Document | Document Title |
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US09138333B2 |
Intervertebral implant for the fusion between two vertebral bodies of a vertebral column and corresponding positioning instrument
An intervertebral implant for the fusion between two vertebral bodies of a vertebral column may include a body having two opposite surfaces and holes or cavities for filling purposes during bone growth, and an engagement portion for receiving a gripping end of a positioning instrument. The engagement portion may be shaped as a splined shaft accessible through an opening of the body. |
US09138329B2 |
Vertebral disc prosthesis
A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The center of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analysing performance of a prosthesis. |
US09138328B2 |
Radially expandable spinal interbody device and implantation tool
A spinal interbody device includes a base link having a first end and a second end, and a linkage including a first link having a first end and a second end and a second link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first link is coupled to the first end of the base link at a first hinge, the second end of the first link is coupled to the first end of the second link at a second hinge; and the second end of the second link is coupled to the second end of the base link at a third hinge. |
US09138326B2 |
Joint implant
A joint implant includes an upper and a lower implant part which are connected to each other, and a longitudinal axis of the implant. The implant parts each include a joint part having a joint region and an abutment part that can be abutted against the respective bone. The joint part and the abutment part are detachably connected to each other. The two joint parts each include a joint region and cooperate with each other, thus forming the articulated connection, or with an intermediate element having opposite upper and lower sides as abutment surfaces, thus forming two sub-joint. A connecting device interconnects the upper and lower implant part so as to form a coherent assembly and that can change its position relative to the upper and/or lower joint part. |
US09138325B2 |
Lamina implant and method
A prosthetic implant for restoring lamina after a laminectomy. The implant is generally a lamina-sized construct having a hollow interior. The lamina removed during the laminectomy may be converted to autologous bone that may then be placed inside the hollow interior of the implant. The implant may then be secured to the spine at the site of the laminectomy so that lamina restoration can occur as the hollow interior of the implant solidifies with bone growth. |
US09138322B2 |
Knee prosthesis having cross-compatible dome and anatomic patella components
An orthopaedic implant assembly includes a plurality of dome patella components and a plurality of anatomic patella components. Each of the dome patella components and the anatomic patella components is interchangeable with a plurality of femoral components. Each of the plurality of dome patella components and each of the plurality of anatomic patella components are configured to be positioned in contact with any of the plurality of femoral components. |
US09138321B2 |
Prosthetic components with secondary retention
An implantable orthopaedic knee prosthesis assembly includes a femoral component, a stem component, a fastener, and a retention device. The femoral component is configured to be implanted into a distal end of a femur of a patient and includes a stem post having a proximal tapered bore, a distal passageway, and a threaded passageway connecting the proximal tapered bore and the distal passageway. The stem component is configured to taper fit to the femoral component and includes a bore formed therein extending proximally and a threaded aperture defined at a proximal end of the bore. The head of the fastener is configured to be received in the distal passageway, whereas the proximal end of the shaft of the fastener is configured to be positioned in the threaded aperture. The retention device is received in the threaded passageway and prevents the proximal end of the fastener from reentering the threaded passageway. |
US09138320B2 |
Hip joint device and method
A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The medical device is adapted to be fixated to the pelvic bone of the patient. The medical device comprises an inner and an outer surface, a contacting portion of the inner surface is spherical and adapted to face the center of the hip joint when said medical device is implanted, and said medical device is adapted to receive a caput femur or a prosthetic caput femur having a spherical portion. The medical device comprises at least one extending portion adapted to clasp the caput femur, or prosthetic caput femur, for restraining said caput femur, or prosthetic caput femur in said medical device. The medical device is adapted to release the caput femur or prosthetic caput femur from the medical device when a predetermined strain is placed on the medical device. The ability of the medical device to release the caput femur or prosthetic caput femur from the medical device when a predetermined strain is placed on the medical device reduces the risk that the prosthesis is loosened by an abnormal strain being placed on the hip joint from e.g. the patient falling or making a rapid movement of the hip. |
US09138315B2 |
Medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency or stenosis
A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta with a catheter. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has a plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and an expanded mode when it is implanted. The endoprosthesis may be introduced into a patient's body and expanded via a catheter. In an embodiment, the catheter has first and second slide mechanisms configured to independently manipulate first and second sleeve elements to sequentially expand the endoprosthesis from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode. |
US09138310B2 |
Soft prosthesis shell texturing method
A method of texturing a soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell. A soft prosthetic implant with a textured external surface layer of silicone elastomer and having an open-cell structure is made by adhering and then dissolving round salt crystals. The resulting roughened surface has enhanced physical properties relative to surfaces formed with angular salt crystals. An implant having such a textured external surface layer is expected to help prevent capsular contraction, to help prevent scar formation, and to help in anchoring the implant within the body. |
US09138309B2 |
Porous materials, methods of making and uses
The present specification discloses porous materials, methods of forming such porous materials, biocompatible implantable devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such biocompatible implantable devices. |
US09138308B2 |
Mucosal tissue adhesion via textured surface
The present specification discloses porous materials, methods of forming such porous material, biocompatible implantable devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such biocompatible implantable devices. The porous material may be used to fix to the interior mucosal lining of a patient's gastrointestinal tract. |
US09138305B2 |
Implants and methods of securing the same
In one embodiment, an implant includes a support member defining an opening and a strap being configured to extend through the opening defined by the support member. The strap includes a first retention member and a second retention member. The first retention member is configured to engage the support member to couple the strap to the support member. The second retention member being configured to engage bodily tissue of a patient to couple the strap to the bodily tissue. In another embodiment, an implant includes a support member defining an opening and a strap defining an opening. The strap is configured to be coupled to the support member and to bodily tissue of a patient. The strap is configured to extend through the opening defined by the support member and the opening defined by the strap. |
US09138304B2 |
Bite-actuated tooth cleaning techniques
New chewing-actuated teeth cleaning techniques are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a device with bite-actuated cleaning features is provided, which may comprise, tooth-guiding channels and variable openings enabling the variable bite-actuated application of a dentifrice for bite-actuated scrubbing. In further aspects, internal springs and the tension of surrounding material drive bite actuation of protrusions. In other aspects, intermediate antechambers, and/or interstitial fluid, gel or other medium, aid in enabling re-sealing an inner chamber following penetration of the CleanChew. This aspect may also be applied to a variety of related arts, including but not limited to pneumatic tires, to aid in remediating gas or fluid leaks from piercing. |
US09138301B2 |
Medical device and surface modification method for medical device
The invention provides a medical device in which a metallic porous body is joined to at least a part of a surface of the main body of a medical device, and a surface modification method for the medical device. The metallic porous body is formed in multilayers. |
US09138299B2 |
Method and system for establishing the shape of the occlusal access cavity in endodontic treatment
A computer based method and system for defining and representing a shape and geometry of an occlusal access cavity to the tooth roots prior to endodontic treatment, include the step or elements for: loading onto the computer information of the geometry of a tooth obtained via one or more imaging techniques, creation of a 3D computer model of the tooth, including its internal architecture, visualization of the computer model, visualization of the location(s) of the entrance(s) to root canal(s) relative to the tooths occlusal surface, and based on the locations of the root canal orifices a shape of the access cavity is calculated. |
US09138296B2 |
Packaging for medical devices with window
An housing for a medical device includes an insert configured for removable insertion into the housing, outer dimensions of the insert conforming to inner dimensions of the housing to prevent movement thereof within the housing. The insert includes first and second planar walls connected to one another and having first and second openings extending therethrough. The first and second walls are movable between an open configuration in which the first and second walls are separated from one another and a closed configuration in which the first and second walls are folded to contact one another such that the first and second openings are aligned to define a medical device receiving cavity configured to house a medical device. In the closed configuration, the first and second walls apply a frictional clamping force to a packet containing the medical device to prevent movement of the medical device relative to the inlay. |
US09138295B2 |
Temperature-stabilized medicinal storage systems
Systems include one or more medicinal storage containers. For example, an integrally thermally sealed medicinal storage container may include one or more segments of at least one ultra efficient insulation material, the one or more segments having one or more surface regions, the one or more segments principally defining at least one storage region, one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections between at least one of the one or more surface regions of the one or more segments wherein the one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections and the one or more segments form at least one integrally thermally sealed medicinal storage region, one or more thermal variant units, and at least one selectively-operable thermal conduction unit. |
US09138293B1 |
Intravascular treatment of lesions using magnetic nanoparticles
Vascular lesions and plaque can be removed using a treatment based on introduction of magnetic nanoparticles into the circulatory system of a patient having such vascular lesions. The particles in an aqueous suspension are injected near the site of the lesion and magnetic forces are used to immobilize the particles in contact with the lesions. An alternating magnetic field or focused electromagnetic energy is then used to heat the particles, thereby destroying the lesion. Following destruction of the lesion, additional populations of magnetic particles having growth factors, anti-inflammatory agents and other medicaments on their surfaces can be localized at the site of the former lesion. These medicated particles accelerate healing at the site. |
US09138291B2 |
Catheter structure and method for locating tissue in a body organ and simultaneously delivering therapy and evaluating the therapy delivered
A catheter structure is provided for use with an electroviscerogram (EVG) system. The catheter structure includes an elongated tube structure having distal and proximal ends. Three electrodes are associated with distal end of the tube structure and are constructed and arranged obtain signals relating to myoelectrical activity internally of an intra-abdominal organ to thereby locate targeted tissue that includes main pathways of electrical generation in the organ. Therapy delivery structure, associated with the distal end of the tube structure and separate from the electrodes, is constructed and arranged to provide therapy at the targeted tissue simultaneously as the electrodes obtain the signals at the targeted tissue so that effectiveness of the therapy can be monitored. |
US09138290B2 |
Method of ablating arterial plaque
A method of ablating plaque from an artery section, using a catheter having a longitudinal body and a distal imaging and ablation tip connected to a distal end of the longitudinal body. The tip has an ultrasound imaging array, and a distal, forward directed face, distal to the ultrasound imaging array, and including a set of electrodes arranged circumferentially about the distal face. The catheter further includes a set of conductors connected to the tip and extending through the body. The catheter is connected to an image display. In the method the tip is introduced into the artery section and images the artery section in front, thereby creating imagery of the artery, which is shown on the image display. This imagery is reviewed and in reliance thereon selectively the electrodes are selectively activated to ablate plaque, while not activating any electrode that would damage any bare arterial wall. |
US09138288B2 |
Methods and devices for use of degassed fluids with fluid enhanced ablation devices
Devices, systems, and methods for degassing fluid prior to applying fluid to a treatment site during ablation therapy are provided. In one embodiment, an ablation system can include an elongate body, an ablation element, a heating assembly, and a fluid source. Fluid in the fluid source can be at least partially degassed prior to being provided as part of the system, or, in some embodiments, a degassing apparatus can be provided that can be configured to degas fluid within the system prior to applying the fluid to the treatment site. The degassing apparatus can include one or more gas-permeable and fluid-impermeable tubes disposed therein, which can allow gas to be removed from fluid passing through the apparatus. Other exemplary devices, systems, and methods are also provided. |
US09138276B2 |
Intervertebral implant with integrated fixation
A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine. |
US09138273B2 |
Guide assembly for lateral implants and associated methods
A method for use in guiding a lateral fastener into a lateral bore of a femoral body implant. The method can use an outrigger having an arm portion, a leg portion that extends from the arm portion, and an alignment tube that extends from the leg portion. The method can further use a support pad and an adjustable shaft member that couples to the support pad and the leg portion. A shaft member can be adjustably maintained in a position relative to the leg portion by a quick-release system. |
US09138268B2 |
Periprosthetic fracture repair system including discrete stabilized crimp lugs for cerclage cable and tool therefor
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. |
US09138266B2 |
Intramedullary nail
Intramedullary nail for distraction of a long bone with an at least partially hollow shank extending in an axial direction of the intramedullary nail, locking element for locking the shank in a first bone fragment of the long bone, a first inner section which is arranged in axially movable manner within the shank and has a through hole orientated in the radial direction for accommodating a segment bolt for fixing a bone segment of the long bone, wherein the shank has an elongated hole in the area of the inner section for passing through of the segment bolt, an actuator for axially moving the first inner section, wherein a second inner section is arranged within the shank so as to be axially movable. |
US09138264B2 |
Laminoplasty rod system
A laminoplasty rod and rod system that allows for variable angulation, translation (distraction and/or compression) and rotation of a spinal lamina bone portion associated with a laminoplasty. The laminoplasty rod is used with a polyaxial spinal rod bone screw assembly anchored to the vertebra associated with the laminoplasty, and is attachable to the spinal lamina bone portion. The laminoplasty rod system provides positional attachment of the rod to the spinal components and fixation thereof in various orientations. The laminoplasty rod system includes a configured laminoplasty rod that fits into or onto the head of a polyaxial spinal rod bone screw assembly. A bone screw boss, defining a bone screw attachment configuration, is formed at one end of the laminoplasty rod. Preferably, but not necessarily, the bone screw boss is situated at an angled end of the rod having a pre-defined bend that provides for greater variation in rod orientation. |
US09138263B2 |
Flexible spine components
An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment. |
US09138262B2 |
Polyaxial screw
The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician. |
US09138257B2 |
Rotating handheld motorized hand-piece including combination interchangeable microdermabrasion brush head, interchangeable heads having a latex sponge, and hook and loop fasteners to removably retain cleaning pads
A handheld apparatus including (a) a motorized hand-piece including a mechanical rotatable coupling shaft which is caused to rotate so that it imparts a rotating motion to the coupling shaft; (b) an interface cup member which includes a body with an exterior surface having hook and loop fasteners thereon and a lower surface with an interface opening which is affixed to the coupling member of the mechanical rotatable shaft; and (c) the hand-piece individually retaining a multiplicity of different interchangeable components which are used for different purposes, each different component affixed on one surface to the hook and loop fasteners of the interface cup and which rotate when the motorized hand piece is energized and causes the interface cup to rotate. |
US09138249B2 |
Shock wave catheter system with arc preconditioning
A shock wave catheter system and method produces a shock wave with reduced energy. The system includes a catheter and a power source. The catheter has an elongated carrier and a balloon about the carrier in sealed relation thereto. The balloon is arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon. The catheter further includes an arc generator including at least two electrodes within the balloon. The power source is coupled to the at least two electrodes and is configured to grow a bubble at one of the at least two electrodes and then thereafter to rapidly expand the bubble to form a shock wave within the balloon. |
US09138247B2 |
Customized patient-specific orthopaedic pin guides
Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. Methods for fabricating and using such instruments are also disclosed. |
US09138243B2 |
Bone compactor
A bone compacting device for compacting cancellous bone within a bone cavity, the bone compacting device including a body having a plurality of segments, wherein each segment is adjacent to at least one adjacent segment between a first end and a second end of the body, and wherein each of the plurality of segments is independently expandable to contact the cancellous bone. |
US09138240B2 |
Surgical instrument
The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising a handling part and a tool part that encompasses at least one movably mounted tool which is actuated via a force-transmitting and/or actuating mechanism. The force-transmitting and/or actuating mechanism is operated from the handling part and is provided with a fluid-operated drive unit. With the drive unit in a first driving position the movably mounted tool is subjected to a first actuating force in an actuating direction and in at least a second driving position is subjected to at least a second actuating force in the actuating direction. |
US09138238B2 |
Method of assembling and positioning a femoral orthopaedic surgical instrument
A method for performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure on a femur includes attaching a proximal end of an intramedullary adaptor to an intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument, securing a distal end of an intramedullary adaptor to a base cutting block, inserting the intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument into a medullary canal using the base cutting block, and positioning the base cutting block on a distal end of the femur. |
US09138236B2 |
Tourniquet hazard suppressor
A tourniquet hazard suppressor suppresses an action initiated by a user of a surgical tourniquet system having a touchscreen user interface if implementation of that action by the system may be hazardous to a surgical patient. |
US09138234B2 |
Clip apparatus for ligature of living tissue
A clip apparatus for ligature of living tissue is provided. The clip apparatus includes a clip that can be opened and closed multiple times prior to locking in a closed position on the tissue. |
US09138233B2 |
Apparatus and method for tissue adhesion
An array of a plurality of shape memory material microposts have a proximal end configured to be secured to a substrate with a tissue penetrating distal end. The microposts further have a deployment state with the microposts in a substantially straightened configuration with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface which is substantially parallel to adjacent microposts and an engaged state wherein at least a section of the microposts assume a configuration that is not substantially parallel to adjacent microposts or is not substantially straight with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface so as to mechanically capture tissue adjacent thereto. |
US09138230B1 |
Systems and methods for creating arteriovenous (AV) fistulas
An AV fistula between first and second blood vessels is created by forming a hole through adjacent walls of the 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 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. 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 are energized to create a tissue welded elongate aperture between the blood vessels. |
US09138229B2 |
Tissue retaining system
A tissue retaining system having a pair of tissue retainers for retaining two end portions of tubular tissue, such as a heart valve, to a bioreactor is disclosed. Each tissue retainer includes a stepped portion that permits custom fitting of the tissue retainer to a particular size of tubular tissue. The stepped portion of each tissue retainer defines a plurality of progressively larger concentric steps in which one of the concentric steps matches the size of a particular tubular tissue being engaged. The tubular tissue is then anchored to the tissue retainer by suture pull downs that anchor the tubular tissue to one of the concentric steps of the tissue retainer in a fluid tight engagement. This engagement process is repeated to secure the other end portion of the tubular tissue to another tissue retainer such that the tissue retaining system may then be engaged to the bioreactor. |
US09138213B2 |
Heart occlusion devices
The disclosure is directed to a heart occlusion device and a method for occluding an aperture defect in a heart. The heart occlusion device includes two separate wires 12, 14. Each wire forms geometric shapes that together form a distal plate and a proximal plate. The first plate is disposed in a first plane. The second plate is disposed in a second plane that is parallel to and remote from the first plane. The distal plate and the proximal plate are separated by a self-centering waist. The proximal plate is attached to a hub. A similar hub is optional on the distal plate. The plates further include coverings which form a sealant to occlude an aperture in a tissue. The wires forming the plates have a shape-memory capability such that they can be collapsed and distorted in a catheter during delivery but resume and maintain their intended shape after delivery. |
US09138205B2 |
Sample recovery and collection device
Disclosed herein is a sample recovery and collection device comprising a tube, a cap, an insert, and an opening. The cap includes an O-ring and is removably secured to the tube for sealing the tube. The insert includes a first end having a ring that is adhered to the tube and second end opposite the first end. The insert also includes a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, each coupled to and extending from the ring to the second end. The opening extends from the ring to the second end and the insert defines a diameter. Also disclosed herein is a kit comprising the sample recovery and collection device. Further disclosed herein is a method of collecting a sample from a subject. |
