| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09649523B2 |
Exercise chair
An exercise chair is disclosed having an adjustable height that functions to exercise the lower body by progressively lowering the height of the seat. By lowering the height of the seat, the user will increase the amount of muscle activation and therefore facilitate lower extremity strengthening. The seat of the exercise chair can be adjusted between 24 inch maximum height to 12 inch minimum height from the floor. The chair may be used as a therapy chair by a therapy professional or by an individual who wants to exercise his or her lower extremities or to facilitate standing by a seated individual. |
| US09649522B2 |
Multi-functional exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus includes an upper assembly and a lower assembly for coupling with the upper assembly. A plurality of engaging channels are provided at an inner surface of the lower assembly at a variety of orientations. A plurality of resistance media are provided with the exercise apparatus in configurations enabling selective coupling with the engaging channels. In a method of using the exercise apparatus, a user couples one or more of the plurality of exercise media with the engaging channels, performs at least one first exercise by pulling the coupled exercise media from a contracted position to a stretched position and changes the orientation of the exercise media to perform at least one second exercise. |
| US09649521B2 |
Multipurpose fitness apparatus and method for assembly
A fitness apparatus and a method for assembly are disclosed. The fitness apparatus comprises a wheel assembly that includes a first circular side parallel to a second circular side, both bounded by a curved tread. Within the wheel assembly is an enclosable storage chamber. The fitness apparatus also includes an axis perpendicular to the first circular side and the second circular side, and when the fitness apparatus is in an abdominal exercise wheel configuration, at least a portion of the wheel assembly rotates around the axis. The fitness apparatus also includes a centerbore along the axis that supports a first removable handle and a second removable handle when the fitness apparatus is in the abdominal exercise wheel configuration. |
| US09649520B2 |
Burst disc puncture pressure-imbalance actuator for a fire extinguisher
According to one aspect, a fire extinguisher actuator assembly for a fire extinguisher is provided. The fire extinguisher includes a fire extinguisher reservoir and a burst disc that forms a discharge barrier between the fire extinguisher reservoir and a discharge head to retain a pressurized fire extinguishing agent within the fire extinguisher reservoir. The fire extinguisher actuator assembly includes a cutter shuttle assembly having a cutter coupled to a shuttle body. The cutter shuttle assembly is detained within the fire extinguisher proximate the burst disc and biased to form a pressure equalization region between the shuttle body and the burst disc. The fire extinguisher actuator assembly also includes an activation device having a piercing member operable to pierce the burst disc and release pressure from the pressure equalization region, thereby driving the cutter through the burst disc to release the pressurized fire extinguishing agent through the discharge head. |
| US09649517B2 |
Fall arrester having damping, and damping elements for a fall protection device
Fall arrester (1) for a cable holding device (2) which can be installed without a roof penetration, which cable holding device has at least one post (2a), wherein the fall arrester (1) has multiple layers at least in one section of the fall arrester and a post stabilizer (4) and/or a post anchorage (5) is integrated into the multi-layer section (3), wherein the post stabilizer (4) and/or the post anchorage (5) has multiple layers at least in one section thereof, and wherein the multi-layer section (3) of the fall arrester (1) has at least one layer (3a) made of composite material reinforced with glass fibers and/or with carbon fibers (FRP layer), and said FRP layer (3a) also forms a layer of the multi-layer post stabilizer (4) and/or of the multi-layer post anchorage (5). Furthermore, an at least partially multi-layer post stabilizer (4) which comprises at least one layer (3a) made of a composite material (FRP layer) which is reinforced by glass fibers and/or by carbon fibers and a fall protection device which is constructed of several cable holding devices and a fall protection system constructed of several fall protection devices respectively. |
| US09649511B2 |
Method of irradiating supersonic waves
An ultrasonic irradiation device 10 includes: an ultrasonic irradiation pad 110 including at least two output elements for emitting supersonic waves with output strength in a range of 50±5 mW/cm2 to 110±5 mW/cm2 at output frequency in a range of 500±50 kHz to 800±50 kHz; drive control device 11 that drivingly controls the ultrasonic irradiation pad 110; and fastening device 120 that fastens the ultrasonic irradiation pad 110 in a state of being in close contact with a forearm 50 of the living body, in which the fastening device 120 is formed into a deformable strip having a removable fixed portion 120a in an end portion. |
| US09649504B2 |
Implantable CLIPT illumination system
A light-based therapy device is provided that includes a controller mechanism that produces power and control signals to enable operation of one or more medical devices. An implantable light delivery device (IM-LDD) is coupled to the controller mechanism that receives the power and the control signals to enable a light source to emit sufficient illumination. The light source is implanted within body cavities enabling energy at one or more wavelengths to reach and provide therapy treatment to a selected region. |
| US09649503B2 |
System and method for optogenetic therapy
Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells. |
| US09649500B2 |
Shield forming to facilitate tight radius at weld seam using progressive stamping
A method for manufacturing a medical device housing includes deforming an inner surface of a shield member to produce a seam area along the inner surface. The shield member has an inner surface and an outer surface spaced apart by a shield thickness. A seam seals the inner surface seam area of the shield member to a second shield member. The shield member inner surface has a bend extending to an interior edge of the seam. |
| US09649495B2 |
Method and apparatus for pacing during revascularization
A system for use during revascularization includes a catheter having an adjustable balloon for delivery a stent, one or more pacing electrodes for delivering one or more pacing pulses to a patient's heart, and a pacemaker configured to generate the one or more pacing pulses to be delivered to the heart via the one or more pacing electrodes. The one or more pacing pulses are delivered at a rate substantially higher than the patient's intrinsic heart rate without being synchronized to the patient's intrinsic cardiac contractions, and are delivered before, during, or after an ischemic event to prevent or reduce cardiac injury. |
| US09649492B2 |
Variable frequency stimulation therapy method and implantable medical device
The disclosure relates to an electrical stimulation therapy method. The method includes applying a variable frequency stimulation pulse to target nerve tissue of the patient, wherein the variable frequency stimulation pulse comprises at least two kinds of electrical stimulation pulse trains at different frequencies; the at least two kinds of electrical stimulation pulse trains alternately stimulate target nerve tissue and form a plurality of pulse train periods; and each of the at least two kinds of alternate electrical stimulation pulse trains in each of the plurality of pulse train periods has a duration in a range from about 0.1 seconds to about 60 minutes. An implantable medical device for generating the variable frequency stimulation pulse is also related. |
| US09649490B2 |
Tip for lead extraction device
A tip engageable with an elongated sheath member for extracting a cardiac lead from an obstruction in a body vessel of a patient. The tip includes a tip body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending therethrough. The tip body proximal end is engageable with the distal end of the sheath member distal end. The passageway of the tip is aligned with the passageway of the sheath such that the cardiac lead is receivable therein. The tip body distal portion has a plurality of sides extending circumferentially therearound, wherein the sides have respective ends and an inwardly directed radiused portion between the ends. |
| US09649489B2 |
Electrical stimulation leads and systems with anchoring units having struts and methods of making and using
An anchoring unit is disposed on a lead body of an electrical stimulation lead. The anchoring unit has a first end and a second end and includes a first attachment ring disposed at the first end, a second attachment ring disposed at the second end, and longitudinal struts extending linearly between, and coupled to, the first and second attachment rings. At least a portion of each longitudinal strut rests against the lead body in a retracted position, and each anchoring unit has a deployed position in which the first and second attachment rings are positioned closer together with the longitudinal struts extending away from the lead body to contact patient tissue and anchor the lead within the patient tissue. |
| US09649485B2 |
System and method for fractional treatment of skin
A system and method for treatment of skin including a treatment surface having numerous small energy emitting points for fractional skin treatment as well as negative pressure outlets. During a treatment, negative pressure from the outlets may exert a pulling force on an opposing tissue surface to bring the tissue into contact with the energy points. |
| US09649480B2 |
Devices and methods of treating or ameliorating diastolic heart failure through pulmonary valve intervention
The present teachings provide a device and methods of making and use thereof. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides a device for restricting blood flow entering the lung after each right bean systole. Certain embodiments of the present teachings provide a device that prevents a complete closure of the pulmonary valve leaflets so that a certain amount of blood is allowed to flow from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle at the end of a right ventricle systole. Other embodiments of the present teachings provide a device that restricts the amount of blood outflowing from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. In addition, the present teachings also provide a delivery system for implanting such a device approximately to or at the pulmonary valve. |
| US09649476B2 |
Medical device for dispersing medicaments
For selective treatment of diseased tissue sections or organ parts, the surface of medical devices entering into contact with areas thereof under pressure is coated with lipophilic substantially water-insoluble medicaments binding to various tissue components with good adherence thereto, said medicaments having an effect thereupon a short time after entering into contact therewith without exerting a harmful influence upon adjacent healthy tissue. |
| US09649470B2 |
Breath pacing apparatus, and method for pacing the respiration of a person
A breath pacing apparatus and a method for pacing a respiration of a person include a haptic output unit with a variable haptically perceivable feature. The haptic output unit is configured to change the haptically perceivable feature periodically according to a sequence of desired respiration cycles, where a characteristic of the change of the haptically perceivable feature is related to a length of the respiration cycles in the sequence of desired respiration cycles. |
| US09649469B2 |
Methods and systems for presenting a combination treatment
Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting an indication of a schedule for administration of a bioactive agent to an individual and presenting an indication of an artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the accepting an indication of the schedule for administration of the bioactive agent to the individual. |
| US09649468B2 |
Respiratory gas humidifier
A gas humidifier can have a gas channel comprising an inlet and an outlet. A portion of the gas channel can have a region having a reduction in cross-sectional area relative to the portions of the gas channel outside of the region. A water conduit can extend from the region to a water reservoir. A heating element can heat water entering the region from the water conduit. Water vaporized using the heating element can join the flow of gases passing through the gas channel in use. |
| US09649466B2 |
Systems and methods for gas mixture delivery to humans inside an MRI scanner
Systems and methods for delivery of gas mixtures to humans inside an MRI scanner, including while monitoring and recording physiological parameters. |
| US09649464B2 |
Oxygen concentrator apparatus and method having an ultrasonic detector
An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. Coupling an oxygen concentration sensor to the generated oxygen enriched gas stream may allow monitoring of the purity of the produced gas. |
| US09649463B2 |
Patient interface device with limited support area on the face
A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the orbicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle. |
| US09649461B2 |
Nested cannula starter alignment
A medical system includes a tube (102) configured to pass internally into a body and an index (108) disposed on the tube and configured to be visible internally within the tube. An outermost nested cannula (110) component is affixed within the tube with a geometric relationship with the tube as indicated by the index. An imaging device (106) is configured to image an anatomic reference relative to the index such that alignment of the outermost nested cannula component is provided by aligning the at least one index with the anatomic reference. |
| US09649460B2 |
Breathing apparatus and method for the use thereof
A breathing assistance apparatus includes an inner volumetric member pressurizable from a first pressure to a second pressure and an outer volumetric member surrounding at least a portion of the inner expandable volumetric member. The inner volumetric member pressurizes the outer volumetric member as the inner volumetric member is pressurized from the first pressure to the second pressure. In another embodiment, a breathing assistance apparatus includes exhalation and inhalation chambers with respective biasing members providing for the exhalation chamber to apply a pressure to the inhalation chamber and thereby provide assisted inhalation. Methods for assisting breathing are also provided. |
| US09649458B2 |
Breathing assistance system with multiple pressure sensors
A method for managing pressure in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient via a patient connection system is provided. The method may include receiving one or more first pressure sensor signals from a first pressure sensor, and analyzing the one or more first pressure sensor signals. Based at least on the analysis of the one or more first pressure sensor signals, either the first pressure sensor or the second pressure sensor may be selected for use in controlling the breathing assistance provided to the patient, and the breathing assistance provided to the patient may be controlled based at least on signals from the selected pressure sensor. |
| US09649453B2 |
Safety devices
According to the invention, a safety device for a pre-filled syringe comprises a hollow support body for retaining the pre-filled syringe therein, a hollow needle shield and a spring means made from a resilient plastics material. The needle shield is telescoped with the support body and the spring means biases the needle shield in a distal direction. |
| US09649452B2 |
Active safety pen needle assembly
The subject invention provides a safety pen needle assembly which includes: a hub; a needle carrier; a needle fixed to the needle carrier; a shield; and, a first engageable locking arrangement for fixing the shield to the needle carrier. Upon a predetermined extent of distal movement of the shield relative to the hub, the first locking arrangement is engaged such that the shield becomes fixed to the needle carrier. Upon further distal movement of the shield relative to the hub beyond the predetermined extent of distal movement, the shield and the needle carrier move in concert together relative to the hub causing a proximal end of the needle to move distally relative to the hub to a retracted state. Advantageously, the subject invention provides a reliable, low-cost safety pen needle assembly which does not require a spring or other biasing element. |
| US09649450B2 |
Single use pneumatic safety syringe providing gas-driven needle retraction
A pneumatic retractable syringe has a plunger having an interior retraction lumen. The plunger and syringe barrel have cooperating locking elements so that the plunger is locked after use within the syringe barrel. After injection of medicament is completed, the needle is retracted into the lumen by compressed gas that is released from a gas cell within the syringe when the gas cell is ruptured just before the plunger reaches the end of its downstream path of travel. |
| US09649449B2 |
Syringe having two-part cap and tubular neck sealing needle puncture membrane
A syringe or carpule includes a cylinder that surrounds a cavity and comprises an end that has an access to the cavity, membrane seals the access and has a puncture area that can be punctured by a needle. A two-part cap has a predetermined breaking line and spans the membrane. A cover device covers the puncture area of the membrane in a sterile manner and comprises a sealing area spanning the puncture area. The sealing area covers the puncture area in a sterile manner regardless of axial forces to be applied in the area of the predetermined breaking line. |
| US09649446B2 |
Medicament delivery device
A medicament delivery device includes a housing having proximal and distal ends; a hollow piston plunger within the housing; a telescopic dose drum concentric between the housing and the plunger; and a plunger driver to drive the plunger toward the proximal end having a hollow drive drum sleeve movable within and coupleable to the piston plunger and fixed to the dose drum; an actuator operably connected to the drive drum sleeve; and a stop body for inhibiting rotation of the dose drum and drive drum sleeve when a set dose equals a remaining dose in a medicament container. The drive drum sleeve and piston plunger are operatively coupled such that axial movement of the actuator toward the proximal end forces the drive drum sleeve and piston plunger to couple, whereby the piston plunger and dose drum are displaced toward the proximal end for delivering the set dose. |
| US09649443B2 |
Container holder assembly
Container holder assembly for use in a medicament delivery device, comprising a tubular body elongated in an axial direction, said tubular body having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and a retaining member releasably arranged to said tubular body for securing an elongated container placed inside the tubular body, wherein said retaining member comprises a resilient structure capable of exerting an axial force on said container in said tubular body for holding the container in a fixed position inside the tubular body and thereby avoiding displacement or breakage of the container and wherein a distal end of said container protrudes from a distal end of said tubular body. |
| US09649436B2 |
Assembly method for a fluid pump device for a continuous multi-fluid delivery system
A system and method of assembling a disposable fluid pump device is provided. The fluid pump device includes a pump body having a plurality of pump cylinders and at least one inlet selector valve for controlling fluid input to the pump cylinders. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one initial inlet selector valve position; generating, with at least one processor, encoded data representing at least the at least one inlet selector valve position; and setting the at least one selector valve to the at least one initial inlet selector valve position. |
| US09649434B2 |
Large-volume bolus patient controlled drug administration device with lock-out
A patient controlled liquid drug administration device providing either or both of a continuous flow of a liquid drug, as well as successive boluses thereof, to be self-administered by a patient while allowing delivery of only full bolus volumes. The device includes a reciprocating pump defining a closed internal reservoir having a fixed first wall, and a second, flexible wall that is axially movable in relation to the fixed wall between reservoir-full and reservoir-empty positions. A lock is connected to a push button that activates a plunger of the pump. The lock has a first position preventing the push button from being depressed when the push button is in an extended position and the plunger is in a reservoir-empty position and a second position permitting the push button to be depressed when the push button is in an extended position and the plunger is in a reservoir-full position. |
| US09649428B2 |
Apparatus and method for reconstituting a pharmaceutical and preparing the reconstituted pharmaceutical for transient application
An apparatus and method for preparing a pharmaceutical for transient application includes a tray having a sealed compartment, a vial of an ophthalmic formulation of mitomycin-C, a diluent carrier containing sterilized water, and a syringe that are all contained together in a single package. The component parts of the apparatus are used together to reconstitute the contents of the vial with the water in the diluent carrier, and then draw the reconstituted drug into the scaled compartment of the tray by a suction force produced by the syringe. In the tray compartment, the reconstituted drug is absorbed in at least one absorbent pad. The absorbent pads may come in multiple shapes and or/sizes. The tray is opened to remove the pad and the absorbed drug from the tray compartment for use of the pad in transient application of the drug. |
| US09649425B2 |
Device, system, and method including micro-patterned cell treatment array
Devices, systems, or methods are disclosed herein for treatment of disease in a vertebrate subject. The device can include a quasi-planar substrate; and one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types at least partially embedded within the quasi-planar substrate, wherein the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types is configured to interact with one or more cell types. The device can further include one or more sensors configured to detect at least one aspect of an interaction between the at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types and the one or more cell types; and a controller in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to responsively initiate modification of at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types, the quasi-planar substrate, and the one or more cell types. |
| US09649423B2 |
Treatment of transfusion blood
Blood is treated externally to a human or animal body, the blood having been extracted from a first human or animal body for delivery to a second human or animal body. The temperature and/or composition of the blood are controlled. |
| US09649422B2 |
Monitoring and detecting empty fluid containers in a blood processing system
Systems and methods for determining when a fluid supply container of a blood processing apparatus becomes empty. The system uses a scale to monitor and detect when a fluid supply container is empty based on the rate of change of the container weight, and a controller receives a signal from the scale and controls the operation of a pump to stop pumping when the fluid supply container is empty. |
| US09649420B2 |
Portable hemodialysis machine and disposable cartridge with flow sensor
A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a disposable cartridge and a reused dialysis machine. The disposable cartridge includes a dialysate flow path and a blood flow path which flow in opposite directions through a dialyzer. The disposable cartridge further includes a filter for removing waste products from the dialysate as well as one or more flow sensors for measuring the flow of dialysate in the dialysate flow path. The preferred flow sensor includes a rotatable spoked wheel in the dialysate flow path which is rotated by the flow of dialysate. The spoked wheel includes one or more magnets which are rotated with the rotation of the spoked wheel. The flow sensor further includes a magnetic field sensor in the reused dialysis machine which is connected to a processor for monitoring the rotation of the spoked wheel to determine flow of fluid in the dialysate flow path. |
| US09649418B2 |
Pumping cassette
A pump cassette is disclosed. The pump cassette includes housing. The housing includes at least one fluid inlet line and at least one fluid outlet line. Also, the cassette includes at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump within the housing. The pressure pump pumps at least one fluid from the fluid inlet line to at least one of the fluid outlet line. Also, the cassette includes at least one mixing chamber within the housing. The mixing chamber is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet line. |
| US09649416B2 |
Retractor suction catheter
A retractor suction catheter used during surgery is provided. The suction catheter may include a tube having an open end and a closed end. The open end may include a fitting. The tube may further include a plurality of openings in between the open end and the closed end. The tube may fit through a subject's oral cavity and out of the mouth. The tube may retract the soft palate so that the surgeon may perform the proper surgery. Further, a vacuum may be attached to the fitting, and therefore fumes and debris may be removed through the apertures. |
| US09649414B2 |
Collection member for a nasal aspirator and nasal aspirator
The invention relates to a collection member (10) for a nasal aspirator (100), the collection member (10) having a shell (12) defining a cavity (14), which shell (12) is provided with a nasal insertion end (16) and a hose connection end (18), characterised by comprising: —a first tubular element (20) protruding from the nasal insertion end (16) into the cavity (14) such that a first inner end (21) of the first tubular element (20) is located in the cavity (14), and —a second tubular element (22) protruding from the hose connection end (18) into the cavity (14) such that a second inner end (23) of the second tubular element (22) is located in the cavity (14), and a collar (24) is provided around the second tubular element (22), and the first and second tubular elements (20, 22) are arranged such that the collar (24) is interposed between the first inner end (21) and the second inner end (23). The invention further relates to a nasal aspirator (100) comprising such a collection member (10). |
| US09649413B2 |
Coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and methods
Embodiments herein include coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and related methods. In an embodiment, a method is included for coating a medical device including selecting a solvent and a polymer, selecting a concentration of an active agent of at least a certain amount of saturation, forming a coating composition having the selected concentration of the active agent, and applying the coating composition to the medical device. In an embodiment, an elution control coating disposed on a medical device is included, the elution control coating including an active agent that is at least about 80% crystallized within one week of being disposed on the medical device. In an embodiment, a method is included for enhancing the formation of active agent crystals within a coating layer including adjusting the concentration of an active agent in a coating solution to reach some percentage of the active agent saturation point. |
| US09649412B2 |
Implantable medical devices fabricated from polyurethanes with biodegradable hard and soft blocks and blends thereof
Medical devices, such as stents, fabricated at least in part from a polymer composite including a biodegradable elastomeric phase dispersed within a biodegradable polymeric matrix are disclosed. The composite is composed of a polyurethane block copolymer including soft polymer blocks and a hard polymer blocks. |
| US09649406B2 |
Ceramic manufactures
A ceramic body prosthetic implant or prosthetic implant component of a magnesium oxide stabilized transformation toughened zirconia (Mg-TTZ) ceramic can be made by providing a bisqued initial green body of ceramic by providing a powdered ceramic material, which substantially is a monoclinic zirconia having magnesium oxide for a stabilizer, and, without employing a binder additional to the powdered ceramic to do so, compressing the material in its powder form through a cold isostatic press operation to form a raw, pressed initial green body, and then heating the raw, pressed initial green body to a bisque stage to provide the bisqued initial green body. Then, the following further steps are carried out: without embedding the bisqued initial green body of ceramic in an embedding mass, machining the bisqued initial green body to provide a machined, bisqued green ceramic body such that the machined, bisqued green ceramic body has a shape, which is a precursor shape essentially analogous to, being of the same proportions as, the shape of, but larger than, the ceramic portion of a fired predetermined finished ceramic body prosthetic implant or prosthetic implant component; and then firing the machined, bisqued green ceramic body to provide a fired Mg-TTZ ceramic body product, which is the same size and shape or essentially the same size and shape as the ceramic portion of the fired predetermined finished ceramic body prosthetic implant or prosthetic implant component. |
| US09649402B2 |
Wound dressing
The invention relates to a sterile wound dressing having a backing and a nonabsorbent elastomer wound contact layer, wherein the elastomer matrix is formed by a synthetic three-block elastomer, preferably a copolymer of polystyrene block and polyolefin block (SEPS, SEBS, SEEPS, etc.) or mixtures thereof, wherein the total polymer content is less than 3.2 wt %, in particular 3.0 wt % or less, preferably 2.6 wt % or less, and is plasticized by an apolar oil and/or petroleum jelly. |
| US09649395B2 |
Systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting allograft material
There is disclosed a system for cleaning and disinfecting allograft material. In an embodiment, the system includes a sterile bag and a motorized paddle blender. The sterile bag having an outer wall configured to withstand blending forces, at least one paddle contact section, and an allograft retaining section separate from the at least one paddle contact section. The motorized paddle blender having at least one paddle configured to apply blending forces on the sterile bag on the at least one paddle contact area, a motorized portion to actuate the at least one paddle, and a door component configured to hold the sterile bag adjacent the at least one paddle. The at least one paddle and the allograft retaining section are configured to prevent the paddle from contacting the allograft material when the blending forces are applied on the sterile bag on the at least one paddle contact area. |
| US09649392B2 |
Central nervous system labelling composition for intranasal administration and labelling method and screening method using central nervous system labelling composition for intranasal administration
There is provided a central nervous system labelling composition for intranasal administration for the purpose of labelling the central nervous system from the olfactory epithelium by way of the olfactory bulb and by means of intranasal administration. Additionally, there is provided a method of non-invasively labelling the central nervous system by way of an administration route that entails little transferability to the entire body. Furthermore, there is provided a screening method using a central nervous system labelling composition for intranasal administration. A central nervous system labelling composition for intranasal administration is characterized by labelling the central nervous system from the olfactory epithelium by way of the olfactory bulb and by means of intranasal administration and by containing at least one compound expressed either by the general formula (1) or the general formula (2) shown below as effective component: |
| US09649388B2 |
Magnetic nanoparticle-samirna complex and method for preparing same
Provided are a SAMiRNA-magnetic nanoparticle complex capable of effectively delivering a double-stranded oligo RNA and magnetic nanoparticles into a cell and a composition capable of simultaneously performing diagnosis and therapy of diseases such as cancer, and the like, containing the same. More specifically, provided is the SAMiRNA-magnetic nanoparticle complex consisting of double-stranded oligo RNA-polymer structures in which a hydrophilic material and a second hydrophobic material are bound to the double-stranded oligo RNA by a simple covalent bond or a linker-mediated covalent bond, and the magnetic nanoparticles in which a first hydrophobic material is bound onto a surface of the magnetic material, as a core.The SAMiRNA-magnetic nanoparticle complex may have a homogeneous size by a hydrophobic interaction between the first hydrophobic material of the present invention and the second hydrophobic material of the double-stranded oligo RNA structure.In addition, the hydrophilic material and the second hydrophobic material bound to the double-stranded oligo RNA structure may improve in vivo stability of the double-stranded oligo RNA, an additionally bound ligand may deliver the SAMiRNA-magnetic nanoparticle complex into a target cell even at a relative low concentration of dosage, and the magnetic materials of the magnetic nanoparticles may be used as an imaging agent for diagnosis. |
| US09649383B2 |
Liquid formulations for TNFR:Fc fusion proteins
The invention provides stable liquid formulations for a recombinant biopharmaceutical protein comprising a soluble form of the human p75 TNF receptor fused to an Fe domain of a human immunoglobulin protein (TNFR:Fc). Typically, biopharmaceutical proteins such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and immunoglobulin fusion proteins (e.g., immunoadhesion proteins) are produced by recombinant DNA technology in mammalian cell expression systems. In order to guarantee the reproducible clinical performance of a biopharmaceutical product, manufacturers have to deliver a product of consistent and reproducible quality. |
| US09649381B2 |
Transporter protein-coupled nanodevices for targeted drug delivery
A tripartite nanodevice comprising a targeting portion, a carrier portion, and at least one molecule to be delivered is provided. In particular, a gold nanoparticle linked to a targeting protein and capable of delivering a stimulant for the treatment of respiratory or disease is described. A method of making and a method of using a device of this nature are also described. |
| US09649378B2 |
Cancer methods
A method of treating a patient having a cancer in which HER2, HER4, FGFR1, EPHA2 and/or FGFR3 is upregulated and/or in which HER2, HER4, FGFR1, EPHA2 and/or FGFR3 mediated-signaling is upregulated, the method comprising administering to the patient a compound comprising or consisting of an OPCML polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 1), or a fragment thereof which comprises at least one Ig domain of OPCML, or a variant thereof having at least 90% sequence identity with the OPCML polypeptide or the fragment thereof, or a nucleic acid molecule which encodes the OPCML polypeptide or fragment or variant thereof. |
| US09649374B2 |
Neutralizing prolactin receptor antibodies and their therapeutic use
The present invention is directed to the neutralizing prolactin receptor antibody 006-H08, as well as maturated forms thereof, and antigen-binding fragments, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment or prevention of benign disorders and indications mediated by the prolactin receptor such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, non-hormonal female contraception, benign breast disease and mastalgia, lactation inhibition, benign prostate hyperplasia, fibroids, hyper- and normoprolactinemic hair loss, and cotreatment in combined hormone therapy to inhibit mammary epithelial cell proliferation. The antibodies of the invention block prolactin receptor-mediated signaling. |
| US09649373B2 |
Neoseptins: small molecule adjuvants
A MD-2:TLR4 complex agonist compound is disclosed whose structure corresponds to Formula (I), as defined within. Also disclosed are a method of its preparation and use, as well as a pharmaceutical composition containing the same. |
| US09649372B2 |
Immunogenic compositions and related methods
This disclosure relates to adjuvants for use in immunogenic compositions comprising at least one antigen and an aluminum compound comprising hydroxyl groups that has been treated with phosphate, carboxylate, carbonate, sulfate diphosphonate or a mixture of two or more of these compounds and methods of using these compositions for preventing and treating diseases are also provided. |
| US09649370B2 |
Vaccine for PCV2 and mycoplasma
A premixed multivalent vaccine in ready-to-use form comprising PCV2 ORF2 capsid antigen and M. hyopneumoniae antigen that reduces or prevents PCV2 infection and/or M. hyopneumoniae infection in pigs after a single dose administration of the vaccine is disclosed. |
| US09649368B2 |
Genetically engineered microbial strains including prototheca lipid pathway genes
Genetically engineered microbial, e.g., Prototheca, cells provide microbial oil useful as a food additive and a source of renewable fuels and industrial chemicals. |
| US09649363B2 |
Polyethylene glycol based prodrug of adrenomedullin and use thereof
The invention relates to novel polyethylene glycol (PEG) based prodrug of Adrenomedullin, to processes for preparation thereof, to the use thereof for treatment and/or prevention of diseases, and to the use thereof for producing medicaments for treatment and/or prevention of diseases, especially of cardiovascular, edematous and/or inflammatory disorders. |
| US09649359B2 |
Peptides and compositions for treatment of joint damage
The present invention provides new protease resistant polypeptides, as well as compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing conditions related to joint damage, including acute joint injury and arthritis. |
| US09649357B2 |
Treatment of chronic nephropathies using soluble complement receptor type I (sCR1)
A method is disclosed for treating nephropathies involving undesired alternative pathway complement activation by administration of a complement inhibitory protein such as soluble complement receptor type I (sCR1). |
| US09649356B2 |
Method of improving transplant function using soluble complement receptor type I (sCR1)
A method is disclosed for inhibiting complement activation in brain-dead organ donors, particularly kidney donors, which leads to improvement of organ function of transplanted organs in recipients. The method involves administration of a complement inhibitory protein, specifically a soluble complement receptor type I (sCR1) polypeptide to the donor prior to harvesting the organ for transplant. |
| US09649353B2 |
Methods of preventing or treating mucositis by administering RLIP76
Provided are compositions and methods for preventing or treating damage to mucosal tissue, for example as a result of radiation and/or chemotherapy. The damage may be, for example, oral or gastrointestinal mucositis. |
| US09649350B2 |
Use for dendropanax morbifera extract for adjusting 15- hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase and PGE 2 activity
Provided is a 15-PGDH activity adjusting function of a Dendropanax morbifera extract. More specifically, since it has been confirmed that the Dendropanax morbifera extract has an outstanding effect in suppressing 15-PGDH activity and so increasing PGE2, a composition of the present invention which contains the Dendropanax morbifera extract as an active ingredient has the advantage of being able to be used for producing a functional health food and a therapeutic agent for a disease associated with PGE2. |
| US09649347B2 |
Protective effects and application of a Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the alleviation of chronic alcoholic liver injury
An anti-oxidative Lactobacillus rhamnosus CCFM1107 can relieve chronic alcoholic liver injury, and L. rhamnosus CCFM1107 can be used in preparing dairy products as starter culture. The dairy products of this invention include milk, milk powder, milk capsules or fermented milk containing L. rhamnosus CCFM1107. It has strong abilities of anti-oxidation, scavenging diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydroxyl radical, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, tolerating cholate, chlorine sodium and pH, and can improve liver function and antioxidative index, lower serum endotoxin level and regulate intestinal flora distribution, thus effectively relieving alcoholic liver injury of mice. |
| US09649341B2 |
Collagen matrix for tissue engineering
The invention relates to the use of an active collagen matrix for culturing mammalian cells and the use of the active collagen matrix and cells for the treatment of disease. |
| US09649340B2 |
Methods for producing enriched populations of human retinal pigment epithelium cells
This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells. |
| US09649339B2 |
LAT adapter molecule for enhanced T-cell signaling and method of use
LAT (Linker for Activation of T-cells) is a protein involved in signaling through the T-cell receptor (TCR). The invention provides a LAT protein including mutations at ubiquitylation sites that result in an increase in stability of LAT in stimulated and unstimulated cells, and enhanced signaling through the TCR. The invention further provides use for a LAT protein including mutations at ubiquitylation sites for therapeutic and laboratory methods. |
| US09649330B2 |
Hydrogel tattoo protection and aftercare system
A wound care dressing that combines a sodium alginate hydrogel spread and a calcium solution spray to create a transparent membrane over damaged skin eliminating the need for a secondary dressing. The calcium dissolved in alcohol displaces sodium from the hydrogel spread, resulting in the formation of the membrane. The membrane decreases healing time by fostering hemostasis, a moist wound healing environment and absorption of exudate and blood from the wound. The membrane also provides an immediate cooling effect for the damaged skin. Once the wound is cleaned, the user applies the hydrogel and covers it with a mist of spray which creates a film layer. The membrane is transparent and flexible such that the skin surface is still visible and the membrane will not be dislodged as the skin is manipulated. The dried surface of the membrane is not tacky, eliminating the need for a secondary dressing. |
| US09649329B2 |
Binding of galectin-3 by low molecular weight pectin
Administration of low molecular weight (10,000-20,000 Daltons, or lower) pectins, particularly modified citrus pectins (MCP), like PectaSol-C reduces galectins-3 levels in vivo. Reduction of galectin-3 levels by MCP inhibits inflammation, inhibits fibrosis formation in organs and tissues, and inhibits cancer formation, progression, transformation and metastases. The reduction in circulating, serum and cellular galectin-3, inherently resulting from the administration of MCP, provides benefit over a spectrum of biological conditions, as evidenced by in vivo trials. |
| US09649321B2 |
Phosphonate compounds
The present invention relates to phosphonate compounds, compositions containing them, processes for obtaining them, and their use for treating a variety of medical disorders, e.g., osteoporosis and other disorders of bone metabolism, cancer, viral infections, and the like. |
| US09649319B2 |
Process for manufacturing sterile brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing sterile Brinzolamide Ophthalmic Suspension. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing sterile ophthalmic suspension comprising Brinzolamide sterilized by Dry Heat Sterilization and pharmaceutical suspension obtained by using the said sterilized Brinzolamide. The present invention also relates to a process of manufacturing sterile ophthalmic suspension comprising combination of Brinzolamide sterilized by Dry Heat Sterilization and beta blocker. |
| US09649317B2 |
Heterocyclic compounds and their use for the treatment of neurodegenerative tauopathies
The present invention is directed to triazolopyrimidine, phenylpyrimidine, pyridopyridazine, and pyridotriazine compounds which are microtubule-stabilizing compounds and their use in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular, tauopathies, such as for example, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Pick's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal degeneration. In addition, the compounds of the invention may be useful for other diseases where tau pathology is a comorbidity or where microtubule function is compromised, for example, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease (PD), PD with dementia, Lewy body disease with dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. |
| US09649315B2 |
Composition useful for treating disorders related to TRPA1
Compounds and compositions for treating disorders related to TRPA1 are described herein. |
| US09649313B2 |
Use of ITK inhibitors for the treatment of cancer
This invention relates generally to the use of ITK (IL-2 inducible T-cell kinase) inhibitors for the treatment of patients who have melanoma or other solid tumors. Applicants demonstrate that ITK lentiviral small hairpin RNA knockdowns and a small molecule inhibitor can each decrease the proliferation and migration of melanoma cell lines and a small molecule inhibitor can be used to inhibit the growth of melanomas in vivo. |
| US09649308B2 |
Benzamide-containing compounds and their use in the treatment of pain
The present invention is directed to benzamide-containing compounds of formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which inhibit the P2X7 receptor, and their use in the treatment of pain. |
| US09649304B2 |
Sorbic and benzoic acid and derivatives thereof enhance the activity of a neuropharmaceutical
