US08418939B2
A shower having a shower area changed with variation of water pressure includes: a holding unit, in which a water channel is designed and a feed-water valve is added on the top of the water channel; a spraying water unit, which is sealed with the holding unit, comprising at least two spraying water groups that are a main spraying water group and at least one branch spraying water group; and at least one movable unit, whose number is equal with the number of branch spraying water groups, assembled with the branch spraying water groups in one to one correspondence. In order to change the shower area, we could regulate the opening and closing of the feed-water valve to control water pressure.
US08418937B2
A jet regulator for accommodating a water flow, comprises, a distributor surface having a plurality of through-flow holes for distributing the water flow; a rebounding surface arranged in a central region of a flow cross-section; and a plurality of flow guiding walls connected downstream of the distributor surface, and oriented in a flow direction.
US08418934B2
A micro-electromechanical (MEM) synthetic jet actuator includes a semiconductor substrate having a cavity extending therethrough, such that a first opening is formed in a first surface of the semiconductor substrate and such that a second opening is formed in a second surface of the semiconductor substrate. A first flexible membrane is formed on at least a portion of the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and extends over the first opening. The first flexible membrane also includes an orifice formed therein aligned with the first opening. The MEM synthetic jet actuator also includes a second flexible membrane that is formed on at least a portion of the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and that extends over the second opening, and a pair of actuator elements coupled to the flexible membranes and aligned with the cavity to selectively cause displacement of the first and second flexible membranes.
US08418933B2
A fragrance bearing liquid, visible in a transparent container, supporting a floating colorized liquid bubble that is maintained in a substantially centered position. A wicking system transfers the fragranced liquid to the atmosphere.
US08418928B2
A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip, a coupling electrode, and a radiation plate. The coupling electrode includes coupling portions arranged to be coupled to the wireless IC chip and a pair of opposing ends. The pair of opposing ends are capacitively coupled to each other and oppose the radiation plate to be coupled to the radiation plate. The wireless IC chip uses the radiation plate as an antenna to transmit and receive signals having certain frequencies to and from an RFID system.
US08418924B2
The present invention provides a novel optical reader device and method for calibrating the device. The device executes a calibration module that locates the actual coordinates for a targeting symbol in a captured image. The coordinates are stored as calibration coordinates in the memory. During normal operation of the reader device, the stored calibration coordinates are used to locate a target, such as a bar code. In order to locate the targeting symbol, the calibration module may overlay a template on clusters that may be the targeting symbol. A reasonable accurate comparison identifies the cluster as the targeting symbol. Alternatively, the calibration module may approach a cluster from four frames of the image and identify the cluster's tangents and perimeter. Geometrical calculations are used to identify the center of an identified targeting symbol.
US08418921B2
The invention relates to an apparatus (10) and a corresponding process for identifying an object (20) with an article dependently upon a piece of barcode information detected from a barcode (30) with which the object (20) is identified. Here a number of article numbers are stored in a memory (60) which are assigned, on the one hand, to a number of articles and on the other hand to a number of different article number types. According to the invention, the piece of barcode information detected is compared with article numbers stored in the memory (60) dependently upon a specified sequence of article number types. In the case of the piece of barcode information detected corresponding with one of the stored article numbers, the object (20) is identified with the article assigned to this article number.
US08418918B2
A system and method for securing a financial transaction using a proxy code, which is assigned a transaction account number. An account issuer permanently assigns the proxy code to a transaction account correlated to the transaction device. The proxy code is uploaded onto the transaction device for later use in completing a transaction request. During transaction completion, the proxy code is provided to a merchant system in lieu of any sensitive account information. Since the proxy code is permanently assigned, the number need not be changed or updated on the merchant system once uploaded into a payment device or merchant database. The account issuer may manipulate the sensitive account information without need to alter the information stored on the merchant database. Since the proxy code contains no sensitive information, the sensitive information related to the transaction account is secured from theft.
US08418913B2
A method and apparatus for generating an options enablement sheet to activate options for an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a request to generate an options enablement sheet, receiving options enablement and image production device information, encoding the options enablement and image production device information into one or more machine-readable markings, generating an options enablement sheet that includes the one or more machine-readable markings, receiving a transmission mode selection, and transmitting the options enablement sheet to a user of the image production device using the selected transmission mode. The options enablement sheet may be received by a user and scanned by the image production device to activate the options.
US08418911B2
The invention allows for the contacting of preferably microcomponents using electrical wires. By growing metallic microdepositions on cut surfaces of microcables, a contact region is generated which simplifies the dosing and application of a contact auxiliary and allows ultrasonic bonding, comprising a defined size of the electrically conductive area and allowing the contacting of very stably insulated wires. The application of this method in a panelized manner and in series is inexpensive.
US08418910B2
An electro-conductive bonding material includes: metal components of a high-melting-point metal particle that have a first melting point or higher; a middle-melting-point metal particle that has a second melting point which is first temperature or higher, and second temperature or lower, the second temperature is lower than the first melting point and higher than the first temperature; and a low-melting-point metal particle that has a third melting point or lower, the third melting point is lower than the first temperature.
US08418904B2
A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly.
US08418883B2
A packet comprises at least two opposing sidewalls comprising a more rigid flat and a film pouch; and an expressing-shaped first closure end and a second closure end; the sidewalls and closure ends defining an enclosure; wherein at least the more rigid flat comprises a rigid material that can be folded or rolled to compress the enclosure to express a content through the expressing shaped closure end.
US08418882B2
An applicator is provided with a volume for receiving one or more disposable or refillable container containing a hair treatment composition. The applicator is provided with opposed arms that are configured such that, when the arms are brought towards each other, the hair treatment composition is dispensed.
US08418878B2
Provided is a packaging container that simplifies the opening operation. The packaging container includes a front cover member and a back cover member, which are attached to each other to form a housing space for accommodating an article therein. The back cover member is integrally molded from a sheet-shaped plastic. The back cover member includes an opening portion, which is surrounded by an opening assisting line portion formed in a linear form and opened by tearing the opening assisting line portion when the packaging container is opened. The back cover member is formed so that its surface is recessed at the opening assisting line portion.
US08418871B1
A hybrid thermoformed/pulp container comprising a pulp tray with a rim that includes an ear; and a thermoformed frame with a rib that includes a protrusion, wherein the pulp tray can be attached to the thermoformed frame by snapping the ear into position above the protrusion. Alternative embodiments of the invention include a kit for building the hybrid container, and a method of assembling the hybrid container.
US08418866B2
The invention relates to a stopper, provided with an obstructor for a can. Said stopper comprises a cap provided with a central opening and an annular skirt, and an annular shaft extending around the opening, in addition to a capsule which is detachably fixed, by means of a tear element, to a free edge of the shaft opposite the opening. The tear element joining the shaft to the capsule is placed in an entrance area at an angle in the free edge of the shaft. At least one sealing lip is disposed on the inner surface of the shaft, and the cap, skirt and capsule of the stopper are moulded in a single piece without any welding or the addition of another component or detachable part. The invention also relates to a method for the production of said stopper by offset injection in a region which is outside the cap.
US08418865B2
A bottle containing two kinds of materials separately in two spaces in a bottle body and communicates the separated spaces with each other as necessary so that the two materials can be mixed together. This bottle has a bottle body having a mouth; an additive storage container including an insertion part inserted into the mouth, an exposed part exposed outside the mouth and an additive storage space defined therein; an opening unit tightened to the mouth; and separation means for separating the additive storage container from the bottle body. The bottle saves resources and prevents deterioration in the properties in the material and additive. A user can mix the material and additive at a precise ratio, thus preventing their chemical and physical properties from deteriorating. The additive storage container can be completely removed from the bottle body.
US08418856B2
The present invention relates to a vibratory screening apparatus which comprises a vibratable screen element (2) mounted in a basket (4), which basket (4) is mounted over a reservoir (6) which contains and holds a pool of liquid slurry (8). A first end (10) of the screen element (2) is disposed within the reservoir (6) such that it is submerged in the body of liquid slurry (8). The reservoir has a deep end (12) in which the first end (10) of the screening element (12) is disposed and a second shallow end (14) above which a median portion (16) of the screening apparatus is disposed. The second end (18) of the screen element (2) is disposed above a portion (20) of the reservoir which extends above the surface of the body of liquid slurry held within the reservoir (6). Vibration means are provided for vibrating the screen element such that oversized solids in the liquid slurry in use of the operation are dewatered on the screen element and are discharged from the second elevated end of the screen element and underside solids pass through the screen element, where they may be collected. A vibratory screening machine is also described.
US08418855B2
A method and apparatus for separating solid particles of different densities, using a magnetic process fluid. The solid particles are thoroughly mixed in a small partial flow of the process fluid. The small turbulent partial flow is added to a large laminar partial flow of the process fluid, after which the obtained mixture of the respective partial process fluids is conducted over, under, or through the middle of two magnet configurations, wherein the particles are separated into lighter particles at the top of the laminar process fluid and heavier particles at the bottom of the laminar process fluid, each of which are subsequently removed with the aid of a splitter. After that furthermore the particles of low density and the particles of high density are separated from the respective process streams, dried and stored. Finally, the process fluid from which the particles have been removed is returned to the original starting process stream. The method according to the invention is especially suitable, for example, for separating a mixture of polypropylene particles and polyethylene particles.
US08418851B2
An apparatus houses a plurality of surgical elements, such as needles and sutures, both before and after use. The largest cross-sectional dimension of the housing is preferably less than about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a substantially rigid housing having a first section that holds a plurality of unused needles and a second section that receives the plurality of needles after use. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a flexible panel having a plurality of pockets therein, wherein each pocket is configured to house a single needle.
US08418850B2
A presentation device for a bicycle handlebar grip (12a) comprises an plane base element (14) and an elongate elastic holding element (16a). The holding element (16a) is provided for holding the grip (12a) on the base element (14). Thus, a first portion (16a′) of the holding element (16a) emerges from a first opening (18) on the first end of the grip (12a) and a second portion (16″) of the holding element (16a) emerges from a second opening (20) on the second end of the grip (12a). Further, a connection means (22a) is provided for mechanically connecting the first and second portions (16a′,16a″) of the holding element (16a), to the base element (14). This allows the grip (12a) to be pulled away from the base element (14) against the tensile force of the holding element (16a), so a person can full fully grip around the bicycle handlebar grip (12a).
US08418834B2
Method and apparatus for prefeeding corrugated boards to a box finishing machine wherein a stack of rectangular boards are moved to a first conveyor with the long dimension of the boards extending transverse to the direction of movement of said first conveyor. The stack is then rotated to place the long dimension of the boards in alignment with the direction of movement of said first conveyor, and then moving the rotated stack to a second conveyor for feeding to a box finishing machine with the long dimension of the boards in alignment with the direction or path of movement of the boards through the box finishing machine. The stack is transferred to the first conveyor from an elevator which contains a supply of boards larger than the stack. Three different types of apparatus are disclosed for rotating the stack. One is a plurality of conveyor belts whose speeds may be varied to rotate the boards. Another is a turntable with a set of belt conveyors and a set of rollers. The third is a vertical chute whose guides rotate the boards as they descend through the chute.
US08418830B2
At present, the removal the sticks from the mineral feeding lines, as a result of the mineral extraction, is carried out manually or using mechanical equipment, which means a loss of efficiency of the grinding and crushing system, high exposure to the risks associated to the removal of foreign elements of grinding material, this method does not guarantee problems from this cause in the subsequent stages in the grinding and crushing process. Due to the above, a robot system and method have been developed for the removal of sticks from the conveyor belts.The robotic system is composed mainly of an anthropomorphous robotic manipulator of at least 5 degrees of freedom, and a gripping mechanism which is supported by a vision system allowing, in a sequential and programmed way, to remove the sticks. In this regard, most of the problems associated to the safety of the personnel and the productivity of the current manual and/or mechanical process are eliminated.
US08418823B2
An electric vehicle can run with power supplied from a power supply facility on the outside of the vehicle. A resonator for power reception is disposed under a metallic under body and configured to receive power from a resonator for power transmission in the power supply facility by resonating with the resonator through an electromagnetic field. A power storage device stores power received by the resonator for power reception. A power cable is laid under the under body along with the resonator for power reception, and configured to transmit power received by the resonator for power reception.
US08418821B2
Piston-cylinder unit includes a piston rod guided with freedom of axial movement in a cylinder, where at least part of the piston rod is enclosed by a piston rod protector, which is designed with at least limited axial elasticity. At least one retaining surface of the piston rod protector enters into a positive connection with at least one stop surface on the cylinder side, and an auxiliary assembly bevel allows the piston rod protector to buckle over a certain stroke range of the piston rod during the installation of the protector, so that the retaining surface snap-locks onto the stop surface on the cylinder side.
US08418817B2
A brake assembly having a hub, a rotor, and a mounting clip. The hub has a mounting boss and first and second pockets disposed on opposite sides of the mounting boss. The rotor is disposed on the hub and has a first tooth and a second tooth disposed in the first and second pockets, respectively. The mounting clip has a first arm that is disposed in the first pocket between the first tooth and the mounting boss and the second arm is disposed in the second pocket between the second tooth and the mounting boss.
US08418815B2
An exemplary system for monitoring an elevator arrangement includes a detector arranged to detect conditions or events in, on or near an associated elevator car. A monitoring device monitors a status of the associated elevator car. The monitoring device communicates with the detector for receiving data indicative of any event or condition detected by the detector. The monitoring device provides an output that associates the status of the elevator car at a time of any detected event or condition with an indication of the detected event or condition including a reproduction of the detected event or condition.
US08418812B1
A drain hole sealing system has a ribbed drain plug that includes a shaft for engaging the drain hole of a fluid container, a head portion for engaging a tool, and at least one annular rib or ridge or projection extending from the head portion in the same direction as the threaded shaft and concentric therewith. The annular rib or ribs provide compressive and biting engagement with an annular deformable seal positioned concentrically around the drain hole that is engaged by the shaft of the drain plug. At least one annular rib moves into biting engagement with the annular deformable seal so that the seal deforms at least partially around the annular rib when the drain plug is tightened.
US08418804B1
Multiple Helmholtz resonators are combined serially and dynamically to mitigate and/or overcome acoustic noise filtering problems. One Helmholtz resonator is attached to a duct having an acoustic flow path channel containing undesired acoustic signals (noise) and is considered to be an immovable Helmholtz resonator with respect to that flow channel, while at least one movable Helmholtz resonator is movably and acoustically coupled to the immovable Helmholtz resonator. The immovable and movable Helmholtz resonators are acoustically coupled together to adjustably filter two resonant frequencies in the flow path channel with a feedback control system that adjusts the position of the movable Helmholtz resonator in response to the differences in pre-filtered noise versus filtered noise.
US08418802B2
A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle.
US08418790B2
An air flow system is disclosed. The system is for use with a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a heat exchanger, a cover, and a compartment baffle separating an engine compartment from a cooling compartment. The system includes a side air intake including a side air intake baffle. The side air intake baffle configured to inhibit air heated by the engine from mixing with ambient air used with the heat exchanger. In another embodiment, the system includes a side air duct. The side air duct includes a side air duct, wherein the side air duct tubing is at least partially located within the engine compartment. The side air duct tubing is configured to inhibit air heated by the engine from mixing with ambient air used with the heat exchanger.
US08418789B2
A fan motor is controlled via a switching circuit from the moment when a cooling fan control routine is started until the moment when the rotational speed of the fan motor reaches a control-switching speed so that the higher the detected auxiliary battery voltage is when the cooling fan control is started, the lower the command duty ratio that is set. Accordingly, it is possible to activate the fan motor more reliably and to avoid generating excessive operating noise by the cooling fan when the fan motor is activated.
US08418785B2
A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations, the bit comprising: a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face including a cone region, a shoulder region, and a gage region; a first primary blade extending radially along the bit face from the cone region to the gage region; a plurality of cutter elements mounted to the first primary blade, wherein a first of the plurality of cutter elements has a planar cutting face and a second of the plurality of cutter elements has a convex cutting face; and wherein each cutting face is forward-facing.
US08418784B2
In one aspect of the invention, a drilling assembly comprises a head located on a rotational axis of the assembly and comprises at least one head element. At least one blade extends distally from the head. A plurality of blade degradation elements are rotationally supported on the blade. Each degradation element comprises an attack angle that affects the penetration rate of each degradation element and a laterally offset angle that primarily affects the rotational rate of each degradation element within their holders. The drilling assembly comprises a central cutting region. The blade degradation elements within the central cutting region form an attack angle of 15 to 20 degrees with the rotational axis of the drilling assembly.
US08418781B2
A pneumatic impact device and method provide a high powered striking force against a target object. The device includes a core shell that houses a piston sub-assembly and a sear arm sub-assembly, and that further defines a forward gas chamber and a rearward gas chamber. The rearward gas chamber is loaded with compressed fluid via a handle actuator. A mostly external sear trigger assembly responds to the impact of a striker plate against the target object, thereby releasing a sear arm that then releases a piston, which is then accelerated forward by the compressed fluid charge. The device can be re-set manually via compressed fluid (e.g., air) in one embodiment, or automatically via a spring mechanism in another embodiment.
US08418775B2
The invention relates to a powder spreader device including a sealed tank (1) with a tapered bottom wall (5), a vessel (2) containing a pressurised spray gas connected to the tank (1) via a feed line (27), control means (20) connected to the vessel (1), and a powder dispensing nozzle (10) connected to the tank, wherein the elongate nozzle (10) includes at least two pressure relief stages (11, 12) for breaking up the dispensed powder jet and forming a uniform and homogenous jet with a relatively low flow rate.
US08418771B2
A method and apparatus for releasing a coiled tubing internal line from a bottom hole assembly. The internal line may not have strength sufficient to permit the application of a tension force at the surface to disconnect the internal line from the bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly may include a ball seat adapted to retain a ball permitting the application of a pressure differential above and below the ball seat. An anchor assembly connected to the internal line may be adapted to disconnect from the bottom hole assembly upon the application of predetermined pressure differential. A predetermined pressure differential may be used to shear a portion of the internal line releasing an upper portion of the internal line from the bottom hole assembly.
US08418767B1
The present invention is a blowout preventer including a large frustoconical funnel. The large end of the funnel is placed over a well pipe (or other pipe) through which oil (or gas or other fluid) is blowing out. The small end of the funnel is connected to a return pipe. A high pressure pipe with a smaller diameter is inserted into the well pipe. Air is pumped under high pressure through the high pressure pipe, separating the oil and forcing the oil, that is not kept down in the well pipe by the pressure, up through the return pipe. The funnel can be moved into alignment with the well pipe using jets. There are sensing devices on moveable arms. A stopper is forced into the well pipe. There are one-way valves in the stopper. There are stacked turbines in the return pipe. There is a gasket with pivoting overlapping plates.
US08418754B2
The invention is generally directed to the novel and unique water pump system that is for manual operation, such as when there is a power failure and electrical pump systems are inoperable. When air is delivered into the air input port of the air line conduit, the air pushes water residing in the static chamber and water conduit up through the main water line and into an optional expansion tank for use. An electrical air compressor may be used to deliver the air. The water pump system may be provided in a parallel configuration for continuous operation and also in a stacked series configuration for deep well environments.
US08418752B2
A plate heat exchanger with a plurality of separating walls stacked one above the other, which alternatingly define a first and second flow space for a first and second medium, includes at least one turbulence generator being positioned in at least one flow space, which comprises a plate with a number of parallel-running band-like rows of alternating elevations and depressions mutually connected by bridges, where the elevations and depressions of each row are shifted with respect to each immediately adjacent row, and where each row is provided with at least one transition area for the medium to pass to the immediately adjacent row, such that the depressions of each row are flow-connected with the immediately adjacent elevations of at least one immediately adjacent row. To achieve high heat transfer performance in a simple manner it is provided that the bridges of each row are essentially parallel and equally inclined relative to the separating walls, with an acute angle being formed between a separating wall and the bridges.
US08418750B2
A heat exchanger radiating fin structure and a heat exchanger thereof. The radiating fin includes a main body and at least one rib. The main body has a first plane face and at least one lateral side. Multiple depressions are formed on the first plane face. The rib is disposed on a portion of the first plane face, which portion is free from any of the depressions. The rib obliquely extends in a direction neither normal nor parallel to any lateral side of the first plane face. The heat exchanger includes a radiating fin assembly composed of multiple piled up radiating fins. Each two adjacent radiating fins define therebetween a flow way having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. With the depressions and the rib, the structural strength of the radiating fin is increased and the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger is enhanced.
US08418743B2
A brazing system for brazing component members of a workpiece has a brazing chamber an inside of which is made a heating space of a volume corresponding to the workpiece, a radiant heating means provided with a plurality of heating sources which are positioned so as to correspond to a plurality of regions into which two facing surfaces of the workpiece are respectively divided, a convection heating means for circulating a heated inert gas to the heating space so as to heat the workpiece, and a control means for controlling the operation of the heating sources and the circulation of the inert gas. Each heating source is independently controlled by the control means, and the convection heating means circulates the inert gas so as to reduce a temperature difference of the workpiece caused by the heating sources.
US08418742B2
A shade for architectural openings incorporating a single cord drive featuring automatic braking of the shade when the user releases the drive cord. In a preferred embodiment, an automatic tilt-open mechanism is provided to tilt the shade open when the shade is in the fully extended down position.
US08418740B2
Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
US08418737B2
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of apexes, flippers and chippers, the at least one component comprising a rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising a diene based elastomer and from 1 to 30 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), of a polybenzobisoxazole (PBO) short fiber having a length ranging from 0.5 to 20 mm having a thickness ranging from 10 to 30 microns, and from 1 to 50 phr of an epoxidized polyisoprene having a number-average molecular weight of 5000 to 100000.
US08418736B2
There are provided a rubber composition for coating a steel cord, containing 100 parts by mass of diene-based rubber; 0.5 to 5 parts by mass of a metal salt of an organic acid; and 30 to 100 parts by mass of a filler, wherein the filler contains 3 to 30 parts by mass of glass beads having a particle diameter of 10 to 100 μm, relative to 100 parts by mass of the diene-based rubber, and a tire reinforcement belt and a pneumatic tire using the rubber composition. The rubber composition reduces heat generation and improves adhesiveness with a steel cord. A pneumatic tire having a tire reinforcement belt using the rubber composition has excellent steering stability and rolling resistance.
US08418732B2
Compressed gas delivery system and process for use thereof wherein compressed gases are withdrawn from compressed gas storage vessels, passed through pressure regulated flow control valves and critical flow venturis to control the mass flow rates of the compressed gases forming the blend of the compressed gases prior to dispending the blend.
US08418729B2
A seamless convoluted hose assembly. The assembly includes: a tubular inner liner having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner liner wall therebetween which defines a passageway. The assembly further includes a helical coil or a plurality of annular loops which produce convolutions in the outer surface of the tubular liner when the tubular inner liner is forced through the helical coil or plurality of loops under heat and pressure.
US08418722B2
The invention relates to a pressure-regulator servo-valve comprising a body having a utilization port, a pressure feed port, and a return port, a distributor spool movably mounted in the body to put the utilization port into communication either with the feed port or with the return port, the spool co-operating with the body to define at least one pilot chamber connected to a nozzle that is arranged to open out into a cavity connected to the return port, a vane extending in the cavity facing the nozzle and being mounted to be moved in controlled manner. According to the invention, the pilot chamber is connected to the utilization port.
US08418718B2
A double-walled above-ground storage tank includes a primary tank and a secondary tank, and an interstitial space; an containment chamber formed by a primary chamber wall and a secondary chamber wall, forming a chamber interstitial space therebetween, and an exterior door assembly; and at least one pipe and valve assembly wherein the pipe originates in the tank interior volume and the valve is disposed within the chamber.
US08418713B2
A mobile tire inflator includes a control panel, multiple air passages, an inflation valve, a discharge valve and a pressure sensor. The user can control the operation of the inflation valve and the discharge valve automatically or manually by through a control panel, and switch between the automatic mode and the manual mode during operation. Matching with the operation of the pressure sensor, the mobile tire inflator achieves accurate tire pressure inflation and discharge and has the advantages of operation flexibility and high mobility.
US08418712B2
The present invention provides an air discharge implement for a portable pressurized sprayer comprising a cylindrical main body of discharging duct, an external hood jacket, a conical moving plug and a compression spring. Wherein the main body of hollow discharging duct includes a cylinder bore, a cylindrical discharging mount for containing conical moving plug, and an air passage interposed between hollow discharge chamber and cylinder bore. The external hood jacket is a hollow holder to contain compression spring. The conical moving plug includes a top cone and a planar base with plural footing legs so that a water flow gap is created between the planar base and the air passage at the cylinder bore. If the present invention is properly connected to a water outtake hose of a portable pressurized sprayer, either no air or certain air mingled in the compressed water, it can achieve the air-discharging effect completely.
US08418709B2
Embodiments of the invention are generally related to a mobile shelter. In particular, several embodiments relate more particularly to a movable storage container configured for interconversion between various configurations. In several embodiments, the mobile shelter is configured as a shelter adequate for protection of its occupants against the elements. In several embodiments, the shelter optionally converts into a collapsed configuration suitable for transportation.
US08418699B2
Disclosed herein is a hair iron having upper and lower casings, a heat generating unit and a hinge connection unit. The hinge connection unit includes a hinge box secured to either of the upper and lower casings. First and second movable members each having a hinge shaft are provided in the hinge box, and move between a hinge coupling position and a hinge releasing position. An elastic member is elastically provided between the first and second movable members, and exerts an elastic force so that the hinge shaft moves to the hinge releasing position. A hinge-coupling retaining means is manipulated on an outside of the hinge box to move the hinge shaft to the hinge coupling position and simultaneously retain the hinge shaft in the hinge coupling position. A hinge-shaft connection lug is provided on a remaining one of the upper and lower casings, and has a hinge hole.
US08418697B2
The invention relates to a method of producing cut tobacco material, whereby a tobacco starting material is heated and brought to a first increased pressure in one method stage; whereby the tobacco material is pumped to a second increased pressure in the second method stage which is higher than the first increased pressure; and whereby the tobacco material, heated and placed under pressure, is expanded and fed through a forming tool (23). It further relates to a device for producing cut tobacco material comprising a heatable pressure chamber (1) with a tobacco material inlet, a tobacco material outlet and a conveying mechanism (5) for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet and for increasing the pressure of the material to a first increased pressure, and with a forming tool (23) by means of which the tobacco material, heated and placed under pressure, is conveyed and expanded, and a mechanical pump (7) is integrated between the pressure chamber (1) and the forming tool (23) which pumps the tobacco material to a second increased pressure which is higher than the first increased pressure.
US08418695B1
An eyeglass patch which is comprised of an optical occluding cup for correcting dominant eye vision problems is disclosed. One embodiment of the inventive eyeglass patch has an interchangeable exterior portion, wherein the wearer can interchange the exterior appearance of the eyeglass patch, at will. This embodiment is comprised of two cutouts, which thread and interlock together, wherein one of the cutouts has a decorative exterior.
US08418685B2
A barbecue grill provides a top cooking level and a central cooking zone located below the top cooking level. Lateral heat panels warm the central cooking zone. A food basket is configured to be opened and loaded with foodstuff when in an approximately horizontal position at the top cooking level. An elevator mechanism lowers the filled food basket into the central cooking zone while converting the food basket to an approximately vertical position. The food cooks while the basket is vertical. The elevator mechanism raises the basket of cooked food to the top cooking level while converting the food basket to approximately horizontal position. A user-operated control selectively actuates the elevator mechanism to move the food basket in either direction.
US08418682B2
The plural option loading system for a pneumatic gun. The pneumatic gun has a receiver with the first and second loading port disposed to permit loading either by gravity or forced loading such as from a magazine. The barrel can be locked to the receiver to permit loading through only one of the two ports depending on the orientation in which it is locked to the receiver and permits selective loading through only a selected port at any time.
US08418678B2
Disclosed is a fuel system for a traveling vehicle having an engine mounted on a vehicle body and a ROPS extending upward from the vehicle body. The fuel system includes a fuel tank accommodating an amount of fuel, a canister, an evaporating hose including a first evaporating hose portion and a second evaporating hose portion for sending fuel vapor generated inside the fuel tank to the canister. The first evaporating hose portion is connected to the fuel tank and extending upward from the fuel tank along a vertical post of the ROPS. The second evaporating hose portion extends downward along a vertical post of the ROPS and is connected to the canister.
US08418671B2
A system and method are disclosed for reducing the fuel consumption of an engine, particularly during a cold start or an engine warm-up period. A magnetorheological fluid having a low viscosity is used to lubricate the engine. When viscosity is to be increased, a magnetic field is applied to the magnetorheological fluid. The magnetic field can be selectively applied to electromagnets proximate engine bearings.
US08418668B2
To provide a plasma igniter capable of generating a discharge such as a pulse streamer discharge in a large region even by application of a low voltage, implementing powerful ignition by pulse voltage application in two or more stages, improving an air-fuel ratio (A/F), and reducing a CO2 emission amount.A plasma igniter includes an igniter part having a combustion chamber, and a discharge part arranged in such a manner that its discharge tip end is exposed to the combustion chamber. The discharge tip end has a column-shaped anode, an annular cathode arranged to be a predetermined interval away from an anode tip end part, and an annular floating electrode arranged between the anode tip end part and the cathode.
US08418663B2
A novel device for controlling the compression pressure of an internal combustion engine is disclosed.The combustion chamber of each cylinder of the engine is divided into two virtual spaces, a gas exchange space and a control space. The intake and exhaust valves move in a plane substantially perpendicular to the cylinder centerline and open into the gas exchange space.The position of a preferably toroidal volume control slider determines the control space volume and subsequently, the geometrical compression ratio of the engine. At least one actuation cam bidirectionally drives said control slider, by means of a slot and captive roller arrangement.The device further comprises actuator means to rotate the cam to a predetermined angular position, as a function of engine load.Thus, the device of the invention is capable of maintaining a constant compression pressure, under varying load, by altering the geometrical compression ratio of the engine.
US08418662B2
An apparatus that visually inspects a state of sludge and foreign substances found between steam generator bundles positioned at an upper portion of a tube sheet of a steam generator of a nuclear power plant using a visual inspector mounted in a robot moving on an inner wall surface of the steam generator for removing the foreign substances.
US08418661B2
A combustion apparatus 51 includes a plurality of burners 58, a plurality of fuel supply channels 89, a blower 53, an air supply passage 37, and a pressure regulator 56. The burners 58 are divided into a plurality of burner groups 71. The pressure regulator 56 is branched at a portion located immediately after a gas outlet 31 at downstream of the regulator 56 and connected to the respective fuel supply channels 89, so as to regulate gas supplied at a primary pressure to gas at a secondary pressure in response to a predetermined signal pressure sensed from one selected from a part of the air supply passage 37 and the blower 53 and to discharge the regulated gas through the pressure regulator 56. The fuel supply channels 89 each are configured to perform fuel supply to the respective burner groups 71 and are provided with a switching valve 75 for either shutting off or reducing the fuel supply to at least a part of the burner groups 71.
US08418660B2
Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.