US09138204B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating and re-aligning an ultrasound image plane to a navigation tracker
The present disclosure relates to acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system that has been calibrated. The imaging system can include an ultrasound imaging system that collects one of more images based on a plane of image acquisition. The plane of image acquisition can be calibrated to a tracking device associated with the ultrasound transducer. |
US09138201B2 |
Tissue insertion type ultrasonic probe
An ultrasonic probe for supporting spine surgery serving as a tissue insertion type ultrasonic probe comprises an insertion unit and an operation unit. On a front end portion of the insertion unit, a tactile member and a transducer unit are provided. The insertion unit comprises a pipe, and a sheath tube provided outside of the pipe. An FPC board serving as a line sheet is provided in the pipe. The FPC board is inserted in a rounded shape similar to a tube along an inner wall surface of the pipe. A large number of signal lines are formed on the FPC board through printing. A ground cable is provided in an inside space of the FPC board. In the operation unit, a rear end portion of the FPC board and a front end portion of another FPC board are connected by thermo compression bonding. |
US09138199B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting subaudible cardiac vibrations
A monitoring system senses a physiological signal indicative of mechanical vibrations including audible and/or subaudible frequency ranges and presents information related to the physiological signal to a user. The presented information includes subaudible components of the physiological signal. In various embodiments, the information can be presented as a visual signal representing the mechanical vibrations including the subaudible components, an audial signal representing the mechanical vibrations having a spectrum shifted to an audible frequency range, and/or an audial signal representing the mechanical vibrations having a spectrum compressed into an audible frequency range. An example of the physiological signal can include a heart sound signal indicative of heart sounds including cardiac mechanical vibrations in audible and subaudible frequency ranges. |
US09138198B2 |
Electric arc detection for X-ray generators
A method for detecting electric arcs on an X-ray generator, the method comprising recording mechanical vibrations of an environment of the X-ray generator, the X-ray generator, or elements of the X-ray generator, using at least one sensor configured to record vibrations to record vibrations, and processing signals recorded by the at least one sensor to identify peaks corresponding to the formation of the electric arcs. |
US09138195B2 |
Contactless communication signal transfer
Among other things, one or more data-links for transferring information between a stationary unit and a movable (e.g., rotating) unit, or between two movable units without contact between the units is provided. A transmitting antenna of a data-link comprises at least two capacitive conducting portions, a first portion configured to conduct signals having a first frequency range (e.g., a higher frequency range) and a second portion configured to conduct signals having a second frequency range (e.g., a lower frequency range). The second portion is comprised of a plurality of members (e.g., conductive plates) arranged to create a substantially continuous electrically conductive structure (e.g., although respective members may not be in physical contact with adjacent members). In this way, a loss of capacitance in a transition between two adjacent members is reduced to provide for transferring information at lower frequencies where a higher capacitance is desirable, for example. |
US09138194B1 |
Apparatus for use to replicate symptoms associated with vascular obstruction secondary to vascular compression
An apparatus for use with an imaging device for imaging a portion of a patient during exertion by the patient. The apparatus may include a first anchor for opposing a force applied by the patient to the first anchor in response to flexing one or more muscles in the imaged portion of the patient. There may also be provided second anchors that assist in restricting motion of the patient in response to the force applied to the first anchor. A plurality of fiducial markings may be provided that are evident in the obtained image to define a reference in the image for determining a location of a region of interest within the portion of the patient relative to the fiducial markings. The region of interest may correspond to an indication of a condition or disease (e.g., exertional compartment syndrome). |
US09138190B2 |
Wavy physiological signal collecting device and wavy physiological signal collecting mattress
The present disclosure provides a wavy physiological signal collecting device and a physiological signal collecting mattress. The device includes a wavy flexible body including a flexible body panel and a plurality of protruding flexible bodies each of which is arranged on the flexible body panel for converting a human body pressure applied thereto to a tensile force; a tensile force sensor arranged in the flexible body panel for generating an electrical signal according to the tensile force; and a signal processing unit configured for processing the electrical signal to obtain a human body physiological signal. The wavy flexible body converts the human body pressure to an electrical signal and processes the electrical signal, thereby obtaining the human body physiological signal in daily life without directly contacting human skin, allowing the physiological signal to be obtained more conveniently. |
US09138189B1 |
Earplug with thermochromic probe and stem for indicating unsafe core body temperature
An earplug to be worn in the ear canal of a person has a thermochromic probe and stem portion that continuously monitors the core body temperature of the wearer and changes color reversibly upon detection of temperatures above or below a temperature range considered to be normal for tympanic temperature to visually indicate to the wearer or an observer that the wearer has an unsafe core body temperature. The earplug has an outer body formed of a soft resilient material configured to conform to the generally conical interior profile of the ear canal and become resiliently and removably engaged therein when pressed into the canal. The probe has a head portion and a radial flange configured to permit a desired insertion distance such that, when properly inserted, the head portion is near, but not in contact, with the tympanic membrane and engaged on the conical wall of the ear canal. |
US09138185B2 |
Lancet assembly and pricking device
A lancet assembly includes a lancet, a lancet engaging part, and a lancet case housing the lancet and the lancet engaging part. In the lancet assembly of the present invention, the lancet engaging part and the lancet cap are disposed such that they are capable of making contact with each other. When the lancet engaging part is forced to move forward with respect to the lancet in a pricking direction, the lancet cap is pressed by the lancet engaging part, and thereby the bridging component is broken so that the lancet cap is separated from the lancet body. When the lancet engaging part is forced to further move forward, the separated lancet cap moves to the position off a pricking pathway of the pricking component within the lancet case. |
US09138184B2 |
Contact activated incision device
A contact activated incision device, comprises a housing defining a cavity, and a longitudinal axis extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the housing. A slider is slidable with respect to the housing along the longitudinal axis and at least partially positioned outside of the housing. A roller is mounted on the housing and rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A blade assembly is mounted on the roller and has a blade, wherein the blade is movable from a retracted position to an extended position and to a final position, at the retracted position the blade is positioned in the cavity, at the extended position the blade extends at least partially beyond the proximal end of the housing, and at the final position the blade is positioned in the cavity. |
US09138183B2 |
Combined physiological sensor systems and methods
A combined physiological sensor and methods for detecting one or more physiological characteristics of a subject are provided. The combined sensor (e.g., a forehead sensor) may be used to detect and/or calculate at least one of a pulse blood oxygen saturation level, a regional blood oxygen saturation level, a respiration rate, blood pressure, an electrical physiological signal (EPS), a pulse transit time (PTT), body temperature associated with the subject, a depth of consciousness (DOC) measurement, any other suitable physiological parameter, and any suitable combination thereof. The combined sensor may include a variety of individual sensors, such as electrodes, optical detectors, optical emitters, temperature sensors, and/or other suitable sensors. The sensors may be advantageously positioned in accordance with a number of different geometries. The combined sensor may also be coupled to a monitoring device, which may receive and/or process one or more output signals from the individual sensors to display information about the medical condition of the subject. In addition, several techniques may be employed to prevent or limit interference between the individual sensors and their associated input and/or output signals. |
US09138182B2 |
Optical sensor including disposable and reusable elements
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a noninvasive optical sensor or probe including disposable and reusable components. The assembly of the disposable and reusable components is straightforward, along with the disassembly thereof. During application to a measurement site, the assembled sensor is advantageously secured together while the componentry is advantageously properly positioned. |
US09138176B2 |
Biological information measuring device and control method thereof
A biological information measuring device includes a finger insertion part; a first light source which emits, to the finger insertion part, first light; a second light source which emits, to the finger insertion part, second light; and a first light-receiving unit which receives first reception light which is the first light transmitted through the finger or reflected from the finger. A second light-receiving unit receives second reception light which is the second light transmitted through the finger or reflected from the finger; a calculating unit measures a vein pattern of the user based on the first reception light, and measures biological data of the user based on the second reception light; and a transmitting and receiving unit transmits, to an external server, a measurement result of the vein pattern and a measurement result of the biological data. |
US09138173B2 |
System for bed and patient mobility device interoperability
A system for interoperability of a person support apparatus and various patient mobility devices are disclosed. The system allows for communication between the person support apparatus and various patient mobility devices. |
US09138170B2 |
Sensor assembly, method, and device for monitoring shear force and pressure on a structure
Shear force and pressure on a structure are simultaneously monitored using signals received from antennas on the structure. The shear force on the structure is monitored using a signal received from a patch antenna on the structure, and the pressure on the structure is monitored using a signal received from a loop antenna on the structure. |
US09138165B2 |
Systems, methods and devices for forming respiratory-gated point cloud for four dimensional soft tissue navigation
A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient. |
US09138157B2 |
Method and apparatus for cardiac function monitoring
A method and medical device for monitoring cardiac function in a patient that includes a plurality of electrodes to deliver cardiac pacing therapy, and a processor configured to determine a pacing threshold in response to initial delivery of the pacing therapy, determine whether there is a change in the pacing threshold during initial delivery of the pacing therapy, adjust a delivery parameter of the pacing therapy in response to determining the change in the pacing threshold during initial delivery of the pacing therapy, determine whether there is an increase in the pacing threshold during delivery of the adjusted pacing therapy, and determine hypokalemia in response to the increase in the pacing threshold during delivery of the adjusted pacing therapy being present. |
US09138155B2 |
Method and a device for examination of physical magnitude in humans or animals in an object filled with liquid or gas
The invention relates to a device for examination of a pressure (p) in an intervertebral disc, a body of vertebra or any other part of a disc in a human or animal. The device (1) comprises a hollow cannula (6) with an end portion (7) arranged to be inserted into the intervertebral disc, the body of vertebra or any other part of the disc. The device further comprises an optical fiber (8) arranged in the cannula (6) and a sensor device (10) arranged on the optical fiber (8), which in use is positioned in connection to the intervertebral disc, the body of vertebra or any other part of the disc. The device also has an injection device (11) for injection of liquid into the intervertebral disc, the body of vertebra or any other part of the disc through the cannula (6) while the sensor device (10) measures the physical magnitude (p) in the anatomical organ (2). The invention also relates to a method for examination of a pressure (p) in an intervertebral disc, a body of vertebra or any other part of a disc in humans and animals, designed in analogy to the device according to the invention. |
US09138151B2 |
Method and apparatus for management of heart failure hospitalization
A hospitalization management system including a heart failure analyzer that receives diagnostic data including at least sensor data representative of one or more physiological signals sensed from a hospitalized patient using one or more sensors and assesses risk of rehospitalization for the patient using the diagnostic data. The outcome of the risk assessment is used during and following the patient's hospitalization for reducing the risk of rehospitalization. |
US09138140B2 |
Compact iris imaging system
An iris imaging and illumination system is used to resolve and record the fine musculature features of an iris. The system can improve the quality of an iris image and facilitate the image capturing process by focusing illumination on an ocular area of a subject. By limiting illumination of other parts of a face, reflections from the face are reduced. The system has a compact physical arrangement by placing the illumination sources proximate to one another and splaying them in order to focus illumination on the ocular areas of a subject. |
US09138139B2 |
Attenuation-based optic neuropathy detection with three-dimensional optical coherence tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data of a subject is acquired over a region of interest which can include an optic disc or a macula of a retina. Layer boundaries of retinal layers are identified in the OCT scan data to facilitate measurements. In one aspect, a measurement related to ratio value between a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more target layers of the retina and a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more reference layers is computed on a location-by-location basis within a region of interest of the OCT scan data. Measurements can be collected, aggregated, analyzed, and displayed in connection with other information taken or derived from the OCT scan data. |
US09138136B2 |
Scanning endoscope apparatus, image processing apparatus and operation method of image processing apparatus
A scanning endoscope apparatus includes: a light source section that emits illuminating light; an optical fiber that guides and applies the illuminating light from a distal end, the illuminating light having directionality; a drive element and a scanning drive section that scan the distal end of the optical fiber; a light detecting section that detects light from a subject; a shutter and an intermittent light output control section that controls a light application period and an interruption period for the illuminating light; an extrinsic light component removal section that outputs a result of an average value of a plurality of light detection results obtained in the interruption period being subtracted from each of a plurality of light detection results obtained in the light application period; and an image processing section that forms image information for display, based on the result outputted by the extrinsic light component removal section. |
US09138134B2 |
Endoscope with an improved working channel
A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, which is configured for insertion into a body cavity of a subject. An optical assembly is contained in the distal end and configured to form an image of a target region in the body cavity. A working channel passes through the insertion tube and is configured to convey a fluid from the proximal to the distal end. The working channel has a segment adjacent to the distal end that is narrowed so as to cause the fluid to exit the working channel into the target region in a diverging cone. |
US09138133B2 |
Instrument for fine-mechanical or surgical applications
The invention relates to an instrument for high-precision or surgical applications of a minimally invasive nature, comprising a distally positioned directable head, a shaft upon which the head is positioned, and a proximally positioned handgrip for operating the head, wherein a ring of cables comprising longitudinally extending cables connects to the head, wherein each cable of the ring of cables is disposed such that at least a part of both sides is in direct contact with another cable of the ring of cables, and wherein the cables are fixedly secured in the radial direction. |
US09138132B2 |
Steerable endoscope and improved method of insertion
A steerable endoscope has an elongated body with a selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled proximal portion. The endoscope body is inserted into a patient and the selectively steerable distal portion is used to select a desired path within the patient's body. When the endoscope body is advanced, an electronic motion controller operates the automatically controlled proximal portion to assume the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. Another desired path is selected with the selectively steerable distal portion and the endoscope body is advanced again. As the endoscope body is further advanced, the selected curves propagate proximally along the endoscope body, and when the endoscope body is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves propagate distally along the endoscope body. This creates a serpentine motion in the endoscope body that allows it to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through, around, and between organs within the body. |
US09138129B2 |
Method and system for moving a plurality of articulated instruments in tandem back towards an entry guide
A medical robotic system includes articulated instruments extending out of a distal end of an entry guide. Prior to pivoting the entry guide to re-orient it and the instruments, the instruments are moved in tandem back towards the entry guide. Haptic cues and velocity limits are provided to assist the operator in the retraction of the instruments. After retraction, the entry guide may then be pivoted without concern that the instruments will harm patient anatomy. The movement of the instruments in tandem back towards the entry guide may also occur through coupled control modes while the entry guide is held in a fixed position and orientation. |
US09138127B2 |
Illuminatory power band for a shoe cleaning device
A shoe cleaning device 10 comprises a rotatable cleaning disc 12, a housing 14 for mounting the cleaning disc 12 on, a motor 16 for driving the disc 12 rotatably, and an illuminatory power band 210, the power band 210 itself comprising at least one light-emitting element 212, and at least one outer screen 214 for the at least one light-emitting element 212, the illuminatory power band 210 spanning a circumference of the device 10 at least one of totally, substantially, in pattern, the illuminatory power band 210 thus being visible from all angles for a user. In a preferred embodiment, the power band 210 is located about a base of the housing 14, and may have multiple light-emitting elements 212 and screens 214. The power band 210 may work in conjunction with a pressure-activated function of the shoe cleaning device 10. In a second embodiment which does not span a circumference of the device 10, the power band 210 is at least 16 mm in dimension, and more preferably at least 25 mm. |
US09138126B2 |
Height adjustable conduit for a dishwashing appliance
A conduit for a dishwashing appliance that is height adjustable and can accommodate different vertical positions of a rack assembly. One end of the conduit moves up and down with the rack assembly while maintaining a connection with e.g., a spray arm assembly suspended from the bottom of the rack assembly. The other end of the conduit remains in a relatively fixed vertical position during height adjustments so as to enable connection and reconnection at the fixed position of a main fluid supply conduit. |
US09138123B2 |
Dishwasher
A dishwasher comprising liquid lines that guide washing liquor towards spray devices arranged inside a washing receptacle. In an exemplary embodiment, the dishwasher includes a switch-over element, upon actuation of which, the washing liquor may be guided to a first liquid line leading to a first spray device, and/or to a second liquid line leading to a second spray device. The dishwasher may include at least one supplementary filter associated with the switch-over element. |
US09138119B1 |
Air duct for an extractor cleaning machine
An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a suction nozzle and a body coupled to the base. The extractor cleaning machine also includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine further includes a recovery tank configured to store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle, and a tank tray coupled to at least one of the base and the body. The tank tray including a top surface and a bottom surface. The recovery tank is coupled to the tank tray adjacent the top surface. The extractor cleaning machine also includes an air duct coupled to the tank tray adjacent the bottom surface to define a passageway that fluidly couples the recovery tank and the suction nozzle. |
US09138118B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, a vacuum cleaner having a dust container that holds dust, and a dust separator that separates the dust are provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a main body having a suction flow passage and a fan mounting portion configured to receive a fan drive mounted thereto, a dust separator having a bottom in communication with the suction flow passage and the fan mounting portion, and a dust container having an upper side with a dust discharge portion in communication with the dust separator. The dust discharge portion may include a dust discharge flow passage formed to discharge the dust in a tangential direction of the dust separator. |
US09138117B2 |
Cleaning apparatus
A cleaning apparatus including a brush to sweep up dust on the floor via rotation thereof, and an elevating device to vertically adjust a height of the brush. The elevating device includes an elevating motor to generate rotation force, a cam configured to be rotated by the elevating motor and serving to vertically move the brush, and a rotation switch configured to rotate in a given direction along with the cam and serving to sense a position of the brush. The cleaning apparatus is structurally simplified as a resulting of using an Alternating Current (AC) motor as the elevating motor. |
US09138116B2 |
Movement operation system for autonomous moving cleaning apparatus
A movement operation system for autonomous moving cleaning apparatus comprises a virtual wall apparatus and an autonomous moving cleaning apparatus. The virtual wall apparatus includes an infrared ray emitter. The autonomous moving cleaning apparatus includes an infrared ray receiver and a microcontroller unit. The infrared ray emitter emits at least one encrypted infrared signal within an emission zone. When the autonomous moving cleaning apparatus enters the emission zone and the infrared ray receiver receives the encrypted infrared signal, the microcontroller unit controls the autonomous moving cleaning apparatus to move away from the virtual wall apparatus. The encrypted infrared signal can be encrypted in different codes or operating frequencies to prevent the autonomous moving cleaning apparatus from being interfered by external lights or other infrared rays so that it can operate steadily. |
US09138112B2 |
Toilet cover having internal cleaning mechanism