Methods and compositions are provided for treating neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, attention deficit disorder, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and bipolar disorder. The methods entail administering to a patient diagnosed as having a neuropsychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, depression, attention deficit disorder, mild cognitive impairment, dementia bipolar disorder, etc.) or as at risk for a neuropsychiatric disorder a benzoic acid, benzoic acid salt, and/or benzoic acid derivative, and/or a sorbic acid, sorbic acid salt, and/or sorbic acid derivative, in combination with a neuropharmacological agent (e.g., an antipsychotic, an antidepressant, medications for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, cognitive impairment, or dementia, etc.) where the benzoic acid, benzoic acid salt, or benzoic acid derivative, and/or a sorbic acid, sorbic acid salt, and/or sorbic acid derivative, is in an amount sufficient to increase the efficacy of the neuropharmacological agent. |
| US09649302B2 |
Methods of treating autoimmune, respiratory and inflammatory disorders by inhalation of roflumilast N-oxide
The present disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for (and to a method of) treating autoimmune, respiratory and/or inflammatory diseases and conditions. The method involves administering to a subject in need thereof roflumilast N-oxide by inhalation. The present disclosure particularly relates to the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by administering roflumilast N-oxide by inhalation. |
| US09649299B2 |
Transdermal parasiticidal formulations
Described herein are transdermal parasiticidal formulations and methods of treatment and use, wherein the formulation is not only able to deliver an agent or agents through the skin layer, but is able to do so through wool, dirt and/or a sebum layer on the skin if such layers are present. The transdermal parasiticidal formulation may be a solution including a therapeutically effective amount of levamisole anthelmintic agent dissolved in a solution including isopropyl myristate and D-limonene. This base formulation is highly compatible with other compounds and various other actives may be added to this formulation. |
| US09649290B2 |
Method for treating eczema
A method for treating eczema including the steps of applying an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to an area affected by eczema, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant. |
| US09649283B2 |
Treatment of urinary incontinence using nitrone spin traps
Urinary incontinence is treated by administration of pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one nitrone spin trap such as α-phenyl t-butyl nitrone (PBN) and derivatives thereof. Preferred compositions and methods of treatment further include at least one adjunctive ingredient including fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid such as ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl stearate, and polyenylphosphatidylcholine. |
| US09649282B2 |
Diversion- and/or abuse-resistant compositions and methods for making the same
A composition formulated for diversion- and/or abuse-resistance, includes at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), each present in an acidic form, a first compound capable of coupling to the acidic form of the API to form a complex, where the resulting complex is resistant to separation by conventional separation methods, and a second compound capable of preferentially coupling to the first compound to thereby release the API from the complex. |
| US09649279B2 |
Fortified micronutrient salt formulations
Salt formulations, which are resistant to moisture and cooking conditions, are described herein. The formulations provide particles of micronutrients and vitamins encapsulated within heat resistant pH-sensitive water-insoluble polymers, which are packaged within a salt shell. The pH-sensitive, water-insoluble, thermally stable materials stabilize the micronutrients, particularly at high temperatures, such as during food preparation and cooking, and release the micronutrients at the desired locations such as the stomach, small intestine, etc. Preferred pH-sensitive polymers release at a low pH, less than the pH present in the stomach. The particles can be used to deliver daily-recommended doses of micronutrients simultaneously with salt, eliminating the need for vitamin pills. This is particularly important in populations suffering from severe malnutrition. |
| US09649274B2 |
Effervescent dosage form
An effervescent chewable dosage form that comprises a pH neutralization agent, an acid, and an effervescent agent. The chewable dosage form can also further comprise simethicone, a sweetener, and a lubricant. The pH neutralization agent can be calcium carbonate, the acid can be citric acid and the effervescent agent can be sodium bicarbonate. |
| US09649272B2 |
Latex nail compositions having low amounts of photo-initiator
A nail compositions comprising at least one photo-curable polymer dispersed in water (latex), at least one polyurethane non-photo-curable polymer dispersed in water (latex), at least one photo-initiator, optionally at least one plasticizer, optionally a colorant, and water are provided. Also provided are nail composition systems and kits comprising the nail compositions of the invention together with a base coat composition and/or a top coat composition. |
| US09649271B2 |
Hair thickening compositions and methods of use
Provided is a method for increasing hair shaft diameter, the method including applying a hair care composition to a region of the hair, wherein the hair care composition includes from about 0.01% to about 5% of chlorinated resorcinol; and from about 0.1% to about 10% of a rheology modifier. |
| US09649268B2 |
Glucuronolactone derivatives as self-tanning substances
The invention relates to the use of specific glucuronolactone derivatives as self-tanning substances, as tanning enhancers for dihydroxyacetone or for a mixture of self-tanning substances comprising dihydroxyacetone, for modulation of the color shade achieved in the case of tanning with dihydroxyacetone or by the mixture or preparation comprising dihydroxyacetone, as contrast-reduction agents or for coloring keratin-containing fibers, and to preparations or compositions for coloring keratin-containing fibers comprising these specific glucuronolactone derivatives. |
| US09649266B2 |
Methods to treat, prevent, and improve skin conditions
The present invention provides antagonists of acetylcholine receptors for the treatment of skin conditions. The present invention achieves treatment of skin conditions without causing the severe damage to the skin associated with antagonism of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. |
| US09649264B2 |
Cosmetic composition for making up the skin
The invention relates to a fluid cosmetic skin makeup composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium: (i) at least one continuous oil phase, (ii) at least one sebum-pump filler and pulverulent dyestuffs, (iii) at least one hydrophobic film-forming polymer, and (iv) at least one lipophilic gelling agent which is preferably particulate, the said particulate gelling agent also possibly being a sebum pump, characterized in that the composition comprises a solids content of greater than or equal to 15% and in particular greater than or equal to 20%. The composition according to the invention is comfortable on application and has improved color remanence, especially in the presence of sebum and/or sweat. |
| US09649262B2 |
Azeotrope-like compositions of tetrafluoropropene and alcohols
A composition including an effective amount of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene component combined with an effective amount of an alcohol selected from the group of methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, isobutanol, 2-ethyl hexanol and any combination thereof, where the composition has azeotropic properties. |
| US09649261B2 |
Method of applying makeup to a surface and a kit for implementing such a method
A method of applying makeup to a surface, such as the skin, the nails, hair, or the lips, is disclosed. The method includes manually depositing, using a non-magnetic cosmetic applicator, at least a first cosmetic composition in the fluid state on the surface, the first composition containing magnetic particles that are movable under the effect of a magnetic field; and manually exposing at least part of the first composition to a magnetic device producing a magnetic field, the magnetic device located above the first composition so as to orientate and/or displace at least a fraction of the magnetic particles so as to form at least one pattern according to magnetic field lines of the magnetic field without making contact with the first composition. |
| US09649260B2 |
Nipple shield
A shield for a post-operative reconstructed nipple is disclosed. The shield includes a vertical shield portion and a flat base with rounded corners and symmetric suture holes. The shield may be made of polyethylene or other semi-rigid material. The shield is sutured to a patient's skin through the suture holes, with the shield base imposed on a dressing such as iodiform gauze that is in contact with the patient's skin. |
| US09649252B2 |
Variable capsule-type hot-air bath apparatus
A variable capsule-shaped hot-air bath apparatus, includes: a first hot-air bath including a first cover covering and protecting an upper part thereof, a first film heater attached to a lower part of the first cover, a first frame attached and fixed to a circumference of one side of the lower part of the first cover and formed in a U-shape, legs coupled to the lower part of one side of the first frame, and wheels coupled to lower parts of the legs; and a second hot-air bath including a second cover covering and protecting an upper part thereof, a second film heater attached to a lower part of the second cover, a second frame attached and fixed to a circumference of one side of the lower part of the second cover, rail parts mounted on and fixed to inner sides of both sides of the second frame for smooth movement. |
| US09649249B1 |
Penile prosthetic system
A thermally regulated penile prosthetic system includes a prosthetic capsule extending longitudinally from a base to define a shaft region terminating at a tip region. The prosthetic capsule includes an inner capsule portion nested within an outer capsule portion and a fluid cushion captured therebetween. The inner capsule portion defines an inner bore extending from the base region longitudinally through the shaft region, the inner capsule portion being supported with respect to the outer capsule portion at the tip region by a stabilizing member. A heating source is coupled to transfer heat to the prosthetic capsule; and, an outer skin layer extends substantially about at least a portion of the shaft region of the prosthetic capsule. The outer skin layer is configured to emulate penile shaft skin. |
| US09649242B2 |
Wearable scissor-paired control moment gyroscope (SP-CMG) for human balance assist
An apparatus for assisting the balance of a user is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a first control moment gyroscope (CMG) and a second CMG configured as a scissor pair. The first CMG includes a first flywheel and a second flywheel, a first motor that rotates the first and second flywheels, a first gimbal supporting the first and second flywheel, and a first gimbal servo to rotate the first gimbal. The second CMG includes a third flywheel and a forth flywheel, a second motor that rotates the third and fourth flywheels, a second gimbal supporting the third and fourth flywheels, and a second gimbal servo to rotate the second gimbal. The apparatus additionally includes a gyroscope controller controlling the first gimbal servo and the second gimbal servo. |
| US09649237B2 |
Electric motor furniture drive
An electric motor furniture drive for a piece of furniture having at least one furniture part. The electric motor furniture drive includes a control unit, at least one adjustment drive, and at least one operating unit configured as a multifunction operating part connected via an adapter device to the control unit. |
| US09649233B2 |
Absorbent personal care articles having longitudinally oriented layers in discrete portions
An absorbent article is provided. The article includes at least one additional layer non-integral with the absorbent layer, and positioned upon the absorbent layer. The additional layer includes at least first and second discrete portions positioned along the longitudinal direction. The at least first and second discrete portions are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction. The portions are constructed of the same base sheet material and the first portion at least partially defines an opening therein with an opening inner edge. The second portion is of a shape mated to fit along its periphery edge, at least partially within the opening. The second portion is of a shape complementary with the opening shape. Edges of the first and second portion are complementary, the inner edge of the first portion being complementary with the periphery edge of the second portion. |
| US09649232B2 |
Disposable diaper having reduced absorbent core to backsheet gluing
The present disclosure generally relates to disposable diapers having absorbent cores comprising superabsorbent polymer particles which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores are attached to the backsheets of the disposable diapers in certain attachment zones to reduce see-through and the formation of tension lines on the backsheets. |
| US09649227B2 |
Textile bandage
The invention relates to a textile bandage with a bandage body (20) which has an inner face, directed towards a bandage wearer, and an outer face, wherein the surface of the inner face has zones (30, 40, 50) with different marking orientations (33, 44, 55). |
| US09649226B2 |
Skin treatment devices with tensioning features
The devices, kits and methods described may be used for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a pre-determined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device. |
| US09649221B2 |
Therapy device for appendages
A housing for soaking a hand with arthritis, trauma, or skin conditions. The housing may include an outside container and an inside container. The outside container may house the components. There may be a channel between the inside container and the outside container. The present invention may include a heating element and an impeller within the channel. In certain embodiments, the heating element and impeller housing may be attached to the bottom of a lid that covers the housing. |
| US09649215B2 |
Connecting element for orthopedic components
The invention relates to a connecting clement (5) between two orthopedic components, in particular prosthesis or orthosis components, which are rigidly coupled to one another and comprise a top part (2) and a bottom part (8). The connecting element (5) has a laminar structure, and at least one sensor (20) is arranged in the connecting element (5) in order to determine an effective moment or an effective force. |
| US09649213B2 |
Delivery system having stent retention structure
A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medical device, a drainage catheter or stent, and an interference fit member for selectively coupling the drainage stent to the elongate shaft. The drainage stent is selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft by an interference fit between the interference fit member and the drainage stent such that axial movement of the elongate shaft relative to the drainage stent moves the interference fit member from a first position in which the interference fit member is engaged with the drainage stent and forms an interference fit with the drainage stent to a second position in which the interference fit member is disengaged from the drainage stent. |
| US09649211B2 |
Alternating circumferential bridge stent design and methods for use thereof
A stent includes a first section and a second section. The second section is aligned with the first section along a longitudinal axis of the stent. Each section includes a plurality of expandable modules and a plurality of bridging modules. Each expandable module includes a plurality of strut elements that join together at a plurality of apices. Each bridging module includes bridging elements that connect an apex of a first module with an apex of a second module. The plurality of expandable modules or the plurality of bridging modules in the first section are more radially stiff than the plurality of expandable modules or the plurality of bridging modules in the second section such that at least a portion of the first section is configured to be placed in a region of a vein subjected to physiologic compression. |
| US09649208B2 |
Hollow drug-filled stent and method of forming hollow drug-filled stent
A stent is formed from a wire having an outer member, a radiopaque core member disposed within a portion of the outer member, and an annular lumen between the radiopaque core member and the outer member. A substance is disposed in the annular lumen to be eluted through at least one opening disposed through the outer member. A plurality of radiopaque core members are disposed within portions of the outer member and are separated by lumens defined by the inner surface of the outer member. The lumens and annular lumens are in fluid communication with each other. In a method for making the stent, a composite wire including an outer member, an intermediate member, and a core member is shaped into a stent pattern and processed to remove the intermediate member and portions of the radiopaque core member, without damaging the outer member. |
| US09649207B2 |
Powered prosthetic devices using EMG-based locomotion state classifier
Real-time control of a prosthetic device using EMG-based locomotion state classification computes a histogram [208] of a time-frequency spectrogram [206] of the EMG data [200] sampled from muscles, classifies the histogram using if-else rules [212] as representing a locomotion steady state [216] or locomotion transition state [214] in the prosthetic device, and controls the prosthetic device using the computed transitions between locomotion modes. The classification may be based on a comparison of feature values [210] derived from the histogram and stored feature values derived from histograms of known locomotion states. Alternatively, the classification may be based on matching scores calculated from the histogram and stored histograms of known locomotion states. The classifying preferably is performed using hierarchical if-else fuzzy classification rules [212], and may further include using a prior locomotion state and a state diagram specifying constraints on locomotion states accessible from other locomotion states. |
| US09649206B2 |
Control device and system for controlling an actuated prosthesis
A motorized prosthetic device includes a joint member, a limb member, a pressure sensor, and a kinematic sensor. The pressure sensor indicates interaction between the motorized prosthetic device and the ground and the kinematic sensor measures torque at the joint member. A controller receives data from the pressure sensor and kinematic sensor and calculates a control signal based at least on the received data. An electrical motor receives the control signal and operates an actuator in accordance with the received control signal. |
| US09649205B2 |
Distal femoral trial with removable cutting guide
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a distal femoral trial that allows a surgeon to cut the central box geometry of a distal femur using an implant-shaped trial. The trial includes a cutting guide that is removable from the trial and adjustable with respect to the trial. The guide is intended to control the depth and direction of the cutting instruments used to prepare the femur for a posterior stabilized implant. |
| US09649200B2 |
Spinal implant system and method
A spinal implant comprises a body including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. At least one of the surfaces includes at least one tissue penetrating member. The at least one member includes a cutting surface and a guide surface that defines a cavity configured for disposal of tissue. Systems and methods of use are disclosed. |
| US09649186B2 |
Tubular conduit
A tubular conduit comprising: a tubular portion made from a flexible material. There is an external helical formation extending around the exterior of, and parallel to the axis of, the tubular portion and defining a first region of the tubular portion. The external helical formation is for supporting the tubular portion. There is also an internal helical formation, protruding inwardly of the interior of the tubular portion and extending parallel to the axis of the tubular portion and defining a second region of the tubular portion. The internal helical formation is for imparting helical flow on fluid passing through the tubular portion. The first region does not extend throughout the second region. |
| US09649179B2 |
Multi-layer zirconia dental blank that has a gradual change in chroma and translucency through a thickness after sintering
A dental block for producing a dental prosthesis comprises a green body including zirconia and having a chemical composition including increasing amounts of yttria through a thickness of the green body. The green body is substantially white with a substantially consistent optical characteristic of chroma across the thickness, and is subsequently millable and sinterable to form the dental prosthesis with an optical characteristic of decreasing chroma through a thickness of the dental prosthesis. |
| US09649170B2 |
Arthroplasty system and related methods
A method of manufacturing an arthroplasty jig is disclosed herein. The method may include the following: generate a bone model, wherein the bone model includes a three dimensional computer model of at least a portion of a joint surface of a bone of a patient joint to undergo an arthroplasty procedure; generate an implant model, wherein the implant model includes a three dimensional computer model of at least a portion of a joint surface of an arthroplasty implant to be used in the arthroplasty procedure; assess a characteristic associated with the patient joint; generate a modified joint surface of the implant model by modifying at least a portion of a joint surface of the implant model according to the characteristic; and shape match the modified joint surface of the implant model and a corresponding joint surface of the bone model. |
| US09649163B2 |
Introduction devices for highly articulated robotic probes and methods of production and use of such probes
In an introduction assembly for an articulated probe, a feeding mechanism has actuators for controlling the articulated probe. The introduction device is fixed in a positional relationship to the feeding mechanism. The introduction device includes a support member configured to support an articulated probe. A proximal end of the support member has an entrance configured to guide the articulated probe into contact with the support member. A distal end of the support member has an exit configured to guide the articulated probe from the support member into a region of interest. |
| US09649161B2 |
Stereotactic positioning guide apparatus
The present invention presents an apparatus and methods to stereotactically guide insertion of invasive tubular devices to a tissue object of a living body. The apparatus comprises a positioning guide control assembly and a positioning guide assembly that is operably detachable from the positioning guide control assembly, and rotationally adjustable and lockable. The positioning guide control assembly releasably houses a ultrasound transducer head to visualize and target the tissue object and adjusts an insertion angle of an invasive tubular device placed in the positioning guide assembly. |
| US09649159B2 |
Eccentric balloon laser catheter
Various embodiments of an eccentric balloon catheter are disclosed. In some embodiments, an eccentric balloon catheter includes an eccentrically positioned guidewire tube, with an interior lumen, that extends at least a portion of the length of the catheter body. Optical fibers may extend the length of the catheter body and may also be eccentrically positioned within the catheter body. An inflatable balloon may be positioned within a window within the catheter body near the distal end of the catheter. When inflated, the balloon and catheter may slide relative to one another. When used within a vessel, an inflated balloon may press against a vessel wall and bias the catheter toward an opposite vessel wall. |
| US09649158B2 |
Catheter for treatment of atrial flutter having single action dual deflection mechanism
A catheter and method for the treatment of a patient having atrial flutter or other arrhythmia comprises an elongated catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. Further it has a distal tip section comprising a flexible tubing having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The tip section further comprises a nitinol tube having slots formed therein which causes the distal tip section to deflect using the same puller-wire action used to cause the deflectable catheter to deflect at a point proximal to the distal tip section. |
| US09649157B1 |
Systems and methods for creating arteriovenous (AV) fistulas
A method of creating an AV fistula between adjacent first and second blood vessels, includes steps of cutting a hole through the adjacent walls of the first and second blood vessels and inserting a welding catheter into the first vessel, and through the hole into the second vessel, so that a distal end of the welding catheter is disposed within the second vessel. A portion of wall defining the welding catheter is then expanded radially outwardly, and the expanded wall portion is pulled proximally to engage the wall of the second blood vessel and to pull it toward the wall of the first blood vessel. Then, a portion of wall proximal to the first expanded wall portion and disposed in the first blood vessel is expanded radially outwardly, thereby capturing the walls of each of the second and first blood vessels between the two expanded wall portions. Cutting elements on the expanded wall portions are then energized to create a tissue welded elongate aperture between the first and second blood vessels. |
| US09649150B2 |
Selective activation of electronic components in medical device
A surgical instrument comprises a body, a transmission assembly, and a switch. The body comprises a control unit and an integral power source. The power source is operable to selectively deliver power to the control unit. The transmission assembly extends distally from the body. The transmission assembly also includes an end effector driven by the control unit. The switch is in communication with the control unit and the power source. The transmission assembly is operable to actuate the switch to enable delivery of power from the power source to the control unit. |
| US09649149B2 |
RF generator system for surgical vessel sealing
Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing power to an electrosurgical instrument. A method of providing power to an electrosurgical instrument includes generating a non-sinusoidal driving voltage having a substantially constant driving frequency; providing the non-sinusoidal driving voltage to a series LC circuit having a resonant frequency of substantially twice the substantially constant driving frequency and configured to present an impedance that limits current spikes and voltage transient spikes during load fluctuations; generating a quasi-sinusoidal current in the series LC circuit from the non-sinusoidal driving voltage; and providing the quasi-sinusoidal current to an electrical output, wherein the electrical output is configured for coupling to an electrical input of a bipolar tissue-sealing surgical instrument. |
| US09649146B2 |
Electro-thermal device
An electro-thermal apparatus configured to treat tissue is provided. The electro-thermal apparatus including an electrosurgical cable configured to couple to an electrosurgical energy source. The electrosurgical cable includes supply and return lines that are wound in a double helix arrangement around a dielectric insulator within the electrosurgical cable. An electro-thermal element is provided at a distal end of the electrosurgical cable. The electro-thermal element is in electrical communication with the supply and return lines via corresponding first and second conductive traces. The first and second conductive traces have a patterned geometry and resistivity configured to convert electrical energy provided by the supply and return lines to thermal energy for treating tissue. |
| US09649143B2 |
Electrosurgical system to generate a pulsed plasma stream and method thereof
An electrosurgical system to generate a pulsed plasma stream and method thereof are provided. The system includes an electrosurgical generator coupled to an electrical power source to supply power for the electrosurgical system; a plasma generator including a noble gas conduit and an electrode disposed with the noble gas conduit, the electrode operatively coupled to the electrosurgical generator to selectively receive electrical energy therefrom such that the electrode at least partially ionizes a carrier gas feed to the noble gas conduit to create a plasma discharge; and a flow controller coupled to the noble gas conduit to pulse the flow of the carrier gas from a gas source to the noble gas conduit such that when the electrode is energized pulses of plasma discharge are generated at the surgical site. |
| US09649139B2 |
Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system
A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element. |
| US09649136B2 |
Coupling devices and methods of using the same
In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member, a first coupler, and a second coupler. The elongate member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion. The side portion of the elongate member has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first receiving portion is configured to receive a first support member. The second receiving portion is configured to receive a second support member. The first coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the first support member to help retain the first support member within the first receiving portion. The second coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the second support member to help retain the second support member within the second receiving portion. |
| US09649127B2 |
Real time three-dimensional heat-induced echo-strain imaging for monitoring high-intensity acoustic ablation produced by conformal interstitial and external directional ultrasound therapy applicators
A system for thermal treatment or ablation of tissue includes an ultrasonic thermal ablation probe, an ultrasonic three-dimensional imaging probe that captures an image from radio frequency image data obtained before the radio frequency image data is processed, a control system for multi-axis control of the imaging probe's position, and an ultrasonic feedback mechanism that measures ultrasound echo strain to estimate heat-induced structural changes of an area surrounding the ultrasonic thermal ablation probe, from the image. The ultrasonic thermal ablation probe is either an interstitial ablator inserted into tissue, a natural cavity or a vessel to emit high intensity ultrasound energy to deposit thermal dose, or an external applicator that emits a directional high intensity ultrasound energy to deposit thermal dose via surface contact with tissue. The control system adjusts power levels of the ultrasonic thermal ablation probe based on the estimated heat-induced structural changes. |
| US09649126B2 |
Seal arrangements for ultrasonically powered surgical instruments
A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes providing an ultrasonic waveguide comprising a blade implement at a distal end thereof, providing an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and providing a hollow sheath sized to receive the ultrasonic blade. The method further includes identifying a motionless node on the ultrasonic waveguide when the ultrasonic transducer assembly is driven at maximum current at a resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, and installing a seal on the waveguide at the motionless node, wherein the seal has an annular groove therein. Installing the seal comprises positioning a first annular seal portion at the motionless node on the waveguide such that a first axial seal portion and a second axial seal portion extend axially in opposite axial directions beyond the first annular seal portion. When compressed, the seal maintains a contact with the waveguide that is less than a contact with the hollow sheath. |
| US09649121B2 |
Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure
An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom for treating tissue. A longitudinal axis is defined through the shaft. An end effector assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A rotating assembly operably coupled to the shaft is configured to rotate the shaft and the end effector about the longitudinal axis. A drive assembly is configured to selectively and releasably engage the rotating assembly. Engagement of the rotating assembly with the drive assembly couples the rotating assembly to the shaft such that the shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis in a predetermined direction when the rotating assembly is rotated. And, disengagement of the rotating assembly from the drive assembly uncouples the rotating assembly from the shaft such that the shaft is non-rotatable about the longitudinal axis when the rotating assembly is rotated. |
| US09649120B1 |
Minimally invasive surgery platform attachment apparatus
An apparatus for the insertion, placement, attachment, and removal of a surgical device includes a handle and an elongate shaft. Opposing spring fingers that open and close relative to one another are partially and slidably disposed within the distal end of the elongate shaft opposite the handle. The opposing spring fingers are adapted to grasp a surgical device and power the surgical device via physical conductors on the spring fingers or graspers attached thereto, resulting in the surgical device being fully functional. A first trigger mechanism opens and closes the spring fingers via a piston disposed within the elongate shaft. A second trigger mechanism rotates the surgical device grasped by the spring fingers. |
| US09649118B2 |
Jig with guide adapted to lock relative to both of threaded holes and non-threaded slots in a bone plate
A system, devices and methods are provided for facilitating stabilization of periarticular fractures. The system includes a compression plate and one or more of a cerclage cable for encircling the bone and securing the compression plate to the bone, a crimp lug for securing the cable in tension relative to the bone and/or a plate, and a supplemental plate coupled to the compression plate and adapted to receive bicortical or unicortical bone screws to further secure the compression plate relative to the bone. In addition, the system includes a cable tensioner for temporarily retaining the cable in tension and then applying a tension to the cable until a desired compression is effected between a plate and bone and while a cable retaining structure is secured to the cable to retain the applied tension on the cable. Also provided is a jig for use with plates for minimally invasive fracture stabilization. |
| US09649116B2 |
System for use in treatment of vertebral fractures
Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure. |
| US09649115B2 |
Medical device for modification of left atrial appendage and related systems and methods
Devices, methods and systems are provided for occluding an opening within the tissue of a body, such as a left atrial appendage. In one embodiment, a medical device coupled to a delivery catheter includes a fluid flow path that facilitates contrast fluid to pass through the delivery catheter and the medical device to a distal side thereof to provide imaging information as to the position of the medical device positioned in the opening, such as the left atrial appendage. In another embodiment, a medical device is coupled to a delivery catheter, the medical device including flaps adjacent a hub of the medical device that close-off a bore of the hub upon the catheter being detached from the medical device. |
| US09649110B2 |
Surgical instrument comprising a closing drive and a firing drive operated from the same rotatable output
A surgical instrument can comprise an end effector, a first drive configured to perform a first end effector function, a second drive configured to perform a second end effector function, and a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft can comprise a first thread, wherein the first drive is engageable with the first thread to perform the first end effector function, and a second thread, wherein the second drive is engageable with the second thread to perform the second end effector function, and wherein the first thread is at least partially co-extensive with or overlaps the second thread. |
| US09649109B2 |
Surgical instrument with an actuation lockout
Embodiments of a surgical instrument and its methods of use are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments of a surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly distally extending from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion. An articulation control may be associated with the elongated shaft assembly. The articulation control may be movable between a first position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a first articulation position and a second position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a second articulation position. The surgical instrument may include a fastener deployment system with a locking member. The articulation control may block movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the first position. The articulation control may also permit movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the second position. |
| US09649107B2 |
Needle for suturing instrument
An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue comprising placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch. |
| US09649101B2 |
Surgical retractor system
A surgical retractor system having a frame and a plurality of arms connected thereto is disclosed. At least one arm is moveable relative to the frame and the relative movement is constrained to a direction along the longitudinal axis of the arm. At least one retractor blade is removably connected to each of the plurality of arms. The blade is fixably rotatable about an axis normal to the longitudinal axis of the arm to which it is connected. |
| US09649097B2 |
Occluder
An Occluder for occluding a passage in a circulatory system comprises at least one occluding body (4), for occluding the passage, an expanding unit (1) comprising at least one fixation structure for fixing the occluding body (4, 5) within the passage, wherein at least a part of the expanding unit (1) is expanding into said fixation structure thereby expanding the occluding body and a locking unit (2, 3) for locking the expanding unit (1) in its expanded state. The expanding unit (1) comprises a first and a second end and wherein the first end is attached to a first element of the locking unit (2, 3) and the second end is attached to a second element of the locking unit (2, 3), the first and second elements of the locking unit (2, 3) being brought in locking engagement with each other when the occluding body (4, 5) is expanded, wherein the occluder further comprises a jacket (6, 7) which envelops at least a part of the expanding unit (1). This occluder ensures that no parts of the occluder can wander within the human or animal body and enhances the growth of the body tissue over the occluder. |
| US09649096B2 |
Motorized surgical instruments
A motorized surgical instrument that may be held by the surgeon or be attached to the surgeon's limb via a special adapter that includes an interface between the surgeon and the surgical tool is provided. The motorized surgical instrument includes mechanism, motors, gears, interface and power source that enable the surgeon to easily control the motorized surgical tools in order perform the surgical procedure. |
| US09649094B2 |
Ultrasound imaging system with pixel oriented processing
An ultrasound imaging system with pixel oriented processing is provided in which an acoustic signal is generated, echoes from the acoustic signal are received at a plurality of receiving elements to obtain echo signals that are then stored, a given pixel is mapped into a region of the stored signals, the mapped region of the stored echo signals is organized into array for the given pixel after which the array is processed to generate a signal response for the given pixel to obtain acoustic information for the given pixel. The system can be implemented entirely on plug-in cards for a commercial PC motherboard. The system and method can be implemented for pixel-oriented or voxel-oriented image processing and display, eliminating intermediate data computations and enabling extensive use of software processing methods. Advantages include improved acquisition of signal dynamic range, flexible acquisition modes for high frame rate 2D, 3D, and Doppler blood flow imaging. |
| US09649093B2 |
Cavity-filling biopsy site markers
A mass includes particles that exhibit an in vivo lifetime and that include a bioresorbable material and bubble cavities disposed in the particles, wherein the bubble cavities have length, width, and height dimensions at least one of which is less than or equal to about 2000 microns. The mass exhibits enhanced detectability by ultrasound energy during the lifetime; the lifetime begins upon exposure to in vivo fluids and ends between about 2 and about 20 weeks afterward; and a zero or non-zero fluid-to-solid ratio. |
| US09649092B2 |
Devices and methods for three-dimensional internal ultrasound usage
There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms. |
| US09649089B2 |
Portable ultrasound scanner and docking system
An apparatus includes a plurality of portable scanners and docks. The scanners include first and second configurations to provide different functionality. The docks include at least one of floor, a wall, and a table dock. The scanners are selectively mateable to the various docks. |
| US09649088B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic system and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus docking cart
After an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus is temporally placed on the receptacle of a docking cart to relieve a weight load, the portable ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus is placed at a predetermined position by sliding the apparatus while guiding it along the shapes of the edges of the receptacle. After the portable ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus is slid on the receptacle and rear foot portions come into contact with the stoppers of the receptacle, the front side of the portable ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus is placed on the receptacle. With this operation, front foot portions are fitted in fitting portions, and the portable ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus is placed at an accurate position on the receptacle. In addition, when an operator places the portable ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus on the receptacle or lifts the portable ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus from the receptacle, the fingers which grasp the apparatus are placed in the recessed portions of the receptacle. |
| US09649087B2 |
Method and device for apnea and hypopnea detection
Disclosed herein is a method and device for apnea and hypopnea detection. In one embodiment, a method is provided for detecting apneas and hypopneas from a digitized breath sound recording acquired from a candidate suspected of sleep apnea. The method comprises scanning an amplitude profile of the digitized breath sound recording to identify a prospect event segment; evaluating characteristics of the prospect event segment for consistency with one or more preset apnea-specific criteria; classifying the prospect event segment as representative of an apnea upon it satisfying each of the one or more apnea-specific criteria; evaluating the prospect event characteristics for consistency with one or more preset hypopnea-specific criteria distinct from the apnea-specific criteria; and classifying the prospect event segment as representative of a hypopnea upon it satisfying each of the one or more hypopnea-specific criteria. |
| US09649085B2 |
Inductive rotary joint with secondary safety circuit
An inductive rotating power transfer circuit, preferably for transferring electrical power from the stationary part to the rotating part of a CT scanner comprises an inductive power transformer having a stationary primary side and a rotating secondary side. The secondary side is connected via a rectifier to a filtering capacitor, delivering electrical power to a load. One of the output pins of the filtering capacitor is connected to a secondary ground at the rotating part which is further connected to a stationary protective ground via a galvanic slip ring. In the case of a short circuit between a secondary transformer winding and the secondary ground, the secondary winding is partially short-circuited by one of the rectifier diodes. This causes an asymmetric current load at the primary side and a current flowing through the slip ring. Both currents may be used to detect a failure of the secondary winding. |
| US09649082B2 |
Differential phase contrast imaging device with movable grating(s)
An X-ray differential phase contrast imaging device (10) comprises an X-ray source (20) for generating an X-ray beam; a source grating (G0) for generating a coherent X-ray beam from a non-coherent X-ray source (20); a collimator (22) for splitting the coherent X-ray beam into a plurality of fan-shaped X-ray beams (28) for passing through an object (14); a phase grating (G1) for generating an interference pattern and an absorber grating (G2) for generating a Moiré pattern from the interference pattern arranged after the object (14); and a line detector (24) for detecting the Moiré pattern generated by the phase grating (G1) and the absorber grating (G2) from the fan-shaped X-ray beams (28) passing through the object (14). The X-ray source (20), source grating (G0), collimator (22), phase grating (G1), absorber grating (G2) and line detector (24) are fixed to a common gantry (12) and are movable with respect to the object (14), such that a number of interference pattern from different positions of the gantry are detectable for reconstructing a differential phase image of the object (14). At least one grating (G0, G1, G2) comprises, in an alternating manner, groups (36) of grating lines (34) and transparent areas (38). At least one grating (G0, G1, G2) is movable with respect to the gantry (12), such that in a first position of the grating (G1, G2) the fan-shaped X-ray beams (28) pass through the grating lines (34), and in a second position of the grating (G1, G2), the fan-shaped X-ray beams (28) pass through the transparent areas (38). |
| US09649080B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same
Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus which recognizes a marker located at a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from an image of a subject imaged by a camera and which controls a respective movement of each of an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector to a respective position which corresponds to the recognized marker, and a method for controlling the same. An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube which radiates X-rays toward a subject, an X-ray detector which detects X-rays which propagate through the subject, an imaging unit which generates an image of the subject, a recognizes which recognizes a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from the image of the subject, and a position controller which controls a movement of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector to a position corresponding to the part to be subjected to X-ray imaging. |
| US09649077B2 |
Medical imaging system with C-arm and protection cover supported by two different vehicles
A medical imaging system comprising a C-arm supporting a radiation source and a radiation detector, an external protection cover of said C-arm, wherein said C-arm and said cover are separable from each other and are respectively supported by two different vehicles when separated from each other. |
| US09649076B2 |
X-ray CT apparatus with a filtering element exhibiting a maximum absorption at its center
An X-ray computed tomography (=CT) apparatus (10) has a filter element (2) for attenuating an X-ray beam (1). The filter element (2) has a spatially varying X-ray absorption capability along a cross direction (y) which is perpendicular to both the beam axis (z) of the X-ray beam and to a rotation axis (x) of a gantry. The spatially varying X-ray absorption capability exhibits a maximum absorption along the cross direction (y) at a zero position (y0), wherein X-rays passing through the filter element (2) at the zero position (y0) intersect the rotation axis (x). The CT apparatus allows for further reduction of the radiation dose for an object to be investigated, while simultaneously retaining high image quality. |
| US09649070B2 |
Method for decomposition of a composite signal consisting of oscillatory waveforms and a modulating signal
Various embodiments relate to a method, apparatus, system, and a computer program product for suppressing an oscillatory signal Sosc. In the method a composite signal S comprising said Sosc and a modulating signal Smod are provided and the S is high pass filtered to produce estimates of the Sosc and the Smod, wherein the estimate of the Sosc comprises first oscillations during a first state of the modulating signal and second oscillations during a second state of the modulating signal. A first bin associated with said first state and a second bin associated with said second state are defined and assigned for said first oscillation and the second bin for said second oscillation according to a state defined from the estimate of the Smod. A first average waveform for said first oscillations and a second average waveform for said second oscillations are formed and used to suppress the Sosc signal from the composite signal S. |
| US09649068B2 |
Table for performing medical procedures
The table for performing breast biopsies is characterized by features that enhance patient comfort and facilitate performance of the biopsy. An opening in the table allowing the breast to extend below the table top is formed in a removable insert. An area of the insert includes padding. An alternate insert having a different diameter opening may be selected based on patient breast size. Another insert having an asymmetrical opening may accommodate the patient's arm when it is desirable to position both the arm and breast of the patient below the table top. The table top is contoured such that symmetrical distal end sections are elevated relative to a central section to support the patient in multiple positions. A removable pad may be placed over the insert. An end portion for padding the hip of the patient is thicker than an end portion for padding the head/neck of the patient. |
| US09649061B2 |
Biological fluid micro-sample management device
A biological fluid collection device includes a collection module and an outer housing. The collection module includes a housing comprising a first end having a sample introduction opening, a second end having a sample dispensing opening, and a passageway extending between the sample introduction opening and the sample dispensing opening. A mixing chamber and a holding chamber are in fluid communication with the passageway such that a sample introduced into the sample introduction opening passes through the mixing chamber and subsequently into the holding chamber. The biological fluid collection device further includes a closure covering the first end, a cap covering the second end and including a vented plug, and an activation member adapted to force a sample contained in the holding chamber out of the sample dispensing opening. The collection module is positioned inside of the outer housing and the closure closes the open end of the outer housing. |
| US09649057B2 |
Analyte monitoring system and methods
Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed. |
| US09649051B2 |
Method and system for analyzing a patients respiratory activity and corresponding uses
A method for analyzing the respiratory activity of a patient includes steps for acquiring at least one respiratory activity signal including at least one elementary signal corresponding to a respiratory cycle, the general form of which may be expressed by x(t)=x0+x1 cos(Φ(t)), wherein Φ(t) is the phase of the elementary signal, and for analyzing the respiratory activity signal. The analysis includes steps for extracting, from the respiratory activity signal, the elementary signal, for determining an expression of a phase equation F ( Φ ) = ⅆ Φ ⅆ t of the elementary signal and for determining an expression of the phase Φ(t) of the elementary signal as a function of parameters measuring the anharmonicity of the elementary signal and its morphology, from p cosn and p sinn functions defined by: p cos n ( t , r ) = ∑ k = 1 ∞ cos ( kt ) r k k n and p sin n ( t , r ) = ∑ k = 1 ∞ sin ( kt ) r r k k n . |
| US09649047B1 |
Monitoring and treatment of multiple sclerosis
The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the presence of, or the susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. The method may include obtaining measurements of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, and deriving one or more values representing the CSF flow in the patient. These values may be used to determine if the patient has abnormal CSF flow, as such abnormal CSF flow may be indicative of presence of, or susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. The present invention also discloses that magnetic resonance images may be obtained on patients in various positions, including the upright position. |
| US09649042B2 |
Heart monitoring system usable with a smartphone or computer
A personal monitoring device has a sensor assembly configured to sense physiological signals upon contact with a user's skin. The sensor assembly produces electrical signals representing the sensed physiological signals. A converter assembly, integrated with, and electrically connected to the sensor assembly, converts the electrical signals generated by the sensor assembly to a frequency modulated physiological audio signal having a carrier frequency in the range of from about 6 kHz to about 20 kHz. |
| US09649041B2 |
Blood flow perfusion analyzing apparatus, blood flow perfusion analyzing method, fluid analyzing apparatus and fluid analyzing
According to one embodiment, a blood flow perfusion analyzing apparatus includes tissue and arterial TCC calculation units, first and second making units, a deconvolution unit and a blood flow information calculation unit. The tissue TCC calculation unit obtains tissue TCCs. The arterial TCC calculation unit calculates an arterial TCC. The first making unit makes first sets, starting from a first time in which elements corresponding to the tissue are arrayed one-dimensionally, based on the tissue TCCs. The second making unit makes a second set, starting from a second time after the first time, in which elements corresponding to the artery are arrayed two-dimensionally, based on the arterial TCC. The deconvolution unit calculates transfer functions of the tissue based on the first and second sets. The blood flow information calculation unit calculates information on a blood flow perfusion based on the transfer functions. |
| US09649040B2 |
Medical devices for mapping cardiac tissue
Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example system for mapping the electrical activity of the heart includes a catheter shaft. The catheter shaft includes a plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode. The system also includes a processor. The processor is capable of collecting a first signal corresponding to the first electrode and a second signal corresponding to the second electrode. Collecting the first and second signals occurs over a time period. The processor is also capable of generating a first time-frequency distribution corresponding to the first signal, identifying a first dominant frequency value occurring at a first dominant frequency and a first time point, generating a second time-frequency distribution corresponding to the second signal, identifying a second dominant frequency value occurring at a second dominant frequency and a second time point and determining an attraction point. |
| US09649034B2 |
Photoacoustic imaging apparatus and method for operating a photoacoustic imaging apparatus
A photoacoustic imaging apparatus is equipped with an extracting section that extracts position data regarding the positions of each of a plurality of peaks in electrical signals that photoacoustic waves have been converted into, and positive/negative data that indicates whether the peaks are positive or negative. An image generating section administers chromatic adjustments to an image region corresponding to a signal region sandwiched between adjacent peaks based on the position data in the case that the positive/negative data for the adjacent peaks are in the order of positive then negative in temporal series, in order to facilitate discrimination of the pair of adjacent peaks and the signal region as being a single tissue system. Thereby, discrimination of a region between two lines is facilitated in photoacoustic imaging, even in cases that the boundary between a comparatively large tissue system and another tissue system is displayed as two lines. |
| US09649021B1 |
Resolution enhancement of OCT images during vitreoretinal surgery
Resolution enhancement of OCT images during ophthalmic surgery may be performed with an OCT scanning controller that interfaces to an OCT scanner used with a surgical microscope. Real-time OCT images may be acquired by the OCT scanner, while previously acquired high resolution OCT images are accessed by the OCT scanning controller. The high resolution OCT images may be morphed based on the real-time OCT images to match a deformation of the eye. The morphed high resolution OCT images may be displayed during surgery. |
| US09649018B2 |
Endoscope system and method for operating the same
A V-LED emits violet narrowband light. A G-LED emits green light. A filter limits wavelengths of the green light to pass green narrowband light. The V-LED and the G-LED are turned on alternately to apply the violet narrowband light and the green narrowband light alternately to an object. A complementary color image sensor has a Cy pixel and an Mg pixel, which are sensitive to both the violet narrowband light and the green narrowband light. The complementary color image sensor images the object under illumination of the violet narrowband light to output a first image signal and images the object under illumination of the green narrowband light to output a second image signal. Based on the first and second image signals, a special image, in which surface structure (surface blood vessels) and subsurface structure (subsurface blood vessels) are isolated from each other, is produced and displayed on a monitor. |
| US09649016B2 |
Endoscopic camera and endoscopic device
Provided is an endoscopic camera capable of expanding its visual field up to an oblique back side. An endoscopic camera includes: a rigid case having a cylindrical shape with a top end portion being obliquely cut off; a camera head provided at the top end portion of the rigid case; a semispherical cover mounted on the top end portion of the rigid case to cover at least a part of the camera head; and a tilt motor adapted to rotate the camera head around a tilt shaft. |
| US09649015B2 |
Treatment tool for endoscope
A treatment tool for an endoscope includes: a distal end member attached to a distal end of an endoscope; a treatment part; a tube that is arranged in an axis direction of the endoscope and has a lumen formed therein; an insertion part that is inserted into the lumen and has a distal end to which the treatment part is fixed; a connecting member that connects the tube and the distal end member; a first pivot that couples the connecting member and the tube; and a second pivot that couples the connecting member and the distal end member. The second pivot is provided at a position at which the connecting member is capable of rotating such that the first pivot is moved from a position at a proximal end side relative to the second pivot to a position at a distal end side. |
| US09649009B2 |
Method for controlling a domestic appliance, using smart metering
A method and device for controlling a domestic appliance connected to an electric grid so as to allow smart metering, wherein electric power consumed according to different consumption tariffs is measured and the domestic appliance receives information about the availability of a currently applicable consumption tariff or a switch-off condition for preventing peak loads in the grid. The domestic appliance is operated as follows: a) when an inexpensive consumption tariff is available, the appliance is put into operation as intended, and the history of the cleaning process is continuously recorded; b) when an inexpensive consumption tariff is not available or the switch-off condition is met, the appliance is not put into operation or a previously started operation is interrupted; and c) when information about an inexpensive consumption tariff is available, the domestic appliance resumes operation, and a component of a detergent is added based on the recorded history. |
| US09649007B2 |
Rotating filter for a dishwasher and methods of cleaning a rotating filter
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation circuit, and a liquid filtering system where the liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter and where a granular agent contacts the rotating filter to clean the filter. Methods of cleaning a rotating filter provided within a liquid flow by scouring the filter with a granular agent. |
| US09649005B2 |
Method to remove fatty soils in a dishwasher
A method of operating a dishwasher by controlling the use of hot liquids to dissolve fatty soils. |
| US09649002B1 |
High dump floor scrubber sweeper
A mobile floor scrubber sweeper includes operator and engine compartments, clean solution and reclaimed dirty solution tanks, and a clean solution delivery system for applying clean solution to a floor ahead of a pair of counter-rotating cylindrical scrub/sweep brushes. Also included are a debris hopper coupled to a first lift system for moving the debris hopper between an operating position within the scrubber sweeper and an elevated aft position for discharging debris/dirty solution into an external debris container, and a rear squeegee coupled to a second lift system for independently moving the rear squeegee from a lowered, floor engaging, operating position to an elevated non-use position to facilitate squeegee inspection, adjustment, maintenance or replacement, without moving the debris hopper. The hopper and squeegee lift systems operate independently of one another, and the hopper lift system is compatible with standard high, i.e., sixty (60) inch, debris containers. |
| US09648998B2 |
Composite toilet lid and seat and method for manufacturing
A laminar composite toilet lid and seat are formed of a composite laminar material. The toilet lid includes a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes a first decorative exterior layer disposed on a first surface of the, core structural layer. The toilet lid further includes a second decorative exterior layer disposed on a second surface of the core structural layer, the second surface opposite the first surface. The toilet lid still further includes a painted edge configured to cover seams between the core structural layer and the first and second decorative exterior layers. |
| US09648996B2 |
Dry closet, separate receiver toilet
Floating, Insulated, Waterless Toilet System with Fece-Urine Separation, Slippery Coating, Urine Bag, Dehumidifying Structure, Fecal Disinfection-Deodorization by Microbes, and Urine Disinfection-Deodorization by Hydrogen Peroxide includes a system of components. The Toilet Pedestal is made of a water-proof, structural foam that both floats in water and thermally insulates the Fece Bag. The feces and urine are kept separate by a ridge between the urine bowl and the fece chute. The Toilet Lid forms a temporary seal with the Toilet Platform when the lid is closed. The Toilet Lid is thermally insulated so that it stays warm and dry inside the toilet. The Toilet has a thermally conductive structure that condenses humidity inside the Toilet. The urine and condensation are collected in a Urine Bag. The surfaces of the Toilet are covered by a slippery coating to prevent feces attachment. The feces are disinfected and/or deodorized by special microbes. The urine is disinfected and/or deodorized by Hydrogen Peroxide added to the Urine Bag or at a later step in processing. |
| US09648995B2 |
Tissue dispenser and method for dispensing tissue
A tissue dispenser includes: (a) a housing and cover that attach together and form an interior region for holding multiple tissue rolls and a dispenser opening for dispensing tissue from the dispenser interior; (b) a first roll holder located within the interior region, the first roll holder comprising a first back panel and a first mandrel extending from the first back panel, the first back panel is constructed to rotate, relative to the housing, between a locked position and an unlocked position, and the first mandrel is constructed to receive a first tissue roll; (c) a second roll holder located within the interior region, the second roll holder comprising a second back panel and second mandrel extending from the second back panel, the second back panel is constructed to rotate relative to the housing, between a locked position and an unlocked position, and the second mandrel is constructed to receive a second tissue roll; and (d) a door constructed to move within the dispenser opening between a first position and a second position so that when the door is provided in the first position, tissue can be dispensed from the first tissue roll provided on the first mandrel, and when the door is provided in the second position, tissue can be dispensed from the second tissue roll positioned on the second mandrel, wherein the door is constructed so that when the door is provided in either the first position or the second position and tissue is dispensing from either the first roll or the second roll, then the door is unable to move to the other of the first position or the second position until the tissue being dispensed is exhausted. A method for dispensing tissue is provided. |
| US09648994B2 |
Dispenser assembly
A dispenser assembly for dispensing a sheet from a roll of sheet material, which defines a cavity extending longitudinally, includes: a roll holder for removably holding the roll of sheet material being free to rotate relative to the roll holder; a base for supporting the roll holder and for coupling the dispenser assembly with an environment structure; and a pair of coupling elements including a first element coupled to the roll of sheet material and a second element integral to the roll holder. The first element is coupled in a free to rotate and removable manner relative to the second element by magnetic coupling. The first element includes a longitudinally extending engaging portion which is arranged to at least partially engage with an end portion of the cavity of the roll of sheet material so that the first element is fixedly secured to the roll of sheet material. |
| US09648993B2 |
Towel and washcloth holding device
A towel holding device for storing a towel and a washcloth in a rolled configuration. The holding device includes a bracket having a first section rigidly affixed to a second section, wherein the first and second sections are preferably perpendicular to one another. The bracket includes a first ring thereon, wherein the first ring includes an open central area sized to receive a rolled towel therein. The bracket further includes a second ring, wherein the second ring includes an open central area sized to receive a rolled washcloth therein. Thus, the first ring preferably comprises a larger diameter than the second ring. Further, the first and second rings are positioned adjacent to one another on the bracket. The bracket can be affixed to a support surface, such as a wall, using any conventional fasteners, such as screws, or nails, among others. |
| US09648989B2 |
Bathtub fitting standard external space while affording safe egress and larger floor area with enclosed volume
A bathtub providing safe egress by reducing slide forces extended on a user's feet upon a slippery bathtub floor, has a limited rectangular footprint, and an optimized floor space is formed with a substantially planar base with a length and width that define the limited rectangular footprint and a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall integral with and extending substantially vertically upwards from the substantially planar base. Each of the front, back, first side wall and second side wall have minimal wall thicknesses to define the optimized floor space and the front wall has a substantially planar upper apron deck for a fixed amount in a substantially parallel relation to the substantially planar base. |
| US09648980B2 |
Beverage cartridge
A beverage cartridge for use in a beverage dispensing system, comprising a housing, and located within the housing, a container for accommodating a beverage-related fluid substance and a pump; a drive port via which a driving torque may be delivered to the pump; and a fluid outlet port via which the fluid substance may be pumped from the cartridge; wherein the fluid outlet port and the drive port are located on the same side of the housing. |
| US09648979B1 |
Coffee making apparatus with a froth spoon and at least one impeller
Enables a coffee making apparatus with a froth spoon and at least one impeller configured to enable users to make a cup of coffee, agitate the coffee grounds with the at least one impeller, for example before or after as the plunger is pushed to the bottom of the carafe. Embodiments thus enable a user to make additional froth, pour out the coffee into a cup, and after the cup is filled to the desired level, spoon out froth over the coffee with the froth spoon without pouring excess coffee into the cup. |
| US09648977B2 |
Infant formula device
An apparatus is provided for accurately dispensing a powder such as powdered infant formula into a container, and pasteurizing and reconstituting the powdered formula while completely mixing the formula in the container. The apparatus includes a hopper assembly for storing powder, a dosing assembly for measuring and dispensing powder from a receptacle into the container, a dilution assembly and a mixing assembly for obtaining accurately and completely mixed formula from the dispensed powder. The hopper is shaped to promote powder bridging, and the resulting powder bridge is used in combination with the dosing assembly to provide a predetermined amount of powder using a single mechanical valve that is isolated from the powder. The mixing assembly mixes the contents of the container while holding the bottle at a fixed angle relative to the vertical. A method of providing pasteurized infant formula from an infant formula powder is also disclosed. |
| US09648976B2 |
Commuter java press
A commuter java press provides a thermally insulated first cylindrical vessel having and open top and a closed bottom and a second cylindrical vessel axially carried in fluid tight engagement within a volume defined by the first cylindrical vessel, the second cylindrical vessel having an open top and a fluid permeable filter at a bottom portion. A cap threadably engages with the top portion of the second cylindrical vessel and a flip top is user operable to optionally close and open a drinking orifice defined in the cap. |
| US09648972B2 |
Seaming apparatus and method
A seaming apparatus is formed from an elongated plate that is inextendible in both longitudinal and lateral directions. An upper surface of the plate is divided into multiple, transversely spaced and longitudinally extending zones. In the preferred embodiment, three such zones, including two edge zones spaced by a central zone, are provided. Numerous elongated upstanding sharp projections are provided in each of the edge zones and an adhesive layer is provided in the central zone. A peelable protective cover is arranged atop the adhesive layer. A thin adhesive layer with a peelable protective cover may be placed on a lower surface to secure the seaming apparatus to a supporting surface. |
| US09648969B2 |
Insulating packaging
A package or container includes a side wall, the side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the side wall may be at least partially coated by a layer of a insulating material. The material may be adapted to be expanded to provide thermal insulation. |
| US09648966B2 |
Nail polish display system
A nail polish display system includes a case, which may take the form of a shelving system or platform, sized to hold and display multiple bottles of nail polish. The bottles are attached to coupling devices, such as clamps, sleeves, magnetic couplers, etc. to an agitator, which preferably takes the form of a rotatable rod. A motor operates the agitator to move, rotate or otherwise agitate the bottles and therefore sufficiently and continuously mix the nail polish within the bottles. The system may include one or more sensors configured to detect the presence of a patron, configured to detect a position of the motor or agitator, and/or configured to detect when a door to the case is being opened. Further, the motor may be programmable and receive instructions from either a controller or control logic using input from one or more of the sensors. |
| US09648965B2 |
Modular product display shelf system
A modular product display shelf system includes at least one end support frame comprising two conduits pivotally connected to each other. Each of the two conduits has support conduits affixed at longitudinal ends thereof in a direction transverse to the conduits. At least one vertical support column is disposed in each support conduit. At least one shelf is affixed at a selected longitudinal position to each of the vertical support columns. |
| US09648964B2 |
Plastic cup dispensing cooler and method of use
A plastic cup dispensing cooler is described. Embodiments of the present invention include a cooler adapted to store and chill a plurality of plastic cups. The cooler can include a pair of spring-loaded cup dispensers with the dispensing end of the cup dispensers located on a top surface of the cooler. Typically, the spring-loaded cup dispensers can be located substantially within the cooler. To cool the plastic cups, the cooler can be filled with an ice and water mixture. The ice and water mixture can be implemented to chill the plastic cups to a temperature ranging from 34° F. to 40° F. Chilling the plastic cups can be implemented to limit waste created by foam formed from pouring a cold beverage into a substantially warmer cup. |
| US09648960B2 |
Slipcover for furniture
Presented slipcovers have a tight fitting cover for a pleasing appearance by aesthetically and strategically incorporating stretchable material, for example elastic, to one or more seams of the slipcover. The result is a cover that maintains the desired finished appearance with an improved ability to be slid on and off of an underlying seat. The slipcovers of the present disclosure are applied without additional forms of attachment directly to the seat and without additions or connections to, or around any external sections of the slipcovers. |
| US09648959B2 |
Single clasp leg pillow with extension
A single clasp leg pillow having a removably detachable extension. The single clasp leg pillow includes two bolsters, each having an outer surface and an inwardly directed terminal end, the terminal ends opposing one another to form a single leg clasp. A single thigh channel is defined by the two opposing bolsters and the leg clasp. A bridge having a bottom surface extends between the bolsters. The extension pillow includes an outer surface having a top portion arcuate in shape. The extension pillow further includes a sling configured to envelop the bridge to secure to bottom surface of the bridge to the top portion of the extension. |
| US09648946B2 |
Bottle for disinfecting toothbrush
A flexible bottle for containing a disinfecting liquid that can be used to disinfect a toothbrush. The bottle has a large reservoir for contain the disinfecting liquid and a small, secondary reservoir that is located proximate to the top of the bottle and which can be filled by squeezing the flexible bottle to force a quantity of the disinfecting liquid into the small, secondary reservoir. There is a cap that is designed to accept a toothbrush for entry into the container and which may have a slot formed therein or flexible flaps. The bottle can, therefore, be filled with disinfecting liquid and a toothbrush introduced into the small reservoir for disinfecting the toothbrush. The disinfecting liquid can then be discarded from the small reservoir and the secondary reservoir refilled as needed by the user. |
| US09648944B2 |
Self moistening brush
The invention discloses a paint brush comprising a hollow body having a first end opposing a second end and an inside and an outside. The invention also includes a handle having an inside and an outside, wherein the first end of the body is connected to the handle, and wherein the outside of the second end of the body is adapted for receiving a plurality of bristles. A plurality of bristles is attached to the outside of the second end of the body and a cavity is defined by the inside of the body and handle. The cavity is connected to the outside of the second end of the body by at least one channel. The invention also includes a removable cap covering an opening at a terminating end of the handle. |
| US09648941B1 |
Magnetic tool belt and wrist strap kit
A magnetic tool belt and wrist strap kit including length-adjustable, padded waist belt and wrist strap bodies, each having a centered portion with tapered portions on each side thereof. Magnets arranged within each body permit magnetic attachment of ferrous hand tools and related hardware and accessories in a wide variety of locations, angles, and positions thereon. Vertical tubes on a front side of the waist belt body permit storage of screwdrivers or similar items therein. An attachable u-shaped frame centrally disposed on the front side of the waist belt body is provided to support a plaster mud pan thereon. |
| US09648940B2 |
Foldable carrying device
A foldable carrying device comprising an adjustable upper and lower grip loop, where the grip loops are linked together with an adjustable shoulder strap. The carrying device may be folded into a compact device. |
| US09648939B2 |
Powder bag structure
The present invention provides a powder bag. The powder bag having a top and a first mouth at the top includes a bag body configured to have an internal wall, a major space and a secondary space, wherein the major space and the secondary space is partitioned by a partition interface; and the secondary space configured to have a second mouth and a second switch element for opening and closing the second mouth, connected with the internal wall and used for containing a powdery substance, wherein the partition interface has a porous surface with a plurality of pores and each of the plurality of pores having a dimension which allows a part of the powder substance to transfer from the secondary space to the major space. |
| US09648937B1 |
Split-end tool
A manual split-end tool is configured to capture hair over a wedge and within a slot to expose split-ends for removal. The split-end tool has a wedge arm having a wedge that is configured to extend through the slot in a slotted arm. The split-end tool pivots open and closed and in one embodiment has an opening feature to force the slotted arm away from the wedge arm when the tool is in a closed configuration. Hair is captured over the wedge and captured between a first and second slot side. The tool can be slid down along a person's hair, thereby enabling quick removal of split-ends along the length of a person's hair. The wedge may have a smooth rounded extended end, a scalloped edge or a plurality of teeth. |
| US09648935B2 |
Hair curling devices and related systems and methods
In some aspects, a hair styling apparatus (e.g., hair curling device) can include a heated barrel connected to a handle device and generally stationary relative to the handle device during use, the heated barrel defining a hair styling surface and a rotating member disposed at an end of the hair styling surface, the rotating member being configured to rotate relative to the hair styling surface and to gather a user's hair and wind the hair around the hair styling surface. |
| US09648929B2 |
Interchangeable hoop earring covers and methods of making and using the same
The presently disclosed subject matter provides a system for the enhancement of the hoop portion of a hoop earring. Particularly, the disclosed system enables different and various design elements to be secured and optionally removed from hoop earrings. The disclosed earring assembly comprises an earring comprising a hoop member and a cover. The cover comprises a front face and a rear face attached to the front face, thereby defining a cavity for receiving the hoop member. |
| US09648928B2 |
Expandable band
An expandable band includes one or more expandable links and one or more expansion mechanisms. The expandable link is movable between expanded and contracted positions. The expandable link is biased toward the contracted position. The expansion mechanism can be manipulated to transition the expandable link between the expanded and contracted positions, thus expanding and/or contracting the expandable band. The expandable links may be X links, pantographs, and/or other linkages. The expansion mechanism may include one or more restrictors operable to restrict expansion of the expandable band. The expansion mechanism may also include one or more lock mechanisms operable to prevent and/or resist contracting of the expandable band. |
| US09648927B2 |
Warp-knitted tape of zipper
A warp-knitted tape, having a longitudinal direction, a left hand and a right hand sides parallel and opposite to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of wales extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction, is provided. The tape is made of a plurality of first, second and third yarns lapped according to specific knitting/lapping patterns. |
| US09648920B1 |
Face mask mounting apparatus for contact sports helmets
There is disclosed an improved face mask mounting apparatus for a contact sports helmet. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting sleeve adapted to be mounted at a contact sports helmet attachment point; a mounting ring encased in the mounting sleeve and adapted to receive a mounting bolt; and a plurality of resiliently flexible impact absorption components positioned between the mounting ring and an inner wall of the mounting sleeve to generally center the mounting ring within the mounting sleeve; whereby, in use, the plurality of resiliently flexible impact absorption components are adapted to collectively absorb an impact force received on the face mask by deforming, and returning the mounting ring to its center position after the impact force has been absorbed. By way of example, the plurality of resiliently flexible impact absorption components may comprise springs or resiliently flexible and deformable rubber balls. |
| US09648919B2 |
Modular tree with rotation-lock electrical connectors
A rotation-locking lighted artificial tree that includes a first and second portion. The first portion includes a trunk, first electrical connector, and first wiring harness. The first electrical connector includes a first body portion and a first electrical contact set. The first body portion includes multiple projections electrically isolated from the first electrical contact set. The second tree portion includes a second electrical connector and a second wiring harness. The second electrical connector includes a second body portion and a second electrical contact set, the second body portion including multiple recesses. When the first tree portion couples to the second, the first and second electrical contact sets form an electrical connection and the recesses of the second body portion receive the projections of the first body portion, thereby electrically connecting and mechanically coupling the first tree portion to the second tree portion. |
| US09648916B2 |
Protecting an athletic participant against impact injury
An article, garment and method protect a user's coccyx. Articles include: a core member constructed of an elastic composite, the core member including a upper lobe and a lower lobe, the core member further having an outer face, an inner face and a thickness between the outer face and the inner face; an arched outer shell attached to the outer face of the core member, the outer shell having a thickness less than the thickness of the core member, the outer shell biasing the core member toward an arched configuration; and a layer of resilient material attached to the inner face of the core member. |
| US09648912B2 |
Sealing device for garments
The present inventive concept relates to a sealing device (1) for garments to sealingly connect an annular layer (3) and a wearable layer (5) to the sealing device (1). The sealing device (1) comprises an annular base (10) having an inner annular wall portion (12) and an outer annular wall portion (14), a recess (30) at least partly defined by the inner annular wall portion (12) and the outer annular wall portion (14), and an annular sealing surface (40) for circumferentially and sealingly connecting the annular layer (3) to the annular base (10). The sealing device (1) further comprises an annular sealing body (60) adapted to be locked into the recess (30) to circumferentially and sealingly connect the wearable layer (5) between the annular base (10) and the annular sealing body (60). At least one of the inner annular wall portion (12) and the outer annular wall portion (14) is provided with a plurality of sections (50, 52) in the circumferential direction, each section having a stiffness different from a stiffness of a neighboring section. |
| US09648902B2 |
Modular food ingredient roller
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a modular food ingredient roller. In one embodiment, a modular food ingredient roller apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of central slats linked together to form a chain of central slats, each central slat comprising at least one connection mechanism wherein the connection mechanism of each central slat is configured to selectively and pivotally connect to the at least one connection mechanism of another central slat; a first end slat comprising at least one connection mechanism, wherein the connection mechanism is configured to selectively and pivotally connect to the at least one connection mechanism of a central slat; and a second end slat comprising at least one connection mechanism, wherein the at least one connection mechanism is configured to selectively and pivotally connect to the at least one connection mechanism of a central slat. |
| US09648901B2 |
Method of processing a grain product
A method of preparing a shelf-stable processed grain product includes a series of heating and cooling steps performed on a processed grain product having a water activity value of about 0.65 or less. A first heating step takes the grain pieces to a first elevated temperature, which is followed by a first cooling step. The grain pieces are passed to a second heating step to reach a second elevated temperature, followed by a second cooling step. The grain pieces are then passed to a third heating step, after which they are sufficiently soft and pliable for a final forming step such as flaking, bumping, puffing, or the like. This allows grain pieces that are suitable for long term storage, but too brittle for final forming, to be softened for final forming without raising the moisture content to a point that is conducive to mold formation or reduced product quality. |
| US09648900B2 |
Production of microwaveable coated food products
A frozen, microwaveable, coated food product comprising: a core of cooked edible material having a weight equal to 15-95 wt. % of the food product; a fried coating that envelops the core of edible material and has a weight equal to 5-85 wt. % of the total weight of the food product, said coating comprising at least three coating layers, including an inner crumb layer, an outer crumb layer and a batter layer that separates the inner crumb layer from the outer crumb layer; wherein both the inner crumb layer and the outer crumb layer comprise a milled farinaceous dough extrudate containing 0.05-5 wt. % of added hydrocolloid. |
| US09648897B2 |
Healthy food compositions having gel or foam textures and comprising hydrolyzed egg products
The invention relates to healthy food compositions with a gel or foam texture that have antioxidant properties, are rich in proteins, low-fat, lactose- and casein-free and easy-to-chew, comprising a neutral-flavored egg hydrolysate as a basic ingredient.These compositions are presented as an alternative to sweet and salty dishes using dairy products as a base because they have similar flavor, appearance and texture characteristics. These compositions are also presented as new foods that are particularly indicated for being consumed by people who are lactose intolerant or who have obesity issues. |
| US09648894B2 |
Hard butter
Provided is a hard butter, comprising 55 mass % or more of diacylglycerols satisfying the following (1) and (2): (1) 70 to 99 mass % of a disaturated diacylglycerol (SS) in the diacylglycerols; and (2) 55 mass % or less of a total content of saturated fatty acids having 16 and 18 carbon atoms in constituent fatty acids of the diacylglycerols. |
| US09648892B2 |
Cooking oils and food products comprising estolides
Cooking and frying oils comprising estolide compounds are described. Also described are methods of making food products comprising cooking or otherwise preparing at least one article of food with a composition comprising at least one estolide compound. |
| US09648891B2 |
Process for manufacturing of a fermented dairy product
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing fermented dairy products, in particular stirred milk products. The invention concerns a process for the manufacture of a fermented dairy product without any cooling step for stopping fermentation due to the use of a weakly post-acidifying lactic bacterium culture as a starter. |
| US09648888B2 |
Methods of pasteurization enabling the total inactivation of viral and bacterial contamination of in-shell chicken eggs
There is a process which can pasteurize in-shell chicken eggs to inactivate pathogens when present which includes all strains of salmonella and all strains of viruses that historically have been known to exist within chicken eggs and currently are known to be evolving into new and separate strains which may cause large quantities of human illnesses unless countermeasures are developed and employed. One such countermeasure is provided through pasteurization of the subject in-shell eggs through pasteurization involving concurrently a secured environment together with a protocol which enables total inactivation of the targeted pathogens whether bacterial or viral without risk of recontamination. |
| US09648885B2 |
Heat treatment device, in particular for sausages
A heat-treatment device in particular for sausages of the co-extruded sausage type, has pipework extending between an introduction orifice and a discharge orifice through which the sausages emerge from the pipework a collecting device that is disposed above the introduction orifice, which emerges in the pipework at the introduction orifice and is intended to enable the sausages to be introduced into the pipework a pump intended to propel hot water into the pipework upstream of the introduction orifice or in the collecting device the water level in the collecting device being higher than the level of the discharge orifice and the level of the introduction orifice the level of the introduction orifice is lower than the level of the top part of the coil, and the pipework has between the introduction orifice and the discharge orifice, a part taking the form of a coil in a descending spiral, and between the introduction orifice and the coil an ascending portion. |
| US09648882B2 |
Installation for liquid dough goods preparation for baking
An apparatus for liquid dough goods preparation is provided. The device has a base formed of a vertical post and a horizontal beam attached to a top side of the post. A plurality of nipples are arranged along the post for dough dispensing. The nipples are directed at a baking surface for dispensing dough thereon. A dough leveling device is mounted on the horizontal beam. The leveling device has a blower with an outlet directed through the dough leveling device. In operation, as the dough is dispensed, air from the leveling device aids in a spreading and leveling of the dough on the baking surface. |
| US09648878B2 |
Herbicidal agents containing flufenacet
Herbicidal compositions having an effective amount of flufenacet and the further herbicides aclonifen and diflufenican.These herbicidal compositions have an improved application profile. |
| US09648876B2 |
Method of inhibiting biofilm formation
Xanthochymol and garcinol, isoprenylated benzophenones purified from Garcinia xanthochymus fruits, showed multiple activities against fungal biofilms. Both compounds effectively prevented emergence of fungal germ tubes and were also cytostatic, with MICs of 1 to 3 ΞM. The compounds therefore inhibited development of hyphae and subsequent biofilm maturation. Xanthochymol treatment of developing and mature biofilms induced cell death. In early biofilm development, killing had the characteristics of apoptosis. These activities resulted in failure of biofilm maturation and hyphal death in mature biofilms. In mature biofilms, xanthochymol and garcinol caused the death of biofilm hyphae, with 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) of 30 to 50 μM. Additionally, xanthochymol-mediated killing was complementary with fluconazole against mature biofilms, reducing the fluconazole EC50 from greater than 1,024 μg per ml to 13 μg per ml. |