US08418655B2
The present invention provides an improved structure for a cat scratch board, which is structured to include an abrasive surface and at least one fastening structure, and claw filing wire material is horizontally arranged to cover the abrasive surface and an appropriate surface of a plate. A plurality of fastening units fasten the claw filing wire material to the plate to form the abrasive surface. The fastening structure is installed to the other surface from the abrasive surface of the plate, and the fastening structure is structured from a locking member and a connecting member. The locking member functions in coordination with the connecting member for clamping. A clamping space is formed between the fastening structure and the plate.
US08418651B1
A trough has a vertically disposed open front and a parallel rear panel and a horizontally disposed bottom panel. A front edge is located beneath the open front. The trough has an angled panel between the rear panel the bottom panel. Vertically disposed side panels create a chamber there between with a horizontally disposed rectangular open top. A vertically disposed divider panel is located within the chamber. The divider panel is parallel with and spaced between the open front and rear panel. In this manner a major chamber is formed rearwardly and a minor chamber forwardly. A passageway is formed between the divider panel and the bottom panel. In this manner food in the major chamber will move to the minor chamber upon depletion of food from the minor chamber.
US08418649B2
A showerhead electrode for a plasma processing apparatus includes an elastomeric sheet adhesive bond between mating surfaces of an electrode and a backing member to accommodate stresses generated during temperature cycling due to mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion. The elastomeric sheet comprises a thermally conductive silicone adhesive able to withstand a high shear strain of ≧300% in a temperature range of room temperature to 300° C. such as heat curable high molecular weight dimethyl silicone with fillers. The sheet form adhesive has bond thickness control for parallelism of bonded surfaces over large areas. The sheet adhesive may be cast or die cut into pre-form shapes that can conform to irregularly shaped features, maximize surface contact area with mating electrode surfaces, and installed into cavities of the mating assembly. Installation can be manually, manually with installation tooling, or with automated machinery. Composite layers of sheet adhesive having different physical properties can be laminated or coplanar.
US08418638B2
A combination floating pontoon boat and air-cushion supported hovercraft having a frame and a plurality of pontoons pivotally and retractably mounted to the frame for pontoon boat mode, and a second position extending laterally outward from the frame in hovercraft mode. A skirt is attached to and extends from the frame, the skirt on a first position being retracted against the bottom of the frame. In a second position, the skirt extends downward from the frame and forms an air-receiving pocket beneath the frame for hovercraft operation. A first power system moves the frame through water when the pontoons are in their first position. A second power system drives air into the air-receiving pocket when the skirt is in the second or hovercraft position, and a third power system propels the frame in a longitudinal direction when air is driven into the air-receiving pocket.
US08418632B2
A structurally reinforcing pallet having an insert exhibiting a three dimensional shape with a top, sides and bottom. A plasticized material is applied over the insert according to a selected thickness and in order to encapsulate the insert. A first plurality of upper edge projecting and positional locating rim portions are exhibited about a periphery of an insert incorporated into a first pallet and, in combination with a second mating plurality of recessed underside edge extending locations exhibited about a periphery of a further insert incorporated into a second pallet, enable multiple stacking of pallets in laterally stabilized fashion.
US08418630B2
A pallet made up of plural hollow sections of generally rectangular transverse profile formed from metal tubes, the sections having upper walls facing in the same direction and being secured together in side-by-side and/or end-to-end array to constitute a load-bearing platform. The lower wall of each section may have a longitudinal central rib projecting toward the upper wall for additional strength. The tubes can be hollow transversely corrugated cylinders of metal such as aluminum, used as cores for winding strip material. A method of making the pallet includes the steps of deforming plural metal tubes with generally radially directed pressure to produce the pallet sections, and securing the sections together.
US08418615B2
A method for individualizing security documents provides that high security quality, application-neutral printed image 1 identical for a group of security documents is overprinted with second printed image 2 individualizing the security document, whereby the printing ink of second printed image 2 is repelled by the printing ink of first printed image 1. The printing ink of the second printed image is therefore deposited only in the areas of the first printed image where no printing ink of the first printed image is present. Preferably, the first printed image is produced by intaglio printing and the second printed image by means of liquid printing ink, in particular by the ink jet method.
US08418614B2
A method for calibrating a rotary printing press, in which a bearing structure for a printing cylinder is adjusted relative to another component of the printing press, and positions of the bearing structure are measured, including the steps of mounting a calibration tool on a mandrel that is supported in the bearing structure, the calibration tool having at least one contact sensitive switch, moving the bearing structure until the at least one switch contacts the other component, and upon detection of a signal from the at least one switch, storing a measured position of the bearing structure as a reference position.
US08418608B2
The invention relates to a printing system for printing bottles or similar containers, having at least one electrical print head operating according to the inkjet principle and displaceable along a transport route for the containers for printing the containers disposed at a printing position, and having a supply system for supplying the at least one print head with printing paint or ink.
US08418606B2
A device for reducing the press angle control error caused by press load variation, where the device includes: a reference value output unit that outputs a press angle reference value, a press angle detection unit, a speed command unit, and a driving unit. The press angle detection unit detects a press angle of the corresponding press machine and outputs a press angle detection value. The speed command unit outputs a command speed value of a motor of the corresponding press machine based on the press angle reference value and the press angle detection value. The driving unit controls the motor speed of the corresponding press machine based on the command speed value. The device further includes a correction unit that corrects the press angle reference value or the command speed value so the difference between the press angle reference value and the press angle is within a predetermined range.
US08418601B2
A method for controlling heating processes in a coffee machine which is particularly suitable for preparing coffee on the basis of coffee pads. The coffee machine comprises a continuous flow heater and a pump used to convey water through the continuous flow heater. According to the inventive method, the temperature is measured in the region of the continuous flow heater and/or water which is conveyed by the pump. In order to avoid steam overpressure and to ensure a sufficient, constant temperature during the entire steeping process, the amount of water which is conveyed by the pump is influenced according to temperature. The invention also relates to an electronic control device.
US08418593B2
The invention relates to an improved deformable downstream disc (56; 156; 256) to be fitted on the bottom of a container (15) for a missile (16) and including a stack of elastic blades (63) clamped between at least an upstream and a downstream thermal protection membrane and sealing membrane (70, 71, 72, 73), and maintained between an upstream bearing frame (61) and a downstream bearing frame (64), characterised in that the downstream bearing frame includes an inner edge (80) having an extension so as to provide the disc with an abutment means defining a position of maximum deformation of the elastic blades.
US08418590B2
A miter saw includes a base, and a table disposed on the base, the table having a top surface extending between a front end and a rear end of the table. The miter saw also includes a cutting assembly overlying the table, the cutting assembly including a rotatable cutting blade having a peripheral cutting edge, and a motor for driving said cutting blade. At least one guide rail is connected with the table and coupled with the cutting assembly for guiding sliding movement of the cutting assembly over the table between a rear-most position and a forward-most position. The miter saw includes a locking assembly coupled with at least one of the cutting assembly and the at least one guide rail for locking the cutting assembly in an intermediate position located between the rear-most position and the forward-most position.
US08418583B2
A bush bearing 1 is comprised of: a synthetic resin-made bush 15 including a flexible semi-split cylindrical body 5 having an abutment portion 3 for slidably abutting against a rack shaft 25 and including a flexible open-ended annular body 14 which has a portion 6 formed integrally at one end face of the semi-split cylindrical body 5 and circular arc-shaped extended portions 12 and 13 whose distal ends 9 and 10 are opposed to each other with a clearance 11 in a circumferential direction R; and an elastic member 22 including an elastic body 21 for abutting against an outer surface 20 of the semi-split cylindrical body 5 and retained portions 16 and 17 which are respectively retained by both end portions 23 and 24.
US08418575B2
Method for shifting a neutral state of an automatic multi-stage transmission of a motor vehicle, where, to engage and to disengage gear stages of the transmission, shift couplings, at least one of which is equipped with a synchronizing device, can be actuated by a transmission actuator.
US08418573B2
A ball-screw spline includes: a screw shaft; a ball-screw nut engaged with the screw shaft via balls; and a spline nut assembled to an outside of the ball-screw nut via balls to reciprocate in an axial direction of the ball-screw nut. The ball-screw nut includes a screw portion and an extended portion formed integrally, with the same outer diameter. The screw portion has an inner peripheral surface including a load-rolling groove forming a load path for the balls together with a ball rolling groove on the screw shaft side; and a ball return path coupling adjacent valley portions of the load-rolling groove to form a circulation path corresponding to one loop around the screw shaft. The ball-screw nut has an outer peripheral surface including a ball rolling groove for the spline nut, the ball rolling groove being formed over a range corresponding to the screw portion and the extended portion.
US08418569B2
A variable torque-rate test point for the performance testing of rotary tools for threaded fasteners comprises a screw-threaded bolt (1) having a moment of inertia comparable to that of a bolt to be tightened using the rotary tool. The bolt (1) is tightened in the test joint against a torque-rate adjustment device (6) which can be adjusted to simulate a hard or a soft joint. The adjustment device (6) comprises a washer portion (7) beneath the bolt head (4), at least one spring beam (8) extending from a reaction point (9) radially outwardly of the bolt (1), and a pivotal bearing member (10) or other pivot at a mid portion of the beam (8). The beam (8) flexes as it extends in cantilever over the pivot point, and that flexure can be adjusted to vary the torque-rate of the test joint by varying the distance between the pivot point and the rotary axis of the bolt (1).
US08418551B2
A retractable assembly for a sensor, which determines a physical and/or chemical, process variable in a process medium. The retractable assembly has a housing, in which a tubular holder for accommodating the sensor is arranged such that it can be moved linearly by a drive unit. At least one cascaded cylinder is provided for the linear shifting of the tubular holder, wherein the cascaded cylinder comprises at least two cylinders arranged one after the other in the direction of the stroke movement. Furthermore, the cascaded cylinder is, or the cascaded cylinders are, embodied and/or operable in such a manner that the sensor is movable into at least two different positions.
US08418550B2
A method and apparatus for sensing the top level of a material in a vessel is disclosed. A method and apparatus for sensing changes in the top level of a material in a vessel is disclosed.
US08418519B2
The invention relates to a hand tool comprising handles and jaws, where the jaws are operated by the handles, and where an anti-slip device is arranged on the outer side of the distal end of a tool handle. The tool handle has a hard surface with low friction enabling the users fingers to slide on the surface of the handle when squeezing the handles together, and the anti-slip device is arranged to be supported against a support surface in order for the user to be able to press the tool handles together in a controlled manner using a force (F) in excess of hand force.
US08418516B2
To obtain a positioning reference portion with good processing accuracy, which is formed of a newly-formed surface, a blank is press-molded by an upper mold, whereby a vertex portion abuts on an inner wall portion of a lower mold. In such a way, an oxide film that covers the vertex portion is broken by an internal pressure of the blank, and a raw material without oxide is moved by viscous flow from an inside thereof as illustrated by arrows. The raw material without oxide moved by viscous flow is thrust against the inner wall portion of the lower mold, whereby a newly-formed surface is formed, and this newly-formed surface serves as a positioning reference portion of an optical element. The newly-formed surface has surface roughness of the inner wall portion of the lower mold transferred thereto, and the positioning reference portion having good roughness is formed.
US08418514B1
A tablet protector includes a main frame, a matching and a lock, wherein the main frame and matching frame are engaged with each other to protect the periphery of the tablet. The lock is provided to lock and further restrict the position of the main frame and matching frame as to the tablet. Also, the steel cable extends from the lock to lock the tablet at any predetermined location and prevents the tablet (along with the main frame and matching frame) from being stolen and provides a better anti-theft result.
US08418512B2
A security lock for clamping a structure may include a lock housing having a barrel portion that mounts an adjustable band-type clamp. The clamp is adjustable using a lock screw that is rotatable in the housing and has threads that adjustably engage a ridged thread pattern on the clamp. The lock screw has a head that is recessed in a guideway of the housing. The lock screw head has a security lock pattern that requires a matching security key to rotate the lock screw.
US08418511B2
A laundry machine includes a first laundry treating device, and a second laundry treating device arranged adjacent to the first laundry treating device. The second laundry treating device is operable independently of the first laundry treating device. A first draining pipe guides water discharged from the first laundry treating device, and a second draining pipe guides water discharged from the second laundry treating device. A joining pipe is connected to the first and second draining pipes at a joining point.
US08418507B2
A method of knitting a sock with a bulbous heel and a square toe is disclosed. A circular sock knitting machine is controlled in four phases to alternately narrow and widen the heel and toe by actuating only some of the needles in the knitting machine. The result is a sock with an expanded Y-gore and a heel and toe of increased size.
US08418501B2
An open-ended ring is configured for being secured to the cartilage at the base of the outer ear, above the ear lobe. Means are provided for suspending ornamental pendants from the ring.
US08418490B2
A method for controlling a vehicular air conditioning system including: setting up a target indoor temperature of a vehicle determined by a user; inputting inside and outside temperatures of the vehicle and solar radiation with reference to a sensor mounted on the vehicle; calculating a target discharge temperature of a vent (t1); inputting the maximum evaporator temperature (t2); setting up a target evaporator temperature by comparing t1 and t2; calculating the opening degree of a temperature control door; measuring actual evaporator temperature while controlling the discharge capacity of a compressor; calculating the opening degree of the temperature control door by using the actual opening degree of the compressor discharge capacity control valve and the actual evaporator temperature.
US08418479B2
A two-stage pulse tube refrigerator having a compact design, low vibration and low heat loss is provided where at least the 2nd stage is co-axial but preferably, both stages are co-axial with the second stage pulse tube being central and the first stage pulse tube occupying the annular space between the second stage pulse tube and the first stage regenerator. Convection losses associated with different temperature profiles in the pulse tubes and regenerators are minimized by shifting the thermal patterns in the pulse tubes relative to the regenerators by one or more of spacers in the regenerators, physical differences in length with gas channel connections, adjustment of dc flow, and thermal bridges.
US08418472B2
A method of operating an integrated gasification combined cycle power generation system is provided. The method includes compressing air in an adiabatic air compressor to produce a compressed heated air stream, heating a nitrogen stream using the compressed heated air stream to produce a heated nitrogen stream and a cooled compressed air stream, and channeling the cooled compressed air stream to an air separation unit.
US08418469B2
A fuel nozzle assembly is disclosed. The fuel nozzle assembly comprises an outer burner tube and an inner burner tube defining a pre-mixing annulus therebetween. The fuel nozzle assembly further comprises a swirler assembly, the swirler assembly comprising a plurality of swirler vanes disposed in an annular array about the inner burner tube and configured to interact with primary air upstream of the pre-mixing annulus. The fuel nozzle assembly further comprises an air injection feature configured to flow secondary air into the pre-mixing annulus downstream of the swirler assembly such that the secondary air flows in a generally linear path longitudinally with respect to the pre-mixing annulus and adjacent at least one of the outer burner tube and the inner burner tube.
US08418467B2
A system is disclosed including a low pressure steam turbine; an air-cooled condenser (ACC) in fluid connection with the low pressure (LP) steam turbine, the ACC for receiving a portion of steam from an exhaust of the LP steam turbine; a feedwater heater in fluid connection with the low pressure steam turbine via a conduit, the feedwater heater for receiving a portion of supply steam from the LP steam turbine; and a condensate pump in fluid connection with the ACC and the feedwater heater, the condensate pump for receiving condensate fluid from the ACC and drain fluid from the feedwater heater.
US08418459B2
The present invention relates to an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, more preferably of a motor vehicle, with an exhaust gas turbine, with an exhaust pipe, whose inlet is fluidically connected with an outlet of the exhaust gas turbine, with a flange connection for connecting the exhaust gas turbine with the exhaust pipe which comprises a flange fastened to the exhaust pipe and attached to the exhaust gas turbine, and with a shielding apron which is so arranged and/or incorporated in the flange connection that in the operation of the exhaust system it protects a transition region between the flange and the exhaust pipe from direct admission of exhaust gas.
US08418444B2
Temperature range enabling combustion of high concentration hydrocarbon is enlarged, or high temperature gas is rapidly supplied to a latter part catalyst. Provided is a method for purification of exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, by using a catalyst for increasing temperature of exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, wherein hydrocarbon from 1,000 to 40,000 ppm by volume, as converted to methane, to the exhaust gas, is introduced at the upstream side of the catalyst for increasing temperature, along flow of the exhaust gas inside a passage of exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine.
US08418437B2
A jet flow discharge nozzle includes a tubular partition wall, a tubular casing which covers an outer periphery of the tubular partition wall, and a bifurcation which extends in an axial direction of the tubular partition wall and the casing so as to support downstream ends of the tubular partition wall and the casing from outside. Inside of the tubular partition wall is defined as a flow path for a high-speed core flow. A space between the tubular partition wall and the casing is defined as a flow path for a low-speed bypass flow. A pair of first projections is provided at a downstream edge of the tubular partition wall near the bifurcation at positions symmetric about the bifurcation. One of ridges of each of the first projections faces an upstream side. The invention reduces noise by avoiding adverse effects of the presence of the bifurcation on an increase in noise.
US08418431B2
A method of folding a rectangular sheet of packing material about a parallelepiped-shaped article; the method providing for: bringing an end wall of the article into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that major transverse edges of the article are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and minor transverse edges of the article are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the end wall, so that the sheet of packing material completely covers both the major lateral walls of the article; and folding the sheet of packing material about longitudinal edges of a major lateral wall and onto minor lateral walls of the article, before folding the sheet of packing material about minor transverse edges of the end wall.
US08418428B2
Systems and methods for securely attaching a screen or mesh to a pre-stressed or precast concrete wall panel are provided. A screen or mesh is embedded in a concrete form when the concrete form is poured. Portions of the concrete form can be stripped and the wall panel can be easily removed from the form without binding on the form itself and without requiring removal of the portion of the form which creates the window opening.
US08418425B1
A tubular beam for construction of temporary structures preferably includes a rectangular tube, a first end plate and a second end plate. A plurality of tube access openings are formed through each side of the rectangular tube. A fastener hole pattern is formed around each tube access opening. The first and second end plates are attached to each end of the rectangular tube. A plate access opening is formed through the first and second end plates. The fastener hole pattern is formed around the plate access opening. Two or more adjacent tubular beams may be assembled to each other in “I,” “L,” “T” or “double T” configurations by inserting a plurality of threaded fasteners through the fastener holes in each adjacent tubular beam. The plurality of threaded fasteners are secured with a plurality of nuts. A fastening plate may also be used to join two adjacent tubular beams.
US08418424B2
An end wall panel for an arch-style steel building is disclosed. The end wall panel is fabricated from metal sheet and consists of a plurality of upper flanges spaced apart from one another. The upper flanges are connected to lower flanges by a web section extending at an angle from the upper flange. Flange stiffeners also extend at an angle from the outermost upper flanges. The end wall panel provides increased strength in an arch-style steel building and can withstand critical wind loads without additional stiffeners. The end wall panel is also inexpensive to manufacture and install into an arch-style steel building.
US08418415B2
The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices, and more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which photovoltaic elements are affixed to roofing substrates. In one embodiment of the invention, a photovoltaic roofing panel comprising a roofing panel substrate having a top surface; and at least six discrete photovoltaic elements affixed to the roofing panel substrate with their photovoltaically-active areas exposed at the top surface of the roofing panel. Another embodiment of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing assembly comprising: a plurality of discrete photovoltaic roofing elements, each comprising one or more photovoltaic elements affixed to a roofing substrate; and a joining member, wherein the plurality of photovoltaic roofing elements are disposed on and affixed to the joining member and are electrically interconnected.
US08418407B2
A safety gate has two frame assemblies, a shaft fixing assembly and a stretcher assembly. A relative distance between the two frame assemblies is fixed by the shaft fixing assembly first. The stretcher assembly further pushes the two frame assemblies outwardly so that the two frame assemblies tightly abut against two walls of a mounting premise and can be held on the walls securely. When the safety gate is not in use, the stretcher assembly is released to loosen the safety gate from the walls and the stretcher assembly can be moved to elsewhere. As the safety gate can be repeatedly mounted without having to readjust the relative distance between the two frame assemblies with the shaft fixing assembly, the operation of the safety gate is easy and convenient.
US08418406B2
In an acceleration and deceleration device which includes at least one energy storage device and a cylinder with at least one piston movably disposed in the cylinder and moved therein by a carrier element and a sliding door including a slidable door panel provided with an acceleration and deceleration device, a second carrier element is provided guiding either the first piston or the second piston for movement in the cylinder so as to control the movement of pistons and of the sliding door near its end positions.
US08418402B2
A cover for a crop, wherein the cover includes a framework and a flexible cover supported by the framework. The framework includes side members provided with a first part of a Velcro fastening, and the flexible cover is divided into sections with edge areas that follow the first part of the Velcro fastening and are provided with an interacting second part of a Velcro fastening for attaching the edge area of the section on the side member.
US08418401B2
A photovoltaic greenhouse includes a house structure having upstanding walls and a roof thereover to enclose a greenhouse space therein, and at least one thin-film solar cell module mounted on the roof for converting solar energy within a pre-selected light band of sunlight into electricity, wherein light not absorbed by the thin-film solar cell module passes through and enters the greenhouse space, which can be utilized by plants or crops for photosynthesis. The thin-film solar cell module has high transmittance of light in the wavelength intervals, for example, 400-450 nm and 640-700 nm, required by the cultured plants or crops inside the greenhouse space for photosynthesis.
US08418400B2
A liquid herbicide applicator includes a length adjustable handle member and a reservoir removably coupled to the handle member, the reservoir defining an inlet for receiving a liquid and an outlet from which to dispense liquid. The applicator includes a valve assembly coupled to the reservoir outlet operative between an open configuration that allows the liquid to flow through the outlet and a closed configuration that prevents the liquid from flowing through the outlet. The valve assembly is biased toward the closed configuration. A dispenser assembly having a cap portion is operatively coupled to the valve assembly and includes an application portion connected to the cap portion, the cap portion being selectively movable closer to the valve assembly so as to urge the valve assembly to the open configuration and away from the valve assembly so to allow the valve assembly to return to the closed configuration.
US08418398B2
An electronic mouse trap is provided having multiple kill and automatic killing chamber clearing capabilities. The trap includes an elevated killing chamber rotatably mounted on a base that houses a collection bin positioned under the chamber and which has an entrance pathway that provides mice with access to the chamber. Upon completion of a killing cycle and the killing of a mouse, the chamber is automatically rotated by a gear motor about a longitudinal axis that is slightly below the floor of the chamber. The chamber rotates approximately 180 degrees so as to be inverted, allowing the dead mouse to fall downwardly into the collection bin. Once the chamber has been inverted and the mouse removed by gravity, the gear motor reverses the rotation direction and returns the chamber to its upright position where it is ready to reinitiate the killing cycle for another mouse.
US08418377B2
A dryer with a drying chamber that includes a process air duct for guiding process air through the drying chamber, a heat pump with a heat sink in the process air duct and through which air can flow in an outlet air direction for cooling down the process air, and a heat source arranged in the process air duct and through which air can flow in an inlet air direction for heating up the process air. The outlet air direction and the inlet air direction are substantially parallel to one another. The heat sink and the heat source are in a plane substantially perpendicular to the outlet air direction and to the inlet air direction alongside one another.
US08418371B2
A kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide includes a base mount disc, a semispherical base, a guide fastener having a head with a hexagonal opening, one or more spacer discs, one or more disc fasteners, and a hex key. Furthermore, the base mount disc is adapted to affix to the semispherical base with the one or more disc fasteners and define a chamber for partially housing the guide fastener therein, and the hex key is adapted to rotate the guide fastener to threadably attach to a threaded receptacle on an underside of the grass trimming apparatus.
US08418366B2
An internal gear manufacturing method capable of manufacturing time reduction and easy core removal, and a metallic glass internal gear manufactured thereby. A carbon core formed into a shape of an external gear is arranged in a thin, long tubular mold of a length equal thereto with a space extending longitudinally therealong. A molten metal material is pressure-injected under a temperature higher than a melting point thereof into the space between the mold and the core. The molten metal material is resolidified by rapid cooling at or above a critical cooling rate thereof together with the mold and the core. After resolidification of the molten metal material, the core is removed by pulverization or dissolution. Along internal gear formed of the resolidified metal material is cut into a plurality of segments of a prescribed length.
US08418358B2
A wiring board with a built-in component includes an insulating board, a first wiring pattern on an upper surface of the insulating board, plural electrodes on the upper surface of the insulating board, a solder resist on the upper surface of the insulating board, plural solders on the electrodes, respectively, an electronic component joined to the electrodes with the solders, a sealing resin provided between the insulating board and the electronic component, a component-fixing layer provided on the upper surface of the insulating board and the first wiring pattern and having an insulating property, a second wiring pattern on the component-fixing layer, and an interlayer wiring connecting the first wiring pattern to the second wiring pattern. The solder resist surrounds the electrodes. The sealing resin entirely covers the solders and the solder resist. This wiring board can be efficiently manufactured by simple processes.
US08418352B2
A multi-curvature antenna comprises a radiation conductor and a support element. The outer rim of the radiation conductor is fabricated into an outer ring having an arc-shape surface, and the arc-shape surface has a notch. The central portion of the radiation conductor is patterned to form a conduction path. The support element carries the radiation conductor. A method for fabricating a multi-curvature antenna comprises providing a plane metallic sheet; pressing or stamping the metallic sheet to form a radiation conductor having an outer ring with an arc-shape surface; pattering the central portion of the radiation conductor into a predetermined conduction path and punching the outer ring to form a connection member; and cutting off the connection member to complete a multi-curvature antenna.
US08418350B2
A method for forming a secondary for a motor, for instance a linear drive motor, includes providing a sheet of highly magnetic permeable material with a plurality of slots extending through the sheet spaced along a length of the sheet. The slots define a plurality of teeth in the sheet and enable the sheet to be conformable to a mounting surface when forming the secondary of the motor. The top surface of the sheet has a plurality of pockets formed adjacent the plurality of slots. The pockets extend parallel to the width and are spaced along the length of the sheet. The pockets form a sensor operatively connected to a control of the motor. The sensor may be an encoder, and/or operatively connected to a control for controlling commutation of the motor, and/or setting positional limits, absolute positional information, and/or providing information about the sheet.
US08418349B2
A method for assembling an ultrasonic surgical device includes the steps of providing a proximal end of an ultrasonic waveguide at an ultrasonic surgical handle body, removably coupling an ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly having a ultrasonic-driving-wave-signal generating circuit to the ultrasonic surgical handle body, mechanically coupling an ultrasonic transducer rotationally freely and substantially longitudinally fixedly to the ultrasonic surgical handle body to place an ultrasonic-movement-producing distal end of the ultrasonic transducer opposite and adjacent the proximal end of the ultrasonic waveguide, and rotating the waveguide and the ultrasonic transducer with respect to one another to removably fixedly couple the waveguide to the ultrasonic-movement-producing distal end of the ultrasonic transducer and to electrically couple the ultrasonic-driving-wave-signal generating circuit to the ultrasonic surgical handle body.
US08418339B2
A method for constructing a support ring in a curved wall, in particular around an opening in a curved wall of a hot blast stove, where the method includes providing a plurality of standardized wedge-shaped bricks with side faces having tongue and groove profiles for cooperating with the side faces of the neighboring bricks, the thickness of the brick in the axial direction being in excess of the desired end thickness of the brick, and determining the intended location of each individual brick in the curved wall and determining, based on the intended location, the location of a front cut line and a rear cut line for shaping the front and rear faces of the brick, where the front and rear faces of the brick are then shaped in accordance with the above determined front and rear cut lines by a cutting tool.
US08418338B2
A method of recycling by reusing protective details that are removed in the course of manufacturing assembly operations is disclosed. The protective details are provided to protect subassemblies prior to final assembly operations. The protective details are collected, washed, inspected and re-certified. The re-certified parts are then reused.
US08418335B2
The present invention includes a baluster assembly system comprising: (a) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end; (b) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged.
US08418330B2
The invention relates to a water bar comprising nozzle parts for a suction chamber to apply jets to fabrics, knitted fabric webs, or nonwoven fabrics copoosed of staple fibers, endless filaments, or cellulose fibers, also in several layers, or mixtures thereof, and a suction area which is located on the bottom side of the suction chamber and is used for sucking off spraying water. The aim of the invention is to largely prevent spraying water or spraying mist in the region of the water jet that is discharged from the water jet beam. Said aim is achieved by assigning an air supplying device to the water bar and/or the suction chamber, said air supplying device being provided with at least one outlet which is located in the region of the water bar and extends to the region of the nozzle ports of the water bar.
US08418329B2
A cremation urn includes a base and a lid. The base has a wall defining an opening through the wall. The wall has an internal surface and an external surface. The wall defines a rim. The lid includes a cover for engagement with the base and an integral catch. The catch includes a protrusion extending from the cover and sized to fit into the opening to selectively secure the lid to the base. The protrusion includes a wall engaging surface for engaging the wall and an external surface extending from the wall engaging surface in a direction opposed to the cover, the wall engaging surface having a width less than a length of the external surface in a direction opposed to the cover.
US08418328B2
An apparatus for processing a fabric has a drum with an elliptically-shaped cross-section having a pair of narrow sides and a pair of broad sides. Each of the narrow sides have an impact edge. Each of the pair of broad sides has a sliding surface. The drum has a differential helical expander formed on an outer surface thereof. A bearing and drive shaft set are affixed to the drum so as to impact rotational motion to the drum.
US08418323B2
A buckle includes a coupling block engaged with a body of swimming/diving goggles. A pressing block is mounted to an outer side of the coupling block. A pin is mounted to an inner side of the pressing block and has a spacing to a pressing edge of an insertion hole of the coupling block. The inner side of the pressing block includes first and second surfaces. A fulcrum is located between the first and second surfaces and abuts a pressing face on the outer side of the pressing block. A section of a head strap is received in the insertion hole and wound around the pin. The pressing block can be pivoted about the fulcrum to move the pin away from the pressing edge of the coupling block to increase the spacing between the pin and the pressing edge, allowing loosening of the head strap.
US08418317B2
A hinge includes a base, an arm, a mounting member, a hinge spring, a fixing pin member, and a damping device. Two ends of the arm are pivotably connected to the base and the mounting member, with the hinge spring exerting elastic force on the base and the arm. The damping device is mounted in the base and includes a fixed seat mounted in the base, a sliding block movably received in the fixed seat, a damping member mounted between the sliding block and the fixing pin member and abutting the base, and an elastic element. The sliding block includes a front portion facing the arm and a rear portion connected to the elastic element pressing against the fixed seat.
US08418315B1
A combination castor brake system includes a linking device, and a plurality of castor assemblies connected with the linking device. Each of the castor assemblies includes an operation unit, a braking unit connected with the operation unit, and at least one roller connected with the braking unit. The operation unit of each of the castor assemblies includes a mounting seat, a slide, and at least two limit rods. The braking unit of each of the castor assemblies includes a housing, a top cap, a control shaft, an elastic member, and a braking member. The roller of each of the castor assemblies is rotatably mounted on the housing of the braking unit. Thus, the linking device can drive and operate the castor assemblies to brake and position the castor assemblies simultaneously.
US08418314B2
A wheel assembly includes a base frame having a chamber and a stem in the chamber, a mounting frame for mounting, a wheel pivotally mounted in the base frame, and a wheel lock structure consisting of a holder frame, a lift frame, a crank arm, a control knob and a compression spring and operable to lock/unlock the wheel.
