in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. The platform can serve several uses, either individually or in any combination. These uses include uninterrupted radio and light communications, radar and optical observation including very powerful radars and solar power electricity generation. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground which hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from a photovoltaic array is used to power platform uses and can also be coupled to high voltage transmission lines which transmit power from the platform to the earth's surface during daylight hours. Power can also be transmitted up to the platform during darkness to power facilities mounted on the platform ensuring continuous operation.
US08985497B2
A payout tube for enabling payout of a consumable filament from a consumable assembly that is configured for use with an additive manufacturing system, the payout tube comprising a tip end having an inlet opening, a base end having an outlet opening, and a tube body having an average effective outer diameter that is substantially greater than an effective inner diameter of the inlet opening.
US08985493B2
A fishing-reel reel unit includes a main body member; a first outer member, and a first inner member. The first outer member is mounted on the main body member, and the first outer member includes a corrosion-resistant coating formed thereon. The first inner member is formed in a tubular shape, when the first inner member is fixed to an inner periphery of the first outer member. The first inner member has a first inner peripheral surface on which a first bearing is mounted, and the first inner member is made of a corrosion-resistant material.
US08985490B2
A chopper pump with scissoring back cutters and having a housing with an intake opening and an outlet opening, both in fluid communication with an internal chamber, and an impeller assembly positioned within the chamber, is disclosed. Generally speaking, the impeller assembly comprises an impeller attached to a rotatable pump shaft and includes a back shroud. An insert cutter positioned on a surface of the shroud opposite the impeller includes a cutting edge configured for shearing operation, while a stationary back plate having a surface adjacent to and facing the back shroud includes a cutting rib having a cutting edge configured for shearing operation. The insert cutter and cutting rib work jointly to create a cutting action as the impeller in the chamber.
US08985489B2
A food waste disposer has a food conveying section that receives food waste and water; a grinding section including a grinding mechanism, and a motor section including a motor. The grinding section is disposed between the food conveying section and the motor section. The grinding mechanism includes a stationary grind ring and a rotating shredder plate assembly that rotates in the grind ring to grind food waste to form ground matter that combines with the water to form a slurry. The slurry passes into a discharge area in an upper end bell below the shredder plate assembly. The food conveying section includes a housing having a food waste deflecting band with an angular profile at a lower end of the housing.
US08985487B2
The present invention provides an apparatus for selectively separating polyurethane foam and fiber from Automobile Shredder Residue (ASR). The apparatus includes a first separator, a second separator, and a third separator. The first separator primarily separates fine particles, such as dirt or glass pieces, from the ASR at a front portion thereof and separates large-sized polyurethane foam and fiber from the ASR at a rear portion thereof. The second separator grinds remaining materials after the primary separation of the first separator. The third separator separates medium-sized polyurethane foam and fiber from the remaining materials after the separation of the first separator and secondarily separates plastics, rubber, and other materials.
US08985482B1
A tank holding a quantity of liquid releasably connects to an electric pump module through a connector to provide a portable sprayer. The tank connects to a feed line that supplies spray nozzle with the liquid. The connector combines a quick disconnect connector with a pressure relief valve. The electric pump module includes an electric pump, a switch assembly, and a check valve. The electric pump module directs gas through the check valve into the connector to increase the gas pressure in the tank and force the liquid in the tank to flow through the feed line and out the spray nozzle. The switch assembly turns off the electric pump when the gas pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined limit while maintaining the flow of liquid through the spray nozzle.
US08985481B2
Disclosed is a rapidly deployable guard for rotary, stationary and pop-up type sprinklers, wherein a guard having an upstanding deflector surface connects around the sprinkler riser using a pair of deformable arms and a connector therebetween. The deflector blocks spray from the sprinkler in a given direction, while the attachment arms provide a readily deployable connector around the riser of an existing sprinkler. The connector preferably comprises a removable zip tie fastener that extends through apertures in the attachment arms, or is alternately a zip tie fastener attached to the distal ends thereof. In an alternate embodiment, the deflector shield includes an extension member having an overhang portion for blocking spray from multiple orientations around the circumference of the sprinkler spray pattern.
US08985475B2
A laundry transport apparatus and method includes a container defining an interior area configured to accommodate a plurality of laundry carts, the container having a door movable between closed and open configurations to selectively allow access to said interior area. The apparatus includes a ventilation network to pass air to and from the interior area, the ventilation network including a pathogen identification and containment apparatus to detect, isolate and treat potentially harmful material within the soiled laundry. At least a portion of intake and outlet ducts are immediately adjacent one another to influence temperature of air passing through each duct, warmer air passing through one of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming cooler and cooler air passing through another of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming warmer.
US08985457B2
A system and method is provided wherein a device can be reprogrammed utilizing one or more programming symbols. A device subject to reprogramming can be a portable device. In one embodiment a device subject to reprogramming can be a portable symbol reading device capable of reading programming symbols.
US08985455B2
Embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to the use of active tag codes that change as a function of time to incorporate a greater amount of data into the tag code compared to a static tag code of similar configuration. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method of presenting an active tag code to a receiving device. The method includes presenting a first portion of the active tag code at a first time, the first portion of the active tag code encoding a first subset of information of a set of information encoded in the active tag code. The method further includes presenting a second portion of the active tag code at a second, later time, the second portion of the active tag code encoding a second subset of information of the set of information encoded in the active tag code.
US08985454B2
An imaging engine includes a multi-functional structure. This structure functions as an optics barrel. In other words, at least one lens is positioned within the structure. In addition, the structure functions as an attachment/mounting apparatus for an image sensor board, an illumination board, and possibly an illumination/targeting lens structure as well. The structure may also provide a mechanism for attaching/mounting the imaging engine to another structure, such as the housing of a graphical code reader.
US08985441B2
An analysis system for analyzing biological samples, such as body fluids, methods implemented by the analysis system, and a computer program product for implementing the analysis system are disclosed. The system may include first and second lab devices, at least one of the lab devices may have a user identification component for identifying a user, a device identification component for identifying the lab device, and an interface component for sending a user identifier of the identified user and a device identifier of the lab device. The system may include a server computer having a server interface component for receiving the user identifier and the device identifier, and a processing component for determining a step of a workflow to be executed by the identified user, wherein the server interface component is operable to send a signal being indicative of a determined workflow to the lab device identified by the device identifier.
US08985440B2
A method and system for control of bailment inventory is disclosed. The method includes receiving a customer identifier from a customer, receiving from the customer at least one customer item for bailment, associating the customer identifier with the at least one customer item, storing the at least one customer item, and returning the at least one customer item to the customer.
US08985436B2
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for testing radio frequency identification (RFID) readers are described. A network communications capability of a first reader may be tested. A second reader may be instructed to perform testing of a radio frequency (RF) communications capability of the first reader. The second reader may include a reader test module. The reader test module includes a first logic module configured to test a forward link of the first reader, and a second logic module configured to test a backward link of the first reader.
US08985434B2
A ballot box for collecting ballot envelopes, includes a horizontal bottom wall, vertical walls attached to the bottom wall, and a horizontal top wall forming a lid that is provided with an opening for inserting a ballot envelope into the inner space. The insertion opening forms a vertical guiding passage having a rectangular cross-section delimited by two large parallel surfaces and two side surfaces, the opening including a hatch actuated by a motor, wherein the hatch can assume a position for blocking the opening or a released position. The box includes an element for checking one of the physical parameters of the ballot envelope, which is capable of controlling the motor of the hatch in order to clear the opening if the envelope is acceptable, or to otherwise block the opening, the checking element including a monitoring and control unit (4) to which the motor is connected.
US08985422B2
An accumulating apparatus (4) has an upper arm (51) in which a plurality of upper rollers (511) are arranged, and a lower arm (52) in which a plurality of lower rollers (521) are arranged. An upper gear (61) is fixed to the upper arm and a lower gear (62) is fixed to the lower arm. The upper gear is engaged with the lower gear so that the upper arm and the lower arm are simultaneously moved in opposite directions with respect to a vertical direction. Therefore, when moving the lower arm in the vertical direction, influence of the weight of the lower arm is canceled by the weight of the upper arm, and a force to move the lower arm upward can be reduced. As the result, an air cylinder (63) for changing a distance between the upper arm and the lower arm can be downsized.
US08985420B2
The present invention is directed to a tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, comprising a vertical base plate having a front and a back and having an upright support connection section thereon. There is also a left shoulder bar having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the left shoulder bar extending forward in an inverted hook shape for hooking over a shoulder. The left shoulder bar is hingedly connected at its bottom portion to the upright support connection section so as to at least rotate through an arc from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. The first position is a substantially vertical position and the second position is a non-vertical position. There is also a right shoulder bar having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the right shoulder bar extending forward in an inverted hook shape for hooking over a shoulder. The right shoulder bar is hingedly connected similarly to the right shoulder bar. There is a payload-receiving member connected to the vertical base plate extending rearward away from the vertical base plate back for supporting a payload in which a user may hook the shoulder bars over one or both shoulders.
US08985417B2
A hanged garment device can semi-permanently attach to the back of a bicycle to securely stow hanged garments in a removable, aerodynamic pod. Because the hanged garment device is shaped to reduce wind resistance and can rotate to accommodate change in wind direction, the hanged garment device does not hinder bike stability during travel. The hanged garment device does not disrupt bicyclist stability during shifts in the wind while allowing hanged garments to be stowed securely on the bicycle, typically behind the bicyclist during travel.
US08985403B2
A lightweight applicator system for efficient extrusive dispensing of work material from a cartridge is provided. The applicator system includes a body having a cartridge frame portion coupled to a base frame portion. The cartridge frame portion includes first and second elongate frame members projecting longitudinally from a bracing member extending transversely therebetween to define a cartridge loading compartment. At least a portion of the bracing member is received in conformed manner by the base frame portion. A drive portion is coupled to the body, which includes a drive member selectively displaceable responsive to user actuation for extruding work material from a cartridge retained within the cartridge frame portion.
US08985398B2
A product dispensing system includes an overcap that has a locking element extending therefrom. A container has a product disposed therein. A bracket is attached to the container. The bracket includes at least one flange and at least one slot. The at least one flange extends toward the at least one slot. A resilient member is disposed within the locking element.
US08985397B2
A system for spraying, according to various aspects of the present invention, includes a shuttle and a trigger switch. The shuttle and the trigger switch cooperate with discontinuous mechanical coupling. The trigger switch provides a discontinuity in bias against operation of the trigger switch by the user. Consequently, the user experiences tactile feedback before spray is released. Prior to tactile feedback, the system establishes a communication link. When spray is released, the system transmits a notice via the communication link. Such a system when equipped with pepper spray aerosol is advantageous for self-defense.
US08985391B2
A hot melt dispensing system including a container for storing adhesive pellets, a feed system for transporting adhesive pellets from the container, and a blower. The blower is positioned with respect to an inlet of the feed system for applying a flow of air for agitating the adhesive pellets and moving the adhesive pellets toward the inlet.
US08985389B2
A medicine feeding device is configured by providing a first rotor that rotates around a first shaft, a second rotor that rotates around a second shaft, a partition wall extending from the second rotor towards the first rotor, a medicine discharge port provided on the outside of the second rotor, a medicine guide section located in the downstream of a movement section in the medicine transport direction, and a height regulator disposed between the movement section and medicine guide section. In addition, the width regulator that is disposed between the medicine guide section and the height regulator is further provided. Also, a medicine counting device is further provided with a medicine detection means for detecting the medicine that is supplied from the medicine discharge port, and a counting means (central control unit) for counting the medicines based on the detection performed by the medicine detection means.
US08985388B2
Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on first and second conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and there after deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles.
US08985387B2
In order to provide a card case in which cards can be automatically and promptly discharged one by one, the case has a case body capable of accommodating more than one cards inside, a card discharging plate mounted so as to proceed from and retreat into the case body via a card discharging opening provided on a side portion of the case body, with a card being placed on its upper surface, and an elastic piece for movably urging the card discharging plate in one direction.
US08985380B2
Various embodiments provide a self-sealing system comprising a visco-elastic sealant material, an enclosed multi-cell structure surrounding the visco-elastic sealant material, and an integral pressure reservoir configured to maintain positive pressure within the enclosed multi-cell structure and provide potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can have first and second skins, and an outer edge configured to contain visco-elastic sealant material between first and second skins. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can also have a plurality of nodes configured to connect first 100 and second skins. In one embodiment, at least one of the nodes has elasticity and can function as a tension spring. In one embodiment, at least one of nodes is loaded with releasable tension to provide a portion of the potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material.
US08985367B2
A hair dye mixing assembly comprises a bowl comprising at least one arm and an opening and at least one support member arranged about said bowl, and attached to the bowl through the bowl arm. The support members can be immovably fixed to the bowl, movably connected to the bowl to move or rotate in different directions, or a combination thereof.
US08985366B2
An interlocking container for tattoo ink includes a body defining a reservoir for retaining ink and first and second spaced interlocking members, each having a particular size and shape. The members extend outwardly from the container and define a space therebetween adapted to receive a similarly shaped and sized interlocking member from another container. An assembly of containers arranged in many different configurations can be formed by interlocking multiple containers together.
US08985363B2
A food/drink container includes a receptacle, a lid removably secured to the receptacle and a handle movably coupled to the container such that the handle may move between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, at least a portion the handle is disposed below the receptacle and in the second configuration, at least a portion of the handle is rotatable with respect to receptacle.
US08985353B2
A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed. In one method of operation, the counterweight unit is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody.
US08985349B2
A corner shelf system may include a support assembly and a shelf. The support assembly may include at least two support members coupled at about a 90° angle. The support members may be coupled together by a ratchet mechanism. The about 90° angle at which the support members are coupled may be adjustable by way of the ratchet mechanism. At least two of the support members may each include a channel that slideably receives an edge of the shelf.
US08985334B2
The present disclosure includes a nestable containing for storing and dispensing wipes. The nestable container includes a container body comprising a bottom wall, side walls, and a corner region including an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. The nestable container includes a first ledge and a second ledge. The first and second ledges each have a proximal end region and a distal end region. The proximal end region of the first ledge is connected with the exterior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the first ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the first ledge comprises a ridge. The proximal end region of the second ledge is connected with the interior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the second ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the second ledge comprises a ridge.
US08985333B1
A tablet holder includes a generally square base having a protuberance formed in each side of the base, each protuberance extending radially outwardly with respect to a center of the base. Each protuberance is recessed relative to the base, creating a channel having a bottom wall and upstanding sidewalls. A detent plate is mounted in each channel and has a range of travel relative to the bottom wall. A raising and lowering assembly raises and lowers the detent plate. Guide rails are formed in each channel and a holder is slideably mounted to the guide rails. Each holder has a slotted bottom plate, guide rail housings for slideably receiving the guide rails, on opposite sides of the slot, and an upstanding end wall adapted to abuttingly engage a tablet. Each holder is slideably adjustable or locked against sliding when the detent plate is elevated or lowered, respectively.
US08985325B2
An iron case includes: a table where an iron is placed; a receiving case that surrounds the iron and has a lower opening that is closed by the table; and a locking mechanism that detachably combines the table with the receiving case, in which the locking mechanism includes: a locking portion formed on the sides of the table; a locking body formed at the receiving case and engaged with the locking portion; an operating button disposed to be movable outwardly on the outer surface of the receiving case and operating the locking body; and a locking spring disposed in the receiving case and biasing the operating button to the table. Therefore, malfunction of the locking mechanism is prevented while usability when the receiving case is separated is improved.
US08985323B2
Articles having a plurality of pouches present in a single article, the pouches separately containing chemical materials which are capable of providing a reactive mixture mixed, that cures over time to provide a polymeric coating in certain embodiments. The chemical materials are maintained in separate pouches that are separated by one or more frangible seals. When a frangible seal is broken, such as by application of pressure to the article, the chemical materials in the separate pouches come into contact with one another and may be mixed together. Subsequent to their mixing, the mixture formed is removed from the article, such as by cutting the article with scissors, and applied to any substrate that is desired to be coated, when the chemical materials are selected to be capable of forming a cured coating subsequent to their mixture.
US08985321B2
The present invention is directed to a shipping container convertible into a display configuration at a point of sale which comprises a display base and a removable cover base. The removable cover base is integrally attached to the display base through two pairs of non-linear zipper perforations lines to form the shipping container convertible into a display configuration. The shipping container convertible into a display configuration comprises opposite side walls each having a length and a top edge and a bottom edge and opposite end walls each having a width and a top edge and a bottom edge. Top major and minor flaps are foldably joined to the top edges of the side walls and end walls, and bottom major and minor flaps are foldably joined to the bottom edges of the side walls and end walls.
US08985309B2
The invention relates to a device for transporting bottles or similar containers between a transfer position and a discharge position, comprising a transport element that may be driven in a rotating manner about at least one vertical machine axis and several container receptacles provided on the transport element and having, for example, a gripper-like design for picking up and holding in each case one container during the transport thereof from the transfer position to the discharge position.
US08985304B2
A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having narrow translatable pushers forming article-diverting shoes covering little or none of the belt's conveying surface. Cam followers on the shoes below the pushers follow selectively actuated or fixed guides under the belt to translate the shoes along a transverse track across the width of the belt. Cam followers of different lengths are programmed to follow different paths by multi-level guides.
US08985296B2
A clutch unit includes lever-side clutch portion for controlling transmission and interruption of rotational torque to an output side through lever operation and a brake-side clutch portion for transmitting torque input from the lever-side clutch portion to the output side and for interrupting torque reversely input from the output side. The lever-side clutch portion has an outer centering spring provided between a lever-side outer ring to be rotated through the lever operation and a cover restricted in rotation, for accumulating an elastic force obtained by torque input from the lever-side outer ring and for restoring the lever-side outer ring to a neutral state with the accumulated elastic force through releasing of the torque input from the input-side member. The outer centering spring has a band plate-like spring member having a C-shape.
US08985290B2
A clutch for a torque converter, including: a piston axially displaceable to open and close the clutch; and a seal plate engaged with the piston and including: a main portion radially located between inner and outer circumferences of the seal plate and having a first thickness in an axial direction; and a seal retaining portion extending radially inward or outward from the main portion and including: first and second walls extending axially beyond the main portion; a weld fixedly connecting the first wall to the main portion; and a slot at least partially formed by the first and second walls and opening radially inward or radially outward. The slot is arranged to accept a seal element. The seal element is arranged to seal the seal plate to a cover for a torque converter or to a component fixedly secured to a cover for a torque converter.
US08985289B2
An electrically powered mining vehicle including a frame rollingly supported on a surface for movement over the surface. An electric motor is coupled to the frame for proving power to the vehicle. A cable is electrically coupled to the electric motor for supplying electricity thereto and a cable management system is coupled to the frame and arranged to receive and payout the cable as the vehicle moves over the surface. A sheave bracket is coupled to the frame and arranged to direct the cable into the cable management system and includes a lower plate arranged substantially horizontally, a plurality of vertical rollers that are coupled to the lower plate and are arranged to guide the cable into the cable management system, and a horizontal roller that is coupled to the lower plate and arranged to elevate the cable above the lower plate.
US08985288B2
A valve for a magnetorheological fluid is formed with a duct through which the magnetorheological fluid can flow and which can be exposed to a variable magnetic field such that the flow resistance of the duct can be set using the magnetic field in the duct. The magnetic field can be lastingly generated using a magnet device that is made at least in part of magnetically hard material. The magnetization of the magnet device can be lastingly modified by a magnetic pulse of a magnetic field generation device in order to lastingly change the magnetic field in the duct and thus the flow resistance of the duct. A valve of the invention requires energy only to change settings while a specific setting can be lastingly maintained without supplying energy.
US08985280B2
In a method for limiting loading of an elevator assembly, a limit value for a maximum permitted loading is set for one or more parts of the elevator assembly, and a loading of the one or more parts of the elevator assembly is determined. A movement magnitude value of the elevator car in the movement profile of the elevator car is modified to limit the loading of the one or more parts of the elevator assembly if the loading of the one or more parts of the elevator assembly exceeds the limit value for the maximum permitted loading.
US08985278B2
A tank includes a tank discharge passageway at least partially within a tank body. A segmented anti-back flow structure is mounted adjacent to the tank body and the tank discharge passageway.
US08985271B1
An exhaust muffler for a vehicle includes a muffler body that is connected to an exhaust pipe and that includes therein a plurality of expansion chambers. The muffler body has an upstream side cover that has an exhaust entrance connected to the exhaust pipe and that closes an upstream side opening of the muffler body, and a communication pipe that couples one of the plurality of expansion chambers positioned in a most upstream side part of an exhaust flow path and the exhaust entrance to each other. The exhaust pipe and the communication pipe are integrally joined to a peripheral portion of the exhaust entrance by a common welding bead.
US08985260B2
A vehicle includes a frame, an engine, and an exhaust system. The frame includes a main frame and a sub-frame movably attached to the main frame. The sub-frame includes an exhaust bracket that includes a hollow collar. The engine includes an engine casing and an exhaust port. The engine is releasably attached to the sub-frame. The exhaust system includes a conduit, a conduit bracket, and a muffler. The conduit includes an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end is connected to the exhaust port. The conduit bracket includes a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the conduit at a location intermediate the upstream end of the conduit and the downstream end of the conduit. The second end of the conduit bracket is movably attached to the hollow collar. The muffler is attached to the downstream end of the conduit.
US08985257B2
A pedestrian airbag apparatus received in a storage portion of a vehicle between a left front pillar and a right front pillar. The pedestrian airbag apparatus includes an air bag and an inflator. The airbag protrudes from the storage portion when an inflation of the air bag is started and includes a traversal inflation portion that is formed in a generally rod-shape extending along a left and right direction of a lower portion of a front wind shield which is arranged on a rear side of the hood panel in a state where the inflation of the air bag is completed, and two longitudinal inflation portions that are formed in a shape extending rearward from both ends of the transversal inflation portion in the left and right direction to cover front surfaces of the left and right front pillars.
US08985253B2
A vehicle includes a generator coupled with an internal combustion engine and configured to produce generated electrical power in response to operation of the internal combustion engine. The generator includes a rotor, a stator, and a clutch configured to selectively disengage the rotor. The vehicle also includes a controller coupled with the generator, a power receptacle, and an operator control device. Generators are also provided.
US08985250B1
A method for managing a drive mode of a tracked vehicle, including reading an output of a sensor and, in response to the output of the sensor, performing a control action to manage the drive mode of the vehicle. An apparatus for managing a drive mode of a tracked vehicle is also provided and comprises a sensor outputting a signal that conveys information that can be used to manage the drive mode.
US08985247B2
The present application presents a cutter element fabricated from a material harder than the surface to be cut having a fluted cube that continuously presents an acute angle to the cutter edge thereby prolonging the wear of the cutter as the cutter element wears. Six-sides of the cutter element can provide four, five or six fluted sides and the flutes can be parallel on opposing sides or could provide perpendicular flutes on each of the four, five or six sides. In an alternative embodiment, two of the six sides of the cube can be concave thereby providing a chip breaker indentation in the cube to remove cuttings from the surface being scrapped or cut.
US08985246B2
A mill cutting structure is differently configured in three zones. Those zones are the center, the outer edge and in between. At the center has highly wear resistant material that has good temperature bond strength and high impact resistance. The outer periphery can have a material that is highly resistant to wear and impact. In between can be inserts such as used in the Metal Muncher® mills using sintered carbide shapes that resist tracking and create a chipping rather than a grinding action. The shapes should have high edge retention capability and shapes such as a double sided pyramid can be used. The wear patterns of prior designs are addressed to allow longer and faster milling of the fish.
US08985243B2
A composite drill bit with a bit body configured at its upper extend for connection into a drillstring, comprising: a bit body (1) with at least one bit leg (3), at least one scraping-wheel (2) set with a cutter-row (4), and a set of cutters fixed thereon. The scraping-wheel (2) is mounted for rotation on the corresponding bit leg (3) with a large angular deflection α in the range of 20°≦|α|≦90°. The cutters on the scraping-wheel break rock by means of successive scraping, forming a cross-cutting area on the bottomhole accompanied by the cutters on the fixed cutting unit, thus achieving high rock-breaking efficiency, even wear, high cooling performance, and a longer service life for the cutters, bearings and the drill bit.
US08985240B2
The present invention provides a handheld driver having a housing with a handle and a trigger that drives a set of gears to rotate a shaft having a fitting for a socket, screwdriver bit or drill bit.