| US09648875B2 |
Sporicidal formulation including amine oxide surfactant and a mixture of oxidants
Formulations and wipes for imparting a sporicide to a surface are disclosed herein. To achieve the sporicidal efficacy of the product, a synergistic amount of an amine oxide surfactant and a mixture of oxidants is incorporated into the formulation. The operative sporicidal formulation contains a solvent, an amine oxide surfactant, a water soluble oxidant and a water insoluble oxidant. Typically, the formulation can contain about 0.05 to about 3.7 percent (by weight of the formulation) of an amine oxide surfactant, about 0.5 to about 4 percent (by weight of the formulation) of a water soluble oxidant, and about 0.1 to about 6 percent (by weight of the formulation) of a water insoluble oxidant. |
| US09648873B2 |
Alkoxylated hyperbranched polycarbonates for solubilizing poorly soluble active ingredients
The present invention provides a composition comprising an active ingredient whose solubility in water at 20° C. is not more than 10 g/L, and an amphiphile comprising an alkoxylated hyperbranched polycarbonate, wherein the polycarbonate comprises an alcohol which is a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional polyetherol based on a C3-C12 alkylene oxide and an alcohol which has at least three OH groups. Likewise provided is an amphiphile comprising the polycarbonate, and a process for preparing the amphiphile. The invention further relates to the use of the amphiphile for solubilizing an active ingredient whose solubility in water at 20° C. is not more than 10 g/L, in aqueous solutions, and a method of controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or unwanted plant growth and/or unwanted insect or mite infestation and/or of regulating the growth of plants. |
| US09648866B2 |
Deployable hunting canopy
A cover device useful for hunting is disclosed. The device includes a deployable canopy including canopy fabric, a plurality of ribs providing structure to the canopy fabric, and a bracket. The bracket includes a bracket axle connecting with each of the ribs, wherein the axle permits the ribs to alternatively be arranged in a deployed state with the ribs fanned out and stretching the canopy fabric and a collapsed state with the ribs being in a parallel configuration. The device further includes a gripping plate configured to be attached to a post. |
| US09648865B2 |
Chondrichthyan repelling system
Described is a chondrichthyan repelling system comprising at least one fin comprising at least one electrically conductive electrode for connection to an electrical signal generator. In use, the electrical signal generator generates electrical signals to the at least one electrode to thereby radiate an electrical field which repels chondrichthyans. Also disclosed are various fin designs incorporating one or more electrodes, and a watercraft having one or more fins as described. Various means of connecting the electrodes to the electrical signal generator are also described. |
| US09648855B2 |
Liquid bird feeder
A liquid hummingbird feeder is provided with a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid, and a valve mechanism adapted to close the bottom opening to enable the liquid container to be filled through the sealable top opening. |
| US09648851B2 |
Pet grooming assembly
A pet grooming assembly includes a brush that has a handle portion and a bristle portion. The bristle portion has a chamber within the bristle portion. The handle portion has a reservoir within the handle portion wherein the reservoir may contain a liquid medication. The chamber and the reservoir are in fluid communication with each other. A valve is movably attached to the brush and the valve selectively inhibits a flow of the liquid medication from the reservoir to the chamber. A plurality of first bristles is attached to the bristle portion wherein each of the first bristles may brush an animal. A plurality of second bristles is attached to the bristle portion. Each of the second bristles is substantially hollow such that each of the second bristles is in fluid communication with the chamber. Thus, each of the second bristles may release the liquid medication onto the animal. |
| US09648849B1 |
Walking error correction for a device and method for containing and tracking a subject using satellite positioning data
A device for determining the location of a subject includes a positioning unit for generating each time period, t, position data corresponding to the location of the subject and motion data indicative of whether the subject is moving or stationary. There is a processor unit configured to, if the motion data indicates that the subject is moving at time period t, set the location of the subject at time period t to be the location corresponding to the position data. The processor unit is also configured to, if the motion data indicates that the subject is stationary at time period t, obtain from the positioning unit the position data for the next n time periods t; determine the average position of the subject over the n time periods t; and maintain as the location of the subject, the determined average position while the subject remains stationary. |
| US09648848B2 |
Mixing and dosing device for cattle feed
The invention relates to a mixing and dosing device for cattle feed, comprising a plurality of feed hoppers for different types of feed, wherein each hopper has an infeed end and an outfeed end disposed thereunder, wherein a dosing device is disposed in each hopper at its outfeed end, further comprising a control device adapted to control each of the dosing devices in order to dose feed from the associated hopper, a pivotable distributing hopper disposed under the plurality of outfeed ends, outfeed ports placed under the distributing hopper for connection to fodder conduits debouching in different feed troughs, further comprising one or more actuators for pivoting the distributing hopper, wherein the control device is further adapted to control the actuators so as to position the distributing hopper with its downstream end substantially above a selected one of the outfeed ports. The invention also relates to a feeding stall for feeding animals and a system and method for tracking positions of animals. |
| US09648846B2 |
Durable pet bed
A durable pet having a flat polyurethane foam core, a first polyurethane layer bonded to the top surface of the core, and a second polyurethane layer bonded to the sides of the core, and a method for making such a bed. The first polyurethane layer has a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.25 inches and a hardness of about 20 to 70 durometers. The second polyurethane layer has a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.3 inches and a hardness of about 50 to 100 durometers. The pet bed may have a third polyurethane layer bonded to the bottom of the core, the third layer having a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.25 inches and a hardness of about 20 to 100 durometers. The first, second and third layers typically completely encase the core. |
| US09648841B2 |
Cleaning system for a milking box stall
In certain embodiments, a system comprises a milk collecting system, a teat cup holder, and a cleansing hose system. The milk collecting system comprises a teat cup, a milk collector, and a milking hose system connecting the teat cup to the milk collector. The teat cup holder stores the teat cup of the milk collecting system such that a nozzle of the teat cup holder substantially aligns with an opening of the teat cup. The cleansing hose system connects the nozzle of the teat cup holder to one or more cleanser sources and operable to backwash at least a portion of the milk collecting system by injecting a cleanser from one or more of the cleanser sources through the nozzle and into the teat cup. |
| US09648840B2 |
Milking robot with robotic arm, vision system, and vision system cleaning device
A milking robot comprises a robotic arm, a camera coupled to the robotic arm, a camera-facing nozzle coupled to the robotic arm, and a controller. The robotic arm extends in a longitudinal direction between the hind legs and from the rear of a dairy livestock located in a milking stall. The camera-facing nozzle sprays a protective layer of the camera with a cleanser. The controller communicates a signal instructing the camera-facing nozzle to spray the camera with cleanser. |
| US09648838B1 |
Maize inbred PH2G4P
A novel maize variety designated PH2G4P and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2G4P with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2G4P through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2G4P or a locus conversion of PH2G4P with another maize variety. |
| US09648836B1 |
Soybean cultivar 50262411
A soybean cultivar designated 50262411 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 50262411, to the plants of soybean cultivar 50262411, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 50262411, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 50262411. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 50262411. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 50262411, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 50262411 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09648834B1 |
Soybean cultivar 51201110
A soybean cultivar designated 51201110 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 51201110, to the plants of soybean cultivar 51201110, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 51201110, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 51201110. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 51201110. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 51201110, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 51201110 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09648830B2 |
Wheat cultivar BZ908-582
The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ908-582. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ908-582. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ908-582 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ908-582 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09648829B2 |
Wheat cultivar BZ903-472
The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ903-472. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ903-472. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ903-472 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ903-472 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09648826B2 |
Low lignin non-transgenic alfalfa varieties and methods for producing the same
Disclosed are alfalfa varieties with low or reduced lignin content, including an alfalfa seed designated CW 096043 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122473, an alfalfa seed designated CW 103009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122475, an alfalfa seed designated CW 099079 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122474, an alfalfa seed designated CW 090075 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122471, an alfalfa seed designated CW 054004 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122470, an alfalfa seed designated CW 093009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122472, and an alfalfa seed designated CW 104015 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122476. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the cultivar, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of these alfalfa varieties, such as CW 096043, CW 103009, CW 099079, CW 090075, CW 054004, CW 093009, or CW 104015 and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in alfalfa breeding and alfalfa transformation. |
| US09648822B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH003878
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH003878. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH003878, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH003878 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH003878. |
| US09648821B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH014233
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH014233. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH014233, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH014233 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH014233. |
| US09648818B1 |
Soybean variety XB37X14R2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XB37X14R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XB37X14R2. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XB37X14R2 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XB37X14R2 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09648816B2 |
Onion variety SV4522NB
The invention provides seed and plants of the onion line designated SV4522NB. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of onion line SV4522NB, and to methods for producing an onion plant produced by crossing a plant of onion line SV4522NB with itself or with another onion plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of onion line SV4522NB, including the bulbs and gametes of such plants. |
| US09648810B2 |
Irrigation systems and methods
An irrigation device and related methods involve the device having a container defining an interior space. The container has a perforated side wall portion, a solid top wall portion and a solid bottom wall portion such that water is dispensed from the device through the perforated side wall portion. An elongated neck has a first end and a second end and defines a conduit therebetween. The second end of the neck is coupled to the container and the neck extends upwardly from the container to the first end. A water inlet communicates with the conduit of the neck at the first end. In use, the container is buried underground and the water is delivered to the container through the water inlet and conduit of the neck. |
| US09648809B2 |
Hydraulic conditioner roll tension in pull-type mower conditioner
A pull-type mower conditioner includes a crop cutting assembly that severs crop material from the ground and a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the crop cutting assembly to a desired height having at least one lift cylinder and a hydraulic lift circuit supplying hydraulic fluid to the at least one lift cylinder. The mower conditioner also includes a conditioning mechanism receiving the severed crop material from the crop cutting assembly. The conditioning mechanism includes a pair of counter-rotating conditioning rolls to condition the crop material and a tensioning assembly that urges the conditioning rolls relatively toward one another and resists their separation. The tensioning assembly includes a pair of hydraulic tension cylinders and a hydraulic conditioner circuit configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the tension cylinders. The hydraulic tension circuit has a supply line leading to a supply valve, wherein the supply line connects to the lift circuit. |
| US09648806B2 |
Hydraulic brush cutter
A brush cutter includes a center deck that is pivotally coupled to a first wing deck and a second wing deck. Each deck has a hydraulic cutting assembly. A mounting portion can be attached to a front carrier portion of a drive vehicle. The brush cutter has a hydraulic manifold operably coupled to each cutting assembly and configured to be operably coupled to a hydraulic system of the drive vehicle. The manifold includes valves that control the flow of drive fluid to the hydraulic cutting assemblies. Sensing arrangements signal the valves to shut off the drive fluid to the wing decks if the wing decks pivot upward from a lowered position to a first angular position. The sensing arrangements can optionally signal the drive vehicle's hydraulic system to reduce the flow of drive fluid to the hydraulic manifold for each wing deck that pivots upward to the angular position. |
| US09648805B2 |
Locking device, telescopic rod and mower comprising the locking device
A locking device includes an operating lever, a base and a repulsion generating member, wherein the operating lever has a releasing position and a locking position relative to the base, and the repulsion generating member is arranged between the base and the operating lever and generates a repulsion force for application to the operating lever during movement from the releasing position to the locking position. When the operating lever does not completely reach the locking position due to abnormal operation, the repulsion generating member will cause the operating lever to return to the releasing position thereby provide an indication. The locking device can thus provide an indication when the locking operation does not reach the correct position, thereby avoiding user confusion and abnormal operation. |
| US09648802B2 |
Multiple seed-type planter with on-row selector assembly
A system is provided for planting multiple types of seed and automatically switching between the varieties during planting in a single planting pass of a planting session of row-crop planting an agricultural field. The system may include a selector assembly arranged between a multi-compartment on-row hopper and a seed meter at each row unit of a planter. A control system controls selector valves of the selector assembly to switch from releasing of seeds of a first type from the on-row hopper the seed meter to releasing of seeds of a second type from the on-row hopper to the seed meter for providing a switchover of seeds being planted from the seed meter, from the first to the second type when the seed meter cross a boundary between different zones of the agricultural field. |
| US09655294B2 |
Method of producing electronics substrate with enhanced direct bonded metal
A substrate for electronic components is formed by bonding a cooling metal layer to one side of a ceramic tile and bonding an electronic metal layer to the other side of the electronic tile. The substrate is secured to a machining base and the cooling metal layer surface is enhanced through an MDT process. In the process, fins are sliced into the cooling metal layer with a tool to a depth of less than the cooling metal layer thickness. The slicing forces material upward without removing material from the cooling metal layer, forming fins that extend beyond the original thickness of the cooling metal layer. The fins can be cross-sliced at an angle to form pins. |
| US09655293B2 |
Mobile electronic device comprising a multilayer sapphire cover plate
An electronic device comprising a cover plate is disclosed. The cover plate comprises one or more glass layers and one or more sapphire layers, wherein the layers are refractive index matched. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the electronic device. |
| US09655292B2 |
Methods of making photovoltaic arrays and rail systems
Rail system and method for a photovoltaic array. The system includes at least one modular rail in a first direction. The modular rail includes a first vehicle support surface along the first direction and a first mounting surface along the first direction. The first vehicle support surface is configured to support at least a first vehicle moving in the first direction, and the first mounting surface is configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules mounted on the first mounting surface. |
| US09655291B2 |
Multilayer magnetic shield
Provided is a multilayer magnetic shield 21 formed of magnetic materials and disposed on the outer side of a superconducting magnet 11, the multilayer magnetic shield 21 including a first magnetic shield 1 disposed on the outer side of the superconducting magnet 11 and a second magnetic shield 2 disposed on the outer side of the first magnetic shield 1. The first magnetic shield 1 includes a first cylinder section 1a enclosing the superconducting magnet 11 and a pair of first flange sections 1b connected to the first cylinder section 1a. The second magnetic shield 2 includes a second cylinder section 2a enclosing the first cylinder section 1a and a pair of second flange sections 2b connected to the second cylinder section 2a. The second cylinder section 2a is disposed in a position with a predetermined space S from the first cylinder section 1a in the radial direction of the first cylinder section 1a. The pair of second flange sections 2b is disposed in positions with the predetermined space S from the pair of first flange sections 1b in the axial direction of the first cylinder section 1a. |
| US09655287B1 |
Heat exchangers for cooling integrated circuits
A heat exchanger includes a flat metal tube that has flat top and bottom surfaces and an inner passage. The surfaces remove heat from a liquid passing through the passage from an inlet and toward an outlet of the heat exchanger. A first plurality of solid metal posts are mounted perpendicularly upon the top surface. Each fin of a first plurality of fins has holes fitted about the first plurality of posts such that the fins are mounted on the posts in vertically-spaced, parallel alignment relative to each other and the top surface. A second plurality of solid metal posts are mounted perpendicularly upon the bottom surface. Each fin of a second plurality of fins has holes fitted about the second plurality of posts such that the fins are mounted on the posts in vertically-spaced, parallel alignment relative to each other and the bottom surface. |
| US09655286B2 |
Facilitating fluid level sensing
Apparatuses are provided to facilitate sensing fluid within a fluid system, such as a coolant-based cooling apparatus for removing heat generated by one or more electronic components. The apparatus includes a plug configured to couple to a wall of the fluid system at an opening in the wall and to form a fluid-tight seal about the opening. The plug includes a fluid a fluid-sensor-receiving space configured to receive a fluid sensor, and when the plug is coupled to the wall at the opening, to position the fluid sensor at the opening in a manner to facilitate sensing of fluid within the system. The fluid sensor is removable from the plug without requiring uncoupling of the plug from the wall. In one implementation, the fluid sensor is a proximity sensor, and the plug is fabricated of a non-conductive material, and the wall a conductive material. |
| US09655282B2 |
Apparatus and method for adjusting coolant flow resistance through liquid-cooled electronics rack(s)
A method is presented for adjusting coolant flow resistance through one or more liquid-cooled electronics racks. Flow restrictors are employed in association with multiple heat exchange tube sections of a heat exchange assembly, or in association with a plurality of coolant supply lines or coolant return lines feeding multiple heat exchange assemblies. Flow restrictors associated with respective heat exchange tube sections (or respective heat exchange assemblies) are disposed at the coolant channel inlet or coolant channel outlet of the tube sections (or of the heat exchange assemblies). These flow restrictors tailor coolant flow resistance through the heat exchange tube sections or through the heat exchange assemblies to enhance overall heat transfer within the tube sections or across heat exchange assemblies by tailoring coolant flow. In one embodiment, the flow restrictors tailor a coolant flow distribution differential across multiple heat exchange tube sections or across multiple heat exchange assemblies. |
| US09655279B2 |
Apparatus and methods for cooling a CPU using a liquid bath
A system for cooling a CPU. The system has a tank for holding dielectric coolant in a liquid phase. The CPU is immersed in the coolant. A cover closes the tank. Electric pathways that convey data to/from the CPU traverse the cover. The electric pathways allow the CPU to exchange data with an external device. In this fashion, the CPU can perform data processing functions while being immersed in dielectric coolant. |
| US09655275B2 |
Rack assemblies for server carrying and pivoting
Rack assemblies for server carrying and pivoting are disclosed. According to an aspect, a rack assembly includes a server rack including multiple stand columns. The server rack defines server spaces for receiving servers, and defines an opening for access of the server spaces. The rack assembly includes first and second slide rails supported by the stand columns and configured to move between a first position within a server spaces and a second position that is outside of the opening. Further, the rack assembly includes a first connector being configured to releasably attach a first side of the server to the first slide rail. The rack assembly also includes a second connector configured to attach the second side to the second slide rail, and configured to pivot about the second side when the first side is detached from the second slide rail. |
| US09655274B1 |
Perforated panel connection
A server enclosure having a plurality of panels abutted to one another and constrained by a connector having a channel and at least one aperture. Each respective panel has at least one perpendicular portion being perpendicular to a face of the respective panel and adjoining a perimeter of the respective panel. Connectivity media coincident to the aperture can affix at least two panels and a connector to one another. |
| US09655271B2 |
Motor drive with inherent power isolation
A motor drive comprises a power sub-assembly and a control sub-assembly. The control sub-assembly includes components that may be accessed within the sub-assembly housing during installation and maintenance of the drive. A main circuit board is configured to define a high voltage region and a low voltage region. The high voltage region is isolated by an interior barrier of the housing so that the components can be conveniently accessed. An operator interface is provided in the control sub-assembly. An interface circuit board is also isolated by the barrier. Desired spacing between the interface circuit board and a surface of the interface is provided by integrally molded spring structures and plungers that interface with underlying switches. |
| US09655270B2 |
Electronic device and electromagnetic noise control method
An electronic device comprises a plurality of printed circuit boards having signal GNDs, a metal bar which electrically connects to the respective signal GNDs of the plurality of printed circuit boards, and a card basket which houses the plurality of printed circuit boards and the metal bar and serves as a frame GND. The electronic device also comprises a dielectric between the card basket and the metal bar. The metal bar, the card basket, and the dielectric constitute a noise control capacitor having specific frequency characteristics. By the specific frequency characteristics, the noise control capacitor releases electromagnetic noise occurring in the respective signal GNDs to an outside and shields external noise generated outside. |
| US09655259B2 |
Data processing equipment structure
A data processing equipment structure includes a plurality of sidewalls and a ceiling panel, which, together, define an enclosed space. The structure further includes at least one equipment enclosure and at least one cooling unit arranged in side-to-side relationship in a row within the enclosed space. At least one separation panel divides the enclosed space into a front plenum at a front side of the row and a rear plenum at a rear side of the row. Cool air in the front plenum is isolated from heated exhaust air in the rear plenum. |
| US09655254B2 |
Manufacturing method of circuit substrate
A manufacturing method of a circuit substrate includes the following steps. The peripheries of two metal layers are bonded to form a sealed area. Two insulating layers are formed on the two metal layers. Two including upper and bottom conductive layers are formed on the two insulating layers. Then, the two insulating layers and the two conductive layers are laminated so that the two metal layers bonded to each other are embedded between the two insulating layers. A part of the two insulating layers and a part of the two conductive layers are removed to form a plurality of blind holes exposing the two metal layers. A conductive material is formed in the blind holes and on the remained two conductive layers. The sealed area of the two metal layers is separated to form two separated circuit substrates. |
| US09655248B2 |
Method of manufacturing a wiring board
There is provided a method of manufacturing a wiring board, including the steps of: preparing an insulating layer 1a including a cavity formation region X, and a separable metallic foil M formed of first and second metallic foils M1 and M2; allowing the separable metallic foil M to adhere to at least a lower face side of the insulating layer 1a with the first metallic foil M1 serving as an adhering surface; forming a cavity 2 by digging the insulating layer 1a and the separable metallic foil M in a cavity formation region X from an upper surface side of the insulating layer 1a to a depth that does not penetrate the second metallic foil M2; inserting an electronic component D into the cavity 2, and fixing the electronic component D by a fixing resin J; and peeling off the second metallic foil M2. |
| US09655247B1 |
Coil component and board having the same
A coil component includes a main substrate; a first coil pattern disposed on a first surface of the main substrate; a first insulating layer disposed on one surface of the first coil pattern; a third coil pattern disposed on one surface of the first insulating layer and electrically connected to the first coil pattern; a second coil pattern disposed on a second surface of the main substrate opposing the first surface; a second insulating layer disposed on one surface of the second coil pattern; a fourth coil pattern disposed on one surface of the second insulating layer and electrically connected to the second coil pattern; and a magnetic body in which the first to fourth coil patterns are embedded, and a board having the same. |
| US09655246B2 |
Electronic component with reduced electrostrictive vibration
An electronic component includes a multilayer capacitor and an interposer The multilayer capacitor includes an element body and a pair of external electrodes. The interposer includes a substrate, a pair of first electrodes, and is pair of second electrodes. The substrate includes first and second principal faces. The pair of first electrodes are disposed on the first principal face. The pair of second electrodes are disposed on the second principal thee. The element body includes a first portion and a pair of second portions. The first portion is covered by the external electrodes. The pair of second portions are located on both sides or the first portion and separated from the interposer. A width in a second direction of the pair of external electrodes is smaller than a width in the second direction of the element body and larger than a width in the second direction of the second portion. |
| US09655243B2 |
Display panel and mother panel for manufacturing the same
A mother panel including second sealing members which are disposed at an outer side of each of first sealing members which surround display devices between a first mother substrate and a second mother substrate and have a plurality of unit patterns whose width in a second direction which is perpendicular to a first direction which is a direction away from each of the first sealing members decreases along the first direction. |
| US09655242B2 |
Printed wiring board
A printed wiring board includes a first insulating layer having concave portions on first surface of the first insulating layer, a first conductor layer including first circuits formed in the concave portions, a second conductor layer including second circuits on second surface of the first insulating layer, a first via conductor connecting the first and second conductor layers, and a second insulating layer formed on the second surface of the first insulating layer and covering the second conductor layer. Each first circuit has upper, lower and side surfaces such that the upper surface is exposed from the first insulating layer and the side and lower surfaces are not roughened surfaces, each second circuit has top, back and side surfaces such that the side and back surfaces are roughened surfaces, and a thinnest first circuit has a line width L1 smaller than a line width L2 of a thinnest second circuit. |
| US09655241B2 |
Printed wiring board and connector connecting the wiring board
A printed wiring board (1) includes: a base substrate (3); a plurality of pads (15a, 17a) for electrical connection that are disposed at one surface side of the base substrate (3) and at a connection end portion (13) to be connected with another electronic component (50); wirings (9, 11) that are connected with the pads (15a, 17a); and engageable parts (28, 29) that are formed at side edge parts of the connection end portion (13) and are to be engaged with engagement parts (58) of the other electronic component (50) in the direction of disconnection. The flexible printed wiring board (1) further includes reinforcement layers (31, 32) that are disposed at the other surface side of the base substrate (3) and at a frontward side with respect to the engageable parts (28, 29) when viewed in the direction of connection with the other electronic component, and that are formed integrally with the wirings (9). |
| US09655237B2 |
Silicon nitride substrate and method for producing silicon nitride substrate
A silicon nitride substrate including a phase encompassed of silicon nitride particles, and intergranular phase formed from a sintering aid, wherein a separation layer is formed on the surface of a molded body including silicon nitride powder, sintering aid powder, and organic binder, by using a boron nitride paste containing boron nitride powder, organic binder, and organic solvent; the separation layer and molded body are heated; the organic binder is removed from the separation layer and molded body; subsequently molded bodies stacked with a separation layer therebetween, are sintered. Boron nitride paste contains 0.01 to 0.50% by oxygen mass and 0.001 to 0.5% by carbon mass, and c/a is within range of 0.02 to 10.00, where c is oxygen content in the powder of the boron nitride paste, and a carbon content in the degreased separation layer, which includes 0.2 to 3.5 mg/cm2 of hexagonal boron nitride powder. |
| US09655228B2 |
Flexible-to-rigid tubing
A flexible-to-rigid tube is flexible when routed and is then rigidized to increase burst strength. According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flexible-to-rigid tube is included in a cooling plate assembly for transferring heat from electronic components mounted on a circuit board. In one embodiment, the flexible-to-rigid tube (while in a flexible state) includes a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or other silicone containing pendant or terminal epoxy, vinyl and/or acrylate functional groups and an initiator (e.g., a sulfonium salt photoinitiator, a free radical photoinitiator, or a thermal initiator). In another embodiment, triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) and an initiator are incorporated into a conventional PVC-based tubing material. The flexible-to-rigid tube changes from the flexible state to a rigid state via formation of a cross-linked network upon exposure to actinic radiation or heat. |
| US09655227B2 |
Slot-coupled CW standing wave accelerating cavity
A slot-coupled CW standing wave multi-cell accelerating cavity. To achieve high efficiency graded beta acceleration, each cell in the multi-cell cavity may include different cell lengths. Alternatively, to achieve high efficiency with acceleration for particles with beta equal to 1, each cell in the multi-cell cavity may include the same cell design. Coupling between the cells is achieved with a plurality of axially aligned kidney-shaped slots on the wall between cells. The slot-coupling method makes the design very compact. The shape of the cell, including the slots and the cone, are optimized to maximize the power efficiency and minimize the peak power density on the surface. The slots are non-resonant, thereby enabling shorter slots and less power loss. |
| US09655226B2 |
Method and system of beam injection to charged particle storage ring
The charged particle storage system includes: a storage ring circulating, by a perturbating device, charged particles injected from outside; a power source supplying an electric current to the perturbating device; and a charged particle beam generating device. The charged particle beam generating device includes a DC accelerator that generates a constant voltage to accelerate electrons and thereby generates a beam of the electrons. While a current having its current intensity changing in a sinusoidal wave is caused to flow through the perturbating device continuously for at least 10 μs by a power source, an electron beam output from the charged particle beam generating device is injected to the storage ring continuously for at least 10 μs. Thus, a current larger than that stored by the conventional resonance injection method can be stored in the storage ring, and an X-ray having higher intensity can be generated. |
| US09655224B2 |
Plasma generation electrode module, plasma generation electrode assembly, and apparatus for generating plasma using the same
A plasma generation electrode module includes: a plasma generation electrode module includes: first and second electrodes formed to be spaced apart from one another; and a dielectric disposed between the first and second electrodes to insulate the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a shaft shape, a first cylindrical dielectric is formed to be in concentric with the first electrode so as to be in contact with an outer circumference of the first electrode and cover the first electrode, and the second electrode is formed to be in concentric with the first dielectric so as to be in contact with an outer circumference of the first dielectric and cover the first dielectric, wherein a plurality of through holes are disposed on the second electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes are formed to be woven. |
| US09655220B2 |
CT devices and methods thereof
CT devices and methods thereof are disclosed. The CT device comprises a circular electron gun array including a plurality of electron guns, each of the electron guns is configured to emit electron beams along the radial direction of the circular electron gun array in sequence according to a predetermine pulse sequence; an acceleration cavity disposed inside of a circle on which the circular electron gun array is positioned, including a plurality of nested concentric coaxial cavities that operate in π mode for accelerating electron beams emitted from the respective electron guns of the circular electron gun array; a circular transmission target disposed inside of a circle on which the acceleration cavity is positioned and being bombarded by the accelerated electron beams to generate X-rays; and a circular detector configured to receive the X-rays after they have passed through an object to be detected. |
| US09655217B2 |
Cloud connected motion sensor lighting grid
A cloud connected motion sensor lighting grid may include a wireless lighting network of coordinated lighting devices and a bridge to provide connectivity to external devices such as a cell phone, home automation system or security system. The cloud connected motion sensor lighting grid may be implemented locally with a cell phone communicating with the bridge for control, status and alerts. The cloud connected motion sensor lighting grid may operate over a cloud via an Internet connection allowing the bridge to communicate with a server on the Internet that may implement software for communicating with the wireless lighting network and to capture data detected by motion sensors in the wireless lighting network. |
| US09655216B2 |
Luminaire and illumination system
A luminaire includes a light source; a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a dimming controller; a storage which stores an identifier of the dimming controller; and a control circuit for dimming light of the light source according to a dimming command transmitted from the dimming coat roller when the luminaire is in a paired state, i.e., a state in which the identifier of the dimming controller is stored in the storage of the luminaire. When the control circuit is in a communication check mode, i.e., a mode for checking whether or not the luminaire is able to communicate with the dimming controller, the control circuit, regardless of whether or not the luminaire is in the paired state with the dimming controller, brings the luminaire into a predetermined illumination state by dimming light of the light source when the wireless communication circuit receives a communication cheek command from the dimming controller. |
| US09655210B2 |
Lighting system and method of controlling the lighting system
A lighting system is provided that has lighting units and sensor units. One of the sensor units is first sensor unit that comprises a user control device for receiving user commands when a user enters the commands at the user control device. The lighting units are controlled according to a lighting plan that defines a group of the lighting units that is to be switched on in response to detection of a user command at the user control device, based on light transfer coefficients relating light intensities at the sensor units to light output from the lighting units. The transfer coefficients from the lighting units to each sensor unit are determined. The lighting plan is determined from the transfer coefficients by selecting the group of lighting units based on the transfer coefficients from the lighting units to the first sensor unit. The transfer coefficients from the lighting units to a sub-set of the sensor units may be used, the sub-set being selected for the first sensor unit, based on the transfer coefficients for the sensor units from an initial group of one or more of the lighting units associated with the first sensor unit. |
| US09655207B2 |
Sensor network with adaptive detection settings based on the status information from neighboring luminaires and/or connected devices
The invention provides a light control system for a lighting network, including a plurality of light units wherein at least one light unit includes at least one sensor type, a distributed/centralized controller/central management system in communication with one or more of the light units, said controller/central management system sends control commands to one or more of said light units, in response to received light unit status/sensor information from one or more of said light units and/or status information from a connected device, and implements a lighting strategy relating to the characteristics of the plurality of light units, wherein the one or more neighboring light units' sensor type's detection threshold are adjusted using a predetermined strategy based on the new lighting strategy of the at least one light unit or the status information from the connected device. |
| US09655206B2 |
Light control system
A light control system having a central control engine, at least one light sensor, and at least one light source. The central control engine is configured to receive illumination data from the light sensor. The light data represents an actual light profile. The central control engine is configured to retrieve a target light profile for a user and adjust an illumination of the light control system based on the target light profile for the individual user. |
| US09655205B2 |
Method and system for calculating ambient light
Methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention calculate ambient light in a space, where the method includes obtaining an image of the space from an array of pixels, defining a plurality of pixel groups in the image, calculating a representative pixel value for each of the pixel groups, and calculating ambient light in the space based on the pixels in the image, disregarding pixels from the pixel groups having the highest and lowest representative pixel values. |
| US09655203B2 |
Adjustable light fixture
Methods and apparatus for controlling a light fixture having at least one adjustable attribute are described. In one embodiment, a light fixture having at least one adjustable attribute comprises a housing, a light source disposed within the housing, a cover secured to the housing that allows at least some light from the light source to pass, a light control circuit, coupled to the light source and disposed within the housing, for detecting a state change of a switch and for providing a control signal for varying an attribute of the light fixture, and the switch, coupled to the light control circuit and disposed within the housing, comprising contacts that are opened and closed in response to a non-mechanical stimulus external to the housing. |
| US09655198B2 |
Method of operating an organic light-emitting component
A method of operating an organic light-emitting component having first and second electrodes that have arranged between them an organic functional layer stack having at least one organic light-emitting layer that, during operation, produces light emitted via a luminous area, the first and second electrodes and the organic functional layer stack are in an extensive form, in contact with the first electrode, at each of two opposite edges of the first electrode a respective conductor track is arranged that extends in a longitudinal direction along the respective edge, the two conductor tracks have contact made with them on a same side of the first electrode by a connection element so that during operation there is a voltage drop in each conductor track in the longitudinal direction, which voltage drop brings about a luminous density gradient on the luminous area in a direction following the longitudinal direction. |
| US09655194B2 |
Lighting control device, lighting device, and lighting fixture
The lighting control device according to the present invention includes: a power supply for operating a light source including a first light source and a second light source lower in color temperature than the first light source; and a controller for controlling the power supply. The power supply includes: a first power supply for supplying power in a first range to the first light source; and a second power supply for supplying power in a second range to the second light source. The controller controls the first and second power supplies to adjust power supplied to the first light source and power supplied to the second light source so that a color temperature of the light source is equal to a color temperature which is selected from a predetermined color adjustment range as a desired value. The first range is lower in a lower limit than the second range. |
| US09655192B2 |
Power supply method, power supply system, and carrier module thereof
A carrier module is provided for supporting at least one data storage device. The carrier module is electrically connected to a power supply module. The carrier module includes a main body, a first socket, a second socket, a connecting port, and a detection unit. The first socket, the second socket, and the connecting port are disposed on the main body. The connecting port and the detection unit are electrically connected to the first and second sockets. The data storage device is detachably connected to the connecting port. The detection unit detects whether the power supply module is electrically connected to the first socket or the second socket. |