A toilet seat assembly has a user operated cleaning feature in the form of a mechanism that includes a plurality of discharge ports formed within a toilet seat cover and being open along the bottom surface of the toilet seat cover. The mechanism also includes a manually operated actuator that is accessible along one surface of the toilet seat cover and a reservoir for containing a sanitizing agent. The actuator is operably coupled to the reservoir and operable to drive the sanitizing agent from the reservoir and out of the discharge ports so as to allow sanitizing agent to be delivered to the top surface of the toilet seat when the actuator is operated with the seat cover in the closed position. |
US09138107B2 |
Spice rack
A spice rack comprising a housing and receptacles for holding spices. The receptacle holders are provided within the housing for receiving one of the receptacles. A selector is provided so that when selecting one of the receptacle holders from the selector, the selector moves a moveable access opening to be adjacent to the selected receptacle holder so that the receptacle in the selected receptacle holder can be removed from the housing. |
US09138105B2 |
Support to be riveted for a handle
What is described is a support to be fixed to flying pans and the like, comprising a thin curved element (3) configured so as to irremovably embrace a connecting protuberance (13) of a handle (14). On the outer surface (50) of said element (3) two pairs of lateral incisions (10) are provided which define lateral portions (11) of the curved element (3) to be force fit into lateral grooves (12) of the connecting protuberance (13). |
US09138102B2 |
Release system for kitchen utensil
The present invention relates to release system for a kitchen utensil (1) comprising a coupling system (2) for connecting an accessory (3) to a power unit (4) of the kitchen utensil (1). A release mechanism on the coupling system (2) for connecting the accessory (3) comprise one or more locking member(s) (6) and one or more release lever(s). These parts (6) are adapted to move between a locked position and a release position where they slidably connect(s) with one another. Hereby the accessory (3) can be separated from the power unit (4) by only pushing a single release button (5) on the kitchen utensils' (1) power unit (4). |
US09138101B2 |
Cooking pan apparatus and system with integral cooking liquid drain, and method of use
A cooking pan apparatus, system, and method of use, comprising: a drain opening in a side wall of the pan; and a pan handle attached to the side wall, comprising a hollow drain channel enclosing the drain opening and running from proximate the drain opening to a drain exit proximate a distal end of the pan handle. |
US09138099B2 |
Modular fire pit table
In one embodiment, a fire pit table apparatus includes a base having a ground contacting portion. The apparatus also includes a table assembly coupled to the base. The table assembly includes a table top for placement of one or more objects. The table top has an opening formed therein. The apparatus also includes a fire bowl assembly that is disposed within the opening of the table top such that the table top surrounds at least a portion of the fire bowl assembly and provides access to the fire bowl assembly. The fire bowl assembly includes a fire bowl and a hot top member that is disposed around the fire bowl. The hot top member includes a planar surface on which one or more objects can be placed, wherein the fire bowl and the hot top member are rotatably coupled to the table assembly to permit rotation of the fire bowl assembly relative to the table assembly. |
US09138096B2 |
Beverage machine in a network
A method for preventing shortage at a customer location (5,5′) of consumable ingredient capsules for use in a machine (10,10′) for preparing a beverage by receiving a capsule in a capsule extraction unit, circulating a carrier liquid, such as water in particular heated water, through said capsule in the extraction unit and by dispensing a resulting beverage, the beverage preparation machine at the customer location being distant from a capsule supplier (40) and in data-exchange connection (20) with a server (50) of the capsule supplier to form a network (1), such method comprising: —supplying from the capsule supplier a stock of consumable ingredient capsules to the customer location; —automatically monitoring via the network consumption of the consumable ingredient capsules in the beverage preparation machine; and —whenever the automatic monitoring detects a reaching of a shortage of consumable ingredient capsules at the customer location, generating automatically by the supplier server an instruction: a) to invite the customer to make an order for a shipment of a new stock of capsules, or b) to prepare a shipment of a new stock of capsules for supply to said customer. |
US09138095B2 |
Beverage dispenser with safe cleaning arrangement
A beverage preparation machine (1) has: a housing (5); a duct (10) with an outlet (15); a conduit (20) upstream the duct and connected thereto; and a waste liquid collector (30) arranged to collect waste liquid from the outlet. The duct has: an operative position for circulating beverage through the conduit and dispensing said beverage from the outlet outside the housing above a user-receptacle filling area (35); and a cleaning position for circulating cleaning fluid through the conduit and evacuating said cleaning fluid from the outlet inside the housing to the waste liquid collector. The duct is pivotally assembled about a pivoting axis (11) to the conduit for pivoting the outlet between the operative position and the cleaning position. |
US09138094B2 |
Magnetic curtain adapted for attachment to a magnetic and/or a non-magnetic material or surface
The present invention describes a window covering which is useful for securing to objects having windows without using permanent attachment devices. The window covering preferably contains a plurality of magnets arranged along the upper end and along the lower end. The magnets are arranged so that they are coupleable or securable to a metal part of a window itself or a metal surface which houses the window as well as one or more additional magnets positioned within the window covering. The window covering further comprises one or more non-magnetic surface adapters constructed and arranged to secure to at least one magnet along a first surface and to a second, non-magnetic surface along a second surface. The window covering provides at least one contact point for securing to at least one non-magnetic surface. |
US09138093B1 |
Roller curtain fixing bracket for both inner and outer windows
A roller curtain fixing bracket for both inner and outer windows, which is composed of two identical components for more conveniently installing the entire roller curtain assembly on the wall faces of the inner and outer windows. The roller curtain fixing bracket includes a base seat, two connection boards integrally extending from two ends of the base seat in reverse directions, and two support boards connected with the connection boards to form a main structure of the fixing bracket. After the main structures of the fixing brackets are locked on the left and right corners of the window, one single roller curtain assembly or double roller curtain assemblies can be installed on the support boards to provide sunlight shading effect. |
US09138092B2 |
Footwear hanger
A footwear hanger including a central stem having support arms for supporting footwear where the arms are attached to the stem and the hanger has a suspension means for attaching the hanger to a display. The stem has a V-shaped or Y-shaped cross-section along at least part of its length which allows the footwear hanger to be easily stacked one on top of the other when stored without footwear being attached. |
US09138091B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for managing liquid volume in a container
An apparatus and method for managing a liquid volume in a container includes a detector for detecting liquid volume changes in the container during a first preset period, a first determiner for determining whether the changes are lower than the first preset threshold value, and a presenter for presenting the first prompt information in case the changes are lower than the preset threshold value. |
US09138090B2 |
Electronic article dispenser
An automatic sensing article/toothpick dispenser with sanitizing capability. The dispenser is configured to store a plurality of toothpicks in a hygienic storage compartment specifically designed to prevent contaminants from entering the storage compartment. The dispenser is further configured to automatically dispense the toothpicks individually in an unwrapped, ready-to-use configuration, wherein the dispenser is configured and adapted to mitigate contact between the user and the dispenser so as to reduce the likelihood that contaminants may be transferred from the user to the dispenser. |
US09138088B2 |
Leak resistant drinking cup
A leak resistant drinking cup has a container for holding liquid and a lid assembly selectively attachable to the container. A diaphragm of the cup includes a liquid discharge member and a sealing member adapted for movement between a sealed position in which the sealing member blocks the flow of liquid from the container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member. The liquid discharge member and sealing member are formed as one-piece. |
US09138086B1 |
Light blocking eye cover attachable to a pillow
An assembly is configured to include a pillow portion and an elongate eye covering portion. The pillow portion includes an enclosure which can contain a pillow therein. The elongate eye covering portion is preferably configured as a sleeve divided into multiple adjacent cells filled with beads or other media. The cells on the sleeve are spaced apart by a distance similar to a spacing between eyes of an adult. Adjacent cells can thus cover eyes and optionally also ears of the user. Seams divide the cells from each other and define a contour of the cells. This contour preferably includes notches between adjacent cells to provide relief for a nose of the user between adjacent cells. |
US09138082B2 |
Pin hanging system for track frames
A system for hanging a framed object using a pin hanger including a neck section having a top surface and two outer lateral edges. An intermediate shoulder section having two outer lateral edges extends outward beyond that of the outer lateral edges of the neck section forming substantially planar ledges. An inward tapered section starts from the outer lateral edges of the intermediate shoulder section and terminates in a substantially planar bottom surface that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the neck section. A pin projects from the top surface of the neck section at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the top surface of the neck section. The pin hanger is releasably secured at any desired location within the track frame section via a set screw received within a hole. |
US09138078B2 |
Retail merchandise hanger with mounting clip
A retail merchandise hanger with mounting clip is provided. The retail merchandise hanger is mounted to a retail structure. Retail merchandise is hung from the retail merchandise hanger. Various improvements are disclosed including a continuously curved mounting clip that may be efficiently manufactured at a low cost, a structurally rigid base plate that is thicker than an elastically and resiliently positionable mounting clip, and a retaining tab that prevents unintentional dislodgement of the retail merchandise hanger from the retail structure. |
US09138067B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for comfort/support analysis of a sleep support member
A method of testing a sleep support member, the method including: identifying the sleep support member; determining a tested comfort/support value for the identified sleep support member before the identified sleep support member is provided to a customer; and determining whether the tested comfort/support value is within a predetermined tolerance level of a goal comfort/support value for the identified sleep support member. An apparatus for testing a sleep support member, the apparatus including: an identification unit configured to identify the sleep support member; a comfort/support testing unit configured to determine a tested comfort/support value for the identified sleep support member before the identified sleep support member is provided to a customer; and an analysis unit configured to determine whether the tested comfort/support value is within a predetermined tolerance level of a goal comfort/support value for the identified sleep support member. |
US09138065B2 |
Bed with mattress assembly having one or more internal plates
A bed is provided that includes a foundation configured to be positioned on an underlying floor and a mattress assembly supported on and secured to the foundation. The mattress assembly includes a base layer and a body supporting portion. One or more internal plates are interposed between the base layer and the body supporting portion of the mattress assembly and are maintained at a fixed height relative to the underlying floor. The foundation and the mattress assembly are moveable between at least a first predetermined height and a second predetermined height relative to the underlying floor. As a result of the movement of the foundation and the mattress assembly between the first predetermined height and the second predetermined height, the one or more internal plates apply pressure to and compress the body supporting portion of the mattress assembly, thus increasing the firmness of the body supporting portion. |
US09138061B1 |
Seating
Among other things, a seat includes a back-supporting surface; and a seating surface movable along a path toward and away from the back-supporting surface. At least part of the back-supporting surface is movable to enable a lower portion of the back-supporting surface to move substantially along the path. |
US09138060B2 |
Cushion covers, cushions, and methods of using the same
Cushion covers, cushions, and methods of using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a cushion may include a cushion insert having a bottom face including a plurality of through openings. The cushion may further include a cushion cover having a top portion, a bottom portion, one or more side portions, and an interior space at least partially defined there between. The cushion insert may be selectively received and housed in the interior space. The cushion cover may also include a bottom opening positioned in the bottom portion. The bottom opening may expose one or more of the through openings to an area external to the cushion cover. The bottom opening and the through openings may collectively be configured to promote drying and/or draining of the cushion insert by allowing passage of air and/or water between the cushion insert and the area external to the cushion cover. |
US09138055B2 |
Configurable tray table
Apparatus and methods provide for a configurable tray table and method of configuring a tray table. According to aspects of the disclosure, a tray table includes a support assembly and a tray assembly. The support assembly is configured to connect to a structure. The tray assembly is coupled to the support assembly and is configurable between coplanar and multi-planar tray configurations. The tray assembly includes a number of tray table segments pivotally coupled to one another. |
US09138051B2 |
Desk structure with adjustable angle
A desk structure with adjustable angles is provided, characterized in that: an angle-adjustment unit is coupled to a bottom of a desk which is space-demanding and falls into the category of OA office furniture such that folding the desk entails: performing positional release with the angle-adjustment unit disposed below a desk board, rotating the desk board by a predetermined inclination angle, and imposing a positional restriction on the angle-adjustment unit upon completion of the angular positioning of a rotation state. Accordingly, the desks can be folded up each by a predetermined adjustable inclination angle and stacked up in a non-space-demanding direction. |
US09138045B2 |
Internally fed applicator
An internally fed applicator for applying a fluid is provided having a closure piece for a preferable locking fixing of the applicator of a dispensing apparatus and having an internally hollow lip section connected to the closure piece in a fluid conducting manner, which lip section has, at least one of its borders which bound its free outlet, a bristle stock made of bristles injection molded at the lip section each having a diameter of ≦0.8 mm to which bristle stock the supplied fluid is delivered via the lip section. |
US09138044B2 |
Cosmetic brush systems with coupled caps
A cosmetic brush system for applying a product to a surface is disclosed. The cosmetic brush system may include a displaceable cap coupled to a handle and a group of bristles fixed to one end of the handle. The displaceable cap may be slideably or peelably coupled to the handle. The handle may include ballast to position a centroid of the cosmetic brush closer to the end of the handle. In embodiments where the displaceable cap is a slideable cap, an end cap may be fixed to the end of the handle and the slideable cap and the end cap may form a uniform elongated cylindrical shape having the same outer diameter. The displaceable cap may also include a ventilation system. By virtue of having a displaceable cap permanently coupled to the handle of the cosmetic brush system, the user cannot misplace the cap and the system is portable and convenient. |
US09138043B1 |
Universal container holder and means for application
A container holder for applying material from a container to hard to reach areas of a user's body is disclosed. The container holder includes an elongated handle with a hand grip and a pivoting assembly with a thumbscrew adjustable clamping mechanism for holding the container. A user secures a container within the adjustable clamping mechanism using the thumbscrew, positions the container at a desired angle, locks the pivoting assembly relative to the handle, and applies material from the container to areas which are difficult to reach. |
US09138042B2 |
Articulable shoulder strap
A combination mobile shoulder strap and stationary shoulder cushion for carrying a receptacle, via appropriate releasable connectors, without movement of the stationary shoulder cushion and without the consequences caused at least by such movement to a wearer. The combination includes a stationary shoulder cushion, a pair of mobile strap elements, and apparatus that laterally pivotally attaches the pair of mobile strap elements to the stationary shoulder cushion so as to allow the pair of mobile strap elements to carry the receptacle, via the appropriate releasable connectors, and move relative to the stationary shoulder cushion, while the stationary shoulder cushion does not move so as to eliminate the consequences to a wearer caused at least by such movement of the pair of mobile strap elements. The apparatus is underlaid by the stationary shoulder cushion so as to eliminate the consequences caused by the apparatus undesirably engaging the wearer. |
US09138032B1 |
Mold-in touch fastener systems with wave-shaped wall
A touch fastener strip includes a pair of longitudinal barrier walls each extending upward from a base, a plurality of lateral barrier walls each extending upward from the base and between facing surfaces of the barrier walls, thereby defining one or more fastening cells, and a pair of wave walls each extending upward from the base and outboard the barrier walls thereby defining a relief space. Each wave wall has a wave shape having rising and falling edges, at least one of the edges having a slope in the range of 3° to 65°. In some cases, the wave shape has a duty cycle of 40% to 60%, and may include a sine wave, a triangle wave, a ramp wave, and/or a bi-modal wave having two different peak points in a given cycle of the shape. In one example application, the strip may be anchored in a foam cushion product. |
US09138030B2 |
Reel based lacing system
A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state. |
US09138021B2 |
Scarf
A scarf for wearing around the neck, provides a hidden pocket that is readily accessible to the wearer and that can hold a detachable purse. The scarf is formed of a piece of soft and heavy fabric sewn into the form of a tube with a tube centerline that extends 360° around the wearer's neck. The front of the tube drapes in a plurality of folds on the chest of the wearer to conceal a slit in the tube that can be zipped open and through which the wearer has access to the inside of the tube. To encourage the scarf to lie in multiple folds on the chest, the tube has a taller front end than rear end. |
US09138019B2 |
Protective garment with elastic thermal barrier portions
A protective garment including an outer shell and a thermal barrier positioned inside the outer shell such that the thermal barrier is configured to be positioned between the outer shell and a wearer when the garment is worn. The thermal barrier includes at least two areas of elastic material, each elastic area having directional stretch qualities such that each elastic area has greater elasticity in an associated particular direction than in other directions, and wherein said particular directions for said at least two elastic areas are not parallel. |
US09138009B1 |
Shellfish opener
A shellfish opener in the form of a hand-held vise and blade, wherein the shellfish is positioned between an upper blade and a lower anvil jaw, the blade responsive to ratchet operation as a result of the squeezing of two handles, the blade severing the muscle and splitting the shellfish in half along its seam, to allow access to the meat of the shellfish. |
US09138005B2 |
Membrane concentrator
Apparatus for concentrating a nebulant comprising a nebulant flow conduit and a counter-flow conduit, or preferably, a plurality of alternating nebulant flow conduits and corresponding counter-flow conduits eg in layered or coaxial arrangement. and wherein at least a portion of the nebulant flow conduit and said counter-flow conduits define respective opposed sides of a gas permeable membrane. In use a nebulizer is in communication with the nebulant flow conduit and the nebulant flow and counter-flow are in the same or opposite directions and act to concentrate the amount of active in a droplet eg from 35 wt % to 60 wt % hydrogen peroxide in water to disinfect and/or sterilize an article. |
US09138003B2 |
Phosphonates and derivatives thereof as enhancers of the activity of insecticides
An insecticidal composition having as an adjuvant a phosphonate or an alkoxylated derivative or dimer thereof. Preferred phosphonates are bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-2ethylhexylphosphonate, bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-octylphosphonate and bis-(butyl)butylphosphonate. |
US09138000B2 |
Antimicrobial polymer systems using multifunctional organometallic additives for wax hosts
Described are antimicrobial polymer products made from mixtures of antimicrobial organometallic additives dispersed throughout a polymer host matrix. |
US09137995B2 |
Combination product for controlling parasites on animals
The invention relates to novel compositions for controlling parasites on animals, comprising an N-arylpyrazole and also a pyrethroid in a formulation comprising aliphatic cyclic carbonates and aliphatic cyclic or acyclic polyethers. |
US09137994B2 |
Synergistic weed control from applications of aminocyclopyrachlor and triclopyr
Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistically herbicidal effective amount of (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) triclopyr, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) triclopyr, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect. |
US09137990B2 |
Methods of monitoring and controlling the walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis
Disclosed are methods which include exposing a beetle of the species Pityophthorus juglandis and/or treating surfaces susceptible to infestation by the species or to infection by Geosmithia morbida with compositions including one or more semiochemicals capable of being produced by Pityophthorus juglandis. The semiochemicals can be 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, conophthorin or chalcogran. Also disclosed are compositions and systems used in the methods. |
US09137989B2 |
Pesticidal control device with high load of active ingredient
The present invention relates to a pesticidal control device that includes at least one pesticidal active ingredient, cellulose fibers, and a polymer or polymer matrix. The combination of the cellulose fibers with the polymer allows for a higher loading of liquid pesticidal active ingredients within the pesticidal control device, maintains the active ingredient within the control device during transportation, storage and handling, and provides higher efficacy or control of pests during treatment. The pesticidal control device may be an ear tag, collar, or bee strip. |
US09137981B1 |
Fishing rod caddy
A fishing rod cavity. A top is joined to a bottom by a plurality of columns. An upper end of each column is frictionally disposed within a top cavity; a lower end of each column is frictionally disposed within a bottom cavity. A column cavity sized to admit a fishing rod handle is disposed at an upper end of each column, to hold the fishing rod for rinsing after salt water use. Drains through the bottom allow rinse water to escape out of a cavity in the fishing rod caddy, and also reduce the fishing rod caddy's weight. Alternate embodiments provide slots sized to admit, store, and transport tackle box trays, and a cavity sized to admit a standard bucket. The fishing rod caddy is made of nylon, plastic, or synthetic material to reduce water absorption and help prevent mold growth on the fishing rod caddy. |