US08985239B1
An improved base structure for a derrick mast of a pivotal portable drilling rig structure provides at least two A-frame support members affixed to a rig side of the derrick mast, the drilling rig structure being elevated to a point slightly forward from vertical position towards a well side, with the A-frame support members held in a drilling position by respective support member stanchions which apply static force below the A-frame support members during use of the drilling rig structure applying enhanced drilling forces and stability applied during the drilling process. A rig side secondary locking support structure secured to an elevating drilling rig platform provides additional stability to the drilling rig structure when the drilling rig is in an operational position subsequent to the positioning of the A-frame support members and the support member struts.
US08985237B2
A power screwdriver is disclosed, having a drive for driving a tool spindle having a controller for controlling the drive, having a monitoring device for monitoring the rotation speed or the torque, and having a monitoring device for monitoring a switch-off criterion, which monitoring device is coupled to the controller, in order to switch off the drive when the switch-off criterion is reached, with the controller being programmed such that (a) the drive is first of all accelerated until the rotation speed has reached a specific first rotation speed; (b) if the rotation speed then falls by at least a specific amount within a specific time increment, or the torque rises by at least a specific amount within a specific time increment, the drive is braked until the rotation speed has reached a specific second rotation speed, which is lower than the first rotation speed; (c) the drive is then regulated at the second rotation speed for a specific time; and (d) after step (c), the drive is accelerated again at most until the rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed.
US08985229B2
A sealing arrangement and method for dynamic sealing around a drill stem (50) in water-carrying, drilling fluid-carrying or hydrocarbon-carrying wells, comprising at least one dynamic sealing (35a) which is arranged to envelop the drill stem (50), and a receiver unit (30) arranged to receive the at least one sealing (35a), with the dynamic sealing being arranged to be driven into the receiver unit (30) with the help of the drill stem, and to be securely locked in the receiver unit, and also that internal pressure support in the sealing arrangement is provided corresponding to at least the surrounding pressure. The receiver unit (30) is arranged in an area in or near the drill deck of a drilling rig or vessel and in a riser, landing string or in another connection between drill deck and a well to close the return side of the drilling fluid between the drill stem and upper part of the riser, with the receiver unit (30), in connection with a floating rig or drilling ship, being arranged below the compensating unit (21) of the riser to make movement compensation possible between riser (20) and surface vessel (10), or that the receiver unit (30) in connection with a fixed installation, is arranged as a part of the riser connection (20).
US08985221B2
A system and method for lifting reservoir fluids from reservoir to surface through a wellbore having a first tubing string extending through a packer in a wellbore casing. The system includes a bi-flow connector in the first tubing string, a second tubing string in the first tubing string below the bi-flow connector, and a third tubing string in the first tubing string above and connected with the bi-flow connector. A fluid displacement device in the third tubing string is configured to move reservoir fluids to the surface. The first tubing string allows pressured gas to move from the surface through the bi-flow connector to commingle with and lift reservoir fluids through annuli defined by the first and second tubing strings and defined by the casing and the first tubing string. The bi-flow connector is configured to allow simultaneous and non-contacting flow of the downward pressured gas and lifted reservoir fluid.
US08985216B2
A sliding sleeve has an associated shock absorber to limit shock loading to the shifting apparatus when the end of travel is reached. An adjacent sleeve defined an annular cavity in a manner that does not reduce the drift dimension of the shifting sleeve. The cavity has a fluid in it and the movement of the shifted sleeve causes the movement of the shock absorber sleeve to reduce the fluid volume in the annular cavity. The volume reduction forces fluid through a restriction to regulate the speed of the sliding sleeve as a travel stop is reached. The fluid can be a gas, an incompressible fluid or grease. The restriction can be temporarily covered such as with a rupture disc. Room to compensate for thermal expansion can be provided in the annular space.
US08985213B2
A subterranean zone surrounding a well bore is fractured with a fracturing fluid. Micro proppant of 200 mesh or smaller is pumped into far field fractures of the subterranean zone and props the far field fractures open.
US08985210B2
A method of severing at least a first object comprises: positioning a severing device adjacent to the first object, wherein the first object is a wireline or a tubular, and wherein the severing device comprises: a first reactant, and a second reactant; initiating a reaction, or allowing a reaction to occur, between the first reactant and the second reactant, wherein the reaction is an exothermic reaction, and wherein heat evolved from the reaction has a temperature greater than or equal to the melting point of the first object; and directing at least a portion of the heat from the outside of the first object through the first object.
US08985205B2
An in situ extraction process for heavy oil reservoirs using solvent comprises removing liquids and gases from areas contacting with the heavy oils to increase an interfacial area of unextracted heavy oil contactable by the solvent. Solvent vapor is injected into the areas to raise the reservoir pressure until sufficient liquid solvent is present to contact the increased interfacial area. The reservoir is shut in for a sufficient time for the solvent to diffuse into the unextracted oil across the interfacial area in a ripening step to create a reduced viscosity blend of solvent and oil. One or more reservoir characteristics is measured to confirm the extent of solvent dilution that has occurred of the unextracted oil in the reservoir. Gravity drainage based production is commenced from the reservoir upon the blend having a viscosity low enough to permit the blend to drain through the reservoir to a production well.
US08985204B2
The invention describes a method for treating near-wellbore zones involving the steps of injecting a magnesium metal with a catalyst into the desired area of the formation to be treated. Subsequently, combustive-oxidizing solution (COS) is injected into the zone of the formation to be treated. The COS initially reacts with the magnesium, which in turn initiates a vigorous oxidation reaction of the COS. The reaction gases and heat produced by the COS oxidation reaction are harnessed to enhance the productivity of the well by creating fractures in the treatment zone and by melting of paraffin and resin deposits in the treatment zone. As a final step, acid is injected into the formation to react with the formation thereby further enhancing the porosity of the fractures. In one embodiment, the COS uses ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, and in another, urea or ethylene glycol may be added as a reaction fuel.
US08985200B2
A shock sensing tool for use with well perforating can include a generally tubular structure which is fluid pressure balanced, at least one strain sensor which senses strain in the structure, and a pressure sensor which senses pressure external to the structure. A well system can include a perforating string including multiple perforating guns and at least one shock sensing tool, with the shock sensing tool being interconnected in the perforating string between one of the perforating guns and at least one of: a) another of the perforating guns, and b) a firing head.
US08985193B2
A heat exchanger having at least one collecting tank which extends in a longitudinal direction and which comprises a plate and a cover, wherein the plate has, at least one of its edge regions running in the longitudinal direction, a rim by means of which the plate engages at the outside over an edge region, which runs in the longitudinal direction, of the cover, or wherein the cover has, at least one of its edge regions running in the longitudinal direction, a rim by means of which the cover engages at the outside over an edge region, which runs in the longitudinal direction, of the plate. The respective rim have, in the longitudinal direction, a multiplicity of calked portions by means of which said rim, in the region of each individual calked portion, is deformed in the plate and the cover to one another.
US08985184B2
For regenerating the sand, which is obtained from sand molds and/or sand cores, which are produced from the sand and soluble glass as a binder and are used in metal casting, the sand obtained from the sand molds and/or sand cores is subjected to a mechanical regeneration stage and a thermal regeneration stage. During or after the mechanical regeneration stage, the obtained sand is mixed with a hardener for soluble glass.
US08985180B2
A folding accordion sweep partition assembly is presented. The partition has a plurality of partition panels, the panel having a front face, a rear face, a bottom edge, and two opposing open sided panel keyway channels. A hinge having two side walls, the side wall terminating in a hinge key hinges two panels by having a first hinge key slidably received and retained in a first partition panel keyway channel and a second hinge key slidably received and retained in a second partition panel keyway channel. The partition panel has a mounting bracket affixed to it, a bottom bracket removably retained to the mounting bracket, and a sweep affixed to the mounting bracket.
US08985179B2
A mechanical link is provided to lessen or eliminate air infiltration between a topmost lamella of a rollup door and the lintel of the doorway. The link is deployed in an unfolded configuration to support the topmost lamella against deflection caused by application of a force perpendicular to the plane of the door. The link components are folded into a storage position upon rolling up of the door upon a series of take-up discs.
US08985176B2
A system for manufacturing an optical display device includes providing a roll of a belt-shaped sheet material including an optical film and a release film, which has score lines previously formed by cutting layers of the material other than the release film. The optical film is bonded to a rectangular optical display unit of the display device. In the bonding steps, a first optical film is divided by the score lines into pieces each having a length corresponding to a long side of the display unit, and a second optical film is divided by the score lines into pieces each having a length corresponding to a short side of the display unit. The first optical film has a first polarizing plate whose longitudinal direction is parallel to its absorption axis, and the second optical film has a second polarizing plate whose longitudinal direction is parallel to its absorption axis.
US08985174B2
A reusable vacuum bag for processing parts is made by encapsulating a generally rigid frame within a flexible diaphragm.
US08985173B2
It is an object to provide a homogeneous semiconductor substrate in which defective bonding is reduced. Such a semiconductor substrate can be formed by the steps of: disposing a first substrate in a substrate bonding chamber which includes a substrate supporting base where a plurality of openings is provided, substrate supporting mechanisms provided in the plurality of openings, and raising and lowering mechanisms which raise and lower the substrate supporting mechanisms; disposing a second substrate over the first substrate so as not to be in contact with the first substrate; and bonding the first substrate to the second substrate by using the raising and lowering mechanisms to raise the substrate supporting mechanisms.
US08985170B2
A pneumatic tire is provided which includes a plurality of drainage grooves positioned on each side of a tire equator line that extend at an angle in a direction opposite a rotating direction while curving outward in a tire width direction in a tread portion, with an end of a leading edge closed and an end of a trailing edge open to a tire side. A plurality of sub grooves extending from the drainage grooves in the rotating direction is provided, where an end of the leading edge is closed. The drainage grooves and the sub grooves are arranged so that spacings W1, W2, and W3gradually increase outward in the tire width direction, groove area ratios RA to RE satisfy the relationships |RB−RA|≦9%, RA>RC>RD, and RB>RE, and a groove depth of the drainage grooves in the center region is greater than that in the shoulder portion.
US08985169B2
A pneumatic tire capable of improving snowy road performance while controlling the occurrence of uneven wear of the tire due to buckling deformation. A tire 10 having a block pattern is provided with raised bottom portions 19 in lug grooves 15 extending in a direction intersecting with a main groove 13 and shoulder grooves 12, 14. The raised bottom portion 19 crosses the shoulder groove defining the center blocks 16 and shoulder blocks 17. The height of the raised bottom portion 19 is in a range of 10 to 20 percent of the groove depth of the shoulder groove. As a result, the edge components in the circumferential direction of the tire are increased and the rigidity in the axial direction of the tread 11 is uniformized without causing a decline in the draining characteristics.
US08985161B2
Method of controlling a container filling machine comprising a plurality of filling elements. Each of the filling elements has a flow measuring device which is used to measure the volume of filling material dispensed from its filling element. During filling, the time that a first filling element is open to dispense a predetermined volume of filling material is measured. A second filling element is then opened for essentially the measured time to thereby dispense essentially the predetermined volume of filling material into a second container. As an alternative, a time may be calculated from the measured times of a plurality of filling elements, which calculated time may be used to determine for how long another filling element is opened.
US08985157B2
Provided is a restoration pipe pulling-in method which can easily determine whether pilling-in of a restoration pipe is possible wherein the restoration pipe has a diameter as much as large relative to a deteriorated drainage channel, and which can pulling a restoration pipe into a sewer pipe wherein the gap between the restoration pipe and the sewer pipe is shorter. The restoration pipe pulling-in method comprises preparing a dummy restoration pipe 30′ which imitates the restoration pipe; attaching a determination jig 10 for determining whether pulling-in of the restoration pipe is possible to an insertion-side leading end portion of the dummy restoration pipe 30′; pulling the dummy restoration pipe 30′ with the determination jig 10 into the existing pipe 1; after confirming completion of passing-through of the dummy restoration pipe 30′ with the determination jig 10, attaching a pull-in jig to a leading end portion of the restoration pipe; and arranging the restoration pipe over an entire length of the existing pipe 1, by inserting the restoration pipe with the pull-in jig, through an upper opening 2b of the existing pipe 1, into the existing pipe 1, and by pulling the pull-in jig with a wire.
US08985142B2
The invention relates to a flow volume regulator (1) having at least one throttle body (2) which is composed of elastically deformable material and which is arranged in the throughflow duct (3) of a regulator housing (4) and which delimits a control gap (5) between itself and a regulating profiling provided on an inner circumferential and/or outer circumferential duct wall, the clear throughflow cross section of which control gap (5) can be varied as a result of the throttle body (2) which can be deformed under the pressure of the medium flowing through, with the regulating housing (4) bearing on its outer circumference a clamping edge region for clamping the flow volume regulator (1) between two line sections or line components which are connected to one another. The flow volume regulator (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the regulator housing (4) is arranged in the ring opening of a sealing ring (6) and in that the end surfaces (7, 8) on the inflow and outflow sides of the sealing ring (6) form the clamping edge region. The flow volume regulator (1) according to the invention can be easily installed into a sanitary supply line even under restricted spatial conditions, with the sealing ring (6) which is provided as a clamping edge region of the regulator housing (4) sealing off the end sides, which face toward one another, of the line sections to be connected to one another.
US08985136B2
A component with sealing grooves for receiving facial seals and with protective arrangements to protect such seals is provided. In one embodiment, the component is a ball valve including a flow control assembly with two closure members having outer surfaces with sealing grooves and protective ridges. The protective ridges facilitate separation of the two closure members from two connectors of a fluid conduit during installation of the body between the two connectors. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
US08985135B2
A system for dosing a stream of fluid with at least one active substance is provided. The system includes a housing which defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet to enable the flow of fluid through the chamber. The system also includes a block containing the active substance, the block including a body having an outer surface and a passage therethrough defining an inner surface. The block is positioned within the housing chamber in an operative position between the inlet and the outlet so that in use fluid flows over the inner and outer surfaces of the block to dissolve and/or erode the block.
US08985131B2
A conduit coupling can have a male portion and a female portion, with each portion having an internal biasing member. When the male portion is disconnected from the female portion, the internal biasing member in the male portion can cause a seal on a moveable plug to be biased against a lip of a stationary wall member to seal liquid from leaking out of the male portion. Also, the internal biasing member in the female portion can cause a lip of a moveable wall member to be biased against a seal that is connected to a stationary plug. Both the stationary plug and moveable plug can be connected to retaining portions by strips that are disposed away from an axis of the conduit coupling.
US08985127B2
An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
US08985125B2
A paint roller cleaner has a base for resting in a sink and a knob for receiving on its outside surface the inside surface of a paint-laden paint roller. The knob is adjustable relative to the base, and/or the roller is adjustable relative to the knob, so that the roller is vertical and water filing the roller will evenly and uniformly overflow and clean the roller outer surface. The knob may be an upstanding, tapered, hollow cylinder that rotates about a horizontal axis at its base to adjust its angle relative to the base, wherein the tapered cylindrical surface allows the cleaner to cooperate with variously-sized rollers. In another version, the knob is a hollow sphere, with its top end truncated, and with several spaced-apart vertical slits in its side, like a collet, for flexing/bending to various diameters to cooperate with variously-sized rollers. In another version, the knob is a sphere.
US08985120B2
A first embodiment can be a method to reduce SLOSH energy absorption within an organism by reducing the inelastic collisions. A fluid containing organism can utilize an embodiment of the method wherein one or more of reversibly increasing pressure within the organs or cells, reversibly increasing the volume within the organs or cells, reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall stiffness, or reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall configuration within said organism may reduce these collisions.
US08985115B2
A nasal interface including a hard base and a soft pad portion with angled butterfly wing portions. The soft pad portion is connected to the hard base portion, and in some arrangements, can be removed from the hard base portion. The soft pad portion includes a bellows positioned between a lower boarder and the butterfly wings.
US08985111B2
An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.
US08985097B2
A device and method of its production for a micro-channel thermal absorber to be used as a solar thermal collector, heat collector, or heat dissipater, extruded or continuously cast in one piece or in modular segments from a metal, plastic, or glass and assembled into panels of different structures seamlessly integrated into the envelope of a building as covering layers or structural elements. The micro-channel thermal absorber comprises an active plate, a back plate adjacent to the active plate, and a plurality of micro-channel walls arranged substantially perpendicular to the active plate and the back plate to define a plurality of fluid transport micro-channels configured to allow fluid flow there-along, wherein the micro-channel walls constitute supporting elements between the active plate and the back plate to provide structure.
US08985096B2
A heat exchanging structure of a solar heat exchanger 3 includes a housing 5 and a pipe 11. The solar heat exchanger includes a heat-resistant container 8 having an open top and containing a low-melting-point metal 9 and a light receiving plate 10. The housing accommodates the solar heat exchanger. The pipe passes a heat carrier H. The pipe is arranged in a space between the housing and the solar heat exchanger in such a way as not to touch the solar heat exchanger. The heat carrier is surely heated by radiant heat from the solar heat exchanger that is heated to very high temperatures. The light receiving plate has a container-like shape having an open top, and therefore, has a large light receiving area to heat itself to higher temperatures compared with a flat light receiving plate.
US08985090B2
A method is provided for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, which ignition device includes an ignition coil configured as a transformer, a spark plug connected to the secondary winding of the ignition coil, an actuable switching element connected in series to the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control unit connected to the control input of the switching element, wherein the control unit provides an adjustable supply voltage for the ignition coil and an actuating signal for the switching element as a function of the currents through the primary and the secondary windings of the ignition coil and the voltage between the connecting point of the primary winding of the ignition coil to the switching element and the negative terminal of the supply voltage, as a result of which firstly operation of the spark plug by way of alternating current is possible and secondly regulation of said current is possible, which leads to more reliable ignition with a lower wear of the spark plugs.
US08985083B2
The invention relates to a crankshaft comprising at least: a journal; a first crankpin; a second crankpin; a first arm connecting the first crankpin to the journal; a second arm connecting the second crankpin to the journal; a first pipe extending away from the first crank pin toward the journal and leading onto the surface of the first crankpin on the transverse median plane thereof, and substantially passing to the center of the median plane of the second arm; and a second conduit extending away from the second crankpin toward the journal and leading onto the surface of the second crankpin on the transverse median plane thereof, and substantially passing to the center of the median plane of the second arm, characterized in that the shape of the crankshaft is such that it cannot also comprise a diametric pipe within the transverse median plane of the journal fluidly adjoining the first pipe and the second pipe, and the crankshaft comprises a third non-diametric pipe within the transverse median plan of the journal fluidly connecting the first pipe and the second pipe.
US08985078B2
A combustion chamber structure by using a preheating net and a spark plug to ignite includes a cylinder. The cylinder is connected with a connection seat. The connection seat has a threaded hole. A spark plug is fixedly connected in the threaded hole. A preheating net is transversely disposed under the spark plug. A certain distance is defined between the spark plug and the preheating net. When electrified, the spark plug and the preheating net will generate an electric arc to rise the temperature of the preheating net and to preheat the mixing oil gas in the combustion chamber. The present invention enhances the burning efficiency. The oil gas in the combustion chamber is complete combustion to enhance horsepower and to save oil. Besides, the present invention can decrease the exhaust gas so it is environment-friendly.
US08985077B2
Embodiments may provide a valve train for an engine including a valve stem configured for reciprocating movement to open and close a port in a combustion chamber of the engine. The valve train may also include an elastomeric element coupled with the valve stem, and a mass may be coupled with the elastomeric element and able to move relative to the valve stem.
US08985075B2
In a valve timing control system of an internal combustion engine employing both an electric-motor-driven intake valve timing control device for changing intake valve timing and an electric-motor-driven exhaust valve timing control device for changing exhaust valve timing, the intake valve timing control device includes a less-friction roller speed reducer having a toothed gear and configured to transmit torque by repeated relocations of each of rollers rolling and relocating from one of two adjacent teeth of the toothed gear to the other. In contrast, the exhaust valve timing control device includes a planetary-gear speed reducer having a friction greater than a friction of the roller speed reducer and configured to transmit torque by meshed-engagement of toothed gears in mesh with each other.
US08985074B2
A system for controlling variable valve actuation in an automobile engine is disclosed. A first cam has a first lift profile and a second cam has a second lift profile, both profiles having a base circle portion and a lift portion. A rocker arm assembly engages the cams having a first arm for riding on the first cam, and a second arm for riding on the second cam. The second arm has an activatable latch capable of securing the second arm to the first arm when latched. The latch may only be latched while the arms are riding on the base circle portion of the cams. When the first arm is secured to the second arm, the rocker arm assembly achieves a first lift profile and when the first arm is not secured to the second arm, the rocker arm assembly achieves a second lift profile. A non-contact sensor mounted adjacent the rocker arm assembly is adapted to monitor and create data indicative of whether the first arm is secured to the second arm. An engine control unit (ECU) for controlling functioning of at least one aspect of said engine operation receives the signal from the non-contact sensor and control functioning of the at least one aspect of said engine operation based upon the received signal from the non-contact sensor.
US08985068B2
A system for operating a rotating component. The system includes a rotating component, a motor driving the rotating component, a sensor detecting a stimulus related to the rotating component, and a controller. The controller receives an indication of the magnitude of the stimulus from the sensor and is configured to adjust a speed of the rotating component when the stimulus indicates the rotating component is operating at a resonant frequency.
US08985062B1
A post-surgical animal garment which fits over, above, and about the animal's body, and optionally, fastens along the back of the animal. The garment has a head opening and leg portions with openings for the legs of the animal. The rear portion of the garment fits around the animal's tail. The garment has a forwardly folding flap which can be attached to the belly side of the garment for the animal to readily perform its bodily functions without the flap getting in the way. Once the animal is finished, the flap is readily put back in place to protect the surgical site. The garment can include a collar which fits about the neck of the animal as well as sleeves which extend partially along the legs of the animal. Optionally, the termini of the leg portions are foot coverings.
US08985059B2
An insecticide impregnated strip configured for convenient and reliable attachment to conventional animal ear tags. The insecticide strip comprises an elongated integrally molded member having a key-hole shaped aperture formed in an upper portion thereof, enabling the elongated strip to be pendularly suspended from the ear tag. Various methods are disclosed for attaching the strip to different types of known ear tags.
US08985057B2
A device and method for delivering drugs or sending or receiving information to or from a lab test animal over a long period of time without having the cords attached to the animal tangle as it moves around in its enclosure.
US08985039B2
A system for attaching handles to a workpiece, such as for attaching handles to a border material for a mattress. The system includes a pair of sewing heads movably mounted along a sewing area. The sewing heads can be moved from a first position for sewing the handles to the border in a first orientation, such as a horizontal orientation extending along the length of the border, to a second position for sewing the handles to the border in a different orientation, such as a vertical orientation extending across the width or height of the border.
US08985033B1
A portable and adjustable tattoo work station, comprising several components, in combination. There is a work platform which has a recess therein. There is a work platform connector and a shaft. The work platform connector couples the work platform and the shaft. There is a clamp coupled to the shaft. Lastly, there is a magnetic positive recess plug, which is coupled to the clamp.
US08985027B2
A zip line or trolley system kit for propelling a person or an object using gravity along an extended cable line suspended between two trees or towers. The zip line system having a frame with one or more wheels, an adjustable length seat, a handle and a braking system for slowing the speed of descent of the zip line system. The trolley system having at least two wheels spaced apart at a suitable distance to increase ride smoothness and improve sliding of the zip line system along the extended cable. An actuator of the braking system allows for the rider to control of the speed of descent of the zip line system.
US08985019B2
A method for making a flexographic printing master includes the steps of providing a flexographic printing support; applying image-wise on the flexographic printing support subsequent layers of radiation curable liquid by an inkjet printing device whereby one or more applied layers are immobilized using a curing device before one or more subsequent layers are applied, such that a relief with a top hat profile is obtained; and grinding the relief so that the height DT of a top hat segment is reduced. An imaging apparatus includes structure to perform the above method.
US08985006B1
A trigger assembly for use with a firearm has a hook carried by and pivotal with a selector to engage an aft tab of a hammer in the safe position of the selector.
US08985004B2
Shotshell type ammunition includes a hull, a sabot disposed within the hull, and at least one projectile disposed within the sabot. The hull has a rimless first end that includes a primer for firing the ammunition. The hull also has a seat surface for seating the hull against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. The seat surface is located a distance from an outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end. The hull further includes an outer cylindrical side surface extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. Methods of fabricating such ammunition includes forming such a hull, providing one or more projectiles within a sabot, and disposing the sabot with the one or more projectiles therein at least partially into the hull. Shotgun type firearms are configured for firing such ammunition.