| US09655187B2 |
Control circuit for LED lighting apparatus
Disclosed is a control circuit of an LED lighting apparatus which is capable of improving power efficiency. The control circuit controls light emission of one or more LED groups in response to changes of a rectified voltage, and includes a current source configured to provide a primary current using a driving current outputted through a current path of a driver and a secondary current using a rectified current provided to a plurality of LED groups. Thus, the control circuit can perform a charging operation using a current provided from the current source, and provide a charge voltage to an additional device. |
| US09655185B2 |
Linear LED driver and control method thereof
A linear LED driver comprises a transistor having an input terminal coupled to a LED. When the transistor is turned on, the LED is lighted. The linear LED driver further includes a protection circuit for judging whether an instant high voltage variation occurs or not according to at least one of the voltages of a control terminal and an output terminal of the transistor so as to achieve a protection function. |
| US09655184B2 |
Arrangement and method for controlling a plurality of light-emitting diodes which are connected in series
An arrangement and a method for controlling a plurality of light emitting diodes which are connected in series to attain uniform distribution of a total current to several series connections, LED chains, connected in parallel to each other wherein circuitry-related expenditure and power losses occurring during the control process are minimized, include a first reference voltage generating unit and a second reference voltage generating unit, wherein a outlet of the first reference voltage generating unit is connected to a first and a second control circuit, and an outlet of the second reference voltage generating unit is connected to the second and the first control circuit, and an outlet of the first control circuit is connected to a control inlet of the first controllable semiconductor switch, and an outlet of the second control circuit is connected to a control inlet of the second controllable semiconductor switch. |
| US09655182B2 |
Operating circuit for an LED
The invention relates to an operating circuit for at least one LED, said operating circuit being supplied with DC voltage or with rectified alternating voltage and providing a supply voltage for at least one LED by means of a coil (L1) and a first switch (S1) clocked by a control/regulation unit (SR). When the first switch (S1) is activated energy is temporarily stored in the coil (L1) and when the first switch (S1) is deactivated said energy is discharged via a diode (D1) and via at least one LED. The control/regulation unit (SR) activates the first switch (S1) when a reactivation condition has been met, and the control/regulation unit (SR) deactivates the first switch (S1) when a deactivation condition has been met. Said reactivation condition and/or deactivation condition can be set in accordance with the current dimming level. |
| US09655181B2 |
Universal input and wide output function for light emitting diode (LED) driver
Techniques are described for controlling an amount of current flowing through one or more light-emitting-diodes (LEDs), without sensing input and/or output voltage, so that the amount of current flowing through the one or more LEDs is approximately equal to a target current level. The techniques provide for coarse and fine tuning of the amount of time a transistor, through which the current flows, is turned on to control the amount of current flowing through the one or more LEDs. |
| US09655180B2 |
Load control device for a light-emitting diode light source
A load control device for an electrical load may operate in a normal mode and a burst mode to adjust the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The load control device may comprise a control circuit that operates in the normal mode to regulate an average magnitude of a load current conducted through the load between a maximum rated current and a minimum rated current. During the normal mode, the control circuit may control the operating period of a load regulation circuit between a high-end operating period and a low-end operating period. The control circuit may operate in the burst mode to regulate the average magnitude of the load current below the minimum rated current. During the burst mode, the control circuit may adjust the low-end operating period to be less than or equal to a minimum on time of the load regulation circuit. |
| US09655179B2 |
LED driver with advanced dimming
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for an LED driver circuit capable of responding to dimmer signals from three different types of dimmers: a phase cut dimmer, a dedicated dimmer (e.g., 0-10V dimmer), and a button dimmer. The processor can include inputs for each of these dimmer types, and can be configured to determine which of the three types of dimmers is controlling the LED driver circuit, and determine which dimming signals to respond to when more than one dimmer type is trying to control the LED. |
| US09655177B2 |
Forward converter having a primary-side current sense circuit
A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load (e.g., an LED light source) comprises an isolated forward converter comprising a transformer, a controller, and a current sense circuit operable to receive a sense voltage representative of a primary current conducting through to a primary winding of the transformer. The primary winding is coupled in series with a semiconductor switch, while a secondary winding is adapted to be operatively coupled to the load. The forward converter comprises a sense resistor coupled in series with the primary winding for producing the sense voltage that is representative of the primary current. The current sense circuit receives the sense voltage and averages the sense voltage when the semiconductor switch is conductive, so as to generate a load current control signal that is representative of a real component of a load current conducted through the load. |
| US09655176B2 |
LED light source
The invention relates to a LED light source comprising: input terminals (K1, K2) for connection to a mains voltage supply source, a rectifier (RB) coupled to the input terminals for rectifying the mains supply voltage supplied by the mains supply voltage source and comprising rectifier output terminals, a DC-DC converter (CONV) for generating a DC current out of the rectified mains supply voltage, comprising converter input terminals connected to the rectifier output terminals and comprising a first converter output terminal (A) and a second converter output terminal (B), —a LED load (LL) with an anode coupled to the first converter output terminal via a current control element (D5) for blocking a current flowing from the anode of the LED load to the first converter output terminal, and with a cathode coupled to the second converter output terminal via a first controllable switch (M1) having a control electrode coupled to first control circuitry for rendering the controllable switch non-conductive in case the LED light source is in standby mode. |
| US09655174B2 |
Multi-string LED driver with current balancing
The present invention discloses a current-source-output light-emitting-diode (LED) driver based on LCLC circuit to provide a constant output current regardless of variations in LED parameters. In the LCLC circuit, the number of additional capacitors is scalable with the number of LED strings for current balancing. Moreover, the input impedance of the improved LCLC circuit is designed to be resistive at the operating frequency to minimize reactive power. The conventional duty cycle control can easily incorporate zero-voltage-switching (ZVS). |
| US09655171B2 |
Heater
A heater with a housing with a fluid channel, disposed therein, with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, whereby a coil, which generates an alternating magnetic field and is separated sealed from the fluid channel by a coil housing, is provided in the housing, whereby furthermore at least one metallic flat heating element is provided, which can be heated by the alternating magnetic field. The at least one flat heating element is disposed in the fluid channel, whereby the fluid channel is divided at least into a first channel and a second channel. Walls bounding the channels are formed by the coil housing and/or by a flat heating element. |
| US09655167B2 |
Wireless peripheral interconnect bus
A wireless peripheral interconnect bus capable of providing a high rate data transfer between peripheral devices and a host bridge of a computing device over a wireless medium comprises a first wireless pair for transferring data between a first peripheral component and a second peripheral component, wherein the first wireless pair implements at least at a layered protocol; and a second wireless pair for transferring data between a second peripheral component and the first peripheral component, wherein the second wireless pair implements at least a layered protocol. |
| US09655165B2 |
Method and apparatus for switching connection in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for switching connection in a wireless communication system is provided. A device receives a base station-to-device (B2D) switch request message or an unsolicited B2D switch response message from a base station. The B2D switch request message or the unsolicited B2D switch response message include information on at least one of a target device, a switch unit, target D2D connection/link identifier(s), an enhanced packet system (EPS) bearer identity, a data radio bearer (DRB) identity, a radio link control (RLC) configuration, a logical channel identity, and when to switch from a device-to-device (D2D) connection to a B2D connection. |
| US09655164B2 |
Method and system for discontinuous reception operation for long term evolution advanced carrier aggregation
A method for discontinuous reception operation for carrier aggregation comprising: receiving a first set of discontinuous reception parameters for a first carrier and a different set of discontinuous reception parameters for a second carrier; and configuring discontinuous reception parameters on the first carrier and second carrier. |
| US09655163B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a device-to-device (D2D) service in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of for implementing a D2D service are disclosed. The method includes the UE receiving an indication to prohibit a transmission of a RRC connection request message for requesting a D2D dedicated resource for transmission. The method further includes the UE deciding whether to prohibit the transmission of the RRC connection request message at least based on the indication. |
| US09655159B2 |
Managing guaranteed bit rate quality of service resource allocation based on guaranteed bit rate data activity on a link
In an embodiment, an apparatus (e.g., a client device, an eNodeB, MME, S-GW, P-GW, UTRAN component, etc.) detects a first transition of a client device from an active state to an idle state while the client device is allocated a Quality of Service (QoS) link by a serving network. The apparatus caches QoS information associated with the QoS link, and releases the QoS link in response to the detection of the first transition. The apparatus later detects, after the caching and releasing, a second transition of the client device from the idle state back to the active state. The apparatus re-establishes the QoS link in response to the detection of the second transition using the cached QoS information. |
| US09655158B2 |
Overloaded communication session
A method of providing information responsive to a request from a wireless communication device involves receiving an information request from a mobile device and generating responsive information for the information request, transmitting a first portion of the responsive information to the mobile device in a first communication session, and transmitting a second portion of the responsive information to the mobile device in a second, overloaded communication session. |
| US09655156B2 |
Bearer establishment method, base station, packet data gateway, and computer system
The present invention provides a bearer establishment method, a base station, a packet data gateway, and a computer system, where the bearer establishment method includes: receiving a D2D mode indication requested by an AF entity or a proximity service server for a source UE, where the D2D mode indication includes a first D2D connection establishment mode or a second D2D connection establishment mode; and according to the D2D mode indication, when a D2D connection can be established successfully, establishing the D2D connection for the source UE; or when a D2D connection cannot be established successfully, establishing a common connection if the D2D mode indication is the first D2D connection establishment mode, and feeding back a connection establishment failure response to the AF entity or the proximity service server if the D2D mode indication is the second D2D connection establishment mode. |
| US09655154B2 |
Device-to-device wireless communication
A method of device-to-device communication by a wireless device in a wireless communication network may include transmitting a first packet that includes first message data to multiple neighboring wireless devices in the wireless communication network. The method may also include receiving a second packet from one of the multiple neighboring wireless devices. The second packet may be generated by a second wireless device in the wireless communication network that is not one of the multiple neighboring wireless devices. The second packet may include second message data generated by the second wireless device and the first message data. In response to receiving the second packet, the method may further include transmitting a third packet configured to be unicast to the second wireless device. The third packet may include third message data generated by the wireless device. |
| US09655152B2 |
Operating environment setting system of electronic device, operating environment setting method and operating environment setting program
There are provided a code reading unit 12 for reading a code in a smartphone 10, an operating environment setting unit 13 for analyzing the read code, thereby acquiring first operating environment setting information required for setting to perform connection through Bluetooth to a relay device 20 to set the information to the smartphone 10, a setting information transmitting unit 14 for reading second operating environment setting information required for setting to perform wireless connection through Wi-Fi from a setting information storing unit 11 and transmitting the information to the relay device 20, and a second operating environment setting unit 23 for setting the received second operating environment setting information to the relay device 20. Even if the relay device 20 does not include a code reading device, it is possible to automatically set the connection through the Bluetooth, and furthermore, to automatically set the wireless connection through the Wi-Fi to the relay device 20 by reading the code in the smartphone 10. |
| US09655148B2 |
Method for processing emergency call in wireless communication system and apparatus for supporting same
Provided are a method by which a terminal processes an emergency call in a wireless communication system, and an apparatus for supporting the same. The method comprises: selecting a cell when a radio link failure (RLF) is generated; transmitting a RRC connection re-establishment request message to the selected cell; stopping an expired timer if a suitable cell or a cell using different radio access technology (RAT) is not selected within a certain time when the RLF is generated in the emergency call process of the terminal and the selected cell is an acceptable cell; and transmitting the RRC connection reestablishment request message. |
| US09655142B2 |
Wireless communication system, base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus, and wireless communication method
A mobile station apparatus receives, on a PDCCH (physical downlink control channel), information used for initiating a random access procedure. The mobile station apparatus also transmits a random access preamble on a physical random access channel resource based on or in response to the information. Furthermore, the mobile station apparatus receives a random access response corresponding to the random access preamble on one specific downlink component carrier among a plurality of downlink component carriers where the one specific downlink component carrier linked to an uplink component carrier on which the random access preamble is transmitted on the physical random access channel resource. |
| US09655138B2 |
System and method for scheduling wireless transmissions
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a relay node includes receiving information, at the relay node, information identifying a plurality of subframes. The subframes represent time periods during which a base station may grant the relay node permission to transmit to the base station on a first frequency. The method also involves selecting one of the identified subframes to be used for a transmission between the relay node and a wireless terminal on the first frequency and transmits to the wireless terminal a scheduling grant granting the wireless terminal permission to transmit information on the first frequency during the selected subframe. |
| US09655136B2 |
Method and apparatus for reverse direction protocol transmission in wireless local area network
Embodiments of the present invention relate to communication technologies, in particular, to a method and an apparatus for protocol transmission in a wireless local area network. A method for transmitting multi-user data in a reverse direction protocol according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: within a transmission opportunity (TXOP) of a first station, if the TXOP is not over after the first station finishes sending data to an access point (AP), obtaining, by the AP, the TXOP, where the obtaining, by the AP, the TXOP is implemented through granting a remaining part of the TXOP to the access point AP by the first station as a reverse direction protocol initiator; and within the TXOP, sending, by the AP, second data to at least two stations, where the at least two stations include the first station. |
| US09655135B2 |
Robust systematic multi-user (MU) grouping and scheduling
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a robust and systematic multi-user (MU) grouping and scheduling scheme. Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for wireless communications. The apparatus generally includes a processing system configured to: assign devices to one or more groups, wherein each group has at least a number of devices and schedule MU multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmissions to one or more sets of devices, each scheduled set of devices comprising a subset of devices of one of the groups; and an interface configured to output data for simultaneous transmissions to the scheduled sets of devices. |
| US09655134B2 |
Management of voice communications over long term evolution networks
A first network device in a network, such as an LTE network, configured to establish a default bearer between a node and the first network device. The first network device may transmit a first communication type between the first network device and the node over the a default bearer and receive a service request requesting the establishment of a dedicated bearer for the transmission of a second communication type between the first network device and the node, the service request requesting that the dedicated bearer have a quality of service higher than the quality of service of the default bearer. The first network device may transmit the second type of communication between the first network device and the node over the default bearer, establish the dedicated bearer, and then switch the transmission of the second type of communication from the default bearer to the dedicated bearer. |
| US09655133B2 |
Radio with interference measurement during a blanking interval
A backhaul radio is disclosed that operates in multipath propagation environments such as obstructed LOS conditions with uncoordinated interference sources in the same operating band. Such a backhaul radio may use a combination of interference mitigation procedures across multiple of the frequency, time, spatial and cancellation domains. Such backhaul radios may communicate with each other to coordinate radio resource allocations such that accurate interference assessment and channel propagation characteristics assessment may be determined during normal operation. |
| US09655130B2 |
Generation of digital clock for system having RF circuitry
Circuitry for any of a transceiver, a transmitter, and a receiver, has radio frequency (RF) circuitry, digital circuitry, a carrier signal generator to provide a carrier signal to the RF circuitry and a clock generator for generating a digital clock for clocking at least some of the digital circuitry. The RF circuitry is susceptible to interference from harmonics of the clocking, and the clock generator derives a frequency of the digital clock based on a frequency divided down from a frequency of the carrier signal so that the interference to the RF circuitry occurs at frequencies which are harmonics of the carrier signal. |
| US09655119B2 |
Primary channel determination in wireless networks
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to techniques and apparatus for determining a primary channel for wireless communication. According to certain aspects, a method is provided for wireless communications by an apparatus. The method generally includes obtaining an information element (IE) with one or more parameters and computing a primary channel location to be used for the wireless communication, as a function of the one or more parameters, wherein the function is independent of a geographical area in which the apparatus is located. |
| US09655118B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting asymmetric carrier aggregation in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for operating a mobile station in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes receiving first information transmitted on a secondary carrier from a base station, and transmitting second information for feedback related to the secondary carrier at a feedback region in a primary carrier based on the first information to the base station. |
| US09655116B2 |
Method for channel switching in wireless communication system and apparatus therefor
The present invention provides a method for switching an operating channel of a device in a wireless personal area network (WPAN) system, and an apparatus therefor. Specifically, the method includes the steps of: setting an association with a first frequency band coordinator; receiving channel switching information from the first frequency band coordinator; channel switching to a second frequency-band channel using the received channel switching information; and setting an association with a second frequency band coordinator, wherein the channel switching information includes a residual time with a time limit which channel switches from a first frequency band to a second frequency band, an operating channel in the second frequency band, and a prearranged transmission time of a beacon frame in the operating channel in the second frequency band. |
| US09655110B2 |
Enhanced physical downlink control channel user equipment specific search space subband hopping for machine type communication device
A method is provided for receiving, at a receiving device, a control information message from a transmitting device. The method includes monitoring a first plurality of reception resources contained in a first frequency range in a first subframe and a second plurality of reception resources contained in a second frequency range in a second subframe. The method also includes receiving a control information message in at least one of the monitored reception resources. The first frequency range is at least partly non-overlapping with the second frequency range. |
| US09655108B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving uplink or downlink signal and device therefor
A method for transmitting an uplink signal in a wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: receiving, from a first cell, information on a slot number of a radio frame of a second cell and identifier information that includes a virtual identifier or an identifier of the second cell; and generating a sequence for an uplink signal on the basis of the information on the slot number and the identifier information; and transmitting the generated sequence to the second cell. |
| US09655103B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating in an increased coverage area to a wireless communication unit
A method for increasing coverage in a wireless communication system is described. The method comprises, at the network element: transmitting a first portion of subframes comprising a number of resource blocks to a first wireless communication unit in a first mode of operation, wherein the number of resource blocks are transmitted at a first power level per resource block; and transmitting, a second portion of subframes to a second wireless communication unit in a second mode of operation at a second power level, wherein the second portion of subframes comprise a lower number of resource blocks than the first portion of subframes and the lower number of resource blocks is transmitted at a second power level per resource block that is higher than the first power level per resource block. |
| US09655099B2 |
Method and apparatus for coordinating one or more downlink transmissions in a wireless communication system
This invention provides a method and apparatus for coordinating downlink transmission(s) in a wireless communication system comprising a cluster of base station clients in communication with a base station cluster coordinator. The method comprises: receiving from each of the cluster of base station clients, a UE parameter set for each UE served by the respective base station clients; determining cluster parameter sets in respect of respective transmission modes, based on the UE parameter sets; evaluating the cluster parameter sets at the base station cluster coordinator, in order to select at least one of the transmission modes for the base station clients; generating at the base station cluster coordinator at least one output according to the at least one transmission mode; and transmitting each output to at least one of the base station clients to control the corresponding base station client to perform the selected downlink transmissions. |
| US09655095B2 |
Method and apparatus of activating/deactivating secondary carriers in mobile communication system using carrier aggregation
A method for activating/deactivating secondary carriers of a User Equipment (UE) in a mobile communication system supporting carrier aggregation is provided. The method comprises, receiving a control message including an activation/deactivation Control Element (CE) in a first sub-frame from a Base station, identifying an activation command or a deactivation command of at least one secondary carrier based on the control message, determining whether a current sub-frame is a second sub-frame or not, performing at least one first operation for the at least one secondary carrier in a second sub-frame, and performing, when the activation/deactivation CE indicates deactivation of the at least one secondary carrier, at least one second operation for the at least one secondary carrier no later than the second sub-frame. |
| US09655094B2 |
Terminal based grouping virtual transmission and reception in wireless networks
Virtualized group-wise communications between a wireless network and a plurality of user equipments (UEs) are supported using UE cooperation. UE cooperation includes receiving, at a cooperating UE (CUE), downlink information from the wireless network destined for a target UE (TUE) and associated with a group identifier (ID). The group ID indicates a virtual multi-point (ViMP) node that includes the TUE and the CUE. The UE cooperation also includes sending the downlink information to the TUE. The UE or UE component can have a processor configured to forward between the wireless network and a TUE at least some information that is associated with a group ID indicating a ViMP node that groups the TUE and the UE. |
| US09655087B2 |
Configuration and mapping of uplink control channel resource
The disclosure is related to configuration and mapping of uplink control channel resources. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to configuring and mapping uplink control channel resources for user equipment receiving downlink control information through a downlink control channel newly defined in a data region. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to configuring and mapping uplink control channel resources for uplink HARQ-ACK/NACK feedback of user equipment. Herein, the uplink HARQ-ACK/NACK feedback may be performed by the user equipment in response to a downlink data channel assigned according to downlink scheduling information transmitted through such new downlink control channel. |
| US09655084B2 |
Method of transmitting scheduling request in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for requesting uplink resources in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment determines whether a scheduling request for requesting uplink resources is triggered. If the scheduling request is triggered, the user equipment transmits a first set of frequency domain sequences and a second set of frequency domain sequences in a subframe. |
| US09655082B2 |
Communication of control information using alert flag and version number
To effectively and efficiently provide control information, a broadcast pointer channel (BPCH) may be used to identify the type and perhaps relative location of control information that is being provided in a given frame structure, such as a sub-frame, frame, or superframe. A sub-frame (or like framing entity, such a frame or superframe) may have a BPCH and a corresponding system control information segment in which control information may reside. The system control information segment may have any number of control information blocks, wherein each control information block that is present may correspond to a particular type of control information. The BPCH is used to identify the type of control information that is present in a corresponding system control information segment, and if needed or desired, the relative locations of the various control information. |
| US09655081B2 |
Apparatus and method for ranging for uplink resource allocation in broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for ranging for uplink resource allocation in a broadband wireless communication system are provided. The method includes detecting, from an Uplink Channel Descriptor (UCD), first ranging codes corresponding to a first region and second ranging codes corresponding to a second region, selecting one of the second ranging codes corresponding to the second region, mapping the selected second ranging code to the first region and transmitting the same to a base station, and receiving an allocation of an uplink resource from the base station. |
| US09655079B2 |
Apparatus and method for paging in wireless communication system
Provided is a method for paging a User Equipment (UE) in an idle state by a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in a wireless communication network in which a Packet Switched (PS) domain and a Circuit Switched (CS) domain coexist. The method includes receiving a CS page message for paging the UE in a CS domain; and upon receiving the CS page message, sending a PS page message for paging the UE in a PS domain, the PS page message including a priority indicator, to an Evolved Node B (ENB) where the UE is located. |
| US09655075B2 |
Sensor stimulation and response approach for mapping sensor network addresses to identification information
Methods, sensor network monitors (150), and mobile terminals (120) are disclosed that map a plurality of sensors (110) to sensor identification information provided by the mobile terminals (120). A method includes receiving (500) stimulus characteristic information, which characterizes a stimulus provided to one of the sensors (110), and an associated sensor identification information from the mobile terminal (120). A response signal is received (502) from the sensor (110) responding to the stimulus. A network address of the sensor (110) is identified. The response signal is matched (504) to the stimulus characteristic information. The network address of the sensor (110) is associated (506) with the sensor identification information associated with the stimulus characteristic information matched to the response signal. The network address of the sensor (110) and the associated sensor identification information is provided (508) to a resource directory (152) for storage. |
| US09655074B2 |
Tagless radio frequency based self correcting distributed real time location system
Services based on radio frequencies like GPS, RFID, GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth triangulation allows us to know, with some level of confidence, the position of a mobile device. However, those methods rely on special software and/or hardware. They also fail inside buildings since they cannot provide fine granulated values with a high level of accuracy. Each radio frequency device (mobile or not) emits a signal with a given strength and identification (Mac address or similar) to the air. The signal is captured by our nodes (at least 2 of the nodes), that measures the strength of the signal and therefore calculate the distance estimation. Since the signal is affected by electromagnetic noise, number of people in the building, or even temperature, the suggested system self corrects the values by knowing the distance between the nodes and measuring the signal strength. This gives to the system a very low error margin of about 1%. Some applications rely on real time tracking solutions, that traditional tracking systems cannot provide or need to provide tags to follow devices. The system here presented is distributed to be able to process the signal in real time (connected via a high speed network), with low latency and also stores the location estimation, device identification and time collected for analytics and reporting. |
| US09655068B2 |
Optimizing transmit power in unit equipped to connect to first and second network
A user equipment and a method performed by the user equipment. The user equipment includes a transceiver configured to enable the user equipment to establish a connection with a first network and a second network, the first network configured to provide signals to control a transmit power of the transceiver and a processor configured to control the transmit power of the transceiver. The processor controls the transmit power by determining at least one network operation of the user equipment, the network operation associated with a configuration of the connection with the LTE network, receiving a signal from the LTE network indicating an increase in the transmit power to be used and performing a power operation that adjusts the transmit power of the transceiver less than the increase indicated in the signal. |
| US09655067B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing energy consumption of radio communications in a wireless sensor network
A method, a non-transitory computer-readable medium and an apparatus for receiving a data packet that is transmitted from a first sensor node are disclosed. For example, the method performs a channel scan of a particular burst of channel scans. When the preamble packet is detected, the method determines whether the preamble packet is addressed to the second sensor node. When the preamble packet is addressed to the second sensor node, the method sends an acknowledgement packet to the first sensor node. The method then receives the data packet that is transmitted from the first sensor node. The method then sleeps for a duration of time, when there is no packet transmission that is ongoing that is destined to the second sensor node. |
| US09655063B2 |
Power control
The invention relates to an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine usable power for a physical downlink control channel information unit based on resource consumption and available power resources, and adjust the usable power orthogonal frequency division multiplexed symbol-wise in such a manner that the available power resources are not exceeded or that exceeding is given to physical downlink control channel information units according to hierarchy of needs or that the exceeding is evenly distributed over the physical downlink control channel information units. |
| US09655061B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating transmit power of a femto node
Methods and apparatuses are provided that include calibrating transmit power of a femto node based on measuring one or more parameters related to usage of the femto node. The femto node can temporarily increase transmit power and analyze received measurement reports to determine a transmit power calibration. The femto node can additionally measure uplink received signal strength indicators over multiple time periods following handover of a user equipment (UE) to determine whether to increase transmit power to cover the UE. |
| US09655059B2 |
Communication terminal and method for determining a power scaling factor
A communication terminal is described comprising a receiver configured to receive first signals on a first set of communication resources and to receive a plurality of second signals on a second set of communication resources and an interference control unit configured to determine a level of interference of one or more interferers included in the plurality of second signals and to determine a power scaling factor of signal components of the first signals based on the level of interference by the one or more interferers. |
| US09655057B2 |
Noise floor driven access point transmission power
Apparatus and techniques are presented for estimating a noise floor experienced by a client device seeking to associate with an access point in a wireless network. A path loss between the client device and the access point may be estimated. A metric may then be generated, where the metric estimates a strength of a signal transmitted from the access point as received at the client device. The transmit power at the access point may then be adjusted, based on the metric. |
| US09655055B2 |
Wireless communication system, transmission power control apparatus, base station apparatus, parameter providing apparatus, and transmission power control method
A wireless communication system includes a first base station (3), a plurality of second base stations (1-1 and 1-2) and a control apparatus (10). The first base station forms a first cell (6). The plurality of second base stations (1-1 and 1-2) forms a plurality of second cells (5-1 and 5-2) each including a portion thereof partially overlapping with the first cell. The control apparatus (10) executes uplink transmission power control for a target second cell (5-1) by using a resource parameter (R1) which increases and decreases in accordance with a sum of usage amounts or sum of usage rates of uplink resources in the plurality of second cells (5-1 and 5-2). |
| US09655051B2 |
Method for power saving in wireless local area network and apparatus for the same
A method and a wireless apparatus for power saving in a wireless local area network are discussed. The method according to an embodiment includes receiving a frame including a signal field from a transmitting device. The signal field includes a number indicator and a power saving indicator. The number indicator indicates a number of spatial streams for a corresponding recipient, and the power saving indicator indicates that the transmitting device allows the wireless device to enter a doze state during a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The method further includes entering the doze state until the end of the TXOP if the power saving indicator indicates an allowance of entering the doze state during the TXOP, and the number of spatial streams to be received by the wireless device is equal to zero. |
| US09655046B2 |
Method and apparatus for power saving in personal area networks
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of reducing power consumption in a wireless network device, comprising determining a duration prior to a beacon being received by the device; comparing the duration against a predetermined value; and adjusting a duration of a sleep period in response to the comparison. |
| US09655043B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing power consumption by early decoding
Methods and apparatuses are provided for reducing power consumption by early decoding. It is determined whether a predetermined decoding condition is satisfied upon expiration of a time unit in a transmission time interval. Decoding is performed on a signal that has been received through the time unit in the transmission time interval, when the predetermined decoding condition is satisfied. A controller outputs an instruction signal to a RF processor to set to a low-power mode during a remaining time period of the transmission time interval after the time unit in the transmission time interval, when the decoding is successful. Decoding is performed on the signal that has been received through the RF processor upon expiration of a last time unit of the transmission time interval regardless of the predetermined decoding condition, when the time unit is the last time unit in the transmission time interval. |
| US09655042B2 |
Optical wireless access system
An OLT of a PON obtains information on discontinuous reception of a UE from a BBU of LTE, and adjusts a sleep start timing and a sleep cycle of an ONU so that a recovery waiting time in the OLT with respect to downlink data transmitted from the BBU to the UE can be minimized. |
| US09655040B2 |
Methods and arrangements for low power wireless networks
Embodiments may comprise an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system operating in the 1 GHz and lower frequency bands. In many embodiments, physical layer logic may implement a new preamble structure with a new signal field. Embodiments may store the preamble structure and/or a preamble based upon the new preamble structure on a machine-accessible medium. Some embodiments may generate and transmit a communication with the new preamble structure. Further embodiments may receive and detect communications with the new preamble structure. |
| US09655039B2 |
Dynamic cell reselection to improve device-to-device communications
The disclosure generally relates to dynamic cell reselection to improve device-to-device (D2D) communications where two or more D2D peers are camped onto different cells and one or more D2D peers are located in an overlap region between the cells. For example, in various embodiments, the D2D peers may exchange one or more communication parameters over the (inter-cell) D2D connection and detect that the D2D peers are camped on different base stations (i.e., attached to different cells) based on the exchanged communication parameters. The D2D peer(s) located in the cell overlap region may then obtain measurements on the neighbor cell and a forced cell reselection may be triggered at the appropriate D2D peer(s) located in the cell overlap region such that the D2D peers are camped on the same base station, thereby converting the inter-cell D2D connection into an intra-cell D2D connection that can be more easily maintained. |
| US09655037B2 |
Method and apparatus for an improved mechanism for selecting an access point
The present disclosure presents a method and apparatus for identifying an access point (AP) for selection by an access terminal (AT). For example, the method may include receiving a probe request by one or more APs from an AT, wherein the probe request is broadcasted by the AT to the one or more APs, generating load information and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) values of the probe request at the one or more APs, identifying an AP of the one or more APs for selection by the AT, wherein the AP for selection by the AT is identified by the one or more APs based at least on the load information and RSSI values generated at the one or more APs, and transmitting information of an AP identified by the one or more APs to the AT. As such, an improved mechanism for selecting an access point may be achieved. |
| US09655034B2 |
Transaction sensitive access network discovery and selection
Transaction sensitive access network discovery and selection function (TSANDSF) features are disclosed. TSANDSF features can include access network resource (ANR) selection based on vendor ANR information and UE information. TSANDSF features can further include facilitating access, via a UE, to vendor value added products or service, vendor selected information, or vendor advertisements as a result of establishing a communication link with a vendor ANR. In contrast to conventional ANDSF, TSANDSF can facilitate improved ANR ranking and selection based on rules that correlate UE information with determined vendor ANR features. |
| US09655033B2 |
Mobile terminal and wireless connection method thereof
Disclosed is a wireless connection method for a mobile terminal. The method includes: starting to search for an access point in a current environment; judging whether the access point is found within a preset time, and when rise judgment result is yes, acquiring the found current access point and suspending the search; judging whether the access information recorded in advance matches the current access point, and when the judgment result is yes, accessing the current access point using the access information; storing the current access point in a list; and continuing searching for a next access point, and returning to the step of judging whether an access point is round within a preset time. Also disclosed is a mobile terminal. In this way, the mobile terminal and the wireless connection method therefor of the present invention can rapidly access an access point, improving the user experience. |
| US09655032B2 |
Communication device and communication method for determining a combination of base stations used to communicate with a communication terminal
An electronic device that communicates with a plurality of base stations by Coordinated Multiple Point transmission and reception (CoMP), the base stations including at least a first base station and a second base station. The electronic device receives configuration information from the first base station, the configuration information indicating a first period of a first reference resource; and receives a second reference resource from the second base station during the first period. The first reference resource corresponds to a muted power Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) and the second reference resource corresponds to a non-muted power CSI-RS. |