US09137975B2 |
Host cells with artificial endosymbionts
The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell through at least five cell divisions, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention also provides methods of using such eukaryotic cells. The invention further provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetotactic bacteria. |
US09137972B2 |
Pet care device
A novel pet care device for walking a dog is provided. The device integrates many pet care items that are necessary while walking a dog into a unitary device that is simple to operate and provides a new convenience to the dog owner. In certain embodiments, the device includes an integrated retractable leash, a flashlight, fluid spraying to dispose of pet waste, a source of fresh drinking water, and a water bowl from which a dog may drink the water. |
US09137970B2 |
Tracking system and method
A tracking apparatus (1) comprising: a first mobile transceiver unit (2), and a second mobile transceiver unit (3), the first mobile transceiver unit being in wireless communication with the second mobile transceiver unit for the transfer of data therebetween, the first mobile transceiver unit being arranged for location within an environment and being operable to determine data regarding the environment and to emit some or all of the determined data which is received by the second mobile transceiver unit for storage thereon when it is determined by the first mobile transceiver unit that the second mobile transceiver unit is located within a distance of the first mobile transceiver unit. |
US09137966B2 |
Lettuce variety 41-112 rz
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-112 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to downy mildew races Bl:1 to Bl:28, CA-I, CA-IIA, CA-IIB, CA-III, CA-IV, CA-V, CA-VI, CA-VII, CA-VIII (Bremia lactucae Regel), currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, root aphids (Pemphigus bursarius), corky root rot (Sphingomonas suberifaciens), and Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lactucae) race Fol:1. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-112 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-112 RZ. |
US09137965B2 |
Lettuce variety 79-82 RZ
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-82 RZ, which exhibits resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) strains BL:1- (Bremia lactucae), currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) and lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) as well as blond, thin, deeply-incised, nicely-frilled leaves. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-82 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-82 RZ. |
US09137964B1 |
Wheat variety W020016C1
A wheat variety designated W020016C1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W020016C1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W020016C1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W020016C1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W020016C1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W020016C1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods. |
US09137961B1 |
Hybrid corn variety 1104361
The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 1104361. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 1104361, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 1104361 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 1104361. |
US09137959B2 |
Insect resistant plant
The present invention relates to novel pepper plants resistant to insects, and to seeds and fruits of said plants. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using such plants and their fruits. The invention further relates to markers and the use thereof in marker assisted breeding and for identifying the insect resistance trait. In particular, the present invention provides a cultivated Capsicum annuum plant which is resistant, particularly intermediately resistant, to infestations by insects of the family Thripidae and/or the genus Bemisia, but especially to infestations by Bemisia tabaci and Frankliniella occidentalis. |
US09137958B2 |
Tobacco having altered amounts of environmental contaminants
Disclosed herein are genetically modified tobacco plants, and tobacco products derived from such plants, comprising an altered uptake and/or altered levels of at least one environmental contaminant or other non-natural chemical as compared to an unmodified parent tobacco plant from which the modified plant is derived. The alteration in uptake and/or levels may be a reduction, or alternatively an increase, in the uptake and/or levels of the environmental contaminant or other non-natural chemical. These methods and plants are useful for improving tobacco products or in generating tobacco lines that may have environmentally useful properties. |
US09137956B1 |
Sub-surface irrigation system and method
An irrigation system and method is provided that includes a set of longitudinal perforated tubing members, with each tubing member having a tubing proximal end attached or attachable to a proximal lateral fluid conduit and having a tubing distal end attached attachable to a distal lateral fluid conduit to form an irrigation array. Two types of cross members are provided, a spacer cross member and a tubing cross member. The cross members hold each of the perforated tubing members in a grid-like pattern forming a tubing/spacer array or a tubing/tubing array. The longitudinal perforated tubing may be cut to accommodate the shape of a landscape format. Methods are provided for joining or ending the cut portions. The irrigation array is created, attached to a water supply, and buried below the surface of the ground. |
US09137955B1 |
Grinding device
A grinding system including a pilot bit and a base having teeth extending from the base. The pilot may have a tapered cross-section, threads to control the rate at which it engages an object and a flute to facilitate the removal of material of an object. A method of using the device may include allowing the bit and the base to work together in a manner that the portions of the system engage an object at a similar rate. |
US09137952B1 |
Method and system of growing soilless sod
A growing tray system for growing soilless plants and sod utilizing trays for growing plants and sod without soil wherein the trays are easily stackable, movable, and are contoured with shapes such that roots may grow downward around the contoured shapes promoting interwoven geometric root structures. |
US09137949B2 |
Chopper assembly for harvesting equipment
A chopper assembly for harvesting equipment including a knife bank movable between a first position where knife elements of the knife bank are fully inserted into a passageway for crop residue and a second position where knife elements of the knife bank are fully retracted from the passageway. A body has a slot or profile, the body secured to the knife bank and at least one knife element, the body and the knife element configured to move relative to the knife bank. A resilient device operably connects the slot or profile and the knife bank, the resilient device preventing movement of the knife element away from the first position and toward the second position until the knife element is subjected to a predetermined force. Upon removal of the predetermined force, the resilient device urges the knife element to move toward the first position. |
US09137946B2 |
Combine harvester with automatic hydraulic and electric header coupling
The feeder of a combine has at least one rotatable cam and hook, rotatable about a common axis. The cam is arranged to gradually reduce the distance between the feeder and the header by rotating the cam away from the header and the hook is arranged to grip a bar located on the header as the cam is being rotated away from the header, thereby securing the header to the feeder. A coupling mechanism automatically establishes a hydraulic and/or electric coupling between the feeder and the header, through the reduction of the distance between feeder and header. |
US09137944B2 |
Windrow door for an agricultural combine
A windrow door for controlling a direction of flow of crop residue expelled from a combine is disclosed. The windrow door may generally include a door panel extending lengthwise between a first end and a second end. The door panel may be configured to be move relative to a spreader of the combine between a closed position, wherein the crop residue being expelled from the combine is directed along the door panel and into the spreader, and a chute position, wherein the crop residue is directed through a rear opening of the combine and onto the door panel. |
US09137942B2 |
Low torque and vacuum seed meter
A seed meter is provided for use with a row crop planter or seed planter that includes a seed disk assembly that rotates within a meter housing cavity and that has a seed disk assembly cavity in which a vacuum pressure is applied for pulling seeds into seed pockets of a seed disk of the seed disc assembly. The vacuum pressure is applied to the seed disk assembly by pulling a vacuum airflow through a spindle that supports the seed disk assembly. A wiper basket is arranged in a fixed position within the seed disk assembly cavity and seals against the seed disk assembly as a support plate and seed disk of the seed disk assembly rotate over the wiper basket, so that side walls of the wiper basket create a boundary between a vacuum zone and a non-vacuum zone inside of the seed disc assembly cavity. |
US09137941B2 |
Row unit for a planter, planter and method for planting
A precision seeder for sowing seeds to obtain a predetermined number of plants per unit of length includes a seed discharging tube adapted to feed the seed by an excess air pressure from a seed distributing device to a seed outlet, a seed furrow opener including two sowing discs arranged at an angle relative to each other, and a resilient press surface for pressing the seed into the soil. The press surface is configured such that a direction of flow of the seeds at the seed outlet intersects or is substantially tangent to at least a portion of the press surface. The seed outlet is located between the sowing discs and, as seen in the transverse direction, inside or immediately adjacent to the periphery of at least one of the sowing discs. |
US09137937B2 |
Modified surface topography for an agricultural tool
A modified surface topography for agricultural tools includes dimples are arranged in a parallelogram (hexagonal) pattern, the morphological unit of which is an equilateral triangle. This surface pattern can be applied to various tools which are impeded by the traction of the soil. |
US09144186B2 |
Method of mounting electronic parts on surface mounting substrate using a film resist standoff
A method of mounting electronic parts on a surface mounting substrate includes a step of forming a film resist layer by applying a resist with a film coating device to amounting surface of a surface mounting substrate formed with a wiring pattern including a pair of lands to mount an electronic part; precuring the formed film resist layer; exposing, by using a mask, inner side regions of the film resist layer, the inner side regions defining the exposure regions and another region defining non-exposure region; etching away the film resist layer in the non-exposure regions and forming film resist layers in the inner side regions; post curing the film resist layers; printing solder pastes in regions on the lands excluding the inner side regions; and placing the electronic part on the solder pastes and reflow-soldering thereon. |
US09144183B2 |
EMI compartment shielding structure and fabricating method thereof
A package-integrated EMI compartment shielding structure includes an encapsulating member disposed on a mounting surface of a substrate. The substrate has a ground pad exposedly arranged thereon. The encapsulating member, who defines a peripheral surface, covers the ground pad and encapsulates at least one electronic element. A compartment structure is disposed in the encapsulating member, electrically connecting the ground pad and substantially dividing the encapsulating member into at least two package compartments. The terminal portions of the compartment structure are arranged within the encapsulating member proximal to yet without compromising the peripheral surface. A notch is disposed into the encapsulating member from the peripheral surface corresponding to the location of the terminal portions of the compartment structure to expose the lateral surface thereof across the thickness of the encapsulating member. A conformal shield is disposed on the encapsulating member, electrically connecting the compartment structure through the notch. |
US09144180B2 |
Thermoelectric heat pump with a surround and spacer (SAS) structure
A heat pump includes a SAS structure with a wall defining a first open side and a second open side. The heat pump also includes an interconnect board, enclosed within the SAS structure including openings. Thermoelectric modules are mounted on the interconnect board at the locations defined by the openings. The heat pump additionally includes a hot-side heat spreader that is in thermal contact with the first side of each thermoelectric module and a cold-side heat spreader that is in thermal contact with the second side of each thermoelectric module. The periphery of the hot-side heat spreader mechanically contacts the wall of the SAS structure at the first open side, and the periphery of the cold-side heat spreader mechanically contacts the wall of the SAS structure at the second open side such that any compression force applied to the heat pump is absorbed by the SAS structure. |
US09144170B2 |
Retaining clip for pluggable electronics components
A local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography system includes a mainboard, at least one plug-in module that is connectable to the mainboard, and a clip engaging with the plug-in module and the mainboard. The clip is arranged at least partially at a side of the mainboard. |
US09144163B2 |
External storage device enclosure
An external storage device enclosure includes a box-body portion and a cover-body portion. The box-body portion supports a storage device, and has a connection port. The cover-body portion includes a cover-board and a top-board. A first-side of the top-board connects the cover-board. The top-board is pivotally connected to the box-body portion through a rotation axis located a second-side of the top-board. When the cover-body portion rotates around the rotation axis and covers the storage device, a driving element of the cover-board contacts a first-side of the storage device to electrically connect a connection slot of the storage device and the connection port. When the cover-body portion rotates around the rotation axis and exposes the storage device, a releasing element located at the first-side of the top-board contacts a second-side of the storage device to electrically separate the connection slot of the storage device from the connection port. |
US09144159B2 |
Electronic device, method for manufacturing thereof, and electronic apparatus
An electronic device includes: a first member having a first surface; a second member placed on the side of the first surface; a functional element accommodated in a cavity formed by the first member and the second member; an external connection terminal disposed outside of the cavity on the side of the first surface of the first member; a groove portion disposed on the side of the first surface of the first member and extending from the inside to the outside of the cavity; a wiring disposed within the groove portion and electrically connecting the functional element with the external connection terminal; a first through-hole disposed at a position of the second member, the position overlapping the groove portion in plan view; and a filling member disposed within the first through-hole and filling the groove portion. |
US09144157B2 |
Manufacturing method of printed wiring board and printed wiring board
Object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a printed wiring board which enables fine wiring formation at low costs and with high yields without introducing any special equipment, and a printed wiring board manufactured by the method. To achieve the object, a method for forming the wiring pattern adopted includes steps; for forming a laminate having a structure in which a copper foil layer formed using copper foil without roughening treatment having surface roughness (Rzjis) at a bonding surface of 2 μm or less and thickness of 5 μm or less is laminated to a conductive layer via an insulating layer; for providing a blind-hole composed of a hole perforating the copper foil layer and the insulating layer; and a bottom composed of the conductive layer in the laminate; for filling-up the blind-hole by a electro-plated copper in the time for depositing an electro-plated copper layer on a surface of the electroless-plated copper layer to make the total thickness of a copper layer provided on the insulating layer 15 μm or less, for providing of an etching resist layer having thickness of 15 μm or less and for etching of the copper layer. |
US09144155B2 |
Sensor comprising a multi-layered ceramic substrate and method for its production
A sensor comprises a preferably multi-layer ceramic substrate (2) and at least one sensor element (1) arranged in, at, or on the ceramic substrate (2). The sensor element (1) can be contacted via a metallic contact (6), with the metallic contact (6) being produced via a soldering connection, which electrically connects the contact (6) with the sensor element (1) and here generates a fixed mechanic connection of the contact (6) in reference to the ceramic substrate (2). Furthermore, a method is claimed for producing the sensor according to the invention. |
US09144148B2 |
Devices for gas cooling plasma arc torches and related systems and methods
In some aspects, nozzles for a gas-cooled plasma torches can include a hollow generally cylindrical body having a first end and a second end that define a longitudinal axis, the second end of the body defining a nozzle exit orifice; a gas channel formed in the first end between an interior wall and an exterior wall of the cylindrical body, the gas channel directing a gas flow circumferentially about at least a portion of the body; an inlet passage formed substantially through a radial surface of the exterior wall and fluidly connected to the gas channel; and an outlet passage at least substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis and fluidly connected to the gas channel. |
US09144147B2 |
Semiconductor processing system and methods using capacitively coupled plasma
Substrate processing systems are described that have a capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) unit positioned inside a process chamber. The CCP unit may include a plasma excitation region formed between a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode may include a first plurality of openings to permit a first gas to enter the plasma excitation region, and the second electrode may include a second plurality of openings to permit an activated gas to exit the plasma excitation region. The system may further include a gas inlet for supplying the first gas to the first electrode of the CCP unit, and a pedestal that is operable to support a substrate. The pedestal is positioned below a gas reaction region into which the activated gas travels from the CCP unit. |
US09144145B2 |
C-arm X-ray device with a C-arm and associated method
A C-arm x-ray device includes a C-arm and an x-ray source and an x-ray detector arranged on the C-arm. At least one damping element with an oscillation-damping effect is arranged between the x-ray source and the C-arm. Transmission of oscillations of the x-ray source onto the C-arm may be reduced with the at least one damping element. The C-arm x-ray device also includes at least one holding element arranged on the C-arm. The oscillation-damping effect of the at least one damping element may be influenced. |
US09144143B2 |
Power and data solution for remote low-power devices
Systems and methods include a voltage transformer connected to a power source. The voltage transformer transforms a high voltage of the power source to a first low voltage signal. Regulators are connected to the voltage transformer, and the regulators receive the first low voltage signal from the voltage transformer and convert the first low voltage signal to a second low voltage signal. A remote device is connected to each of the regulators. The remote device is powered by the second low voltage signal from the regulator to which it is connected. |
US09144142B2 |
Reduced time delay for outputs of an occupancy sensor
One or more switches in an occupancy sensor are enabled. When a switch is enabled, a reduction timer measuring a reduction time delay is initiated when an occupancy condition is detected by an occupancy sensor. In addition, one or more outputs controlled by the reduction timer are activated so that a signal is sent to a control system to notify the control systems of the occupancy condition. When the reduction time delay expires, the outputs of the occupancy sensor that are controlled by the reduction timer are deactivated, and so the outputs cease sending the signal to the control system. As a result, the control systems initiate their own internal time delays sooner. |
US09144137B1 |
Diode emulator circuit
A controller for a buck regulator for a lighting system including light emitting diodes includes a voltage control loop configured to compare a voltage reference and a feedback voltage. The feedback voltage is based upon a DC supply voltage to the controller. A voltage regulator is configured to receive an output of the voltage control loop and to generate a current reference. A current control loop is configured to receive a feedback current and to compare the current reference to the feedback current. A current regulator is configured to receive an output of the current control loop. A pulse width modulation circuit is configured to receive an output of the current regulator and to generate drive signals for first and second switches of the buck regulator. |
US09144134B2 |
Method for coating polyimide on liquid crystal display panel
A method for coating polyimide on liquid crystal display panel includes: (1) providing nozzles and a glass substrate; (2) tightly and regularly juxtaposing the nozzles in a row so that the row has a length that corresponds to width of the glass substrate; (3) vertically positioning the entire row above the glass substrate so as to correspond to the glass substrate along the width of the glass substrate; (4) simultaneously activating the nozzles to allow each of the nozzles to simultaneously drip down polyimide solution according to predetermined flow rate, while moving the glass substrate so as to have the polyimide solution uniformly applied to the glass substrate form a polyimide film; and (5) using a doctor blade to shape the polyimide film that is uniformly coated on the glass substrate so as to provide a regular and flat surface of the polyimide film on the glass substrate. |
US09144133B2 |
Light-emitting diode and method of producing a light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode includes at least one light-emitting diode chip, a carrier for the at least one light-emitting diode chip, and at least one control device integrated into the carrier, wherein each of the light-emitting diode chips is electrically connected to one of the at least one control devices, each of the at least one control devices includes a data storage device in which brightness data for each light-emitting diode chip which is connected to the control device is stored, and the control device drives the connected light-emitting diode chip with a current which is selected according to stored brightness data for the light-emitting diode chip. |
US09144132B2 |
Brightness control of a status indicator light
An apparatus and method for controlling the brightness and luminance of a light, such as an LED. The embodiment may vary the brightness and luminance of the LED in a variety of ways to achieve a variety of effects. The exemplary embodiment may vary the rate at which the LED's luminance changes, such that an observer perceives the change in the LED's brightness to be smooth and linear as a function of time, regardless of the ambient light level. Changes to the LED's luminance may be time-constrained and/or constrained by a maximum or minimum rate of change. |
US09144130B2 |
Portable lighting system responsive to selective user actuations
Various techniques are provided to facilitate the indication of visual signals, such as SOS signals, strobe signals, and/or types of signals using a portable lighting system. The system may be implemented as a flashlight, a headlamp, or other type of lighting system. The system may be operated using a push-button switch, a rotatable potentiometer, or other appropriate types of user control interfaces. In one example, the system includes a light source adapted to emit light. The system also includes a user control interface adapted to receive user input and generate one or more control signals based on the user input. The system further includes a control circuit adapted to receive the one or more control signals from the user control interface, determine a function sequence based on a pattern provided by the one or more control signals, and cause the light source to operate in accordance with the function sequence. |