US08418305B2
An optical connector cleaning tool which wipes to clean a joining end face of an optical connector by a feeding movement of a cleaning body. It includes a tool body which incorporates a feeding mechanism that supplies and takes up the cleaning body, and an insertion part which inserts into a connector housing hole of a positioning housing for connectors. The insertion part has a head member on which is formed a pressing face that presses the cleaning body against the joining end face within the connector housing hole, and is capable of moving in a direction of extension or contraction relative to the tool body. Movement of the tool body in an insertion direction relative to the insertion part in a state where the cleaning body is in contact with the joining end face causes the head member to axially rotate while the state of contact is maintained.
US08418293B2
Disclosed is a travel pillow for providing the head and neck alignment of a human user resting against a seat back. The travel pillow has an interior shell of a semi-stiff unitary construction. There is a head support region defining a head supporting space for supporting the user's head, a neck support region defining a neck supporting space for supporting the user's neck posteriorly, an enlarged portion bridging together the head support region and the neck support region, the enlarged portion varying in radius from the head support region to the neck support region all elements functioning together as a single unit to maintain the columnar alignment of the user's head directly above the user's neck, and lobes extending upwardly on either side of the head support region to support the head at the intersection of the occipital bone, parietal bone and temporal bones on either side of the head to prevent lateral bending of the neck. The pillow is placed between the user and the seat back, wherein the pillow is held in place during use by the user's weight resting against the seat back. The head support region may be sized and shaped to match the approximate shape of the back of the user's head. The head support region may be transversely curved about the user's vertebral axis and is cut away at the user's occiput such that the user's head rests directly against the seat headrest.
US08418291B2
A patient support is provided. The patient support is configurable to support a patient in a horizontal position and a seated position. The patient support includes a back section, and a thigh section coupled to the back section. The patient support also includes an adjustment member coupled to the thigh section. The adjustment member is movable to lengthen the thigh section.The patient support also includes a foot section coupled to the adjustment member. The foot section is pivotable into a first position substantially parallel to the thigh section to a second position substantially perpendicular to the thigh section.
US08418286B2
According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member. The upper portion of the bed further comprises at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member.
US08418282B2
“The Fold Up Dormitory” is intended for use in situations where living and working quarters for a small or large number of people are required on short notice or irregular intervals. The apparatus is made of wood, steel and premanufactured hardware, and comprises components for sleeping, working and storage of small items. It is mobile, simple to operate and offers many options to those who use it. The apparatus comprises: a central core; a pair of folding frames, each pivotally connected to the central core on opposite sides thereof, for rotation about vertical frame-to-core axes of connection; a bed platform pivotally connected to a first side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal bed-to-core axis of connection; a desk surface pivotally connected to a second side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal desk-to-core axis of connection; and storage shelving within the central core.
US08418281B2
An under counter mount sink sealing surface and method of making that provides a watertight interface between an under counter mount sink and a laminate counter as well as a simplified and more dimensionally accurate method of field installing the sink below the counter. The water impervious seal is tightly chemically bonded to the cutout lip of the laminate as well as to the entire area on the bottom face of the laminate countertop that contacts the entire profile of the top face of the under counter mount sink. The seal also aligns the sink into the correct location and contacts the entire surface of the as it is deck aligned or completely parallel to the sink top flange.
US08418279B2
The invention relates to a device for covering a surface such as a swimming pool, a sports field, a glazed surface, a vehicle body, including: (a) a drum rotatingly mounted and capable of winding or unwinding a cover, said drum being mounted on longitudinal translation mechanisms including rails provided on either side of said surface; (b) an attachment system for said cover at one transverse end of the surface to be covered so that the translation and the rotation of the drum results in the winding/unwinding of the cover above the surface to be covered; (c) a system for continuously locking the longitudinal edges of the cover onto said rails that is progressively fitted during the unwinding operation.
US08418274B2
A vacuum drainage system for unclogging a clogged drain comprises a source of vacuum, a hose having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion of the hose being connected to the source of vacuum when the system is in use, and a drain clean-out device being received on the distal end portion of the hose when the system is in use. The drain clean-out device comprises a hollow tubular structure, a sealing member receiving portion located on the exterior surface of the hollow tubular structure at the first end portion of the structure, and a sealing member mountable on the sealing member receiving portion for creating a seal between the sealing member and the exterior service of the structure and between the sealing member and a clogged drain when the hollow tubular structure, with the sealing member mounted thereon, is positioned over a clogged drain, with the sealing member being in contact with an entrance to the drain or with a surface surrounding the entrance to the drain.
US08418271B2
Left and right ear shades that are connectable to the bottom of an ordinary baseball cap, etc. Each ear shade removably attaches to the side of the hat and can be moved forward or backward along the hat to accommodate the wearer. Each ear shade includes an attachment member for releasably connecting the ear shade to the hat. Connected to the attachment member is an arcuate cover, which is ideally shaped to fit around the at least part of the back, the top, and part of the front of the ear. The cover extends laterally from the wearer's head to shade the ear. The attachment member may include an integral clip, a serrated projection, a wedge, or a tab and removable clip, for example.
US08424107B2
Allowing access to APIs based on application context. A method includes determining an application context for an application. A layer is determined for a base class library. Layers of the base class library are defined by one or more developer defined attributes associated with an API, where the API is included in the base class library. The base class library is divided into layers based on the developer defined attributes. The one or more attributes define which application contexts can access the API. If the layer matches the application context then access by the application to the API is allowed.
US08424103B2
An authenticated printing system includes a job creation unit that creates a print job in accordance with a direction of a user, a job holding unit that holds the print job created by the job creation unit, an authentication information acquisition unit that generates authentication information based on information acquired from an authentication device, an authentication unit that receives the authentication information generated by the authentication information acquisition unit and performs authentication of an user on the basis of the authentication information, and a print unit that acquires the print job of an authenticated user from the job holding unit and prints the print job in a case where the user is authenticated by the authentication unit. The authentication unit includes a process section that acquires the authentication information of an owner of the print job from a database and stores the authentication information in a cache as authentication usable information when the print job is held by the job holding unit, and a process section that performs the authentication of a user based on whether the authentication information generated by the authentication information acquisition unit is stored in the cache.
US08424101B2
An information processing apparatus includes a data processor that obtains a security check code included in content codes recorded on an information recording medium when using content and that conducts security check for the information processing apparatus in accordance with the obtained security check code. The data processor obtains information based on at least one of identification information and configuration information corresponding to the information processing apparatus or a content usage application, and among security check codes classified into a plurality of data files, the data processor selects a security check code corresponding to the obtained information to conduct security check on the basis of the selected security check code.
US08424089B2
An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are described that determine a virus associated with communication data on a communications network, the communications network associated with at least one network policy device, associate an anti-viral agent with at least one identifier, prioritize transmission of the at least one identifier through the at least one network policy device, relative to the communication data, and provide the anti-viral agent on the communications network, in response to the prioritizing transmission of the at least one identifier through the at least one network policy device.
US08424085B2
A plurality of ranging processes are performed to monitor a status of a wireless link associated with a device identifier. A ranging request that includes the device identifier and a message skip indicator is received. It is determined that the device identifier is already associated with the wireless link. A duration since a previously completed ranging process is determined. Based on the duration, and the message skip indicator, it is determined whether to respond to the ranging request.
US08424074B2
This invention is an improved system and method of efficiently deploying a large scale roll out of secure networks, including a VPN, to clients with limited or non-existent technical staff. The invention allows for a person with minimal technical skills to install, and, if necessary, uninstall the solution. Through a series of automated and/or remotely-controlled steps provided through connections established from inside the site to a centralized system over an unprotected network, the site's network can be secured, updated, and/or reconfigured, and returned to its previous state if errors should occur. Furthermore, a virtual private network (VPN) can be established that allows multiple hosts on the VPN but on different local networks to have the same IP address. Additionally, without any additional hardware and as part of the installation process, the invention protects the site from unauthorized local network devices either by preventing them from passing traffic off the local network or by generating notification of their existence.
US08424065B2
A system for centrally managing credential information of a user and a virtual object of a user across a plurality of virtual world (or corresponding virtual world servers) is disclosed. The system includes an identity service module for managing an authentication request (e.g., verifying credential information of a user) from a user and an inventory service module for managing virtual properties of a user. Furthermore, a method for logging in a virtual world by using the system is disclosed. A method for teleporting a virtual property from a virtual world to another virtual world by using the system is disclosed. A method for logging out from a virtual world by using the system is also disclosed.
US08424064B2
In a distributed revocation method, it is individually decided at each of a plurality of autonomous device nodes of a distributed network whether a suspect autonomous device node or suspect distributed key of the distributed network should be removed from the distributed network. A voting session is conducted at which the individual decisions of the plurality of autonomous device nodes are combined to decide whether the suspect autonomous device node or suspect distributed key should be removed from the distributed network. The suspect autonomous device node or suspect distributed key is removed from the distributed network responsive to the voting session deciding in favor of removal.
US08424063B2
A server apparatus generates a folder for content to be transmitted from an image processing apparatus, and sets a path of the folder to the image processing apparatus as a destination of sending of the content. The user is allowed to select one destination of sending set in a display panel of the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus sends the content to the selected destination of sending.
US08424052B2
System and methods for finding and accessing desired audio content from audio content sources, including means and methods for extracting captions from a broadcast; aggregating the captions in a database; indexing the database content; searching the captions for a mention of at least one target; analyzing the results for desired content; indexing into the database to extract the desired content; thereby providing a method for quickly finding and accessing desired audio and video content from a large number of sources.
US08424049B2
A video signal is provided to a set top box. An instruction to record a specified portion of the video signal, thereby creating a video sample, is provided to the set top box. The video sample is received from the set top box. Reference video corresponding to the video sample is obtained. A comparison of the video sample and the reference video is performed.
US08424045B2
A Video Display Unit (VDU) docking system for a dedicated fiber optic in-flight-entertainment (IFE) system allows VDUs to be quickly replaced by personnel who do not need specialized training in fiber coupling without risk of damage to fiber optic components of the dedicated fiber optic IFE system. In some embodiments, a VDU docking station is configured to receive a VDU such that when a VDU is inserted therein, the VDU becomes automatically communicatively coupled with a fiber optic distribution network of the IFE system via a blind mate connection. In some arrangements, a blank LRU having no operative user interface elements but sufficient functionality to maintain communicative coupling is mounted in the VDU docking station in lieu of a VDU. In some configurations, the VDU docking station includes an embedded switch for maintaining communicative coupling across the VDU docking station in the absence of a VDU.
US08424041B2
A content downloader system including a display for displaying a user interface enabling a user to select content to be downloaded and initiate downloading; a set-top-box coupled to the display for providing the user interface and for receiving an indication of the content to be downloaded; and a content downloader coupled to and separate from the set-top-box, the content downloader for receiving the content. The content downloader has at least one memory component for storing content, at least one input/output connection for communicating to electronic devices, optionally including a removable memory card and optionally including an encryption/decryption unit. The content downloader may have an identification whereby its identity is authenticated by the content provider. The content downloader downloads the content selected by the user after successful authentication whereby the selection is made using the display and the set-top-box, and the content downloaded to the content downloader separate than the set-top-box.
US08424034B2
In accordance with the present invention, commercials are provided to a subscriber at the start of or during their use of an interactive television application. Further in accordance with the invention, a subscriber may select to pay for use of the interactive television application by watching a specified amount of commercials in connection with use of the application. The subscriber can thereby reduce or avoid any additional payment for such services. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the subscriber is prompted to determine the payment method preferred by the subscriber payment method includes receiving commercials as an option in lieu of or in addition to traditional payment methods such as pay-per-view, pay-per-use pay-per-play and subscription based.
US08424031B2
A disc has an outer section on which digital media can be recorded and a core in its center in which a flash memory is embedded with the core having a central hole and electrical contacts to the flash memory. A disc drive has a drive spindle that is to extend into the disc core central hole with one of the spindle or spindle hub having electrical contacts to engage with the core electrical contacts so that data can be written into and/or read from the core flash memory by electronic components of the drive.
US08424028B1
A tray locking device of an optical disc drive is adapted to lock and release a tray. The optical disc drive has an optical head engaged to a lead screw and driven to be moved by the lead screw. The tray locking device includes: a pushing member, disposed on the optical head; a first stop portion, disposed on the tray; a latching hook, adapted to latch and release a pin; and a transmission assembly, disposed between the pushing member and the latching hook and having a lever element and a weight block, wherein the lever element is movably disposed on the tray and has a second stop portion, and the first stop portion and the second stop portion can be coupled with each other.
US08424025B2
One or more application programming interfaces (APIs) are exposed by a host program running on a device to facilitate a control program displaying content in a window in which the host program displays content. As part of an API, a method is exposed that the control program can invoke to pass to the host program a definition of a surface presenter to be created by the host program. Additionally, the control program can store content that the control program desires to have presented in a buffer of the surface presenter, and invoke another method exposed as part of an API to pass to the host program an indication of the content that the control program desires to have displayed in the window in which the host program displays content.
US08424022B2
The invention relates to systems for driving computer peripherals having features, such as 3D sound capability, which are not envisaged by generic operating system for the computer. In order to adapt computers subject to existing operating systems, such as the Microsoft Windows family of systems, to such peripherals for which there is thus no driver capability, the invention provides a device driving system including additional driver, interposed between the operating system and an existing installed driver and configured to interface directly with the operating system. The additional driver is preferably also configured to interface with the existing installed driver.
US08424020B2
Embodiments described herein provide for allowing processing code of a message to attach state thereto. More specifically, as a SOAP message is processed, various states known as properties (e.g., message security, message identifier, etc.) can be attached to the message for various purposes. In other words, embodiments provide for a properties object that represents a set of processing-level annotations to a message. These properties (representing the processing state of the headers or other portions of the message) can then be used by other component or modules for further processing purposes. Typically, these properties can then be removed (or sustained if desired) prior to transporting the SOAP message on the wire.
US08424013B1
Methods and systems are disclosed that relate to handling interrupts across multiple software instances. An exemplary method includes receiving an interrupt at a current CPU. An instance includes a set of independent threads of execution each with its own code context, interrupt service routines, drivers, and operating system services. The method further includes storing context information relating to the first instance, identifying the second instance associated with the interrupt, running at least one interrupt service routine, and restoring the context information relating to the first instance.
US08424005B2
A method and system for achieving time-awareness in the highly available, fault-tolerant execution of components in a distributed computing system, without requiring the writer of these components to explicitly write code (such as entity beans or database transactions) to make component state persistent. It is achieved by converting the intrinsically non-deterministic behavior of the distributed system to a deterministic behavior, thus enabling state recovery to be achieved by advantageously efficient checkpoint-replay techniques. The system is deterministic by repeating the execution of the receiving component by processing the messages in the same order as their associated timestamps and time-aware by allowing adjustment of message execution based on time.
US08424001B2
A cache image including only cache entries with valid durations of at least a configured deployment date for a virtual machine image is prepared via an application server for the virtual machine image. The virtual machine image is deployed to at least one other application server as a virtual machine with the cache image including only the cache entries with the valid durations of at least the configured deployment date for the virtual machine image.
US08424000B2
Various systems and methods can provide high availability of an application executing in a highly-available virtual machine environment. One method involves receiving information indicating a state of an application executing in a virtual machine from a monitoring agent executing in the virtual machine. In response to receiving the information, the method involves determining whether the virtual machine should be restarted. Based upon that determination, the method then determines whether the monitoring agent should send a heartbeat message to a virtualization controller prior to expiration of a timeout interval. The virtualization controller is configured to restart the virtual machine if the virtual machine does not send the heartbeat message prior to expiration of the timeout interval.
US08423998B2
A system and method for provisioning virtual machines in a virtualized environment includes determining a relationship between capacity need and performance for virtual machines (VMs) stored in memory storage media. Aggregate capacity needs for a plurality of VMs consolidated on a same physical server are estimated. VM combinations that yield capacity gains when provisioned jointly are identified such that when peaks and troughs are unaligned in capacity needs for a set of VMs, the set of VMs is provisioned together.
US08423995B2
An electronic device and a user interface display method thereof are provided. The electronic device organizes a plurality of computer programs executable on the electronic device into a virtual book. Each page of the virtual book includes a user interface of one of the computer programs. The electronic device displays one of the pages as a current page so that the user interface of the current page is accessible to a user of the electronic device. The electronic device senses movement and/or pressure caused by the user and interprets the movement and/or the pressure as operating actions of the user on the virtual book. The electronic device downloads new computer programs from a download server and adds corresponding new pages into the virtual book. At lease one of the computer programs provides a service of a corporate operator of a wireless service network.
US08423992B1
The invention provides systems and methods for automatically delivering a file from an originating computer system including a processor and memory to a destination computer system including a processor and memory. The method includes creating at least one master file delivery application and at least two file delivery agents running on the at least one originating computer system. A first file delivery agent of the at least two file delivery agents is controlled by a first master file delivery application of the at least one master file delivery application. A second file delivery agent of the at least two file delivery agents is run either by a second master file application. The method also includes dynamically balancing loads by the one master file delivery application, between the first file delivery agent controlled by the first master file delivery application and the second file delivery agent. The balancing is based on a number of files retrieved by the first file delivery agent and a number of files retrieved by the second file delivery agent; and transmitting at least one file according to at least one destination parameter associated with the at least one file.
US08423989B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed for allowing the updating and overriding of software parameters used by one or more software programs. The parameters are preferably in cache. When the system needs any such parameter, it first checks cache, then a preferably remotely located database, and then, preferably a flat file on the same computer as the cache. The checking is done in the foregoing order, and the parameter is used upon locating a current version of it. If the current version is obtained from anywhere other than the cache, it is put into cache.
US08423988B2
A system for reducing the size of software for use in a mobile device includes a predictor module and a compression module. The predictor module is operable to apply a predicate to a plurality of software routines that are to be stored in the mobile device. The predicate identifies one or more of the software routines having a pre-determined feature indicative of a software routine that is unlikely to be executed repeatedly on the mobile device. The compression module is configured to compress the identified software routine(s) to generate a compressed software routine(s). After the plurality of software routines have been loaded to the mobile device, the mobile device decompresses the compressed software routine(s) when the compressed software routine(s) is accessed by an execution thread on the mobile device.
US08423985B2
A system, method and computer program for generating a sequence diagram that specifies processing among modules included in source code. First, a source code is acquired and then analyzed to generate a log acquisition code for acquiring an execution log. Then, a program including the generated log acquisition code is executed to acquire execution log information on the execution of the program. On the basis of the acquired execution log information, automaton information on states and transitions among the states is extracted, and then the extracted automaton information is converted into sequence diagram component information on components constituting a sequence diagram. Thereafter, a sequence diagram is generated based on the converted sequence diagram component information.
US08423978B2
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for a configurable JavaServer pages processing framework to process JavaServer pages (JSP). A JSP document or page is translated into a document object model (DOM) object that encapsulates elements of the JSP. The syntax of the JSP is validated by a JSP translator with built-in classes and errors are returned if necessary. A JSP visitor configuration file, which defines user configured classes and sequence of execution, is used by the JSP translator to invoke methods of user-defined classes in the order specified by the user to process or visit elements of the DOM object. Result of user-defined class processing may be passed from one class to another within the set.
US08423974B2
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable storage media for obfuscating a function call. The method receives a computer program having an annotated function and determines prolog instructions for setting up a stack frame of the annotated function and epilog instructions for tearing down the stack frame. The method places a first portion of the prolog instructions in the computer program preceding a jump to the annotated function and a second portion of the prolog instructions at a beginning of the annotated function. The method places a first portion of the epilog instructions at an end of the annotated function and a second portion of the epilog instructions in the computer program after the jump. Executing the first and second portions of the prolog instructions together sets up the stack frame. Executing the first and the second portions of the epilog instructions together tears down the stack frame.
US08423972B2
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for collecting performance data. In one illustrative embodiment, signaling is performed to start collecting the performance data by an operating system support unit in a multithreaded data processing system. Responsive to a thread switch to an incoming thread after signaling has occurred, the performance data for the incoming thread is collected using a thread specific data collection profile to form collected performance data if the incoming thread is associated with the thread specific data collection profile, wherein the thread specific data collection profile specifies a type of data to collect. Responsive to a subsequent thread switch, the collected performance data is sent to a number of destinations.
US08423970B2
Breakpoints are handled in an asynchronous debug model by building a queue of basic operations to run a debug application program interface (API). User commands are each broken down into a simple command and placed on the queue. In response to a debug event, a new simple command is generated. If, when a first command on the queue is processed, a thread is not stopped at a location with an installed breakpoint, an operation corresponding to the first command is started, the operation is removed from the queue, and a next operation is started. If the thread is stopped at the location with the breakpoint, the thread performs a hop. When the hop terminates, the first command is removed from the queue. If the first command is a run command, and there is no cause to stop the thread, the run command is moved to the end of the queue.
US08423959B1
A simulation environment, in one embodiment, includes a debugger server, one or more debuggers and one or more debugger adapters. Each debugger adapter couples a corresponding debugger to the debugger server. The debugger server coordinates the run mode of the debugger adapters. Each debugger adapter controls the run mode of its corresponding debugger.
US08423956B2
Computer implemented method, system and computer usable program code for sharing resources among a plurality of containers in a data processing system. A computer implemented method includes creating a shared container for at least one resource to be shared. Then the at least one resource to be shared is moved from an original container of the at least one resource to the shared container, and a link is created between the original container and the at least one resource to be shared in the shared resource container. A link can also be created between a subject resource container and a shared resource in the shared resource container to enable the subject resource container to access and use the shared resource. A shared resource can also be removed from the shared resource container and returned to an original resource container when sharing of the resource is no longer desired.
US08423955B2
A method and apparatus for supporting multiple business process languages in business process management (BPM). The method may include receiving user input identifying a definition of a business process, and determining which business process language was used for the definition of the business process. The method further includes invoking a runtime environment associated with the used business process language, and executing the business process in the invoked runtime environment.
US08423953B2
A system and method for converting byte code of a first type into byte code of a second type. Byte code of a first type and markup language code are received as inputs. The first byte code is converted into constituent byte code data elements that can comprise any logical unit or grouping of at least a portion of a software application. The markup language code is converted into constituent markup language data elements that can comprise individual markup language tags and references to data or functionality in the first byte code. The first byte code data elements and markup language data elements are mapped to data elements of a second byte code type. The second byte code data elements are assembled into a resulting second byte code.
US08423952B2
A method and an apparatus for automatic extraction of process model comprising model elements named by natural language expressions and annotated with semantic linkages to a reference process ontology are disclosed. The process model is split into partial process models by which an annotated partial process model is created. Process goals are decoupled from each annotated partial and hierarchical process goal tree is generated for each annotated partial process model.
US08423947B2
A method of gridded glyph geometric objects (L3GO) integrated circuit (IC) design, wherein at least one inter-level connect in a L3GO circuit design is represented as a point matrix glyph (PMG) on a L3GO grid. Each PMG connects a pair of conductors on the next adjacent (above and below) layer and includes an array (one or two dimensional) of point glyphs contained within a cage. The point glyphs may have uniform size and may be on minimum pitch. Each PMG may also include a flange on the above and below layer. A default flange insures adequate coverage of cut shapes represented by the point glyphs.
US08423944B2
A design supporting method includes partitioning a partition path of circuit information into partitioned paths based on a given condition, calculating a variation value of each of the partitioned paths based on variation values on a delay of a cell included in the corresponding partitioned path, calculating a partition propagation delay time of each of the partitioned paths based on the variation value of the corresponding partitioned path, and calculating a source propagation delay time of the source path by merging the propagation delay time of each of the partitioned paths.
US08423919B2
A spare logic circuit for implementing any one of a plurality of logic gates includes a multiplexer circuit whose select inputs are utilized as logic gate inputs, and whose output is utilized as a logic gate output. Each of a plurality of data inputs of the multiplexer circuit is configured to receive one of first and second logic voltage levels which define the desired logic function. By modifying a single photolithographic mask, the spare logic gate can be: configured to perform the desired logic function; connected into a target logic circuit; or both configured and connected into a target logic circuit.
US08423899B1
Techniques for providing a single text field and multiple different types of user input modes for inputting information into the single text field are described herein. In some instances, a user may enter a first portion of text into the text field in a first user input mode before inputting a second portion of text into the field in a second user input mode. The techniques may enforce a first set of rules associated with the first user input mode while the user enters the first portion of text. The techniques may then enforce a second, different set of rules associated with the second user input mode while the user enters the second portion of text. As such, the techniques enable a user to provide two or more different pieces of information into a single text field.
US08423893B2
Described herein are systems and methods for managing the operation of networked media playback devices. One embodiment includes Graphical User Interface for coordinating playback of media via one or more networked wireless speaker devices. In particular, a user is able to “drag and drop” audio tracks to icons that are respectively indicative of one or more networked wireless speaker devices, thereby to affect playback of those audio tracks via those speaker devices.
US08423886B2
The present invention relates to systems and methods for the peer review, originality analysis, and contextual mark-up of formatted electronic documents. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods that utilize layered peer review, originality analysis and contextual markup modules in one view. These systems and methods have many applications, including use for online editing and education.
US08423885B1
A system receives a document that includes new content and aged content, and compares the document with a prior version of the document that includes the aged content but not the new content. The system also separates the new content and the aged content based on the comparison, determines ages associated with the new content and the aged content, and determines whether the ages of the new content and the aged content are greater than or equal to an age threshold. The system further calculates a checksum of the document based on the aged content when the age of the aged content is greater than or equal to the age threshold, and the age of the new content is less than the age threshold, and stores the calculated checksum.
US08423879B2
A test generator and methods for generating tests from a hybrid diagram are provided. A hybrid diagram is a diagram that primarily uses one higher-level semantic notation with portions utilizing one or more secondary higher-level semantic notations. Example higher-level semantic notations are statechart notation and data-flow notation. A test generator processes the hybrid diagram without reducing the higher-level semantic constructs to lower-level semantic constructs. The test generator generates test-generation templates as needed based on the higher-level semantic model used in the diagram. The test generator uses the test-generation templates to generate tests for a system-performing device specified by the diagram. The generated tests may be executed automatically by a test driver or manually by a human tester.
US08423876B2
It is possible to provide and an LDPC-CC (Low-Density Parity-Check Convolution Codes) encoder and an LDPC-CC decoder which performs an error correction encoding and decoding while reducing the amount of a termination sequence required for encoding/decoding the LDPC-CC encoding/decoding and suppressing degradation of the transmission efficiency. The LDPC-CC encoder (400) includes a weight control unit (470) which stores a weight pattern (475) based on an LDPC-CC inspection matrix (100); and a weight pattern (476) based on a check matrix (300) obtained by deforming an LDPC-CC inspection matrix (100). The weight control unit (470) controls a weight to be multiplied onto the outputs of a plurality of shift registers (410-1 to 410-M, 430-1 to 430-M) by using the weight pattern (475) when the input bit is an information sequence, and using a weight pattern (476) which makes a weight value to be multiplied by an inspection bit v2,t to be 0 when the input bit is a termination sequence.
US08423872B2
The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the FEC scheme comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a batch of data packets designated for transmission; (b) choosing a number of divisors having no common denominators in accordance with the said batch of data packets; (c) organizing into blocks said batch of data packets a number of times in accordance with the number of divisors using said divisors; and (d) creating a FEC packet for each of said blocks.
US08423868B2
An electronic-component high-frequency characteristic error correcting method for allowing a calibration work to be performed on a two-terminal impedance component using the same correction-target measuring system as that used in actual measurement. At least three correction data acquisition samples having different high-frequency characteristics are measured by a reference measuring system and an actual measuring system. An equation for associating the value measured by the actual measuring system with the value measured by the reference measuring system using an error correction coefficient of a transmission line is determined. A given electronic component is measured by the actual measuring system. An estimated high-frequency characteristic value of the electronic component obtained when the electronic component is measured by the reference measuring system is calculated using the determined equation.
US08423857B2
A method for an end-to-end hybrid automatic repeat request and a system thereof are provided. The method is applicable in a cognitive radio network (CRN) including at least a source node and a destination node. There are paths between a source node and a destination node in the CRN, and each path has a plurality of wireless links. The method includes the following steps. The source node encodes information into a coded packet, divides the coded packet into coded sub-packets, and transmits the coded sub-packets to the paths. Through the wireless links of each path, a coded sub-packet is amplified and forwarded to the destination node. In addition, the destination node combines the coded sub-packets for decoding so as to recover the information, and transmits an acknowledgement packet to the source node for notifying whether the information is successfully recovered.
US08423844B2
A scannable register array structure includes a plurality of individual latches, each configured to hold one bit of array data in a normal mode of operation. The plurality of individual latches operate in scannable latch pairs in a test mode of operation, with first latches of the scannable latch pairs comprising L1 latches and second latches of the scannable latch pairs comprising L2 latches. A test clock signal generates a first clock pulse signal, A, for the L1 latches and a second clock pulse signal, B, for the L2 latches. The L2 latches are further configured to selectively receive L1 data therein upon a separate activation of the B clock signal, independent of the test clock signal, such that a scan out operation of the individual latches results in observation of L1 latch data.
US08423838B2
A block management method for managing physical blocks of a rewritable non-volatile memory, and a memory controller and a memory storage apparatus using the same are provided. The method includes grouping the physical blocks into at least a data area, a free area, and a replacement area, and grouping the physical blocks of the data area and the free area into a plurality of physical units. The method also includes when one of the physical blocks belonging to of the physical units of the data area becomes a bad physical block, getting a physical block from the replacement area and replacing the bad physical block with the gotten physical block. The method further includes associating a physical unit that contains no valid data in the free area with the replacement area. Thereby, the physical blocks can be effectively managed and the access efficiency can be improved.
US08423835B2
A system and method for providing fault detection capability is provided which comprises a first node (2). The first node (2) comprises a first processing subsystem (5) generating data (14) to be transmitted. The first node (2) has a fault supervisor unit (13) adapted to gather and process fault indications arising in the first node (2). The first processing subsystem (5) and the fault supervisor unit are both integrated in the first node (2). The first node (2) is structured such that, when no fault indications are detected by the fault supervisor unit (13), the fault supervisor unit (13) provides a first key (15) as a validity key, and, when at least one fault indication is detected by the fault supervisor unit (13), the fault supervisor unit (13) provides a second key (16) as the validity key, and the data (14) to be transmitted are encrypted by overlaying the respective validity key (15; 16) on the data.
US08423834B2
A computer system includes a CPU, a memory circuit storing at least instruction codes, an error checking circuit checking an error of an instruction code read from the memory circuit according to an instruction address supplied from the CPU, a code storing circuit storing data to be outputted to the CPU instead of data from the memory when an error occurs, a selection circuit in which inputs are coupled to the memory circuit and the code storing circuit, and selectively outputting data from the code storing circuit when an error is detected by the error checking circuit, a bus connecting the selection circuit to the CPU, and an instruction error register storing a value indicating that an error occurs when the error is detected by the error checking circuit.