US08984997B2
Equipment for stabilizing rotation of a blade in a circle saw and for staying at the wanted sawing line which equipment comprises the formation devices (1,2); (7,8); (10,11) of a magnetic field in connection with a ferrous metallic circle saw blade (3) and equipment for adjusting the intensity of the mentioned magnetic field, such as a sensor (14) that measures the sideway position of a control center (13) and a circular blade (3). Of the formation devices of the magnetic field metallic parts (1); (7) or (10) that direct at least magnetic flux in the last resort to the circle saw blade (3) or part of them are located in relation to the circle saw blade (3) outside its toothing (4), at the location of the teeth essentially to the level of the circle saw blade (3).
US08984995B2
A mechanical device for the fast exchange of jaws in a lathe plate providing an intermediate jaw support attached to the jaw holder with a straight support face and providing with a guide wherein the jaw is positioned and fixed precisely and eliminating the clearances found in the conventional method.
US08984987B2
A turn signal adaptor for use with a turn signal lever of a vehicle. The turn signal adaptor includes a mounting member and a crossover signal arm. The crossover signal arm extends from the mounting end at the right side of a steering column of a steering wheel of the vehicle to the free end at the left side of the steering column. At least one height adjustment screw allows leveling of the mounting member and the crossover signal arm relative to the turn signal lever such that the crossover signal arm extends across the steering column of the vehicle while creating no or minimal visibility issues with the driver seeing an instrument cluster panel of the vehicle, allowing a user to activate the turn signal lever with the use of the right hand, without taking hands off the steering wheel.
US08984983B2
A steering column arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a bracket, to which a jacket tube of a steering column supporting a steering shaft is releasably fixed by a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes at least one clamping part that is supple in the transverse direction (y direction) of the steering column arrangement and rigid in shear terms in the longitudinal direction (x direction and z direction) of the steering column arrangement.
US08984980B2
A gear motor assembly includes a casing having a through hole, a motor fixed to the casing, an output shaft, a gear fixed to the output shaft and driven by the motor, and a substantially tubular bearing fixed in the through hole of the casing. The gear has a shaft portion that is sleeved in the bearing. A slot is formed in the inner surface of the bearing and/or the outer surface of the shaft portion and is filled with lubricant.
US08984979B2
Ball screw assembly comprising a screw (2) provided with an outer thread (3); a nut (4) provided with an inner thread (5); a series (6) of balls (7) able to circulate along a circulating path (10) between the screw and the nut, along which the balls are engaged in the threads thereof; and recirculating means (8) defining a recirculating channel (9) to carry balls from one end to the other end of said circulating path (10); The recirculating channel (9) comprising a return channel (14) provided on the nut and, between the ends of this return channel and the corresponding ends of said circulating path, deflecting channels (27, 28) which are defined respectively between surfaces (25) of deflecting elements (20, 21) engaged in respective holes (11, 12) of the nut (4) and local zones (26) of surfaces (16) of these respective holes.
US08984974B2
A firefighting pump transmission for use with an emergency vehicle pump comprising a housing receiving a drive shaft, the drive shaft having a PTO gear affixed thereto within the housing, an impeller shaft for turning an impeller of a pump, and means for selectively powering the impeller shaft from the drive shaft, the means for powering may include a multi-disk clutch. The transmission allows for powering the PTO gear while the impeller shaft is idle. A Commercially Available PTO device may be mounted to the housing to power a variety of devices.
US08984968B2
An apparatus for processing a liquid sample in a sample tube. The apparatus includes a base, a receptacle for receiving a sample tube, and a heating portion coupled to the base to selectively apply heat to the receptacle. A shaking portion is coupled to the base and supports the receptacle. The shaking portion agitates the receptacle with respect to the base. A magnetizing portion is coupled to the base and movable to selectively change a magnetic field with respect to the receptacle.
US08984959B2
A steam quality and flow rate measurement system is described. Embodiments of the system include a steam quality measuring device having a converging/diverging nozzle and ceramic spacer. The steam quality measuring device can be adapted to measure an impedance of a two-phase steam to determine steam quality. The converging/diverging nozzle can be implemented to mix the two-phase flow and reduce pressure loss. The ceramic spacer can be positioned such that steam is in a cross flow when interfacing with the ceramic spacer inside the steam quality measuring device. By placing the spacer in such a position, an electrically conductive liquid phase can be prevented from coating a surface of the ceramic spacer.
US08984956B2
A sensing assembly including a fiber for monitoring at least one condition or parameter and a strip formed from a pair of laminae disposed with the fiber. The laminae are arranged parallel to each other and engaged longitudinally along the fiber for enabling the strip to secure the fiber in place. A method of monitoring a parameter or condition with a sensing assembly is also included.
US08984953B2
A solid state sensor to sense pressure includes a semiconductor substrate having a crystallographic design axis, and an odd number of identical inverter modules coupled in series to form a ring oscillator on the semiconductor substrate. Each inverter module includes a pair of structurally identical CMOS inverter stages. A logic input circuit starts oscillation of the ring oscillator and select a signal propagation path therein, either through CMOS inverter stage more affected by the induced mechanical stress or through CMOS inverter stages less affected by the pressure, using two logic command signals. The ring oscillator allows a reading of a frequency of oscillation based on the two logic command signals.
US08984949B2
A pressure sensor measuring element for a pressure sensor operates to detect pressure in a combustion space of an internal combustion engine. The pressure sensor measuring element includes a separating diaphragm, a plunger for the transmission of deflections of the separating diaphragm to a force measuring element, and with a sleeve which receives the plunger. The sleeve is closed by the separating diaphragm at a first end intended to face the combustion space and is designed to hold the force measuring element at the opposite second end. Accordingly, the pressure sensor measuring element can be produced more cost-effectively. Furthermore, the plunger can be produced in one piece with the separating diaphragm as a diaphragm/plunger unit, and the sleeve and the diaphragm/plunger unit can be formed from the same metal material.
US08984948B2
A tube-equipped, flanged, pressure transfer structure comprises a flange for connecting to a counterflange; a tube, which is secured to the flange; a hydraulic path, which extends from a first opening in a front end surface of the tube facing away from the flange to a second opening in the rear end surface of the flange facing away from the tube; and an isolating diaphragm, which covers the first opening and is connected pressure-tightly with the front end surface of the tube along a peripheral edge, wherein the hydraulic path is filled or fillable with a pressure transfer liquid, in order to transfer a pressure presiding at the isolating diaphragm to the second opening, wherein the tube has a front section having the end surface and a first diameter and an intermediate section with a second diameter, which is less than the first diameter, and wherein the front section is shorter than the intermediate section.
US08984939B1
The present invention essentially comprises a system, method, computer program and combinations thereof to utilize dual-polarization generated data generally associated with weather and non-weather events for mapping data, producing geo-referenced data, producing mosaics, generation of precipitation masks, non-precipitation mask, and classification masks in general, production of vertical cross sections and predetermined fly throughs, producing short term forecasting, prediction of specific weather phenomenon, correcting or adjusting rain gauge data as well as quantitative precipitation estimation, and combining other meteorological data to correct or adjust estimated rainfall accumulation gathered by dual-polarization radar.
US08984937B1
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) wheel mounting bracket that is designed to attach a TPMS to an air flow tube having means for being attached to a vehicle wheel rim. The TPMS wheel mounting bracket includes a first end that terminates with a vertical section having a threaded bore, and a second end that terminates with a tube/bracket attachment bore. When a threaded bolt is inserted through a bracket attachment bore located on the TPMS and into the threaded bore on the vertical section, the TPMS is secured to the first end of the TPMS wheel mounting bracket. The tube/bracket attachment bore located on the second end is dimensioned to fit over the air inlet tube that is secured to the TPMS mounting bracket by means of a bolt.
US08984916B2
A dry cleaning system arranged for washing articles employing a cleaning solution. The dry cleaning system includes a wash tank (2) for washing an article to be washed with a cleaning solution. The wash tank (2) is arranged for washing the article at an increased pressure compared to atmospheric pressure. The dry cleaning system includes a fluid displacement device (1), such as a pump, connected to the wash tank (2) and is arranged for transferring the cleaning solution through the dry cleaning system in a first operational mode. The fluid displacement device is arranged to reduce the pressure in the wash tank towards atmospheric pressure in a second operational mode.
US08984910B2
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing flat glass rich in lead oxide, comprising the continuous floating, in a float plant with a neutral gaseous atmosphere, of a glass comprising at least 30% lead oxide by weight on a bath of molten metal having a higher density than that of the glass. The invention allows flat glass rich in lead, useful for protection against X-rays, to be produced.
US08984907B2
An apparatus for producing flake ice from a liquid is proposed, which apparatus is equipped with a rotatably disposed evaporator roller, a shaft on the evaporator roller that transmits torque from a drive to the evaporator roller, at least two bearing bushings which are permanently disposed on the apparatus and in which the shaft is rotatably received and mounted, a scraper for stripping ice that has been formed from the liquid at the surface of the evaporator roller, a pan that is open at the top and receives the liquid to be frozen, wherein the pan is able to be inserted or slid in one piece onto the bearing bushings or onto additional coupling elements disposed on the shaft or onto the bearing bushings or directly onto the shaft, and is detachable therefrom.
US08984894B2
The invention relates to a method for operation of a combined-cycle power plant with cogeneration, in which method combustion air is inducted in at least one gas turbine, is compressed and is supplied to at least one combustion chamber for combustion of a fuel, and the resultant exhaust gas is expanded in at least one turbine, producing work, and in which method the exhaust gas emerging from the at least one turbine is passed through a heat recovery steam generator in order to generate steam, which generator is part of a water-steam circuit with at least one steam turbine, a condenser, a feedwater tank and a feedwater pump, wherein heat is provided by extracting steam from the at least one steam turbine. In a method such as this, the electricity production is decoupled from the steam production in that in order to restrict the electricity production while the heat provided by means of steam extraction remains at a constant level, a portion of the inducted combustion air is passed through the at least one turbine to the heat recovery steam generator without being involved in the combustion of the fuel in the gas turbine, and in that this portion of the combustion air is used to operate at least one supplementary firing in the heat recovery steam generator.
US08984890B2
A mixer for mixing flows in a turbofan engine is provided. The mixer includes a plurality of chevron lobes, each of the plurality of lobes comprising a crown, a keel, a first trailing edge, a second trailing edge, and a first transverse edge extending between first trailing edge and second trailing edge, said mixer configured to receive two separate incoming exhaust flows and mix the two flows into at least one rotational exhaust flow that is ejected out at least one of said first trailing edge and said second trailing edge.
US08984888B2
A fuel injection assembly for use in a turbine engine is provided. The fuel injection assembly includes a plurality of tube assemblies, wherein each of the tube assemblies includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion. Each tube assembly includes a plurality of tubes that extend from the upstream portion to the downstream portion or from the upstream portion through the downstream portion. At least one injection system is coupled to at least one tube assembly of the plurality of tube assemblies. The injection system includes a fluid supply member that extends from a fluid source to the downstream portion of the tube assembly. The fluid supply member includes a first end portion located in the downstream portion of the tube assembly, wherein the first end portion has at least one first opening for channeling fluid through the tube assembly to facilitate reducing a temperature therein.
US08984879B2
A variable geometry turbocharger is simplified yet able to maintain pulse energy. In a first embodiment, a turbine housing is provided with a pivoting wall which pivots about a point near the entry to the turbine housing. By moving the wall about the pivot point, the effective volume of the turbine housing volute is varied, thus effectively reducing the volume of exhaust gas in the volute, allowing control of exhaust gas flowing to the turbine wheel. In the second embodiment of the invention, a rotating wedge segment within the volute is rotated from a first position to a second position, changing the effective volume of the volute and allowing control of exhaust gas flowing to the turbine wheel.
US08984876B2
A three-dimensional measuring machine (industrial machine) includes an air supplier supplying air; a drive mechanism driven by the air supplied from the air supplier; an electromagnetic valve provided inside an air regulator set to open and close an air supply passage inside the air regulator set, the air regulator set introducing the air from the air supplier to the drive mechanism; and a motion controller controlling the electromagnetic valve to block the air supply passage when a time since the drive mechanism stopped operation reaches a preset time.
US08984869B2
An exhaust gas emission control system for a diesel engine, having an oxidation catalyst (DOC) (7) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) (9) in an exhaust passage, wherein a late post-injection control unit (62), which injects fuel into a combustion chamber at a timing not contributing to combustion in DPF regeneration control, feedback controls a late post-injection amount such that a regeneration amount of soot regenerated by the DPF (9) becomes a target soot regeneration amount per unit time.
US08984864B2
An exhaust system for treating exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system comprises a three-way catalyst (TWC), a fuel reformer catalyst located downstream of the TWC, and a fuel supply means located upstream of the fuel reformer catalyst. The exhaust gas is split into two portions. The first portion of the exhaust gas bypasses the TWC and contacts the fuel reformer catalyst in the presence of fuel added from the fuel supply means, and is then recycled back to the engine intake. The second portion of the exhaust gas is contacted with the TWC and is then utilized to heat the fuel reformer catalyst before being expelled to atmosphere. The exhaust system allows for maximum heat exchange from the exhaust gas.
US08984862B2
A component carrier (20) of a dosing system for injecting a urea solution to the exhaust-gas flow (9) of an internal combustion engine for the purpose of selective catalytic reduction, wherein the dosing system can be connected to a urea solution tank (1) from which urea solution can be extracted, and wherein the dosing system can be connected to a compressed air supply (6), wherein the dosing system has a pump (3) for feeding the urea solution and wherein the dosing system has at least one nozzle (5) by means of which the urea solution can be injected into the exhaust-gas flow (9) by means of compressed air, wherein components (2, 3, 7, 13, 14, 51, 52) of the dosing system can be mounted on the component carrier (20) so as to be in thermal contact with the component carrier (20), and wherein the component carrier (20) has at least one contact region (21, 22) for producing thermal contact with respect to the coolant circuit of the internal combustion engine, such that the component carrier (20) forms a heat sink and is heated, such that the components (2, 3, 7, 13, 14, 51, 52) which can be mounted on the component carrier (20) can be heated.
US08984858B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique gas turbine engine. Another embodiment of the present invention is a unique gas turbine engine bearing system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines and gas turbine engine bearing systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US08984849B1
A stirrup includes a stirrup leather opening and a foot opening. Above the stirrup leather opening is a top member that includes a number of bends. A first bend is in a first direction, a second bend is in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, a third bend is a first direction, and a fourth bend is in the second direction. The bends in the top member will orient the stirrup iron at an angle relative to the horse, rather than parallel to the side of a horse as in a typical straight or flat stirrup. The stirrup is more stable, reduces pain and stress in the leg, is easier to retrieve, and is safer than conventional stirrups.
US08984837B2
A masonry wire reinforcement apparatus and system is disclosed for anchoring a veneer wall to a backup wall of Concrete Masonry Units using a masonry wire reinforcement product embedded into an inner support wall, along with clips and pintle ties, such that the clip is attached to the masonry wire reinforcement product and is configured to receive the pintle tie, which then is attached to the veneer wall. Also disclosed is a thermal attachment that can be attached to the clip and accept the pintle tie thereby reducing the transfer of energy from the outer veneer wall to the inner support wall.
US08984833B2
A building wall system has a plurality of panels positioned adjacent one another for securement to a frame structure of a building via a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of rails secures a façade to the panels. Each rail has a first, second and third portion. The first portion receives the fasteners to secure the bracket to the frame structure. The second portion provides a surface for securement with the façade. The second portion is spaced from the panel so that fasteners do not enter the panel. The third portion rests against the panel to provide rigidity for the rail.
US08984818B2
Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels.
US08984814B2
A single wall airbeam constructed of a single layer material including a core of polyester fabric having a coating of adhesive on each surface of the polyester layer. A thin polyester film is applied to one of the adhesive layers. First and second polyurethane layers are applied to the other adhesive layer. The first polyurethane layer is a thicker, higher melt point polyurethane layer that may or may not be coated in a fire retardant material. The second polyurethane layer is a thinner, polyurethane layer having a lower melting point. An airbeam is constructed using one or more pieces of the fabric and heat sealing or welding the one or more polyurethane layers of fabric at seams, when the one or more layers are placed in a confronting position.
US08984812B2
In a shock-secure door or hatch arrangement on marine ships, a doorway frame, on two opposite longitudinal edges thereof, has continuous latching bars that are receivable in corresponding grooves in opposite edges of a door in order to latch the door in a closed position. The latching bar on the hinged edge of the doorway frame is stationary and engages into the associated door edge groove during a closing motion of the door. The latching bar on the opposite edge of the doorway frame is movable by actuating elements so as to engage into the respective associated door edge groove for latching the door in its closed position. A locking mechanism locks and unlocks the movable latching bar in its latched position.
US08984811B2
A door apparatus includes a door, actuating mechanism, and tie rod mechanism, the actuating mechanism actuating the tie rod mechanism to impart a substantially translating motion to the door. The actuating mechanism can include a drive yoke coupled to the tie rod mechanism with a one-way coupling. The tie rod mechanism can include a primary tie rod coupled to a secondary tie rod coupled to a latch. In another aspect a door apparatus includes an actuator, a first door, a second door, a first linkage assembly coupling the actuator to the first door, and a second linkage assembly coupling the first door to the second door, the actuator configured to activate the first linkage assembly to move the first door, the first door imparting motion to the second linkage assembly to move the second door in a synchronous and opposite motion with respect to the motion of the first door.
US08984804B2
One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species.
US08984787B1
An extractor is mounted on a slide of an auto-loading firearm. The extractor is capable of rotational and translational motion relative to the slide resulting in improved functioning through an increase in flag distance and reduced friction between the extractor and cartridge when the slide moves into battery. The extractor has a cam follower which cooperates with a cam on the slide to maintain the extractor hook in engagement with the rim of the cartridge during extraction. The extractor is biased into engagement with the cam, and a second cam follower on the extractor is engageable with the barrel face when the slide moves into battery.
US08984777B1
A weighted footwear assembly includes a foot covering including a sole and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the sole. The perimeter wall includes an upper, a heel counter and a heel collar extending upwardly from the heel counter. The foot covering includes a back side, a front side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side wherein the front side is configured to cover toes of a foot. A plurality of sleeves is attached to the perimeter wall. Each of a plurality of weights has a size and shape for being received by one of the sleeves.
US08984774B2
A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements include cut step features. Cut step features provide a traction element with a stepped height. Cut step features on medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping include arc-shaped or straight cuts. Cut step features on traction elements disposed in a heel region are aligned laterally across the sole structure. Traction elements also include raised platform members. Cut step features can be combined with raised platform members.
US08984766B2
A rack of the type for circulating air interiorly for drying multiple pairs of boots and/or gloves, where the articles to be dried are sprayed with a liquid sterilizing agent while on the rack. The blower housing, manifold and hollow members of the rack have no exterior horizontal surfaces to prevent pooling of the sterilizing agent. In addition, drain holes are provided in the blower housing, rack tubes and manifold to prevent interior trapping of sterilizing agent or moisture from condensation. In one version intended for sterilizing with power connected, a conduit in the manifold drains any liquid in the blower housing directly into the rack tubes. Another lower cost version is intended for sterilizing after electrical power has been externally disconnected and has liquid/moisture drain holes in the blower housing. Either version may be wall mounted or arranged as portable free standing single or double sided rack drying systems.
US08984763B2
Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.
US08984755B2
A retractable knife includes a handle and a utility blade having a first side and a second side. The retractable knife further includes a blade holder comprising a first plate and a second plate configured to cover at least a portion of said first and second sides of said utility blade, and for supporting said utility blade. The blade holder may be telescopically movable relative to said handle between an extended position and a retracted position, and wherein the blade holder extends out from the handle in said extended position. A blade release member may be mounted on the blade holder.
US08984750B2
A static gasket configured for establishing a seal between a cylinder head and an engine block including at least one layer having an opening and at least one compression bead. The compression bead extends circumferentially about the opening and projects out of a plane for deforming elastically when the gasket is compressed between the cylinder head and the engine block. A compression limiter which is formed from a metal wire is disposed radially between the opening and the compression bead for preventing the compression bead from being fully flattened, even if the cylinder head is overloaded onto the engine block. The compression bead is preferably induction and/or resistance welded to at least one of the layer(s).
US08984749B2
An electrical enclosure that may house electrical equipment having a reconfigurable cable duct system with one or more movable flaps to form alternative pathways in the enclosure for routing electrical cables from connections inside the enclosure to designated areas outside the enclosure. Methods of routing electrical cables through an enclosure and of assembling a cable duct system within an enclosure are also provided, as are other aspects.
US08984743B2
An ejecting device includes a housing and a pushing mechanism received in the housing. The pushing mechanism includes a pushing component. The pushing component is movably secured to the housing for pushing an object. When the pushing mechanism is in a resisting state, the pushing component protrudes out of the housing to push the object. When the pushing mechanism is in an unresisting state, the pushing component retracts into the housing and disengages from the object.
US08984738B2
A manufacturing method of a slider includes steps of (a) providing a row bar with a plurality of slider elements connecting together, the row bar having an air bearing surface, a back surface opposite the air bearing surface, a bonding surface and a bottom surface opposite the bonding surface; (b) grinding the bottom surface of the row bar; (c) lapping the air bearing surface of the row bar so as to obtain a predetermined requirement, and applying a first magnetic field with a first direction during lapping the air bearing surface, and the first direction being parallel to the air bearing surface and the bonding surface; and (d) cutting the row bar into a plurality of individual sliders. The present invention can maintain a good performance of a magnetic head during the manufacturing process.
US08984737B2
A method for producing a keycap of a keyboard of a portable electronic device that includes removing material from the backside of a body of the keycap to form a cavity in a shape associated with a character, filling the cavity with fill material, and removing material from the front side of the body to expose the fill material on the front surface of the keycap.
US08984736B2
A prosthetic device which couples to the remaining portion of a limb of an amputee which provides a ball handling structure including a ball handling surface which defines an opening through which a ball passes into and out of a ball receiving cavity allowing the ball to be handled by the amputee.
US08984730B2
A system for rotating a turbine shell includes a first platform and a first trunnion rotatably connected to the first platform. A second platform is separated from the first platform, and a second trunnion is separated from the first trunnion and rotatably connected to the second platform. The system further includes structure for rotating the first trunnion.
US08984725B2
An improved buckle device for a limited release application such as a pet collar, which includes a buckle assembly having a cover having a top with a downward turn release lip. The release lip, in the closed position, does not extend past the frame member and is recessed within the sidewalls and bottom wall of the frame. The cover includes high-positioned ledges that cause a cam latch to release a clasp from the buckle only when the cover has traveled at least about 80-degress from horizontal. The cover hingeably mounts to a frame by means of a pin. The latch is supported by the pin. Tension against the cover is provided by a first biasing member and the latch cam is forced downward by a second biasing member.
US08984720B2
In one aspect, a tensioning instrument for a securing device, such as surgical cable, is provided having a pretensioning mechanism configured to allow a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable and a tensioning mechanism operable to increase the tension in the cable by predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension applied by the pretensioning ,mechanism. The tensioning device has a first actuator operatively coupled to the pretensioning mechanism and is configured permit a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable. The tensioning device also has a second actuator different than the first actuator which is operatively coupled to the tensioning mechanism. The second actuator may be moved between an open position and a locked position to cause the tensioning mechanism to increase the tension in the cable by the predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension, if any.
US08984719B2
In some embodiments, a cam assembly and strap based closure system using a spiral is configured for bringing two sides of an article together. In some embodiments, when the user inserts the strap into the cam assembly and turns a knob, the strap is driven into the cam assembly and the strap pins engage one or more cam spirals. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that strap pins may be engaged at a constant angle which may be self-locking. In some embodiments, the system may be infinitely adjustable and the torque felt by the knob may be constant. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to be a quick release system and may allow rapid insertion of the strap for faster operation.
US08984717B1
A self-returning hinge assembly utilizing a spring disposed along a linearly displaceable guide shaft element mounted through a polymeric guide plate disposed in substantial alignment with an aperture supporting an elongated proximal portion of the guide shaft. Upon displacement of the door from a pre-established set point, the spring is compressed thereby generating a biasing force along the guide shaft to bring the door back to the pre-established set point. The linear travel path of the guide shaft element is maintained by the guide plate.