US09144129B2 |
Switchable luminance LED light bulb
A switchable luminance LED light bulb, including embodiments that may be used with any common commercial fitting. |
US09144126B2 |
LED driver having priority queue to track dominant LED channel
An electronic circuit for driving a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) channels coupled to a common voltage node includes a priority queue for tracking a dominant LED channel. A queue manager may be provided to keep the priority queue updated during LED drive operations based on operating conditions associated with the LED channels. |
US09144121B2 |
Reconfigurable LED arrays and lighting fixtures
An optimum regulation method is disclosed for reconfigurable LED arrays used for general illumination applications. This document describes a reconfigurable LED array formed by connecting in series LED lamps and LED pairs capable of being reconfigured in either series or parallel. The performance deficiencies of previous solutions are solved by changing the knee voltage of the array through the reconfiguration of LED pairs. The simplicity of the concept can make practical the implementation of driverless LED lighting fixtures. |
US09144119B2 |
Organic light emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting display apparatus includes a substrate, a display portion on the substrate, the display portion including a plurality of emission regions, each including an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and a plurality of non-emission regions protruding from between the plurality of emission regions, an encapsulation substrate facing the substrate, a sealing material bonding the substrate and the encapsulation substrate and sealing the display portion, and a filling material on a surface of the encapsulation substrate facing the display portion, the filling material being spaced apart from the OLED and being formed of a cured polyimide (PI). |
US09144110B2 |
Modem devices, application processors, communication devices, methods for controlling a modem device, methods for controlling an application processor, and methods for controlling a communication device
A modem device may be provided. The modem device may include: a transceiver structure configured to transmit and receive data using at least one of a plurality of communication technologies; a memory configured to store a profile, the profile including or being information specifying a configuration of the transceiver structure for each communication technology of the plurality of communication technologies; and an application processor interface, wherein the modem device is configured to receive from the application processor a command for configuring the transceiver structure through the application processor interface. The command may include or may be an instruction to the modem device to configure the transceiver structure according to the profile. |
US09144101B2 |
Apparatus and method for wireless device connectivity upon radio link failure
An apparatus and method for improving the connectivity when a radio link failure occurs is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a user equipment (UE), a radio link failure to a first radio network controller (RNC) and receiving an information message from a second RNC. The method further includes determining whether the first and second RNCs have interface connectivity between them. If the first and second RNCs have interface connectivity between them, performing a connection recovery procedure with the second RNC. However, if the first and second RNCs do not have interface connectivity between them, performing an initial connection procedure to establish a connection with the second RNC without performing a connection recovery procedure. |
US09144100B2 |
Method and apparatus for radio link failure recovery
A method (300) and apparatus (200) for radio link failure recovery is disclosed. The method may include receiving (340), at a mobile station (110), an assignment of a random access preamble from a first cell (140) for use in at least one potential reestablishment cell (150). The method may include determining (360) that a radio link failure has occurred after receiving the assignment of the random access preamble. The method may include transmitting (370) the random access preamble to one of the at least one potential reestablishment cells in response to determining that the radio link failure has occurred. |
US09144099B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting frame in WLAN system
A method of transmitting a frame in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system is provided. The method includes receiving, by a first station, information about an association identifier (AID) from an access point, the AID identifying the first station in the WLAN system; transmitting, by the first station, a Direct Link Setup (DLS) request frame to a second station to request a setup for a direct link with the second station, the DLS request frame including the AID of the first station; receiving, by the first station, a DLS response frame from the second station in response to the DLS request frame, the DLS response frame including an AID of the second station; and transmitting, by the first station, a Physical Layer Convergence Procedure (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) to the second station or the access point. |
US09144098B2 |
Real-time gaming and other applications support for D2D communications
An apparatus is disclosed that performs operations including determining whether an application message meets a predetermined set of criteria. If the application message meets the set, the application message is transmitted via a first communication layer pathway between the apparatus and one or more other apparatuses participating in a device-to-device communication with the apparatus. If the application message does not meet the set, the application message is transmitted via a second communication layer pathway between the apparatus and the other apparatus. The first and second communication layer pathways are different. The first pathway may be an L1 physical control channel while the second pathway may be an L1 physical data channel. The first pathway may be a first L2 logical channel while the second pathway may be a second L2 logical channel. Methods and program products are also disclosed. |
US09144092B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting emergency status in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus handle an emergency in a wireless communication system. A method of a serving Base Station (BS) for detecting an emergency in a wireless communication system includes receiving an emergency call signal from Mobile Stations (MSs) in a cell; determining whether the number of the received emergency call signals exceeds a threshold number of times; when the number of the received emergency call signals exceeds the threshold number of times, detecting an emergency of a BS; and transmitting a message indicating the emergency to an MS in the cell. |
US09144086B2 |
Systems and methods for wireless coexistence
Systems and methods are disclosed for coordinating operation of wireless local area network (WLAN) and ANT systems. A coexistence manager may determine an operating mode of the ANT transceiver and selectively enable and disable the ANT and WLAN transceivers based on the operating mode to reduce the potential for interference. |
US09144085B2 |
Multicast/broadcast service continuity in multi-carrier networks
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe devices, methods, computer-readable media and systems configurations for management and/or support of multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) service in a wireless communications network. An evolved Node B (eNB) may transmit MBMS assistance information to a user equipment (UE). The MBMS assistance information may identify a carrier by which one or more upcoming MBMS services are to be provided and an indicator of a carrier selection mode to be used by the UE. The UE may transmit an MBMS interest indication message including information related to one or more targeted MBMS services which the UE wants to receive. |
US09144083B2 |
Cooperative sensing scheduling for energy-efficient cognitive radio networks
Cooperative sensing scheduling and parameter designs are described, which can achieve improvements in energy efficiency in cognitive radio networks, for example. In addition, the disclosed subject matter describes an objective or reward function or policy related to energy efficiency and considerations such as channel assignments sensing time that can maximize the objective function. The disclosed details enable various refinements and modifications according to system design and tradeoff considerations. |
US09144082B2 |
Locating and tracking user equipment in the RF beam areas of an LTE wireless system employing agile beam forming techniques
In embodiments of the present disclosure improved capabilities are described for increasing the bandwidth in a large area broadband network, where a scheduler facility, in association with a cellular LTE base transceiver station utilizing an agile beam forming antenna system, schedules communications between the LTE base transceiver station and mobile transceiver devices, wherein the scheduler facility schedules communications with a target mobile transceiver device to take place in one of the m times N RF beams of the agile beam forming antenna system based on a location determination of the target mobile transceiver device within the cell coverage area determined through a location determination algorithm that utilizes at least one of a channel quality indicator (CQI) measurement and a sounding reference signal (SRS) measurement collected through a communicative interaction between the cellular LTE base transceiver station and the target mobile transceiver device. |
US09144079B1 |
Dynamic adjustment of the number of uplink grants per random access response message
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for to dynamically adjusting the number of uplink grants per random access response (RAR) message. In a particular embodiment, a method provides, for a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless access node having a downlink control channel including a plurality of control channel elements, determining wireless signal conditions for a plurality of wireless devices requesting communication service from the wireless access node. The method further provides allocating a number of the plurality of control channel elements for a random access response message based on the wireless signal conditions. The method further includes transferring a plurality of uplink grants to the plurality of wireless devices in the number of control channel elements. |
US09144076B2 |
User pairing and resource allocation for downlink multiuser multi-input-multi-output in long term evolution advanced systems
A method for user pairing and resource allocation, includes performing a multiuser multi-input-multi-output (MU-MIMO) user pairing process to maximize an objective metric without common rank restriction; performing a rank balancing process to determine a uniform transmission user rank along all allocated resource blocks for each user; and with the uniform transmission user rank fixed for all the users, determining optimal user pairing and allocation for each of the resource blocks for each user. |
US09144074B2 |
Spatial multiplexing in a cellular network
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for implementing spatial multiplexing in conjunction with the one or more multiple access protocols during the broadcast of information in a wireless network. A subscriber unit for use in a cellular system is disclosed. The subscriber unit includes: spatially separate receivers, a spatial processor, and a combiner. The spatially separate receivers receive the assigned channel composite signals resulting from the spatially separate transmission of the subscriber downlink datastream(s). The spatial processor is configurable in response to a control signal transmitted by the base station to separate the composite signals into estimated substreams based on information obtained during the transmission of known data patterns from at least one of the base stations. The spatial processor signals the base stations when a change of a spatial transmission configuration is required. The combiner combines the estimated substreams into a corresponding subscriber datastream. |
US09144073B2 |
Radio base station and communication control method
Disclosed is a wireless base station (eNB1-1) that sets to each serving wireless terminal (UE2) different frequency bandwidths (SRS transmission frequency bandwidths) that are used when said serving wireless terminals (UE2) send SRS at a predetermined special sub-frame timing. In addition the wireless base station (eNB1-1) sends the set SRS transmission frequency bandwidth information to the serving wireless terminals (UE2). |
US09144070B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting control information in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, in a method for receiving a downlink signal in a wireless communication system and an apparatus for same, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for same, comprising the steps of: receiving a subframe including a plurality of OFDM symbols; monitoring a plurality of search spaces which are configured on the subframe, so as to receive a PDCCH which is indicated to a terminal; and performing an operation in accordance with a PDCCH which is detected when the PDCCH that is indicated to the terminal is detected, wherein each of the search spaces is configured on a first resource region and/or a second resource region, in accordance with a predetermined condition, and the first resource region and the second resource region are separated with a specific OFDM symbol as a boundary on a time domain. |
US09144069B2 |
Method and device for transmitting and receiving downlink control channel for controlling inter-cell interference in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to a method and device for transmitting and receiving a downlink control channel for controlling inter-cell interference in a wireless communication system. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for transmitting a downlink control channel from a base station to a terminal, and the method may comprise: a step of determining whether a downlink subframe is of a first type or a second type; and a step in which if the downlink subframe is of the first type, the number of OFDM symbols for transmitting the downlink control channel is set to a preset value (N), and the downlink control channel is transmitted using N OFDM symbols. |
US09144068B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving signals in consideration of time alignment timer and user equipment for the same
A method for transmitting and receiving signals in consideration of a time alignment timer and user equipment (UE) for the same are provided. In this method, a UE performs initial transmission or retransmission of an uplink signal using wireless resources corresponding to an uplink grant signal received from a base station only when a time alignment timer of the UE is running. The UE does not transmit a HARQ feedback signal for a downlink signal received from the base station to the base station when the time alignment timer of the UE is not running. |
US09144066B2 |
Method and system for hybrid automatic repeat request combining on an lte downlink control channel
The present technology provides for an LTE system comprising a UE which is configured to perform blind HARQ combining of PDCCH messages, and an eNB which is configured with a HARQ transmission mechanism for such PDCCH messages. The PDCCH messages may be uplink or downlink grant messages, for example. In some embodiments, up to 8 messages may be combined via HARQ. Such HARQ combining may facilitate realizing a practical coverage gain. |
US09144062B2 |
Method and apparatus of allocating scheduling request resources in mobile communication networks
Various schemes are provided to improve SR resource utilization by adapting SR resource allocation to traffic pattern. In a first Scheme, SR resource allocation is configured more accurately. In one example, UE provides assistant information for eNB to determine or adjust SR configuration based on the received assistant information. In a second Scheme, multiple SR periods are configured and adapted to traffic pattern. In one example, eNB configures a set of SR resources with multiple SR periods, and UE applies different SR periods based on predefined events. Unused SR resources could be recycled by eNB for PUSCH data transmission. In a third Scheme, multiple SR allocations are configured and adapted to concerned applications. In one example, eNB configures multiple sets of SR resources adapted to predefined applications, and UE applies SR configurations based on corresponding applications. The additional SR configurations could be activated and/or deactivated. |
US09144057B2 |
Data distribution control device, data distribution system, and method of controlling data distribution
A data distribution control apparatus controls data distribution in which distribution data having the same content are distributed to multiple wireless terminals. The data distribution control apparatus is provided with a terminal identifying unit which identifies the multiple wireless terminals to which the distribution data are distributed and a base station designating unit which designates a set of base stations selected so that one or more base stations can be connected to all of the multiple wireless terminals as the set of base stations which transmit the distribution data to the wireless terminals. The base station designating unit includes, in the set, a base station which can be connected to the multiple wireless terminals, prior to a base station which can be connected to only one wireless terminal. |
US09144054B2 |
Distributed A-GNSS positioning of static devices
Method and apparatus for determining locations of static devices are disclosed. The method includes identifying a plurality of static devices, obtaining location measurements by the plurality of static devices at different times, and determining locations of the plurality of static devices using the location measurements obtained at the different times. The method of determining locations of the plurality of static devices includes determining a group location of the plurality of static devices based on GNSS pseudo range measurements contributed by the one or more static devices, where the group location is near a centroid of the plurality of static devices weighted by the number of GNSS pseudo range measurements contributed by each of the plurality of static devices. The method of determining locations of the plurality of static devices further includes sharing a common time reference among the plurality of static devices. |
US09144052B2 |
Method of determining location
A method for determining a location of a mobile apparatus based on the presence of wireless access point signals. The received wireless signal strength from a plurality of observed wireless access points is compared with profiles each relevant to a different user context and containing a plurality of previously registered wireless access point signal strengths around a previously registered location. The location of the mobile apparatus is determined based on the profile most closely matching the collection of observed wireless access points. Wireless access points present in the profile but not observed are ignoring during the matching process. |
US09144049B1 |
Methods and systems for using macro coverage to manage femtocell registrations, so as to avoid signaling overload
Methods and systems for using coverage or capacity classifications regarding a macro RF network to manage registration of femtocells with a service provider network (SPN) so as to avoid signaling overload are described herein. After a wide-scale power outage within an area where multiple femtocells are located, the femtocells can power on and attempt to register with the SPN at about the same time. The femtocells can scan RF signals received from the macro network and classify the received RF signals with respect to capacity or coverage of the macro network at the time of transmitting the RF signals. A device within the SPN can determine whether classification of the received RF signals is associated with dropping or accepting a registration request associated with the classified RF signals. The SPN device can accept the registration request or drop the registration request and request the femtocell to transmit another registration request. |
US09144042B2 |
Method for fast automatic power control of wireless transmitters
A circuit includes a transmit path to receive an input signal and generate an output signal to be output at a transmit power level according to a power target signal. The circuit also includes a gain corrector to output a signal for adjusting a power level of the output signal to correspond to the transmit power level. The signal for adjusting is based on the power target signal and a delay for time-aligning a first signal and a second signal. |
US09144041B2 |
Capacitive/inductive proximity detection for Wi-Fi protection
A combination of capacitive, mutual capacitive, and inductive proximity and touch sensing is used to detect the presence and nature of nearby objects to a wireless device. When the proximity of metal or a user is sensed the output power of a Wi-Fi module in the device is reduced so as to prevent harm to the user and/or the Wi-Fi transmitter amplifier circuits. Inductive sensors located at the four corners of the wireless device are used to detect metal, and capacitive sensors are used to detect a capacitance change or shift due to the presence of a user's hand, body or metal. In addition, the capacitive sensors may be located at the four corners of the device and can measure changes in the mutual capacitance coupling between these capacitive sensors. |
US09144037B2 |
Interference mitigation by puncturing transmission of interfering cells
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate controlling interference in a heterogeneous wireless communication environment. A Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) transmission from an interfering base station can be punctured based upon a puncturing pattern as a function of a cell identifier (ID) and a transmit time. Puncturing can be effectuated by applying power control. Thus, a punctured symbol or subframe can have a reduced transmit power or a transmit power set to zero. Further, the puncturing pattern can be defined on a subframe basis or on a symbol basis. |
US09144035B2 |
Terminal equipment and method for controlling uplink transmission power
The present invention relates to terminal equipment and a method for controlling uplink transmission power. The method, in which terminal equipment controls uplink transmission power in a wireless communication system, includes the steps of: determining uplink transmission power when at least one type of channel is employed for simultaneous transmission at a cell among a first type of channel corresponding to a plurality of PUCCHs, a second type of channel corresponding to PUSCHs including a UCI, and a third type of channel corresponding to PUSCHs excluding the UCI; and transmitting the at least one type of channel via the determined uplink transmission power, wherein the uplink transmission power is determined by applying a scaling factor to a power value of the at least one type of channel when the power value exceeds the maximum transmission power or remaining transmission power. |
US09144034B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing interference effect on data transmitted over a communication channel
In one example embodiment, a method for reducing an effect of an interference signal on data being transmitted over a communication channel includes determining, by the processor, a code word based on a base information vector and an auxiliary vector, the base information vector including base information bits representing the data to be transmitted over the communication channel, the auxiliary vector corresponding to an interference vector representing the interference signal. The method further includes generating, by the processor, a transmit vector for transmission based on the determined code word and the interference vector. |
US09144033B2 |
Relay device and method
A wireless communications system including a base station, a relay device, and a terminal device. The terminal device can transmit one or more first type access request messages to request uplink resources from the base station, and if no response to the first type access request messages is received from the base station, transmit a second type access request message. The base station is responsive to a first type access request message received from the terminal device to transmit an allocation of uplink resources to the terminal device. The relay device is responsive to a second type access request message received from the terminal device to transmit a relayed access request message to request the base station to allocate uplink resources to the terminal device. The base station is responsive to the relayed access request message to transmit an allocation of uplink resources to the terminal device. |
US09144032B2 |
Controlling the radiation pattern of a mobile terminal according to a posture of the mobile terminal