US08423825B2
The storage system is coupled to a computer and includes a plurality of physical storages being used to configure a first logical storage and a second logical storage, a control unit receiving a read request and a write request from the computer; and a cache memory storing data which is sent to the computer. The control unit determines whether a request from the computer is a write request or a read request. If it is a read request, the control unit reads data from the cache memory or at least one of the plurality of physical storages based on the read request. If it is a write request, the control unit determines whether destination of the write request is the first logical storage.
US08423821B1
A virtual recovery server is described herein. The virtual recovery server is a software implementation on a storage server which generates a virtual server to replace a physical server when the physical server becomes inaccessible. While the physical server is inaccessible, the virtual recovery server is able to mimic the actions and data contained on the physical server. Thus, when users attempt to access an application or data that is on the physical server, they will not experience an interruption and will continue to access the information as if the physical server were up and running. The virtual recovery server is able to run for up to a number of days. When a new or repaired physical server is available the virtual recovery server is deleted after the data acquired by the virtual server is transmitted to the new physical server.
US08423810B2
A network interface controller includes a first NIC connected to a LAN and a second NIC, which can proceed to a low power consumption status, connected to the first NIC via a bus. The first NIC includes a storing unit arranged to store response history information transmitted from the second NIC, a registration determining unit arranged to determine whether the received data has been registered in the response history information when network data is received and the status of the second NIC is the low power consumption status, a transmitting unit arranged to transmit response data registered in association with the received data when the received data has been registered, and an activation signal transmitting unit arranged to transmit an activation signal to the second NIC when the received data has not been registered.
US08423809B2
An access control apparatus of a data storage device includes a first connecting unit configured to be removably connected with a power supply device, perform data transmission through a first data-transmission line, and be supplied with power through a first power-transmission line, a second connecting unit configured to be removably connected with the data storage device, perform data transmission through a second data-transmission line, and supply power through a second power-transmission line, a data transfer processing unit configured to perform data transfer between the power supply device and the data storage device, a power consumption measuring unit configured to measure power supplied from the power supply device through the first power-transmission line, and a power-transmission capability monitoring unit configured to control the data transfer processing unit in accordance with power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring unit.
US08423807B2
A power management method and system. The method includes retrieving and storing by a computer processor, identification data identifying power consumption devices. Each power consumption device receives an input voltage signal and consumes power. The computer processor monitors a power consumption level for each power consumption device. The computer processor disables each power consumption device from receiving and consuming power. The computer processor generates an association list associating each power consumption level with the identification data. The computer processor generates and stores a prioritization list indicating an order of priority for disabling the power consumption devices.
US08423799B2
Accelerators of a computing environment are managed in order to optimize energy consumption of the accelerators. To facilitate the management, virtual queues are assigned to the accelerators, and a management technique is used to enqueue specific tasks on the queues for execution by the corresponding accelerators. The management technique considers various factors in determining which tasks to be placed on which virtual queues in order to manage energy consumption of the accelerators.
US08423798B2
A portable electronic apparatus configured to be battery-powered and to display a visual program received from the outside is provided. The portable electronic apparatus has a receiver configured to receive EPG data related to the program, a battery power estimator configured to estimate remaining battery power, an image processor configured to process an image included in the program by using a plurality of functions of image quality control, and a controller configured to set how to use each of the functions by means of the image processor. The controller is configured to estimate battery lasting time on the basis of the remaining battery power, a setting of the use of the functions and the EPG data. The controller is configured to update the setting of the use of the functions upon judging the remaining battery power to be short of enough to display the program to the end.
US08423797B2
In a method for reading initialization data (IND) into a chip card, the chip card receives an encrypted authentication value (EAV) and decrypts it to obtain at least one release key (ENK). The release key (ENK) is checked for a match with a release key (ENK′) stored on the chip card (14). If there is a match, the initialization data (EIND, IND) are received and written to a nonvolatile memory of the chip card. A method for generating a record for initializing a chip card. a chip card and a computer-readable data carrier have corresponding features. The invention is provided in particular for initialization of chip cards by external partners of the chip card manufacturer, whereby as few possibilities of attack as possible are to be offered.
US08423794B2
A secure flash memory card or flash drive protects user content from unauthorized duplication. However, even the protected user content can be moved from one flash card or drive to another by its rightful owner or licensee. Additionally, secure firmware applications that may be added to the flash card over time in order to add additional functionality to the card may also be moved, although many of them are device specific and also designed to only operate on one particular piece of hardware.
US08423793B2
A data processing device comprises a second storage unit for storing data accessed in a first storage unit, and compares data read from the first storage unit with the data stored in the second storage unit. Thus, the data processing device judges whether or not the first storage unit is a predetermined device.
US08423792B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for interfacing a driver with an encryption source that uses a communication module that allows the driver and the encryption source to communicate messages to one another, wherein the messages result in the encryption source providing encryption data that the communication module relays to the driver.
US08423784B2
Personal information is registered for each user by a personal information management unit, linking a subscribed terminal equipment number, terminal subscriber identification information and user charging identification information to biological information of a user possessing a mobile communication terminal equipment. When an authentication request receiving unit receives an authentication request containing user biological information and terminal subscriber identification information from the terminal equipment, a biological information authentication unit retrieves personal information having biological information matching the received biological information and changes terminal subscriber identification information in the personal information found into the received terminal subscriber identification information. A position registration proxy unit transfers the terminal subscriber identification information in the personal information found and the received terminal subscriber identification information to an exchange to request registration of position information which enables call out and reception as a terminal equipment having a subscribed terminal number.
US08423778B2
A content distribution method for video copyright authentication and security comprising the steps of invisibly watermarking digital video data input from a video data source to create watermarked data; encrypting the watermarked digital video data using an encryption key to create encrypted video data; sending the encrypted watermarked digital data and a decryption key to a distribution network; decrypting the encrypted watermarked digital data to generate video data and adding visible watermarking data to the video data to generate visibly encrypted watermarked data compressing the visibly encrypted watermarked data to create compressed data; sending said compressed data and to an end user receiver; decompressing the compressed data at the receiver to generate decompressed data; and displaying the decompressed data to an end user.
US08423776B2
Proposed are a storage system and a data storage method capable of automatically and flexibly changing the redundant destination of data, and verifying the authenticity of data when a system is changed. A primary storage apparatus includes a search unit for searching a secondary storage apparatus for storing the redundant data, and a primary creation unit for creating primary-side authentic information showing that the data is authentic. A secondary storage apparatus includes a secondary creation unit for creating secondary-side authentic information showing that the redundant data is authentic. This storage system also includes a primary storage unit for storing the data in a storage extent of the primary storage apparatus and a secondary storage unit for storing the redundant data in a storage extent of the secondary storage apparatus when the primary-side authentic information and the secondary-side authentic information coincide.
US08423775B2
Described herein is a technology facilitating circumvention of dynamic and robust detection of one or more embedded-signals (e.g., watermark, copyright notice, encoded data, etc.) in one or more input carrier signals (e.g., multimedia stream, video stream, audio stream, data, radio, etc.). This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.
US08423772B2
A multi-hop wireless network system and an authentication method thereof, wherein during initial mutual authentication between multi-hop nodes and a multi-hop wireless network, a shared key is acquired for hop-by-hop mutual authentication between the multi-hop nodes using a centralized authentication scheme. Using the acquired shared key, distributed authentication between the multi-hop nodes is performed.
US08423771B2
An information processing apparatus for using key information calculated on the basis of predetermined information including information obtained from an IC chip as a communication party on the other end in order to perform encryption processing with the IC chip. The information processing apparatus includes: among a plurality of calculation modules for calculating the key information being individually different in accordance with predetermined algorithms, control means for causing the calculation module identified by identification information input from the outside to calculate the key information; and encryption means for encrypting data by the key information calculated.
US08423769B2
A method and an apparatus for generating a security context are provided. The implementation of the method includes: receiving a first message carrying a network capability of a User Equipment (UE); and generating the security context according to the network capability of the UE carried in the first message if the network capability of the UE carried in the first message is inconsistent with the stored network capability of the UE. After the network capability of the UE changes, information carrying the network capability of the UE is sent to a network side, so as to inform the network side that the network capability of the UE changes; therefore the network side can obtain the network capability of the UE, generate the security context according to the changed network capability of the UE, and further trigger a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection establishment process.
US08423767B2
Example embodiments herein include a verification process that provides a safe and efficient mechanism for recovering security associations between network devices. More specifically, the verification process transmits a secured message from a first network device to a second network device across a network. Furthermore, the security association includes a parent process and a corresponding child process. The verification process detects, at the first network device, an incompatibility in the security association between the first network device and the second network device. Next, the verification process transmits a status query from the first network device to the second network device in order to determine the status of the security association between the first network device and the second network device. In response, the verification process receives a verifiable reply message that is indicative of the status of the security association between the first network device and the second network device.
US08423766B2
In a server for authenticating a user, an acquiring unit acquires current authentication information that is created using an arbitrary value and that is used for a current authentication process, from user. A receiving unit receives first transmission information in which next authentication information to be used for a next authentication process is hidden using the current authentication information, and second transmission information in which the arbitrary value is hidden using the next authentication information, from the user. A calculating unit calculates the next authentication information based on the first transmission information and the current authentication information, and the arbitrary value based on calculated next authentication information and the second transmission information. A determining unit determines whether to authenticate the user based on the arbitrary value and the current authentication information.
US08423760B2
A first packet is received at a network element from an E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) of an E-UTRAN access network via a secured communications tunnel of a secured connection, where the first packet encapsulates a second packet therein. It is determined whether the network element serves both a security gateway functionality and a serving gateway functionality of a core packet network based on the first packet and the second packet. The network element negotiates with the eNB to switch further communications from a tunnel mode to a transport mode of the secured connection if it is determined that the network element serves both the security gateway functionality and the serving gateway functionality. Thereafter, the network element exchanges further packets with the eNB via the transport mode of the secured connection after the eNB switches from the tunnel mode to the transport mode.
US08423754B2
A computer system and a method of booting a computer system using a solid state drive (SSD) as a main storage device is provided. The method includes mapping an address of a memory included in the SSD to an address used by a central processing unit (CPU) to select a boot code, uploading the boot code of an operating system (OS) stored in a non-volatile memory block included in the SSD to the memory included in the SSD, generating an interrupt signal based on a progress rate of the boot code upload, and performing a boot operation based on the boot code uploaded to the memory included in the SSD in response to the interrupt signal.
US08423751B2
A microprocessor includes an instruction set architecture, comprising a call instruction type, a return instruction type, and other instruction types. Execution units correctly execute program instructions of the other instruction types. A call/return stack has a plurality of entries arranged in a last-in-first-out manner. The call/return stack is architectural state of the microprocessor not modifiable by program instructions of the other instruction types. The call/return stack is architectural state of the microprocessor indirectly modifiable by program instructions of the call and return instruction types. The microprocessor also includes a fetch unit that fetches program instructions and sends the program instructions of the other instruction types to the execution units to be correctly executed. The fetch unit correctly executes program instructions of the call and return instruction types without sending the program instructions of the call and return instruction types to the execution units to be correctly executed.
US08423748B2
A register control circuit that controls a register specified by an inputted address includes a signal output that outputs a first control signal and a second control signal based on the inputted address, a selector that selects data of a register specified by the first control signal outputted from the signal output, a logical operator that performs a logical operation of write data outputted from a processor and the data selected by the selector to output an operation result, and a storage that stores data in the register specified by the first control signal by selecting one of the write data and the operation results as the data based on the second control signal outputted from the signal output.
US08423730B2
Methods and apparatus for supporting diverse memory access schemes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile computing device includes program code that accesses memory according to a first bad block management scheme and program code that accesses memory according to a second bad block management scheme, which is different than the first bad block memory scheme. In addition, a memory component includes data that is partitioned according to both the first bad block management scheme and the second bad block management scheme so as to enable both the code that accesses memory according to a first bad block management scheme and the code that accesses memory according to a second bad block management scheme to utilize the memory component.
US08423719B2
An apparatus includes a processor which issues a plurality of commands including an identifier for classifying each of the commands, a cache memory which includes a plurality of ways to store a data corresponding to a command, wherein the cache memory includes a register to store the identifier, the register corresponding to at least one of the ways being fixed, the fixed way exclusively storing the data corresponding to the identifier during which the register stores the identifier, a replacement controller which selects a replacement way based on a predetermined replacement algorithm in case of a cache miss, and excludes the fixed way from a candidate of the replacement way when the register corresponding to the fixed way stores the identifier.
US08423715B2
A memory hierarchy in a computer includes levels of cache. The computer also includes a processor operatively coupled through two or more levels of cache to a main random access memory. Caches closer to the processor in the hierarchy are characterized as higher in the hierarchy. Memory management among the levels of cache includes identifying a line in a first cache that is preferably retained in the first cache, where the first cache is backed up by at least one cache lower in the memory hierarchy and the lower cache implements an LRU-type cache line replacement policy. Memory management also includes updating LRU information for the lower cache to indicate that the line has been recently accessed.
US08423712B2
Storage segments in a storage volume coupled to a cache memory are released and re-allocated. A processor receives notice to release a segment allocated to the storage volume. A release pending status is assigned to the segment while preparing the segment for release. The storage volume is enabled to re-claim the segment while the segment includes the release pending status.
US08423708B2
A method of active Flash management is provided. The method is applied to a controller of a memory device, where the controller is utilized for accessing a Flash memory in the memory device, and the Flash memory includes a plurality of blocks. The method includes: extracting high level information of a file system of the Flash memory from contents stored in the Flash memory; and according to the high level information, managing operations that the controller performs on the Flash memory, in order to optimize at least one portion of the operations. An associated memory device and the controller thereof are further provided.
US08423703B2
A memory card system includes a host that issues a read command and a memory card that upon receiving the read command sends read data to the host in synchronism with a read clock signal generated within the memory card. In addition, the memory card sends the read clock signal to the host, and the host receives the read data in synchronism with the read clock signal, for increasing the allowable setup time period at the host.
US08423701B2
The Flash memory device with a Low Pin Count (LPC) communication interface includes a memorization block or Flash core including a matrix of non volatile memory cells, with associated circuit portions for reading, modifying and erasing the data contained in the memory. An interface block associated with the LPC communication interface includes at least an address block, a data block and a state machine enabling the data flow from and towards the memorization block. Advantageously, the data block of the interface block is doubled in a portion provided to contain the read data and in a portion provided to contain write data. In the memorization block, respective address decoders are provided for the read and write steps of the memory matrix. The device includes an architecture of the multibank type and the logic necessary for the execution of a “Dual Operations” mode. In this way it is possible to simultaneously perform a modify operation in a memory bank and a read operation in another bank.
US08423700B2
Described is a technology by which a memory controller is a component of a hybrid memory device having different types of memory therein (e.g., SDRAM and flash memory), in which the controller operates such that the memory device has only a single memory interface with respect to voltage and access protocols defined for one type of memory. For example, the controller allows a memory device with a standard SDRAM interface to provide access to both SDRAM and non-volatile memory with the non-volatile memory overlaid in one or more designated blocks of the volatile memory address space (or vice-versa). A command protocol maps memory pages to the volatile memory interface address space, for example, permitting a single pin compatible multi-chip package to replace an existing volatile memory device in any computing device that wants to provide non-volatile storage, while only requiring software changes to the device to access the flash.
US08423688B2
A configuration performing processing of dividing a file into a plurality of pieces and transmitting the same even when a size of the file is large in transfer of files (input/output) between computers on a network is provided. A multi-thread file input/output system includes a first module performing processing of reading data from an input file, dividing the data into a plurality of pieces, and transmitting the plurality of pieces to a network by multi-thread processing in a transmitter computer; and a second module performing processing of receiving the plurality of pieces from the network and integrating and writing the same to an output file 5 in a receiver computer.
US08423681B2
A control apparatus for an input-output device includes a hardware part and a software part, in which a controller in the hardware part carries out a control operation in accordance with a signal from the input-output device, outputs a result of the control operation to a process, and has a timer unit to be excited at a constant period; and the software part has an information process part, a control process part, and an interrupt control unit to switch over the information process part and control process part one another, in which the interrupt control unit suspends an execution of the information process part to execute the control process part in priority and resume the information process part by switching over to the information process part from the control process part, when the execution of the control process part is terminated.
US08423662B1
An edge server in a distributed processing environment includes at least one process that manages incoming client requests and selectively forwards given service requests to other servers in the distributed network. According to the invention, the edge server includes storage (e.g., disk and/or memory) in which at least one forwarding queue is established. The server includes code for aggregating service requests in the forwarding queue and then selectively releasing the service requests, or some of them, to another server. The forward request queuing mechanism preferably is managed by metadata, which, for example, controls how many service requests may be placed in the queue, how long a given service request may remain in the queue, what action to take in response to a client request if the forwarding queue's capacity is reached, and the like. In one embodiment, the server generates an estimate of a current load on an origin server (to which it is sending forwarding requests) and instantiates the forward request queuing when that current load is reached.
US08423658B2
A user equipment (UE), comprising at least one component configured to support controlling a media stream and modifying Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN)/Radio Access Network (RAN) and Internet Packet (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) media resources, wherein the IP-CAN/RAN and IMS media resources are modified using a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) RE-INVITE request to an IMS network, and wherein the media stream is controlled using a Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) request to a media server. Also included is a UE comprising at least one component configured to support a method comprising sending a RTSP request to a signaling/control server in communications with a media server to control a media stream, wherein a SIP RE-INVITE request associated with the RTSP request is further sent from the UE or the signaling/control server to an IMS network to modify media resources associated with the media stream.
US08423656B2
A push gateway includes a number of socket servers, a queue server, and arbiter serving, a mapping server and a number of worker servers. Each of the socket servers and the arbiter server includes a network interface. The queue server is coupled to the socket servers for bidirectional communication with the socket servers. The mapping server is coupled to the arbiter server and to the socket servers for bidirectional communication with the arbiter server and each of the socket servers. The worker servers are coupled to the queue serer and the mapping server. The arbiter server is configured to facilitate communications over a network with the worker servers by at least partially balancing loads on the number of socket servers based, at least in part, upon the mapping server.
US08423650B2
In a method for transferring session data from a first application accessible via at least one DNS name in a first DNS domain to a second application accessible via at least one DNS name in a second DNS domain, a computer receives via the first application a first HTTP request from an HTTP client, and in response, the computer establishes a first session with the HTTP client. The computer receives, from the HTTP client, a second HTTP request comprising an identifier of the second application, and in response, the computer stores in a memory a data structure identifiable by a data structure identifier and containing data pertaining to the first session. Responsive to storing the data structure, the computer transmits, to the HTTP client, an HTTP response comprising the data structure identifier, a redirection status code, and a URI comprising a DNS name in the second DNS domain.
US08423647B2
A service platform in a communications network connects callers to a service resource platform when implementing services requiring specialised resources. A number of different services use a common service resource platform. The service platform is programmed with respective maximum values for the number of calls originating from each service that may be connected to the service resource platform at one time and allows the call to be connected to the service resource platform at one time and allows the call to be connected to the service resource platform only when the count value for the respective service is less than the maximum count value. The service resource platform may have a single network address and a common range of ports that are freely allocated to calls generated by the different services running on the service platform.
US08423646B2
A method, information processing system, and computer program product manage virtual machine migration. A virtual machine is selected from a set of virtual machines. Each physical machine in a plurality of physical machines is analyzed with respect to a first set of migration constraints associated with the virtual machine that has been selected. A set of physical machines in the plurality of physical machines that satisfy the first set of migration constraints is identified. A migration impact factor is determined for each physical machine in the set of physical machines that has been identified based on a second set of migration constraints associated with the virtual machine that has been selected. A physical machine is selected from the set of physical machines with at least a lowest migration impact factor on which to migrate the virtual machine that has been selected in response to determining the migration impact factor.
US08423618B1
The spam blocker monitors the SMTP/TCP/IP conversation between a sending message transfer agent MTA—0 and a receiving message transfer agent MTA—1; catches MTA—0's IP address IP—0, MTA—0's declared domain D—0, from-address A—0; to-address A—1, and the body of the message; and uses this source and content information to test for unsolicited messages. It alters the conversation to reject, divert or intercept the message if the message is suspected of being unsolicited.
US08423617B2
The invention concerns a method for transferring data from a sensor over a computer network, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving from the sensor a signal representing a physical quantity, encoding the signal, converting the signal into a message, and transmitting the message over the computer network, wherein the conversion of the signal into the message comprises the step of generating the message by combining a first message header with a message body, wherein the first message header comprises the encoded signal and the message body comprises application data. The invention further concerns a device and computer program product therefore.
US08423599B2
The present invention discloses a locus smoothing method, comprising: generating multiple locus points by movement of an object; obtaining corresponding coordinates of the locus points; calculating a moving average coordinate of the coordinates of the locus points by a moving average function, wherein an average number is used as a denominator; adaptively adjusting the average number according to a velocity of the object, wherein a lower average number is used when the velocity of the object is relatively faster, and a higher average number is used when the velocity of the object is relatively slower.
US08423591B2
A method and system may include capturing a computer system in a file-based manner that promotes single-instancing of files and thus prevents the occurrence of duplicate files, separating the captured computer system into primary file resources and ancillary file resources, and creating a parent image and a child image that refers to the parent image. The method and system may further include writing the primary file resources on the parent image, and writing the ancillary file resources onto the child image. The child image may include a resource-only file and a metadata-only file which provides instructions on how to recreate the file resources stored in the parent image and the child image.
US08423586B2
Relationships between XBRL hypercubes, including implicit relationships, may be automatically determined based on shared dimensions. Once such relationships are understood, “generic” software (software that is not specific to a particular taxonomy) may be built to provide some or all of the following functionalities: determine, enforce, and/or encourage referential integrity; deduce (graph) ordered relationships between hypercubes; make inferences about those relationships; “join” or “split” hypercubes; create isomorphic and/or homomorphic views of a hypercube for user presentation; and/or assemble and order primary items (attached to hypercubes) in a logical (graph) order.
US08423582B2
A database message builder presents a message building window on a user interface of a database application for retrieving structured data from one or more fields of a database record of the database and unstructured data (e.g., free form text) entered by a user of the database application. The message building window can be used to build database messages using a variety of structured and unstructured data. One or more tokens corresponding to the structured data in the database (e.g., database record fields) can be used in the window to build a database message. The user can publish the message to a target application or network resource (e.g., a social networking site). Prior to publication, the tokens can be replaced with corresponding structured data from the record fields. A current character count or character limit for the selected target application or network resource can be displayed in the user interface.
US08423580B2
Present invention relates to system and method for specifying and implementing IT systems, in particular for searching functionalities. Proposed is a method of specifying and system for implementing interactive systems used for data storing and analysis as well as supporting collaboration and human-computer interaction, which is based on a control flow network structure. The method and system include support for whole lifecycle of implemented systems along with their evolution in time. In particular system comprising directed control net comprising data containers and functionality codes search module for searching functionalities within directed control net by identifying input, and matching identified input with functionality code according to the directed control net structure for generating a group of identified functionalities.
US08423579B2
Creating data tables by identifying paths in a tree of data entities and relationships, the tree including data entities and relationships between the entities, where each of the paths originates from the same data entity, includes a terminal data entity that is at the to-many end of a one-to-many or many-to-many relationship with another data entity along the path, and includes no other of the data entities that lie along any path descending from the terminal data entity and that is at the to-many end of a one-to-many or many-to-many relationship with another of the data entities that lie along the path descending from the terminal data entity, and creating on a computer-readable medium a separate table for each of the paths, where each of the tables includes a column per each of the data entities of the path for which the table was created.
US08423578B2
Participants in a communication are rendered by determining whether each entry in a list of participants in the communication satisfies criteria specified by a user participating in the communication. The criteria are used to identify a first subset of participants that is to be rendered in a first style that differentiates the first subset from remaining participants in the list. The first subset of participants is formatted in the first style.
US08423573B2
The present invention provides a method and system of performing a current filesystem backup with respect to a previous filesystem backup using directorywise hardlinking for a computer filesystem. In an exemplary embodiment, the method and system include (1) identifying all largest unchanged subtrees in the previous filesystem backup with respect to a current computer filesystem and (2) creating directorywise hardlinks in the current filesystem backup to the all largest unchanged subtrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the creating includes for each of the largest unchanged subtrees, forming a first pointer from the current filesystem backup to the each of the largest unchanged subtrees. In a further embodiment, the creating includes for each of the largest unchanged subtrees, establishing a second pointer from the each of the largest unchanged subtrees to a directory in the current filesystem backup that corresponds to the first pointer.
US08423561B2
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for simplifying object mapping for user interfaces for on a computer system. The method comprises receiving a client request for action and associating the client request to at least one logical object. The method further comprises converting the at least one logical object to at least one physical object that resides in a object relational mapping, and mapping between the at least one physical object and at least one relational database. The system includes a conceptual module that associates the client requests to at least one logical object and converts the at least one logical object to at least one physical object that resides in a object relational mapping, and a object relational mapping module for mapping between physical objects and at least one relational database.
US08423558B2
A method and a system are provided for targeting online ads by grouping and mapping user properties. In one example, the system receives user data associated with one or more users. The system identifies user properties for a user. The system eliminates unacceptable user properties associated with the user. The system identifies permutations of the user properties associated with the user. The system eliminates unacceptable permutations of the user properties associated with the user. Valid permutations remain. The system attaches a weight of importance to each valid permutation. A weight quantifies a level of importance of a valid permutation for the user with respect to buckets. A bucket is an ad category. The system grades each valid permutation relative to a bucket. The system calculates a final grade for each bucket. The system then assigns the user to zero or more buckets based on the final grade for each bucket.
US08423557B2
A computer-implemented method and apparatus determines individual user priorities of collections of resources. The system represents collections of shared resources as end-user activities. An engine retrieves the activity access history of the user and the activity records and generates a description of each activity and a priority score. The engine may include a data collection component and a training and ranking component. Based on the activity descriptions and priority scores, the system generates and outputs for display an activity list ordered by individual user priority.
US08423548B1
The present invention relates to inventory management solutions, and in particular, to methods and systems for inventorying items and property over wireless and data networks, using digital imaging, positioning, RFID, and data terminals. The user experience in performing inventory management is simplified and enhanced over existing methods.
US08423531B2
A non-transitory storage medium storing a management program, the management program causing a computer to execute first receiving case data related to a result of a clinical trial; referring to a definition table storing a first criterion and a second criterion; determining whether or not the case data satisfies the first criterion or second criterion; first transmitting a first inquiry to a terminal; second transmitting a second inquiry to the terminal; second receiving a first answer to the first inquiry from the terminal, the first answer including other case data that is the case data at least a part of which is modified; third determining whether or not the other case data satisfies the second criterion; and making a second answer to the second inquiry on the basis of a result of the third determination.
US08423530B2
The invention allows a user to enter a search criteria in a search form once and search multiple web services, search engines and web pages without the need for repeatedly re-creating the search criteria for each web service or search engine because of different and varying supported formats. Once the user has defined their search query, the search query is passed to a query manager in the browser application for formatting the search criteria into a generic query format. The generic query format provides a unified and generic interface to all other query mechanisms supported by different web services, search engines and web pages.
US08423529B1
A NAS server runs a native filesystem application that manages the filesystem and also includes a virtualization component that allows third-party data processing applications to run on the NAS server substantially as though running on a separate server while allowing the applications to access filesystem information without use of the network and without the overhead of network protocols and related operating system processing. The virtualization component intercepts certain filesystem-related system calls made by the application and directs processing of those filesystem-related system calls (e.g., by the virtualization component or by the native filesystem application), bypassing certain operating system processes including those relating to network protocol processing.
US08423524B1
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for storing reports for use by tenants of a multi-tenant on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for storing reports for use by tenants of a multi-tenant on-demand database service may allow tenants of the multi-tenant on-demand database service to create, modify, etc. reports programmatically, as desired, and may allow the multi-tenant on-demand database service to make the reports accessible to other tenants of the multi-tenant on-demand database service.
US08423519B2
Example apparatus, methods, data structures, and computers control indexing to facilitate duplicate determinations. One example method includes indexing, in a global index, a unique chunk processed by a data de-duplicator. Indexing the unique chunk in the global index can include updating an expedited data structure associated with the global index. The example method can also include selectively indexing, in a temporal index, a relationship chunk processed by the data de-duplicator. The relationship chunk is a chunk that is related to another chunk processed by the data de-duplicator by sequence, storage location, and/or similarity hash value. Indexing the relationship chunk in the temporal index can also include updating one or more expedited data structures associated with the temporal index. The expedited data structures and indexes can then be consulted to resolve a duplicate determination being made by a data reducer.
US08423509B2
The invention may provide “undo” (e.g., rollback) features, along with data management simplification features, to an update package model of software suite development/evolution. New functions, which may have disruption effects for customers, may be installed into the core configuration data with inactive switches. Upon activation, a switch status may change, and a query filter may use the activated function (e.g., as associated with the switch ID). Original functions may be maintained, giving the user the ability to deactivate an activated function, and thereby reverting the system back to the prior configuration status.
US08423504B2
A system including a server, a search engine, and one or more user devices is used to analyse data files. The user devices may be used to effect a search, such as a search for documents, websites or other material. A search request is effected on the user device and forwarded to the server. A subject data file is obtained which represents a document. The subject data file is searched for instances of data representing user selected target features. The detected instances which include one or more of features indicative of a list and features indicative of content relating to a casual convention, are changed to be perceptibly different from features which are not target features when the modified data files is provided to the user.
US08423498B2
A computer system and associated method are provided for analyzing a scenario task to determine contextual characteristics thereof. An analytical processing device parses the scenario task into parsed task requirements. An associative processing device associates each parsed task requirement with a task requirement identifier and a task requirement resolution factor, and associates the task requirement identifiers to define a task requirement model. A correlative processing device correlates the task requirement model with a database of scenario data elements, by correlating the task requirement identifiers and/or the task requirement resolution factors with the respective scenario data element identifiers and/or scenario resolution factors associated with the scenario data elements. A compilation processing device forms contextual characteristics having categories, attributes, parameters, and parameter values associated with the correlated scenario data element identifiers and scenario resolution factors, wherein the contextual characteristics cooperate to populate the task requirement model.
US08423497B2
A system and method for hybrid Rete reasoning based on memory and DBMS are provided. The system for hybrid Rete reasoning based on memory and DBMS includes a reasoning rule type classification means for classifying an input reasoning rule as one of one or more types. A network generation means generates a network depending on the classified reasoning rule type. A network execution means derives extended triples by applying a predetermined triple to the generated network.
US08423495B1
Provided are methods and systems that extract facts of unstructured documents and build an oracle for various domains. The present invention addresses the problem of efficient finding and extraction of facts about a particular subject domain from semi-structured and unstructured documents, makes inferences of new facts from the extracted facts and the ways of verification of the facts, thus becoming a source of knowledge about the domain to be effectively queried. The methods and systems can also extract temporal information from unstructured and semi-structured documents, and can find and extract dynamically generated documents from Deep or Dynamic Web.
US08423489B2
The present invention is a computer-enabled method for combining information stored in a hierarchical classification structure, such as the International Patent Classification system, with the frequency of events resulting from human decision processes in order to generate an association index for a patent classification. The association index can then be used to quickly analyze a portfolio of patents.
