Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090001727 | Process for Production of Electric Energy and Co2 From a Hydrocarbon Feedstock - The present invention relates to a process for production of electric energy and CO | 01-01-2009 |
20100108236 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING FUEL CELLS - An apparatus and method for substantially continuously manufacturing fuel cells are provided. Each cell generates electrical power from reactions of reactants therein. Each cell includes component parts assembled and/or laminated together in a stacked configuration. The apparatus includes an assembly zone for receiving rolls of material and/or pre-formed component parts for fabricating the cells, and assembly devices for, commencing from a starting layer, progressively assembling and/or laminating layers of material and/or pre-formed component parts from the rolls to the starting layer to manufacture the fuel cells, a testing zone for applying a test procedure to the cells to identify functional cells thereof or parts thereof, a separating zone for mutually separating the functional cells into individual fuel cells, parts thereof or groups of such fuel cells, and a stacking zone for mutually assembling the functional fuel cells or the groups of such functional cells into stacks of such fuel cells to manufacture fuel cell packs. | 05-06-2010 |
20100112403 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CONTINUOUS MANUFACTURING OF FUEL CELLS - An apparatus and method for substantially continuously manufacturing fuel cells are provided. Each cell generates electrical power from reactions of reactants therein. Each cell comprises component parts assembled and/or laminated together in a stacked configuration. The apparatus includes an assembly zone for receiving rolls of material and/or pre-formed component parts for fabricating the cells, and assembly devices for, commencing from a starting layer, progressively assembling and/or laminating layers of material and/or pre-formed component parts from the rolls to the starting layer to manufacture the fuel cells, a testing zone for applying a test procedure to the cells to identify functional cells thereof or parts thereof, the testing zone also including a fuel-cell repair function for recycling fuel cells, or parts thereof, found to be to be defective in response to applying the test procedure, a separating zone for mutually separating the functional cells into individual fuel cells, parts thereof or groups of such fuel cells, and a stacking zone for mutually assembling the functional fuel cells or the groups of such functional cells into stacks of such fuel cells to manufacture fuel cell packs. | 05-06-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130022031 | Relayed Content Distribution and Data Collection Using Vehicles - Technologies for relaying digital content and collecting data using vehicles, and an access point associated with a vehicle or structure are provided. A stationary AP is associated with a stationary vehicle structure. A content distribution portal receives a content package including metadata and content segments from a content provider via the Internet. The content distribution portal sends the content package to the stationary AP via the Internet. A mobile AP is mounted on or in a vehicle and is associated with a display device mounted on the vehicle. The stationary AP wirelessly sends the content package to the mobile AP using a P2P protocol when a wireless connection is established between the stationary and mobile APs. After receiving the entire content package, the mobile AP presents the content segments on the display device mounted on the vehicle in a manner specified by the metadata. | 01-24-2013 |
20130022245 | Traffic Signal Connected Digital Electronic Display and Method of Controlling the Same - A digital electronic display connected to a traffic signal and a method of controlling the digital electronic display are provided. The digital electronic display includes a communication unit configured to receive content including content segments and metadata, a display screen, and a processor. The processor is configured to monitor the traffic signal to determine when, and the duration during which, a red light and a green light of the traffic signal is illuminated, present a content segment on the display screen corresponding to the red light based on the metadata and substantially for the entire duration when the red light is illuminated, and control the display screen to operate in a low-power state substantially for the entire duration when the green light is illuminated. | 01-24-2013 |
20130024071 | Steering Wheel Input Device Having Gesture Recognition and Angle Compensation Capabilities - A steering wheel input device is mounted on a vehicle steering wheel and includes a pointer detection device detecting a pointer event on a pointer detection surface, any movement or breaking of the pointer event, and the speed, velocity, and acceleration of the pointer event, and outputs a corresponding pointer detection signal. The steering wheel input device also includes a rotation angle sensor and a processor. The rotation angle sensor takes measurements related to an angle of rotation of the steering wheel and outputs a corresponding rotation detection signal. The processor determines the angle of rotation of the steering wheel using the rotation detection signal, determines which gesture that the pointer detection signal corresponds to using the pointer detection signal and the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, and outputs a command corresponding to the gesture. The command can serve as input to control vehicular systems. | 01-24-2013 |