A transmission method and apparatus of a mobile terminal including an antenna are provided. The transmission method includes determining a posture of the mobile terminal in an active state, updating a preset reference power by adding a power gain determined according to the posture of the mobile terminal, and transmitting a transmit signal amplified according to the updated reference power. Accordingly, the reference power is adjusted according to the posture of the mobile terminal, whereby it is possible to control the radiation pattern of antenna of the mobile terminal. |
US09144030B2 |
Mobile communication terminal
A mobile communication terminal includes: a transmission power controlling unit for performing transmission power control such that the sum of channel transmission powers or the sum of the ratios of the channel transmission powers to threshold values of the corresponding channels is a predetermined target value; an average transmission power calculating unit for calculating the average value of the sum of the channel transmission powers in a set monitoring period or the average value of the sum of the ratios of the channel transmission powers in the set monitoring period to the threshold values of the corresponding channels; and a transmission power suppressing unit for performing reduction control of the transmission powers such that these average values in a set control period are each equal to or less than the threshold value. |
US09144025B2 |
Transitioning from MIMO to SISO to save power
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may include computer-executable code that, when executed by the processor, is configured to cause the apparatus to send a message to a node in wireless communication with the apparatus, the message indicating a transition by the apparatus from multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) to single-input single-output (SISO), and transition from wireless MIMO communication with the node to wireless SISO communication with the node after sending the message to the node. |
US09144023B2 |
Method and system for saving energy in a mobile terminal
Method for saving energy in a mobile terminal, this method comprising A first period, called the mobile terminal in-use period (1), for sending control messages with a first transmission frequency; and A second period, called the mobile terminal idle period (2), for sending control messages with a second transmission frequency, The transition from an idle period to an in-use period, or vice versa, is dependent upon the movement of the mobile terminal, and a time-out. |
US09144022B2 |
System and method for call routing for efficient use of telecommunication spectrum
The present invention relates to a system and method for routing a data from one or more mobile communication channel to one or more fixed communication channel in a resource efficient manner. The delinking router of the system communicates with the one or more mobile communication channel and with one or more fixed communication channel and transmits the request to a Base Transmitting Station (BTS) for routing the data from the mobile communication channel to the fixed communication channel. The delinking router also reduces energy and spectrum consumption of the mobile communication channel by turning off its radio frequency module after routing its data to the fixed communication channel. |
US09144018B2 |
Power save with a power save polling frame
A particular method includes receiving a power save polling frame from a station at an access point. The method also includes, in response to receiving the power save polling frame, transmitting a frame from the access point to the station, the frame indicating whether traffic associated with the station is buffered at the access point. Another particular method includes transmitting a power save polling frame from the station to the access point. The method further includes, in response to transmitting the power save polling frame, receiving a frame from the access point indicating whether traffic associated with the station is buffered at the access point. |
US09144011B2 |
Wireless detector and adapter
The handheld wireless network detector and adaptor includes a housing at least partially enclosing a processor, a self-contained power source, an interface, a wireless transceiver, a wireless network detector and a wireless network adapter. The interface is configured to communicate with an external computing device. The wireless transceiver is configured for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The wireless network detector is configured to use the wireless transceiver to detect a presence of a detected wireless network. The wireless network adapter is configured for facilitating real time communication between the external computing device and the detected wireless network via the interface and said wireless transceiver. |
US09144008B2 |
Providing hotspots to user devices within server-controlled zones
A user installs a hotspot alert application on their mobile device. The application employs the location technology of the user device to transmit the location of the device, and thus the location of the user. The location can be transmitted to a server located in a hotspot tracking system. By establishing the location of the user, the server may search for hotspots on a database stored on the system. The server establishes the dimensions of a hotspot zone around the user's location and transmits the hotspots and the zone dimensions to the application on the user device. The application monitors the location of the user device and deliver's configured alerts to the user when approaching a hotspot. When the device leaves a zone or remains idle for a configured amount of time, the device requests and receives an updated zone of hotspots. |
US09144007B2 |
Wireless infrastructure access network and method for communication on such network
Method of communication, in a wireless infrastructure access network having a plurality of wireless-enabled network nodes (WNNs), with a wireless-enabled infrastructure gateway node (WIG) and a wireless infrastructure access network. A default unidirectional route is established from each of said plurality of wireless-enabled network nodes (WNNs) to said wireless-enabled infrastructure gateway node (WIG). A bi-directional packet pathway is established over said wireless infrastructure access network between any given one of said wireless-enabled network nodes (WNNs) and said wireless infrastructure gateway node (WIG) that satisfies a specified quality of service (QoS). |
US09144002B2 |
Method for performing proactive wireless communication handoffs using a mobile client's route information
A method of handing off radio resources from a first base station to a second base station includes transmitting route information and speed information associated with a client device from the client device to the first base station or to an application server. A time is selected at which the radio resources are to be handed off from the first base station to the second base station. The selection is performed by the first base station or the application server. The selection is performed dependent upon the route information and speed information. |
US09144001B2 |
Method and apparatus for cell handoff
A method for handoff between cells in a communication system includes the network sends a cell individual offset preset for a cell in the active set relative to each of its neighboring cells respectively to a terminal. After measuring the cell in the active set and its neighboring cells, the terminal evaluates the measurement in accordance with the measurement result and the cell individual offset for the cell in the active set relative to its each neighboring cell. The terminal then submits a measurement report to the network in accordance with the measurement evaluation result. The network instructs the terminal to perform a handoff between cells in accordance with the measurement report. |
US09143999B2 |
Method for handling handover in a communication network
The present solution relates to a method in a first network node (301) for handling handover of a user equipment (105) from a source cell (303) to a target cell (309) in a communication network (300). The first network node (301) selects (504) the target cell (309) from neighbor cells (309) based on information of cell size, which target cell (309) will be used for handover the user equipment (105) to. |
US09143997B2 |
Service restoration processing method and mobility management network element
Determining, by a first mobility management network element and a second mobility management network element that are ISR associated, that a serving gateway fails, and saving, by the first mobility management network element and the second mobility management network element, a context of a user equipment that the serving gateway serves; receiving, by the first mobility management network element or the second mobility management network element, a trigger, and executing a service restoration process for the user equipment. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the mobility management network element executes a service restoration process, thereby ensuring normal operation of a service. |
US09143996B2 |
Small cells implementing multiple air interfaces
A communication networks including a plurality of small cell providing air interface infrastructure functionality is provided. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the management of inter-small cell communication in accordance multiple air interfaces supported within individual small cells. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure relate to the management of intra-small cell communication in accordance with communication networks implementing multiple small cells. In other aspects, small cells coordinate handovers through the use of a controller, or by leveraging wireless connections created between the small cells. In further aspects, the small cells enable the utilization of multiple air interface standards within a small cell. |
US09143995B2 |
System and method for hand-in disambiguation using user equipment WiFi location in a network environment
An example method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a handover request from a first radio network to handover a user equipment (UE) to a second radio network, wherein the handover request includes an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) for a user associated with the UE and a pseudo cell identifier (ID); determining a target channel configuration for the UE using the pseudo cell ID; querying a third radio network using the user IMSI to determine a location of the UE, wherein at least one access point in the third radio network is in communication with the UE; and selecting a particular target access point in the second radio network for handover of the UE based, at least in part, on the location of the UE, the target channel configuration for the UE and a location of the particular target access point. |
US09143993B2 |
Method for optimizing neighboring cell, base station and system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for optimizing a neighboring cell, a base station, and a system. The method includes: detecting, by the base station corresponding to the second cell, that a terminal in the second cell reports an unidentified physical identifier PCI; and obtaining a global cell identity GCI corresponding to the unidentified PCI, and determining that a cell corresponding to the GCI is an un-configured neighboring cell of the first cell; and sending, by the base station corresponding to the second cell, information about the un-configured neighboring cell to a base station BSS or an operations support system OSS, which is corresponding to the first cell, so that the BSS or OSS obtains the un-configured neighboring cell of the first cell according to the information of the un-configured neighboring cell, and adds the un-configured neighboring cell to a neighboring cell list of the first cell. |
US09143990B2 |
Method and device for handling failure of mobility management device in ISR activated scenario
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and device for handling a failure of a mobility management device in an ISR activated scenario. The method includes: detecting, by a serving gateway, a failure of a first mobility management device; and when the serving gateway receives downlink user plane or control plane data of a user equipment, paging, by the serving gateway, the user equipment using a downlink data notification message including identity information of the user equipment, in a first radio access network connected to the first mobility management device. |
US09143986B2 |
Load compensation method, measuring method for load estimation, base station and user equipment
Embodiments of the present invention provide a load compensation method, a measuring method for load estimation, a base station and user equipment. The load compensation method includes: obtaining, by a base station of compensation cell, an estimated value of a resource needed by user equipment of energy-saving cell in the compensation cell according to signal quality of the compensation cell measured by the user equipment of the energy-saving cell; determining whether to compensate for the energy-saving cell according to the estimated value of the resource needed by user equipment of the energy-saving cell in the compensation cell; and increasing power of related resources to compensate for the energy-saving cell after it is determined to compensate for the energy-saving cell. With the embodiments of the present invention, the resources of the compensation cell occupied by the user equipment of the energy-saving cell may be reflected, thereby improving accuracy of load compensation. |
US09143985B2 |
Network based speed dependent load balancing
A mobile device mobility state is included in device reporting to a radio access network for mobility event and load balancing purposes. Respective load conditions and respective coverage areas of a first set of devices of a first network and a second set of devices of a second network are analyzed. In addition, a mobility state of a mobile device, a first signal strength associated with the first set of devices, and a second signal strength associated with the second set of devices are also analyzed. The mobility state is a function of a movement pattern of the mobile device and a speed at which the mobile device is being moved. Network traffic of the mobile device is routed to a set of network devices selected from the first set of devices and the second set of devices, as a result of the analysis. |
US09143984B2 |
Mapping of enhanced physical downlink control channels in a wireless communication network
In embodiments, an evolved Node B (eNB) of a wireless communication network may map individual enhanced control channel elements (eCCEs) of a physical resource block (PRB) pair to a plurality of non-continuous enhanced resource element groups (eREGs) of the PRB pair. The eNB may further map the plurality of eREGs to individual antenna ports for transmission to the UE, with individual antenna ports associated with a continuous group of eREGs. The eNB may assign at least a portion of an enhanced physical downlink control channel (ePDCCH) to one or more of the eCCEs for transmission to the UE. Additionally, or alternatively, an eNB may map eCCEs of a plurality of PRB pairs to a plurality of distributed resource block (DRB) pairs. |
US09143982B2 |
Communication apparatus, communication method, and communication system
A physical frame is constructed, the physical frame including a medium access control super-frame payload which in turn includes a plurality of medium access control frames. With respect to the constructed physical frame, virtual carrier sense information is set in the plurality of medium access control frame so that a result of carrier sense is identical to another by virtual carrier sense based on the plurality of medium access control frames in the medium access control super-frame payload. The physical frame in which the virtual carrier sense information has been set is transmitted to a destined communication apparatus. |
US09143981B2 |
Communication system and communication control method
A node on a core network, in accordance with a connection state of a terminal, releases a transmission path resource which is made unnecessary due to LIPA (Local IP access) or SIPTO (Selected IP traffic offload) connection configuration. |
US09143979B1 |
Method and apparatus for limiting a number of mobile devices that can contend for a time slot in a wireless network
A wireless device including a selection module to select a first discovery window in which to transmit a discovery frame. A transmit module attempts to transmit the discovery frame in the first discovery window. If the discovery frame is not transmitted in the first discovery window, a back off module backs off for one or more discovery windows subsequent to the first discovery window; and the transmit module attempts to transmit the discovery frame in a second discovery window following the backing off, and includes in the discovery frame a count representing a number of the one or more of the plurality of discovery windows to indicate a level of congestion in the network. On receiving the discovery frame, one or more wireless devices adjust respective back off times based on the count to reduce the level of congestion in the network. |
US09143973B2 |
Prioritizing multiple channel state information (CSI) reporting with carrier aggregation
A method for reporting uplink control information (UCI) on a user equipment (UE) is described. Multiple channel state information (CSI) reports are generated for multiple component carriers (CCs) that are scheduled to be transmitted in a subframe. A method of prioritization for the CSI reports is selected. A highest priority CSI report of the multiple CSI reports is determined using the selected method of prioritization. The highest priority CSI report is transmitted. |
US09143970B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiving a timing advance command in a wireless communication system
The present invention provides a method of receiving a timing advance command by a user equipment in a wireless communication system. A terminal receives information on a time advance group from a base station, and also receives the timing advance command corresponding to the time advance group from the base station. |
US09143969B2 |
Wireless communication device and wireless communication method
The transmission of a reference signal, such as a CSI-RS, is enabled while maintaining a power saving effect when performing inter-cell cooperative transmission/reception or the like in a plurality of cells. In order to realize inter-cell cooperative transmission/reception, a CSI-RS which is used for estimating the state of a spatial propagation path of a communication line is generated by a CSI-RS generation unit, and the CSI-RS is disposed in a predetermined subframe by a disposition unit and transmitted. At this time, when a frame has ten subframes #0 to #9, the CSI-RS is disposed in the subframes #4 and #9, which are subframes excluding the subframes #0 and #5 incapable of transmitting a CSI-RS and are subframes other than subframes capable of acting as MBSFN subframes when discontinuous communication (Extended Cell DTX) is performed so as to achieve power saving, and transmitted. |
US09143967B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining distance in a Wi-Fi network
A method and apparatus for improving the accuracy of a round trip time (RTT) estimate between a first device and a second device are disclosed. The method involves calculating an acknowledgement correction factor and a unicast correction factor. These correction factors are used to compensate for symbol boundary time errors resulting from multipath effects. |
US09143960B2 |
Method for indicating the functional capability of the vehicle-to-environment communication in ISM radio bands
A method and a communications unit carrying out the method detects communications problems in the vehicle-to-environment communications in an ISM radio band. To determine the functional ability or the performance capacity of vehicle-to-environment communications, the channel usage of the ISM radio band in use is determined by comparing the channel time occupied by communication messages to the maximum channel time available for communication messages. A warning message is output if the occupied channel time exceeds a threshold value. |
US09143955B2 |
Detecting and reporting physical-layer cell identifier collisions in wireless networks
Physical-Layer Cell Identifier (PCID) collisions may occur in a wireless network when two neighboring evolved Node Bs (eNBs) having different Global Cell Identifiers (GCID) select identical PCIDs. Evolved Node Bs may uniquely identify themselves by transmitting on a broadcast channel, such as a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), a pattern of bits corresponding to the eNB's GCID. Individual User Equipments (UEs) may recognize the PCID collision by decoding the PBCH payload to identify different GCID-modulated payloads from two eNBs involved in the PCID collision. Alternatively, UEs may detect PCID collisions in the wireless network by monitoring Primary Synchronization Signals (PSS) and Secondary Synchronization Signals (SSS) on the PBCH for identical signals separated by a relatively large time offset. After detecting a PCID collision, the UEs may attempt by best effort to report the PCID collision, may report to a fallback eNB, or the UEs may use special resources on an uplink channel. |
US09143954B2 |
Position identification apparatus, position identification method, position identification system, recording medium, air conditioning system, and lighting system
A locating apparatus comprises a first acquirer requesting multiple installed devices installed within a given space to radio-communicate with each other so as to acquire first radio communication information representing a first physical quantity obtained for each pair of the installed devices for each of the installed devices; a storage recording the first radio communication information acquired by the first acquirer for each of the installed devices; a second acquirer requesting a terminal present within the given space and the multiple installed devices to radio-communicate with each other so as to acquire second radio communication information representing a second physical quantity obtained for each pair of the terminal and installed devices; and a detector detecting the installed device from which the first physical quantity close to the second physical quantity is obtained among the multiple installed devices. |
US09143952B2 |
Multiple band portable spectrum analyzer
A device for detecting RF power information, for use as a stand alone purpose built device, or connectable to an external computing instrument such as a laptop, PDA, or cell phone, or other similarly capable technology. The device scans two or more bands in the wireless frequency and provides output to the user with wireless information about multiple bands of information. |
US09143950B2 |
Method and corresponding system for spectrum management
Methods and corresponding systems for spectrum management featuring advanced frequency-allocation planning and advanced interference avoidance. The invention discloses access points that transmit directionally and assigning a predefined channel in a predefined direction, in order to reduce interference between closely located access-points. |
US09143947B2 |
Geographical determination of coverage in communications systems
A method of determining geographical determination of coverage in a mobile communications system by obtaining measurement data provided by a plurality of mobile terminals the method comprising the steps of: requesting terminal capability information from the subscriber terminals in a cell; obtaining the terminal capability information from the subscriber terminals; comparing the terminal capability information with capability requirement information; selecting selected subscriber terminals on the basis of their capability information; sending a trace activation command to the selected subscriber terminals; and receiving measurement data measured by the selected subscriber terminals. |
US09143943B2 |
Mode sensitive networking
Mode sensitive networking is provided to allow mode specific communications using a mobile device. If a device has an established secured connection and an application is running in work mode, packets are routed through the secure connection. If the device has an established secured connection but an application is running in personal mode, packets are routed through an alternate connection. Secured connections may be established by using privileged applications. A device and associated applications may have access to different servers, sites, and destinations based on a current mode. |
US09143941B2 |
Secure communication by user selectable communication range
An infusion system to administer fluid is disclosed. The infusion system to administer fluid includes an infusion pump having a pump processor, a pump memory and a pump radio to enable bi-directional communication. The pump radio further includes a configurable attenuator and the pump memory stores a plurality of security modes that configure the attenuator to receive signals of a predetermined strength. The infusion system further includes a controller with a controller processor, a controller memory, and a controller radio to transmit and receive communication from the pump radio. The controller further having a graphical user interface shown on a display, and controls to manipulate the graphical user interface. The controller further being paired with the infusion pump based on pairing data, wherein a security check is performed when the infusion pump receives a suspect signal, the suspect signal not matching the predetermined strength associated with a selected security mode. |