US08423486B2
A learning device learns a control parameter (e.g., injection start response delay), which is used for deciding a control content of an injector (controlled object), in relation to a criterion variable (e.g., fuel pressure). The learning device has a storing section for storing a learning vector consisting of the control parameter and the criterion variable. The learning device has a measurement vector obtaining section for obtaining a measurement vector consisting of a measurement value of the control parameter and a measurement value of the criterion variable. The learning device has a correcting section for correcting the learning vector based on the measurement vector and for performing storing and updating of the learning vector in the storing section.
US08423482B2
A method for legal knowledge modeling and automated legal evaluation, such as for online, questionnaire-based legal analysis, is provided. Information, such as facts and characteristics of a legal situation or legal scenario, as it relates to a legal conclusion or a legal result, are modeled in a decision tree. The decision tree may comprise a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges connecting the nodes, wherein each node is associated with a variable that represents either an answer to a legal inquiry or a legal conclusion, and an edge represents a conditional dependency between variables of nodes. The decision tree is automatically updated on a periodic basis to reflect new legislation or court decisions. Using the decision tree, a legal conclusion based on the user's answers to a questionnaire may be determined. The legal conclusion is modified upon the input of evidence, which is typically in the form of answers to a dynamic set of questions designed to identify a legal conclusion or a legal result.
US08423467B1
Financial transactions, such as buying and selling, may be facilitated by merchant-based shadow account numbers. A master account may contain several associated shadow accounts. Each shadow account may in turn be associated with a specific merchant or group of merchants. Merchants and users may store and use the shadow account numbers rather than the master account numbers. Stolen or otherwise compromised shadow account numbers are useless with other non-associated merchants. Furthermore, the shadow numbers may be easily invalidated while leaving the master account untouched.
US08423465B1
Thus, methods and apparatus for providing adaptive diagnostics for ATM fault conditions are provided. Such methods and apparatus may include one or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor on a computer system, perform a method for diagnosing an electronic self-service device fault condition. The method may include receiving an input from a self-service device. The input may include information regarding a fault-related event. The method may also include assessing a plurality of system-level ramifications of the fault-related event. In response to the assessing, the method may further include determining continued viability of a plurality of ATM services. The method may also include electronically providing a notification of a list of remaining viable self-service device services.
US08423461B2
The present disclosure involves a method that involves: receiving a request to pay a bill having a billing date; identifying a plurality of funding instruments available for paying the bill; retrieving respective billing cycles of the funding instruments; and recommending one of the funding instruments to pay the bill based on the billing date of the bill and the respective billing cycles of the funding instruments. The present disclosure also involves a system that involves: means for receiving a request to make a payment, the payment having a payment deadline; means for identifying a plurality of different funding sources; means for retrieving billing period information associated with each funding source; and means for recommending using one of the funding sources to make the payment, wherein the means for recommending includes means for comparing the payment deadline with the respective billing period information of the funding sources.
US08423460B2
A method whereby vendors and purchasers settle invoices and account for sales taxes, integrated with the drawing, accepting, guaranteeing, endorsing, discounting, presenting, and cash settlement of electronic bills of exchange in all traded currencies (Ebill). Ebills are activated automatically as a direct consequence of the approval of one or more invoices for payment. Acceptance is against a guarantee with a managed credit risk limit or endorsed Ebills. Settlement is also activated by matching a purchase order to a goods received or delivery note or bill of lading. A single instance of each invoice and Ebill is held for all functions required by vendors, purchasers, risk managers, Ebill traders, discounters, guarantors and banks. Trading accounts are represented by a single ledger instance with automated updating of their back-office ledgers. Settlement reconciliation is supported by messages related to individual transactions and by quantified debit advice notes reconciled with credit notes.
US08423454B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining leading indicators and/or for modeling one or more time series. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving first data indicating the value of a total income amount for a plurality of consumers over a period of time; (b) receiving second data indicating the value of a total debt amount for a plurality of consumers over a period of time; (c) selecting a consumer leverage time series that compares the total income amount to the total debt amount over a period of time; (d) modeling the consumer leverage time series based at least partially on the first and second data; (e) determining, using a processor, the value of the cycle component for a particular time; and (f) outputting an indication of the value of the cycle component for the particular time.
US08423452B1
A computer-assisted method for alerting a user of a potential negative balance condition in a financial account. The method includes estimating a future account balance of the financial account and determining whether the future account balance will be a negative value. The method also includes generating for display, in a graphical format, an alert to the user that signifies when the future account balance is the negative value.
US08423446B2
Methods, systems and apparatuses are described for processing and clearing derivatives products with a digital outcome and a plurality of constituents. A computer system configured to process and clear derivative products can accept initial and adjusted performance bonds from buyers and sellers, and adjust the market price of the derivative product at intervals. The market price may be adjusted on a mark-to-market basis and through analysis of other information, e.g., a change in credit rating of reference entities of the derivative product. As a result of price adjustments, cash flow may be generated between buyers and sellers (e.g., credit and debit to accounts). The derivative product may pay a percentage of a predetermined final settlement amount upon the triggering of a predetermined event in each of the constituents of the derivative product. However, upon expiration of the derivative product, the derivative's market price is settled to zero and the agreement is terminated.
US08423439B1
A set of average transaction amounts is established. For each of the average transaction amounts, a total transaction cost is determined. An intended per-transaction profit is established. A service fee is established for each of the average transaction amounts based on the average transaction amount and the intended per-transaction profit.
US08423438B2
The present invention is directed to an improved method of network marketing that combines direct response advertisement with network marketing. The invention includes providing a registry that stores debit and credit entries for individual IBO accounts, wherein the registry is in communication with a computer network. The invention also includes providing a hot leads database in communication with the computer network, wherein the hot leads database provides leads generated through a direct marketing campaign. The method further includes allowing qualified IBO terminals in communication with the computer network to access the hot leads database and request lead packages. The method includes debiting IBO accounts in the registry in response to these requests for lead packages. Additionally, the method includes providing a sales database in communication with the computer network wherein the sales database is accessible to the qualified IBO terminals, wherein the sales database is configured to accept sales orders from qualified IBO terminals, and wherein the sales database is communicatively linked to the registry via the computer network. Lastly, the method includes crediting individual IBO accounts for sales orders according to terms of a payout agreement, wherein the sales database also is communicatively linked via the computer network to a centralized distribution system such that the entry of sales orders results in the shipment of the product ordered.
US08423437B2
A certified email system for providing a time stamp for a presented file, particularly when the presented file is an email. Preferably a demanding party receives the email; generates a unique HASH; digitally signs the unique HASH; and sends the signed HASH and a time-stamp request call to a web services time-stamp conduit (WSTC). The WSTC receives the request and signed HASH from the demanding party and obtains a time stamp. The WSTC sends the time stamp back to the demanding party, which sends a time-stamp notification to the original sender of the email and, optionally, the recipient(s) of the email. Multiple branded or customized demanding servers can efficiently run using one web services time-stamp conduit.An integrated detailed billing system capable of pass-through client billing, keyword search functionality, a multi-party content management system, and convenient web-based automated verification (file or HASH) services are provided.
US08423434B2
Tax returns are received from one or more tax agencies. Each tax return is compared to a stored profile, and a determination is made as to whether each tax return falls within a trend. An evaluation of the tax return is generated based on the comparison and the determination of whether the tax return falls within the trend. The evaluation includes an indication of the tax returns potential to be a fraudulent tax return.
US08423433B1
An electronic intermediary electronically receives information from a taxpayer or an authorized tax return preparer of the taxpayer. The received information may include information on a tax data provider and taxpayer identification information. The electronic intermediary connects automatically and electronically to the tax data provider based on the received information. The electronic intermediary collects automatically and electronically tax data from the tax data provider and processes automatically and electronically the collected tax data to obtain processed tax data. The electronic intermediary prepares automatically and electronically an electronic tax return by using the processed tax data. The electronic intermediary receives electronically direction from the taxpayer to provide the electronic tax return and/or the tax data to a tax information distributor, connects electronically to the tax information distributor, and provides electronically the electronic tax return and/or tax data to the tax information distributor.
US08423420B1
A shared “universal” virtual shopping cart (“the cart”) may be provided by a host to enable information sharing between multiple disparate electronic marketplaces provided by various merchants. The host may obtain user information via the cart to improve interactions with a user. The host may recommend an item to the user that is offered at a lower price and related to an item retained in the user's cart. The host may also recommend items based on a user's purchase history, such as complementary items (e.g., up-sell items) and items other users may recommend. In some aspects, the host may compile best selling lists based on data from multiple electronic marketplaces. The host may also perform user specific operations such as indicate an item in a cart is a duplicate of a previous purchase and monitor a price and/or available quantities of an item in the cart.
US08423410B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating user identifier profiles. A user identifier profile characterizes a user based on events that occurred during past user sessions for a user (e.g., past online activities). An event is an action that occurs during a user session, such as a web page view, an advertisement click-through, and a conversion. A user identifier profile can be used, for example, to select advertisements targeted to the user. A user identifier profile includes information about inferred user interests and inferred user demographics.
US08423406B2
A method converts online data into quantitative measures of reach and frequency. Gross Rating Points, Targeted Rating Points, frequency, targeted cost per thousand, and average advertising cost per person may be determined using data to measure the percent of non-country respondents receiving and gathering incidence of age, sex, income and other variables used to define target audience. Data may be merged to calculate GRP delivery by geographic region for the purpose of integrating online advertising into a marketing mix analysis. Over-samples may be used within events to measure different respondents' pre and post the event to measure incrementality of event. The total event attendance may be estimated and used to weight the over-sample back into the overall sample. Discrete media groupings may be used to identify the dilution of effects inherent in scaling thereby increasing the accuracy of projected results.
US08423404B2
A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of a mobile telephone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes an inspection area with at least one camera and a plurality of electrical connectors in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the mobile telephone for determination of a value of the mobile telephone. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor, a display and a user interface.
US08423389B2
A system for providing flight accident insurance at low price and fixed coverage comprises means for limiting the number of policies that can be sold on any given flight to not more than a predetermined number. The predetermined number may be 20. The system comprises an input device for receiving information from a traveler and an output device for providing an insurance quote to said traveler.
US08423387B1
A system and method of providing delivery of medical care through instant patient access to a physician via an application (app) on a smartphone connecting over a network. A patient signs into the system through a smartphone app and selects a category for an emerging medical issue and further submits a detailed description of the presenting issue. A physician instantly receives a notice through the app on a physician smartphone that the patient is waiting a consultation. The physician opens the app, reviews the category and the detailed description and calls the patient directly through the app for a consultation. After the consultation is complete, the physician submits clinical advice through the app, the app electronically mailing the patient with the advice in writing. The physician also submits a prescription to a pharmacy, makes a referral, bills an insurance provider and accepts payment through the app.
US08423383B2
The computer-implemented system of providing online medical consultation services by a team of medical professionals begins when a user accesses the system website. The user selects the level of consultation services desired and a case submission form is provided to the user requesting information relating to desired medical consultation. The user provides the requested information on case submission form. If additional information is required, it is obtained. When the case is ready for submission, members of the medical professional team are selected for consultation on the case and forwarded the particulars of the submitted case via the Internet. The selected team members review the submitted case particulars and each member provides their medical opinion via Internet. The submitted opinions are recorded and displayed in real time on the system website, to which the user has access. In addition, the submitted opinions to structured questions are compiled to determine if there is a consensus. A graphical representation of the compiled opinions is generated and displayed in real time on the website, as well. This system can provide nearly instant information as to the sum of the opinions of medical experts for a variety of case scenarios and establishes whether, and to what extent, a consensus exists among the consulting medical professionals.
US08423381B2
The invention concerns a system for monitoring and controlling a patient (1), with a patient sensor (2) for capturing a patient signal, and a user interface (6) for providing a user with information on the captured patient signal, wherein the system comprises an integrated closed loop controller (4) which is fed with the patient signal and which controls a patient treating device (5) for treating the patient (1). Thus, an easy and efficient way of monitoring and controlling a patient is provided.
US08423371B2
An encoder capable of reducing the degradation of the quality of the decoded signal in the case of band expansion in which the high band of the spectrum of an input signal is estimated from the low band. In this encoder, a first layer encoder encodes an input signal and generates first encoded information, a first layer decoder decodes the first encoded information and generates a first decoded signal, a characteristic judger analyzes the intensity of the harmonic structure of the input signal and generates harmonic characteristic information representing the analysis result, and a second layer encoder changes, on the basis of the harmonic characteristic information, the numbers of bits allocated to parameters included in second encoded information created by encoding the difference between the input signal and the first decoded signal before creating the second information.
US08423358B2
A method for performing packet loss or Frame Erasure Concealment (FEC) for a speech coder receives encoded frames of compressed speech information transmitted from an encoder. The method determines whether an encoded frame has been lost, corrupted in transmission, or erased, synthesizes properly received frames, and decides on an overlap-add window to use in combining a portion of the synthesized speech signal with a subsequent speech signal resulting from a received and decoded packet, where the size of the overlap-add window is based on the unavailability of packets. If it is determined that an encoded frame has been lost, corrupted in transmission, or erased, the method performed an overlap-add operation on the portion of the synthesized speech signal and the subsequent speech signal, using the decided-on overlap-add window.
US08423341B2
A method, system and article of manufacture are disclosed for constructing corner models for multiple performance targets for circuit simulations. The method includes identifying N (N≧2) performance targets F1, F2, . . . , FN, and obtaining their correlation matrix R, calculating a normalized joint probability density (JPD); and building a common and optimal corner for the N targets. The method further includes constructing corner models to cover both lower and upper bounds of the performance targets; and determining an optimal common corner solution for each corner by maximizing a normalized JPD among all possible common corner solutions for that corner.
US08423336B2
A system and method implemented on a computing device are provided to simulate trajectories of objects dispensed from a moving aircraft.
US08423334B2
A method and system for identifying a distributed model for a nonlinear system represented by a block diagram. The distributed model identification can be achieved by first replacing all signal links across the block diagram with elastic links by augmenting each input port of a plurality of blocks with a signal generator that produces a replacement signal value (sig) for the value received by each of the plurality of blocks. Thereafter, the difference between the received value and the replacement signal values can be calculated and outputted as an auxiliary signal to control elasticity of the elastic links. Then, instead of global identification of the block diagram parameters, i.e. treating the diagram as a whole, the block parameters are identified locally based on the local data. Simultaneously, the auxiliary output signals are forced to vanish. Consequently, the solution found is also a solution to the global identification method.
US08423333B2
A simulator system containing a plurality of individual simulators to simulate behavior of a predetermined simulation target, where: individual simulators select the simulation target satisfying a predetermined notification condition among simulation targets to send the information related thereto to an intercommunication control apparatus; and an intercommunication control apparatus executes the processing of the content determined according to a condition related to this notified simulation target to notify the result of the execution to individual simulators.
US08423331B2
A method for optimization of the avionics platform of an aircraft, intended to implement a set of avionics functions. The association between the platform's functional architecture elements (functions, functional links) and the elements of its equipment architecture (equipment, network paths, direct physical links) are formalized by sets of constraints in the form of linear inequalities of decision variables. Certain segregation or co-location functional constraints are also envisaged. Optimization of the avionics platform is achieved through the minimization of cost functions which are linearly dependent on said decision variables. This minimization under constraints is achieved in an effective manner by the Simplex algorithm.
US08423328B2
Methods for modeling a random variable with spatially inhomogenous statistical correlation versus distance, standard deviation, and mean by spatial interpolation with statistical corrections. The method includes assigning statistically independent random variable to a set of seed points in a coordinate frame and defining a plurality of test points at respective spatial locations in the coordinate frame. A equation for a random variable is determined for each of the test points by spatial interpolation from one or more of the random variable assigned to the seed points. The method further includes adjusting the equation of the random variable at each of the test point with respective correction factor equations.
US08423327B2
Systems and methods of computer aided engineering analysis using hybrid approach of finite element method (FEM) and adaptive smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) are described. According to one aspect, a computer-aided engineering analysis is performed to simulate an impact event between structures. A FEM grid model is created to represent the structures using a plurality of solid elements which represents geometry and material properties. Once a contact between two structures resulted into a material or structural failure according to predefined material constitutive equation, solid elements representing the failed portion of the structure are removed. Each failed solid element is then replaced by a plurality of particles to be analyzed using the SPH analysis. The particles replacing the failed element inherit all of the states and properties of the failed element, such as location, mass, velocity, acceleration, etc. The replacement is conducted according to the principles of mass, momentum and energy conservation.
US08423325B2
A plastic tolerance proofing tool adapted to be implemented with a computer system. The computer system includes a processor and a memory storing a CAD object of an apparatus to be manufactured with a material. The tool includes a criteria selector operable to prompt for and receive a type of plastic material for the apparatus to be manufactured in and an extractor operable to determine a nominal dimension and a related tolerance from the CAD object. The tool further includes a comparator operable to compare the tolerance with a first threshold and a second threshold, and a tagging module operable to tag the CAD object based on the comparisons.
US08423322B2
The invention comprises systems and methods for evaluating changes in the operational efficiency of an HVAC system over time. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system, and status of said HVAC system. One or more processors receives measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than said HVAC system and compares said temperature measurements from said first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements.
US08423316B2
A camera based positioner (CBP) for near-field measurement and a method therefor, and a near-field measurement system are provided. A measurement probe and an antenna under test (AUT) are automatically aligned to a position for near-field antenna measurement by recognizing a position and a rotation angle of the AUT based on an interval and an angle between neighboring laser sources represented in an image taken by emitting laser beams from at least two laser sources located with a predetermined interval and a predetermined angle.
US08423315B2
A waveform generation and measurement module that may be used in automated test equipment. The waveform generation and measurement module includes high speed SERDES (or other shift registers) that are used to digitally draw a test waveform. Additional high speed SERDES may also be used to receive (in serial form) a response waveform from a device under test and convert it to parallel data for high speed processing. The waveform generation and measurement module may be implemented in field programmable gate array logic.
US08423303B2
The mass flow rate of bulk solids in a pneumatic transport system is measured in real time. At least two pressure gauges (P1, P2) are provided in a pipe section of the transport system. The pressure drop ΔP between the pressure gauges is determined during a gas-solids flow of air and bulk solids through the pipe section. The suspension density ρsus of the flowing mixture of air and bulk solids is calculated. The bulk solids mass flow rate Ms at a given location along a given length of a pipeline is estimated based at least on the suspension density ρsus of the flowing mixture.
US08423279B2
A drive assist apparatus includes: a road-information storage unit storing road information; a traffic-signal information storage unit to store information regarding a traffic-signal change timing; a receiving unit to receive other-vehicle information; an obtaining unit to obtain host-vehicle information; a determining unit to determine whether the other vehicle becomes an obstacle to the host vehicle; and a calculating unit to calculate a recommended speed based on the host-vehicle information, the road information, and information regarding the traffic-signal change timing, when the other vehicle is determined to not become an obstacle to the host vehicle, and calculate the recommended speed based on the host-vehicle information, the road information, the information regarding the traffic-signal change timing, and an arrival delay time for avoiding an obstacle caused by the other vehicle, when the other vehicle is determined to become the obstacle to the host vehicle.
US08423277B2
A vehicle controller selects a collision avoidance route corresponding to steering of a vehicle by a driver, to control the vehicle so that the vehicle runs based on the selected collision avoidance route. Accordingly, it can be prevented that a vehicle operation being performed by the driver is disturbed, in other words, a reaction of the driver is disturbed by collision avoidance control and the driver feels discomfort with respect to the collision avoidance control.
US08423275B1
A procedure for determining the probability of finding a parking place within a certain period of time on a pre-set stretch of road of an area with a multiplicity of stretches of road. With this procedure, motion profiles are detected and statistically evaluated of users of radiolocation-aided, especially satellite-aided, navigation aids in the area. For each user a) A “parking place found” event is determined; b) The stretch of road in which the “parking place found” event occurred is detected; c) The travel time is detected which the user expended in each of the stretches of the road until the “parking place found” event occurred. From the data thus acquired for a multiplicity of users, a probability is determined of finding a parking place within the set time span on the stretch of the road.
US08423266B2
An engine in which a fluctuation in the amount of fuel injection is reduced in the entire operating tolerance of the engine. The engine (1) has an engine body (5) provided with a turbocharger (7), an engine speed sensor (21), a turbo sensor (22), a boost sensor (23), and an ECU (20) for correcting the amount of fuel injection. A control means recognizes an engine speed, a supercharging pressure, a supercharger speed, a fuel injection amount and corrects the fuel injection amount.
US08423259B2
A method for implementing adaptive cruise control for a vehicle includes the steps of stopping the vehicle, determining whether a driver of the vehicle has taken a deliberate action to move the vehicle, and moving the vehicle, on the condition that the driver has taken the deliberation action to move the vehicle.
US08423252B2
A control method of shifting gear in an automatic manual transmission to pass from a current gear to a successive gear; the automatic gear transmission comprises a gearbox provided with at least one primary shaft and at least one secondary shaft connected to driving wheels, and at least one clutch interposed between the primary shaft of the gearbox and a drive shaft of an engine; the control method comprises the steps of: determining, when the clutch is at least partially closed, a target torque that has to be transmitted through the clutch; determining, when the clutch is at least partially closed, a rotation speed target of the drive shaft of the engine; and determining a target engine torque of the engine according to the target torque that has to be transmitted through the clutch and according to the rotation speed target of the drive shaft of the engine.
US08423250B2
An anti-collision control is provided under circumstances where it is determined that there is a risk of collision between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle. The anti-collision control utilizes host vehicle information, preceding vehicle information, and surrounding road conditions to determine whether or not a collision with the preceding vehicle can be avoided through a steering operation. If avoidance is determined to be possible, then a shift-hold control is applied to the AT, whereas if avoidance is determined to be impossible, then a down-shift control is applied to the AT.
US08423242B2
In a vehicle equipped with a plurality of electronic devices, a power-saving system (100) saves electricity while comprehensively controlling the power supply status to each of the plurality of electronic devices. The power-saving system (100) includes: power supply status control portion (11) controlling the power supply status to each of the plurality of electronic devices depending on a usage situation of the vehicle; and usage situation determination portion (10) determining the usage situation on the basis of information useful for determining a usage situation, including information related to a usage date and time, current location or driver of the vehicle. The power supply status control portion (11) controls the power supply status to each of the plurality of electronic devices on the basis of a predetermined power supply status to each of the plurality of electronic devices set depending on a usage situation and the usage situation determined by the usage situation determination portion (10).
US08423240B2
A sensor node configured to acquire sensor data on one or more properties of a railroad environment, wirelessly transmit data related to the property(ies), and generate sufficient power to operate the sensor node without access to any additional power sources is provided. The sensor node can be deployed as part of a group of sensor nodes, which provide data for use by a railroad system in monitoring and/or controlling the railroad environment. In this manner, various properties of the railroad environment can be monitored without requiring significant wiring to the various sensor nodes.
US08423239B2
A software method controlling a computer device compares operational performance data collected and stored from a vehicle to a predetermined criterion and determines, based on the comparison, whether to adjust a baseline charge for usage of a vehicle during the period. The software may compare data corresponding to one, or more, different parameters to determine the charge adjustment, the parameters including average MPG, engine revolutions, revolution-minutes, or fuel used during the period. The software method may use average values for MPG for the particular vehicle obtained prepared by a governmental agency. The method may also use criterion derived from governmental information. Or, the criterion may be a predetermined value based on a business consideration, such as number of engine revolutions corresponding to a given number of miles traveled. If the vehicle's engine turns more than the predetermined number during a period, the charge corresponding to use during period is increased.
US08423214B2
A method of providing assistance to an internal combustion engine for a vehicle using an electric motor coupled to the engine is provided. The method comprises selectively operating the motor to provide assistance to the engine at predetermined operating conditions of the engine. During at least a portion of the selective operation, the motor is operated at a higher torque than a continuous operating torque rating for the motor. The electric motor is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine at a first side of the engine and a transmission is coupled to the crankshaft at a second side of the engine opposite the first side of the engine.
US08423212B2
A control apparatus for a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank, a canister trapping vaporized fuel from the fuel tank, an open-close valve provided in a passage connecting an intake passage of the engine to the canister, a generator driven by the engine to generate electric power, a battery storing electric power generated by the generator, and a motor driven by electric power discharged from the battery, and that runs using driving force from at least any one of the engine and the motor, includes: a determination unit determining whether to control the open-close valve to introduce the trapped fuel into the intake passage; and a charge and discharge controller executing changes any one of the rate of charging of the battery and the rate of discharging of the battery when the determination unit determines to introduce the trapped fuel into the intake passage.
US08423211B2
A limited protection method for charging/discharging current of hybrid electric vehicle battery and a device and a system thereof is disclosed. Said method includes: receiving a power requirement and determining an original torque based on the power requirement; judging a charge/discharge state of the battery and acquiring a limited torque from an actual current and a predefined torque; comparing said original torque with the limited torque to select the smaller one as a final output requirement. The embody of the invention can achieve the real-time limited protection for charge/discharge current of hybrid electric vehicle battery.
US08423207B2
Systems, computer program products, and methods for displaying navigation performance based flight path deviation information during the final approach segment to a runway and during landing of non-precision flight modes are provided. Improved graphical depictions of navigation performance based flight path deviation information provide pilots and flight crew members with clear, concise displays of the dynamic relationship between ANP and RNP, mode and aspect of flight and related procedures, intersecting flight paths, and current actual flight path deviation from a predefined flight path during the final approach segment to a runway and during landing. For example, an enhanced IAN display may include NPS-type deviation scales to show RNP/ANP relationships and predetermined RNP markers to alert the pilots and flight crew members that the FMC has transitioned from an NPS display for RNAV (LNAV/VNAV) flight procedures to an enhanced IAN display for a non-precision (non-xLS) approach and/or landing.
US08423201B2
An assembly that has a rotator element, a sensor element coupled to the rotator element or assembly, and a controller element provides azimuth antenna control. The rotator element has a worm gear driven slewing ring having a through hole through which a feed line to an antenna may be inserted to accommodate continuous rotation of greater than 360 degrees or partial rotation in either direction of the antenna coupled to the rotator element. The controller element is coupled to the rotator element and to the sensor element, and the controller element receives feedback information concerning a current azimuth position of the antenna from the sensor element to control the rotator element to rotate to a future azimuth position of the antenna in accordance with a selected azimuth function and the feedback information provided by the sensor element.
US08423198B2
An energy management system is provided for an appliance comprising: an interface to receive a schedule having an off-peak time segment and an on-peak time segment; a control to determine an operation to be performed by the appliance; a mode selecting device to select between an energy management mode and an immediate start mode. A controller includes a memory for storing the schedule and firmware to determine whether there is any off-peak time segments and other time sub-segments between a current time and a deadline for completing the operation. Upon selection of the energy management mode, the controller is arranged to initiate the operation, including a reduction in power consumption to complete the operation, when an amount of time required to complete the operation maximizes the off-peak time segment and sub-segments between the current time and the deadline.
US08423187B2
A controller for the motion control of a robot,comprises: a target input interface for supplying the controller with information about a target to be reached, a predicting module predicting at least one future state of the controlled robot using an internal model of the robot, a planning module for planning future states of the robot, wherein the planning starts from a predicted state supplied from the predicting module, a reactive controller, for outputting motor commands in order to make the controlled robot reach a target, and a target arbitrator for selecting the target output by the predicting module or the output from the planning module.
US08423182B2
A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including reading first tool information from a storage device in a first robotic surgical tool mounted to a first robotic arm to at least determine a first tool type; reading equipment information about one or more remote controlled equipment for control thereof; comparing the first tool information with the equipment information to appropriately match a first remote controlled equipment of the one or more remote controlled equipment to the first robotic surgical tool; and mapping one or more user interface input devices of a first control console to control the first remote controlled equipment to support a function of the first robotic surgical tool.
US08423179B2
Computer program products that operate packaging systems with an automated product pusher and clipper for attaching at least one closure clip to a product held in a covering such as netting.
US08423176B2
In a substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention, wafer transfer timing with which wafers are to be transferred to individual processing chambers from a cassette container is determined in correspondence to each processing chamber, based upon the lengths of time required to process a single wafer in the processing chambers. Then, wafers are transferred from the cassette container in conformance to the transfer timing thus determined. By setting the wafer transfer timing with which wafers are transferred from the cassette container in coordination with the lengths of processing time at the individual processing chambers, the operation rates in the processing chambers are improved and ultimately, the throughput of the apparatus is improved.
US08423173B2
A load port apparatus is disclosed wherein the total period of time of operation of a lid member mounting and dismounting apparatus and a mapping apparatus is minimized while avoiding interference of the two apparatus with each other. An interference avoiding sensor apparatus is provided on the lid member mounting and dismounting apparatus and the mapping apparatus and detects that a lid member suction plate of the lid member mounting and dismounting apparatus is disposed at a position lower by a value exceeding a preset value than the arm to which the mapping sensors are attached to enable pivotal motion of the arm without interfering with the lid member suction plate. Then, immediately after the preset value is detected by the interference avoiding sensor apparatus, the arm is pivoted to the mapping position to start the mapping.
US08423171B2
In a method for processing a workpiece in a tool machine, a first step (Step S4) for continuously measuring a position of a tip portion of a tool attached to a main axis, a second step (Step S5) for computing a displacement amount of the position of the tip point of the tool based on a result of the measurement, a third step (Step S8) for observing a time period while the displace amount is belonged in arrange of allowable displace amount previously determined, a fourth step (Step S9) for keeping an idling operation in case that the time for which the displace amount is belonged in the range of the allowable displacement amount is shorter than a time period previously determined and intermitting the idling operation in the case that the time for which the displace amount is belonged in the range of the allowable displacement amount become the time period previously determined and a fifth step (Step S10) for starting a process with respect to the workpiece in the case that the idling operation is finished are operated in order.
US08423166B2
A jaw-relation reproduction condition is determined by measuring a jaw movement of a patient, and reproducing a jaw state of the patient on an occlusion-state reproducing apparatus in accordance with the jaw-relation reproduction condition. Dentures are arranged on the apparatus in accordance with the jaw-relation reproduction condition to prepare pre-grinding dentures. Denture data with reference points which is three-dimensional image data containing reference points that represents a positional relationship between the jaw-relation reproduction condition and the dentures and an occlusal surface of the dentures. An occlusion state of the denture data with the reference points is reproduced by using the jaw-relation reproduction condition on a three-dimensional image. Grinding data of a grinding portion is determined under a dynamic condition or set condition from a portion surrounded by an image of upper and lower jaws on the three dimensional image in a reproduced occlusal state.
US08423164B2
A method for recording and replaying operations in a computer environment utilizes initial conditions of the computer environment at the start of a recording to configure a replay computer environment during replay. The initial conditions of the computer environment are saved prior to recording of user inputs to the computer environment. The saved initial conditions and the recorded user inputs can then be used to actively operate the replay computer environment from a state substantially identical to the initial state of the computer environment to replay the recorded operations in the replay computer environment. The method also includes a technique to synchronize the operations with accompanying audio during replay.
US08423155B1
Methods and systems of facilitating stimulation of a stimulation site within a patient include implanting a distal portion of a stimulating member such that the distal portion of the stimulating member is in communication with a stimulation site located within a patient, securing the distal portion of the stimulating member at a first securing site with a first securing device, forming at least two curves of opposite concavity with a proximal portion of the stimulating member, securing the stimulating member at a second securing site with a second securing device, and coupling a proximal end of the stimulating member to a stimulator. In some examples, the at least two curves of opposite concavity are located in between the first and second securing devices.