20130024296 | Optimizing Usage and Maximizing Revenue Generation of Digital Advertisement - Technologies for providing a digital advertising system and a method for controlling the same are provided. The method includes setting a price for each time unit in a target time slot of a digital sign at least with reference to a usage rate. Advertisers for the time units are selected in response to requests received therefrom via a communication network to advertise in the target time slot. Content segments are received from the selected advertisers via the communication network, and content packages, each including at least one content segment and metadata related thereto, are generated and transmitted to the digital sign via the same or a different communication network. The usage rate is a function of the time units being used for advertising and all the available time units in the target time slot, all the time slots, or a subset of all of the time slots. | 01-24-2013 |
20130024888 | Inserting Advertisement Content in Video Stream - A system and method for inserting advertising content in a video stream are provided. A screen layout includes a plurality of sections is determined with reference to user-designated parameters or with reference to pre-set rules. An output video stream is generated, in which an input video stream received through an input port is shown in one of the sections of the screen layout and supplemental content comprising advertising received through a content port is shown one or more other sections of the screen layout. The output video signal is then output to a display device through a video output port. | 01-24-2013 |
20130024952 | Detecting a Security Breach of an Electronic Device - A system and method for detecting a security breach of an electronic device are provided. The system includes a sensor assembly having at least one IR LED which outputs IR light, and an IR sensor which detects the IR light output by the IR LED and outputs corresponding IR detection signals. The system further includes a processor which generates an IR profile of an interior of the enclosure with reference to the IR detection signals output by the IR sensor. The processor determines that there has been a security breach of the enclosure at least in response to detecting IR activity in the enclosure from the IR detection signals that does not correspond to the IR profile. Output signals from a various other sensors may be used to confirm whether the security breach has occurred. | 01-24-2013 |
20130252590 | COMMUNICATION DEVICE TO BE USED AS A DIGITAL SIGN AND A METHOD OF CONFIGURING THE COMMUNICATION DEVICE TO BE USED AS A DIGITAL SIGN - Technologies are described herein for configuring a communication device to be used as a digital sign. Connection to a remote portal may occur through a transceiver of the communication device. Digital content is received from the remote portal and stored in a memory of the communication device. A digital sign mode of the communication device is activated in response to receiving a first instruction from the remote portal. In the digital sign mode, a ringing function of the communication device may be disabled. A digital content present mode of the communication device is activated in response to receiving a second instruction from the remote portal. In the digital content present mode, the digital content may be presented via at least one of a screen and a speaker of the communication device. | 09-26-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110026217 | COMPUTER SYSTEM EXPANSION DEVICE ADAPTABLE FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL USE - Systems and apparatus for providing supplemental functionality to a computer system with an expansion card adaptable for both internal and external coupling to the computer system. An expansion card has a bracket for internally coupling to a host computer and a housing for external coupling to a host computer. The expansion card may receive power from the host computer via an edge connector when internally coupled and through a power adapter via a power port when externally coupled. The expansion card may further receive data from the host computer via the edge connector when internally coupled and through an external bus when externally coupled. When externally coupled, the expansion card is mounted within a housing that may be mounted to an outside surface of a computer rack to preserve space within the rack. | 02-03-2011 |
20110040904 | REMOTELY CONTROLLABLE SWITCH AND TESTING METHODS USING SAME - Apparatus, methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for remotely controlling the connection between a host computer and a multitude of connected devices. One apparatus described herein includes a multiplexer that has a host port for connection to a host computer, device ports for connection to the devices, and control lines. The multiplexer is operative to connect a device port to the host port based upon the status of the control lines. The apparatus further includes a controller connected to the multiplexer. The controller has an input interface and is operative to receive control data on the input interface that identifies a device port on the apparatus that should be connected to the host port. In response to receiving such control data, the controller is operative to place signals on the control lines that cause the multiplexer to connect the identified device port to the host port. The device port that is connected to the host port can be remotely selected by transmitting the appropriate data to the input interface of the controller. | 02-17-2011 |
20110066773 | REDIRECTING INPUT AND OUTPUT FOR MULTIPLE COMPUTERS - Apparatus, methods, and systems provide for remote management of a set of local computers by transferring screen frames produced by the local computer for viewing at a remote computer. A redirection module captures and transmits video signals from a local computer through over a network, such as the Internet, to a remote computer where the remote computer produces a display that contains the screen frames being transferred. The module is configured for use with and installation within a keyboard, video, and mouse switch configured for receiving the module. The redirection module is further configured for use with and installation on a server-blade to allow remote management of the server-blade. | 03-17-2011 |