US08984716B2
The present specification discloses a carriage body (10) and a bearing (24) as a sub assembly for use in a roller wheel assembly (32), the bearing (24) centrally supporting a roller wheel supporting shaft (27) for rotation, in use, about a rotation axis defined by the rotation shaft (27), the bearing (24) having an outer peripheral mounting surface (50), the carriage body (10) being in one piece defining a bearing support cavity (17) providing a support surface (23) engaging at least a portion of the outer peripheral mounting surface (50) of the bearing (24), the one piece carriage body (10) further having a bearing access opening (28) whereby the bearing (24) is operationally positioned in the bearing support cavity (17) by movement through the access opening (28) in a direction transverse to the rotation axis defined by the support shaft (27).
US08984714B2
A method and system for a tone generator assembly are provided. The tone generator assembly includes a resonance chamber that includes a first end and a second end and a body extending therebetween. The body surrounds a cavity therein, wherein the first end includes a resonance chamber opening in flow communication with the cavity. The tone generator assembly also includes a nozzle having a bore therethrough. The bore includes an inlet opening configured to receive a flow of relatively high pressure fluid and an outlet opening coupled in flow communication with the inlet opening and configured to discharge an underexpanded jet of fluid when the flow of relatively high pressure fluid is received at the inlet opening. The resonance chamber and the nozzle are positioned relatively and sized to facilitate emitting a tone from the tone generator assembly having a frequency less than two kilohertz.
US08984712B2
A cyclone separation device (102, 202) and a cyclone vacuum cleaner (100, 200) mounted with the device. A first cyclone separation unit in the cyclone separation device (102, 202) comprises a dust bucket (10) and a mesh filter (7) with air holes (7a). Airflow enters the first cyclone separation unit to undergo first gas-solid separation. The airflow after the separation enters a second cyclone separation unit through the air holes (7a) of the mesh filter (7). A filter in the second cyclone separation unit comprises a plurality of cyclone barrels (31). An upper end and a lower end of the cyclone barrel (31) are open. A first air inlet (31a) and a second air inlet (31b) are disposed on a side wall of the cyclone barrel (31). The airflow (41a, 41b) after the gas-solid separation enters the first air inlet (31a) and the second air inlet (31b) through a first airflow passage and a second airflow passage respectively, is mixed in the cyclone barrel (31), and then undergoes second gas-solid separation. The airflow after the gas-solid separation is discharged from an opening at the upper end of the cyclone barrel (31). In the cyclone separation device (102, 202), the direction of travel of the airflow and the cross-sectional area of the air inlet are changed, thereby improving a separation effect. The cyclone vacuum cleaner (100, 200) mounted with the cyclone separation device (102, 202) increases separation efficiency and improves an air purification effect.
US08984701B2
A handle for a cleaning tool such as a floor mop comprising at least two handle segments attached to each other by a flexible connector such that the handle has one configuration in which it is rigid and another configuration in which it is flexible. In one exemplary embodiment, a movable rigid sleeve extends over the entire flexible connector and a portion of each handle segment such that it prevents the flexible connector from bending. When the movable rigid sleeve is moved to a position where it does not extend over the flexible connector, the flexible connector can bend relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle, to allow easy access under cabinets or furniture.
US08984698B1
Lightweight sewer cable that may include an elongate central resilient non-metallic core member, an elongate metallic helical coil spring surrounding the core member, and an elongate non-metallic spacer between the core member and the coil spring are disclosed.
US08984696B2
A random orbit scrubber comprises a main body having a front end and a rear end, a squeegee assembly coupled to the rear end of the main body, and a cleaning head assembly coupled to the front end of the main body. The cleaning head assembly can include a cleaning element structured for contact with a floor surface. The cleaning head assembly can further include a motor that is operable to impart rotational and orbital movement on the cleaning element.
US08984695B2
A hand held dusting apparatus for use with a motor provided with a rotating axle, such as a variable speed drill, includes an elongated extension member attachable at one end to the rotating axle and a dusting member having a body section attachable to the opposite end of the elongated extension member and a dusting section constructed having multiple strands of synthetic fiber materials extending from the body section. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus further includes a tubular hand guide member fitted about the extension member and constructed to slide along the extension member. In another preferred embodiment the body of dusting section has a mid-section that can be pivoted to allow the dusting elements to rotate about an axis set at an angle to the axis of the extension member.
US08984694B2
The invention provides debris inhibitors and inhibitor systems and methods of making same. The inhibitors and inhibitor systems of the present invention are worn over athletic or outdoor shoes to inhibit entry of debris into the athletic or outdoor shoes.
US08984693B2
An apparatus and method for detecting an imbalance in the laundry load and effecting a redistribution of the imbalance by reducing the rotational speed of the treating chamber such that part of the load may redistribute while part of the load remains satellized, without ceasing rotation, and increasing the rotational speed back to a spin speed after redistribution.
US08984690B2
A side rail assembly for supporting an edge of a mattress includes a layer of a polyurethane foam comprising an open cellular structure, wherein the open cellular structure comprises about 10 to about 40 cells per inch, a hardness of about 35 pounds-force to about 100 pounds-force, and a density of about 1.2 pounds per cubic foot to about 2.0 pounds per cubic foot, wherein the layer is configured to be disposed about a perimeter of an inner core of the mattress and is configured to permit the flow of fluid from and to the inner core through the layer.
US08984686B2
There is disclosed a platform of an electric-movable bed for preventing bedsores and capable of changing a shaft including a plate unit. The platform includes a plurality of main plates rotatably provided to support the human body, a plurality of sub plates rotatably and hingedly coupled to the main plates, respectively, and a locking part provided between each main plate and each sub plate to enable or lock the rotation of each main plate or sub plate, the plate unit being configured to selectively rotate a corresponding portion to a position of the joint according to a user's body type; a first driving unit configured to tilt an upper part of the human body lying on the plate unit; and a second driving unit configured to tilt a lower part of the human body lying on the plate unit.
US08984685B2
A patient support apparatus system includes sensors adapted to sense a gesture of a person, or forces exerted by the person on the patient support apparatus, and to control the movement of a component of the patient support apparatus based on the gesture or forces. The movement of the patient support apparatus matches the direction of the person's gesture or applied forces. The speed of the gesture and magnitude of the applied force also influence the movement of the patient support apparatus component. The controlled movement may be the upward and downward motion of a patient support deck on the patient support apparatus, or it may be the pivoting of a section of the patient support deck, or it may be other movement. Control of the patient support apparatus is carried out based on the intent of the user, as evidenced by the user's gesture or applied forces.
US08990961B2
Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.
US08990957B2
An approach receives a request from a user, typically a change implementer, on a computer system. The request includes a user identifier and a requested action. A current timestamp corresponding to a computer system clock is retrieved. Scheduled changes are retrieved from a data store accessible by the processor. The current timestamp is compared to the scheduled change periods. The requested action is allowed if the comparison reveals that the current timestamp is within one of the retrieved scheduled changes, and the requested action is denied if the comparison reveals that the current timestamp is outside of the retrieved scheduled change periods.
US08990956B2
Systems and methods for exchanging information for access to a computing resource are provided herein. Methods may include receiving a request to access a computing resource, the computing resource being selectively unavailable to the information provider, responsive to receiving the request, providing the information provider a problem that is to be solved by the information provider prior to making the computing resource selectively available to the information provider, wherein solving the problem elicits desired information from the information provider, and responsive to receiving the desired information, selectively making the computing resource available to the information provider.
US08990955B2
A shared data store may be accessible to a plurality of electronic devices and used to share files in a collaboration setting. A shared file is shared by a first electronic device with a second device via a connection between the first electronic device and the shared data store. A coordinating electronic device associated with the shared data store monitors the connection with the first electronic device. If a loss in the connection is detected, the coordinating electronic device may cause access to the shared file to become restricted to the second electronic device responsive to the loss of the connection.
US08990950B2
Enabling discretionary data access control in a cloud computing environment can begin with the obtainment of a data request and response message by an access manager service. The response message can be generated by a data storage service in response to the data request. The access manager service can identify owner-specified access rules and/or access exceptions applicable to the data request. An access response can be determined using the applicable owner-specified access rules and/or access exceptions. Both the response message and the access response can indicate the allowance or denial of access to the requested data artifact. The access response can be compared to the response message. If the access response does not match the response message, the response message can be overridden to express the access response. If the access response matches the response message, the response message can be conveyed to the originating entity of the data request.
US08990942B2
This disclosure generally relates to computer security, and more particularly to methods and systems for application programming interface (API)-level intrusion detection. In some embodiments, a computer-readable medium is disclosed, storing instructions for: receiving an API call for a service at an API sandbox module; parsing the API call to extract at least one of: an API call name; and or one or more API call parameters; generating a copy of the at least one of: the API call name and or the one or more API call parameters; determining, via an intrusion detection rules execution engine, whether the API call violates one or more security rules obtained from a security rules object, using the copy of the at least one of: the API call name and or the one or more API call parameters; and providing an indication of whether the API call violates the one or more security rules.
US08990939B2
A system is described for scheduling the processing of items of suspicious network content to determine whether these items contain malicious network content. The system features a memory and an analyzer that may comprise a processor-based digital device in which at least one virtual machine (VM) and a scheduler operates. The scheduler is configured to generate an order of processing of a plurality of items of network content by the processor based on a plurality of probability scores, each corresponding to an item of network content. The analyzer is configured to process the items of network content in at least the virtual machine by replaying these items in accordance with the order of processing. The virtual machine is configured with a software profile corresponding to each of the processed items and being adapted to monitor behavior of each of the items during processing, thereby to detect malicious network content.
US08990937B2
A recommendation engine coupled to a server computer in communication with a plurality of hosts is described. The recommendation engine includes computer readable intrusion-protection instructions stored in a memory device, which cause a processor of said server computer to determine a current host-protection configuration for a target host; detect discrepancy between said current host-protection configuration and a prior host-protection configuration; install said current host-protection configuration in said target host upon detecting said discrepancy; record successive host-reconfiguration periods, a host reconfiguration period being a difference between successive instants of time at which a current host-protection configuration differs from a prior host-protection configuration; determine a monitoring period according to a value of at least one of said successive host-reconfiguration periods; and a scheduler for activating said intrusion-protection instructions according to said monitoring period.
US08990920B2
An Internet-enabled device, such as a smartphone, tablet, PC, wearable sensor, or household appliance, executes an application (or “app”) has its own VPN connection with a VPN gateway device. The app does not use the device-level or system VPN to connect with the gateway. The app, which may be security wrapped, is made more secure by having its own VPN tunnel with the gateway, wherein the VPN tunnel is not used by other apps running on the device. The conventional (or device-level) VPN connection is not used by the app(s). The app has its own IP stack, an HTTP proxy layer, an IPsec module, and a virtual data link layer which it uses to build IP packets, encapsulate them, and transmit them to a transport module in the device operating system, for example, a UDP module.
US08990910B2
Systems and methods are described for creating a globally unique identity for a user or user-container by performing an iterative join where each participating back-end data source. The systems and methods include an ID-Unify (IDU) that performs identity virtualization and creates or generates a globally unique identifier for a user in operational environments in which there is a pre-existing conflict caused by the existence of different identities for a user in different authentication data sources.
US08990896B2
An extensible mechanism for providing access control for logical objects in a network environment. A security broker is able to dynamically register one or more claims providers, each of which can assert one or more claims about logical objects. The claims providers may be purpose built or may be third party applications which expose data or business rules for use. Claims may be augmented by additional claims providers after the original claim is asserted. The applicability of claims may be scope limited either at the time the claims provider is registered or when the user requests that a security token be issued.
US08990891B1
In general, techniques are described for provisioning layer two access in computer networks. A network device located in a public network comprising an interface and a control unit may implement the techniques. The interface establishes a session with a mobile device. The control unit requests security state data identifying a security state of the mobile device via the established session. The interface receives a mobile device identifier and the security state data from the mobile device via the session. The mobile device identifier identifies the mobile device. The control unit publishes the security state information to a database such that the security state information is associated with the mobile device identifier.
US08990888B2
In a method for providing a one-time password for a user device belonging to a user, which password is intended to register the user device with a server, the server generates the one-time password using a cryptographic operation on the basis of a unique use identifier and transmits the password to the user device. The method provides a service provider with the possibility of tying additional conditions for registration to the one-time password and thus increases the flexibility of the service provider when configuring the services offered by the latter and increases security against manipulation.
US08990887B2
A method of arming or disarming a building security system includes transferring an electronic security credential file from an authorizing environment to a mobile computing device. The electronic security credential file is read by the mobile computing device to extract authentication data. The authentication data is transmitted from the mobile computing device and received at the building security system. Within the building security system, the authentication data is used to verify that a user of the mobile computing device is authorized to communicate with the building security system. The mobile computing device is enabled to communicate with the building security system only if the electronic security credential file has been used to verify that a user of the mobile computing device is authorized to communicate with the building security system.
US08990886B2
In an information management system, policies are deployed to targets and targets can evaluate the policies whether they are connected or disconnected to the system. The policies may be transferred to the target, which may be a device or user. Relevant policies may be transferred while not relevant policies are not. The policies may have policy abstractions.
US08990883B2
A method, process, and associated systems for policy-based development and runtime control of mobile applications. Security objects that describe or enforce security policies are embedded into the source code of an enhanced application while the application is being developed. When a user attempts to launch the enhanced application on a mobile device, the security objects are updated to match a latest valid version of the objects stored on an enterprise server. The security objects may be further updated at other times. Global security policies, which affect the entire enterprise and which may deny the application permission to launch, are enforced by a global security policy stored within one of the updated security objects. If the application does run, application-specific security policies contained in the updated security objects modify application behavior at runtime in order to enforce application-specific security policies.
US08990879B2
A method for providing a data application of a digital broadcasting is disclosed. In accordance with the present subject matter, a time necessary for receiving and executing the data application and a limit in a number of or a size of the data application are minimized and a personalized data application can be provided based on a receiver identification information or a viewer identification information.
US08990860B2
According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor; a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories.
US08990853B1
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for determining a time period remaining until a live production system changes states. An example method involves accessing a stored television-broadcasting traffic log; making a first determination that a log-entry A in the traffic log does not correspond to a live-production source; making a second determination that a log-entry B in the traffic log is the next log entry after the log-entry A to correspond to a live-production source; making a third determination that the log-entry B includes a start-time B; responsive to making the first, second, and third determinations, proximate a current time that is on or after a start-time A corresponding to the log-entry A and that is before the start-time B, determining a time period as a difference between the current time and the start-time B; and providing the determined time-period to an output device for presentation proximate the current time.
US08990849B2
Methods and systems for advertisement insertion into streaming media content are described. In one method, an advertisement insertion tool receives a first indication of a start time of an advertisement break to be inserted into a stream of slices of media content. The advertisement insertion tool identifies a first slice of the slices that encompasses the start time of the advertisement break. The first slice comprises video frames. The advertisement insertion tool truncates the first slice to contain the video frames up to the start time of the advertisement break. An advertisement can be inserted after the truncated first slice and before a next second slice in the stream.
US08990846B1
The invention discloses a method for controlling digital film play-count and a system thereof, wherein a play-count parameter is added into a KDM file where a key delivery message used for controlling film play is embedded, detecting the play-count parameter for a playing film, setting RSA key abstracts of an FDM packager of all authorized contracting film producers, safely importing the KDM and play-count into a security module, detecting the play-count parameter for a playing film. The film is not permitted to play unless existing play-count is less than the authorized play-count in the FDM. The invention fulfills the requirements and demands for controlling the distribution and playback of digital films in the second-tier market using technologies such as the authorized play-count and a method to charge on the basis of play-count.
US08990834B2
A system and method for managing healthcare information is disclosed. The data servers each include a data manager that comprises a controller, a grid engine, applications, an application manager and a user interface engine. The controller manages the core functions and the transmission of data between data manager components. The grid engine manages information sent between data servers. The applications are applications that are created by the user or downloaded as third-party applications. The application manager manages the creation and communication between applications. The user interface engine generates user interfaces for displaying the applications and collecting clinical trial data.
US08990833B2
A circuit arrangement, method, and program product for communicating data between hardware threads of a network on a chip processing unit utilizes shared inboxes to communicate data to pools of hardware threads. The associated hardware in the pools threads receive data packets from the shared inboxes in response to issuing work requests to an associated shared inbox. Data packets include a source identifier corresponding to a hardware thread from which the data packet was generated, and the shared inboxes may manage data packet distribution to associated hardware threads based on the source identifier of each data packet. A shared inbox may also manage workload distribution and uneven workload lengths by communicating data packets to hardware threads associated with the shared inbox in response to receiving work requests from associated hardware threads.
US08990830B2
A method and system are provided for thread management in parallel processes in a multi-core or multi-node system. The method includes receiving monitored hardware metrics information from the multiple cores or multiple nodes on which processes are executed, receiving monitored process and thread information; and globally monitoring the processing across the multiple cores or multiple nodes. The method further includes analyzing the monitored information to minimize imbalances between the multiple cores and/or to improve core or node exploitation and dynamically adjusting the number of threads per process based on the analysis.
US08990824B2
A method of automatically configuring a data network, the data network including a controller and a virtualization host with a hypervisor installed thereon, the method including creating a virtual switch in the hypervisor and communicatively coupling the virtual switch to a first physical network interface in the virtualization host. Further, the method includes receiving a request to boot an operating system image in a virtual machine in the hypervisor, the operating system image having network connectivity requirements. The method also includes creating a first virtual port in the virtual switch based upon the network connectivity requirements of the operating system image and creating a first virtual network adapter in the virtual machine in the hypervisor. Further, the method includes communicatively coupling the first virtual network adapter to the first virtual port in the virtual switch and configuring networking attributes of the first virtual network adapter in the virtual machine.
US08990817B1
Various systems and methods for automated error recovery in workflows. For example, one method involves receiving an operation indication. The operation indication indicates an operation that is to be performed using a multi-tier application system that includes first and second applications. The first and second applications are implemented using different tiers of the multi-tier application system. The method involves accessing dependency information that indicates first data dependencies between the first and the second applications. The method further involves determining outcome of execution of the operation, where the determining is based on the dependency information but does not include executing the operation.
US08990814B2
Techniques are described for replacement of virtual functions. In one or more implementations, a call to a virtual function is intercepted and redirected to a shim module associated with a replacement function. The shim module is configured to adjust a pointer (e.g., a “this” pointer) for the virtual function. In at least some embodiments, the pointer can be adjusted based on information retrieved from symbol data for the virtual function. The replacement function can utilize the adjusted pointer to access an object instance associated with the virtual function. For example, the replacement function can use the adjusted pointer to access data and/or functionalities of the object instance.
US08990812B2
Tasks for a business process can be decomposed into subtasks represented by messages. Message processing can be throttled in a heterogeneous environment. For example, message processing at subtask nodes can be individually throttled at the node level by controlling the number of instances of subtask processors for the subtask node. An infrastructure built with framework components can be used for a variety of business process tasks, separating business logic from the framework logic. Thus, intelligent scalability across platform types can be provided for large scale business processes with reduced development time and resources.
US08990811B2
Techniques that improve manageability of systems. Techniques are provided for creating different types of baselines that are more flexible and dynamic in nature. A future-based baseline may be created defining a period of time, wherein at least a portion of the period of time is in the future. A baseline may be created that is a composite of multiple baselines. In general, baselines may be specified having one or more periods of time that are either contiguous or non-contiguous. A template for creating a set of baselines based on a set of time periods may also be created, where the template can be used to create a baseline for each of the set of time periods. A moving window baseline may be created having an associated time window that changes with passage of time, where accordingly the data associated with the baseline may also dynamically change with passage of time.
US08990807B2
In a virtual computing environment allocating instantiations of computing resources based on a computing metric of a primary application for execution on the instantiated computing resources, an instance manager increases allocated computing resources in response to a performance shortfall. The virtual computing environment executes virtualization instances of computing systems as an autonomous computing entity in a physical environment shared with other virtualization instances. Each virtualization instance has a configuration including a processor type and quantity, memory, and mass storage (i.e. disk) allocation. Further, each virtualization instance has a performance capacity (capacity) based on a performance metric for identifying throughput in terms of a target application that the virtualization instance was designated to support. The instance manager performs a substantially real-time reconfiguration response based on an impact analysis that configures additional computing resources (virtualization instances) based on an actual, not computed or projected, demand.
US08990805B2
A method of dynamic resource allocation for a virtual machine cluster is to calculate the resource usage weight of the respective virtual machine, the resource usage weight of the respective physical machine, and the average resource usage weight of the physical machines, to pick the physical machine with the greatest resource usage weight as the migration source machine, to pick the physical machine with the least resource usage weight as the migration object machine, and to move the virtual machine in the migration source machine with the resource usage weight thereof being closest to the migration difference value to the migration object machine to achieve the effect of load balancing.
US08990800B2
A method may include a hypervisor instantiating a virtual machine including an initiator client and the hypervisor determining whether a virtualized information handling system is interfaced to an associated storage resource via an offload host bus adapter (HBA). If the virtualized information handling system is interfaced to the associated storage resource via an offload HBA, the hypervisor may execute an adapter driver for the HBA, the adapter driver for communicating input/output communications between the virtual machine and the associated storage resource via the offload HBA. If the virtualized information handling system is interfaced to the associated storage resource via another adapter other than an offload HBA, the hypervisor may execute an emulator, the emulator for emulating the functionality of the adapter driver for the HBA and for communicating input/output communications between the virtual machine and the associated storage resource via the other adapter.
US08990791B2
Partitioned global address space (PGAS) programming language source code is retrieved by an executed PGAS compiler. At least one shared memory array access indexed by an affine expression that includes a distinct thread identifier that is constant and different for each of a group of program execution threads targeted to execute the PGAS source code is identified within the PGAS source code. It is determined whether the at least one shared memory array access results in a local shared memory access by all of the group of program execution threads for all references to the at least one shared memory array access during execution of a compiled executable of the PGAS source code. A direct memory access executable code is generated for each shared memory array access determined to result in the local shared memory access by all of the group of program execution threads.
US08990777B2
Code elements may be selected from a graph depicting an application. The graph may show code elements as nodes, with edges representing connections between the nodes. The connections may be messages passed between code elements, code flow relationships, or other relationships. When a code element or group of code elements are selected from the graph, the corresponding source code may be displayed. The code may be displayed in a code editor or other mechanism by which the code may be viewed, edited, and manipulated.
US08990774B2
Methods and apparatus in a computer for automatically testing computer programs involve opening a predefined graphical user interface (GUI) on a screen of the computer; loading a set of program script instructions from a script database in communication with the computer that is associated with the predefined GUI; reading a loaded set of program script instructions; retrieving, based on the loaded set, data and at least one image object corresponding to the predefined GUI from a data and image object database in communication with the computer; taking a screenshot of the predefined GUI that includes at least one image object of the predefined GUI; determining whether an image object in the screen shot matches an image object retrieved from the data and object image database; and if a target position on the screen of the matching image object based on data retrieved from the data and image object database, and activating a control function adapted to control the predefined GUI based on the loaded set of program script instructions and the target position.
US08990771B2
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for building and distributing software packages. A package manager generation tool can interface with a set of stages of a development environment to receive source code configured for a software package build. The package manager generation tool can further receive a configuration file from a web user interface, wherein the configuration file can comprise a set of commands that, when executed, can build a software package from the source code. A distribution schedule can indicate one or more distribution systems to which to distribute the software package. The package manager generation tool can distribute the software packages to the distribution systems specified by the distribution schedule.
US08990765B2
The present invention provides a computationally efficient system for developing configurable, extensible business application product lines using model-driven techniques. The invention enables to create a common business application with a set of pre-defined variants, selection of a suitable variant from the pre-defined set, and composition of the common application with the selected variant into a purpose-specific business application and also provides for modeling of commonality and variability thus leading to a single specification. The invention provides model-based solution to address extensibility and configurability of both structural and behavioral aspects in a functionality dimension of database intensive business application and it supports configuration process at three different stages of application development (i.e. design time, installation time and run time) of database intensive business application. The invention reduces the cost as well as computational time for creating new business applications, and leads to effective maintenance and smooth evolution.
US08990759B2
The fabrication of the wafer may be analyzed starting from when the wafer is in a partially fabricated state. The value of a specified performance parameter may be determined at a plurality of locations on an active area of a die of the wafer. The specified performance parameter is known to be indicative of a particular fabrication process in the fabrication. Evaluation information may then be obtained based on a variance of the value of the performance parameter at the plurality of locations. This may be done without affecting a usability of a chip that is created from the die. The evaluation information may be used to evaluate how one or more processes that include the particular fabrication process that was indicated by the performance parameter value was performed.