US08423153B2
The object, to create a method for producing multilayers or multilayer systems wherein the structures generated on a substrate can easily be jointly detached from the substrate and are preserved in a composite, is achieved by the present invention by means of a method for producing implant structures comprising generating a first metal layer on a substrate, generating a second metal layer above the first metal layer, producing a number of multilayered implant structures above the second metal layer, removing the first metal layer between the substrate and the second metal layer, and releasing the implant structures from the substrate in a coherent composite. With the method according to the invention, between the implant structures and the substrate a release layer is generated consisting of two or three metal layers which serve as sacrificial layer in the course of releasing the fully processed multilayers by means of an under-etching process. As a result, a uniform and reliable separation of the finished multilayers from the substrate in a composite is achieved, facilitating the subsequent technology for assembly and interconnection of the implant structures.
US08423148B1
The present invention provides a method for treating at least one of the following: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cartilage injury, and a cartilage defect containing the following steps. First, a defective cartilage tissue is provided. Second, a solution containing ions for treating defective cartilage tissue is provided. Third, the solution containing ions is introduced about the defective cartilage tissue. Fourth, an electrical source generates electricity. Fifth, the solution containing ions and an area about the defective cartilage tissue is contacted with the electricity from the electrical source. Sixth, the electrical source is powered on to provide electricity, whereby the ions move from the solution and into the defective cartilage tissue.
US08423147B2
In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. In particular embodiments, aspects of the foregoing modulation therapies may be implemented by systems and devices that have simplified functionalities.
US08423144B2
A device and method for desynchronizing a patient's neuronal brain activity involving a neuron population firing in a pathologically synchronized manner. The device includes a stimulation unit configured to generate an acoustic stimulation signal to stimulate the neuron population when the acoustic stimulation signal is aurally received by the patient. Furthermore, the acoustic stimulation signal has a first frequency and a second frequency, with the first frequency provided to reset the phase of the neuronal brain activity in a first sub-population of the stimulated neuron population, and the second frequency provided to reset the phase of the neuronal brain activity in a second sub-population of the stimulated neuron population.
US08423142B2
A first chamber minute ventilation rate is determined based on a first transthoracic impedance signal received from a first chamber of a heart and a second chamber minute ventilation rate is determined based on a second transthoracic impedance signal received from a second chamber of the heart. A processor compares the minute ventilation rates to determine a rate. In one embodiment, an accelerometer sensor provides data for evaluating propriety of a rate. Before implementing a rate change, signals from multiple sensors are cross-checked.
US08423140B2
A system and method for detecting and treating symptoms of early decompensation utilizing a cardiac rhythm management. The system applies an electrical stimulus to the patient's heart at a first set of pacing parameters including a lower rate limit (LRL) setting, and acquires a coronary venous pressure (CVP) signal from a pressure sensor implanted in a coronary vein of the patient. An average coronary venous end diastolic pressure (CV-EDP) value is calculated from the CVP signal. The system monitors the average CV-EDP value over a predetermined interval, and dynamically adjusts the LRL setting responsive to the detection of a first or a second predetermined event based on the average CV-EDP value.
US08423137B2
An output stage for use in a therapeutic defibrillator enables practical use of specialized output waveforms optimized for cardiac defibrillation. A pulse-width modulated (PWM) switching amplifier, connected to a high voltage source capacitor and to one or more output bridges corresponding to different electrode placements, is adapted to operate with high efficiency, demonstrated at about 80%. The amplifier is capable of delivering a defibrillating electric shock to a heart in the form of a time-varying output voltage waveform of arbitrary shape. Efficiency improvement is accomplished through the use of a high voltage reservoir capacitor network configured to minimize a voltage differential between the high voltage reservoir and the output voltage. The switching amplifier features both step-up and step-down amplifier capability. A PWM control unit is positioned within the circuit so as to reduce complexity by eliminating a need for additional isolation circuitry.
US08423132B2
A method for measuring impedance of a tissue (20), consisting of charging a capacitor (C15) to a potential, and discharging the capacitor for a discharge period through the tissue. The method further consists of measuring a voltage drop on the capacitor over the discharge period and determining the impedance of the tissue responsive to the potential, the voltage drop, and the discharge period.
US08423119B2
A fiducial marker assembly (30) is tracked using a magnetic resonance scanner (10). At the tracked position of the fiducial marker assembly, local B0 magnetic field inhomogeneity is measured. A warning is issued if the measured local B0 magnetic field inhomogeneity satisfies a warning criterion. A noise figure of merit of the tracking is also determined, and the warning is also issued if the noise figure of merit satisfies a noise-based warning criterion.
US08423116B2
A measurement system and method are presented for use for non-invasive measurements in a human body. Acoustic radiation is applied to a certain illuminated region in the body, with at least two different conditions of the applied radiation achievable by varying at least one characteristic of the acoustic radiation. Light scattered from the body part is detected, and measured data indicative of detected photons tagged and untagged by the acoustic radiation is generated. The measured data is analyzed to extract therefrom a data portion corresponding to the tagged photons and being therefore associated with a light response of said certain region, thereby enabling determination of tissue properties of said certain region based on a relation between the measured data portions corresponding to the at least two different operating conditions.
US08423111B2
A probe holder mounting device for a biological photometric device includes: a probe holder having a plurality of probe mounting parts to which optical fiber probes are mounted; a band-like mounting device body having a plurality of insertion holes into which the probe mounting parts are to be inserted to fix the probe holder in position by means of the insertion holes; belts whose one ends are respectively connected to both longitudinal ends of the mounting device body and whose other ends are engaged with each other; and an adjusting belt connected to the mounting device body at a position where the probe holder is fixed in position in a lateral direction of the mounting device body.
US08423106B2
A physiological monitor for determining blood oxygen saturation of a medical patient includes a sensor, a signal processor and a display. The sensor includes at least three light emitting diodes. Each light emitting diode is adapted to emit light of a different wavelength. The sensor also includes a detector, where the detector is adapted to receive light from the three light emitting diodes after being attenuated by tissue. The detector generates an output signal based at least in part upon the received light. The signal processor determines blood oxygen saturation based at least upon the output signal, and the display provides an indication of the blood oxygen saturation.
US08423095B2
A method and system for determining standby time for a mobile station uses a battery simulator, a base station emulator, a computer to control the test equipment and MSUT for testing a mobile station. The computer includes a module for determining a radio off battery voltage, a module for deriving a battery capacity in dependence upon the radio off battery voltage, a module for measuring battery capacity usage in a predetermined time while the mobile station is in standby mode and a module for determining a standby time for the mobile station in dependence upon the battery capacity and the battery capacity usage, where the predetermined time is less than the standby time.
US08423094B2
A femtocell includes a memory, a transmitter, a receiver and a controller. The memory stores access probability values in different time periods, and a comparison table of power saving rates and probability thresholds. Each power saving rate is a proportion of the time periods whose access probability values are not more than a predetermining probability threshold and all time periods. The controller includes a setting module setting the predetermining probability threshold, a time module getting a current time and a corresponding current time period, a user identifying module determining whether the user accessing the femtocell through the receiver is a registered user, a switching module controlling the transmitter through determining whether the access probability value at the current time period is less than the predetermined probability threshold, a statistic module calculating the access probability value at the current time period according to the identifying result of the user identifying module.
US08423089B2
A mobile terminal and a method for controlling operation of the same are provided. A command input key including a command or an icon, which allows the user to input a command to execute an application to the mobile terminal, is displayed on the mobile terminal. The user may input a command to execute at least two applications to the mobile terminal through one command input key. The display state of the command input key is changed according to the pressure or duration of operation of the command input key. Through the changed display state of the command input key, the user can know which type of application is executed in response to operation of the command input key.
US08423087B2
A mobile terminal including a display unit configured to simultaneously display a message list region, a phonebook search region and a user input region on the touch screen, an activating unit configured to activate at least one of the message list region and the phonebook search region, an inputting unit configured to input contents in the user input region, and a control unit configured to control the display unit to display at least one message including the contents input through the user input region in the message list region when the user input region is activated, and to display at least one phonebook data item including the contents input through the user input region in the phonebook search region when the phonebook search region is activated.
US08423082B2
An imaging device comprising: a camera; and a control unit that encodes an image photographed by the camera to form an encoded image, wherein re-booting of the camera and the encoding by the control unit are carried out in parallel to each other.
US08423059B2
Systems and methods for assigning short codes to provide uniformity among wireless carriers. In the systems and methods, a Universal Short Code (USC) Administrator maintains a list of short codes and their lease status so that SMS messages sent to a particular short code may be routed to the proper holder of the short code. A network facilitator is in communication with both the USC Administrator and at least one wireless carrier to route the SMS message to the proper holder of the short code. The short code may be leased for a specified period of time so that the short code can be reassigned after expiration of the lease.
US08423056B2
A method for informing at least one person of time-sensitive information via a short message service is disclosed. The technology initially accesses a data base of contact information related to at least one person in response to receiving a request to deliver the time-sensitive information via a short message service. The time-sensitive information is then assigned to at least one person. The time-sensitive information is then sent to at least one person. Then feedback is received as to at least one person's receipt of the time-sensitive information.
US08423036B2
A system is proposed to provide DRX/DTX configuration for mixed real time and non-real time transmission scenarios in a mobile telecommunications environment, particularly applicable to 3GPP networks. The proposed DRX/DTX configuration involves maintaining the DRX/DTX interval the same between the switching of real time VoIP data from an active period to a silence period. The proposed DRX/DTX configuration schedules transmission and/or reception times for a mobile device so that packets for non-real time services are transmitted/received immediately after packets for real time services.
US08423030B2
A method, system and computer-readable product for a fixed mobile convergence system. The method includes analyzing at least one rule set associated with at least one user profile with the user profile being associated with at least one mobile device supporting more than one line. Each line offering one or more transports and options for establishing a telephone call. After analyzing the one or more rule sets, a context-specific real-time usage mode is determined based on the analysis which include selections of a telephone line, a transport and establishment options. After determining the usage mode, a call is established between one of the devices and a telephony endpoint, either incoming or outgoing, based on the determined usage mode.
US08423027B2
A system, method, and computer readable medium for a softer handoff comprises receiving a Pilot Strength Measurement Message (PSMM) to request a handoff by a selector distribution unit (SDU), receiving a softer handoff request message by a channel element control (CEC), receiving a softer handoff request message by a radio call control (RCC), receiving a traffic channel assignment message by the CEC, and receiving an indication of an addition of a new sector for the softer handoff by the SDU.
US08423026B2
A cell redirection process in accordance with load balancing and user terminal conditions, and a prompt cell reverting at the time of redirection failure are provided. A cell redirection control method under a situation where a base station controls two or more cells, the method comprising steps of: transmitting a response acknowledgement for a connection set-up to a redirected cell in accordance with a redirection instruction that instructs a redirection to another cell controlled by a base station and is transmitted from the base station at the time of an RRC connection in a user terminal; determining in the user terminal whether a connection to the redirected cell is successful within a range of a maximum number of retransmissions; and performing a reverting process for reverting back to an originating cell when the connection to the redirected cell fails, in the user terminal.
US08423010B1
One or more computer readable media, that enable a method for remotely activating one or more communication-forwarding functions for a mobile-communication device are provided. The present invention allows a forwarding service operated by a provider of mobile communication services and a forwarding application that runs on a mobile communication device to be remotely activated by a user that does not have possession of the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device receives an activation message with instructions to automatically activate a communication-forwarding function. In response to the activation message the mobile communication device activates the requested communication-forwarding function in conformity with the instructions in the activation message. The activation message is generated and sent by an activation-message generator.
US08423002B2
A mobile device may determine an address of a location server to use for location-based services to the mobile device. In one implementation, a mobile device may retrieve a service list that indicates services available to the mobile device and determine whether location-based services are enabled for the mobile device. The mobile device may additionally retrieve, from a file stored as part of a file structure associated with a smart card of the mobile device, a network address of a location server corresponding to the location-based services. The mobile device may connect to the location server to obtain location-based services from the location server.
US08422999B1
Cellular telephone camera used to obtain an image, and to produce an output that helps recognize the words within that image, for example, a menu or a bill in a restaurant. The cellular telephone can have a low-light camera device so that it can obtain images in low light. The image processing can recognize characters in the image and display those characters using the phone's own internal font(s).
US08422995B2
Messages are routed via a cellular communications network to multiple cellular communications receivers configured for answering calls placed to a common subscriber number, such that a message originated with a single cellular call may reach multiple recipients. The geographic area of message distribution may be controlled by selectively enabling different cell sites for calling particular subscriber numbers. The cellular receivers may have message storage capabilities for subsequent replay of received messages. Message storage may be provided by downloading messages to a conventional telephone answering device also connected for landline telephone call answering, thereby adding received cellular messages to recorded landline telephone messages.
US08422990B2
A method for setting up a data link including requesting an identity of an IP network node by a registration module, transmitting an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) stored on a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card of the IP network node to the registration module, storing the received IMSI in a user database of the registration module, complementing an IP data channel to form signal and data channels of a GSM network by a signaling gateway module, using the complemented IP data channel as a basis for generating the necessary SS7/MAP functions for authenticating the IP network node, authenticating the IP network node by using the IMSI of the SIM card of the IP network node, receiving an entry in the user database of the registration module upon successful authentication, and setting up a data link to at least some of the network nodes.
US08422988B1
Activity levels are controlled and transmission costs are reduced for wireless mobile devices. Power consumption is optimized. Mobile device based activities are categorized according to importance, and associated with power thresholds. Actions are specified to perform responsive to the level of the battery dropping below specific power thresholds. The battery is periodically polled to determine its current level. Responsive to the current level dropping below a given power threshold, the associated action(s) are performed. Communication activity is also optimized in compliance with a service plan. A current service plan copy is maintained on the mobile device. Actions are specified to take when communication reaches given usage thresholds within a plan period. Communication use is tracked, and compared with usage thresholds. Responsive to communication reaching a threshold within a plan period, the associated action(s) are performed.
US08422984B2
Techniques presented herein allow connections with different (albeit possibly similar) scheduling or data delivery services to be aggregated (or “bundled”) into groups, with each group assigned a common Power Savings Class Type. Bundling different connections into common PSC types may reduce the overall number of different sleep windows for active connections, which may help reduce overall power consumption. For example, by automatically activating different PSC types (for different bundles of connections), the reduced number of sleep windows may overlap in a manner that results in the MS spending more overall time in a low power state than when conventional “unbundled” PSC schemes are utilized.
US08422983B2
In a radio receiver, an analog/digital converting unit, which digitalizes a received signal down-converted in a radio frequency unit and takes the digitalized signal in a baseband unit, is capable of setting a bias current. A method of controlling power consumption includes determining whether a change is a first change in which a state is changed from a receive state to a standby state of the communication signal or a second change in which a state is changed from the standby state to the receive state based on a digital signal output from the analog/digital converting unit; and setting the bias current to a value smaller than a value in case of the second change when the determined change is the first change, and setting the bias current to a value larger than a value in case of the first change when the determined change is the second change.
US08422971B2
A receiver for a wireless communication device comprising a mechanism for performing spur mitigation. A spur mitigation unit of the receiver is operable to determine a current estimate of a spur signal from an ADC output signal using a growing box filter. The spur mitigation unit can determine a power of the current estimate of the spur signal and a power of a previous estimate of the spur signal using a power measurement unit. The spur mitigation unit can determine whether the power of the previous estimate of the spur signal is greater than the power of the current estimate of the spur signal. If the power of the previous spur signal estimate is greater than the power of the current spur signal estimate, the spur mitigation unit can remove the spur signal from the ADC output signal based on the previous spur signal estimate.
US08422968B2
Wireless circuitry in an electronic device may contain radio-frequency transceiver circuitry and power amplifier circuitry that transmits radio-frequency signals through an antenna. A tap and power detector that are interposed in the radio-frequency signal path between the power amplifier circuitry and the antenna may be used to make output power measurements. Control circuitry may control the wireless circuitry in an open-loop control regime in which output power adjustments are based on a requested power without using the output power measurements. The control circuitry may also control the wireless circuitry in a closed-loop control regime in which the output power measurements serve as a source of real time feedback to determine whether to increase or decrease the output power. The output power may be controlled using linear transition zone power control curves in a transition zone between the open-loop regime and the closed-loop regime.
US08422963B2
A selected rate is received for an apparatus based on a hypothesized signal-to-noise-and-interference ratio (SINR) for the apparatus, and characterized statistics of noise and interference observed at a receiver for the apparatus. Data are processed in accordance with the rate selected for the apparatus.
US08422958B2
Spectrum sensing in wireless communications is provided to identify utilized and/or unutilized frequency bands reserved for primary users using a cyclostationary beamforming approach. An adaptive cross self-coherent restoral (ACS) algorithm can be utilized to extract signals of interest (SOI) at unique cycle frequencies related to primary and/or secondary users from an antenna array measurement. Based on the SOI, one or more users of the spectrum can be identified or the spectrum can be regarded as vacant; this can be based on lobe identification in the frequency spectrum of the SOI, in one example. This mechanism is less complex than traditional cyclic spectrum analysis methods. The cyclostationary beamforming based approach is more effective than the energy detection method. Also, the need for quiet periods in spectrum sensing is eliminated when using this mechanism such that signals can be transmitted simultaneously with receiving signals over the antenna array.
US08422943B2
Provided is a mobile communication system capable of eliminating the use of a control channel for transmitting specific area information and suppressing the overhead caused by a frequency change process for a mobile station to receive the specific area information. In the mobile communication system, a relay station (20) has a coverage area (21) (specific area) and relays and transmits, in the coverage area (21), a signal received from a base station (10) to a mobile station (30). The relay station (20) adds, to the signal received from the base station (10), the offset of any of a frequency offset, a time offset, and a power offset depending on a risk indicated by risk information in the coverage area (21) (specific area) and transmits the signal after the addition of the offset to the mobile station (30) located in the coverage area (21).
US08422939B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises detecting, by a wireless network switch, a new association between an access point and a wireless station. Thereafter, a first message is transmitted from the wireless network switch. The first message is adapted to cause the access point to (i) join a multicast group to which the wireless station is a member and (ii) transmit a multicast message directly to a multicast router without routing the multicast message via the wireless network switch.
US08422938B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate transmitting at least two different types of information in a single signal, whereby the different types of information can be encoded and decoded independently. Thus, changes to one type of information does not affect a second type of information.
US08422937B2
There are provided a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus which can adjust adhesive strength by a simple configuration.A toner image for adhesive strength adjustment is formed on a toner image of a sheet to be bonded by an image forming portion provided in a copying machine body. An adhesive is applied onto a bonding portion of the sheet by a gluing device provided in a finisher. The bonding portion of the sheet onto which the adhesive is applied and the toner image having the toner image for adhesive strength adjustment of the sheet are bonded together by a second pushing-out member and a pair of second folding rollers provided in the finisher. The amount of toner forming the toner image for adhesive strength adjustment formed by the image forming portion is adjusted to adjust the adhesive strength of the adhesive.
US08422936B2
Disclosed is an image forming system including: an image forming apparatus; finishing apparatuses; and a conveyance unit apparatus; wherein the image forming apparatus include: a control section to judge which of the finishing apparatuses performs finishing and to transmit a judgment result to the conveyance unit apparatus, and the conveyance unit apparatus includes: placement sections, a conveyance path, discharging sections, discharging-section switching sections among which a discharging-section switching section corresponding to a discharging section discharging the sheet is switched, and a control section which judges the discharging section as discharging the sheet based on the judgment result and which switches the discharging-section switching section so that the sheet is discharged to the judged discharging section.
US08422919B2
A toning apparatus for an electrophotographic marking engine using multi-component developer includes a magnet for producing a magnetic field through the surface of a toning member, so that carrier particles in the developer in a receiving zone are attracted to the toning member. A rotatable ribbon blender includes an axle, a first inner ribbon and a first outer ribbon having opposite handednesses of twist and arranged to rotate with the axle, and a paddle connected to the first outer ribbon. The ribbon blender is disposed at least partially in the developer in a sump, so that when the ribbon blender rotates, the paddle transports developer from the sump to the receiving zone. No feed roller or supply roller is required; the ribbon blender mixes and transports developer.
US08422914B2
A developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes: a frame; a developer carrying member for carrying a developer; a regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member; a supporting member provided on the frame in a state in which the supporting member supports an end of the regulating member at a first end portion thereof; a grip portion, provided with a spacing from a second end portion of the supporting member opposite from the first end portion of the supporting member, for gripping the developing cartridge; and a sheet member, provided on the supporting member so as to extend from the second end portion toward the grip portion, for covering the second end portion by being bent by an operation for gripping the grip portion.
US08422912B2
An image forming cartridge includes a photoconductor; a charger with a charging member contactable with the photoconductor; a case that accommodates the photoconductor and the charger; a cover which is detachably attached to the case and covers at least a part of the photoconductor; and a separating member which is located, on the cover, between a region other than the region of the photoconductor where an image is formed and the charger and separated them from each other.
US08422892B2
There is provided an image forming apparatus including: an image data acquiring unit that acquires image data of an image formed on a sheet; an identification information acquiring unit that acquires identification information that identifies the sheet on which the image is formed; an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data on the sheet with a decolorable colorant which becomes colorless by a predetermined chemical reaction and that forms an identification information image based on the identification information on the sheet with a non-decolorable colorant which does not become colorless by the chemical reaction; and a storage control unit that stores the identification information and the image data of the image to be formed on the sheet, on which the identification information image corresponding to the identification information is formed, in a predetermined storage region in a correlated manner.
US08422889B2
Noise may be received through a microphone included in a lighting apparatus. The noise may then be analyzed to determine if a human being may have been the source of the noise, and a message sent over a network alerting other devices that a human-caused noise was detected.
US08422878B2
An imaging apparatus and an auto focusing method are provided. A plurality of focus signal values are calculated for a plurality of frequency bands of a captured image signal. An amount of defocus of a focus lens is calculated based on focus signal values calculated for two positions. A position of the focus lens is controlled depending on the calculated amount of defocus. Thereby, the imaging apparatus can detect a focus at higher speed.
US08422872B2
An image processing method and apparatus for automatically rotating an image and a display unit, and an information storage medium storing image information. The apparatus including a photographing unit which generates image data and a rotation sensing unit which generates rotational information of a rotation state of the photographing unit. When an object is photographed, the rotation information of the image is obtained and stored together, and when the image is displayed, the rotation is analyzed and the image and display unit are automatically rotated. When an image including moving picture information is watched, an image always optimized to be horizontal without additional work by a user can be seen.
US08422869B2
A fog effects system includes a control system, a fog fluid reservoir, an elongated insulator, an elongated electric heating element, an air supply subsystem, a fog fluid supply subsystem, and a handheld body. The control system can include a battery-operated power supply and a user-operable control. The heating element extends along the insulator. The control system electrically energizes the heating element during system operation. The air supply subsystem directs a flow of air along the heating element during system operation. The fog fluid supply supplies fog fluid to the flow of air. The heating element vaporizes the fog fluid, which is emitted from an end of the system.
US08422863B2
Provided is a video information playback method of reducing a wait time until playback is resumed when resume playback of a content whose video playback can be controlled by a program operating in a virtual machine. After playback of the content is stopped in the resume playback, the program operating in the virtual machine determines whether or not the content to be playback-resumed is a content whose playback is possible either when the program operating in the virtual machine is activated or deactivated. The information of the determining indicating whether the playback is enabled or disabled is recorded in a nonvolatile memory. When a playback resume instruction is inputted, the information of the determining related to the content to be playback-resumed is read out. When the content is determined to be playback-enabled, playback is resumed from the playback stop position without activating the program operating in the virtual machine. Otherwise, the program operating in the virtual machine is activated, and then the playback is resumed.
US08422860B2
An image processing apparatus includes a recorder. A recorder records repeatedly-fetched object scene images as a moving image. An extractor extracts one portion of the object scene images recorded by the recorder, in parallel with the recording process of the recorder. An evacuator alternatively evacuates a predetermined number, which is an upper limit, of the object scene images extracted by the extractor. An allocator allocates the object scene images evacuated by the evacuator at a time point at which the recording process of the recorder is ended, to the moving image recorded by the recorder. A controller starts up the evacuator at a frequency that is decreased according to an increase in an amount of moving images recorded by the recorder.
US08422859B2
A multimedia processing system identifies chapter breaks in a program represented by multimedia data through an analysis of audio content of a portion of the multimedia data so as to identify an interval that potentially represents a chapter break. This audio analysis can include an analysis to identify changes in high frequency edges in the audio content, an analysis to identify changes in the total energy in a central frequency band of the audio content, an analysis to identify patterns of sequentially repeating values in the audio content, an analysis to identify changes in bitrate, or some combination thereof. One or more variances in the audio information at (e.g., before) the start of the interval and the audio information at (e.g., after) the end of the interval then may be used to identify or otherwise characterize the interval as representing an actual chapter break. Further, a chapter represented by two consecutive chapter breaks can be identified as an advertisement based on the duration between the two consecutive chapter breaks and thus the multimedia processing device can implement a “commercial skip function” by omitting playback of the portion of the multimedia data representing the chapter responsive to the chapter being identified as an advertisement.
US08422858B2
Methods and systems are described for coordinating playing of media streams. In one aspect, an access by a media player to a presentation device to play a media stream is detected. Additionally, presentation focus information is accessed for determining whether the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Further, it is determine, based on the presentation focus information, that the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Still further, in response to determining the media player has presentation focus, it is indicated that the media player is allowed to play the media stream via the presentation device.
US08422851B2
Methods and systems for generating playback instructions for time-warped playback of presentation layer protocol data. The method includes a protocol engine executing on a computing device recording a protocol data stream comprising a plurality of packets representing a user session. The protocol engine determines a complexity factor for a first portion of the protocol data stream and for a second portion of the protocol data stream based on content of the packets of the protocol data stream. The protocol engine determines a first playback rate for the first portion of the protocol data stream and a second playback rate for the second portion of the protocol data stream using the complexity factor of each portion of the protocol data stream, wherein the first playback rate differs from the second playback rate. The protocol engine renders the protocol data stream according to the determined playback rates.
US08422846B2
A fiber management device includes a first member having a floor, a first end, a second end and first and second sides, the first end including at least one holder for securing at least one optical fiber adapter to the first member, the second end including a frame holding a plurality of fiber optic connectors, the first side and second sides including first and second fiber guide structures. A first optical fiber connector is in the at least one holder, and includes a first plurality of optical fibers forming a first loop on the floor that contacts the first fiber guide structure and the second fiber guide structure. A second member includes a housing releasably connected to the first member and defining with the first member an enclosure for the first loop.
US08422844B2
A plastic optical fiber cable includes: a bare plastic optical fiber including a core formed of a polymer containing a methyl methacrylate unit, and a clad layer including a layer formed of a specific fluorine-containing olefin resin at least in the outermost layer; and a coating layer around the bare plastic optical fiber, the coating layer including a light-shielding coating layer formed of a specific nylon resin composition, a functional coating layer (C) and a functional coating layer (D) in this order, where one of the functional coating layer (C) and the functional coating layer (D) is formed of a resin composition (I) containing a polybutylene terephthalate resin as a major component or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer as a major component; the other is formed of a specific nylon resin composition (II); and a ratio of the thickness of the functional coating layer (C) to the thickness of the functional coating layer (D) is set to fall within a specific range.
US08422837B2
A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor layer having a semiconductor integrated circuit, which is for processing an electrical signal, on a semiconductor substrate and an optical interconnect layer for transmitting an optical signal are joined. Control of modulation of the optical signal transmitted in the optical interconnect layer is performed by an electrical signal from the semiconductor layer, and an electrical signal generated by reception of light in the optical interconnect layer is transmitted to the semiconductor layer. The optical interconnect layer is disposed on the underside of the semiconductor substrate.
US08422835B2
An optical waveguide feedthrough assembly passes at least one optical waveguide through a bulk head, a sensor wall, or other feedthrough member. The optical waveguide feedthrough assembly comprises a cane-based optical waveguide that forms a glass plug sealingly disposed in a feedthrough housing. For some embodiments, the optical waveguide includes a tapered surface biased against a seal seat formed in the housing. The feedthrough assembly can include an annular gold gasket member disposed between the tapered surface and the seal seat. The feedthrough assembly can further include a backup seal. The backup seal comprises an elastomeric annular member disposed between the glass plug and the housing. The backup seal may be energized by a fluid pressure in the housing. The feedthrough assembly is operable in high temperature and high pressure environments.
US08422830B2
An image processing system includes a first image processor that reads out a first image written in a main memory to apply a first process to the first image and write in the main memory as a second image, a second image processor that reads out a second image written in the main memory to apply a second process to the second image and write in the main memory as a second image, and an address snooping apparatus that snoops an address of the image written in the main memory to start the first process when the address is indicated to a previously set first value and start the second process when the address is indicated to a previously set second value, effectively enabling synchronization between a process by a CPU or a special purpose processor and a data delivery/receipt process between pipeline stages.
US08422813B2
An image processing method includes the following steps. First, noise of a first image is filtered, and the first image is converted to obtain a first luminance signal. Second, a color space converting process is performed upon the first image to obtain a second image. Third, the second image is stored and outputted. Fourth, noise of the second image is filtered, and the second image is converted to obtain a second luminance signal. Fifth, a linear computing is performed to obtain a third image. Sixth, an error compensation is performed upon the third image and the second image, and the third image is outputted. Seventh, the color space converting process is performed to obtain and output a fourth image. The linear computing and the error compensation are performed upon a single image to filter the noise of the images, and thus a load of a system may be decreased.
US08422812B2
An image processor is provided with the high-frequency component detecting unit that calculates a convolution for each of regions of interest in part of an image region of input image data, to output the high-frequency component detection result for each pixel of interest; the smoothing unit that smoothes the image data, to output the smoothed image data; and the image data processing unit that combines based on the high-frequency component detection result the image data with the smoothed image data, to output the combined image data; wherein the image data processing unit varies the combination rate for the smoothed image data, based on the high-frequency component detection result. Thereby, even when a region in the image data contains such high frequency components as a checkered pattern has, an image resistant to moiré that would be generated in magnifying or reducing of the image on a region basis can be displayed without deterioration of image quality.
US08422808B2
Image encoding apparatus 10 according to the present invention is an image encoding apparatus 10 for dividing image signals into blocks, performing an orthogonal transform of each block, reading resultant orthogonal transform coefficients to obtain a coefficient string, and performing entropy coding, which has block selector 14 for selecting a size of a block for the orthogonal transform, out of a plurality of blocks of different sizes; coefficient string divider 12 for, when a block of a size larger than a minimum size is selected by block selector 14, dividing a coefficient string in the block into a plurality of coefficient strings of a length equal to that of a coefficient string in a block of the minimum size; and encoder 13 for performing entropy coding adapted to the coefficient string in the block of the minimum size. This substantializes the image encoding apparatus capable of achieving efficient entropy coding in the orthogonal transform of variable sizes.