20110109806 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY TERMINATING A VIDEO SIGNAL BASED ON THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF A TERMINATING DEVICE - A system and apparatus are provided for selectively terminating an analog video signal depending on whether or not a terminating device is present. A conditional terminator receives an analog video signal from a video input and terminates the video signal in the absence of a terminating device and does not terminate the video signal when a terminating device is connected to the analog video signal. A conditional terminator may comprise a resistor and transistor connecting the video signal to ground when a ground signal from a terminating device is not present and disconnecting the signal from ground as a result of the presence of a ground signal from a connected terminating device. The conditional termination may occur in a video input device or alternatively in a video cable connector. | 05-12-2011 |
20110125941 | METHOD AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT FOR PROVIDING ENCLOSURE MANAGEMENT SERVICES UTILIZING MULTIPLE INTERFACES AND PROTOCOLS - A method and integrated circuit for providing enclosure management services compatible with a multitude of physical interfaces and protocols for exchanging enclosure management data between an HBA and an enclosure management backplane is provided. According to one method, two or more interfaces utilized for exchanging enclosure management data may be monitored to determine whether one of the interfaces is actively being utilized by an HBA to transmit enclosure management data. If one of the interfaces is identified as being active, a determination is then made as to which of a plurality of protocols for transferring enclosure management data is being utilized on the active interface. In particular, a determination may be made as to whether a protocol defined by one HBA manufacturer is being utilized or whether another protocol defined by another HBA manufacturer is being utilized. Alternatively, a determination may be made as to whether one of a multitude of different protocols defined by the same manufacturer is being utilized. Once the interface and protocol have been identified, enclosure management data received on the active interface is decoded utilizing the identified protocol. | 05-26-2011 |
20110188196 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVABLY MOUNTING HARD DISK DRIVES - A system and apparatus are described for removably mounting one or more hard disk drives within a computer system. According to one embodiment, the system includes a disk drive carrier cage configured to receive a disk drive backplane and up to eight pair of disk drive carrier rails. The disk drive carrier cage is sized for insertion into a drive bay having the dimensions of two optical mass storage devices compatible with a 5.25 inch form factor. The system also includes a disk drive backplane for receiving up to eight hard disk drives, disk drive carriers for holding the hard disk drives, and disk drive carrier rails mountable within the disk drive carrier cage for slidably receiving the disk drive carriers. The disk drive carriers and disk drive carrier rails are translucent thereby permitting light emanating from the backplane to be viewed at the front of the cage. | 08-04-2011 |
20110271125 | ETHERNET POWERED COMPUTING DEVICE AND SYSTEM - Apparatus and systems provide processing capabilities while utilizing power received via an Ethernet. A computing device has an Ethernet connector for receiving power and data, internal power supply circuitry for extracting power from the Ethernet connector, and a Central Processing Unit (CPU) for receiving the power. A housing may encompass the components of the computing device and be configured for installation in an electrical wall box. The housing may include a display or connectors for peripherals. A system includes at least two computing devices. Each device has an Ethernet connector for receiving power and communicating with other devices and are installed within a housing within an electrical wall box. One device has a display for receiving user input instructions for transmittal to another device, while another device has a peripheral connector for controlling a peripheral according to the instructions. | 11-03-2011 |
20110273108 | DATA CABLE POWERED LIGHT FIXTURE - A light fixture can be affixed within a wall and powered using the same cable along which data signals are transmitted. The LED lights in the light fixture are sufficiently bright to be used for illumination and are powered by a voltage derived from power delivered via the data cable. The light fixture may be used in conjunction with a building automation system. The light provided by the LED lights may be modified based on control signals received via the data cable. Modifications may include changes to the perceived brightness and/or color of the light. | 11-10-2011 |
20110283120 | AC-POWERED IN-WALL COMPUTING DEVICE WITH POWER-LINE NETWORKING CAPABILITIES - Apparatus and systems provide processing capabilities and power-line networking capabilities. An in-wall computing device has a power connector for receiving an Alternating Current (AC) signal from a power source and a housing that is sized for installation into an electrical wall box. The device may have internal data injection circuitry for injecting data into the AC signal or may have internal data receiving circuitry for extracting data from the AC signal. A system includes at least two in-wall computing devices, each having a power connector for receiving an AC signal from a power source. A first device has a user input interface and internal data injection circuitry for transmitting user input data to a second device over the AC signal. The second device has internal data receiving circuitry for extracting the user input data and controlling peripherals attached to peripheral ports of the device according to the data. | 11-17-2011 |