| US09655029B2 |
Extended access barring
A system and method for authorizing access to a transmission station for a mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device can receive device extended access barring (EAB) configuration information in a broadcast control channel (BCCH) from a transmission station. The mobile device can bar the mobile device configured for EAB and having characteristics identified in the EAB configuration information for barring from accessing the transmission station. Alternatively, a system and method for barring a mobile device from accessing a transmission station is disclosed. The transmission station can receive from the mobile device a radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment request. The transmission station can configure a system information block (SIB) with extended access barring (EAB) configuration information. The transmission station can broadcast the SIB with EAB configuration information to the mobile device. |
| US09655017B2 |
Handover in communication networks
A node for a communication system that is configured to communicate with a mobile node via a first connection and to communicate with a third node via a first forwarding path is disclosed. After a procedure for handover of the first connection to a second connection between the mobile node and a target network node is initiated, data is communicated from the node to the third node for transmission to the target network node via a second forwarding path. The third node is configured to receive the data and to forward it to the target network node. |
| US09655015B2 |
Cell selection method for circuit-switched fallback calls
A method at a user equipment (UE) includes measuring a signal quality of each cell detected from a plurality of frequencies included in a connection release message from a radio access technology (RAT) . The measuring may occur during a long-period SIB collection for a previously determined target cell. The method also includes determining a new target cell in place of a previously determined target cell based at least in part on a signal quality of each cell measured during the long-period SIB collection for the previously determined target cell. |
| US09655013B2 |
Methods and devices for cell discovery
This disclosure sets forth methods and devices for communication between mobile devices and base stations with active and dormant states. In an embodiment, a base station transmits system information during an active state of the base station with at least one system-information message. The at least one system-information message includes a SystemInformationBlockType1 (“SIB1”) message with a first update-indicator field. The base station selects an update value that indicates whether the system information has changed since a previous transmission of a previous SIB1 message. The base station transmits at least one dormant-state message during a dormant state of the base station with the selected update value in a second update-indicator field of the at least one dormant-state message. |
| US09655010B2 |
Method and apparatus for mobility management
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for mobility management at a network management center. The method comprises indicating a target access node to a terminal device being served by a source access node, in response to determining that the terminal device needs to be handed over to the target access node. The method also comprises transmitting network-related context information of the terminal device to the target access node that receives terminal-related context information of the terminal device from the terminal device. By virtue of this method, the access node may be made with a simple and low cost structure; deployment of access nodes may be more flexible and handover of the terminal device may be more efficient. |
| US09655009B2 |
System and method for inter-femto access point handoffs
A system and method for inter-femto access point handoffs are provided. A method for gateway operations includes receiving a handoff required message, determining a handoff target based on information in the handoff required message, sending a handoff request to the handoff target, performing a bearer update, and initiating a handoff. The handoff target and a handoff source are anchored by a gateway. |
| US09655008B2 |
Systems and methods for improved network scanning for quality of service applications
A user equipment (“UE”) that performs methods to connect to multiple radio access networks (RAN) including a home network RANs and roaming RANs to perform communications. An exemplary method performed by a UE initially connected to a Long Term Evolution radio access network (LTE-RAN) of a home network and registered with a voice over LTE (VoLTE) service of the home network to perform voice communications via the LTE-RAN, includes detecting a service disrupting event preventing VoLTE communication with the LTE-RAN, deregistering from the VoLTE service of the home network, scanning for available bands in the LTE-RAN of the home network and while scanning for the available bands in the LTE-RAN of the home network, connecting to a further radio access network (RAN) of the home network that allows circuit-switched communications with the home network, wherein the UE performs voice communications as circuit-switched communications via the further RAN. |
| US09655007B2 |
Managing data mobility policies
Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed to communicate traffic flow information to a network. A user equipment (UE) may detect a traffic flow (e.g., using one or more of the traffic detection implementations described herein). A 5-tuple associated with the traffic flow may be unknown by the network. The UE may issue an alert to the network. The alert may indicate to the network that the traffic flow has been detected. The UE may determine the 5-tuple associated with the traffic flow. The UE may report the 5-tuple to the network. The report may be in response to one or more of: a request received from the network requesting traffic flow information; or, a determination that a first policy condition has been met. |
| US09655005B2 |
Offload services via a neutral host network
Techniques for providing offload services via a neutral host network (NHN) are described here. An example method may include establishing an authorization relationship, at the NHN, with a mobile network. In addition, the example method may include sending a notification indicating the authorization relationship of the NHN with the mobile network to one or more user equipments (UEs) within radio coverage of the NHN, wherein the authorization relationship specifies that the NHN is authorized by the mobile network to provide offload services for at least one UE of the one or more UEs that is associated with the mobile network. |
| US09655004B2 |
Apparatus for Ethernet traffic aggregation of radio links
A multi-radio device system includes a set of sending radio devices and a set of receiving radio devices. Among the sending radio devices is a load-balancing radio device that receives data packets from an originating network. The load-balancing radio device labels data packets with sequence numbers and distributes the labeled data packets among the sending radio devices based on the relative capacities and statuses of those sending radio devices. The sending radio devices transmit the labeled data packets to the receiving radio devices. The receiving radio devices send the labeled data packets to an aggregating radio device within the set of receiving radio devices. The aggregating radio device uses the sequence numbers to ensure that the data packets are forwarded to a destination network in the correct order, extracting original data packets from the labeled data packets before forwarding the original data packets on toward the destination network. |
| US09655003B2 |
Systems and methods for improved wireless interface aggregation
The present invention describes systems and methods for improved wireless interface integration. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless interface aggregation system having a computing device including a processor, a memory, a first wireless interface with a first observed throughput rate in a first network environment and second wireless interface with a second observed throughput rate in the first network environment. The aggregation control module is configured to control the transmission and wireless interface and the second wireless interface to provide an overall throughput rate for the computing device in the first network environment greater than sum of the first observed throughput rate and the second observed throughput rate. |
| US09654998B2 |
Method for measuring interference in wireless communication system, and apparatus therefor
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for measuring, by a user device, interference in a wireless communication system includes the steps of: receiving setting information for a target resource of an interference measurement from a base station; and reporting channel state information (CSI) based on the measured interference, wherein the setting information includes indication information for the interference measurement with respect to subbands or resource blocks of specific sub-frame sets divided according to interference environments, and a CSI process can be set for each of the specific sub-frame sets. |
| US09654996B2 |
Method and device for monitoring radio link
The present disclosure provides a method and a device for monitoring a radio link. In the method, a user terminal monitors a cell specific reference signal (CRS) and a channel state indication reference signal (CSI-RS), and judges whether to initiate radio resource control (RRC) connection re-establishment according to the CRS and the CSI-RS. The device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a monitoring unit and a judging unit. By applying the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, monitoring of the radio link can be more accurate, and RRC connection re-establishment can be performed in time, to reduce occurrence of misjudgments, thereby improving the experience on the user terminal. |
| US09654995B2 |
Method, device, and systems for managing access points controlled by an access point controller
The present invention provides a method, device and system for maintaining wireless networks, wherein the method includes: an AC receives a wireless access network status parameter fedback by an AP according to a time triggering mode or an event triggering mode; the AC updates the Status Set parameter of the AP locally stored, according to the wireless access network status parameter; the AC updates an event occurrence status parameter of the AP locally stored, according to the updated Status Set parameter and the event update strategy locally stored, wherein the event update strategy refers to an corresponding relationship between the Status Set parameter and the event occurrence status parameter; and the AC maintains the wireless network configuration parameter of the AP according to the updated event occurrence status parameter. By use of the present invention, the problems of a high maintenance cost for artificially maintaining wireless networks and a long maintenance time after a fault occurs are solved, and the stability of the user wireless networks are ensured. |
| US09654993B1 |
Gesture based notification tuning for collaboration systems
A mobile device or a server may be configured to automatically define a customized mute status. Data indicative of a physical movement of the mobile device is received. In response, the mobile device is monitored to determine whether one or more notifications are received at the mobile device and whether a responsive action responsive to the one or more notifications is taken at the mobile device. When no responsive action is taken, a customized mute status for the mobile device is defined or stored. |
| US09654991B2 |
Radio property based access point load balancing in controller cluster
The present disclosure discloses a system and a method for providing radio frequency based access point load balancing in a controller cluster. Specifically, a network device detects a long-term network topology change in a network having a controller cluster, wherein the controller cluster comprises a plurality of controllers, and automatically reassigns one or more of a plurality of access points that are managed by a first controller to a second and different controller in the controller cluster without interrupting network traffic to and from client devices associated with the one or more of the plurality of access points. The access points are located within a particular radio frequency neighborhood. Also, the one or more of the plurality of access points provide adequate coverage in the particular radio frequency neighborhood in the event that the first controller and its corresponding access points after the reassignment become unavailable. |
| US09654988B2 |
Add-on system and methods for spatial suppression of interference in wireless communication networks
A system for cancelling interference in a wireless network, the system comprising apparatus for computing and outputting at least N weighting vectors; and apparatus for cancelling interference from antennae outputs received by the system using the weighting vectors respectively by converting the weighting vectors into FIR filter coefficients and applying FIR filters corresponding to the FIR filter coefficients to derivatives of antennae outputs received by the system. The apparatus for computing and outputting weighting vectors may be operative by estimating a spatial signature while distinguishing interference spatial signature from desired signal spatial signature although both are received simultaneously. |
| US09654987B2 |
Interference alignment method and apparatus in wireless communication system
An interference alignment method and apparatus in a wireless communication system are provided. A method of a serving Base Station (BS) for uplink interference alignment in a wireless communication system includes estimating a channel for at least one served Mobile Station (MS), estimating an interference channel for at least one neighboring MS, exchanging information about an interference channel with at least one neighboring BS, determining a precoding vector of each of the at least one served MS for configuring interference from all of the at least one neighboring MS as one spatial dimension, and transmitting the determined precoding vector to each of the at least one served MSs. |
| US09654985B2 |
Radio link synchronization in a wireless communication device
A wireless communication terminal including a controller coupled to a transceiver wherein the controller is configured to determine a synchronization based on a mapping of channel state information to decoder error rate corresponding to a hypothetical control code word, to attempt to decode a control codeword in a received signal, and to conclude that an out of synchronization event has not occurred if the control codeword is decoded successfully regardless of an indication of the mapping. |
| US09654983B2 |
Tunable filter employing feedforward cancellation
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for a tunable filter employing feedforward cancellation are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a tunable transmissive filter that includes a splitter for splitting an input signal into a first signal and a second signal, a first modifier circuit for modifying a characteristic of the first signal to produce a modified first signal, a second modifier circuit for using feedforward cancellation to modify a characteristic of the second signal to produce a modified second signal, the second modifier circuit including an N-path filter, N being an integer greater than 0; and a combiner for combining the modified first signal and the modified second signal to produce a filtered output signal having a bandpass response. |
| US09654980B2 |
Enabling emergency access to secure wireless communications networks
Embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for improving public safety communications and real-time information sharing to enable a public safety user to access available, secure private wireless communications (PWC) networks within a vicinity of an emergency for communications and data-sharing purposes. In an embodiment, a universal encryption key (UEK) is stored on a public safety access device. The public safety access device is providing access to a secure PWC network. The UEK is a key established by a certificate authority that enables public safety personnel to access the secure PWC network. Then, a public safety encryption key (PSKey) is received by the public safety access device from a user communication device. The public safety access device enables access for the user communication to access the secure PWC network upon a determination that the received PSKey is associated with the UEK. |
| US09654976B2 |
Telephone caller authentication
Techniques for authenticating the identity of a caller in a telephone call are disclosed. The device generating the call implements encrypting caller identification information and initiating the telephone call, said initiating comprising providing a voice carrier signal including the caller identification information; and simultaneously providing a data carrier signal including the encrypted caller identification information. The receiving device implements receiving the telephone call; decrypting the encrypted caller identification information at the recipient device; and verifying the identity of at least an unknown caller at the recipient device by at least one of verifying the authenticity of a certificate used to encrypt the caller identification information; and comparing the decrypted caller identification information with the caller identification information from the voice carrier signal. A telephony device implementing such an authentication technique is also disclosed. |
| US09654973B2 |
System and method for wireless management access to a telecommunications device
Systems and methods for wireless management access to a telecommunication device are provided. A portable device, such as a tablet, smartphone, etc., can be used to access a network device, such as a telecommunication device, by accessing a wireless access module of the telecommunication device using any desired wireless technology. When the portable device is in proximity to the telecommunication device the presence of the portable device may be detected, causing an attempted wireless communication between the portable device and the wireless access module. The portable device may provide various security information to the wireless access module that may be verified before access to the telecommunication device is granted. If the portable device is verified it may be authorized for wireless communications with the telecommunication device, including receiving an identifier for the telecommunication device. |
| US09654971B2 |
Method and apparatus for authenticating access authority for specific resource in wireless communication system
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating access authority for a specific resource in a wireless communication system is provided. The method is performed by a terminal and includes the steps of: receiving from a server, an operation for a specific object of a terminal, a specific object instance, or a resource (hereinafter referred to as “operation target”) belonging to the specific object instance; and checking whether an access authority for the operation target is granted for a server based on access authority information associated with the operation target. The method further includes a step of determining whether at least one resource belonging to the operation target supports the operation based on one or both of the operation and the operation target when the access authority for the operation target is granted, and the access authority information associated with the operation target can be specified for a specific object instance to which the one or more resources belong. |
| US09654970B2 |
Method and device for web redirect authentication in WiFi roaming based on AC and AP interworking
A WiFi roaming management method and device which redirect an HTTP request of a mobile terminal from an AP to an AC even though the AC and the AP do not exist in the same subnet, which redirects a source IP address for an HTTP request, after transferring, to an IP address of the AC, and which smoothly support a wireless Internet service in a distributed processing system according to a web authentication of the AC in a WiFi roaming method is provided. A terminal session management function and a traffic control function are separated by a premium AC (Access Controller) and a premium AP (Access Point) interworked with a tunneling method according to a CAPWAP protocol. |
| US09654968B2 |
Certified-based control unit-key fob pairing
A key fob-control unit pairing device that includes a transceiver to transmit and receive signals, a memory to store a certificate of authenticity (CertVD) associated with the pairing device and a public key (PKVM), and a processor coupled to said transceiver and memory. The processor is to receive a public key (PKKF) from a key fob and associated with the key fob and a certificate of authenticity (CertKF) associated with the key fob, verify the CertKF with the PKVM, and transmit an encrypted PKKF to a control unit. |
| US09654967B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing discovery for device-to-device communication
A discovery method for Device-to-Device (D2D) communication is provided. A terminal transmits a discovery service request message for D2D communication including one of application information and group information for a Proximity based Service (ProSe) to a server. The terminal receives, from the server, a discovery service key delivery message including a discovery service key corresponding to the one of the application information and the group information for a ProSe. The terminal acquires the discovery service key by decrypting the discovery service key delivery message, and performs discovery by encrypting a discovery code with the acquired discovery service key. |
| US09654953B2 |
Method and apparatus for wireless emergency alerts
A method at a mobile device, including receiving, at the mobile device, an emergency alert message from a base station; determining a response is required for the emergency alert message; and sending the response to the base station. |
| US09654952B2 |
Personal emergency message framework
A mobile device determines that a communications tower is unresponsive to non-emergency wireless signals, and receives user input to select a recipient for an emergency message from a group of pre-registered recipients. The mobile device presents a group of pre-configured status indicators and receives user input to select a particular status indicator. The mobile device generates a text-based emergency message based on the selected recipient, the selected status indicator, location information for the mobile device, and a time stamp. The mobile device sends, to a message server that is different than the message recipient, the text-based emergency message. To determine a status of the message originator without requiring a connection between mobile devices, the intended recipient initiates a fetch message request to retrieve the text-based emergency message from the message server. |
| US09654948B1 |
System and method for dynamically forwarding voice calls
A mobile device comprising a long-range radio transceiver, a first short-range radio transceiver, a processor, a memory, and an application stored in the memory. The application, when executed by the processor, detects an event and in response to detecting the event, selects a reference to a second communication device stored in the memory based on a current location of the mobile communication device, wherein the second communication device comprises a second short-range radio transceiver configured for communication with the first short-range radio transceiver. The application further transmits a redirect message via the long-range radio transceiver to a redirect server application executing on a computer system, wherein the redirect message comprises the reference to the second communication device, whereby voice calls directed to the long-range radio transceiver are redirected to the first short-range radio transceiver via the second short-range radio transceiver of the second communication device. |
| US09654946B2 |
Short message service mobile originated/mobile terminated without mobile station international subscriber directory number (MSISDN) in internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS)
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for submitting and/or delivering a SMS between user equipment without MSISDN are provided. One method includes storing the SIP-URI and IMSI for a device sending a SMS. The method may further include receiving a SMS from the sending device. In an embodiment, the TP-DA field of the MO-SMS is filled with value(s) that indicates the recipient UE is addressed without MSISDN, the R-URI is set to PSI, and the “to header” is set to the receiving device's SIP URI. The method may include retrieving the receiving device's SIP URI from the “to header,” and querying the receiving device's HSS for the IMSI and routing information of the receiving device. The method may then include delivering the SMS to the receiving device directly or delivering the SMS to the receiving device via the SMSC. |
| US09654945B2 |
Electronic device with message handling functions
An electronic device (12) is capable of sending chat-style messages by instant message (IM) messaging and short message service (SMS) messaging. IM messaging is preferred, but a message will be sent by SMS messaging upon user authorization when IM messaging for the electronic device is not available. When IM messaging is not available for a message destination electronic device (14), the user of the electronic device will be notified that the transmission mechanism is SMS messaging and an attempt to wake-up IM messaging in the message destination electronic device will be made. |
| US09654944B1 |
Apparatus and method for sending video content to a mobile device
An apparatus and method for sending video content to a mobile device is described. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprising embedding a widget in a website, the widget generating a form. The form is provided when a user visits the website so as to execute the widget. The form includes a first field to enter a recipient phone number, a send selector, and one or more non-visible fields, the non-visible fields containing a content service provider identifier, and a video URL. A data packet is generated with the widget when the user selects the send selector, the data packet including the recipient phone number, the video URL, and the content service provider identifier. An encoded version of the data packet is sent to the content service provider and a video link message is sent to the recipient phone number. |
| US09654943B1 |
Unstructured message escalation within a network computing system
Unstructured message escalation may include, responsive to detecting an unanswered message from a sending mobile device of a sender to a receiving mobile device of a recipient, determining a sender-recipient relationship and a last known location of the receiving mobile device, determining a first contact of the recipient from a contact data storage device according to the sender-recipient relationship, a relationship between the recipient and the first contact, proximity, and an escalation plan for the recipient, and sending a first escalation message to the first contact. Responsive to determining that the message is unanswered subsequent to sending the first escalation message, selecting a second contact of the recipient according to the sender-recipient relationship, a relationship between the second contact and the recipient, proximity, and the escalation plan and sending a second escalation message to the second contact. |
| US09654942B2 |
System for and method of transmitting communication information
A system for and method of communication information transmission are provided. A method of communication information transmission performed by a first device includes: receiving a communication request from a second device; obtaining surrounding situation information of the first device, the surrounding situation information including information related to surroundings of the first device; and determining at least one third device to process the communication request based on the surrounding situation information. |
| US09654933B2 |
Systems and methods for synchronizing optical transmitters
A wireless network has a plurality of nodes that are configured to communicate electrical signals via a backhaul channel in which messages hop from node-to-node through the network. The nodes have optical transmitters for communicating with tags via an optical channel that is time division multiplexed (TDM) among the nodes of the network. The nodes are configured to transmit an electrical synchronization signal via the backhaul channel and to synchronize transmissions for the optical channel based on the electrical synchronization signal. Thus, use of the backhaul channel to communicate the synchronization signal leverages the existing framework of the network in order to synchronize the optical transmitters without requiring specialized synchronization circuitry, and a robust TDM algorithm can be implemented for the optical channel with relatively low complexity and costs. |
| US09654932B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting mobile device movement within a vehicle using accelerometer data
One or more mobile device movement detection computing devices and methods are disclosed herein based on acceleration data collected from an accelerometer of a mobile device found within an interior of a vehicle. The mobile device movement detection computing devices may identify a likely mobile device movement event based on a change of angle between two three-dimensional acceleration vectors. Where the mobile device movement detection computing devices detect a likely mobile device movement event, sensor data from various sensors of a mobile device are collected and aggregated for a window of time encompassing the mobile device movement event. Data from vehicle sensors and other external systems may also be used. The mobile device movement detection computing devices calculate a risk score based on the aggregates sensor data, and provide feedback to a mobile device or vehicle based on the calculated risk score. |
| US09654931B2 |
Mobile device network configuration via speed determination
In one or more embodiments, a mobile device can determine its speed and can utilize a wireless network based on its determined speed. In one example, the mobile device can be within a communications range of a wireless access point that implements a wireless local area network and can utilize a mobile telephone network for data communications rather than the wireless local area network when the mobile device is traveling at or above a certain speed. In another example, the mobile device can receive a signal from the wireless access point and, based on the signal and the speed of the mobile device, the mobile device can utilize the wireless access point at or above the certain speed. For instance, the signal can include a beacon indicating that the wireless access point can be utilized for data communications when the mobile device is traveling at or above a certain speed. |
| US09654930B2 |
Geo-reference based positioning of a mobile device
A method of determining a location of a mobile device includes: detecting, at the mobile device, at least one Radio Frequency transmitter; receiving information associated with a number of Radio Frequency transmitters located within a geographical area, the number of Radio Frequency transmitters being a subset of all Radio Frequency transmitters located within the geographical area, the information being decodable to provide global locations and identifiers of the number of Radio Frequency transmitters; comparing an identifier associated with the at least one detected Radio Frequency transmitter with the global locations and identifiers of the number of Radio Frequency transmitters; and determining the location of the mobile device within the geographical area; wherein the information is received in a reduced format. |
| US09654924B2 |
System and method for device-centric location detection and geofencing
A system and a plurality of methods for location detection are disclosed. In some cases, the user's present location is represented by a circle, having a center and a radius, where the radius is indicative of the accuracy of the present location. The desired destination location, or geofence, is also defined as a circle, having a center and a radius. The various methods disclosed are used to determine when a user has entered or exited the geofence. In some embodiments, these methods attempt to minimize power consumption or another parameter. In another embodiment, the methods attempt to achieve the highest degree of accuracy possible or required for the task. |
| US09654922B2 |
Geo-fencing cryptographic key material
In representative embodiments, a geo-fence cryptographic key material comprising a geo-fence description defining a geographic area and associated cryptographic key material is assigned to an entity for use in authenticated communications. The validity of the cryptographic material changes state based on whether the entity is inside or outside the geographic area. This is accomplished in a representative embodiment by suspending the validity of the cryptographic key material when the entity is outside the geographic area and reinstating the validity of the cryptographic key material when the entity is inside the geographic area. A geographic update service determines the validity of the cryptographic material in part using location updates sent by the entity. Entities that are not geo-aware can delegate the location update to a geo-aware device. Encryption can be used to preserve privacy. |
| US09654921B1 |
Techniques for sharing position data between first and second devices
A system for exchanging GPS or other position data between wireless devices for purposes of group activities, child location monitoring, work group coordination, dispatching of employees etc. Cell phones and other wireless devices with GPS receivers have loaded therein a Buddy Watch application and a TalkControl application. The Buddy Watch application communicates with the GPS receiver and other wireless devices operated by buddies registered in the users phone as part of buddy groups or individually. GPS position data and historical GPS position data can be exchanged between cell phones of buddies and instant buddies such as tow truck drivers via a buddy watch server. Emergency monitoring services can be set up with notifications to programmable individuals in case an individual does not respond. Positions and tracks can be displayed. TalkControl simplifies and automates the process of joining talk groups for walkie talkie services such as that provided by Nextel. |
| US09654918B2 |
Mobile device and server for task assignments based on proximity
Mobile device for communicating arrival information at a waypoint, communicating that information to a server, receiving a set of tasks (statically assigned or dynamically assigned) for the user (for example, from the server or from another user), displaying the set of tasks to the user, receiving a completion response (successful or unsuccessful) from the user, and proceeding to the next waypoint along a route/trip plan. A coordination server facilitates communication of a list of tasks assigned to a user to be performed at a specified location. The list of tasks is delivered to the user of the first mobile device by the coordination server (if such tasks exist) when the coordination server receives notification from the first mobile device indicating arrival at a specific location. |
| US09654917B2 |
Geolocation bracelet, system, and methods
An identity, position, and/or health monitoring apparatus is provided. The identity, position, and/or health monitoring apparatus includes a retention feature, such as a wristband, configured to removably secure the monitoring apparatus to a person, such as a child. Particularly, the band of the monitoring apparatus may be a flexible and/or stretchable band that may be worn around a part of the body, such as a wrist or ankle. The band may be defined by a circumferential member and/or may include first and second ends and a clasping mechanism configured to clasp and secure the first and second ends together, such as around the wrist or ankle of the user. In certain instances, the monitoring apparatus is retained within the band, and in other instances, the monitoring apparatus may be removable from the band, and the clasping mechanism may be configured for allowing the monitoring device to be removably attached therewith. |
| US09654916B2 |
Secure and private cloud based broadcast identification
A tracking device can securely communicate with a secondary device by generating a hash value based on the identity of the tracking device. If the secondary device cannot resolve the hash value, the hash value can be provided to a tracking server, such as a cloud server, for resolving the hash value. Upon resolving the hash value, the tracking server can store a location of the tracking device in association with the identity of the tracking device. To preserve power, the secondary device can activate location-detection functionality (such as a GPS receive) only in response to the detection of movement of the tracking device, can obtain location information, and can de-activate the location-detection functionality upon providing the location information to the tracking server. The tracking server can associate one or both of a previous location and the current location information based on movement of the tracking device. |
| US09654911B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing location sharing via simulation
An approach for providing location sharing via simulation is disclosed. A location sharing platform determines at least one location point associated with at least one device and at least one algorithm for determining at least one predicted route of the at least one device based, at least in part, on the at least one location point. The location sharing platform then causes, at least in part, a transmission of the at least one location point and the at least one algorithm to at least one other device for generating location tracking information. |
| US09654910B2 |
Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus may comprise a first wireless interface and a second wireless interface configured to establish a first type of wireless connection with an external apparatus, the first type of wireless connection being a connection where the communication apparatus operates as a client and the external apparatus operates as a server. The second wireless interface may be further configured to supply wireless information to the external apparatus using the first type of wireless connection, regardless of whether request information for requesting supply of the wireless information is obtained from the external apparatus. A controller may be configured to establish a particular wireless connection with the external apparatus via the first wireless interface using the wireless information after the wireless information is supplied to the external apparatus. |
| US09654905B2 |
Enabling near field communications using indicators
Embodiments of the present invention provide time-efficient and effective systems and methods for enabling near field communications (NFC) on electronic devices using one or more indicators. Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods that capture and utilize indicators such as, motion of the electronic device or of a user, electromagnetic wave signals, and audio signals to more easily establish an NFC link between a source computer system and a target computer system. |
| US09654901B2 |
Method of selecting an external electronic device connected with an electronic device and electronic device using same
A method of selecting an external electronic device connected with an electronic device is provided. The method determining, among the plurality of external electronic devices, at least one external electronic device connected with the electronic device, transmitting signals to the at least one external electronic device, receiving data corresponding to the signals from the at least one external electronic device, selecting one of the at least one external electronic device based on the received data and transmitting an operation execution signal for the data to the selected external electronic device. A method of selecting an external electronic device connected with electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving a signal from the electronic device, transmitting data corresponding to the signal to the electronic device, receiving an operation execution signal for the data from the electronic device and performing at least one of various operations according to the operation execution signal. |
| US09654900B2 |
Service-based discovery in networks
Systems, methods, and instrumentalities may implement service-based discovery in a network, such as a 3GPP or 3GPP2 network. A Discovery Server may be used to query and find services offered by the network or by entities that interface with the network. Situational context information or policy information, or both, may be communicated to the discovery server so that the Discovery Server can provide context-aware and policy-based discovery services. The Discovery Server may be used to control which of the entities that interface with the network can discover one another. The Discovery Server may support queries based on, for example, the type of MTC entity, the type of services hosted on the entity, the availability times of the entity, types of protocols supported, levels of Quality of Service (QoS) supported, and MTC-IWF services. |
| US09654898B2 |
Managing media content, federated player
Electronic content items may be organized into playlists and associated with a plurality of sources. These playlists may be managed using at least one media content manager. A compatibility hierarchy may be implemented to determine compatibility of certain electronic content items with other electronic content items, which may be organized into playlists. Other playlists may be populated based at least in part on the compatibility hierarchy. Playlists comprising electronic content items associated with a plurality of sources may be playable by implementing a federated media player. |
| US09654888B2 |
Personal hearing device
A universal personal hearing device is described. The universal personal hearing device includes a first microphone, an amplification circuit electrically connected to the first microphone, a speaker electrically connected to the amplification circuit for amplifying ambient sound detected by the first microphone, and a housing having at least one arcuate outer edge. The arcuate outer edge is slidably engageable with the concha wall to provide a universal fit across a variety of ears having different sizes and/or shapes. Other embodiments are described. |
| US09654883B2 |
Strain sensing element, pressure sensor, microphone, blood pressure sensor, and touch panel
According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element provided on a deformable substrate includes: a first magnetic layer; a second magnetic layer; a spacer layer; and a bias layer. Magnetization of the second magnetic layer changes according to deformation of the substrate. The spacer layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The second magnetic layer is provided between the spacer layer and the bias layer. The bias layer is configured to apply a bias to the second magnetic layer. |
| US09654882B2 |
Condenser microphone and method of manufacturing condenser microphone
Provided is a condenser microphone including an audio-signal outputting printed circuit board and a rear case that are in stable electrical connection with each other. The condenser microphone includes a microphone unit 10, an audio-signal outputting printed circuit board 20 connected with the microphone unit 10, a rear case 30 having deep groove 31a, the deep groove 31a receiving the audio-signal outputting printed circuit board 20, a mounting groove 31b being formed on the outer periphery of the rear case 30, the mounting groove 31b receiving a mounting member 50, a fitting groove 21 being formed on the audio-signal outputting printed circuit board 20, the fitting groove 21 receiving the mounting member 50. |
| US09654881B2 |
Electroacoustic transducer
An electroacoustic transducer has a housing, piezoelectric speaker, dynamic speaker, and support member. The piezoelectric speaker includes a vibration plate having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, as well as a piezoelectric element joined to at least one of the first surface and second surface, and divides the interior of the housing into a first space facing the first surface and a second space facing the second surface. The dynamic speaker is placed in the first space. The support member is constituted by a part of the housing or by a member different from the housing, has a supporting part facing the first surface or second surface, and supports the periphery of the first surface or second surface with the supporting part. |
| US09654880B2 |
Sound generator and electronic device using the same
A sound generator 30 includes a piezoelectric element 1, a vibrating body 3a, a reflection member 81, a reflection member 82, an opening 21, and an opening 22. The vibrating body 3a vibrates due to vibration of the piezoelectric element 1 and generates a sound. The reflection member 81 is disposed in a first direction from the vibrating body 3a so as to be inclined with respect to the vibrating body 3a. The reflection member 82 is disposed in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, from the vibrating body 3a so as to face the reflection member 81 with the vibrating body 3a therebetween and so as to be inclined with respect to the vibrating body 3a. The opening 21 faces in a third direction. The opening 22 faces in a fourth direction, which is different from the third direction. |
| US09654876B2 |
Multiband audio compression system and method
Method and systems (e.g., for use in hearing aids, IAPs, etc) to process an audio signal include receiving an audio signal input; separating the audio signal input into a plurality of frequency bands; and compressing each of the plurality of frequency bands. Compressing each respective frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands may include applying a time-varying gain to each respective frequency band based on a suppressive level for the respective frequency band resulting in a compressed respective frequency band (e.g., wherein the suppressive level for the respective frequency band is dependent on the audio signal input level of one or more frequency bands adjacent to the respective frequency band to which the gain is applied). The compressed respective frequency bands may be combined for use in providing an audio signal. |