US08990755B2
Defective artifact removal is described in photolithography masks corrected for optical proximity. In one example a method is described in which partitions are identified in a mask design for independent optimization. The partitions are grouped and ordering into stages. The first stage is processed. Geometries are extracted from the periphery of the first stage partitions. The extracted geometries are added to the peripheries of second stage partitions. Then the second stage partitions are processed.
US08990752B2
A method for automatic design of an electronic circuit, includes: generating (100) a layout (L) of the aforesaid electronic circuit; generating (200) abstract data (A) at the substrate level associated to the layout (L) of the aforesaid electronic circuit; generating (300) a grid (TG) of subdivision into meshes and nodes with respect to a view pertaining to the aforesaid abstract (A) and applying it to the aforesaid substrate (SBS); and extracting (400), on the basis of the aforesaid subdivision grid (TG), a full electrical netlist (NC) pertaining to the substrate (SBS). The method further includes performing an evaluation (500, 600) of the interactions between devices (DV) of the electronic circuit at the substrate level according to the aforesaid full electrical netlist (NC) pertaining to the substrate (SBS).
US08990748B1
In one approach for improving timing in an electronic circuit design having a finite state machine (FSM), control bit logic is generated based on next state logic of the FSM that generates current state bits of the FSM. The control bit logic and a control state bit are added to operate in parallel with the next state logic and the current state bit registers, and the output signal from the control bit register replaces selected logic in logic downstream from the FSM and current state bit registers. If a worst case delay is improved with the design having the control bit logic and control state bit, the modified circuit design is saved for evaluating other possible timing improvements. Otherwise, the modification is discarded.
US08990744B2
The capacitance or inductance of electrical circuits is adjusted by measuring inductance or capacitance values of passive components fabricated on a first substrate, storing individual associations between the passive components and the respective measured values of the passive components, and determining electrical connections for the passive components based on the stored individual associations between the passive components and the respective measured values of the passive components. A corresponding system includes a tester operable to measure inductance or capacitance values of the passive components fabricated on the first substrate, a storage system operable to store the individual associations between the passive components and the respective measured values of the passive components, and a processing circuit operable to determine the electrical connections for the passive components based on the stored individual associations between the passive components and the respective measured values of the passive components.
US08990743B2
Methods and apparatuses to automatically modify a circuit design (e.g., a synthesis solution) according to the sensitivity in design parameters with respect to the possible deviation in the subsequent implementation (e.g., placement and routing) of the circuit. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to design a circuit includes: determining likelihood of a design constraint being violated in an implementation of a first circuit design (e.g., a technology specific netlist with or without a placement solution); and, modifying the first circuit design to reduce the likelihood of the design constraint being violated. In one example, the implementation of the first circuit design includes a routing solution for implementing the first circuit design; and, the first circuit is modified through sizing an instance of a logic element, buffering a signal, load shielding for a signal, or other operations.
US08990742B2
A method of designing an acoustic microwave filter in accordance with frequency response requirements. The method comprises selecting an initial filter circuit structure including a plurality of circuit elements comprising at least one resonant element and at least one other reactive circuit element, selecting lossless circuit response variables based on the frequency response requirements, selecting a value for each of the circuit elements based on the selected circuit response variables to create an initial filter circuit design, transforming the resonant element(s) and the other reactive circuit element(s) of the initial filter circuit design into at least one acoustic resonator model to create an acoustic filter circuit design, adding parasitic effects to the acoustic filter circuit design to create a pre-optimized filter circuit design, optimizing the pre-optimized filter circuit design to create a final filter circuit design, and constructing the acoustic microwave filter based on the final filter circuit design.
US08990737B2
A method, apparatus, and system are provided for displaying a graphical representation of at least a portion of a file by interfacing with a graphical interface relating to the file. A request for viewing a file content is received. A window for viewing a graphical representation of at least a portion of the content of a file is provided.
US08990736B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for fast mouse pointer location. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for fast mouse pointer location includes determining a contemporaneous location of a mouse pointer in a GUI of a host computer, dimensioning in memory of the host computer different shapes and arranging the shapes to proximately meet at a point of intersection, overlaying the shapes in the GUI at a position proximate to the contemporaneous location of the mouse pointer, displaying the shapes in the GUI for a brief period of time before hiding the shapes from view in the GUI and repeating the determining, dimensioning, overlaying and displaying for different movements of the mouse pointer in the GUI.
US08990731B2
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same. When a plurality of items displayed on a screen is scrolled, a scroll speed of some of the plurality of items is controlled to be different from a scroll speed of the other items.
US08990724B2
This invention provides an information processing apparatus which obtains screen information via a network from an external apparatus and displays an operation screen based on information registered in association with a specific application, when a predetermined key is operated while the specific application is in progress. To accomplish this, an MFP obtains screen information from a Web server based on URL information registered in association with a Web application, and displays the initial screen of the Web application, when a reset key is pressed while the Web application is in progress.
US08990713B2
Methods and devices for selectively presenting a user interface or “desktop” across two devices are provided. More particularly, a unified desktop is presented across a device and a computer system that comprise a unified system. The unified desktop acts as a single user interface that presents data and receives user interaction in a seamless environment that emulates a personal computing environment. To function within the personal computing environment, the unified desktop includes a process for docking and undocking the device with the computer system. The unified desktop presents a new user interface to allow access to functions of the unified desktop.
US08990711B2
Methods and devices for minimizing and maximizing displayed output associated with applications are provided. More particularly, an application presented as two or more pages in a portrait mode can be minimized to present one of the two or more pages following a minimization operation. The page that continues to be displayed can comprise a primary or preferred page, while the page that is dismissed can comprise a secondary or ancillary page. With respect to a maximization operation received with respect to a page of an application results in the display of an additional page associated with that application. Maximization can include controlling the respective screens on which first and second pages of the maximized application are displayed.
US08990707B2
A metaverse system and method for allowing a user to control a group of avatars in a metaverse application. The metaverse system includes a client computer, a metaverse server, and a group link engine. The metaverse server hosts a metaverse application over a network. The client computer interfaces with the metaverse application. The group link engine opens a group link connection. A linked group associated with the group link connection includes at least two linked users. At least one user is designated as a leader of the linked group. The group link engine includes a group link controller to allow the leader to control an action of an avatar of at least one other user.
US08990706B2
Various embodiments described herein include one or more of systems, methods, and software operable to identify a location of or position a gesture tool, such as a mouse pointer or cursor, within a web conference display. Some embodiments may communicate an identified location of a gesture tool within a user interface control of a web conference presenter to web conference participants. The communicated location of the gesture tool may cause the gesture tool to be displayed in a corresponding location within a display of a web conference participant despite differences between a view of the presenter and participant. The gesture tool may include a pointer under the control of a mouse, a cursor, or other gesturing tool. Some embodiments include a web conference recording module operable to record data associated with a web conference, including gesture tool positioning data.
US08990705B2
Modifying display of an object in a display of part of a virtual universe is provided. In one embodiment, the process obtains avatar tracking data that identifies a location of an avatar in relation to a range of the object. The range includes a viewable field. The process then selects a data collection method based on the location of the set of avatars. In response to detecting an event for triggering modification of the object, the process calculates a set of color modifiers based on display setting data to form a modified color. Thereafter, the process renders the object using the modified color when the location of the set of avatars is within the range of the object.
US08990704B2
A bridge including an adapter is able to transcode or translate different graphics languages to permit a variety of networked, dissimilar devices, to communicate. The bridge translates an existing application device's graphics/images into a Remote User Interface (Remote UI or RUI) graphics protocol of a rendering device and transmits the translated RUI to the rendering device. The rendering device is then able to display the translated RUI.
US08990696B2
Systems and methods for geographically mapping a vulnerability of a network having one or more network points include receiving vulnerability information identifying a vulnerability of a point of the network, correlating the vulnerability information with location information for the identified network point, and network identification information for the identified network point, and generating a map displaying a geographical location of the vulnerability.
US08990693B2
A method of generating edited video, the method comprises receiving, at a server, an unedited video from a user device; receiving, at the server, user input indicating one or more effects to apply to the unedited video from the user device; generating, at the server, a plurality of intermediate representations of the unedited video; and generating, at the server, an edited video based on, at least in part on the unedited video, the user input, and one of the plurality of intermediate representations.
US08990688B2
A proactive user interface, installed in (or otherwise control and/or be associated with) any type of computational device. The proactive user interface actively makes suggestions to the user, based upon prior experience with a particular user and/or various preprogrammed patterns from which the computational device could select, depending upon user behavior. These suggestions can be made by altering the appearance of at least a portion of the display, for example by changing a menu or a portion thereof; providing different menus for display; and/or altering touch screen functionality. The suggestions can also be made audibly.
US08990682B1
Disclosed are methods and devices for rendering interactions between virtual and physical objects on a substantially transparent display are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes displaying a user-interface on a substantially transparent display of a wearable computing device. The method further includes displaying a virtual object in the view region at a focal length along a first line of sight and detecting a physical object at a physical distance along a second line of sight. The method still further includes determining that a relationship between the focal length and the physical distance is such that the virtual object and the physical object appear substantially co-located in a user-view through the view region and, responsive to the determination, initiating a collision action between the virtual object and the physical object.
US08990681B2
A method for aligning a modified document and an original document is provided according to an aspect of the present invention. The method includes a step of receiving a first bitmap representative of the modified document, including a first anchor. Additionally, a second bitmap representative of the original document including a second anchor is received. The method also includes the step of deriving a set of first vertex coordinates of the first anchor, and a set of second vertex coordinates of the second anchor. The method further includes the step of transforming the first bitmap to a common reference based upon the first set of vertex coordinates, and the step of transforming the second bitmap to the common reference based upon the second set of vertex coordinates.
US08990675B2
A system for automatically detecting relationships in spreadsheet data is disclosed. The system may be configured to analyze data items in the spreadsheet to determine whether two or more data items are unrelated. If the two or more data items are unrelated, then the system may notify a user of a need to define the relationship, and automatically defines the relationship for the two or more data items, or suggests the relationship to the user.
US08990672B1
Methods and systems of inter-relating themes via a design and a layout relationship are disclosed, offering flexibility in design and data relationships of media-based projects. In one embodiment, an Internet user at a user-device selects a theme from a plurality of available themes, the theme being a collection of designsets. The system automatically selects a design from the designsets that best fits the content provided by the user. The design automatically inherits a layout from a layoutset corresponding to the automatically selected design. The design defines style and formatting over the layout, while the layout defines the locations of photos and text. When a user selects a different theme, the system can quickly adjust the design without input from the user, increasing user friendliness and usability. The user can create additional personal customizations, and print the final design to create a photobook or other media-based project.
US08990666B2
A decoder, a method of decoding and systems implementing the same are disclosed. In one example, the method includes calculating syndrome values from input codewords, generating an error location polynomial about the codewords using the syndrome values, determining an error count in the codewords using the error location polynomial, and adjusting power consumption of a circuit in response to the determined error count in the codewords. In one example, a frequency of a clock signal to be provided to a search circuit may be determined based on the error count, and the clock signal may be provided having the determined frequency to a search circuit, such as a Chien search circuit.
US08990664B2
A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module selecting a data segment and verifying integrity values of encoded data slices generated by encoding the data segment. When integrity values of a decode threshold number of encoded data slices are affirmatively verified, the method continues with the DS processing module verifying an integrity value of the data segment. When the integrity value of the data segment is affirmatively verified, the method continues with the DS processing module generating a new set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the DS processing module verifying concurrency of the set of encoded data slices with the new set of encoded data slices and for each encoded data slice having a negative concurrency verification, flagging the encoded data slice as being potentially compromised.
US08990663B2
A method and apparatus are described for protecting real time media including receiving media packets, generating media bit strings from the media packets, applying a forward error correcting code across the generated media bit strings to generate at least one forward error correcting bit string and generating at least one forward error correcting packet from the at least one forward error correcting bit string. Also described are a method and apparatus for recovering from losses of real time media packets including forming media bit strings from received media packets, forming forward error correcting bit strings from received forward error correcting packets, decoding the formed media bit strings and forward error correcting bit strings to obtain recovered media bit strings and recover lost media packets from the recovered media bit strings. Further described is a data structure for a forward error correcting header on computer readable media.
US08990662B2
Techniques for resilient communication. A data path stores data to be transmitted over a link to a receiving node. An output stage is coupled between the data path and the link. The output stage includes double sampling mechanisms to preserve a copy of data transmitted over the link to the receiving node. Error detection circuitry is coupled with the output stage to detect transient timing errors in the data path or output stage. The error detection circuitry causes the output stage to send the copy of the data transmitted over the link in response to detecting an error.
US08990654B2
In conventional Backplane Ethernet systems, data is transmitted over two pairs of copper traces in one direction using a PAM-2 scheme and a baud rate of 10.3125 GHz, giving an effective bit rate of 10.3125 Gbps. The rate at which data can be transmitted in Backplane Ethernet systems, while still being reliably received, is typically limited by ISI caused by the dispersive nature of the copper traces, frequency dependent transmission losses caused primarily by skin effect and dielectric loss of the copper traces, and cross-talk from adjacent communication lines. The present invention is directed to systems for overcoming these and other signal impairments to achieve speeds up to, and beyond, twice the conventional 10 Gbps limit associated with Backplane Ethernet systems.
US08990649B2
The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatuses for allowing a controller to select and access different types of access ports in a device. The selecting and accessing of the access ports is achieved using only the dedicated TDI, TMS, TCK, and TDO signal terminals of the device. The selecting and accessing of device access ports can be achieved when a single device is connected to the controller, when multiple devices are placed in a daisy-chain arrangement and connected to the controller, or when multiple devices are placed in a addressable parallel arrangement and connected to the controller. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure.
US08990595B2
A power supply control device includes an always powered section and a selectively powered section. The always powered section includes a switch determining whether or not to supply external power to the selectively powered section, a first memory circuit storing information for turning on/off the switch, and a second memory circuit storing information on a change in a main power supply switch. The selectively powered section includes a power supply circuit supplying power to the device body, a non-volatile memory configured to storing information on an on/off-state of the device body, and a control section changing the information in the first memory circuit in accordance with the information in the non-volatile memory and the second memory circuit.
US08990594B2
An apparatus for measuring a remaining power of a battery unit includes a first memory unit, a second memory unit, and a processor. The first memory unit stores a first program code. The second memory unit stores a second program code. The second memory unit is accessed at a second speed that is lower than a first speed at which the first memory unit is accessed. The processor is utilized for reading the first program code from the first memory unit to execute calculation for current of the battery unit during a normal operation mode and reading the second program code from the second memory unit to execute an exception during the normal operation mode if required.
US08990589B1
System and method for fault-recoverable full-drive encryption. A buffer is allocated to temporarily retain different subsets of the plurality of segments at various times. An encrypted space mask represents an encryption state of each segment. Prior to encrypting each subsequent segment, a first copy of the encrypted segment is stored in the buffer, and a second copy of the encrypted segment is stored on the data storage drive. The encrypted space mask is updated to represent a current encryption state of the plurality of segments. In response to an interruption of the encrypting process, the encrypted space mask and, in some embodiments, the buffer, are used to identify a correct encryption state of the drive, permitting recovery and resumption of the encryption process.
US08990586B2
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for selectively exposing subscriber data include maintaining subscriber data at a digital data storage, wherein the digital data storage is protected by a service provider firewall. A request to expose subscriber data from a third-party requestor is received. Selected subscriber data and a security condition associated with the request are determined, wherein the security condition is based on an identity of the third-party requestor. The selected subscriber data is retrieved if the security condition is satisfied, and the selected subscriber data is transmitted to the third-party requestor.
US08990582B2
Techniques for memory compartmentalization for trusted execution of a virtual machine (VM) on a multi-core processing architecture are described. Memory compartmentalization may be achieved by encrypting layer 3 (L3) cache lines using a key under the control of a given VM within the trust boundaries of the processing core on which that VMs is executed. Further, embodiments described herein provide an efficient method for storing and processing encryption related metadata associated with each encrypt/decrypt operation performed for the L3 cache lines.
US08990579B2
A method and an apparatus are provided for unlocking an electronic device. A first input screen portion for unlocking the electronic device from a locking mode is displayed. A first input is received from a user via the first input screen portion. The first input is compared with a first user-defined information stored in the electronic device. A second input is received from the user via a second input screen portion. The second input screen portion is displayed after a determination that the first input does not match from the first user-defined information. The second input is compared with a second user-defined information stored in the electronic device. In response to the second input matches to the second user-defined information, the electronic device is unlocked from the locking mode.
US08990576B2
Techniques are disclosed for efficient computation of consecutive values of one-way chains and other one-way graphs in cryptographic applications. The one-way chain or graph may be a chain of length s having positions i=1, 2, . . . s each having a corresponding value vi associated therewith, wherein the value vi is given by vi=h (vi+1), for a given hash function or other one-way function h. An initial distribution of helper values may be stored for the one-way chain of length s, e.g., at positions given by i=2j for 0≦j≦log2 s. A given one of the output values vi at a current position in the one-way chain may be computed utilizing a first helper value previously stored for another position in the one-way chain between the current position and an endpoint of the chain. After computation of the given output value, the positions of the helper values are adjusted so as to facilitate computation of subsequent output values. Advantageously, a storage-computation product associated with generation of the output values of the one-way chain has a complexity O((log s)2).
US08990575B2
An apparatus for electronic signature verification, including a grouping unit to group, into at least one group, a plurality of kernels included in an application to which electronic signature verification is to be performed, and an electronic signature verification unit to perform electronic signature verification with respect to the at least one group.
US08990573B2
A method of packet security management to ensure a secure connection from one network node to another. The method includes creating a security tag for each packet in a network session, selecting one of a number of possible tag locations within the packet, inserting the security tag at that location, transmitting the tagged packets from a sending node to the receiving node, authenticating the packets' security tags at the receiving node, and dropping non-authenticated packets. The method also includes determining best possible tag locations when sending a packet and locating a security tag when receiving a packet.
US08990570B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for secure function evaluation for a covert client and a semi-honest server using string selection oblivious transfer. An information-theoretic version of a garbled circuit C is sliced into a sequence of shallow circuits C1, . . . Cn, that are evaluated. Consider any wire wj of C that is an output wire of Ci, and is an input wire of Ci+1. When a slice Ci is evaluated, Ci's 1-bit wire key for wj is computed by the evaluator, and then used, via string selection oblivious transfer (SOT), to obtain the wire key for the corresponding input wire of Ci+1. This process repeats until C's output wire keys are computed by the evaluator. The 1-bit wire keys of the output wires of the slice are randomly assigned to wire values.
US08990569B2
A device receives an encrypted key generating value from a first device and decrypts the encrypted key generating value. A temporary session key associated with the first device is generated based on the key generating value. A secure session invitation message is received from the first device. A master session key is generated and encrypted using the temporary session key associated with the first device. The encrypted master session key is transmitted to the first device.
US08990565B2
A method and system for automatically logging in a client is disclosed in the present invention, mainly comprising: use encrypted ICCID for the authentification of user's identity during automatic login; when authentification is passed, determine the account information corresponding to the identification of the client to be logged in currently by the user, and log in the client automatically with the determined account information, so that the user can conveniently manage the account information corresponding to each client when he guarantees the security of the account information simultaneously, avoiding the troublesome inputting of username and password of the account and achieving the purpose of automatically logging in a client.
US08990564B2
A system and method are provided which employs a key agreement scheme, wherein the agreed-upon-shared key is used in a protocol message in the authentication rather than being employed as a session key.
US08990563B2
A method and apparatus for sending protected data from a sender unit to a receiver unit via an intermediate unit. A Transfer Init message that contains a ticket associated with the receiver unit is sent from the intermediate unit to the sender unit. The intermediate unit then receives a transfer response message from the sender unit, and also data which has been protected using at least one security key associated with the ticket and obtained from a Key Management Server. A message is sent to the receiver unit, the message including information required for security processing of the protected data. The protected data is then sent to the receiver unit, allowing the receiver unit to access the protected data.
US08990556B1
Data is received that specifies at least one beacon associated with a first account and a first validity window specifying a time period during which the at least one beacon is to be associated with an additional account. Thereafter, a first key is generated which, when registered by a second account, causes the at least one beacon to be associated with the second account until expiration of the first validity window. Prior to registration of the first key and additionally outside the first validity window the at least one beacon is associated solely with the first account. After the registration of the first key, the at least one beacon is caused to be associated with the second account during the first validity window. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US08990545B2
This is a program analysis technique using a branch history table (BHT). Upon start of a program, a plurality of flags, each corresponding to an instruction of the program, are initialized to a disabled state and an initial state of a BHT is stored. Upon execution of a branch instruction, if a branch has not been taken, a value of history information of a corresponding entry of the BHT is decremented. If the branch has been taken, the value of the history information of the corresponding entry is incremented and whether a corresponding flag is enabled or disabled is determined. If the corresponding flag is disabled, the flag is enabled. Upon termination of the program, a differential history information value of each entry is obtained from the stored initial state and a final state of the BHT. A final state of each flag is obtained.
US08990543B2
In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving an instruction packet including a first instruction and a second instruction that is dependent on the first instruction at a processor having a plurality of parallel execution pipelines, including a first execution pipeline and a second execution pipeline. The method further includes executing in parallel at least a portion of the first instruction and at least a portion of the second instruction. The method also includes selectively committing a second result of executing the at least a portion of the second instruction with the second execution pipeline based on a first result related to execution of the first instruction with the first execution pipeline.
US08990541B2
A method, system, and computer program product for improving memory utilization of sparse pages are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A set of virtual pages is identified. Each virtual page in the set of virtual pages is a sparse virtual page. The set of virtual pages includes a first sparse virtual page and a second sparse virtual page. At least a portion of data of the first sparse virtual page in the set of virtual pages is stored in a first physical page. The first physical page belongs to a set of consolidation physical pages, and the first physical page also stores at least a portion of the data of the second sparse virtual page. The first and the second sparse pages are mapped to the first physical page.
US08990537B2
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for managing free chains of compute resources. A system configured to practice the method divides a free chain of compute resources into a usable part (UP) which contains resources available for immediate allocation and an unusable part (UUP) which contains resources not available for immediate allocation but which become available after a certain minimum number of allocations. The system sorts resources in the UP by block number, and maintains a last used object (LUO) vector, indexed by block number, which records a last object in the UP for each block. Each time the system frees a resource, the system adds the freed resource to a tail of the UUP and promotes an oldest resource in the UUP to the UP. This approach can manage free chains in a manner that is both flaw tolerant and has relatively high performance.
US08990524B2
A plurality of subgroups with a least recently used (LRU) list of data elements associated with count variables. The LRU lists have a top entry to store a most recently used data element and a bottom entry to store a least recently used data element. If a data element is accessed, then increase the value of the count variable and move the accessed data element to the top entry of the LRU list of the subgroup associated with the data element. If the value of the count variable of the accessed data element of the top entry is greater than a value of a count variable of a data element of a bottom entry of a LRU list of a subgroup with a higher priority, then swap the data element of the bottom entry with the accessed data element of the top entry.
US08990516B2
A multi-core processor system includes a memory controller that includes multiple ports and shared memory that includes physical address spaces divided among the ports. A CPU acquires from a parallel degree information table, the number of CPUs to which software that is to be executed by the multi-core processor system, is to be assigned. After this acquisition, the CPU determines the CPUs to which the software to be executed is to be assigned and sets for each CPU, physical address spaces corresponding to logical address spaces defined by the software to be executed. After this setting, the CPU notifies an address converter of the addresses and notifies the software to be executed of the start of execution.
US08990515B2
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for aliasing buffers. Embodiment of the inventions supporting buffer aliasing through introduction of a level of indirection between a source program's buffer accesses and the target executable physical buffers, and binding the logical buffer accesses to actual physical buffer accesses at runtime. A variety of techniques for can be used supporting runtime aliasing of buffers, in a system which otherwise disallows such runtime aliasing between separately defined buffers in the target executable code. Binding of logical buffer accesses in the source program to the actual physical buffers defined in the target executable code is delayed until runtime.
US08990514B2
Mechanism of efficient intra-die collective processing across the nodelets with separate shared memory coherency domains is provided. An integrated circuit die may include a hardware collective unit implemented on the integrated circuit die. A plurality of cores on the integrated circuit die is grouped into a plurality of shared memory coherence domains. Each of the plurality of shared memory coherence domains is connected to the collective unit for performing collective operations between the plurality of shared memory coherence domains.