20120239844 | DATA STORAGE SYSTEM FOR MANAGING SERIAL INTERFACE CONFIGURATION BASED ON DETECTED ACTIVITY - According to one aspect, a data storage system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the data storage system includes a storage backplane having a plurality of drive slots configured to operatively connect to a corresponding plurality of mass storage devices, a first serial interface operative to communicatively connect one or more sets of the plurality of drive slots to a host bus adapter (HBA), according to a first drive slot assignment, a second serial interface operative to communicatively connect one or more sets of the plurality of drive slots to the HBA, according to a second drive slot assignment, and a backplane controller operatively connected to the first serial interface and the second serial interface, operative to detect the activity status on the first serial interface and the activity status on the second serial interface and, if a change in the activity status is detected for at least one of the first serial interface and the second serial interface, modify the first drive slot assignment and the second drive slot assignment. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239845 | BACKPLANE CONTROLLER FOR MANAGING SERIAL INTERFACE CONFIGURATION BASED ON DETECTED ACTIVITY - According to one aspect, a backplane controller of a storage backplane is disclosed, the storage backplane having a plurality of drive slots configured to operatively connect to a corresponding plurality of mass storage devices. In one embodiment, the backplane controller is operative to perform functions that include detecting activity status on a first serial interface that is configured to operatively connect one or more sets of a plurality of drive slots on the storage backplane to a host bus adapter (HBA), according to a first drive slot assignment. The backplane controller is further operative to detect an activity status on a second serial interface that is configured to operatively connect one or more sets of a plurality of drive slots on the storage backplane to the HBA, according to a second drive slot assignment. The backplane controller is also operative to, if a change in the activity status is detected for at least one of the first serial interface and the second serial interface, modify the first drive slot assignment and the second drive slot assignment. | 09-20-2012 |
20120246385 | EMULATING SPI OR 12C PROM/EPROM/EEPROM USING FLASH MEMORY OF MICROCONTROLLER - In one aspect, a microcontroller is disclosed. In one embodiment, the microcontroller includes a system memory that has an erasable memory of a first type, with a first storage partition and a second, different storage partition. The system memory also has a random access memory (RAM). The microcontroller further includes a network interface that is configured to communicate management commands over a communications link, and a programmable processor that is operatively connected to the system memory and the network interface. The communications link includes an interface bus and is configured for one or more of I2C, SPI, and system management bus communications. The programmable processor is programmed to perform functions that include receiving a first management command configured for the erasable memory of the first type, causing the second storage partition of the erasable memory of the first type to emulate a second type of erasable memory, and receiving a second management command configured for the second type of erasable memory. | 09-27-2012 |
20130080697 | DRIVE MAPPING USING A PLURALITY OF CONNECTED ENCLOSURE MANAGEMENT CONTROLLERS - According to one aspect, a computing system having a plurality of enclosure management controllers (EMCs) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the EMCs are communicatively coupled to each other and each EMC is operatively connected to a corresponding plurality of drive slots and at least one of a plurality of drive slot status indicators. Each EMC is operative to receive enclosure management data, detect an operational status of the drive slots, and generate drive slot status data. One of the EMCs is configured to function at least partly as a master EMC to receive drive slot status data and, based on received enclosure management data and received drive slot status data, generate mapped data for each one of the EMCs for selectively activating at least one of the drive slot status indicators to indicate corresponding operational status. | 03-28-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090120847 | MEANS IN A REVERSE VENDING MACHINE (RVM) FOR RECEIVING, HANDLING, SORTING AND STORING RETURNABLE ITEMS OR OBJECTS - The invention relates to means in a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upright storage chamber for such items, a safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour, of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device. | 05-14-2009 |
20100026807 | SAFETY APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF FUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT HAVING MOVABLE PARTS - The invention relates to a safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipment having movable parts. The apparatus is configured to use a camera to view and cause detection of a safety related event in a field of view of the camera. The device is useful in a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upwardly oriented storage chamber for such items, the safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device. | 02-04-2010 |