| US09654870B2 |
Method, device, and system for processing data during idle listening
The present invention provides a method, a device and a system for processing data during idle listening. The method includes: sampling, in an idle listening mode, a first analog signal by using an N-bit ADC, and sampling, in a transceiving mode, a second analog signal by using an M-bit ADC, where N and M are both integers, and N is less than M. Embodiments of the present invention can reduce power consumption of an ADC during idle listening. |
| US09654869B2 |
System and method for autonomous multi-track audio processing
A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for mixing a plurality of audio signals within an audio mixing system are disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of audio signals, extracting at least one audio feature from each of the plurality of audio signals, determining, for each of the audio signals, an associated processing control function in accordance with a plurality of the extracted audio features, processing each audio signal in accordance with each associated processing control function, and outputting the plurality of processed audio signals. |
| US09654867B2 |
Acoustic device
An acoustic device having a neck loop that is constructed and arranged to be worn around the neck. The neck loop includes housing that defines an acoustic volume, a first acoustic driver located at a first distal end of the housing and acoustically coupled to the housing, and a second acoustic driver located at a second distal end of the housing, opposite the first distal end and acoustically coupled to the housing. |
| US09654866B2 |
System and method for dynamic range compensation of distortion
A system for controlling distortion comprising a total harmonic distortion (THD) modeling system configured to apply a chirp signal to a system and to identify one or more frequency bands at which distortion is present, and to apply a ramping signal to identify for each of the one or more frequency bands an input signal level at which distortion is initiated. A signal processing system configured to receive an input signal, to determine whether frequency components are present in the input signal that are associated with the one or more frequency bands at which distortion is present, and to limit the amplitude of the input signal at the one or more frequency bands, such as by applying dynamic range compensation. |
| US09654865B2 |
Earphone
Disclosed is an earphone comprising a loudspeaker unit, an audio signal wire electrically connected to the loudspeaker unit, and an auxiliary structure; the auxiliary structure comprises a front cover and a housing; a front acoustic cavity is defined as a space between the front cover and the loudspeaker unit, and a rear acoustic cavity is defined as a space between the housing and the loudspeaker unit; an acoustic guide channel capable of enhancing low-frequency performance of the earphone is disposed on one side of an inner sidewall of the housing closer to the loudspeaker unit; the acoustic guide channel comprises an open end and a closed end, and a bottom wall of the acoustic guide channel is provided with a plurality of through holes at a position closer to the closed end. An earphone with this structure improves low-frequency and middle-frequency sound effects of products, and makes the earphone have a good appearance. |
| US09654863B2 |
Main logic board with mounted speaker and integrated acoustic cavity
A computer system having a loudspeaker mounted on a main logic board by a hermetic seal, is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the computer system include an acoustic cavity defined between the loudspeaker, the main logic board, and the hermetic seal. Embodiments of the computer system may include a compressible seal separated from the hermetic seal by the loudspeaker and/or the main logic board. The compressible seal may define an acoustic channel and the loudspeaker may emit sound in a high frequency range through the acoustic channel toward a system exit. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US09654855B2 |
Self-voice occlusion mitigation in headsets
A device includes an ear occlude, an output transducer that is acoustically coupled to an ear canal of a wearer of the device, a voice microphone configured to generate a first electrical signal that is proportional to a voice-generated sound pressure at the microphone, and signal processing circuitry, electrically coupled to the output transducer and the microphone, including a compensator configured to generate, from the first electrical signal, a second electrical signal, and output the second electrical signal to the output transducer, wherein the compensator is tuned to cause GOE, a ratio of a sound pressure within the ear canal to a voice-generated sound pressure at a mouth reference point when the ear is occluded and electronically-aided to be approximately equal to GU, a ratio of the sound pressure within the ear canal to the voice-generated sound pressure at the mouth reference point when the ear is unoccluded. |
| US09654850B2 |
Wavelength multiplexer, and method and program for identifying failed portion
To provide a wavelength multiplexing device and the like that can effectively identify whether impairment occurs at a location before or after a separation and switching module, a wavelength multiplexing device (100) is connected to one or more optical fiber line systems and to one or more optical transceiver systems and is disposed between the optical fiber lines and optical transceivers so as to input and output optical signals, and is provided with the following: first optical switches (12a-12c) that output an optical signal input from an optical line to an optical transceiver; second optical switches (12d-12f) that output an optical signal input from an optical transceiver to an optical fiber line; and a local optical loopback circuit (13) that feeds back and outputs an optical signal input from an optical transceiver (21-23) to that optical transceiver. |
| US09654849B2 |
System and method for photonic switching
A method includes receiving a first packet payload, and where the first packet payload originates from a first top-of-rack switch (TOR) and receiving a second packet payload, where the second packet payload originates from a second TOR. The method also includes placing the first packet payload in a transport container and placing the second packet payload in the transport container. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the transport container to a photonic switch. |
| US09654844B2 |
Methods and apparatus for content interaction
A method comprises receiving content from at least one source, processing the content to identify an object in the content, assigning an identifier to the object based on the processing, permitting viewer selection of the object identifier, and providing additional information for presentation to a viewer of the content responsive to viewer selection of the object identifier. The content in some embodiments comprises live video from at least one live video source. For example, the content may comprise at least a portion of a panoramic video comprising a combination of multiple live videos from respective ones of a plurality of video sources. The panoramic video may be digitally cropped and scaled before a resulting version of the content is provided for presentation to the viewer. A plurality of different digitally cropped and scaled versions of the content from the panoramic video can be generated and made available to the viewer. |
| US09654842B2 |
Method and system for contextual advertisement replacement utilizing automatic content recognition
An automatic content recognition (ACR)-enabled connected TV device may be operable to identify, utilizing ACR, viewer interaction and/or viewer information. The ACR-enabled connected TV device may present, utilizing the ACR, a variant of an advertisement in a next ad pod during presentation of content, based on the identified viewer interaction and/or the identified viewer information. The viewer information may comprise customized preferences profile, default preferences setting, viewing habits, time of day and/or location. The viewer information may also comprise objects and/or events captured by an associated camera. When an identified stored episode of a show is presented via DVR playback, the ACR-enabled connected TV device may present, in a next ad pod, a new version of an advertisement, where the new version of the advertisement may be associated with a new episode of the show and presentation of the new version may result in a C3 rating credit. |
| US09654841B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for distribution of addressable content
Systems and methods are operable to distribute targeted assets to a plurality of media devices. An exemplary embodiment generates an asset file defined by an asset file time period, wherein target assets are selected for saving into the asset file when the intended initial presentation time of a target asset falls within the asset file time period of the asset file that is being generated. Then, the asset file is communicated to a plurality of media devices at a time in advance of the intended initial presentation times of a target assets of the asset file. |
| US09654838B2 |
Single-cable automatic IRD installation procedure
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for auto-installing an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) includes issuing an auto-installation command from the IRD to an outdoor unit (ODU) and receiving a plurality of tones from the ODU in response to the auto-installation command, each tone representing a center frequency of available user bands (UBs). The auto-installation also includes acquiring a UB center frequency by the IRD, requesting the ODU to confirm a UB number corresponding to the acquired UB center frequency, and receiving confirmation from the ODU that a UB number corresponds to the acquired UB center frequency. The auto-installation also includes sending an acceptance of the assigned UB number from the IRD to signal the ODU that it may mark the assigned UB as assigned. |
| US09654836B2 |
System and method for generating video taping reminders
Electronic Guide produces give the user the ability to videotape selected programs. Once a program has successfully been taped a message is displayed, reminding the viewer that they have taped it. (E.g. “You taped Xxxxx; have you watched it yet?”) Information comprising information that shows are taped, the particular shows taped and viewer profiles allow advertisements targeted to the viewer who typically records a given type of programming to be presented. In an embodiment the display of the reminders is made conditional upon acceptance of advertising (for example, based on a piece of data transmitted along with other data related to that show), and can be sold to the broadcasters who transmitted the show. This information is marketed as a peculiarly well-targeted ad for the show, causing it to continue to produce value for the broadcaster after the broadcast is complete. Broadcasters, in turn, may offer the reminders to major advertisers as they sell commercial air time during the show, as a premium feature of the air time. The advertisement may be sent over channels comprising the video blanking interval, the Internet or on another channel. |
| US09654834B2 |
Computing similarity between media programs
System and method are provided to associate or compare media programs. A method includes: obtaining, using at least one processing circuit, first metadata for a first media program and second metadata for a second media program, wherein the first metadata are organized into a plurality of first fields, and the second metadata are organized into a plurality of second fields; extracting, using at least one processing circuit, a plurality of first tokens from one of the plurality of the first fields and a plurality of second tokens from one of the plurality of second fields; assigning a weight factor to each of the first and second tokens; cross-correlating the first and second tokens between the plurality of first fields and the plurality of second fields; and calculating a similarity score between the first and second media programs based on the cross-correlating. |
| US09654833B2 |
Dynamic adjustment of electronic program guide displays based on viewer preferences for minimizing navigation in VOD program selection
Items of video content offered for viewing on a video-on-demand (VOD) platform of a digital TV service provider are each assigned a respective title and hierarchical address corresponding to hierarchically-arranged categories and subcategories within which the title for the video content is to be categorized. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. The EPG dynamically adjust its display listings of each level of categories, subcategories, and titles in order to minimize the number of remote control keypresses needed for a viewer to navigate to a title of interest. In one basic form, the EPG display is reordered by listing more frequently visited categories or subcategories first, and other less frequently visited categories or subcategories lower on the listing or out-of-sight on another page of the display. |
| US09654829B1 |
Method and system for retrieving data from multiple sources
A system and method for communicating data includes a first server, a second server and a user network device that communicates a request for data to the first server. The first server communicates a first portion of data and a path to the second server. The user network device communicates a request for a second data portion using the path to the second server. The second server communicates the second data portion to the user network device. The user network device displays the first data portion and the second data portion. |
| US09654827B2 |
Set-top box, system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment
A system and method for providing awareness in a hospitality environment are presented. In one embodiment, a vertical and horizontal array of set-top boxes is provided and each set-top box includes an identification corresponding to the room in which the set-top box is placed. Each set-top box includes a wireless transceiver that periodically transmits an identification beacon that is received by a proximate wireless-enabled interactive device. The proximate wireless-enabled interactive device, in turn, broadcasts data packets including an indication of the strength of set-top box identification signals received. The broadcasts are received by a server via an array of wireless routers. The location of the proximate wireless-enabled interactive device is determined based on the signal strength information in the data packets. |
| US09654824B2 |
System and method for detecting the removal of a controlling device
A system and method for using a controllable appliance to report an inoperable state of a controlling device. The appliance is caused to repeatedly determine, at a first predetermined timed interval, if a wireless notification signal, repeatedly transmitted by the controlling device at a second predetermined timed interval, has been received from the controlling device. When the wireless notification signal has not been received from the controlling device within the first predetermined timed interval, the appliance is caused to issue a status notification that the controlling device is in an inoperable state. |
| US09654820B2 |
Broadcasting signal transmission device, broadcasting signal reception device, and method for transmitting/receiving broadcasting signal using same
Disclosed is a broadcasting signal transmission device, a broadcasting signal reception device, and a method for transmitting/receiving a broadcasting signal using same. The method for receiving the broadcasting signal comprises the following steps: receiving the broadcasting signal, which includes a transmission frame, wherein the transmission frame includes a plurality of PLPs, which transmit components that constitute a broadcasting service, first signaling information and second signaling information, which include the signaling information of the plurality of PLPs, a first preamble signal, which has been signaled with a preamble format, and a second preamble signal, which has been signaled with pilot pattern information, wherein one of the plurality of PLPs is a base PLP, which includes a program number that corresponds to the broadcasting service and program map table information, which has been signaled with identifying information for each of the PLPs; demodulating the broadcasting signal based on the first and the second preamble signals; FEC decoding the demodulated broadcasting signal; and identifying a PLP group that includes the plurality of PLP from the FEC decoded broadcasting signal based on the first and the second signaling information, decoding at least one PLP of the identified PLP group, and providing the broadcasting service. |
| US09654817B2 |
System and method to synchronize video playback on mobile devices
System and method to synchronize video playback on mobile devices, the method including: receiving, from a first mobile device, a message directed to a second mobile device, the message including an instruction to display a video on the second mobile device; an indication of the time at which the first mobile device sent the message; and a video position of the first mobile device when the message was sent; calculating a delay between the first mobile device and the second mobile device; estimating a video seek time for the second mobile device to seek a video position on the second mobile device; seeking a video position p2 on the second mobile device; and starting display of the video on the second mobile device at video position p2. |
| US09654811B2 |
Technique for effectively providing program material in a cable television system
In a cable television system in accordance with the invention, program materials are made available to subscribers in a neighborhood on an as needed basis. Specifically, when a subscriber at a set-top terminal selects a program channel to watch, the selection request is transmitted to a headend of the system. In response to such a request, a controller in the headend determines whether the material of the selected program channel has been made available to the neighborhood. If it has been made available, the controller identifies to the set-top terminal the carrier which is carrying the requested program material, and to which the set-top terminal tunes to obtain the requested program material. Otherwise, the controller assigns an unused carrier to carry the requested program material, and informs the set-top terminal of the identity of the newly assigned carrier. The controller also retires those carriers assigned for the program channels which are no longer watched by the subscribers in the neighborhood. |
| US09654809B2 |
Method and system for providing live television and video-on-demand content to subscribers
This invention relates to a method and system for providing live television and video-on demand content to a plurality of content viewers' devices, the content viewers' devices having a plurality of disparate content viewing applications thereon. A content provider uploads content to a content server and the content server delivers that content in a streaming format upon request to the user devices. In order to upload the content, the content providers access a web page hosted by the content server with a plurality of encoders embedded into the web page. The content providers use the embedded encoders to convert the content into a plurality of streaming formats and upload the content to the content server in the streaming formats. This significantly speeds up the transfer of content to the content server, ensures that the content is made available to the user devices earlier, and obviates the need for additional expensive equipment at the content server. |
| US09654808B2 |
Distribution of in-flight entertainment content to portable electronic devices
Embodiments herein provide for In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) content distribution onboard an aircraft to Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) of passengers over Universal Serial Bus (USB). One embodiment comprises system that includes a media server disposed within the aircraft. The media server provides IFE content streams to the PEDs of passengers. The system further includes an Ethernet network that is electrically coupled to the media server, and a plurality of IFE distribution units that are disposed within the aircraft. At least one of the IFE distribution units includes an Ethernet interface that is electrically coupled to the Ethernet network, a USB port located proximate to a seat within the aircraft, and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to the Ethernet interface and the USB port, and converts the IFE content streams from the media server from Ethernet frames to USB frames for presentation to the PEDs. |
| US09654806B2 |
Determining palette size, palette entries and filtering of palette coded blocks in video coding
Techniques are described for palette-based coding. In palette-based coding, a video coder may form a palette as a table of colors for representing video data of a given block. Palette-based coding may be useful for coding blocks of video data having a relatively small number of colors. Rather than coding actual pixel values or their residuals for the given block, the video coder may code index values for one or more of the pixels. The index values map the pixels to entries in the palette representing the colors of the pixels. Techniques are described for determining whether to disable filtering, such as deblocking filtering or sample adaptive offset (SAO) filtering, of palette coded blocks at a video encoder or a video decoder. Techniques are also described for modify a palette size and palette entries of a palette at the video encoder based on rate-distortion costs. |
| US09654805B2 |
Method of coding and decoding images, coding and decoding device, and computer programs corresponding thereto
A method for encoding an image having been cut up into partitions. The method includes: predicting data of a current partition based on an already encoded and then decoded reference partition, generating a predicted partition; determining residual data by comparing data relating to the current partition with the predicted partition, the residual data associated with various digital data items. Prior producing a signal containing the encoded information, performing the following steps: determining, from the predetermined residual data, a subset containing residual data capable of being modified; calculating the value of a function representative of the residual data; comparing the calculated value with a value of at least one of the digital data items; based on the comparison, modification or non-modification of at least one of the residual data items of the subset; and, in the event of a modification, entropy encoding the at least one modified residual data item. |
| US09654803B2 |
Pixel pre-processing and encoding
A pixel pre-processing comprises obtaining an original linear luminance component value of a pixel in a picture in a third color space determined based on a linear color of the pixel in a first color space. A non-linear luma component value in a second color space is derived for the pixel based on a first non-linear chroma component value in the second color space, a second non-linear chroma component value in the second color space and the original linear luminance component value in the third color space. The pre-processing reduces luminance artifacts that otherwise may occur when chroma subsampling is used in combination with a non-linear transfer function. |
| US09654802B2 |
Sequence level flag for sub-picture level coded picture buffer parameters
A video coding device, such as a video encoder or a video decoder, may be configured to decode a sequence level flag to determine the presence of one or more sub-picture level coded picture buffer (CPB) parameters for a decoding unit (DU) of an access unit (AU) in either in a picture timing supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message or a sub-picture timing SEI message associated with the DU. The coding device may also decode the one or more sub-picture level CPB parameters from the picture timing SEI message or the sub-picture timing SEI message based on the sequence level flag. |
| US09654800B2 |
Video encoding method and apparatus using transformation unit of variable tree structure, and video decoding method and apparatus
A video decoding apparatus for performing video decoding, in which a maximum split level of a transformation unit is determined based on maximum split information for an inter mode when information about a prediction mode indicates that a coding unit is predicted according to the inter mode. Accordingly, the information about the prediction mode indicates that the coding unit is predicted according to the inter mode, rather than according to any prediction modes. |
| US09654798B2 |
Device and method for image encoding/decoding using prediction direction conversion and selective encoding
A video decoding apparatus for decoding a current block comprised of a plurality of subblocks by using an intra prediction, includes: an inverse quantization unit to inversely quantize transformed and quantized residual subblocks corresponding to the subblocks of the current block to thereby generate transformed residual subblocks; an inverse transform unit to inversely transform the transformed residual subblocks to thereby reconstruct residual subblocks; a prediction unit to sequentially predict the subblocks from neighboring pixels which have been already reconstructed to thereby generate a plurality of predicted subblocks corresponding to the subblocks; and an adder to sequentially reconstruct the subblocks by adding each of the reconstructed residual subblocks to a predicted subblock corresponding thereto, wherein the prediction unit uses one or more pixels of at least one previously reconstructed subblock within the current block as the neighboring pixels. |
| US09654796B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding image through intra prediction
An apparatus for decoding an image, the apparatus including an entropy decoder configured to extract an intra prediction mode of a current block, and an intra prediction performer configured to determine a number of neighboring pixels located on a left side of the current block or an upper side of the current block, determine a location of one or more neighboring pixels, the intra prediction mode indicating a particular direction among a plurality of directions, the particular direction being indicated by using one of a dx number in a horizontal direction and a fixed number in a vertical direction, and the location of the one or more neighboring pixels being determined based on a shift operation. |
| US09654795B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding image through intra prediction
An apparatus for decoding an image, the apparatus including an entropy decoder configured to extract an intra prediction mode of a current block, and an intra prediction performer configured to determine a number of neighboring pixels located on a left side of the current block or an upper side of the current block, and configured to determine a location of one or more neighboring pixels, the intra prediction mode indicating a particular direction among a plurality of directions, the particular direction being indicated by using one of a dx number in a horizontal direction and a fixed number in a vertical direction, and the location of the one or more neighboring pixels being determined based on a shift operation. |
| US09654794B2 |
Methods for coding an inter-layer reference picture set (RPS) and coding end of bitstream (EOB) network access layer (NAL) units in multi-layer coding
Methods for coding an inter-layer reference picture set (RPS) and coding end of bitstream (EoB) network access (NAL) units in multi-layer coding are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes determining whether a candidate inter-layer reference picture is present in the video information. The video information includes an inter-layer RPS including a plurality of subsets. The method further includes determining an inter-layer RPS subset to which the candidate inter-layer reference picture belongs in response to determining that the candidate inter-layer reference picture is not present, and indicating that no reference picture is present in the inter-layer RPS subset to which the candidate inter-layer reference picture belongs. |
| US09654790B2 |
Video-encoding method and video-encoding apparatus based on encoding units determined in accordance with a tree structure, and video-decoding method and video-decoding apparatus based on encoding units determined in accordance with a tree structure
Provided are a method and apparatus for encoding a video and a method and apparatus for decoding a video. The encoding method includes: splitting a picture of the video into one or more maximum coding units that are coding units having a maximum size; encoding the picture based on coding units according to depths which are obtained by hierarchically splitting each of the one or more maximum coding units according to depths in each of the one or more maximum coding units, determining coding units according to coded depths with respect to each of the coding units according to depths, and thus determining coding units having a tree structure; and outputting data that is encoded based on the coding units having the tree structure, information about the coded depths and an encoding mode, and coding unit structure information indicating a size and a variable depth of a coding unit. |
| US09654788B2 |
Implicit signaling of scalability dimension identifier information in a parameter set
A system for decoding a video bitstream includes receiving a frame of the video that includes at least one slice and at least one tile and where each of the at least one slice and the at least one tile are not all aligned with one another. |
| US09654787B2 |
Scalable predictive coding method and apparatus
A scalable predictive coder in which the current frame of data is predicted at the enhancement-layer by processing and combining the reconstructed signal at: (i) the current base-layer (or lower layers) frame; and (ii) the previous enhancement-layer frame. The combining rule takes into account the compressed prediction error of the base-layer, and the parameters used for its compression. |
| US09654783B2 |
Method for encoding and decoding images, encoding and decoding device, and corresponding computer programs
A method for coding includes; segmenting an image into blocks; grouping blocks into a number of subsets; coding, using an entropy coding module, each subset, by associating digital information with symbols of each block of a subset, including, for the first block of the image, initializing state variables of the coding module; and generating a data sub-stream representative of at least one of the coded subsets of blocks. Where a current block is the first block to be coded of a subset, symbol occurrence probabilities for the first current block are determined based on those for a coded and decoded predetermined block of at least one other subset. Where the current block is the last coded block of the subset: writing, in the sub-stream representative of the subset, the entire the digital information associated with the symbols during coding of the blocks of the subset, and implementing the initializing sub-step. |
| US09654777B2 |
Determining palette indices in palette-based video coding
In an example, a method of coding video data includes determining a first index value associated with a first pixel in a block of video data, wherein the first index value relates a position of the first pixel to an entry of a palette of pixel values, determining, based on the first index value, one or more second index values associated with one or more second pixels in the block of video data, wherein the second index values relate the positions of the one or more second pixels to one or more entries of the palette of pixel values, and coding the first pixel and the one or more second pixels of the block of video data. |
| US09654775B2 |
Video encoder with weighted prediction and methods for use therewith
A weighted prediction module includes a weighted prediction parameter generation module configured to generate a plurality of initial weighted prediction parameters, to analyze the plurality of initial weighted prediction parameters, and to generate a refinement flag that indicates one of: enable parameter refinement and disable parameter refinement. A weighted prediction parameter refinement module is configured to generate a plurality of refined weighted prediction parameters by refining the plurality of initial weighted prediction parameters, when the refinement flag indicates that the parameter refinement is enabled. A weighted prediction flag generation module is configured to generate a weighted prediction flag that indicates one of: enable weighted prediction and disable weighted prediction, based on the refinement flag. |
| US09654772B2 |
Context adaptive entropy coding with a reduced initialization value set
Techniques for coding data, such as, e.g., video data, include coding a first syntax element, conforming to a particular type of syntax element, of a first slice of video data, conforming to a first slice type, using an initialization value set. The techniques further include coding a second syntax element, conforming to the same type of syntax element, of a second slice of video data, conforming to a second slice type, using the same initialization value set. In this example, the first slice type may be different from the second slice type. Also in this example, at least one of the first slice type and the second slice type may be a temporally predicted slice type. For example, the at least one of the first and second slice types may be a unidirectional inter-prediction (P) slice type, or a bi-directional inter-prediction (B) slice type. |
| US09654770B2 |
Method and apparatus for evaluating media quality
In a method for evaluating media quality, media reference quality and rebuffering event distortion quality are obtained, final media quality are determined according to the obtained media reference quality and rebuffering event distortion quality, where a parameter of the rebuffering event distortion quality includes at least one of the following: the number of rebuffering events, a duration of the rebuffering event, a multiple rebuffering event interaction impact parameter, initial media quality, and a factor describing media content complexity. When media quality is calculated, impact of the multiple rebuffering event interaction impact parameter, the initial media quality, and the factor describing media content complexity on the media quality is considered, thereby making a media quality evaluation result more accurate. |
| US09654768B2 |
Computer device with power-consumption management and method for managing power consumption of computer device
The present invention relates to a computer device comprising a detector for detecting a user's eye and a processor. The processor is configured to determine if the position of the user's eye is kept in a zone for a first time period, and if the position of the user's eye is kept in the zone for the first time period, suspend for a second time period detecting the user's eye and determining the position of the user's eye. |
| US09654761B1 |
Computer vision algorithm for capturing and refocusing imagery
Systems and methods for the generation of depth data for a scene using images captured by a camera-enabled mobile device are provided. According to a particular implementation of the present disclosure, a reference image can be captured of a scene with an image capture device, such as an image capture device integrated with a camera-enabled mobile device. A short video or sequence of images can then be captured from multiple different poses relative to the reference scene. The captured image and video can then be processed using computer vision techniques to produce an image with associated depth data, such as an RGBZ image. |
| US09654759B2 |
Metadata for depth filtering
A 3D video system transfers video data from a video source device (40) to a destination device (50). The destination device has a destination depth processor (52) for providing destination depth data. The source device provides depth filtering data including filter location data, the depth filtering data representing a processing condition for processing the destination depth data in a filter area of the video indicated by the filter location data. The destination depth processor (52) is arranged for processing, in dependence on the depth filtering data, the destination depth data in an area of the video indicated by the filter location data. The depth filtering data enables the rendering process to improve the quality of the depth data. |
| US09654758B2 |
Synchronizing external data to video playback
The subject disclosure is generally directed towards synchronizing live streaming videos with additional sources of contextually-related data. In one or more aspects, contextually-related data is marked with a timestamp, with a reference to each piece of data maintained in a manifest. The manifest is accessed to locate the contextually relevant information (e.g., on a companion device or the video playing device) in synchronization with the streaming video, such that a user is able to pause/stop/rewind/fast forward while maintaining the timeline synchronization between video and the data. |
| US09654756B1 |
Method and apparatus for interpolating pixel colors from color and panchromatic channels to color channels
Panchromatic pixels and chromatic pixels are interpolated into color channels per pixel of an output image. First, panchromatic pixels and chromatic pixels are used to generate an intermediate image with panchromatic channel, and color channels per pixel. At least three color channels of a first color space can be converted to a first panchromatic light intensity channel in a second color space and at least two first chrominance channels in the second color space based on a detected correlated color temperature. A ratio per pixel between the first panchromatic light intensity channel in the second color space and a second panchromatic light intensity channel in the second color space can be calculated, where the second panchromatic light intensity channel can be based on a panchromatic value per pixel. The ratio can be applied to the at least two first chrominance channels per pixel to determine pixel values in at least two second chrominance channels of the second color space. Channels per pixel can be converted from the second color space including the at least two second chrominance channels and the second panchromatic light intensity channel to a color space. |
| US09654755B2 |
Dynamic range converter with logarithmic conversion and methods for use therewith
In various embodiments, a dynamic range converter includes at least one circuit including a logarithm base 2 (log 2) domain circuit that uses piecewise linear interpolation to perform as at least a portion of one of: a linearizer configured to convert nonlinear color space signals to linearized color space signals; a delinearizer configured to convert linear color space signals to nonlinearized color space signals; a chrominance tone mapper for scaling gamut shaped components in accordance with dynamic color transform metadata to generate chrominance mapped components; or a luminance tone mapper for scaling color remapped components in accordance with the dynamic color transform metadata to generate luminance mapped components. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09654749B2 |
Projection methods and projection devices
The present disclosure discloses a projection method and an electronic device, belong to an image processing field. The method comprises: obtaining a first image, and obtaining an adjustment instruction, wherein the first image corresponds to first content; adjusting the first image to a second image according to the adjustment instruction, the second image comprising a target image corresponding to the first content; and projecting the second image; wherein when the second image is projected onto intersected planes formed by at least two planes, if an edge of the target image is intersected with an intersection line of the intersected planes, the edge of the target image is or is approximately perpendicular to the intersection line of the intersection planes. The present disclosure adjusts the first image to the second image, and projects the second image, so that when the second image projects onto the intersected planes formed by at least two planes, if the edge of the target image included in the second image is intersected with the intersection line of the intersected plane, the edge of the target image is or is approximately perpendicular to the intersection line of the intersection planes. Thus, the target image may be normally displayed and deformation may not occur. |
| US09654747B2 |
Scanning projectors that use multiple pulses per pixel period to reduce color shifts, and methods and controllers for use therewith
A scanning projector system includes a controller, a driver and one or more micro-mirror(s). The controller produces first, second and third pixel data in dependence on a video signal. The driver drives first, second and third light emitting elements in dependence on the first, second and third pixel data, to thereby emit light of first, second and third colors. The micro-mirror(s) project an image in dependence on light beams produced in dependence on the light of the first, second and third colors. The controller controls intensities of the light emitted by the light emitting elements, at least in part, by controlling duty-cycles of pulses included in pixel periods associated with the first, second and third drive signals. To reduce color shifts, the controller and/or the driver causes at least two pulses to be included in each pixel period associated with drive signals used to drive the light emitting elements. |
| US09654742B2 |
System and method of automatically determining material reaction or sensitivity using images
The disclosure extends to systems, methods and computer program products for automatically determining whether an energetic substance or a material has experienced a reaction (“go”) or a non-reaction (“no-go”) during an insult from an impact, friction, ESD or other small-scale sensitivity testing device. The systems, methods, and computer program products of the disclosure use a video capturing device, a CPU or computer, sensitivity test equipment, and a set of rules or instructions to be followed for quantifying and determining whether a reaction has occurred or not. |
| US09654731B2 |
Video call center
A video call center process and system can create video programs for television transmission from a multiplicity of simultaneous video callers with much less supporting staff. |
| US09654727B2 |
Techniques to overcome communication lag between terminals performing video mirroring and annotation operations
Techniques are disclosed for overcoming communication lag between interactive operations among devices in a streaming session. According to the techniques, a first device streaming video content to a second device and an annotation is entered to a first frame being displayed at the second device, which is communicated back to the first device. Responsive to a communication that identifies the annotation, a first device may identify an element of video content from the first frame to which the annotation applies and determine whether the identified element is present in a second frame of video content currently displayed at the first terminal. If so, the first device may display the annotation with the second frame in a location where the identified element is present. If not, the first device may display the annotation via an alternate technique. |
| US09654726B2 |
Peripheral device for communication over a communications system
A method and corresponding system for communicating over a network using a first device and a peripheral device, wherein the first device comprises a user interface and a network interface for connecting to the network, and the peripheral device has a local connection to the first device, the local connection being independent of the network. The method comprises receiving data packets from the network at the network interface of the first device and forwarding the received data packets from the first device to the peripheral device via the local connection. A client engine of a communication client, executed on a processor of the peripheral device, processes the received data packets. The peripheral device sends processed data packets to the first device via the local connection such that data contained in the received data packets is displayed on the first device using the user interface of the first device. |
| US09654725B2 |
Video processing method, video displaying method and video processing device
A video processing method, a video displaying method, and a video processing device are provided. The video processing device performs the video processing method and the video displaying method. The video processing method includes the following steps. First, receive a full frame according to a global frame rate. Then, according to a first local frame rate different from the global frame rate, determine whether to capture a first local frame from the global frame. Finally, combine the first local frame and the global frame to generate a synthesized frame. The video processing method, the video displaying method and the video processing device produce better quality and smaller file size of image data. |
| US09654724B2 |
Programmable video processing and video storage architecture
In an embodiment, a method includes receiving video into a video display device. The method also includes storing, by at least one processor, the video into a memory, upon determining that the video display device is in a storage mode. Additionally, the method includes performing enhanced image processing on the video with the at least one processor, upon determining that the video display device is in an image processing mode. |
| US09654722B2 |
Television control circuit and television
Disclosed is a television control circuit comprising a display screen, a power supply board, a human body detection module and a main board. The power supply board is connected to a power supply input end of the main board and a power supply input end of the display screen. A detection output end of the human body detection module is connected to a detection input end of the main board. Control output ends of the main board are connected to the power supply board and display screen. The main board controls the on-off state of the display screen according to the detection result obtained by the human body detection module that whether a user is watching the television. A television is also disclosed. |