US08990509B2
Embodiments herein relate to selecting an accelerated path based on a number of write requests and a sequential trend. One of an accelerated path and a cache path is selected between a host and a storage device based on at least one of a number of write requests and a sequential trend. The cache path connects the host to the storage device via a cache. The number of write requests is based on a total number of random and sequential write requests from a set of outstanding requests from the host to the storage device. The sequential trend is based on a percentage of sequential read and sequential write requests from the set of outstanding requests.
US08990499B2
Disclosed are various embodiments for caching of a hierarchical model of a network site. Upon receiving a request to resolve a network site, a hierarchical site model associated with a network site is retrieved. A directory model associated with the network site is also retrieved. A caching process is initiated that retrieves at least a subset of page models and loads them into a cache. The caching process is executed in parallel with the processing of the hierarchical site model.
US08990496B2
A method and system is disclosed for providing a heterogeneous data storage comprising a plurality of storage devices of different types with respect to device vendor, model, capacity, performance and/or function. The present invention employs data access mechanisms specific to the type of underlying storage and the type of data to be stored or retrieved, and provides for integrated remote mirroring, disaster recovery and hierarchical storage management (HSM), as well as improved I/O performance and life expectancy of storage disks. A method of writing to and reading from heterogeneous data volume is also disclosed.
US08990495B2
A redundant array of independent disk (RAID) memory storage system comprising data storage blocks arranged in a first plurality of data rows and a second plurality of data columns, wherein parity data is stored in additionally defined parity blocks, and wherein numbers of data blocks in respective columns are different, to accommodate the additional diagonal parity data block that the geometry of the system requires. The system is suitable for an SSD array in which sequential disk readout is not required.
US08990485B2
This disclosure provides a method of accurately determining expected transaction times associated with flash memory subdivisions, such as devices, blocks or pages. By performing a test transaction to program each bit of each such unit, the maximum expected programming time of each unit may be determined in advance and used for scheduling purposes. For example, in a straightforward implementation, a relatively accurate, empirically measured time limit may be identified and used to efficiently manage and schedule flash memory transactions without awaiting ultimate resolution of attempts to write to a non-responsive page. This disclosure also provides other uses of empirically-measured maximum flash memory transaction times, including via multiple memory modes and prioritized memory; for example, if a high performance mode is desired, low variation in flash memory transaction times may be tolerated, and units not satisfying these principles may be marked relatively quickly.
US08990482B2
A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory area including a first area in which write-in and read-out actions on data are performed and a second area in which such actions are prohibited, first and second interfaces, and a controller configured to connect to a second host using a first wireless communication configuration when the controller determines a second wireless communication configuration to connect to the second host device is not retained in the first area, the controller controlling the first interface in so that the first host device writes data into the memory area on a basis of a command provided from the second host device. When the controller changes the first wireless communication configuration, the controller connects to the second host device using the second wireless communication configuration, and the first interface notifies an error to the first host device not to write data into the memory area.
US08990475B2
A data storage device includes a NAND flash memory, an executable interface and a controller for receiving, from a host, via the executable interface, an instruction to access the NAND flash memory at a virtual address and for translating the virtual address to a physical address of the volatile memory. Preferably, the controller also provides boot functionality to the host.
US08990473B2
Systems and methods are provided that facilitate memory storage in a memory device. The system contains a memory controller and a memory array communicatively coupled to the memory controller. The memory controller sends commands to the memory array and the memory array writes or retrieves data contained therein based upon the command. The memory controller can monitor multiple banks and manage bank activations. Accordingly, memory access overhead can be reduced and memory devices can be more efficient.
US08990472B2
Methods and devices for running network protocols over Peripheral Component Interconnect Express are disclosed. The methods and devices may receive an electronic signal comprising data. The methods and devices may also determine the data corresponds to a protocol selected from a set comprising a PCIe protocol and a network protocol. In addition, the methods and devices may also configure a CPU based on the determined protocol. The methods and devices may also receive a second electronic signal comprising second data at a pin or land of the CPU, wherein the pin or land is connected to a PCIe lane and wherein the second data is formatted in accordance with determined protocol. In addition, the methods and devices may process the second data in accordance with the determined protocol.
US08990468B2
In execution of hot-plug processing consisting of a plurality of processing steps for connecting an I/O to a host, the hot-plug processing is temporarily stopped upon completion of predetermined processing steps in the hot-plug processing, and the hot-plug processing is resumed once it is detected that connection between the host and the I/O has been established and the host has been enabled to access the I/O.
US08990462B2
A data transfer method of a storage device which includes a host bus adaptor to communicate with an external host via a first interface and to communicate internally via a second interface is provided. The data transfer method may include issuing a write command and a read command to the host bus adaptor; performing a read direct memory access operation using the first interface in response to the write command and simultaneously performing a write direct memory access operation using the second interface in response to the read command; and generating frame information structure (FIS) sequences according to the second interface in response to the issued write command and the issued read command. The first interface may perform a full duplex data transfer and the second interface may perform a half-duplex data transfer.
US08990447B1
One or more out-of-band input signals (GPIO) are handled and efficiently embedded into a USB capture stream. In order to conserve resources, the state of the input signals can be sent only when a change occurs. The signals are accurately time-stamped, and then presented within the context of the captured USB data. In order to provide maximum visibility, if the digital inputs occur during a normally filtered multi-packet sequence, the filter is canceled and the surrounding packets will also be sent to an analysis computer. Furthermore, because digital inputs may happen during a USB packet, the digital inputs are queued in a FIFO buffer until there is an opportunity to send the digital inputs. Even though the state of the inputs may be sent at a later time, the state of the inputs may be time-stamped when the state of the inputs is perceived by the analyzer.
US08990430B2
A virtual network device includes several different virtual network device sub-units, which collectively operate as a single logical network device. An interface bundle includes interfaces in more than one of the different virtual network device sub-units included in the virtual network device. The interface bundle is coupled to a virtual link bundle, which connects the virtual network device to another device. The interface bundle is managed as a single logical interface.
US08990428B2
A computer-implemented method for facilitating interoperation between communication devices of different networks following different protocols is provided. The computer-implemented method enables creating a virtual device. The virtual device is a software representation of a first communication device in a first network. The computer-implemented method further comprises linking a synchronization module within the virtual device to the first communication device. The synchronization module receives data related to one or more attributes of the first communication device. The computer-implemented method comprises linking at least one mapping module within the virtual device to a second communication device. The mapping module facilitates conversion of the received data and transmission of the converted data to the second communication device for facilitating interoperation therebetween.
US08990426B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing electronic transactions are provided. A method includes presenting an offer on a first communications device to conduct an electronic transaction on another communications device that is different from the first communications device. In response to an acceptance of the offer and selection of the other communications device, the method includes retrieving a network address for the other communications device from a storage device, and executing the electronic transaction on the other communications device via the network address.
US08990424B2
A method and system for improved NAT operation enable efficient translation for packets destined for communication systems within a domain utilizing network addresses that are incompatible with source and destination addresses indicated in packets delivered from the global Internet. Since the addresses are not compatible with global Internet addresses, delivery cannot be accomplished except by some method of address translation. Traditional systems have not been constructed to enable such inbound translations, providing, instead, only communication outbound from the incompatibly addressed domain towards the global Internet. Embodiments may employ application-specific knowledge for peer-to-peer based applications, associated over time with specific destinations. Embodiments may further employ an application-specific state machine in the NAT function to trace the development of the application protocol so that the resource identifier can be observed.
US08990421B2
Data received by a first network component from a second network component is processed by a filter function according to which the whole data or a portion of the data is used.
US08990418B1
A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing data feeds for video programs is presented. A request is received from a client device of a user to obtain a data feed for a set of video programs in a plurality of video programs, where the set of video programs includes video programs having at least one common attribute. In response to receiving the request, a data feed for the set of video programs is generated using metadata for the plurality of video programs and a profile for the user, where a respective data item in the data feed corresponds to a respective video program in the set of video programs and includes at least one link to at least one content source from which the respective video program is available. The data feed is then provided to the client device.
US08990409B2
The invention concerns a computer-implemented collaboration platform comprising: means enabling an initiator (158) to create a message (168); means enabling the initiator (158) to invite a group of first degree partners (160, 162, 164) to respond to the message (168); means enabling a first degree partner (162) to create a sub-message (170, 172); means adapted to automatically create a link between the sub-message (170) and the message (168), or between the first degree partner (162) and the initiator (158), or between collaboration spaces established for the sub-message (170) and the message (168); and means enabling the first degree partner (162) to invite a group of second degree partners (176) to respond to the sub-message (170) while concealing identities of one or more first degree partner (158, 160, 164) for the group of second degree partners (176), and/or vice versa concealing identities of one or more second degree partner (176) for the group of first degree partners (158, 160, 164).
US08990405B2
Example methods, systems and articles of manufacture to resume remote desktop sessions are disclosed. A disclosed example method to resume a remote desktop session with a first computing device includes sending a query packet containing a first value representing a user identifier from a second computer device to a third computing device, receiving a response packet containing a second value representing the first computing device from the third computing device, and resuming at the second computing device the remote desktop session with the first computing device using the value.
US08990403B2
Provided is a content recommending method including receiving from second users meta data regarding content belonging to each of the second users having a content preference similar to a content preference of a first user, detecting based on the received meta data a plurality of pieces of recommended content similar to content that the first user is currently using, and outputting information regarding the respective pieces of detected recommended content.
US08990396B2
An improved caching method comprising: (a) employing circuitry to identify and analyze a plurality of data streams, each of said data streams resulting from a request to access a same content item stored in a cache; (b) calculating an initial access interval for said content item based upon said analyzing; and (c) adjusting a data transfer rate in at least one of said data streams in order to reduce said initial access interval to a reduced access interval.
US08990372B2
Operation management of equipment is made efficient by verifying a plurality of operation management manipulations on a plurality of equipment and optimizing a manipulation order before executing the manipulations. A status of equipment in a status table; a content of a manipulation in a manipulation table; a process time of the manipulation in a manipulation time prediction table; and a status required for the manipulation in the manipulation table are memorized on an operation model managing server. When a plurality of manipulations are input for a plurality of equipment by an operation manager via an operation managing server, correctness of the manipulations is verified and a manipulation order is decided on an operation verifying server based on the various types of memorized information. Also, a manipulation end time of each manipulation is notified to the operation manager via the operation managing server.
US08990366B2
A method and apparatus for updating the system configuration settings of a computer system Embodiments include a remote system configuration system that enables a user to update the system configuration of a target machine from a server machine over a network or similar communications system. Another embodiment includes a system configuration method using a bus master device to write system configuration data into a target computer system.
US08990345B2
A method for migrating information, and a migrator for migrating information, are disclosed. The method may include extracting organizational information from at least two service providers, accessing a first at least one of the at least two service providers upon selection of a migration selection interface by the user, receiving of a first plurality of information related to the user from one of the service providers, accessing a second at least one of the at least two service providers, and writing the first plurality of information to the second at least one of the at least two service providers. The migrator includes an importer in communicative connection with at least one migrate-from service provider, a normalizer that receives a first plurality of information from the importer and converts the first plurality to a standard format, a denormalizer that receives the standard format from the normalizer and converts the standard format to a second plurality of information, and an exporter communicatively connected to a migrate-to service provider, which exporter receives the second plurality of information from the denormalizer and sends the second plurality to the migrate-to service provider.
US08990341B2
A computer-implemented method tracks diffusion. The method includes receiving a tracking request from an initiating user to track diffusion of content located at a content address. A computer tracking system generates a first shortened content address for the content address, from which the content is provided to the initiating user. The method includes receiving content requests from one or more requesting users, and generating, for each requesting user, a unique subsequent shortened content address for the content address. Content is provided to each requesting user using the subsequent shortened content address generated for each requesting user respectively. Each content request from the requesting users is made using either the first shortened content address or one of the subsequent shortened content addresses.
US08990336B2
A system for remotely monitoring an individual. The system includes a server system for generating a script program from a set of queries. The script program is executable by a remote apparatus that displays information and/or a set of queries to the individual through a user interface. Responses to the queries that are entered through the user interface together with individual identification information are sent from the remote apparatus to the server system across a communication network. The server system also includes an automated answering service for providing a series of questions from a stored set of questions for an individual at the remote apparatus to respond to, storing responses to each provided question in the series of questions and providing a service based on the individual's response to the questions.
US08990334B2
Data transfer to a remote packet-communicating device over a network is effected using a network-based cache to selectively store data. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network-based server facilitates selective, rule-based storage of a registered user's data in a network-based cache. The registered user's data is available via the user's data source coupled to a packet-based network (e.g., via a user's home or business computer coupled to the Internet). The server controls remote access to data stored in the cache as well as data accessible via the registered user's data source. For instance, when a request for data transfer is received from a remote packet-communicating device, the network-based server authenticates the request and, for authenticated requests, facilitates a transfer of the requested data from one or both of a registered user's data source and the cache.
US08990326B2
There is provided a system for facilitating communications over a telecommunications network, the system comprising a data communications device having a unique identifier, the device adapted to generate information elements comprising machine information, the information elements conforming to a first message protocol, the first message protocol being a session-based message protocol. The system further comprises a network subsystem to provide an interface for communication with a plurality of entities. The network subsystem is adapted to receive the information elements and extract the machine information, generate an output message comprising the machine information, the message conforming to a second message protocol different from the first message protocol, and, forward the message to a specific entity of the plurality of entities in dependence on the unique identifier of the data communications device. The data communications device may be a cellular data communications device. An associated method is also provided.
US08990321B1
In one general aspect, a tangible computer-readable storage medium can be configured to store instructions that when executed cause a processor to perform a process. The instructions can include instructions to receive an indicator that at least a portion of a source message has been produced using a source module, and instructions to send to the source module, in response to the indicator, an extraction module configured to assign an attribute value to content of the source message. The attribute value can represent a contextual function of the content within the source message. The instructions can include instructions to receive a content package including the content and the attribute value assigned to the content, and produce a plurality of endpoint-specific messages associated with a plurality of endpoints based on a plurality of message templates and the attribute value assigned to the content within the content package.
US08990318B2
A method and apparatus of a device that focuses messages is described. In an exemplary method, the device receives a first and second group of message. The device further selects a related message from the second group of messages that is related to each message in the first group. This selecting is based on an affinity group, where the affinity group includes a message address that occurs in at least one of the messages in the second group and the affinity group is determined using the message addresses contained in the first and second groups.
US08990316B1
Methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed for identifying a message deliverability problem. In an example system, a source email server divides a plurality of email messages intended for delivery to destination devices using at least two source IP addresses into at least two groups of messages. The source email server outputs each email message in one of the groups through a same one of the source IP addresses and outputs each email message in another one of the groups through a different one of the source IP addresses. Each of the email messages is configured to trigger a response that includes the source IP address of the email message in response to a user opening the email message and/or selecting a hyperlink within the email message. A deliverability analysis module identifies an email message deliverability problem associated with one of the source IP addresses in response to a comparison of the responses across the source IP addresses.
US08990305B2
Techniques for virtual conferencing servers are described. An apparatus may comprise a conferencing server to manage a conference call with multiple client terminals. The conferencing server may have a virtual conference manager to select a first client terminal to operate as a first virtual conferencing server, and transfer conference call operations for a second client terminal from the conferencing server to the first virtual conferencing server. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08990303B2
Disclosed is a media sharing system that provides shared experiencing of licensed media content such as movies. The system includes a web server that communicates with multiple client devices over the internet whereby a user's multiple social contacts can participate in a synchronized stream of licensed media content such as movies. The system is able to schedule the multi-user experiencing of the licensed media content and further synchronize the streaming of the licensed content so the participating users receiving the media streams in a substantially synchronized manner. The system still further provides for social content interaction amongst the multiple recipients so that the multiple users can interact in a time-contextual manner consistent with the substantially synchronized receipt of the licensed media content.
US08990302B2
A system, device, and method provide for the selection of a device to perform a service using context information for the device. The context information may be included in a request from a control point device to the device or may be included in a response from the device to the control point device. The context information provides additional information relative to the services provided by the device or relative to the device itself. For example, if the device is a camera, the camera may include for each photograph taken by the camera a date the photograph is taken, a time the photograph is taken, a location at which the photograph is taken, a subject matter of the photograph, a temperature at the photograph location, a photographer, etc in the context information. Additionally, the camera may include the current geographic location of the camera in the context information.
US08990300B2
Technology for constructing a contact sharing history is disclosed. One method comprises receiving, at a computing device of a second user, a communication contact information element of a first user. The contact information is linked to a personal identification key associated with the first user. A link to a personal identification key associated with the second user is added to the communication contact information element to form the contact sharing history. The contact sharing history can then be used to identify how the second user obtained the first user's communication contact information element.
US08990297B2
Methods and systems for providing custom services are disclosed. A developer interface provides standards, such as an application platform interface, for developers to use to make and test applications and services. A user interface can access downloadable or hosted services or applications to multiple users, such as, merchants, banks and networks. The system can then provide custom individual or packages of services to users based on the services requested by the user and charge the user for them on a subscription or per-use basis.
US08990296B2
A server check system that checks a duplicated process of a server that performs a predetermined process in response to a request from a terminal device, includes a receiving unit that receives a request sent from the terminal device to the server when starting a checking; a sending unit that generates a predetermined number of requests by copying the request and sends the predetermined number of requests to the server at the same time; and a determining unit that obtains a processed result by the server based on the predetermined number of requests and determines whether a duplicated process occurs.
US08990288B2
Digital map rendering using dynamically updatable map configuration files is enabled. A map designer creates a map configuration file that specifies customizable attributes of a rendered map and stores the configuration file in a data store, either on the same local network as the map server that will be rendering the map, or at a remote location. The map configuration file can be included on a web page, wiki page, blog, etc. When a client requests a rendered map from the map server, the request specifies the location of the map configuration file to be used in the rendering. The map server retrieves the map configuration file and renders the map in accordance with the settings in the configuration file. The map server returns the rendered map to the client. In such a manner, the developer can modify the map configuration file and immediately effect subsequently rendered maps.
US08990287B2
A method includes receiving, at a network device, data indicating a geographic location associated with a mobile communication device. The method also includes selecting promotion information based on the geographic location associated with the mobile communication device. The method further includes transmitting the promotion information to the mobile communication device.
US08990276B2
The invention relates to a circuit for generating a true, circuit-specific and time-invariant random binary number, having: a matrix of K−L delay elements that can be connected to each other by means of L−1 single or double commutation circuits into chains of delay elements of length L, a single or double demultiplexer connected before the matrix, a single or double multiplexer connection after the matrix, and a run time or number comparator, wherein the setting of the commutation circuits, the demultiplexer, and the multiplexer can be prescribed by a control signal, wherein the circuit comprises a channel code encoder whereby code words of a channel code can be generated and a transcriber, whereby code words of the channel code can be transcribed into the control signal of the L−1 single or double commutation circuits, and a method for generating a true, circuit-specific and time-invariant random number by means of a matrix of L−K delay elements, L−1 single or double commutation circuits, a single or double demultiplexer connected before the matrix, a single or double multiplexer connection after the matrix, and a run time or number comparator, comprising at least the steps a) generating a code word of a channel code, b) transcribing a code word of a channel code to a selection code, c) generating chains of L delay elements by setting a setting corresponding to the code word of the selection code for the L−1 single or double commutation circuits, the single or double demultiplexer, and the single or double multiplexer, d) pairwise comparing of two variables determined by the delay times of two chains defined by the setting of the L−1 commutation circuits corresponding to the code word of the channel code, by means of a number or delay comparator for generating a bit of the true, circuit-specific and time-invariant random number.
US08990275B2
An algorithm for efficiently compressing floating-point data in 3D meshes is disclosed. 3D meshes are represented by topology data, geometry data and property data. Geometry data specify vertex locations and are usually represented by floating-point coordinates. While geometry data are usually compressed by quantization, prediction and entropy coding, the present invention uses no prediction. A floating-point number consists of mantissa and exponent, and normally the exponent, sign and mantissa are compressed separately. A method for encoding floating-point formatted data comprises determining if a current floating-point value was previously stored in a memory, storing the current value in the memory if it was not previously stored in the memory, and encoding it. Otherwise, if the current floating-point value was previously stored in a memory, the storage position of the value within the memory is determined and a reference pointing to the storage position is encoded.
US08990273B2
A method and apparatus of a device that transfers files and performs file browsing using an ad hoc file sharing service is described. In an exemplary method, the device transmits an advertisement of the ad hoc file sharing service to each of one or more of other devices. The transmitted advertisements each include a user identity of the user associated with the first device. Furthermore, access to the ad hoc file sharing service is granted on a per-user basis. The device establishes a connection with each of the other devices and transfers files with each of the plurality of other devices.
US08990269B2
A data mashup on a user's device. The preferred and probably most useful device is a mobile one. However, there is no reason to so limit the invention. When the user makes an application data entry, such as a calendar entry for a meeting with a customer, the mashup uses rules and data patterns that have been defined by the user to query other relevant information sources to collect related information about the customer or the meeting, and to cache the collected information on the device for the user.
US08990266B2
A method of dynamically performing data transformations on information that is transmitted between a user device and a web service may include receiving interface code from the web service, receiving an input from the user device that identifies a data type, and a data transformation to be applied to data instances matching the data type. The method may also include causing a definition file to be stored with the data type, the data transformation, and a resource locator. The method may additionally include, in a second communication session, intercepting a transmission, accessing the definition file using the resource locator, determining whether the data instance matches the data type, causing the data transformation to be performed on the data instance to generate transformed data, and inserting the transformed data into the transmission if the data instance matches the data type.
US08990265B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for context-aware durability of variants of files. A first data store is associated with a first level of data durability, and a second data store is associated with a second level of data durability that is lower than the first level of data durability. A data object is stored in the second data store when the data object is a derivative of another data object stored in the first data store. A data object is stored in the first data store when the data object is not a derivative of another data object stored in the first data store.
US08990247B2
Network operators are striving to find ways to provide stable video services amid a rapid increase in video traffic. In order to provide stable video services with constrained network resources, network operators attempted to reduce video file sizes using a content adaptation engine (CAE). However, network operators failed to efficiently readdress video flows to CAEs. This disclosure provides systems and methods for efficiently readdressing video flows to CAEs.
US08990233B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method for implementing a context aware service application and a related apparatus. One method for implementing a context aware service application includes: receiving, by a context aware service platform, a first context request from a context aware client, where the first context request carries description information corresponding to requested context information; and matching released context sources by using the description information, and if matching succeeds, acquiring context information provided by at least one matched context source, and sending the acquired context information to the context aware client. The technical solutions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure help implement the context aware service application in a flexible and standard manner.
US08990229B2
The invention relates to a method for supplying a multimedia content proxy. According to the invention, the method comprises: the step of receiving at least one instance of at least one model of a profiled multimedia scene adapted to a predetermined profile of users having at least one common parameter and from a loom server; the step of storing in said content proxy said at least one instance of said at least one model of profiled multimedia scene.
US08990217B2
A method for receiving a data stream that includes data samples, each data sample having one of a plurality of actual values. For each data sample in the data stream, a first index in a dictionary is selected. The dictionary includes indices corresponding to each of the plurality of actual values. The first index corresponds to an actual value of the data sample. A predicted value of the data sample is generated in response to previously received data samples in the data stream and to a prediction algorithm. A second index in the dictionary that corresponds to an actual value in the dictionary that is closest to the value of the predicted value is selected. The difference between the first index and the second index is calculated and compressed. The compressed difference between the first index and the second index is then output. This process is performed for each data sample in the data stream.
US08990216B2
Architecture that includes an index creation algorithm that utilizes available resources and dynamically adjusts to successfully scale with increased resources and be able to do so for any data distribution. The resources can be processing resources, memory, and/or input/output, for example. A finer level of granularity, called a segment, is utilized to process tuples in a partition while creating an index. The segment also aligns with compression techniques for the index. By choosing an appropriate size for a segment and using load balancing the overall time for index creation can be reduced. Each segment can then be processed by a single thread thereby limiting segment skew. Skew is further limited by breaking down the work done by a thread into parallelizable stages.
US08990214B2
An approach provides distributed editing and storage of digital media. Video information is retrieved during recording of the video information to a video file. The video information is edited during the recording of the video information. An index file for the media is generated during the recording of the media, wherein the index file include indices for decoding the media; and periodically updating the index file throughout the recording of the media. After completion of the recording of the media, another index file is generated corresponding to the media for inclusion into the media file.