US09143938B2 |
Personal digital identity device responsive to user interaction
A personal digital ID device provides a digital identifier to a service for a predetermined duration in response to user interaction. The user interaction may include a button press. The personal digital ID device may be in the form of a bracelet, a key fob, or other form factor. The service may be provided by a mobile device, in the cloud, or elsewhere. |
US09143937B2 |
Wireless communication using concurrent re-authentication and connection setup
A method includes generating at least one of a re-authorization request or a re-authentication with an extensible authentication protocol. The method also includes generating an upper layer message. The method further includes bundling the upper layer message and the least one of the re-authorization request or the re-authentication request as an association request. The method further includes transmitting the association request to an access point. |
US09143936B2 |
Mobile device digital communication and authentication methods
Embodiments of the present invention provide various approaches for mobile device intercommunication (e.g., digital) as well as various authentication methods. In one embodiment, the present invention provides direct line-of-sight visual digital communication between mobile devices for controlled security. In another embodiment, the present invention provides direct contact motion-based digital communication between mobile devices for controlled security. Embodiments of the present invention also provide various authentication methods. One such example relates to secure authentication code exchange with subsequent digital communications in one or more channels. In another example, human-readable information is used along machine-readable digital codes (e.g., quick response (QR) codes to verify visual codes. Still yet, embodiments of the present invention provide non-obtrusive visual codes that maintain a user's access to a mobile device screen. |
US09143935B2 |
Method for managing a counter status allocated to a pair comprising a communication terminal and a base station
A counter status that is allocated to a communication terminal and a base station is usually deleted when the storage space in the respective base station is used up. To address this, the counter status is saved in an additional communication network element when a predefinable criterion is met, and can thus be retrieved. |
US09143933B2 |
Communication device that receives external device information from an external device using near field communication
A communication device, which can simplify various setting processes, transmits, to a server via a network, external device information received from an external device by using proximity wireless communication. The communication device includes: an antenna for the proximity wireless communication with the external device; a proximity wireless communication unit communicating with the external device via the antenna to receive the external device information from the external device; an external device storage unit storing the external device information received by the proximity wireless communication unit; a registration information generation unit generating registration information to be registered in a database in the server based on (a) the external device information stored in the external device storage unit and (b) communication device information including communication device identification information for identifying the communication device; and a server communication unit transmitting registration information to the server via the network. |
US09143931B2 |
Privacy control for wireless devices
According to various embodiments, a computer-implemented method is disclosed that includes receiving, at a wireless adaptor of a device, a wireless data packet from an access point (AP), wherein the wireless data packet includes a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) of the AP; changing the BSSID of the received data packet by a processor or hardware to produce a modified wireless data packet; and transmitting the modified wireless data packet to an application on the device. |
US09143930B2 |
Secure element for mobile network services
In a secure element (4) that comprises an application (17B) and/or a security domain (17A) a mode is proved, in which mode a transfer of data (AD) to said application (17B) and/or security domain (17A) requires pre-authorization. |
US09143929B1 |
Methods and devices configured for IP address conflict detection and resolution upon assignment of WAN IP address
A device comprising a router may be configured to couple to a gateway device and may be configured, upon being assigned a Wide Area Network (WAN) Internet Protocol (IP) address by the gateway device, to iteratively: (1) determine whether a LAN IP address of the device conflicts with the assigned WAN IP address; and (2) change the LAN IP address of the device if the LAN IP address of the device conflicts with the WAN IP address assigned by the network gateway. |
US09143926B2 |
Method and apparatus for context aware management of location optimization of virtual machines for mobility and real-time enterprise applications
An information handling system includes a processor determining a threshold number of users of a source software application from the plurality of mobile devices near a wireless radio transmitter location and a mobile virtual machine distribution system deploying a virtual machine copy of the source software application to a server near the wireless radio transmitter location when the threshold number of users is met. |
US09143925B2 |
Communication parameter setting apparatus and control method therefore
A communication apparatus in which it is determined whether a communication parameter setting scheme used to provide a partner apparatus with communication parameters is an authentication code scheme or a non-authentication code scheme. Any one of first communication parameters to wirelessly communicate in a first wireless network and second communication parameters to wirelessly communicate in a second wireless network are selected in accordance with the determined setting scheme. The partner apparatus is provided with the selected communication parameters in accordance with the determined setting scheme. |
US09143924B1 |
Segmented customization payload delivery
A method of sending a customization payload to a mobile communication device comprises identifying, by the mobile communication device, the bandwidth of a bearer channel, wherein the bearer channel provides a connection between the mobile communication device and a server, sending, from the mobile communication device to the server, an alert string selected based upon the identifying, and receiving, by the mobile communication device, a customization payload identified based on the alert string, wherein the customization payload is received from the server. |
US09143921B2 |
Communicating physical layer wireless parameters over an application programming interface
Methods, systems, and devices are described for communicating physical layer wireless parameters over an application programming interface. A wireless modem of a wireless device may measure at least one physical layer wireless parameter. The wireless modem may report the at least one physical layer wireless parameter to an application running on the wireless device over an application programming interface between the wireless modem and the application. A behavior of the application may be adapted to control wireless communications between the application and a network based on the at least one physical layer wireless parameter reported by the wireless modem. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described. |
US09143919B2 |
IPv6 anycast-based load balancing and redirection functionality for PMIPv6
A method, apparatus, computer program, and system is provided to redirect an internet protocol mobility session establishment request. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the request message is redirected from an original local mobility anchor (“LMA”) to an alternative LMA. According to certain embodiments of the invention, this redirection provides load balancing between the LMAs. |
US09143917B2 |
Bluetooth communication method and terminal adopting same
A communication method and a terminal adopting same are provided. The method includes setting a calling terminal in a short-range wireless communication standby mode; and transmitting, upon detecting movement of the calling terminal during the short-range wireless communication standby mode, data to a called terminal via a short-range wireless communication. |
US09143915B2 |
Funding of resource tracking and communication system
A system and method for confirming that emergency resources are available to be used at a particular location, communicating to the incident manager at that location and estimated time of arrival of the resource, and tracking the resource during transit to the location for updating the estimated time of arrival. The system further includes the step of funding the system, which can include charging a fee to those who benefit from the system, the public generally, or both. |
US09143913B2 |
Output management for electronic communications
Methods, systems and devices are provided for managing electronic communications on a communication device including receiving an incoming call indication from an originating device. The methods, system and devices may include transmitting a delay indication in response to determining the delayed call acceptance is warranted and receiving a first message segment and subsequently a second message segment from the originating device. Additionally, they may include outputting at least one of the first message segment and the second message segment in response to determining whether to output at least one of the first message segment and the second message segment. Further, they may include transmitting a playback status including a series of status indications reflecting an updated output progress of the first message segment at a recipient device in response to determining the first message segment should be output. |
US09143908B2 |
Intelligent delivery agent for short message distribution center
A message distribution center (MDC) and Intelligent Delivery Agent are implemented in a wireless Internet gateway interposed between content providers and a wireless carrier to subjectively examine and direct messages via SMTP based on desired rules (non-peak hours, paying subscribers only, etc.) using standard SMTP Gateway and other well-known protocols. The MDC includes an individual queue for each subscriber, and the provider is informed through conventional SMTP protocol messages that the short message has been accepted. If the carrier has specifically disallowed service for a particular MIN (in the case of churning), then the content provider is informed through an SMTP interchange that the recipient is invalid. |
US09143907B1 |
Providing data messaging support by intercepting and redirecting received short message service (SMS) messages
A message receiving, intercepting and processing method and corresponding application and device may provide receiving a message at a message processing server, the message being intended for a phone number associated with a customer service provider. The method may also include identifying a telephone number of the sender of the message, parsing at least one word from the message, retrieving user account information of the sender, and generating an automated response to the message that includes contextual information that is based on at least one of the user account information and the parsed at least one word from the message. |
US09143906B2 |
Premium messaging challenges
A device includes at least one processor, a messaging service operable by the at least one processor to determine whether an outgoing message is a likely premium message, and a user interface module operable by the at least one processor to responsive to determining that outgoing message is the likely premium message, output, for display, a prompt for confirmation to send the outgoing message to a likely premium code, and receive an indication of input detected within the prompt for confirmation. The module is further operable by the at least one processor to selectively send, based at least in part on the received indication of the user input, the outgoing message to the likely premium code. |
US09143898B1 |
Automatically selecting alert modes based on location
Disclosed are various embodiments for automatically selecting alert modes for a mobile device based at least in part on the mobile device location. A location of the mobile device is determined. A map feature classification of the location is obtained from a server. One or more notifications of the mobile device are automatically to use a particular alert mode that is selected based at least in part on the map feature classification of the location. |
US09143896B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a distributed mobile call center for a service establishment
A method and system for distributing a service center call. The method and system include hosting an electronic database of information regarding service agent availability, providing a user interface for allowing a service agent to update the database regarding the availability of the service agent to receive service calls, and receiving a customer service call request. To route the customer service call request, the method and system determines the location of a customer originating the customer service call request, determines availability of at least one service agent within a predetermined location threshold of the location of the customer, and routing the customer service call request to the local service agent or to a service agent outside of the predetermined location threshold of the location of the customer if there are no available service agents within the predetermined location threshold of the location of the customer. |
US09143894B2 |
Method and system for proximity and context based deduction of position for a GPS enable computing device
A mechanism is described for facilitating proximity and context-based deduction of global positioning of computing devices according to one embodiment of the invention. A method of embodiments of the invention includes detecting wireless proximity of a plurality of computing devices with respect to a computing device, and selecting one or more of the plurality of computing devices based on their detected proximity to the computing device. The method may further include receiving contextual information from the one or more computing devices, and semantically deducing location of the computing device based on the received contextual information. |
US09143892B2 |
Wireless beacon filtering and untrusted data detection
A determination is made, at a device, as to whether data identifying signals detected at the device include data from a non-stationary wireless beacon. If the data includes data from a non-stationary wireless beacon then observation data including both the data and an associated trusted position of the device is maintained in an observation buffer; otherwise, the observation data is dropped by the device. The observation data from the observation buffer is provided to a service, which determines whether the observation data conforms to one or more patterns, the one or more patterns having been identified based on one or more criteria used by the device in providing the observation data to the service. If the observation data conforms to the one or more patterns then the observation data is maintained by the service; otherwise, the observation data is dropped by the service. |
US09143887B2 |
Wireless device configured to operate under a plurality of different brands and a plurality of different networks and configured to be customized to one brand and one network
A process of configuring an electronic device and an electronic device configured to operate under a plurality of different brands and with a plurality different networks. The brand and network to be utilized are designated at the point-of-sale, during activation, by the seller, and/or by the user. The electronic device including a processor configured to execute instructions and a display device configured to generate an interface based in part in response to the processor. The electronic device further including a memory configured to store the instructions to operate the electronic device. The processor further configured to execute a component to designate a brand and network to be utilized at the point-of-sale, during activation, by the seller, and/or by the user. |
US09143881B2 |
Providing interactive services to enhance information presentation experiences using wireless technologies
Systems, methods, and devices that provide interactive services relating to an information presentation to user equipment (UE) are presented. A presentation management component (PMC) provides at least a portion of the information presentation to one or more UEs, which can be integrated with the PMC, to facilitate enabling one or more UE users to use interactive services in relation to a tour of a point(s) of interest associated with the PMC. The interactive services comprise, for example, broadcast communications to desired UEs in a tour group, UE clustering, customized tour recommendations, whiteboard feature, note-taking functions, “slow down” option, and “raise hand” option. Respective UEs in a group are configured to be a master UE, sub-master UE, or slave UE, wherein the master UE at least partially controls communications of the other UEs in the group, and the sub-master UE at least partially controls communications of UEs in a sub-group. |
US09143879B2 |
Directional audio array apparatus and system
A directional transducer array system comprising a plurality of transducers with mathematical sequence spacing mounted on an array tile or host device. In an embodiment, the invention allows the construction of a receiving or transmitting, tiled (modular) directional audio array while simultaneously retaining desirable directional characteristics, improving gain, and limiting negative impacts on side lobe attenuation as the array is scaled (i.e. identical or similar tiles are added to or subtracted from the array); and allows the construction of a receiving or transmitting directional audio array that is light weight and robust enough to be used in body-worn, body-carried, vehicular, and fixed installations. |
US09143878B2 |
Method and system for headset with automatic source detection and volume control
An audio headset receives one or more audio signals carrying one or more audio channels and processes the audio channels to generate stereo signals for output to a left and a right speaker of the audio headset. The processing determines a number of the audio channels carried in the received audio signal(s), adjusts level(s) of the audio channels based on the determined number of audio channels and/or adjusts gain and/or phase of the audio channels to control a perceived location of a listener wearing the headset relative to a source of sounds carried in the stereo signals. |
US09143876B2 |
Glitch detection and method for detecting a glitch
System and method for detecting a glitch is disclosed. An embodiment comprises increasing a bias voltage of a first capacitor, sampling an input signal of a first plate of the first capacitor with a time period, mixing the input signal with the sampled input signal, and comparing the mixed signal with a reference signal. |
US09143874B2 |
Hearing device comprising a locking mechanism for an external connector and method thereof
A hearing device comprising a locking mechanism for connecting an external component to the hearing device, the locking mechanism comprising a part (2) arranged at or in the housing wall (1) of the hearing device, moveable from or out of the housing wall such that by moving the part back towards the housing wall a section of the part is fixing a connecting element of the external component to the hearing device or housing of the hearing device respectively. |
US09143873B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations
Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a dental implant are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon the implant to form a hearing assembly. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other hone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure. |
US09143872B2 |
Wireless streaming link break-in
A system and method for wireless streaming link break-in is disclosed. A first device transmits digital packets to a second device over a wireless streaming link. A third device synchronizes itself with the second device. Once the third device is synchronized with the second device, the third device transmits command request packets to the second device during a data receive window. The wireless streaming link is inactive during the data receive window. The second device responds to the request during a next data receive window. |
US09143871B2 |
Micro converter, audio device and hearing aid
An electro-acoustic micro-converter can be applied in an audio device, and in particular in a hearing aid. The micro-converter is at least substantially block-shaped and includes an at least substantially rectangular acoustic membrane tensioned therein transversely of a longitudinal direction. A coil element is carried by the membrane and extends in a magnetic field maintained by magnet elements, including a permanently magnetic magnet body, in a coil gap around the magnet body. |
US09143870B2 |
Microphone system with mechanically-coupled diaphragms
A microphone system has two diaphragms and are mechanically interconnected such that they respond in antiphase to an acoustic signal impinging on one of the diaphragms. The two diaphragms produce two variable capacitances that vary proportionately but inversely to one another. Voltage signals produced by the two variable capacitances are summed to provide an output signal proportional to the acoustic signal, but with greater sensitivity than a single-diaphragm microphone. |
US09143868B2 |
Electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer and methods to make and use same
An improved electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer, such as a graphene membrane transducer. |
US09143866B2 |
Voice coil former stiffener
A support member for a voice coil former in an audio transducer is described. The support member comprises a bridge between the inner surface of the voice coil former and a radiating surface, such as a diaphragm or cone, which is disposed in the center of the voice coil former. The support member provides added rigidity to reduce wobble during operation of the transducer. |
US09143864B2 |
Audio playback system
An audio playback system includes a handheld device and a digital stereo set. By the handheld device, a control message is converted into a modulation signal. The modulation signal is transmitted to a speaker, thereby controlling the speaker to generate a modulated sound wave signal. After the modulated sound wave signal is received by a built-in microphone of the digital stereo set, the modulated sound wave signal is restored to the control message. After the control message is received by the digital stereo set, the digital stereo set performs a corresponding control action. |
US09143859B2 |
Multi-channel pairing in a media system
Technology for grouping, consolidating, and pairing individual playback devices with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment is disclosed. Particularly, the embodiments described herein enable two or more playback devices to be paired, such that multi-channel audio is achieved. Such embodiments may be used to produce stereo and multi-channel audio environments for television and movies. |
US09143857B2 |
Adaptively reducing noise while limiting speech loss distortion
The present technology provides adaptive noise reduction of an acoustic signal using a sophisticated level of control to balance the tradeoff between speech loss distortion and noise reduction. The energy level of a noise component in a sub-band signal of the acoustic signal is reduced based on an estimated signal-to-noise ratio of the sub-band signal, and further on an estimated threshold level of speech distortion in the sub-band signal. In various embodiments, the energy level of the noise component in the sub-band signal may be reduced to no less than a residual noise target level. Such a target level may be defined as a level at which the noise component ceases to be perceptible. |
US09143852B2 |
Stateless cord management device
A stateless cord management device for storage and deployment of a cord, cable, or wire comprises a body having a sidewall with oppositely disposed open ends. A channel is at least partially defined by the sidewall and disposed therethrough between the oppositely disposed open ends. An access opening extends longitudinally along and through the sidewall between the oppositely disposed open ends of the sidewall. The access opening is at least partially defined by cooperatively disposed and abutting free ends of the sidewall, the free ends being at least partially separable from one another permitting access into the channel. |
US09143851B2 |
Microphone arrangement