| US09654703B2 |
Illumination apparatus
One example discloses an illumination apparatus, including: a first illumination source, having a pulsed illumination output structure; and a capture sensor, having an image capture structure synchronized with and responsive to reflection signals generated by the pulsed illumination output signal structure. Another example discloses an article of manufacture including at least one non-transitory, tangible machine readable storage medium containing executable machine instructions for illumination which include: transmitting a first pulsed illumination signal from a first illumination source; capturing an image; and synchronizing the transmitting and capturing with a synchronization trigger. |
| US09654700B2 |
Computational camera using fusion of image sensors
A camera device includes monochromatic and color image sensors that capture an image as a clear image in monochrome and as a Bayer image. The camera device implements image processing algorithms to produce an enhanced, high-resolution HDR color image. The Bayer image is demosaiced to generate an initial color image, and a disparity map is generated to establish correspondence between pixels of the initial color image and clear image. A mapped color image is generated to map the initial color image onto the clear image. A denoised clear image is applied as a guide image of a guided filter that filters the mapped color image to generate a filtered color image. The filtered color image and the denoised clear image are then fused to produce an enhanced, high-resolution HDR color image, and the disparity map and the mapped color image are updated based on the enhanced, high-resolution HDR color image. |
| US09654697B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus and driving method of solid-state imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a pixel unit (1) configured to perform imaging of a plurality of frames by a photoelectric conversion; an exposure amount calculating unit (9) configured to calculate exposure amounts of the plurality of frames imaged in a flicker cycle of a light source; and a control unit (12) configured to control the exposure amount of each of the frames imaged by the pixel unit based on the exposure amounts of the plurality of frames calculated by the exposure amount calculating unit. |
| US09654696B2 |
Spatially differentiated luminance in a multi-lens camera
Spatial resolution can be improved in multi-lens digital cameras. Each lens can have the same or similar field of view, but can be associated with different modulation transfer functions defining varying sharpness based on location within the field of view. The image information received from each lens can be combined to form an image based on the sharpness of the image information received from each lens. |
| US09654692B2 |
Vibration attenuating camera mount
A high definition video camera mounting system includes the camera fastened to a camera mount assembly via a central mounting post. The mounting assembly includes a first vibration dampening gasket, a second vibration dampening gasket, a mounting plate sandwiched between the first and second gaskets, and a backing plate disposed behind one of the gaskets. The mounting system allows a camera to capture HD video while mounted to a vehicle or aircraft without experiencing an unacceptable amount of wobble distortion effect. The mounting system can be fastened to an adjustable angle block. |
| US09654690B2 |
Image stabilization apparatus, image-pickup apparatus having the same, image stabilization method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
An image stabilization apparatus includes a first filter, a second filter, and a signal selector configure to select as a correction signal for an image stabilization a signal obtained from an output of one of the first filter and the second filter which has a higher cutoff frequency, when the first filter has the third cutoff frequency or the second filter has the fourth cutoff frequency, and when a difference between a first output of the first filter and a second output of the second filter is larger than a threshold, and then to select as the correction signal a signal obtained from an output of the other of the first filter and the second filter which has a lower cutoff frequency. |
| US09654689B2 |
Method and apparatus for camera actuator driver mode control synchronized with imaging sensor frame
A sequence of digital images are produced using an imaging sensor circuit, wherein each of the digital images was a result of light capture by the imaging sensor circuit during a respective pixel integration phase followed by analog to digital conversion during a respective readout phase. A camera actuator is driven while producing the sequence of images, wherein during a part of every respective readout phase for the sequence of digital images the actuator is driven using a linear drive circuit, and wherein during a part of every respective pixel integration phase the actuator is driven using a switch mode drive circuit. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US09654688B2 |
Low-powered image processing device and method of driving image processing device with low power
Provided is an image processing device which includes: an event detector configured to detect a first event occurring at the AP by analyzing a response signal which the AP transmits to a transceiver of a camera in response to a query signal transmitted from the transceiver to the AP; and a power controller configured to place a sensor, the transceiver and a plurality of other elements constituting the camera in an activated state, in response to the event detector detecting the first event, wherein the power controller places the other elements in a deactivated state while at least one of the sensor and the transceiver is in the activated place, unless the first event is detected by the event detector, a second event is detected by the sensor, or a predetermined setting is provided. |
| US09654684B2 |
Focus adjustment device and focus adjustment method
A focus adjustment device for carrying out focus adjustment by moving a focus lens, comprises a point light source determination section which determines a point-like light source subject based on the image signals, an orientation stability determination section which determines stability of orientation by detecting orientation of the focus adjustment device, a photometry section which outputs photometric values corresponding to subject brightness based on the image signals, and a focus adjustment section which carries out a focus adjustment operation using the image signals, based on a determination result of the point light source determination section, wherein the point light source determination section, in a state where a point-like light source subject is currently determined, when a determination result of the orientation stability determination section indicates unstable and a photometric value output from the photometry section does not indicate low brightness, determines that the subject is not a point-like light source. |
| US09654680B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and control method therefor
An image capturing apparatus comprising: an image sensor controlled at different readout intervals in a plurality of different regions; a selection unit configured to select one of a first image signal read out from a first region and a second image signal read out from a second region that is controlled at a readout interval shorter than those of the first region; a detection unit configured to detect a focus state level based on an image signal read out from the image sensor; and a focus control unit configured to, based on the focus state level detected by the detection unit based on the image signal selected by the selection unit, control a focus lens. The first image signal is used for at least one of display in a display unit and storage in a storage medium. |
| US09654678B1 |
Internet protocol security camera connected light bulb/system
The present invention concerns an apparatus comprising a shade, a camera sensor and a base. The camera sensor may be configured to capture video data of a surrounding environment of the apparatus. The base may be configured to enclose a circuit. The circuit may be configured to provide (i) an electrical connection to (a) the camera sensor and (b) components of the circuit, (ii) a connection between a power source and an external device, and (iii) control signals for activation of (a) the external device and (b) the components of the circuit. The circuit comprises an antenna module configured to connect and send data to a network through a wireless connection. The video data is sent as the data through the wireless connection. The camera sensor is positioned in a bottom part of the base that extends below the shade. |
| US09654676B2 |
Optical element, optical system and imaging apparatus
An optical element in which transmittance of light monotonically decreases from a center portion toward a peripheral portion, includes a light absorbing portion, made of a material that absorbs a part of or all of visible light, formed at one surface of a transparent substrate such that its thickness monotonically increases from the center portion toward the peripheral portion; a light transmitting portion, made of a material that transmits visible light, formed on the light absorbing portion; and a transparent resin layer, made of a material that transmits visible light, formed at another surface of the transparent substrate, wherein each of the light absorbing portion, the light transmitting portion and the transparent resin layer is made of a resin material. |
| US09654675B2 |
Optical attachment for deviating field of view
A field of view deviator apparatus for a camera lens housing on a personal communications device has a coupling that seats a removable element in a position adjacent to the camera lens and a field of view deviator prism that seats in the coupling and defines a path for image-bearing light from the subject scene to the camera lens having a first transmissive surface that is at a sufficiently oblique angle to the defined path of image-bearing light within the prism for total internal reflection, a second transmissive surface that is substantially at a normal to the defined path of incident image-bearing light within the prism; and a first reflective surface that folds the defined path of image-bearing light within the prism. |
| US09654672B1 |
Synchronized capture of image and non-image sensor data
Synchronized capture of image and non-image sensor data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a device for synchronized capture comprises a synchronization signal generator to generate a synchronization (sync) signal for each of a plurality of heterogeneous capture devices and timestamping logic coupled to the synchronization signal generator to assign timestamp information to each set of data captured by individual capture devices of the plurality of capture devices to indicate when the data was captured, wherein the timestamp information is assigned based on when the sync signal is generated for its corresponding capture device and based on a first delay between when the sync signal is generated for a corresponding capture device and when processing of captured data, by a processing device, has been completed. |
| US09654669B2 |
Color processing apparatus, color processing method, and image forming system configured for generating a conversion relationship unique to a page number as conversion relationship for performing color adjustment
A color processing apparatus includes an area group manager, a predictor, and a conversion relationship generator. The area group manager extracts, as an area group, a particular area on each page from image data in which one copy is constituted of multiple pages, and manages the area group in association with a page number. The predictor obtains color data of the image data output by an image forming section, and predicts a color variation on the basis of color data corresponding to the area group. The conversion relationship generator generates, on the basis of the color variation of the area group corresponding to a particular page number, a conversion relationship unique to the particular page number as a conversion relationship for performing color adjustment of the image forming section. |
| US09654663B2 |
Mobile terminal device of controlling image forming apparatus, and method
Provided is a mobile terminal device that can prevent print data from being erased due to a battery exhaustion. This mobile terminal device have a battery as a power source, constructs print data (PD) from print target data stored in a volatile storage part to transmit to an image forming apparatus (IFA), and causes the IFA to execute printing of the PD. The mobile terminal device includes a non-volatile storage part, a battery residual amount detection part configured to detect a residual amount of the battery, and a print allowance/disallowance determination part configured to store, pursuant to a determination thereof, the PD in the non-volatile storage prior to a transmission of the print data based on the residual amount of the battery detected by the battery residual amount detection part, that no power required for transmitting the PD is ensured. |
| US09654662B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes: a contact glass provided at an upper surface of a main body of the apparatus to set a manuscript thereon, an image sensor being positioned below the contact glass and having a reading surface on contact glass side for reading an image from the manuscript on the contact glass, a carriage supporting the image sensor accommodated in a sensor container formed to have a recess open to the contact glass side, a rail member slidably supporting the carriage, and a biasing member biasing the image sensor to the contact glass side via a biased portion adjacent to the reading surface of the image sensor. An upper end of the biasing member is positioned below the contact glass and above the lower surface of the image sensor. |
| US09654661B1 |
Image scanning device and method, image reading apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium that set a scanning area based on a detected location of a code image
An image scanning device includes a detector and a setter. The detector scans an image in units of pages, and detects a code image included in the image in units of pages. When the detector detects the code image on one page and then detects the code image on another page, the setter sets a scanning area on a subsequent page following the other page in accordance with a position of the code image detected on the one page and a position of the code image detected on the other page. |
| US09654659B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for controlling the same, recording medium, and image forming system for changing a power state of at least one of an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus
An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with the post-processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an execution unit configured to execute a shift processing for shifting the image forming apparatus into a power saving state, a notification unit configured to notify the post-processing apparatus of an instruction to stop supply of power to the post-processing apparatus, and a power control unit configured to control the supply of power to the execution unit. The notification unit is configured, if the supply of power to the notification unit is stopped in a case where the execution unit is executing the shift processing, to control so that power is supplied to the notification unit. The notification unit supplied with power notifies the post-processing apparatus of the instruction. |
| US09654658B2 |
Increasing the current supplied to a drive motor of an image forming apparatus when the cover of the image forming apparatus is in an open state
An image reading apparatus includes: a housing; a first supporter having a document support surface; a cover switchable between a closed state for covering the support surface and a spaced state for exposing the support surface; a driving device for generating a driving force; a mover movable by the driving force; and an image reader supported by the mover to perform a reading operation. A controller obtains first information that changes depending upon change in a magnitude of a force acting on the support surface. The controller determines, based on the obtained first information, whether the driving device generates the driving force based on a first driving manner or a second driving manner different from the first driving manner, as a driving manner of the driving device. The controller controls the driving device to generate the driving force based on a determined driving manner. |
| US09654655B2 |
Image reading device and image forming apparatus with blank page skipping function
An image reading device includes an image scanning portion, a page classification portion, a preview output portion, a page classification correction portion, and a file replacement portion. The preview output portion generates a primary image data file including: a plurality of pieces of page image data; and page classification information that allows the non-blank page and the blank page to be separated from each other, and displays, on a display portion, an image of the non-blank page and an image of the blank page so as to be separated from each other. The page classification correction portion corrects the page classification information according to correction operation. The file replacement portion replaces the primary image data file with a secondary image data file that does not include the data of the blank page. |
| US09654646B2 |
Proximity service charging
A mechanism for a user equipment is described. The mechanism comprises allocating a secure memory area, wherein said secure memory area being inaccessible by a user of the user equipment; generating an charging identifier relating to proximity communication involving the user equipment; collecting proximity service charging data during the proximity communication; storing the charging identifier and the proximity service charging data in the secure memory area. |
| US09654645B1 |
Selection of networks for voice call transmission
Implementations relate to selection of networks for voice call transmission. In some implementations, a method includes determining a voice call for communication between a sending device initiating the voice call and a receiving device and determining one or more first characteristics of the voice call. The method selects, based on the first characteristics, one of a phone network and a data network to use to route data of the voice call from the sending device to an intermediary server on the data network. The method causes the data of the voice call to be sent to the intermediary server over the selected network. The data of the voice call is sent from the intermediary server to the receiving device on one of the phone network and the data network chosen by the intermediary server based on one or more second characteristics of the call. |
| US09654644B2 |
Placement of sound signals in a 2D or 3D audio conference
A conference controller (111, 175) configured to place an upstream audio signal (123, 173) associated with a conference participant and a sound signal within a 2D or 3D conference scene to be rendered to a listener (211) is described. The conference controller (111, 175) is configured to set up a X-point conference scene with X different spatial talker locations (212) within the conference scene, X being an integer, X>0; assign the upstream audio signal (123, 173) to one of the talker locations (212); place a sound signal at a spatial sound location (503) within the X-point conference scene; and generate metadata identifying the assigned talker location (212) and the spatial sound location and enabling an audio processing unit (121, 171) to generate a spatialized audio signal based on a set of downstream audio signals (124, 174) comprising the upstream audio signal (123, 173) and the sound signal. |
| US09654642B2 |
Conferencing system
Administering conferencing resources in a communications system comprising a plurality of user equipments and a server. A first user equipment transmits a first message to the server. The first message comprises a request for a resource configured for sustaining a conference call. The server allocates a network address identifying the resource and transmits a second message comprising the network address to the first user equipment. |
| US09654641B1 |
Systems and methods for routing callers to an agent in a contact center
Techniques for pairing in a contact center are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for pairing in a contact center comprising: identifying, by at least one computer processor, a plurality of contacts ordered for assignment to a plurality of agents; identifying, by the at least one computer processor, information about a first agent of the plurality of agents that becomes available for assignment; selecting, by the at least one computer processor, a first out-of-order contact from the plurality of contacts to the first agent based on the information about the first agent; and connecting, by the at least one computer processor, the selected first out-of-order contact to the first agent, wherein the plurality of contacts comprises at least one virtual contact. |
| US09654639B1 |
Resource partitioning for routing on-demand services
An issue is identified based on context information and a state of engagement of a user. The issue is matched against an agent based on agent capabilities exposed by the agent. Feedback information is used to generate a reputation metric for the agent. |
| US09654638B2 |
Method and system for determining customer's skill, knowledge level, and/or interest
A microprocessor executable work assignment mechanism selects a work item associated with a customer, dynamically determines, for the customer, a customer proficiency level with respect to a contact center product and/or product area sold and/or serviced by a contact center, and uses the customer proficiency level in assigning the selected work item to a resource for servicing and/or in providing the determined customer proficiency level to an assigned resource for use in servicing the selected work item. |
| US09654631B2 |
Automatic language selection for interactive voice response system
An interactive voice response (IVR) system performs automatic language selection without requiring the caller to provide a manual language selection input. The IVR system receives an incoming call along with appropriate caller identification. The IVR system sends a request for the caller's language preference information either to the caller's device or to a service provider that hosts the caller's account. After receiving the caller's language preference information, the IVR system selects a language for the caller and provides an IVR menu tree using the selected language. The selected language is persisted as the caller's preferred language at either the IVR system or at a service provider for future use. |
| US09654622B1 |
Automatically altering characteristics of audio alerts
In general, a computing device is described that receives an indication of a particular communication from a particular sender. The computing device determines a relationship score based at least in part on a relationship context between the particular sender and a user of the computing device. The relationship score indicates a degree of strength of a relationship between the particular sender and the user of the computing device. While outputting an alert indicative of the communication, the computing device adjusts one or more characteristics of the alert based at least in part on the relationship score. |
| US09654619B1 |
Mapping SIP cause codes in a contact center for improved tracking of call attempts
An accurate determination of the disposition of a call origination is made in a contact center by mapping Session Initiated Protocol cause codes to reflect whether a call attempt was made to a remote party. Certain cause codes reflect various conditions where a call may originate from a contact center, but for various reasons, was not offered to the remote party, or more specifically, to an interface associated with the telephone number of the remote party. Reflecting these calls as incomplete calls, as opposed to call attempts, allows the contact center to more accurately reflect the number of call attempts. Accurately tracking the number of call attempts is important to comply with various state and federal regulations regulating the number of call attempts during a given time period. Further, incomplete calls may be symptomatic of a facility failure requiring attention, causing an administrator to be alerted. |
| US09654618B2 |
Adjusting a volume level of a phone for a detected hearing aid
A system, method and computer program product for adjusting a volume level of a phone for a detected hearing aid. The phone has a camera and a speaker. The field of vision of the camera and field of sound transmission of the speaker overlap. The computer program product includes a computer-readable storage device having computer-readable program instructions therein. The method and the instruction perform the following steps: detecting an ear image of a user in one or more pictures of the user taken from the camera in preparation for a phone call; detecting a hearing aid image in conjunction with the ear image; and causing a volume level of the speaker to be set for hearing aid performance as a result of detecting the hearing aid image in conjunction with the ear image. |
| US09654608B2 |
Information handling device with built-in stand
An aspect provides an information handling device, comprising: a display; a processor; memory device storing instructions executable by the processor to operative couple the display to the processor; wherein the display, processor, and memory are located within a housing and the housing comprises a recess in which at least two members are housed. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09654606B1 |
Multifunctional mobile device case
A mobile device case contains an onboard retractable charging and/or data cord, preferably a USB cable or other equivalent, which allows the user to charge on the go from an available USB port without carrying an external charging cord or transformer adapter. The mobile device case can use various optional interchangeable tops that allow the user the ability to switch tops for the case. Optional tops include a simply top to secure the device into the lower base of the case, a top that contains a supplemental battery that, by engaging a switch on the top, transfers power to the mobile device's battery, and a top which serves as a transformer adapter. The latter top contains a USB:port (or equivalent) and fold-out prongs that can be plugged into an outlet. Furthermore, an improved electrical contact system permits an electrical connection between a reel for the retractable cord and a mobile device contact pin without metal-on-metal contact while the reel is moving. |
| US09654604B2 |
Apparatus, system and method of controlling data flow over a communication network using a transfer response
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of controlling data flow over a communication network. For example, an apparatus may include a communication unit to communicate between first and second devices a transfer response, the transfer response in response to a transfer request, the transfer response including a transfer pending status indicating data is pending to be received at the second device, the communication unit is to communicate the transfer response regardless of whether a retry indicator of the transfer request represents a first request for transfer or a retried request. |
| US09654601B2 |
Network connection hand-off and hand-back
Some embodiments provide a director agent, a server agent, and a specialized hand-off protocol for improving scalability and resource usage within a server farm. A first network connection is established between a client and the director agent in order to receive a content request from the client from which to select a server from a set of servers that is responsible for hosting the requested content. A second network connection is established between the server agent that is associated with the selected server and a protocol stack of the selected server. The first network connection is handed-off to the server agent using the specialized hand-off protocol. The server agent performs network connection state parameter transformations between the two connections to create a network connection through which content can be passed from the selected server to the client without passing through the director. |
| US09654598B1 |
User customization of cards
Each card uses one or more APIs to actively pull content or have content pushed from apps resident in memories of the device and other content supplied from computing devices external to the device. Each card is particularized to a specific category of information to showcase content on a display screen of the device from the apps and the other content, which is all aggregated on a corresponding card for that category of information. A configuration screen is also presented to allow the user of the device to customize their own user experience on the device by selecting as potential content sources from the apps and the external computing devices to supply an extracted newest version of content to be displayed on the one or more cards to personalize content and provide better engagement with the user of the device. |
| US09654596B2 |
Providing mobile versions of web resources
A transcoding system (1) comprises a mobile communication device (2) that retrieves a web resource using a mobile communication network (3) and the internet (4) via a transcoder (5). The web resource may comprise a web page specifically encoded for the mobile communication device (2). To locate the web page, the mobile communication device (2) sends a request comprising an internet domain name having a top level domain and one or more other elements. The transcoder (5) generates further internet domain names that share the one or more further elements. The transcoder (5) then determines which of the web resources identified by the one or more further internet domain names is most appropriate for the mobile communication device (2) and provides this web resource to the mobile communication device (2). |
| US09654595B2 |
Dynamically aggregating and configuring access to social networking contacts
Embodiments dynamically aggregate and configure access to social networking contacts. A server system receives information from one or more users enrolled into the server system. The information includes a list of social networking accounts of which each of the users is a member, and a visibility status associated with each of social networking accounts. The server system provides a first list of social networking accounts having a first visibility status of a first user of the server system to a second user of the server system when the second user has a second list of social networking accounts that corresponds to the first list of social networking accounts that is set to the same visibility status as the first visibility status of the first list of social networking accounts. |
| US09654592B2 |
Skills endorsements
Disclosed in some examples is a method comprising determining a first set of high ranking skills, the first set containing skills possessed by a member of the social networking service based upon the member's user profile; determining a second set of high ranking skills, the second set containing skills for a second member of the social networking service based on the second member's user profile; determining a third set of high ranking skills, the third set being the intersection between the first and second set of high ranking skills; and suggesting one or more of the skills in the third set of high ranking skills to the member for endorsement of the second member with respect to that skill. |
| US09654590B2 |
Method and arrangement in a communication network
A method and apparatus for providing labelling information to a third party regarding terminal users in a communication network. A labelling unit receives communication related data generated from executed communications of the terminal users, and fetches stored labelling rules which have been configured specifically for the third party. The labelling unit then converts the communication related data into labelling information, where a communication habits vector is determined by applying the fetched labelling rules on the received communication related data, and the labelling information is determined for the terminal user(s) based on the resulting communication habits vector. The determined labelling information is finally delivered to the third party. |
| US09654587B2 |
System for location-based website hosting optimization
A hosting provider may host a website at a first hosting location based on initial business information received from a hosting customer, perhaps while the hosting customer created an account. The initial business information may include, as non-limiting examples, whether the business is a local or non-localized business, business addresses and/or registered domain names. A domain name, particularly if it resolves to the website, may be analyzed for incorporated words, spelling, characters and/or top-level domain that may point to, or be more commonly used in, one or more geographical regions. The website may be moved to a second location based on the initial business information combined with subsequently collected business information, such as, as non-limiting examples, updated address information, marketing campaigns aimed at particular locations and/or based on the originating location of traffic to the website. |
| US09654584B2 |
Apparatus and methods for reducing soft buffer size in MTC devices
A machine type communication (MTC) device is configured to communicate through a long term evolution (LTE) network. The MTC device include a wireless transceiver to receive a signal through the LTE network, a soft buffer configured to store a plurality of soft channel bits for up to a maximum number of hybrid automatic retransmission request (HARQ) processes, and a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit is configured to determine a total number of soft channel bits based at least on the maximum number of HARQ processes, and to use limited buffer rate matching (LBRM) to store a reduced number of the total number of soft channel bits in the soft buffer. |
| US09654581B2 |
Proxied push
A system and method are described for establishing two-way push communication between an intermediate or companion device and a mobile device. Mobile devices register to listen for push notifications delivered through a push notification service from a specified set of providers. The presence of the mobile devices is delivered to the push notification service that maps the mobile devices to connections made between their respective companion devices and the push notification service. If the push notification service determines that a mobile device is “online,” in response to receiving a push notification for the mobile device, a current network connection over which a companion device is listening for push notifications is identified and the push notification is forwarded to the companion device. The companion device then can deliver the push notification to the mobile device. |
| US09654576B2 |
Database triggered push notification
Systems and methods of database triggered push notification are disclosed. In one aspect, data from a database entity is cached in response to executing user service request at a client session, where the service request involves information from the database entity. In response to caching the data from the database entity, the client session subscribing to a messaging channel dedicated to the database entity. In another aspect, a message is generated as a result of invoking a trigger by an operation in the database entity. In yet another aspect, the message is transported by the messaging channel to the subscribed client session to invoke refresh of the cached data. A push notification is sent to the client in response to the message. |
| US09654575B1 |
Pass-through web traffic systems and methods
In one embodiment, a first server receives a webpage request for a first webpage address of a first webpage served by the first server. The first webpage address is associated with a second webpage served by a second server. The first server includes tracking code within data for the first webpage to record webpage transaction information for the client device. The first server includes a timer function for the tracking code in the data for the first webpage. The first server provides the data for the first webpage to the client device that includes the tracking code and the timer function. The timer function causes the client device to render the second webpage in response to the tracking code receiving a successful tracking status notification or in response to the tracking code not receiving a successful tracking status notification within a threshold amount of time. |
| US09654573B2 |
Accessing location-based information on a mobile device
A computer program product for accessing location-based information on a mobile device. The computer program product determines whether a default HTML including information of a location is available, in response to determining that a wireless network at the location is available. The computer program product determines geographical coordinates of the location and calculates a URL and the default HTML using the geographical coordinates, in response to determining that the wireless network at the location is not available and in response to determining that the default HTML is not available. The computer program product displays one or more pages created by the default HTML that is calculated. The computer program product displays the one or more pages created by the default HTML that is available, in response to determining that the default HTML is available. |
| US09654569B2 |
Internal network system on a local area network and method of communication in an internal network system on a local area network
A method of communication in an internal network system on a local area network is disclosed, where the internal network system includes a host. The method includes finding a first slave on the internal network system of the local area network through a predetermined tool built in an operating system; utilizing a first predefined protocol to search for a second slave; utilizing a second predefined protocol to respond information of the second slave; receiving the information of the second slave; and transmitting the information of the second slave to the host. |
| US09654568B2 |
System and method for endpoint handoff in a hybrid peer-to-peer networking environment
A system and method for endpoint handoff in a hybrid peer-to-peer networking environment are provided. In one example, the method includes logging into the peer-to-peer network by a first endpoint. The first endpoint directly notifies a second endpoint that the second endpoint is to transfer an active communication session existing between the second endpoint and a third endpoint from the second endpoint to the first endpoint. The first endpoint receives session parameters associated with the active communication session directly from the second endpoint and directly notifies the third endpoint that the first endpoint is online. The first endpoint then re-establishes the active communication session with the third endpoint using the session parameters. |
| US09654567B2 |
Machine-to-machine service based on common data format
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium having instructions to establish a connection with a sensor device; receive sensor data from the sensor device via the connection; convert the sensor data into common data of a common data format, wherein the common data includes metadata that supports an ontology; store the common data; and transmit the common data to a network device of a network. |
| US09654565B2 |
Apparatus, system and method of managing an application service platform (ASP) session
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of managing an Application Service Platform (ASP) session. For example, an apparatus may include a first ASP to communicate with a second ASP via a wireless Peer-to-Peer (P2P) connection over a P2P link to manage an ASP-session between a first device including the first ASP and a second device including the second ASP. The first ASP may communicate with the second ASP a message to close the ASP-session, the message including a reason field including an indication of a reason for closing the ASP-session. |
| US09654562B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributing content via a communications network
A method and apparatus for distributing content via a communication network is presented. In one or more embodiments, the present invention comprises apparatus for receiving content from a server system. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus comprises a central processing unit, a video controller, a communications interface, and a memory comprising computer readable instructions for causing said apparatus to perform a variety of functions. In one or more embodiments, the computer readable instructions comprise instructions for causing the apparatus, upon connection to a power source and a communications source, to initiate a communications session with the server system. In one or more embodiments, the computer readable instructions comprise instructions to cause the apparatus to prompt a user of said apparatus to create an account at the server system. |
| US09654560B2 |
Management system and method
A management system receives a first process request for a first application program (APP), and specifies a second APP that is related to the first APP as a target APP of the first process request and is in an APP environment different from an APP environment of the first APP. The management system generates a second process request for executing, on the second APP, a process that is the same as a process according to the first process request, based on the first process request and on conversion information indicating a relationship between a process request before a conversion and a process request after the conversion. |
| US09654558B2 |
Managing a storage system
A first operational characteristic of a first configuration of a storage system is determined. The determination may be made using first data of the first configuration of the storage system and second data related to element interactions of the storage system. At least a second configuration of the storage system that differs from the first configuration is generated using the second data. At least a second operational characteristic of the second configuration is predicted using the second data. |
| US09654554B2 |
Seamless scaling of multiple appliances
A method of seamlessly scaling multiple network appliances in an appliance based network. The disclosed method allows a network to automatically utilize the resources of one or more additional appliances without performing extensive installation or calibration routines. In addition, the method includes assigning a new appliance a particular role and sub-role designation such that it is used in the most effective manner to serve the particular needs of the network in which the new appliance is being connected. The new appliance can be used as an expansion appliance to provide additional data storage capabilities, a mirroring appliance, which provides backup data storage capabilities, and/or a range extension appliance that extends the wireless communication range of the existing appliance. |
| US09654551B2 |
Apparatus and method for inviting users to online sessions
An invitation service performs a series of transactions to enable P2P communication between two or more mobile data processing devices. Prior to attempting to establish a P2P network communication channel, the invitation service may first collect network information for each of the mobile devices and use the network information to determine if a direct P2P network communication channel is feasible. If a direct connection is feasible, then the invitation service provides for direct P2P communication, pushing the necessary network information to each of the mobile devices. If a direct connection is infeasible, or an attempted direct connection fails, then the invitation service may identify network information associated with a relay service. The network information may then be used by any pair of mobile devices to establish a connection through the relay service. The invitation service can perform its functions without maintaining per-connection state information for the mobile devices. |
| US09654549B2 |
Systems and methods for creating user-managed online pages (MAPpages) linked to locations on an interactive digital map
Systems and methods are used to enable creating, searching, and managing user-managed online pages (e.g., MAPpages) linked to locations on an interactive digital map. In one aspect, the method includes, at a server system: receiving, from a client, a request to create a new MAPpage; prompting the client to select a type for the new MAPpage; prompting the client to select a template for the new MAPpage; providing the template to the client for inputting one or more content elements for the new MAPpage; receiving, from the client, the one or more content elements for the new MAPpage; prompting the client to identify a physical location associated with the new MAPpage; prompting the client to identify contact information associated with the new MAPpage; creating the new MAPpage, wherein the new MAPpage is associated with the identified physical location, the identified contact information, the client, the type, and a timestamp. |
| US09654548B2 |
Intelligent network streaming and execution system for conventionally coded applications
Installation of an application on a test bed machine is monitored to generate a streamed application set of a stream enabled version of the application. Execution of the application on the test bed machine is monitored to generate the streamed application set of the stream enabled version of the application. Stream enabled application pages and a stream enabled application install block to form the streamed application set is generated based on the monitoring of the installation of the application and the monitoring of the execution of the application on the test bed machine. The stream enabled application install block is provided to a client device. A request for a stream enabled application page of the stream enabled application pages is received from the client device. The stream enabled application page is provided to the client device for continued execution of the stream enabled version of the application. |