US08990213B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for a catalog mapping tool application. The application is executable in at least one computing device and comprises logic that identifies a first attribute-value pair of an item within a user catalog of items, wherein the first attribute-value pair corresponds to a first value format. Additionally, the application comprises logic that suggests one of a plurality of metadata maps for translating the first value format into a second value format. Furthermore, the application comprises logic that generates a second attribute-value pair encoded in the second format using a selected one of the metadata maps.
US08990203B2
Methods and systems are presented for prefetching music for devices. The disclosed method includes detecting an access to a music library through a device. The music library is associated with a user music account and is managed in cloud music storage. The disclose method further includes monitoring use activities for the user music account and the use activities of selected songs in the music library are adjustable for relevance based on assigned weightings. One or more songs from the music library that satisfy a prefetching constraint based on the monitored use activities are identified. The songs that satisfy the prefetching constraint are tagged for transferring to the device. The tagged songs are transferred to the device without receiving a user initiated request for the tagged songs.
US08990202B2
A method includes identifying a table within a first document. The method includes analyzing at least one of: a column heading in the table, a row heading in the table, and data in a cell in the table. The method includes determining, based on the analysis, that the table contains financial data classifiable according to a taxonomy. The method includes analyzing, by a classification component comprising at least one classification engine, at least one of a column heading in the table and a row heading in the table. The method includes generating, by the classification component, a classification suggestion for at least one element in the table, based on the analysis of the classification component.
US08990199B1
Visual incongruity in search result sets may be reduced at least in part by searching an optimized visually significant subset of a category tree that categorizes a collection of content. The category tree may be optimized at build time at least in part by pruning with respect to visual coherence and by the size of the content collection subset referenced by particular categories. Content collection subset sizes both too large and too small can detract from the visual significance of a particular category. The visually significant subset of the category tree may be further optimized at query time by intersecting the visually significant subset with the query-associated sub-tree(s) and further pruning categories in the visually significant subset that have child categories in the visually significant subset. Searching with respect to the optimized visually significant subset can also improve search efficiency.
US08990166B2
A data size characteristic of contents of a related unit of data to be written to a storage by an input/output module of a data storage application can be determined, and a storage page size consistent with the data size can be selected from a plurality of storage page sizes. The related unit of data can be assigned to a storage page having the selected storage page size, and the storage page can be passed to the input/output module so that the input/output module physically clusters the contents of the related unit of data when the input/output module writes the contents of the related unit of data to the storage. Related methods, systems, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.
US08990158B2
For synchronizing replication status, a copy module continuously replicates data from a first device designated with a device status of primary to a second device designated with a device status of secondary. A first peer-to-peer remote copy (PPRC) relationship is established between the first and second devices. The first and second devices store replication information comprising a bitmap with a replication status for each data block of the first device. The copy module further copies an instant point-in-time copy of the data from the second device to a copy device. In addition, the copy module copies the replication information from the second device to the copy device and links the replication information of the second device and copy devices.
US08990148B1
A method is provided for parsing a configuration file. The method comprises determining whether an element in a sequence of configuration file elements is a type of element expected at the configuration file element's position in the sequence; when the configuration file element is not the expected type, consulting a set of rules for handling unexpected configuration file elements; and following a rule in the rule set. The rules cause different actions to be taken at a given position in the configuration file at different times of executing the method for parsing. One of the rules specifies that subsequent configuration file elements in the sequence are to be analyzed and, if at least one subsequent configuration file element is an expected type, the at least one subsequent configuration file element is to be considered valid and is to be parsed in a manner appropriate for the subsequent configuration file element.
US08990145B2
A first data mining model and a second data mining model are compared. A first data mining model M1 represents results of a first data mining task on a first data set D1 and provides a set of first prediction values. A second data mining model M2 represents results of a second data mining task on a second data set D2 and provides a set of second prediction values. A relation R is determined between said sets of prediction values. For at least a first record of an input data set, a first and second probability distribution is created based on the first and second data mining models applied to the first record. A distance measure d is calculated for said first record using the first and second probability distributions and the relation. At least one region of interest is determined based on said distance measure d.
US08990141B2
A root cause analysis engine uses event survival times and gradual deletion of events to improve analysis accuracy and reduce the number of required calculations. Certainty factors of relevant rules are recalculated every time notification of an event is received. The calculation results are held in a rule memory in the analysis engine. Each event has a survival time, and when the time has expired, that event is deleted from the rule memory. Events held in the rule memory can be deleted without affecting other events held in the rule memory. The analysis engine can then re-calculate the certainty factor of each rule by only performing the re-calculation with respect to affected rules that are related with the deleted event. The calculation cost can be reduced because analysis engine processes events incrementally or decrementally. Analysis engine can determine the most possible conclusion even if one or more condition elements were not true, because analysis engine can calculate the certainty factor of rule even if one or more events were not notified to analysis engine.
US08990140B2
Concepts and technologies are described herein for transforming data into consumable content. In accordance with the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a computing device can execute a transformation engine for transforming data into the consumable content. The computing device can be configured to analyze the data to identify relationships within data elements or other portions of the data. The computing device also can determine a visualization model to apply to the data and to choose a world based upon the determined visualization model. The computing device can obtain rules associated with the selected or chosen world, and can apply the rules to the data to generate the output. In some embodiments, the computing device can be configured to obtain and apply feedback to the output.
US08990139B1
Described is a system for flexible cognitive perception and selection. A pre-processing recognition module filters and tags input data from an environment resulting in a tagged percept. The tagged percept is stored and associated with a knowledge frame by a memory module based on shared descriptors, resulting in an activated knowledge frame. A utility rating is then supplied to each activated knowledge frame based on a set of reward values by an evaluation module. The activated knowledge frames are sorted, compared, and evaluated for a goodness of fit between the utility ratings of the activated knowledge frames and the input data by a hypothesis module. A best hypothesis for a current situation in the environment is determined based on a current highest rated activated knowledge frame.
US08990137B2
A method and a device are disclosed for an electronic neuron emulator for representing both passive and active electrical properties of a live neuron. The currents used to generate action potentials are derived from a pre-charged capacitor. The present invention provides for a more physiological state for testing neuroscience instruments such as the single-electrode voltage clamp and the patch clamp. The device can also include multiple pre-charged capacitors to represent ionic channels with more accurate physiologically parameters.
US08990125B2
Content-based clustering, recognition, classification and search of high volumes of multimedia data in real-time. The embodiments disclosed herein are dedicated to real-time fast generation of signatures to high-volume of multimedia content-segments, based on relevant audio and visual signals, and to scalable matching of signatures of high-volume database of content-segments' signatures. The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in any applications which involve large-scale content-based clustering, recognition and classification of multimedia data, such as, content-tracking, video filtering, multimedia taxonomy generation, video fingerprinting, speech-to-text, audio classification, object recognition, video search and any other application requiring content-based signatures generation and matching for large content volumes such as, web and other large-scale databases.
US08990115B2
A method for implementing verification and payment in content services includes: pre-configuring a payment-related interface between a content service provider and an instant messaging service provider; providing the payment-related interface in a function library providing the instant messaging service's login verification interface; modifying the function library and a first jar package including a content service program provided by the content service provider, which includes: injecting the login verification interface and the payment-related interface into the first jar package and configuring the login verification interface as to be called before the content service program is executed; and combining the modified first jar package and function library to form a second jar package, modifying the value of attributes originally belonging to the first jar package in the second jar package to make the modified value of the attributes reflect corresponding attributes of the second jar package.
US08990109B2
An interface module is provided for a sales processing system that facilitates the integration of a payment system and external systems with the sales processing system. In one implementation, the interface module includes a first interface configured to support a first protocol for communication with a sales processing module of the sales processing system, a second interface configured to support a second protocol for communication with a payment system, and a third interface configured to support a third protocol for communication with a transaction system for external services. The interface module further includes a controller operable to control routing of messages between the first, second and third interfaces, and reformatting of the messages in accordance with the first, second and third protocols, respectively.
US08990107B2
Methods, systems and apparatuses for automatically determining user stays of a user of a mobile device are disclosed. One embodiment includes a network server operative to receive sensed location information of a mobile device. Further, the network server and/or a controller of the mobile device are operative to determine the mobile device is within a specific distance of a specific location for at least specific minimum time duration based on the location information, determine a start time of a user stay based on the location information, the specific location and the specific distance, and determine an end time of the user stay based on the location information, the specific location and the specific distance.
US08990106B2
An information categorization system comprising: a potential recipient output harvesting module configured to harvest information content generated by a potential recipient; a potential recipient profile generation module configured to generate a recipient profile representing one or more likely interests of the potential recipient; a comparison module adapted to receive an information content profile representative of content of information content to be categorized and, in response to receipt of the information content profile, to compare the information content profile with the recipient profile to determine a match indicating the potential recipient is likely to be interested in the information content; and an information categorization module configured to categorize the information content into information content for which the comparison module has either determined or failed to determine a match between the information content profile and the recipient profile.
US08990099B2
A system for managing pharmacy kits comprises a reading station configured to read tag information from a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags associated with a pharmacy kit, and an information processing system operatively connected to the reading station and configured to receive the tag information from the reading station and determine a status of the pharmacy kit based on the tag information, a plurality of stored templates defining contents to be included in each of a plurality of pharmacy kits, and a plurality of kit records indicating the current contents of a plurality of pharmacy kits.
US08990097B2
A system and a method for discovering and ranking trending links about topics are presented. The method comprises steps of receiving a plurality of messages from a social networking server, identifying a plurality of trending objects from the plurality of messages, generating at least one trending score for each trending object of the trending objects, and presenting a list of the trending objects based on the trending scores.
US08990087B1
A method for providing text to speech from digital content in an electronic device is described. Digital content including a plurality of words and a pronunciation database is received. Pronunciation instructions are determined for the word using the digital content. Audio or speech is played for the word using the pronunciation instructions. As a result, the method provides text to speech on the electronic device based on the digital content.
US08990053B2
Wavelet estimation method, particularly advantageous for full wavefield inversion (“FWI”) of seismic data, that makes use of both the primary and multiple reflections in the data. The inventive method uses an FWI algorithm to generate a subsurface model from primary reflections (101) in a shallow layer before first arrival of multiple reflections (101). The model is then used to simulate multiples (102). The wavelet is subsequently modified (104) such that the simulated multiples closely match the true recorded multiples (103). The simulated multiples may then be subtracted from the measured data (105) thereby creating a deeper top layer of data substantially free of multiples, and the method may then be repeated to extend the subsurface model to a greater depth (106).
US08990052B2
A computer-assisted orthopedic surgery system includes a device for generating a three dimensional geometrical surface model of a first bone and a database containing three 3 dimensional implant models of a plurality of available implants. The system includes a computer that is configured to permit a user to select from the database a first implant and display on a screen the three dimensional implant model of the first implant. The computer superimposes on the screen the implant model on top of the model of the first bone such that the two models are visually identifiable from one another.
US08990047B2
The present invention provides automatic gating methods that are useful to gate populations of interest in multidimensional data, wherein the populations of interest are only a subset of the populations identifiable in the data. The populations are modeled as a finite mixture of multivariate probability distributions, preferably normal or t distributions. The distribution parameters that provide a best fit of the model distribution to the data are estimated using an Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm that further includes a dynamic neighborhood thresholding that enables gating of a subset of the clusters present in the data.
US08990037B2
A measurement system, for use in RF power measurements, allows an arbitrary Bruene-type RF coupler to be calibrated at a number of different power levels and frequencies with an idealized transfer function being created for each calibration power point. Following calibration, when the coupler is used in an operational (measurement) mode, the DC voltage corresponding to the present power measurement is read, and the discrete idealized transfer functions generated during the power and frequency calibration phases are used to determine a best fit idealized transfer function, which is used in conjunction with the exact DC voltage being measured to create a highly accurate power measurement.
US08990023B2
An automated cell injection system and method are described, which can perform automatic, reliable, and high-throughput cell injection of foreign genetic materials, proteins, and other compounds. The system and method overcome the problems inherent in traditional manual injection that is characterized by poor reproducibility, human fatigue, and low throughput. The present invention is particularly suited for zebrafish embryo injection but can be readily extended to other biological injection applications such as mouse embryo, drosophila embryo, and C. elegans injections, capable of facilitating high-throughput genetic research at both academic and industry levels. A novel vacuum based cell-holding device is also provided.
US08990021B2
A method of determining movement dynamics of a drillstring is provided that includes the steps of calculating or measuring a friction coefficient for the sliding contact between the drillstring and the sidewall of a borehole, the friction coefficient being a varying function of non-zero sliding velocities; and predicting movement dynamics of the drillstring using the measured friction coefficient.
US08990019B2
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for determining characteristics of a target region which is embedded in background material below a body of water. In accordance with one embodiment, a resistivity background is determined. In addition, characteristics of an electric dipole due to the target region are determined. A resistance for the target region is then computed using the characteristics of the electric dipole and the resistivity background. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
US08990017B2
This invention concerns a method of determining a route using map data comprising a plurality of navigable paths, the map data divided into a plurality of regions. The method comprises using at least one processing apparatus to: receive an origin and a destination on the map data and a selection of one of a plurality of cost functions and determine a route from the origin to the destination using the map data and minimum cost data that identifies minimum cost paths between regions of the map data. The minimum cost data identifies more than one minimum cost path between a pair of the regions if different minimum cost paths exist between the pair of regions for different cost functions and determining a route comprises identifying from the minimum cost paths for the pair of regions comprising the origin and destination, the minimum cost path having a lowest cost for the selected cost function.
US08990014B2
Methods, systems, and computer readable storage media are presented for directional scaling of inertial path data to satisfy ranging constraints. The presented techniques take into account scaling confidence information. In addition to bounding potential scale corrections based on the reliability of the inertial path and the magnetic heading confidence, the techniques bound potential scale parameters based on constraints and solve for directional scale parameters.
US08990010B2
A method and system for searching for points of interest along a route is disclosed. A relation that includes records that associate link identifiers, point of interest identifiers, and distances between the links and the points of interest is generated during the compilation process of a first version of a geographic database. The relation is stored in compiled database products. When a compiled database product is being used by a navigation system, for example, navigation application software programs use the relation to accurately and efficiently find points of interest along a computed route. Navigation systems can also use the relation to service skyline queries and responsively generate skyline graphs of points of interest.
US08989999B2
Determining remaining vehicle range by adjusting measured estimates on the fly accounting for road effects, the state of vehicle accessories, and other conditions.
US08989978B2
Methods and systems for controlling a vehicle powertrain that may be automatically stopped and started are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a position of a transmission clutch in response to battery current during engine cranking. The method may reduce clutch wear and improve vehicle launch from a stop.
US08989975B2
A smart touch type electronic auto-shift lever may include a shift stage controller which is connected to a controller of an electronic auto-transmission of a vehicle and a touch screen which is arranged on a console of a vehicle and is connected to the shift stage controller to display information of a shift pattern received from the shift stage controller and transmit input information produced by a touch to the shift stage controller. The shift stage controller generates the information of the shift pattern including the shift pattern and transmits it to the touch screen, and generates stage shift information allotted to the input information received from the touch screen and transmits it to the controller of the electronic auto-transmission of the vehicle.
US08989974B2
When a request is made to change gears, the form-fitting shifting element being disengaged, for the requested gear change, is disengaged at a predefined target disengagement moment following the target disengagement moment. When the gear is actually changed, an actual disengagement moment is determined based on when the form-fitting shifting element begins disengaging and a transmission operating state variable. If there is a deviation between the actual moment and the target moment of disengagement, then the target disengagement moment is modified by a time value, and the moment when the form-fitting shifting element begins to be actuated is shifted in time in relation to the target moment of disengagement and/or actuation of the shifting element to be connected is adjusted to a determined characteristic of the operating state of the form-fitting shifting element to be disconnected such that it is disengaged approximately at the target disengagement moment.
US08989971B2
A method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for pressure transducer errors includes a valve for regulating operation of a hydraulic device, a pressure transducer for detecting a pressure output from the valve, and a microprocessor comprising logic for computing a pressure measurement error of the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer is configured to output a pressure reading representing the detected pressure. The pressure measurement error may be computed using a first pressure reading from the pressure transducer taken at an operating condition in which the actual output pressure of the valve is substantially known, together with the substantially known actual output pressure of the valve.
US08989959B2
Vehicle operator performance history recording and reporting systems include devices and methods of automatically collecting and processing vehicle crash or event data over time to form a driver history report. A driver history report may include many factors to express performance or quality of driver service, and these may be reduced to a single value normalized expression in view of a collection of many drivers. Vehicle event recorders are arranged to capture data relating to a particular event. These vehicle event recorders are further coupled to systems which form an association between collected data and the vehicle operator in command of the vehicle at the event moment. Systems provide means for long-term storage of data particularly data in a structure which preserves the association between a driver and event records attributed to him/her. Special recall operations executed against stored data yields operator performance reporting—including a single value performance score indicative of a vehicle operator's performance and safety history. An analyzer system operates to recall data, particularly data from a plurality of events all associated with a single operator but recorded over an extended period of time. Data is arranged such that other mathematical analysis may be applied independently to various data elements or data “fields” to produce performance metrics and ratios which reflect performance. Together, these factors may each be weighted and summed in accordance with specially devised a formulae including those having a single value solution.
US08989958B2
Configuring an on-board maintenance information system in an aircraft, the information system comprising a first communication interface and a second communication interface, a protected domain, an open domain, a first maintenance application module of the protected domain, a second maintenance application module of the open domain, a first data filtering module, and a second data filtering module. After having determined a mode of connection for a mobile maintenance terminal to the information system, the second data filtering module is configured to filter data exchanged between the first communication interface and the maintenance application module of the open domain if the terminal is directly connected to the information system via the second interface. If the terminal is connected to the information system via an information system on the ground and via the first communication interface, the second data filtering module is configured to filter data exchanged between maintenance application modules of the protected and open domains.
US08989957B2
A vehicle behavior data storage control system is disclosed. The system includes a storage control device and an electronic control unit (ECU). The storage control device determines whether or not an unexpected behavior has occurred based on a behavior data. When the ECU determines that a change in the behavior data is attributed to control performed by the ECU, the ECU transmits a determination result to an in-vehicle network. At a time when the storage control device determines that the unexpected behavior has occurred, the storage control device records the behavior data at this time in the memory. When determining that the unexpected behavior relates to the control performed by the ECU, the storage control device deletes or permits overwriting the behavior data stored in the memory.
US08989956B2
A system for real-time measurement of vehicle performance. The system can include at least one sensor module mounted on a rotating member of the vehicle and a central module disposed in the vehicle. The sensor module can include a plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to a microcontroller, at least one wireless communications device communicatively coupled to the microcontroller, and a power source. The central module can include a central processor, memory, a central wireless communications device communicatively coupled to the central processor and to the at least one wireless communications device of the sensor module. The rotating member of the vehicle can be a wheel, a brake rotor, or a torsion disc disposed between an axle of the vehicle and a wheel of the vehicle.
US08989954B1
A method in one example embodiment includes identifying a power state and a battery level of a vehicle. The method also includes allocating power to critical applications (for example) in response to determining that the battery level is above a reserve threshold while the power state of the vehicle is engine-off. The method also includes allocating remaining power in excess of the reserve threshold to non-critical applications according to a power management policy. The power management policy may comprise at least one of a user power preference index and an application power preference index.
US08989951B1
A method and apparatus for maintaining the airworthiness configuration of an aircraft. Airworthiness configuration information for an aircraft is identified by a data processing system. The airworthiness configuration information identifies an airworthiness configuration of the aircraft comprising a number of components of the aircraft. A number of automated identification technology devices are attached to the aircraft. The number of automated identification technology devices include component information for the number of components. The component information is read from the number of automated identification technology devices by a reader. The component information read from the number of automated identification technology devices is compared, by a processor unit, to the airworthiness configuration information to determine whether the aircraft complies with the airworthiness configuration.
US08989949B2
A modularly constructed electronic motor vehicle control system, includes wheel speed sensor inputs, at least one brake controller, and inertial sensors. The signals from the wheel speed sensors are fed into a chassis base module. The module evaluates the signals and feeds them to an electronic brake controller spatially separated from the chassis base module. The chassis base module and the brake controller are disposed in separate control device housings.
US08989948B2
Systems and methods for sea state prediction and autonomous navigation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes a method of predicting a future sea state including generating a sequence of at least two 3D images of a sea surface using at least two image sensors, detecting peaks and troughs in the 3D images using a processor, identifying at least one wavefront in each 3D image based upon the detected peaks and troughs using the processor, characterizing at least one propagating wave based upon the propagation of wavefronts detected in the sequence of 3D images using the processor, and predicting a future sea state using at least one propagating wave characterizing the propagation of wavefronts in the sequence of 3D images using the processor. Another embodiment includes a method of autonomous vessel navigation based upon a predicted sea state and target location.
US08989947B2
A SONAR system for use with a robotic vacuum having SONAR emitters and receivers thereon. The SONAR system comprises a waveguide or horn located in front of the emitters and receivers that can improve the overall target resolution and reduce the number of “dead zones” where targets are not easily resolved.
US08989946B2
The different illustrative embodiments provide a method for generating an area coverage path plan using sector decomposition. A starting point is identified on a worksite map having a number of landmarks. A first landmark in the number of landmarks is identified. A path is generated around the first landmark until an obstacle is detected. In response to detecting the obstacle, the path is made linear to a next landmark. The path is generated around the next landmark.
US08989942B2
Start notification is performed at appropriate timing by vehicle having braking force holding function to hold braking force even if brake application operation by driver is deactivated. Vehicle start notification control device includes speaker for performing start notification to notify behavior related to start of vehicle to surroundings of vehicle, control section for applying braking force to vehicle, corresponding to brake applying operation by driver of vehicle and performing control to hold braking force of vehicle even if brake applying operation is deactivated, and braking force holding flag setting section for setting ON or OFF of braking force holding flag for holding braking force of vehicle even if brake applying operation is deactivated. Control section controls speaker to perform start notification if both brake applying operation and ON setting of braking force holding flag are deactivated.
US08989933B2
A method for monitoring the conditions of driving systems can be used in particular to control driving systems in hybrid vehicles with particular consideration given to the exhaust emission. The method monitors the conditions of driving systems that comprise an internal combustion engine and an electric motor with an energy source. A first power value for operating the internal combustion engine and a second power value for describing the power that can be provided by the energy source are ascertained, and the first and second power values are compared with each other to monitor the conditions of the driving system. The driving system is controlled dependent on the result of the comparison.
US08989919B2
A vehicle control method of a server is provided. The vehicle control method includes receiving, when a user terminal is connected, user information from the user terminal, searching for vehicle environment information corresponding to the user information, and controlling an environment of a vehicle using the searched vehicle environment information.
US08989917B2
A system for operating a remotely controlled powered system, the system including a feedforward element configured to provide information to the remotely controlled powered system to establish a velocity, and a feedback element configured to provide information from the remotely controlled powered system to the feedforward element. A method and a computer software code are further disclosed for operating the remotely controlled powered system.
US08989915B2
A vehicular wireless communication apparatus disposed in a subject vehicle determines whether a travel locus of the subject vehicle is similar to a travel locus of a lead vehicle. When the travel locus of the subject vehicle and the lead vehicle are similar, the apparatus transmits the lead vehicle's device identification (ID) and a latest position information of the subject vehicle in place of travel locus information of the subject vehicle from the apparatus to other vehicles at regular interval.
US08989912B2
An apparatus for collecting and controlling a temperature is closed, it comprises a temperature collecting unit (1), a temperature collecting path (2) and a temperature controlling unit (3). The temperature collecting path (2) comprises a fast sensing path (20) and a slow sensing path (22). The fast sensing path (20) is connected to temperature sensing spots of a device and is used for obtaining temperatures of the temperature sensing spots of the device in a first predefined period. The slow sensing path (22) is connected to functional units (5) of the device and is used for obtaining temperatures of the functional units in a second predefined period. The second predefined period is greater than the first predefined period. The temperature collecting unit (1) is used for collecting the temperatures of the temperature sensing spots and the temperatures of the functional units obtained by the temperature collecting path (2); and the temperature controlling unit (3) is used for controlling a temperature of the device according to a difference value between the temperature of the functional unit and the temperature of the temperature sensing spot at the same time. And a method for collecting and controlling a temperature is provided.