US08422801B2
An image encoding method that allows stereoscopic rendering basically comprises the following steps. In a primary encoding step (VDE1), a visual image is encoded in accordance with a standard. In an auxiliary encoding step (GRE), stereo-enabling data that is associated with the visual image is encoded as if the stereo-enabling data was an auxiliary image that can be combined with the visual image in accordance with the standard concerned. The stereo-enabling data comprises respective values that indicate respective distances between respective areas in the visual image and a virtual observer. In a composition definition step (CTR1), a composition definition is provided that causes a decoding device, which operates in accordance with the standard, to include the stereo-enabling data as a graphics image in at least one specific area of an output image, which can be transmitted to a display device.
US08422798B1
Embodiments of the invention view image intensity data as a spectrum of underlying wave forms. The spectrum of these waves can be approximated using spectral estimation techniques where the spectrum parameters constitute the compressed image. The image's underlying wave forms can be recovered using an inverse Fourier transform. The original image can also be symmetrically extended prior to the transform to preserve real valued transformed data and model parameters. The modeling method is typically based on a linear predictive methodology to obtain the spectrum parameters. Other transforms include a 2-D Fourier transform that transforms the image into a holographic representation similar to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) phase history. This 2-D waveform holographic format can be decorrelated into 1-D planar waves by applying a 1D Fourier transform. This process enables 1-D linear predictive modeling to obtain the spectral parameters. For compression applications the model parameters are preferably quantized.
US08422791B2
Disclosed herein are a method and system for classifying a detected region of change of a video frame as one of an abandoned object event and an object removal event, wherein a plurality of boundary blocks define a boundary of said region of change. For each one of a set of said boundary blocks (510), the method determines a predicted edge characteristic (520) and an observed edge characteristic (530) for said boundary block. The method then determines an individual block score (540) for said boundary block, based on said predicted edge characteristic (520) for said boundary block and said observed edge characteristic (530) for said boundary block. Once all of the set of boundary blocks have been processed, the method determines a global score (560) for said region of change, based on said individual block scores of said boundary blocks. The method then classifies the region of change (570) as an abandoned object event or an object removal event, based on how the overall score relates to a threshold.
US08422786B2
A method, a system and a computer program product for analyzing a document are disclosed. In response to receiving the document, the document is partitioned into a plurality of segments using a set of pre-defined attributes. The plurality of segments of the document is mapped with corresponding segments of at least one template selected from a set of stored templates. A first template from the set of stored templates is selected and a group of segments in the first template is identified by computing at least one of a structural similarity and a textual similarity associated with the group of segments compared with the plurality of segments of the document. A subset of segments from the group of segments is aligned with corresponding segments from the plurality of segments of the document. A set of scores is computed using a set of pre-defined criteria, in response to the mapping. The document is analyzed based on the computed set of scores.
US08422784B2
An embodiment of a method is disclosed for compressing digital images which can be displayed by a graphics card. An embodiment of the method includes providing an image by the graphics card; marking out a foreground region in the image provided on the basis of depth information provided in the graphics card; compressing the marked-out foreground region; simplifying the image by smoothing the foreground region marked out in the image; and separately compressing the simplified image.
US08422778B2
During compressing an image at the compression processing section (image compressing apparatus), the color image processing apparatus detects edge of text and/or line art, generates the foreground layer represented by binary image for showing the detected edge, compresses the foreground layer with lossless compression, and compresses the background layer which is an image except the foreground layer with lossy compression. Furthermore, the color image processing apparatus sets the foreground layer color different from a color of text or line art, and provides information representing the set color into the compression file. As the set color, the color image processing apparatus utilizes the overall color representative for whole region of the image, or the text-vicinity color in the image. The edge region of the text and/or line art are represented with such the set color on the reproduced image based on the compression file.
US08422774B2
Vectorization of an image in which a monospaced line and surfaces coexist without generation of a gap in a boundary between the monospaced line and the surfaces or between the surfaces, is realized. Separation processing of the monospaced line and the surface is executed for each color region. After the separation, a pixel position where the monospaced line is located is filled with color information of an adjacent surface. Boundary-sharing type vectorization processing is executed for data which is obtained by filling the monospaced line. Further, vector data expressed by a core line and a line width is generated based on the monospaced line obtained by separation processing of the monospaced line and surface. A vectorization result of the monospaced line extracted according to each color, and a vectorization result of a boundary line of the surface generated from data after a monospaced line region is filled are outputted.
US08422772B2
A decoding device decodes coded image data having a plurality of color components and includes a variable length decoding unit that performs variable length decoding on the coded image data to generate variable length decoded data. A separation unit separates the plurality of color components to a predetermined number of color components, and obtains, from the variable length decoded data generated by the variable length decoding unit, each of pieces of data to be decoded in decoding processes, as necessary data required in at least one of decoding processes, and the decoding processes each corresponding to a corresponding component of the predetermined number of color components. Each of the image reconstruction units corresponds to a corresponding component of the predetermined number of color components, and generates, in parallel, decoded images regarding the respective components using the necessary data obtained by the separation unit.
US08422769B2
Methods of image segmentation using reduced foreground training data are described. In an embodiment, the foreground and background training data for use in segmentation of an image is determined by optimization of a modified energy function. The modified energy function is the energy function used in image segmentation with an additional term comprising a scalar value. The optimization is performed for different values of the scalar to produce multiple initial segmentations and one of these segmentations is selected based on pre-defined criteria. The training data is then used in segmenting the image. In other embodiments further methods are described: one places an ellipse inside the user-defined bounding box to define the background training data and another uses a comparison of properties of neighboring image elements, where one is outside the user-defined bounding box, to reduce the foreground training data.
US08422765B2
A three-dimensional image analysis system, a process device for use in the three-dimensional image analysis system, and a method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional image analysis system is configured to generate a plurality of three-dimensional data of a three-dimensional image. The process device defines a plurality of horizontal scan lines and a plurality of vertical scan lines according to the three dimensional data, determines a preliminary edge information of the three-dimensional image according to the horizontal scan lines and the vertical scan lines, divides the three dimensional data into a plurality of groups, compares the groups to determine a plane information of the three-dimensional image, and determines an edge information of the three-dimensional image according to the preliminary edge information and the plane information. The method is adapted for the process device.
US08422762B2
An abnormality detecting apparatus includes an imaging device for obtaining image data of a TIM, a failure detecting section for detecting appearance failures of the TIM on the basis of the image data of the TIM obtained by the imaging device, and a determining device for determining whether an abnormality occurs at the TIM on the basis of a detection result by the failure detecting section.
US08422755B2
A system and method for comparing captured sequences of in-vivo images with (e.g., template) sequences, for example, for computer-automated diagnosis. Captured in vivo images may be divided into a plurality of captured image sequences. For each of the plurality of captured sequences, the processor may assign a first and second set of scores to each frame in the captured sequence and align each frame in the captured sequence with one or more frames in the template sequence for which the comparisons therebetween generate the minimum scores in the first and second sets of scores. The processor may define a match between the template sequence and captured sequences having a combination of scores in the first and second sets of scores for the frames in the captured sets compared with the one or more aligned frames in the template sequence, which are below or above a threshold value.
US08422752B2
One or more blood vessel regions that represent one or more blood vessels that govern the function of an organ are extracted from a three dimensional anatomical image that represents the three dimensional shape of the organ. Next, blood vessel governed regions, the functions of which are governed by a single blood vessel, are estimated, based on each blood vessel region, while regions other than the blood vessel governed regions are estimated to be non governed regions. Index values to be indices of diagnosis are calculated by analyzing evaluation values that constitute a three dimensional functional image, without using the evaluation values included in the non governed regions. Then, the calculated index values are output to a display screen or the like.
US08422748B2
A method for grouping airway and artery pairs, includes: computing a two-dimensional (2D) cross-section of an airway; identifying regions of high-intensity in the 2D cross-section; computing a first indicator for each of the high intensity regions, wherein the first indicator is an orientation measure of the high intensity region with respect to the airway; computing a second indicator for each of the high intensity regions, wherein the second indicator is a circularity measure of the high intensity region; computing a third indicator for each of the high intensity regions, wherein the third indicator is a proximity measure of the high intensity region with respect to the airway; summing the first through third indicators for each of the high intensity regions to obtain a score for each of the high intensity regions; and determining which of the high intensity regions is an artery corresponding to the airway based on its score.
US08422747B1
A method for enabling a new member of a social network to tag photos of the new member is described, where the photos have been previously uploaded by existing members before the new member joined the social network. For example, a system can obtain a reference image (e.g., a profile picture) of the new member. The system compares the reference image to stored images in the social network using facial recognition technology and generates a list of stored images in which the new member may be pictured. The system enables the new member to take one or more predefined actions with regard to each image in the list. For example, the predefined actions may include tagging an image in which the new member is pictured, or sending a notification to the owner of an image in the list.
US08422746B2
The present invention relates to a face authentication system and an authentication method thereof. The system includes a photographing unit for detecting a face image of an authentication target person by using an auto focus lens equipped therewith; a distance extraction unit for extracting a distance from the photographing unit to a face of the authentication target person; a feature extraction unit for extracting feature points and distances therebetween of the face image for the authentication target person, which are detected by the photographing unit; an analysis unit for performing an analysis by comparing a distance to the face of the authentication target person extracted from the distance extraction unit with pre-registered distance information to the face of the authentication target person, and comparing feature points and distances therebetween of the face image for the authentication target person, which are extracted from the feature extraction unit, with pre-registered information of the face image of the authentication target person; and an authentication unit for authenticating the authentication target person according to an analysis result obtained by comparison of the analysis unit.
US08422734B1
A method for processing an image includes capturing a current frame and a previous frame and performing uni-directional motion estimation on the same for obtaining an initial motion vector; performing motion compensated interpolation with respect to the current and previous frames, and the motion vector for acquiring an interpolated frame; calculating and obtaining second motion vectors corresponding to target blocks in the current frame symmetrically using the interpolated block as a center; calculating and obtaining third motion vectors corresponding to the second motion vectors in the previous frame; obtaining distance values using a motion trajectory calibration process with respect to the second and third motion vectors; and obtaining the minimum distance value from the distance values and performing a bi-directional motion compensation process with respect to the motion trajectory corresponding to the minimum distance value obtained from the distance values.
US08422731B2
Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices and systems associated with video fingerprinting are disclosed.
US08422730B2
The present invention provides a system for analyzing forensic digital evidence using an image filter and a method thereof. The system for analyzing forensic evidence using an image filter includes: a duplicator that creates a copy of digital evidence; a verifying unit that discriminates whether a copy and the original of the digital evidence are the same; an original storage that stores the original of the digital evidence; an evidence analyzer that classifies image files for the copy of the digital evidence stored in the original storage, on the basis of an image filtering model created by a learning model in accordance with predetermined categories, and then analyzes the evidence; and a reporting unit that creates a report about the result of evidence analysis. The image evidence analyzer includes an image file extractor, an image filtering model learning unit, an image filter, and a plurality of analyzers.
US08422725B2
A bobbin for a loudspeaker includes at least one base and at least one carbon nanotube structure. The at least one carbon nanotube structure is positioned on at least one surface of the base. A loudspeaker includes a magnetic circuit, a bobbin; a voice coil, and a diaphragm. The magnetic circuit defines a magnetic gap. The bobbin is located in the magnetic gap and includes at least one carbon nanotube structure. The voice coil is wounded on the bobbin. The diaphragm includes an inner rim fixed to the bobbin.
US08422713B2
A loudspeaker system for the reproduction of acoustic waves of music, sound and speech in a substantially circular horizontal plane. The loudspeaker system includes multiple spherical enclosures, each enclosure housing a pair of transducers, each pair of transducers producing acoustic waves of a predetermined frequency range.
US08422712B2
A sound reproduction system is disclosed in which at least one driver is provided, along with a horn member in acoustic loading relationship to the driver. The horn member defines an internal passageway having a first end and a second open end, with the driver at the first end, producing a driver soundwave having an initial central axis and an initial amplitude distribution. A plurality of vanes are disposed in the internal passageway, at different angles from the central axis to deflect respective portions of the driver soundwave so as to alter the initial amplitude distribution.
US08422710B2
The production of a hearing aid device suitable for wireless signal transmission is simplified by providing fastening elements connected as one piece with the housing shell. The fastening elements serve for placement and fastening of an antenna or coil in the housing shell of the appertaining hearing aid device. The production of a hearing aid device with a corresponding antenna or coil is thereby simplified. The alignment of the antenna or coil in the housing shell can also already be optimized using a computer model of the housing shell.
US08422698B2
A signal processing apparatus includes: clip detector means that detects presence/absence of a clipped part with a deformed waveform in each of N audio signals output from N microphones (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) based on a dynamic range of a circuit; and interpolation means that treats an audio signal in the N audio signals which has the clipped part detected by the clip detector means as an interpolation target, and other audio signals as non-interpolation targets, and interpolates the waveform of the clipped part of the interpolation target using the waveform of at least one audio signal in the non-interpolation targets.
US08422695B2
A sound processing apparatus includes a sound determination portion operable to determine whether an input sound includes a first sound emitted from a particular source based on location information of the source, a sound separation portion operable to separate the input sound into the first sound and a second sound emitted from a source different from the particular source if the sound determination portion determines that the input sound includes the first sound, and a sound mixing portion operable to mix the first sound and the second sound separated by the sound separation portion at a prescribed volume ratio.
US08422686B2
A method for automated validation and execution of cryptographic key and certificate deployment and distribution includes providing one or more keys; providing one or more key deployment points; and distributing the one or more keys to the one or more key deployment points in an automated manner based on a matrix or pattern mapping of each of the one or more keys to be distributed to each of the one or more key deployment points.
US08422678B2
A method, apparatus and system enable security keys to be processed in a dedicated partition on a secure wireless platform. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may utilize a secure processing area (i.e., a dedicated partition) to generate security keys and to utilize the security keys to perform a 4-way handshake to provide confidentiality and integrity protection for all data communication between the wireless node and an access point.
US08422673B2
An apparatus, method and/or computer-readable medium protects against use of a unity key in a public key infrastructure (PKI). A public key and a private key are acquired according to the PKI. A message is encrypted by the public key to obtain ciphertext. A portion of the ciphertext is compared with a portion of the message. If the portion of the ciphertext is substantially equal to the portion of the message, a larger portion of the ciphertext is compared with a larger portion of the message to determine if the ciphertext is substantially equal to the message. If the ciphertext is substantially equal to the message, the ciphertext is rejected.
US08422672B2
An authenticated device 200 includes a memory unit 220 to store at least one algorithm identifier and at least one encryption key identifier, a transmitting unit 212 to transmit at least one algorithm identifier and at least one encryption key identifier stored by the memory unit 220 to an authenticating device 100, a receiving unit 211 to receive a prescribed algorithm identifier and a prescribed encryption key identifier selected from among at least one algorithm identifier and at least one encryption key identifier transmitted by the transmitting unit 212 from the authenticating device 100, and an authentication processing unit 296 to perform an authentication process with the authenticating device 100 based on the prescribed algorithm identifier and the prescribed encryption key identifier received by the receiving unit 211.
US08422667B2
An encrypted rolling code (11), a plurality of differing data bit order patterns (13), and a plurality of differing data inversion patterns 14) are provided. One then selects (15) a particular one of each of these patterns and uses those selected patterns as transmission characteristics when transmitting (16) at least part of the encrypted rolling code.
US08422661B2
A terminal includes a key input unit having a key section and an output unit outputting information inputted by the key input unit. The terminal includes a touch detection unit which detects a touch of an object to the key section and detects a moving distance that the object moves on a surface of the key section while keeping the touch and a control unit which switches information outputted to the output unit according to the moving distance detected by the touch detection unit.
US08422653B2
A method and system for providing computer-network related information about a calling party. First, the called party receives a telephone number of a calling party. The called party's customer premises equipment (CPE) or elements in a telephone network then use the telephone number to index a database, which contains combinations of telephone numbers and computer-network addresses. Once the calling party's computer-network address is retrieved, calling-party-customized information present at the computer-network location specified by the computer-network address can be sent to and displayed on the called party's CPE. Also, the calling party's telephone number can be sent to an application in the computer network, causing the calling-party-customized information to be automatically displayed on the called party's CPE.
US08422652B2
This client device (20) is able to use a service on a telecommunications network (1). It includes means (21) for storing a call credit (C_S1, C_S2) associated with that service and means (30) for updating that credit as a function of the use of that service by the client (20) on reception of a request from a service provider (FS1, FS2).
US08422646B2
A method and apparatus for forwarding voicemail is provided. A voicemail server determines that voicemail data stored in a memory device has been classified as urgent, the voicemail data for forwarding to a recipient communication device. Availability data associated with the recipient communication device is processed to determine an availability of the recipient communication device. If the availability data is indicative that the recipient communication device is available for receiving calls, then the voicemail data is provided to the recipient communication device.
US08422644B2
Systems and methods are provided for contact channel redirection to improve agent routing/assignment efficiency and customer experience. For example, the system may redirect a customer, waiting in a queue for an agent for telephonic communications, to a chat agent for online chat.
US08422636B2
An imaging system includes an x-ray source, a detector that receives x-rays emitted from the x-ray source, a DAS configured to count photon hits in the detector that occur at photon energies above at least a low keV threshold, a medium keV threshold, and a high keV threshold, and a computer operably coupled to the DAS. The computer is programmed to vary each of the medium keV threshold and the high keV threshold over a continuous keV range during data acquisition to define low, medium, and high keV bins that are based on the low, medium, and high keV thresholds, obtain photon counts in the low, medium, and high keV bins in a plurality of keV threshold combinations, calculate a noise variance as a function of at least one of the keV thresholds, and identify a noise minimum and low, medium, and high keV thresholds that correspond thereto.
US08422630B2
In order to prevent misdetection and erroneous detection by clearly determining only a contrast caused by a foreign matter, there are provided an X-ray inspection method and an X-ray inspection device including: an X-ray tube (11) for irradiating a measurement sample with a characteristic X-ray having energy lower than an X-ray absorption edge of one element contained in the measurement sample and having energy higher than an X-ray absorption edge of a detection element; an X-ray detector (13) for receiving a transmission X-ray obtained when the X-ray passes through the sample; and an operation portion (15) for obtaining a contrast image from a transmission image of the transmission X-ray.
US08422627B2
A method is disclosed for detecting X-ray radiation from an X-ray emitter. In at least one embodiment of the method, an electric pulse with a pulse amplitude characteristic of the energy of a quantum is generated when a quantum of the X-ray radiation impinges on a sensor, wherein a number of threshold energies are predetermined. When the pulse amplitude corresponding to the respective energy is exceeded, a signal is emitted each time the pulse amplitude corresponding to a respective threshold energy is exceeded. At least one embodiment of the method permits reliable and high-quality imaging, even in image regions with high X-ray quanta rates. To this end, at least one of the threshold energies is predetermined such that it is higher than the maximum energy of the X-ray spectrum emitted by the X-ray emitter.
US08422624B2
A method and an apparatus for dimensionally measuring parts by means of a coordinate measuring instrument. In order enable measurement of parts that are made of different materials with great accuracy, a computerized tomography sensor is integrated into the coordinate measuring instrument.
US08422614B2
Methods and apparatus for setting timing of sampling of one or more symbols. The disclosed methods account for at least three types of effective interference (EI) and are used to set the timing of a sampling window for sampling received symbols. The methods includes setting timing based on determining an energy density function accounting for both static and dynamic EI, determining the minimum of a total energy profile and sliding the sampling window to ensure that the minimum point is at a predetermined point, and determining and using a composite energy profile accounting for short term and long term fading effects. The disclosed apparatus include a transceiver employing one or more of the disclosed methods for setting timing when receiving the symbols.
US08422606B2
Certain aspects of the method may comprise receiving a plurality of spatially multiplexed communication signals from a plurality of transmit antennas at a base station. A plurality of vectors of baseband combined channel estimates may be generated based on phase rotation of the received plurality of spatially multiplexed communication signals. A plurality of pre-equalization weights may be generated based on the generated plurality of vectors of baseband combined channel estimates. The received plurality of spatially multiplexed communication signals may be modified based on the generated plurality of pre-equalization weights. At least a portion of the generated plurality of pre-equalization weights may be fed back to the base station for modifying subsequently transmitted spatially multiplexed communication signals which are transmitted from at least a portion of the plurality of transmit antennas at the base station.
US08422598B2
A method is provided for decoding a signal received by a receiver including at least one reception antenna. The method includes: selecting, among at least two techniques available in the receiver, a decoding technique representative of a space/time encoding implemented upon transmission; and decoding the signal using the selected decoding technique. The selecting step takes into account at least one selection criterion.
US08422595B2
According to an embodiment, a receiver, system and method for channel estimation in a communications system utilizing multiple transmit antennas are provided. The receiver comprises an antenna node operable to receive a signal that includes a superposition of at least a first signal corresponding to a first sequence and a second signal corresponding to a second sequence; and a channel estimator, coupled to the antenna node, operable to correlate the received signal with at least one of the first and second sequences, to determine at least one boundary between at least two waveforms resulting from the correlation, and to calculate using the boundary and the at least two waveforms a first channel response corresponding to the first signal and a second channel response corresponding the second signal. Channel estimates are determined based on determined boundaries and may be smoothed by a Savitzky-Golay filter in the frequency domain. The variance of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) may also be estimated.
US08422593B2
Disclosed is a wireless signal receiving apparatus, and more particularly, disclosed is a parallel automatic frequency offset estimation apparatus and method for tracking a frequency offset in an early stage by calculating, in parallel, frequency offsets of a received signal. The parallel automatic frequency offset estimation apparatus includes a receiving unit to receive a data frame; and a frequency offset estimation unit to calculate, in parallel, frequency and phase deviations at different bit intervals within a particular section of the received data frame, to add together the frequency and phase deviations to obtain a first sum of the frequency and phase deviations, and to add the first sum to a frequency phase deviation calculated for each bit after the particular section in the received data frame to obtain a second sum of the frequency and phase deviations. Accordingly, transmission frequency tracking can be performed at higher speed, compared to the conventional systems in which frequency offset acquisition is carried out in stages. Also, accurate tracking of a transmission frequency is possible in an initial frame.
US08422592B2
A duplicating section duplicates a bit sequence to be input, and a 16QAM section modulates a bit sequence of a duplicating source to form a symbol, a 16QAM section modulates the duplicated bit sequence to form a symbol, an S/P section parallel converts the symbol sequence input in series, an S/P section parallel converts the symbol sequence input in series, and an IFFT section 15 provides IFFT processing to the input symbol sequence. Since each of multiple same bits duplicated by the duplicating section is included in a different symbol, each of the multiple same bits is allocated to each of multiple subcarriers each having a different frequency by IFFT processing. As a result, a multicarrier signal including the multiple same bits each having a different frequency is generated.
US08422582B2
A method and apparatus are provided for emitting and receiving a signal in a multi-antennae system, using spatial precoding. A method for emitting a signal from an emitter towards a receiver via a transmission channel, in the form of a set of data flows, includes distributing the emission antennae into a plurality of groups containing at least one antenna, at least one group containing two antennae, according to at least one piece of information representing the transmission channel. The method also includes: attributing an efficiency to each emission antenna; allocating an emission power to each data flow; and spatial precoding the signal, using a matrix for diagonal precoding by blocks, containing at least two blocks, each block being associated with one of the groups of antennae.
US08422581B2
Provided is a multi-antenna transmission device (400) which can perform MLD by using a simple configuration of a reception device in a MIMO-AMC system. The multi-antenna transmission device (400) includes common signal point mapping units (401, 402) for mapping data transmitted from different antennas (111, 112) in transmission scheme using MIMO spatial multiplexing, to common signal points shared by respective modulation methods. Thus, the arrangement of baseband signal points obtained by mapping a code word after channel encoding onto an IQ plane can be shared as common signal points shared by modulation methods. Accordingly, the reception device need not prepare a particular circuit for performing MLD calculation in accordance with a combination of the methods for modulating the signals which have been MIMO-space multiplexed. This can reduce the circuit size of the MLD calculation circuit.
US08422577B1
During a first time interval, an access point transmits orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals using a first cyclic prefix length. The access point receives a plurality of signal reports, such as Channel Quality Indicators (CQIs), from user devices being served by the access point. Based on the signal reports, the access point determines a distribution of signal qualities experienced by the user devices. The access point selects a second cyclic prefix length based, at least in part, on the distribution of signal qualities. The access point transmits OFDM signals using the second cyclic prefix length during a second time interval.
US08422573B2
The invention discloses a transmitting apparatus. The transmitting apparatus uses the same transmission medium to transmit two signals that are within different frequency ranges at the same time. The transmitting apparatus increases the transmitting paths of the transmission medium so as to enhance the use of the transmission medium and save the production costs.
US08422571B2
A method for simultaneous transmission in time and frequency of multiple communications of data using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation includes transmitting the multiple communications of data at a same time on a single channel. A first starting signal, transmitted using a first network device, and a second starting signal, transmitted using a second network device, are used in transmission of a frame. Properties of the first starting signal and the second starting signal for transmission of each of the multiple communications are modified by shifting a frequency of the first starting signal with respect to a frequency of the second starting signal so that remaining communications coincident in time and frequency with respect to a given communication are ignored. The frequency of the first starting signal is shifted an amount equal to a fraction of a separation between carriers of the OFDM modulation.
US08422561B2
A method and system are provided for discriminating areas of content from areas of noise in difference images of a digital video sequence. This allows the fewest bits possible to be used to encode areas of noise according to a video compression algorithm. The method comprises computing a difference frame from current image data and a reference frame; comparing at least one component of a candidate block within the difference frame to a threshold value to discriminate between content and noise; and encoding the candidate block if content is detected.
US08422547B2
Disclosed herein is a signal transmission apparatus including a two-pixel sampling out control section, a word sampling out control section, and a readout control section.
US08422544B2
In a wireless communication system, a method for estimating a transmitted signal is disclosed. A wireless signal is received that includes a pilot channel and at least one other channel. A transmitted signal is estimated using an equalizer and the received wireless signal. The equalizer includes a filter with a plurality of taps that are adapted through use of an adaptive algorithm that uses an estimated pilot estimated from the received wireless signal. The pilot channel is transmitted in the wireless signal that included the at least one other channel. The estimated pilot is extracted and provided to the adaptive algorithm.
US08422542B2
A method of ameliorating channel effects present in a signal received through a channel, wherein the signal conveys at least first and second information streams and the method comprises the steps of determining from the first stream activation of the second stream and processing the signal to ameliorate channel effects, when the second stream is present, in a first manner comprising filtering the signal through filter means to ameliorate channel dispersion and then processing the signal through Rake receiver means or, when the second stream is absent, in a second manner comprising processing the signal through the Rake receiver means without prior amelioration of channel dispersion by the filter means.
US08422539B2
A multi-carrier receiver, multi-carrier transmitter and a multi-carrier transceiver system are provided. The multi-carrier receiver includes a first processing unit, a router and a second processing unit. The first processing unit has M first processing paths, applies intensity processing on at least a RF signal for outputting sub-carrier signals. The router has M input terminals and N output terminals, where the M input terminals are respectively coupled to the M first processing paths and receive the sub-carrier signals. The router outputs the sub-carrier signals to the N output terminals and the received signal at each output terminal of the router includes the sub-carrier signal at each input terminal. The second processing unit has N second processing paths respectively coupled to the N output terminals for demodulating the sub-carrier signals and applies an analog-to-digital conversion on the demodulated signals for generating digital signals, where M and N are greater than 0.
US08422538B2
A channel estimation method for an OFDM relaying system, which is based on an EM algorithm and applied to an AF OFDM relaying system, wherein channels from a source node to a relaying system and from the relaying system to the destination node in a wireless communication system are respectively estimated at the destination node. The channel estimation method of the present invention comprises steps of: constructing a system model; setting an expectation function; performing maximization processing; and performing iteration. The method of the present invention respectively estimates the channels from the source node to the relaying system and from the relaying system to the destination node, whereby are optimally combined the signals of the direct path (source-to-destination) and the signals of the relay path (source-to-relay and relay-to-destination) at the destination node.
US08422537B2
Presently disclosed is a method for reducing interference in a wireless distributed antenna systems. In an embodiment, interference is reduced by selectively placing a first wireless remote unit in a reduced signal interference mode. A controller sends a signal, such as a reverse link power-down signal, to the first remote unit after detecting less than a threshold incoming signal strength at the first remote unit. In an alternative embodiment, the controller requests that a given remote unit switch to the reduced signal interference mode when the controller is receiving signals from a mobile station through at least two different remote units.
US08422536B2
A system and method for generating a spread spectrum clock signal with a constant ppm offset as a function of a repetition number. A phase interpolator can be configured in association with of a phase-locked loop circuit in order to provide a phase movement from a bit clock generated by the PLL circuit. A repetition number divider computes the repetition number for each time slot in a piece-wise SSC modulation profile. A noise shaping modulator can be employed for modulating a fractional part associated with the repetition number. A repetition counter and a phase accumulator receives an integer part of the repetition number and counts unit interval clock periods equal to a sum of integer and the sigma-delta modulated fractional parts of the repetition number. The phase accumulator can be incremented and/or decremented based on the sign of the spread spectrum direction.
US08422530B2
Provided is a laser module. The laser module comprises: a substrate; an gain unit oscillating a laser light on the substrate; an external resonance reflecting unit total-reflecting the laser light at an external of the substrate adjacent to one side of the gain unit; and an inner resonance reflecting unit reflecting the laser light to the external resonance reflecting unit at the substrate between the modulating unit and gain unit and outputting the laser light to the modulating unit.
US08422523B2
A laser light-source apparatus according to the present invention is equipped with: a laser-driving circuit board, thermal insulators that are placed on the laser-driving circuit board; a heat receiving plate that is placed on the thermal insulators and thermally insulated from the laser-driving circuit board, a laser light-source module that is installed on the heat receiving plate so as to be thermally connected to the heat receiving plate and is also electrically connected to the laser-driving circuit board so as to be driven thereby, and a heat sink that is thermally connected to the heat receiving plate via a heat pipe.
US08422519B2
An optical supercontinuum radiation source for generating a broad optical supercontinuum from pump radiation having a wavelength in the range 900 nm to 1200 nm includes a microstructured optical fiber and a pump laser adapted to generate pump radiation for pumping the microstructured optical fiber. The fiber can have a Δ (“delta”) value of greater than 0.3, the core region of the fiber can support a plurality of modes at the pump wavelength, and the cladding region can comprise at least two air holes extending along the length of fiber wherein the ratio of the diameter (d) of the air holes to their pitch (Λ) is greater than 0.6. The fiber can comprise a zero dispersion wavelength (ZDW) within ±200 nm of said pump wavelength.
US08422518B2
A method of transmitting audio data across a digital interface is provided. The method includes receiving audio data, organized as a plurality of audio samples. At least one of the plurality of audio samples may be placed into a data packet. The data packet may be transmitted during a valid transmission interval if the data packet is full or during a valid transmission interval in response to receiving a packet send event.