US08989909B2
A multi-dimensional energy control system is provided with an energy management software application that organizes the consumption of energy by a device as an n-dimensional energy space, where n is an integer greater than 2, and each axis in the energy space represents an energy consumption characteristic. The energy management application generates instructions for a device in response to calculating a compromise operating point in the energy space. A user interface (UI) connected to the energy management application has a display to receive a graphical representation of the energy space and compromise operating point, and an input to receive user commands for moving the represented compromise operating point in the represented energy space. The energy management application calculates the compromise operating point in the energy space to match the displayed compromise operating point.
US08989906B2
A method is provided for regulating fluid pump pressures by detecting an elevation differential between a fluid flow control device and the distal end of a fluid line in communication with the fluid flow control device. A fluid flow control device, for instance a peritoneal dialysis device, is at a first height, a distal end of a fluid line is at a second height, and a valved outlet, when open, affords communication between the fluid flow control device and the distal end of the fluid line. The elevation differential is correlatable with a pressure measurable during a calibration procedure provided as a part of the methodology.
US08989904B2
A method for controlling a robot includes the step of controlling operation of the robot with a robot controller executing a control program having a plurality of process instructions. Associated process data for each of predetermined ones of the process instructions executed by the robot controller is then collected. The collected process data is subsequently stored in a form uniquely identified by at least one unique identifier. The at least one unique identifier may include both the program identifier and the process instruction identifier. The collected process data may be stored on the robot controller.
US08989899B2
A transfer system according to an embodiment includes a robot and a determination unit. The robot includes robot hands that hold a workpiece in a thin plate shape and that are located at different heights. The determination unit determines the robot hands that hold the workpiece based on a combination of temperature of the workpiece to be held by each of the robot hands.
US08989893B2
A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.
US08989884B2
Techniques are provided for determining, at an audio processing device, whether to produce high quality or low quality audio output based on one or more factors. The one or more factors may include the type of output device (e.g., headphones, built-in speakers, or USB audio devices) that is connected to the audio processing device and whether certain operations (e.g., mixing and/or scaling) are to be performed on the decoded audio content. Thus, the highest quality audio output is produced based on current conditions of the audio system, which includes the output device. If the current conditions of the audio system indicate that producing high quality audio output does not yield sufficient perceived benefits, then the audio processing device may produce lower quality audio output.
US08989880B2
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing performance analytics using dynamics/kinetics models based on role data or weather data and real time data on movement and proximity of tagged objects. In one embodiment, a method is provided for monitoring a participant that at least includes correlating at least one tag to the participant; receiving blink data transmitted by the at least one tag; and determining tag location data based on the blink data. The method further includes receiving participant role data; comparing the tag location data to participant dynamics/kinetics models based at least in part on the participant role data; and determining participant location data based on the comparing the tag location data to the participant dynamics/kinetics models.
US08989877B2
A system for controlling a machine includes a first model, a second model, a controller, and a comparator. During a first cycle, the first model generates a response signal to the controller while the second model generates a predicted parameter signal. During the first cycle, the comparator transmits a feedback signal to the second model if a predetermined threshold is not met. A method for controlling a machine includes transmitting a response signal from a first model to a controller, generating a control signal to the machine, and generating a predicted parameter value in a second model. The method further includes transmitting a feedback signal to the second model if a predetermined threshold is not met.
US08989869B2
An implantable medical device having an implantable power source such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The implantable medical device includes a recharge module that regulates the recharging process of the implantable power source using closed-loop feedback control. The recharge module includes a recharge regulator, a recharge measurement device monitoring at least one recharge parameter, and a recharge regulation control unit for regulating the recharge energy delivered to the power source in response to the recharge measurement device. The recharge module adjusts the energy provided to the power source to ensure that the power source is being recharged under safe levels.
US08989859B2
Methods and apparatus are provided, for selective destruction or temporary disruption of nerves and/or conduction pathways in a mammalian body for the treatment of pain and other disorders. Apparatus comprises catheters having electrodes for targeting and affecting nerve tissue at a cellular level to reversible and irreversible nerve portion and incapacitation.
US08989847B2
Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods.
US08989838B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering and controlling thermal therapy to a volume of diseased tissue. Specifically, the invention includes using thermal imaging and other inputs to determine an acoustic (ultrasonic) treatment regime employing interstitial ultrasound applicators to deliver a required therapeutic temperature or thermal dose to the affected region in a body or organ. Various aspects of the treatment that can be controlled include individual transducer element operating power and frequency, as well as the rate of cooling and rotation of the entire applicator.
US08989835B2
Example devices are disclosed herein that include a central body portion and a plurality of extensions extending from the central body portion, each extension having an end coupled to an electrode. The example device also includes an adjustment band disposed along a longitudinal axis of the central body to adjust a position of the extensions.
US08989831B2
A sensor cartridge according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive physiological sensor. Certain embodiments of the sensor cartridge protect the sensor from damage, such as damage due to repeated use, reduce the need for sensor sanitization, or both. Further, embodiments of the sensor cartridge are positionable on the user before insertion in the sensor and allow for improved alignment of the treatment site with the sensor. In addition, the sensor cartridge of certain embodiments of the disclosure can be configured to allow a single sensor to comfortably accommodate treatment sites of various sizes such as for both adult and pediatric applications.
US08989829B1
A layered superconductor device includes multiple layers of a single crystal superconducting material having intermittent layers of superconducting material dispersed in a pattern with a second material such that each layer of the multiple layers a single crystal superconducting material are interconnected via superconducting material, allowing for a continuous current path, and a thickness of the superconducting material never exceeds a first predetermined thickness.
US08989827B2
A superconducting magnet includes a superconducting coil, a heat shield surrounding the superconducting coil, a vacuum chamber accommodating the heat shield, a magnetic shield covering at least a part of the vacuum chamber, and a refrigerating machine fixed to the vacuum chamber to cool the superconducting coil through a heat conducting body. The magnetic shield abuts against said vacuum chamber with an elastic body therebetween to support the vacuum chamber.
US08989826B1
A cellular phone case accessory device is disclosed. The case is attached to a cell phone and includes an upper section and a lower section sized to correspond with a cellular phone and to receive the phone in one of the sections. The upper section and lower section are attached by a hinge that enables pivotal movement of the upper and lower sections with respect to each other. Situated within the space defined between the upper and lower sections is a pocket or storage compartment where credit cards, cash, ID and other items may be stored safely. A mirror is also disposed between the upper and lower sections and usable when the upper and lower sections are pivotally disposed in an open position. Another embodiment includes a cell phone holding compartment comprised of two portions removably attached to one another for inserting and retaining a cell phone therein.
US08989824B2
Electronic devices are provided with housings that can have smoother profiles and with switch assembly input components with knobs that can move along tracks in directions at least partially offset from the directions of anticipated resistive forces. The housings can include switch assembly input components with knobs that may move along linear tracks and switch assembly input components with knobs that may move along curved tracks.
US08989821B2
Electronic devices having improved battery configurations, and more specifically configurations reducing overall space required for a battery and attendant electronics, as well as providing restraining mechanisms to prevent a battery from impacting these electronics.
US08989816B2
It is disclosed a node of a radio access network. The node comprises an access device having a transceiver suitable for exchanging upstream and downstream traffic with a plurality of terminals located in a coverage area thereof, a digital unit suitable for performing base-band processing of the upstream and downstream traffic, and a traffic link connecting the transceiver and the digital unit. The node further comprises a backhauling apparatus having an outdoor unit suitable for exchanging the upstream and downstream traffic with a further node of the radio access network by means of a point-to-point microwave connection. The transceiver is connected to the outdoor unit by means of a backhauling link. The digital unit of the access device and the outdoor unit of the backhauling apparatus are configured to exchange the upstream and downstream traffic through the traffic link, the transceiver and the backhauling link.
US08989814B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for originating a call to a wireless number by a contact center while enforcing various compliance requirements. In one embodiment, a compliance server and a PBX cooperate to originate the call to the wireless number. The agent logs into the compliance server and the compliance server provides the agent with a wireless number to dial. The agent manually enters the wireless number using a phone connected to the PBX. The PBX queries the compliance server regarding establishing the wireless call. Upon authorization, the PBX establishes a first call leg to the compliance server, and a second call leg to the called party that is joined with the call leg to the agent's phone. Upon completion of the call, the agent dispositions the call to the compliance server, which then releases the first call leg. In response, the PBX then releases the second call leg.
US08989807B2
In various aspects of this disclosure, a communication terminal device may be provided. The communication terminal device may include a cellular wide area radio communication technology circuit. The cellular wide area radio communication technology circuit may be configured to provide a communication according to a cellular wide area radio communication technology. The communication terminal device may further include a circuit. The circuit may be configured to provide a direct communication terminal device to communication terminal device communication bypassing a radio access network according to information received via the radio access network. The communication terminal device may further include a message generator. The message generator may be configured to generate a message to transmit to a base station. The message may include at least one message field specifying information about at least one capability to provide the direct communication terminal device to communication terminal device communication of the communication terminal device. The message may be generated for a network communication protocol.
US08989805B2
A device may provide N-Way communication through multiple communication services. The device may receive user data from a user interface and incoming data from a communication interface. The incoming data may be received through a first communication service. The device may combine the user data and incoming data, including through any combination of encoding or decoding processes. The device may also send the combined data using the communication interface, such as through a second communication service. The device may also receive first incoming data through a first communication service and second incoming data through a second communication service. The device may combine the first incoming data and second incoming data for display on a user interface or to send across a third communication service.
US08989787B2
A method includes transferring data between a mobile station for communicating over a mobile communications network and a server in the Internet having a connection to the mobile communications network. The transfer of data includes providing at least a portion of a page on the Internet in the form of code, the code including a telephone number of the mobile station as hidden information, receiving the code in the mobile station in a first user message where the first user message is a short message service message, and interpreting the code in the mobile station to cause the mobile station to display information corresponding to the page on the Internet on the mobile station, wherein the information to be displayed on the mobile station does not include the hidden information.
US08989777B2
Disclosed are a location service providing system and a method for providing a triggered location request service. An H-SLP sets a priority order of a plurality of positioning methods which a target terminal supports according to a set priority order set condition and transmits priority order information according to respective positioning methods to the target terminal. Further, the target terminal may receive information about the positioning methods including the priority order and select a positioning method having the highest priority order among the positioning methods, which can be used in its current electric wave environment. Moreover, the H-SLP and the target terminal may calculate a location of the target terminal according to a positioning method that the target terminal has selected. Accordingly, although it is difficult to calculate the location of the target terminal according to the positioning method that the target terminal has selected, a location service of the target terminal can be continuously provided.
US08989775B2
In an implementation, techniques are provided for tracking the location of a device that transmits wireless signal. The wireless signal can be received at a set of receivers. Distances to the device are determined based on signal strength. From the distances, boundaries encompassing possible locations of the device are defined. Boundary intersections are analyzed in order to determine the location of the device.
US08989774B2
A method for locating a mobile device inside a building by using a plurality of reference areas in the building as satellites. A scan is obtained by the mobile device at an unknown location in the building. The scan includes a plurality of detected WAPs with a corresponding RSSI for each detected WAP. The method to improve accuracy of a semantic indoor positioning system by generating a vector of distance scores based on the scan for comparison with vectors of survey distance scores corresponding to the reference areas. The method includes arranging the detected WAPs into an ordered list, extracting a set of WAP tuples from the ordered list, retrieving a set of probabilities for each reference area, calculating a distance score for each reference area, generating the vector of distance scores, and comparing the vector of distance scores with each of the vectors of survey distance scores.
US08989769B2
An apparatus and method for initiating a search mode of a mobile device based on the light information in the environment of the mobile device is described herein. The light information may include at least one of color temperature or illuminance, which may be used to determine if the environment of the mobile device is indoors or outdoors. A threshold may be predetermined or adjusted based on received position assistance information. The position assistance information may include at least one of time, day, solar angle, motion information, location information, or weather information.
US08989768B2
A method of determining a position in a wireless communication system and apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving system information including information on a reference cell and at least one neighbor cell from a location server, receiving positioning reference signals (PRSs) from the reference cell and the at least one neighbor cell using the system information, measuring reference signal time difference (RSTD) of each of the at least one neighbor cell for the reference cell, and transmitting the at least one measured RSTD to the location server. And, the RSTD is a relative timing difference between two cells. Moreover, the system information includes at least one cell for obtaining a system frame number (SFN) by the UE, as the reference cell or the at least one neighbor cell.
US08989767B2
A wireless communication system may include a wireless access point including a first wireless transceiver and a controller associated therewith and providing wireless communications within a defined space having an entrance, and mobile wireless communications devices, each including a first near field communications (NFC) device and a second wireless transceiver communicating with the first wireless transceiver. The wireless communication system may also include a second NFC device adjacent the entrance of the defined space, and a third NFC device within the defined space. The controller may permit wireless communications of a given mobile wireless communications device with the wireless access point based upon communication of the corresponding first NFC device with the second and third NFC devices.
US08989764B2
The ability of a receiver to determine when a transmitter has changed location is important for energy conservation in wireless sensor networks, for physical security of radio tagged objects, and for wireless network security in detection of replication attacks. In embodiments of the present invention, a measured temporal link signature is determined to uniquely identify the link between a transmitter and a receiver. The temporal link signature is an impulse response of a transmitted signal from the transmitter over a channel between the transmitter and a receiver over a channel. When the transmitter changes location, or if an attacker at a different location assumes the identity of the transmitter, the proposed link distinction methodology reliably detects the change in the physical channel. This detection can be performed at a single receiver or collaboratively by multiple receivers.
US08989745B2
A communication apparatus is provided. A processor camps on a first cell, which is associated with a first radio access technology (RAT) and belongs to a first wireless network, via a radio transceiver module, and further camps on a second cell, which is associated with a second RAT and belongs to a second wireless network, via the radio transceiver module. The processor constructs a first packet switch connection with the first wireless network via the first cell to perform data transfer in the first wireless network, measures a first data transfer throughput of the first wireless network when performing the data transfer via the cell, and determines to perform the data transfer in the second wireless network via the second cell when a theoretical data transfer throughput corresponding to the second RAT is higher than the first data transfer throughput.
US08989734B2
The application relates to wireless network selection. The effect of wireless network selection upon operation time of the mobile device is considered in making the wireless network selection.
US08989732B2
Provided is a method and apparatus for setting a communication target in a wireless communication system. A method of setting, by a setting device, a communication target in a wireless communication system may include: obtaining a synchronization and a characteristic of a target device by receiving a signal transmitted from the target device during a predetermined period of time; transmitting setting information to the target device based on the synchronization and the characteristic of the target device; and completing setting of the communication target by receiving setting response signal from the target device.
US08989730B2
Detection of a faulty radio oscillator is provided herein. Also provided herein is detection of faulty mobile timing measurements. Timing measurements, as observed by a mobile device, and an identification of primary scrambling codes associated with the timing measurements are captured. The primary scrambling codes match each timing measurement with a particular radio. The mobile device can also report its location information. Radios for which timing measurements have been received are paired. Based on the paired radios and an associated observed time delay derived from the timing measurements, comparisons can be made between paired radios having at least one common radio. Radios exhibiting an expected timing value can be removed from the analysis in order to isolate a radio that has a faulty radio oscillator.
US08989718B2
In embodiments, the present invention provides a method and system for providing a user interface that simultaneously and dynamically presents a sponsored content concurrently with activating a mobile communication facility, wherein the dynamic presentation is based at least in part on a mobile subscriber characteristic.
US08989711B2
An apparatus and method for registration of a Mobile Station (MS) to a compact Base Station (BS) using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) in a broadband wireless communication system are provided. The method includes receiving RFID tag information of the MS from an RFID receiver, determining whether the MS is a service registration mobile station using the received RFID tag information, and if the MS is a service registration mobile station, performing a serving BS change into the compact BS for the MS and then initiating a service for the MS.
US08989706B2
Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) are described herein that relate to automated secure pairing for devices, and that relate to parallel downloads of content using devices. The tools for pairing the devices may perform authentication protocols that are based on addresses and on keys. The address-based authentication protocol may operate on address book entries maintained by the devices. The key-based authentication protocol may operate using a key exchange between the devices.
US08989699B2
Various embodiments include communicating emergency information to a vehicle. A computer may receive one or more emergency notifications issued by a government agency. Additionally, a geographic location of a vehicle may be determined based on GPS data. At least one emergency notification may be selected based on the geographic location of the vehicle and a geographic attribute of the emergency notifications. The selected emergency notifications may be output so that the notification may be presented to a vehicle occupant. In some embodiments, the notification may be output depending on the direction that the vehicle is travelling.
US08989689B2
An apparatus and method for setting a modulation frequency within a non-use frequency range so as to reduce ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) occurring during frequency modulation in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a controller and a frequency set unit. At frequency modulation, the controller determines whether a modulation frequency corresponds to a frequency inducing EMI. In a case where it is determined that the modulation frequency corresponds to the frequency inducing EMI, the frequency set unit resets the modulation frequency.
US08989687B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed to determine communications receiver parameters from multiple channels of a received communications signal and to configure and/or adjust communications receiver parameters to acquire one or more channels from among the multiple channels of the received communications signal. A communications receiver observes a multi-channel communication signal as it passes through a communication channel. The communications receiver determines one or more communications receiver parameters from the multiple channels of the received communications signal. The communications receiver configures and/or adjusts communications receiver parameters to acquire the one or more channels from among the multiple channels of the received communications signal.
US08989681B2
A communication apparatus (200) has a calibration mode in which a signal is passed through circuitry (30, 80) of the apparatus, and a controller (160) measures the response of the circuitry (30, 80) to the signal and adjusts the circuitry (30, 80) to improve performance. The signal used for calibration has a wider bandwidth than the bandwidth of signals used for transmission. The wider bandwidth may be provided by reconfiguring a digital filter (20) from low-pass to high-pass.
US08989676B2
An apparatus and method perform Transmit Power Control and Dynamic Frequency Selection (TPC/DFS) during a movement of a Base Station (BS). A network environment around the mobile BS is modeled. Based on the modeling result, a TPC/DFS operation scheme that is most suitable to the mobile BS is selected.
US08989674B2
A cellular communications system is described in which a mobile cellular device can, if necessary, obtain cell measurements for cells contained within a first cell list after it has received a second cell list. The mobile device then reports the cell measurements for cells within both lists so that a best candidate cell is less likely to be discarded in a cell handover procedure. A network node is also disclosed that can receive cell measurements for cells within a first cell list after the node has issued a second cell list. The node then uses the received cell measurement data to control a handover procedure.
US08989669B2
The present specification describes techniques and apparatus that enable wireless devices to communicate effectively at short ranges. In one implementation, the transmit power of a transmitting device is reduced to permit a receiving device to demodulate a signal.
US08989666B2
A plurality of game apparatuses function as a master, a client, and an audience. The master and the client register each other by performing therebetween an authentication process. The authentication process is not performed between the master and the audience. The audience receives a beacon from the master and registers the master in an own apparatus while the audience is not registered in the master. The master and the client execute a predetermined program, exchanging data by communicating with each other. The audience receives the data exchanged between the master and the client, and executes the predetermined program using the received data, thereby watches a game which is progressed between the master and the client, as a spectator.
US08989661B2
Methods and systems for processing data are disclosed herein and may include compressing audio information on-chip within a Bluetooth® transceiver chip utilizing an audio codec implemented within the Bluetooth® transceiver chip. The audio codec may be a low complexity sub-band codec (SBC). An audio stream with the audio information may be generated outside the Bluetooth® transceiver chip. The audio stream may be generated via an audio/video distribution transport protocol (AVDTP) external to the Bluetooth® transceiver chip. A data channel may be established by the Bluetooth® transceiver chip between a Bluetooth® enabled device and a peer Bluetooth® device, for communicating the established audio stream to the Bluetooth® transceiver chip for compression. The data channel may be established utilizing a logical link control and adaptation protocol (L2CAP) and/or an advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP).
US08989658B2
Aspects relate to improved mechanisms for updating parameter values for communications between a DH and a remote NFC endpoint. In one example, a DH associated with a NFC device may be configured to determine that one or more parameter values included in a parameter selection request message are different than one or more corresponding parameter values used during discovery of a remote NFC endpoint using a frame RF interface, and communicate the parameter values to a NFC Controller using a parameter update message. A NFCC associated with a NFC device may be configured to receive, using a NFC-DEP interface, a parameter selection request message including one or more parameters, determine to implement one or more parameter changes based on the received one or more parameters, and communicate an activation message to a DH indicating values to which the NFC Controller changed the one or more parameter values.
US08989652B2
A system, method, and apparatus for advanced timing and time transfer for satellite constellations using crosslink ranging and an accurate time source are disclosed herein. In particular, the present disclosure relates generally to systems for providing improved positioning, navigation, and/or timing information for oscillator calibration and more specifically, to use at least one satellite with accessibility to an accurate time source to calibrate the local oscillator on a crosslink paired satellite. In at least, one embodiment, time synchronization on a subset of satellites with crosslinking capabilities is used to distribute time through a network of crosslinked satellites.
US08989634B2
A developer case includes a main body, a first transportation portion, a first transportation member, a supply member, a discharge port, and a second transportation portion. The main body contains developer. The first transportation portion has a first region that receives developer from the main body and a second region that extends from the first region in a first direction. The first transportation member transports developer in the first direction. The supply member supplies developer to the first region. Developer is discharged through the discharge port. The second transportation portion has an inlet port communicating with the second region. Developer that has not been discharged through the discharge port is supplied to the second transportation portion through the inlet port. The second transportation portion transports developer in a second direction.
US08989631B2
An image-forming apparatus includes an image unit that forms an image using a white toner and a color toner and a fixing unit that fixes the image to a medium with heat. The toner mass per unit area of the white toner θ (g/m2) in an image of the color toner superimposed on the white toner formed on paper used as the medium satisfies: 0.03+1.31×Rw−0.47×Rc+0.02×Gw−0.07×Gc≦θ≦0.05+1.06×Rw+0.42×Rc−0.02×Gw+0.05×Gc where Rw is the average particle diameter (μm) of the white toner, Rc is the average particle diameter (μm) of the color toner, Gw is the storage modulus (kPa) of the white toner at 120° C., and Gc is the storage modulus (kPa) of the color toner at 120° C.
US08989624B2
An image forming apparatus may include a casing, and a plurality of image carriers arranged in parallel along one direction in the casing and formed with an electrostatic latent image. The apparatus can further include a plurality of developing agent carriers opposed to the image carriers, for visualizing the electrostatic latent image by feeding a developing agent to the image carriers, and a plurality of developing agent cartridges, arranged in parallel in the one direction to be opposed to the developing agent carriers in the longitudinal direction of the developing agent carriers, and configured to be together attachable/detachable to/from the casing along the one direction, for accommodating the developing agent fed to the developing agent carriers.
US08989615B2
An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a blowing portion and an air guide portion. The blowing portion blows air to a conveyance path of a sheet from a fixing device to a sheet discharge port. The air guide portion guides air blown from the blowing portion toward the downstream side in a sheet conveyance direction toward the sheet discharge port on the conveyance path.
US08989613B2
The power supply device includes a transformer, a switching unit for driving a primary side of the transformer, a detection unit for detecting an output corresponding to a current flowing on the primary side, a transmission unit for transmitting an output voltage from a secondary side to the primary side, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the switching unit in accordance with an output from the transmission unit, in which, when a switching frequency for driving the switching unit falls within a predetermined frequency range including a resonant frequency of the transformer, the control unit controls the switching unit so as to shorten a turn-ON time of the switching unit in accordance with an output from the detection unit.
US08989612B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a body housing, a protruding housing, a light diffusing portion, a light source, a light guide path, and a control unit. The image forming section performs image formation on a sheet. The body housing is formed by a box body with a top surface, and contains the image forming section. The protruding housing is located on the top surface, and has a top portion protruding upwardly above the top surface. The light diffusing portion is located in or near the top portion of the protruding housing. The light source is located inside the body housing or the protruding housing, and emits light. The light guide path guides light emitted by the light source to the light diffusing portion. The control unit controls illumination of the light source based on the information related to the image formation.
US08989611B2
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having an inner volume forming a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A paddle is mounted on the shaft and rotatable independent of the shaft. A driving member is rotatable with the shaft and positioned to push the paddle when the shaft rotates. The paddle is free to fall ahead of the driving member. The paddle includes a magnetic element rotatable with the paddle and detectable by a magnetic sensor when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device for detecting the motion of the paddle.