US08422507B2
Methods and apparatus for intercepting communications in an Internet Protocol (IP) network involve maintaining dialing profiles for respective subscribers to the IP network, each dialing profile including a username associated with the corresponding subscriber, and associating intercept information with the dialing profile of a subscriber whose communications are to be monitored. Intercept information will include determination information for determining whether to intercept a communication involving the subscriber, and destination information identifying a device to which intercepted communications involving the subscriber are to be sent. When the determination information meets intercept criteria communications are established with a media relay through which communications involving the subscriber will be conducted or are being conducted to cause the media relay to send a copy of the communications involving the subscriber to a mediation device specified by the destination information.
US08422497B2
A method for configuring and managing a multicast data delivery path in a wireless ad-hoc network and a multicast data delivery system using the same are disclosed. The method includes transmitting, by a parent node, first messages to respective child nodes, transmitting, by each of the child nodes, a second message to the parent node in response to the first message relayed by at least some of non-member nodes other than the parent node, performing an operation as a branch node by a non-member node receiving second messages belonging to the same multicast session and transmitted from different originators, and establishing, by the parent node receiving at least one second message, an Internet protocol (IP) tunnel with the originator of the received at least one second message. The performing of the operation as the branch node includes regarding the originators of the received second messages as child nodes, establishing IP tunnels connected to the respective child nodes, generating a new second message including an identifier (ID) of the branch node and IDs of the child nodes in an originator field and a child list field, respectively, and transmitting the generated second message to the parent node.
US08422496B2
The content receiving unit (201) receives IP packets (Ethernet frames) that include broadcast content. The assigning unit (202) assigns, based on a given method, received Ethernet frames to the A-layer and the B-layer that are different digital broadcast layers. The Ethernet frames assigned to the A-layer are encapsulated by the A-layer processing unit (203), and transmitted to a terrestrial digital broadcast network together with encapsulation format information. Meanwhile, the Ethernet frames assigned to the B-layer are encapsulated by the B-layer processing unit (204), and transmitted to the terrestrial digital broadcast network together with encapsulation format information.
US08422495B2
In one embodiment, a reservation proxy monitors for received connectivity check messages or beginning-of-media-flow indication messages. When either type of message is observed, the reservation proxy requests resource allocation for a media flow associated with the received message. The amount of resource allocation requested may be coordinated by exchanging messages with a call controller or policy server for one of the endpoints of the media flow, or the amount of resource allocation may be identified within the received message.
US08422491B2
A mobile network configuration 500 includes a mobile router 525 forming one or more mobile subnets and including a plurality of cellular network interface devices 552, 554, 556, 558 installed thereon. The mobile network 500 further includes a network controller 520 installed as a node on a WAN 515. The mobile network 500 utilizes one or more cellular networks 505, 510 to provide network access to the WAN 515 via gateways 568, 570. The mobile router 525 provides a network interface between one or more local subnets 530, 535 and the at least one cellular network 505, 510. The mobile network 500 operates to establish an IP tunnel between the mobile router 525 and the network controller 520 for each of the plurality of cellular network interface devices 552, 554, 556, 558 installed on the mobile router 525 and to exchange network traffic between the mobile router and the network controller over any one of the IP tunnels.
US08422481B2
A method of managing data transmission in a mesh-topology ad-hoc network. The method includes transmitting management information by a plurality of mobile stations of the network, selecting a mobile station to serve as a master, responsive to the transmitted management information, transmitting to the master requests for bandwidth, allocating bandwidth by the master, responsive to the requests and forwarding the bandwidth allocation to the mobile stations of the network.
US08422477B2
Methods and apparatus for RF channel switching in a multi-frequency network. In an aspect, a method includes identifying a local area operations infrastructure (LOI) in the multi-frequency network, generating a channel description message that associates at least one descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channel associated with the LOI, respectively, and distributing the CDM over the LOI. In another aspect, a method includes receiving a CDM that associates at least one descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channel available in a LOI, detecting an RF channel switch event that identifies a selected RF channel, determining a selected descrambling sequence identifier from the CDM based on the selected RF channel, switching to the selected RF channel wherein the selected descrambling sequence identifier identifies a selected descrambling sequence to descramble desired content carried on the selected RF channel, and acquiring the desired content on the selected RF channel.
US08422471B2
According to an embodiment, a information processing apparatus includes a wireless communication unit, a first search unit, and a connection unit. The wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with another apparatus which is utilizable as a wireless base station. The first search unit is configured to: use the wireless communication unit to sequentially transmit, in a second transmission period different from a first transmission period, plural of first identification signals having different center frequencies within a frequency band usable by the wireless communication unit, as an activation request signal for requesting activation of a wireless communication unit included in the another apparatus; repeatedly transmit, in a first repetition period, the first signals in the frequency band; and search for the another apparatus. The connection unit uses the communication unit to establish connection with the another apparatus which is searched for.
US08422465B2
Provided are a transmitter and receiver for a high throughput wireless communication system using a multiple antenna, a method thereof, and a digital intermediate frequency (DIF) transmission signal processing method for the same. The transmitter, includes: a baseband transmitting unit for processing a transmission signal by performing a Media Access Control (MAC) protocol process on transmission data and dividing the transmission data into n band signals where n is a predetermined natural number in a physical layer process; a DIF transmitting unit for integrating transmission signals of each band transmitted from the baseband transmitting unit and outputting m channels where m is a predetermined natural number; and a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitting unit for modulating each channel signal transmitted from the DIF transmitting unit into an RF signal and emitting the signal through the multiple antenna.
US08422459B2
In the field of communication technologies, a route optimization method and system are provided, so as to improve the data transfer efficiency between a Mobile Node (MN) and a Corresponding Node (CN). The method includes: acquiring location information of a current access device of the CN, by a current anchor device of the MN (S201); and establishing a transmission tunnel between a current access device of the MN and the current access device of the CN (S202).
US08422452B2
A communication method in LIPA/SIPTO architecture is provided which, when a user equipment (UE) is to connect from a serving area to an external network, allows re-selection of an optimal gateway. The communication method allows selecting a gateway apparatus physically or topologically close to a site, where the user equipment is attached.
US08422448B2
A method and system for group call control in a broadband wireless network. A group call (push-to-talk) server initiates and regulates group call communication sessions. A wireless base station communicates with one or more group call participants. When a request to participate in a group call is received, it is examined to see if it contains a group call ID or other group call indicator. If not, regular call resources are allocated, if available. If so, it is determined whether another group member is attached to the base station. Group call resources are then reserved, if available, based on this determination. The resources allocated for the group call may also depend on whether the system supports multicast on the downlink to group members, or whether losing audio is supported. In some embodiments, network resources may be reallocated to support the group call.
US08422440B2
A radio base station according to the present invention includes: a determiner determining a transfer rate of data transferred from the radio network controller to the radio base station, based on a predetermined bandwidth of a wired transmission path, a bandwidth of the wired transmission path not being used, and a bandwidth of the wired transmission path being used by the mobile station; and a notifier notifying the radio network controller of the determined transfer rate.
US08422434B2
Techniques for managing peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) for multi-carrier modulation in wireless communication systems. Different terminals in a multiple-access system may have different required transmit powers. The number of carriers to allocate to each terminal is made dependent on its required transmit power. Terminals with higher required transmit powers may be allocated fewer carriers (associated with smaller PAPR) to allow the power amplifier to operate at higher power levels. Terminals with lower required transmit powers may be allocated more carriers (associated with higher PAPR) since the power amplifier is operated at lower power levels. The specific carriers to assign to the terminals may also be determined by their transmit power levels to reduce out-of-band emissions. Terminals with higher required transmit powers may be assigned with carriers near the middle of the operating band, and terminals with lower required transmit powers may be assigned with carriers near the band edges.
US08422431B2
Apparatus, and an associated method, for identifying availability of services in a radio network of a radio communication system. A system information message is generated at the radio access network that identifies the service availability of the radio network, such as by indicating the communication services supported by the network. The system information message, once generated, is communicated upon a broadcast control channel, or other appropriate channel, and delivered to a mobile node. The mobile node detects the system information message and determines the availability of services of the radio network therefrom. Selection of whether to register with the network is made responsive to whether the network supports the communication service that the mobile node intends to initiate.
US08422430B2
A method and an apparatus for updating an Access Point Name (APN) subscription configuration are disclosed. The method includes: receiving an update request message sent by a network element, where the update request message carries the first APN information, Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (GW) information and an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI); obtaining the second APN information of the corresponding user according to the IMSI; and updating a wild card APN subscription configuration of the corresponding user according to the first APN information if the first APN information is different from the second APN information and the corresponding user subscribes to a wild card APN. The embodiments of the present invention reduce unnecessary signaling interactions between the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and other network elements, enhance the data transmission performance of the network, and reduce the unnecessary overhead of the HSS.
US08422426B2
A method and apparatus for multi-cell calibration in a wireless communication system supporting cooperative Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) are provided. Operations of a Base Station (BS) according to the method include transmitting a first message indicating a start of multi-cell sounding calibration to a reference Mobile Station (MS); estimating an uplink channel matrix of the reference MS using pilot symbols received from the reference MS; transmitting pilot symbols for enabling the reference MS to estimate a downlink channel matrix; when receiving downlink channel information of cooperative BSs from the reference MS, transmitting second messages comprising the downlink channel information to the cooperative BSs; and determining a multi-cell calibration matrix using the uplink channel matrix and the downlink channel information received from the reference MS.
US08422421B2
Automatic cancellation of BP merger in multi-band OFDM alliance (MBOA) ultra wide band (UWB) systems
The current MBOA UWB MAC protocol requires a device that detects alien devices to include a BP Switch IE in its beacon so that its neighbors may learn the presence of the alien devices and follow that device to relocate their beacons in a coordinated fashion. However, during the transition period of beacon relocation, that device may decide to halt the relocation process as required by the standard and such decisions also have to be received by its neighbors. In such a case, a BP switch IE will be generated by that device which includes a BPST offset equal to a length of a superframe.
US08422415B1
A method, system, and computer-readable media are provided for maintaining optimized communication after a mobile device transitions to a new foreign agent during a communication session. When a mobile device moves to and registers with a new foreign agent within a communication session, the mobile device's home agent multicasts a message to all foreign agents within an optimization cluster informing them of the updated registration. Accordingly, the foreign agents within the optimization cluster can proceed to transmit data packets directly to the new foreign agent servicing the mobile device within the communication session.
US08422412B2
A signal selector enhancer suitable for portable electronic devices and base stations is disclosed. In one embodiment, the enhancer can include: a filter for receiving a signal from a first node, and for providing a filtered signal output therefrom, where the first node is coupled to a signal selector; and a noise canceller for receiving the filtered signal output, and for providing an adjusted filtered signal at a second node, where the second node is coupled to the signal selector, and where an operation of the signal selector is enhanced by the filter and the noise canceller arrangement.
US08422410B2
A mobile communication technology, and, more particularly, a method for efficiently transmitting data stored in a message 3 (Msg3) buffer and a user equipment for the same is disclosed. The method of transmitting data by a user equipment in uplink includes receiving an uplink (UP) Grant signal from a base station on a specific message, determining whether there is data stored in a message 3 (Msg3) buffer when receiving the UL Grant signal on the specific message, determining whether the specific message is a random access response message, and transmitting the data stored in the Msg3 buffer to the base station using the UL Grant signal received on the specific message, if there is data stored in the Msg3 buffer when receiving the UL Grant signal on the specific message and the specific message is the random access response message.
US08422399B2
Systems and methods for mapping and analyzing vulnerabilities in networks. In one embodiment, a network is mapped, comprising: converting network line data into point data; associating the point data with cells of a grid overlaying the network; and analyzing the network by determining the relationship of the point data to the cells of the grid.
US08422394B2
A wireless communication device includes a receiver configured to receive an emergency alert configuration message identifying which sub-message of an emergency broadcast message comprising a collection of sub-messages to be received by the wireless communication device, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to receive only the sub-message of the emergency broadcast message identified by the emergency alert configuration message.
US08422391B2
A method for maintaining a Network Address Translation (NAT) address mapping table, a Media Gateway (MG) and a Media Gateway Controller (MGC) are disclosed herein. The method for maintaining the NAT address mapping table includes: the MG creates a NAT address mapping table context as instructed by a MGC, where the NAT address mapping table context stores at least one NAT address mapping entry; and the MG operates the NAT address mapping table context to maintain the NAT address mapping entry stored in the NAT address mapping table context. Through the embodiments of the present invention, the NAT address mapping table can be maintained on the MG by operating the created NAT address mapping table context.
US08422381B1
A system for improving jamming resistance comprising a first node suitable for transmitting a coded packet and a second node suitable for receiving the coded packet. The first node generates a plurality of coded preamble packets and transmits the plurality of coded preamble packets to the second node on a plurality of frequency channels, the second node receives the plurality of coded preamble packets, determines a relative strength for each of the plurality of frequency channels based on a frequency channel condition determined from the transmission of the plurality of coded preamble packets and transmits a frequency channel response to the first node.
US08422368B2
A call admission control method can ensure the admission rate of the high priority business, and simultaneously greatly improve the admission rate of the low priority business. The occupied bandwidth of currently admitted business flows of a WiMAX network is denoted by Σbi,max, a bandwidth threshold of a base station system is denoted by bth, a total bandwidth that the base station system can distribute to users is denoted by btotal, applied minimum and maximum bandwidths are denoted by bN+1,min,bN+1,max, respectively for a new arrival (N+1)th business flow. When Σbi,max+bN+1,max≦bth, the base station system will directly admit a request of an (N+1)th business flow. When Σbi,min+bN+1,min>btotal, the base station system will directly refuse the request of the (N+1)th business flow. When Σbi,max+bN+1,max≧bth and Σbi,min+bN+1,min≦btotal, comparing an admission rate P with a random number α to determine whether a new arrival (N+1)th business flow is admitted or not.
US08422365B2
Systems and methods for automatically controlling efficient operation of a plurality of network appliances operatively linked and networked to balance network traffic load across a plurality of network appliances that are selectively enabled. The system facilitating performance of the method includes at least a plurality of network appliances operatively connected to a switch and controlled by a network access control module. During system operation, at any given moment in time, the plurality network appliances operate in one of two modes, fully operational or stand-by. The network appliances of the plurality that are fully operational and thereby consuming full operational power depends upon the network traffic load at any given moment in time. The network appliances functioning in a stand-by mode consume low power levels which are sufficient to allow a network appliance in stand-by mode to receive a command signal directing it to switch from stand-by to full operational mode.
US08422364B2
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a router, a multicast label distribution protocol message comprising local node information for a protected node and one or more leaf nodes downstream of the protected node in a primary label switched path, creating one or more backup label switched paths to the one or more leaf nodes, detecting a failure at the protected node, and forwarding at the router, traffic for the one or more leaf nodes to the one or more backup label switched paths. An apparatus for multicast label distribution protocol node protection is also disclosed.
US08422360B2
A route switching method for switching a route in a core network that accommodates service networks including user node apparatuses by use of a server storing path information that includes, in every time frame, a route for a working path and a route for a backup path to be switched over from the working path, both of the working path and the backup path established between two boundary node apparatuses each of which is located on a boundary between the service network and the core network. The server calculates, in response to the connection request from the user node apparatus, a route for a working path and a route for a backup path, and requests the boundary node apparatus to establish this working path. The server can send the route for the backup path to the boundary node apparatus before a failure occurs in the core network. The boundary node apparatus establishes the working path in response to the establishment request for establishing the working path from the server, and can perform a quick recovery by switching over the working path to the backup path when a failure occurs in the core network.
US08422359B2
In a case where a failure has occurred in one of fabric management mechanisms, nodes resume data I/O communications without degrading performance and without changing the data I/O communication path between the nodes by switching control to the other one of the fabric management mechanisms. The fabric management mechanisms share management information with each other. When a failure occurs in either of the fabric management mechanisms, an E_Node that belongs to the domain, in which a failure has occurred, logs into a normal fabric management mechanism via a newly created management-use communication path. The normal fabric management mechanism allocates an N_Port_ID on the basis of a virtual FC domain number that has been allocated to a switch.
US08422352B2
An optical pickup device, which can effectively prevent occurrence of trouble in recording and reproducing of information due to the fact that an objective lens for each optical beam is contaminated while not adding unnecessary parts and while reducing a cost, is provided. An optical pickup device (P1) which performs the recording or reproducing of information in or from an optical disc (13) by using an optical beam (B) or (D), comprises: objective lenses (11) and (12) on which cleaning films which are activated by radiation of the optical beam (B) and clean their surfaces are formed in an optical path, and a control unit (15) for setting an optical path of the optical beam (B) in such a way that the optical beam (B) reflected by the optical disc (13) is radiated on the objective lens (12).
US08422344B2
In an optical information storage medium reproduction apparatus (10) for reproducing an optical information storage medium including a plurality of information recording layers each including a recording mark having a length shorter than an optical system resolution limit, reproduction laser power for reading an information recording layer closest to a reproduction-laser-incident surface of the optical information storage medium is set to be lower than reproduction laser power for reading an information recording layer farthest from the reproduction-laser-incident surface but not lower than minimum reproduction laser power that satisfies a reproduction signal characteristic that the optical information storage medium reproduction apparatus (10) requires. With the arrangement, it is possible to prevent that the information recording layer closest to the reproduction-laser-incident surface is irradiated wrongly with reproduction laser having high reproduction laser power, thereby making it possible to obtain successful reproduction quality. That is, it is possible to realize the optical information storage medium reproduction apparatus (10) that can set optimum reproduction laser power and perform stable super resolution reproduction.
US08422331B2
A data output control circuit controls a data output in a read operation. A data output control method includes a count shifting mode and a delay mode and can be used in low and high frequency operations, so that a data output can be stably controlled in a broad frequency range. The data output control circuit includes: a low frequency mode controller a high frequency mode controller and a selector selecting any one of first and second command signals through CAS latency information to be output as a data output control signal.
US08422323B2
A multi-bit test circuit for a semiconductor memory is configured to cause an active command to activate active signals. At least two active signals are respectively inputted to a plurality of banks at different timings in a multi-bit test mode.
US08422315B2
A memory chip is provided and includes a control unit, a wait controller, and a wait receiver. When the memory chip operates in an active mode and the control unit determines that the memory chip will be changed to operate in an inactive mode according to an input address signal, the wait controller changes a state of a wait signal at a wait pad from a de-asserted state to an asserted state. When the memory chip operates in an inactive mode and the wait receiver detects that the state of the wait signal has been changed from the de-asserted state to the asserted state, the control unit determines whether the memory chip will be changed to operate in the active mode or a word-line boundary crossing operation will be performed to another memory chip.
US08422314B2
A method is provided for achieving SRAM output characteristics from DRAMs, in which a plurality of DRAMs are arranged connected in parallel to a controller in such a way as to be able to obtain SRAM output characteristics using the DRAMs, comprising a process in which data is output to an external device when a control signal for data reading has been input from the external device, by sequentially repeating a step in which the controller sends a data output state control signal to one DRAM and sends a refresh standby state control signal to the other DRAMs, the data is read and sent to the external device from the DRAM in the output state, and a refresh standby state control signal is sent to the DRAM which was in the output state while an output state control signal is sent to another DRAM and data is read out from the DRAM in the output state, and a step in which the controller sends a control signal for changing the output state to the refresh standby state.
US08422309B2
A voltage generation circuit comprises a voltage generation control unit configured to output one of a first voltage level determination signal having a fixed data value and a second voltage level determination signal having a varying data value in response to a selection signal, and a voltage generation unit configured to generate a voltage having a single pulse form or a voltage having a pulse form whose rising edge portion rises in incremental voltage steps in response to the voltage level determination signal outputted from the voltage generation control unit.
US08422307B2
A method of reading a nonvolatile memory device comprises measuring threshold voltage distributions of a plurality of memory cells, combining the measured threshold voltage distributions, and determining local minimum points in the combined threshold voltage distributions to determine read voltages for a predetermined group of memory cells.
US08422306B2
A control circuit applies a write pulse voltage to a selected word line to perform a write operation to 1-page memory cells along the selected word line. The circuit then performs a verify read operation to confirm whether the data write to the 1-page memory cells is completed. According to the result of the verify read operation, a step-up operation is performed out to raise the write pulse voltage by a step-up voltage. The control circuit changes the amount of the step-up voltage according to a distribution width of a first threshold voltage distribution generated in process of the write operation to the memory cells.
US08422301B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device in accordance with an embodiment includes a memory cell array. A control unit performs control of repeating a write operation, a write verify operation, and a step-up operation, the write operation being an operation to apply a write pulse voltage to a selected memory cell and an intermediate voltage to an unselected memory cell. The control unit controls the step-up operation such that, in a first period, the intermediate voltage is maintained at a constant value, and, in a second period, the intermediate voltage is raised by a certain value. The control unit controls the step-up operation such that the first period includes an operation to raise the write pulse voltage by a first step-up value, and the second period includes an operation to raise the write pulse voltage by a second step-up value smaller than the first step-up value.
US08422300B2
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having memory cells coupled in series and a module to cause an application of voltages with at least three different values to gates of the memory cells during an operation to retrieve information stored in at least one of the memory cells. Additional apparatus and methods are described.
US08422298B2
One of objects is to provide a nonvolatile memory device in which the occurrence of a defect in data writing is suppressed and whose area can be suppressed, or a semiconductor device including the nonvolatile memory device. A first memory portion including a nonvolatile memory element and a second memory portion (data buffer) for temporarily storing data in verifying operation in which whether the data is correctly written into the first memory portion is verified are provided. Further, the second memory portion includes a memory element and an insulated gate field effect transistor for controlling the holding of charge in the memory element; the off-state current or the leakage current of the transistor is extremely low.
US08422297B2
Memory devices and methods are disclosed to facilitate utilization of a multi level inhibit programming scheme. In one such embodiment, isolated channel regions having boosted channel bias levels are formed across multiple memory cells and are created in part and maintained through capacitive coupling with word lines coupled to the memory cells and biased to predetermined bias levels. Methods of manipulation of isolated channel region bias levels through applied word line bias voltages affecting a program inhibit effect, for example, are also disclosed.
US08422295B1
A non-volatile random access memory (NV-RAM) and an operation method thereof are provided. The NV-RAM includes a latch unit, a switch, and a first to fourth non-volatile memory elements. First terminals of the first and the third non-volatile memory elements respectively couple to a first voltage and a second voltage. A second terminal of the first non-volatile memory element and a first terminal of the second non-volatile memory element are coupled to a first terminal of the latch unit. A second terminal of the third non-volatile memory element and a first terminal of the fourth non-volatile memory element are coupled to a second terminal of the latch unit. Second terminals of the second and the fourth non-volatile memory element are coupled to a first terminal of the switch. A second terminal of the switch is coupled to a third voltage.
US08422294B2
Some embodiments relate to a differential memory cell. The memory cell includes a first transistor having a source, a drain, a gate, and a body. A first capacitor has a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate is coupled to the gate of the first transistor and extends over the body region. The memory cell also includes a second transistor having a source, a drain, a gate, and a body, wherein the source and body of the second transistor is coupled to the second plate of the first capacitor. A second capacitor has a third plate and a fourth plate, wherein the third plate is coupled to the gate of the second transistor and the fourth plate is coupled to the source and the body of the first transistor.
US08422293B2
The self-powered detection device comprises a non-volatile memory cell and a sensor activated by a physical or chemical action or phenomenon, this sensor forming an energy harvester transforming energy from the physical or chemical action orphenomenon into an electrical stimulus pulse, the memory cell arranged for storing, by using electrical power of the electrical stimulus pulse, at least a bit of information relative to detection by the sensor of at least a first physical or chemical action or phenomenon. The non-volatile memory cell comprises a FET transistor having a control gate, a first diffusion defining a first input and a second diffusion defining a second input. This FET transistor is set to its written logical state from its initial logical state when, in a detection mode, it receives on a set terminal a voltage stimulus signal resulting from the first physical or chemical action or phenomenon.
US08422292B2
A nonvolatile memory device and a programming method thereof perform a programming verification step including a selective verification step and a sequential verification step. In the selective verification step, a data input/output (I/O) circuit selectively precharges a selected bit line according to a temporary programmed state of stored data. In the sequential verification step, the data I/O circuit selectively precharges each bit line according to the result of the previous selective verification step or a previous sequential verification step. According to the programming method, because a memory cell not requiring a programming verification step is not precharged in the programming verification step, an ON cell current does not flow therethrough. Accordingly, the current flowing through a common source line during verification can be reduced.
US08422291B2
The storage device includes a storage unit configured to store data, an error controlling unit configured to correct an error of the data read out from the storage unit according to at least one read level, and a read level controlling unit configured to control the at least one read level when the error is uncorrectable. The read level controlling unit is configured to measure a distribution of memory cells of the storage unit, configured to filter the measured distribution, and configured to reset the at least one read level based on the filtered distribution.
US08422290B2
Methods of programming data in a non-volatile memory cell are provided. A memory cell according to some embodiments may include a gate structure that includes a tunnel oxide layer pattern, a floating gate, a dielectric layer and a control gate sequentially stacked on a substrate, impurity regions that are formed in the substrate at both sides of the gate structure, and a conductive layer pattern that is arranged spaced apart from and facing the floating gate. Embodiments of such methods may include applying a programming voltage to the control gate, grounding the impurity regions and applying a fringe voltage to the conductive layer pattern to generate a fringe field in the floating gate.
US08422285B2
A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic memory are described. The magnetic junction includes first and second pinned layers, first and second nonmagnetic spacer layers, and a free layer. The pinned layers are nonmagnetic layer-free and self-pinned. In some aspects, the magnetic junction is configured to allow the free and second pinned layers to be switched between stable magnetic states when write currents are passed therethrough. The magnetic junction has greater than two stable states. In other aspects, the magnetic junction includes at least third and fourth spacer layers, a second free layer therebetween, and a third pinned layer having a pinned layer magnetic moment, being nonmagnetic layer-free, and being coupled to the second pinned layer. The magnetic junction is configured to allow the free layers to be switched between stable magnetic states when write currents are passed therethrough.
US08422281B2
The present invention relates to a voltage control circuit, semiconductor memory device, and method of controlling a voltage in a phase-change memory, wherein the voltage control circuit generates a controlled voltage which can be above the logic supply voltage. This voltage can limit the bit line voltage in a phase-change memory to allow the use of smaller transistors in the memory cells and in the program current part of the circuit. This results in smaller memory cells and modules.
US08422272B2
A semiconductor device including a nonvolatile memory cell in which a writing transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor, a reading transistor which includes a semiconductor material different from that of the writing transistor, and a capacitor are included is provided. Data is written to the memory cell by turning on the writing transistor and applying a potential to a node where a source electrode (or a drain electrode) of the writing transistor, one electrode of the capacitor, and a gate electrode of the reading transistor are electrically connected, and then turning off the writing transistor, so that the predetermined amount of charge is held in the node. Further, when a p-channel transistor is used as the reading transistor, a reading potential is a positive potential.
US08422267B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cells connected to a common bit line, a plurality of select lines each configured to select at least one of the memory cells, a plurality of drive circuits each configured to drive at least one of the select lines, a sense amplifier configured to amplify a voltage occurring at the bit line depending on data stored in the selected memory cell. A memory region where the memory cells are provided has a first region and a second region. When the first region is read, a larger number of the select lines are simultaneously driven by the corresponding common drive circuit than those in the second region, and a larger number of the memory cells are simultaneously selected than those in the second region.
US08422263B2
A memory module includes a plurality of memory chips, a plurality of data register buffers, and a command/address/control register buffer mounted on a module PCB. The data register buffers perform data transfers with the memory chips. The command/address/control register buffer performs buffering of a command/address/control signal and generates a control signal. The buffered command/address/control signal is supplied to the memory chips, and the control signal is supplied to the data register buffers. According to the present invention, because line lengths between the data register buffers and the memory chips are shortened, it is possible to realize a considerably high data transfer rate.
US08422262B2
A method of generating a ROM bit cell array layout including the steps of: inputting a predetermined memory architecture having a predetermined positioning of bit lines and virtual ground lines, the memory architecture including a plurality of columns of memory cells, each column of memory cells being located between associated bit lines and virtual ground lines. Adjacent memory cells in each column of memory cells share a common connection to either the associated bit line or the associated virtual ground line. The further steps of evaluating the width of active area of each of said columns of memory cells, in dependence on said predetermined positioning of bit lines and virtual ground lines; selecting a final width of active area in dependence on at least one performance characteristic associated with said final width of active area; and generating the layout according to said final width of active area.
US08422261B2
A semiconductor device capable of reducing an inductance is provided. In the semiconductor device in which a rectification MOSFET, a commutation MOSFET, and a driving IC that drives these MOSFETs are mounted on one package, the rectification MOSFET, a metal plate, and the commutation MOSFET are laminated. A current of a main circuit flows from a back surface of the package to a front surface thereof. The metal plate is connected to an output terminal via a wiring in the package. Wire bondings are used for wirings for connecting the driving IC, the rectification MOSFET, and the commutation MOSFET, all terminals being placed on the same plane. For this reason, the inductance becomes small and also a power source loss and a spike voltage are reduced.
US08422259B2
A switch-mode power supply (SMPS) is provided. When the switch power of the SMPS turns on, the inductor current of the SMPS may flow through an inductor current sensing circuit which then provides a sensing voltage. An apparatus for compensating the inductor current peak receives a reference voltage and the sensing voltage as inputs and outputs a compensation voltage. The compensation voltage is combined with the reference voltage and/or the sensing voltage and is provided to a first comparator. The result keep 7t as 7s is provided to the logic control circuit coupled to the gate of the power switch after being driven by a driver circuit. The actual inductor current peak is kept identical with the reference current, which effectively controls the inductor current peak, thereby protecting the SMPS.
US08422255B2
An oscillation control part composed of a control switching element and a damping resistance connected in parallel is arranged between an input power supply and a main switching element of a power conversion circuit, and the control switching element and the main switching element have a relationship such as Ron(S2)
US08422250B2
The invention deals with the control of a resonant LLC converter by setting up criteria for state parameters of the resonant converter, so that the converter may be operated in a near capacitive mode. The current flowing in the resonant tank and optionally the voltage at the a predetermined point in the resonant tank are monitored, and wherein a switch (a high side switch or a low side switch) is turned off when a first criterion is fulfilled together with a second criterion or optionally a third criterion, the first criterion ensuring a minimum time has lapsed after the switch is turned on, the second criterion being that the absolute value of the current is reaching a predetermined current level, the third criterion being that the voltage at the predetermined point reaches a predetermined voltage level.
US08422247B2
An electric apparatus module 1 includes an upper casing 6, a lower casing 7 to which the upper casing 6 is attached and which is attached to a rear panel 2, an electronic device unit 8 accommodated in the upper casing 6 and the lower casing 7, a conductive shield shell 9 covering the electronic device unit 8, and a conductive ground shell 10 which is attached to the lower casing 7 at a side of the rear panel 2. The ground shell 10 includes a flat plate portion 83 piled on the rear panel 2, a contact piece 84 erected from an outer edge 83c of the flat plate portion 83 toward the lower case 7, and a contact member 85 protruded from a rear surface 83b of the flat plate portion 83 at the side of the rear panel 2. The contact piece 84 is inserted through a through hole 56 formed on the lower casing 7 to contact with the shield shell 9. The contact member 85 is inserted through a through hole 11 formed on the rear panel 2 to contact a cylindrical shield member 22 of an external device.