A microphone arrangement has an SMD housing with a sound inlet opening. A transducer receives sound waves through the sound inlet opening and converts the received sound waves into electrical signals. An analog-to-digital converter provides digital signals. An interface control unit with a digital interface is used by the chip to transmit data serially to an external device. At least one further interface is connected to a peripheral device such that the at least one further interface can be used to transmit data between the peripheral devices and the interface control unit. The transducer, the analog-to-digital converter, the interface control unit and the at least one further interface are integrated in the SMD housing. |
US09143849B2 |
Sensor module
A cost-effective and extremely space-saving module approach is provided for at least two micromechanical sensor elements having the same packaging requirements. The sensor module described here includes at least two micromechanical sensor elements whose sensor function is based on the direct or indirect impact of a measuring medium. The at least two sensor elements are situated in a shared housing having at least one access opening for the measuring medium, and the at least two sensor elements are stacked with one component back side on one component front side, so that the upper sensor element at least partially covers the active area of the lower sensor element, while still ensuring the impact of the measuring medium, which is used for the sensor function, on the active area of the lower sensor element. |
US09143847B2 |
Loudspeaker
The present invention provides a loudspeaker with a port tube having an acoustic leakage path through a motile part thereof. In this way, excess energy caused by longitudinal resonance at higher frequencies is radiated transversely through the port tube walls rather than contributing to the output of the loudspeaker itself. |
US09143846B2 |
Wavelength-multiplexed optical transmission device, wavelength-multiplexed optical transmission system, wavelength-multiplexed optical transmission method
Provided is a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical transmission device which is suitable of performing splitting, wavelength multiplexing, switching, and routing on an optical WDM signal in which optical signals having a spectrum close to a rectangle are arranged with a high density, and efficiency of spectral usage is ultimately high in units of wavelengths. A WDM optical transmission device according to the present invention is configured to cause flat portions of adjacent transmission bands on a wavelength spectrum overlap each other. |
US09143845B2 |
Branching units and power line monitoring methods
A branching unit includes a supply destination switching section that switches one supply destination of each of a plurality of power lines that supply electric power to a unit that transfers an optical signal received from a terminal station unit through a transmission line to another supply destination corresponding to a control signal received from the terminal station unit; a current detection section that outputs a detection signal that includes information that denotes whether currents are flowing in the plurality of power lines and information that represents current directions if currents are flowing; and a monitor section that transmits a monitored result based on at least one of a plurality of detection signals received from the current detection section to the terminal station unit. |
US09143839B2 |
Method and apparatus for browsing using multiple coordinated device sets
Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities. |
US09143837B2 |
Method for providing an electronic program guide, multimedia reproduction system, and computer readable storage medium
Method for providing an electronic program guide includes the following steps. First electronic program list data is grouped according to at least two condition factors not related to program broadcasting time to generate at least a first set of two-dimensional program list data. A display unit of a multimedia reproduction system is controlled to display the at least the first set of two-dimensional program list data on a screen thereof, wherein the screen displays a plurality of image blocks on a first plane, the image blocks on the first plane individually represent at least a portion of programs corresponding to the first set of two-dimensional program list data and are arranged according to first and second coordinate axes corresponding to first and second condition factors. When the system receives a selection indication, a program represented by one image block corresponding to the selection indication is played on the screen. |
US09143834B2 |
System and method for organizing a media program guide according to popularity
Elements of a media program guide are organized in order of a popularity ranking. The popularity rating may be assigned by assigning values to preference terms, analyzing associations of the preference terms to data related to media programs and assigning the popularity ranking of the media programs based on the associations. Associations of the preference terms to the data may be extracted from social media communications or based on numbers of viewers. |
US09143833B2 |
Systems and methods for scheduling interactive media and events
The user can respond to a media segment wherein the media segment may be associated with a schedulable event. Software on the device can then schedule the event into an electronic calendar system, and/or may use data associated with the media segment. At the appropriate time, the electronic calendar system may notify the user of the scheduled broadcast and/or event. |
US09143829B2 |
Technique for providing a virtual digital video recorder service through a communications network
In response to a request initiated by a user at a user terminal, selected entertainment programming content, when broadcast, is recorded at a location remote from the user terminal. The request is communicated through a communications network, e.g., cable TV network, which is also used for transmission of entertainment programming content to user terminals. The recorded programming content is stored in a storage space at the remote location, which is allocated to the user terminal. In response to a review request from the user terminal, the recorded programming content is retrieved from the storage space allocated thereto, and transmitted to the user terminal through the communications network. The presentation of the recorded programming content may be manipulated by the user to perform rewinding, pausing and fast-forwarding thereon. |
US09143828B2 |
Method and apparatus for interactive audience participation at a live entertainment event
The present invention relates to an interactive system enabling audience participation at a live event taking place in a venue. The system includes use of an interactive device that presents a promotional message (that is displayed on an electronic display) to an audience member, wherein said audience member is capable of responding to said message by entering feedback into said interactive device. Said feedback is transmitted to a central processor, where said feedback is stored as audience data and subsequently processed into results. |
US09143825B2 |
Systems, methods and devices to reduce change latency in placeshifted media streams using predictive secondary streaming
Systems, methods and devices are provided to reduce change latency and/or to provide a picture-in-picture (PIP) feature within a placeshifted media stream. As the viewer receives a primary stream containing selected programming, secondary programming that is likely to be of interest to the user is predicted. A secondary stream containing the predicted content is obtained at the same time as the primary stream selected by the user. The secondary stream may be of lower quality than the primary stream to preserve network bandwidth. If the user subsequently selects the predicted secondary content, the previously-obtained content can be quickly provided as an output to the display. Alternately, the primary and secondary streams may be simultaneously output to the display in PIP or another manner. |
US09143824B2 |
Display apparatus connected with at least one device via integrated wire interface and controlling method thereof
The present invention includes making a request for information for listing at least one content previously saved in a plurality of source devices sequentially connected via the integrated wire interface to a plurality of the source devices, receiving the information for listing the previously saved at least one content from a plurality of the source devices, displaying the received listing information on a 1st region of a screen of the display device, transmitting a signal for requesting an activation of a specific content to the source device which the specific content save in, receiving an AV data corresponding to the specific content from the source device which the specific content saved in, and controlling the received AV data to be displayed on a 2nd region of the screen. |
US09143823B2 |
Providing suggestions for optimizing videos to video owners
A computing device executing an optimizer analyzes a video. The computing device identifies one or more optimizations for the video based on the analysis. The computing device suggests the one or more optimizations to an entity associated with the video. In response to the entity accepting the one or more optimizations, the computing device implements the one or more optimizations for the video. |
US09143821B2 |
Information processing apparatus and program table displaying method
A program information acquisition unit 60 acquires program information of each of a plurality of channels over a plurality of broadcasting types, among which a transmitting form of a broadcasting signal is different. A program table displaying unit 88 causes a program table, in which program information of the plurality of channels is juxtaposed in a classified state for each channel, to be displayed. The program table displaying unit 88 causes both of program information of channels belonging to a first broadcasting type and program information of channels belonging to a second broadcasting type to be displayed in a juxtaposed relationship in the same program table. |
US09143820B2 |
Method for performing fluent playback control in response to decoding status, and associated apparatus
A method for performing fluent playback control is provided, where the method is applied to an electronic device. The method includes the steps of: determining whether an out of synchronization status regarding audio playback and video playback occurs; and when it is detected that the out of synchronization status occurs, controlling jump timing of video playback according to at least one of scene change detection and standstill detection. For example, the scene change detection can be performed to determine whether a scene change exists, and when it is detected that the scene change exists, a jump operation of video playback is triggered. In another example, the standstill detection can be performed to determine whether a standstill phenomenon exists, in order to determine whether to delay triggering a jump operation of video playback. In another example, a temporary audio pause operation can be selectively performed. An associated apparatus is also provided. |
US09143818B1 |
Remote access to shared media
Remote media access is facilitated. According to an example embodiment, remote-user media access is facilitated using media provided by a subscriber media source, over a packet-based network. This access is facilitated in an environment involving subscriber users that provide media for transfer over a packet-based network to a remote device. A host server receives a request for access to media content provided by a subscriber. The request is authorized as a function of authorization criteria. In response to the request being authorized, a media source associated with the subscriber is controlled to provide requested media for access at a remote device. A media player is displayed at the remote device, and the media is provided for access via the media player. |
US09143815B2 |
Method and system to provide a non-free digital event content from the content provider to the computing device users
Disclosed is a method and system for providing the digital content of non-free event to viewers through mobile computing devices. The present invention collects the viewer's preferred date and time, ticket count, the content provider and non-free event information. Then the present invention initiates the payment process and communicates to appropriate media server to book the tickets and download the digital content of non-free event. At the time of the event the present invention authorizes the authentication code on ticket, leverages the mobile device camera to validate the count of viewers watching the event based on count of tickets purchased and if viewers are in right age to watch the event depending on rating of the event. Then the present invention downloads the digital content of event and streams to viewer's computing device from the non-free digital event content provider. |
US09143812B2 |
Adaptive streaming of multimedia
In a client-server environment, adaptively streaming programs from a program listing includes using an interaction between a client-side GUI and a server-side storefront to select a primary program for presentation, streaming the primary program at a primary streaming rate, and presenting the streamed primary program at a quality consistent with the primary streaming rate. The adaptive streaming further includes determining a number of secondary programs and a corresponding secondary streaming rate for each, which is less than the primary streaming rate. The adaptive streaming includes negotiating authorization rights for the secondary programs, then streaming the number of secondary programs at their secondary streaming rates, while streaming and presenting the primary program. |
US09143801B2 |
Significance map encoding and decoding using partition selection
Methods of encoding and decoding for video data are describe in which significance maps are encoded and decoded using non-spatially-uniform partitioning of the map into parts, wherein the bit positions within each part are associated with a given context. Example partition sets and processes for selecting from amongst predetermined partition sets and communicating the selection to the decoder are described. |
US09143798B2 |
Apparatus for coding or decoding intra image based on line information of reference image block
An apparatus for coding an image is provided to effectively code the image. The apparatus for coding the image includes an input image segmentation unit to segment an input image into a plurality of image blocks including a first image block and a second image block. The apparatus also includes a waveform information generation unit to select a plurality of reference pixels from among pixels included in the first image block, generate first waveform information about the first image block based on a pixel value difference between the selected plurality of reference pixels, and generate second waveform information about the second image block based on a pixel value difference between the pixels included in the second image block. The apparatus also includes a coding unit to code an image included in the second image block based on the first waveform information and the second waveform information. |
US09143796B2 |
Multi-view video coding/decoding method and apparatus
Provided is a multi-view video coding/decoding method and apparatus which uses coded and decoded multi-view videos to code and decode depth information videos corresponding to the multi-view videos. The multi-view video coding method includes: controlling the scales of first and second depth information videos corresponding to a multi-view video such that the scales are equalized; and coding the second depth information video, of which the scale is controlled, by referring to the first depth information video of which the scale is controlled. |
US09143795B2 |
Parallel motion estimation in video coding
Methods for improved parallel motion estimation are provided that decouple the merging candidate list derivation and motion estimation for merge mode and skip mode and the advanced motion vector predictor (AMVP) candidate list construction from regular motion estimation to increase the coding quality in parallel motion estimation while meeting throughput requirements. This decoupling may be accomplished by modifying the availability rules for spatial motion data (SMD) positions for construction of the candidate lists. As part of the decoupling, largest coding units (LCUs) of a picture may be divided into non-overlapping parallel motion estimation regions (PMER) of equal size. Within a PMER, motion estimation for merge mode, skip mode, and normal inter-prediction mode may be performed in parallel for all the prediction units (PUs) in the PMER. |
US09143791B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing video frame by using difference between pixel values
A method and apparatus for processing a video frame is provided. The method includes dividing the video frame into pixel blocks each including a reference pixel; calculating difference values between the reference pixel and pixels neighboring the reference pixel; converting the calculated difference values into values that belong to a bit depth range; and performing entropy coding by using the converted difference values as symbols. |
US09143790B2 |
Encoding and decoding a video image sequence by image areas
A method for coding a sequence of video images comprising a cutting into zones of at least one current image of the sequence, characterized in that, for the coding of at least one target zone of said at least one current image, it comprises the steps of: determination (E2) of a set of candidate zones in previously coded and then decoded parts of images of the sequence, minimizing a prediction error calculated over the neighborhood of the target zone, formation (E3) of a set of groups of candidate zones in said set of candidate zones, as a function of a criterion of similarity between the candidate zones, identification (E6) of a best group in said set of groups, minimizing a reconstruction error with respect to the target zone, determination (E6) of an indication (n) representative of said identified best group; and coding (E7) of said indication (n). |
US09143788B2 |
Multiple thread video encoding using HRD information sharing and bit allocation waiting
A method of encoding video wherein multiple threads of GOPs are encoding in parallel from a buffer in a single pass. In the buffer GOPs having fewer frames than a low frame threshold at the end of a scene are merged with a preceding GOP. Hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) information is stored in the buffer for each GOP and HRD information for neighboring GOPs are merged in the buffer. |
US09143784B2 |
Transformation invariant media matching
This disclosure relates to transformation invariant media matching. A fingerprinting component can generate a transformation invariant identifier for media content by adaptively encoding the relative ordering of signal markers in media content. The signal markers can be adaptively encoded via reference point geometry, or ratio histograms. An identification component compares the identifier against a set of identifiers for known media content, and the media content can be matched or identified as a function of the comparison. |
US09143779B2 |
Image coding method and image decoding method for performing coding/decoding by performing SAO processing
An image coding method includes: performing Sample SAO processing on Y signal, Cb signal, and Cr signal which are included in a target block; performing arithmetic coding on a first flag indicating whether or not an SAO parameter, which indicates details of the SAO processing, of the target block is identical to an SAO parameter for a left neighboring block immediately left of the target block; and performing arithmetic coding on the SAO parameter for the target block, when the SAO parameter for the target block is different from the SAO parameter for the left neighboring block. In the arithmetic coding on the first flag, a single context is used to perform the arithmetic coding on the first flag for the luminance signal, the chrominance Cb signal, and the chrominance Cr signal. |
US09143770B2 |
Application programming interface supporting mixed two and three dimensional displays
Application programming interfaces (APIs) are provided that enable applications to display two-dimensional and three-dimensional content in regions of a display screen. A first command is received from an application directing at least in part a first configuration of a first region of the screen to support the three-dimensional content. The first command is responded to by sending a first configuration request to place the screen in a three-dimensional mode within the first region. A second command is received directing at least in part a second configuration of a second region of the screen to support the two-dimensional content. The second command is responded to by sending a second configuration request to place the screen in mode corresponding to a two-dimensional mode within the second region. |
US09143767B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive stable image timing in stereoscopic 3D systems
Embodiments are directed to adaptive stable image timing in stereoscopic 3D systems which may include maximizing the ratio of the Addressable Video time to a total time between two horizontal Sync pulses and minimizing the ratio of “Addressable” Video time to a total time between two Vertical Sync pulses. As the resolution size of the display decreases, the ratio minimized gets even smaller, leading to longer stable image resulting in higher 3D viewing quality. |
US09143762B2 |
Camera module and image recording method
According to one embodiment, a camera module includes a first sub-camera module, a second sub-camera module, and an imaging circuit serving as a position correcting unit. The position correcting unit corrects a position of an image at a cross point of imaging lenses. The position correcting unit corrects the position of the image acquired through the image-capture by the second sub-camera module. |
US09143758B2 |
Method and apparatus for low-bandwidth content-preserving encoding of stereoscopic 3D images
A method and apparatus are described including accepting a first and a second stereoscopic eye frame line image, determining a coarse image shift between the first stereoscopic eye frame line image and the second stereoscopic eye frame line image, determining a fine image shift responsive to the coarse image shift, forwarding one of the first stereoscopic eye frame line image and the second stereoscopic eye frame line image and forwarding data corresponding to the fine image shift and metadata for further processing. |
US09143757B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving stereoscopic video
A method of receiving stereoscopic video according to the present invention includes receiving a bit stream including image information, extracting a base image stream corresponding to a base image and an additional image stream corresponding to an additional image from the bit stream, generating the base image and the additional image by decoding the base image stream and the additional image stream, respectively, and generating a left image and a right image by using at least one of the base image and the additional image. According to the present invention, 2D/3D broadcasting service efficiency may be improved. |
US09143755B2 |
Image processing device
According to one embodiment, an image processing device includes an obtaining unit, a separating unit, a processing unit and a combining unit. The obtaining unit obtains a depth value of a subject imaged on an input image. The separating unit separates the input image into a first component that is a component including a gradation and a second component that is a component other than the first component. The processing unit enhances the first component in accordance with the depth value to generate a processed component. The combining unit combines the processed component and the second component to generate a combined component. |
US09143751B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic time-shifting for a content recorder
A content player includes a pausable mass storage device player that can be used to record and play content. The pausable mass storage device can become paused in response to an assertion of a pause signal. Once paused, the content player remains paused until the pause signal is deasserted. The content player also includes an event detector that is coupled to the pausable mass storage device player. The content player detects a non-viewer initiated event, (e.g., an automatic event such as the receipt of an email with embedded enhanced content), and to assert the pause signal in response thereto. The content player receives content, detects an event, and in response to detecting the event, pauses the content to a presentation device and spools the content onto the mass storage device. |
US09143749B2 |
Light sensitive, low height, and high dynamic range camera
A user device includes a dual array camera in which a first camera includes a first image sensor without a color filter array to capture luminance, and a second camera includes a second image sensor with a color filter array to capture chrominance. |
US09143748B2 |
Method and system for differential distortion correction for three-dimensional (3D) projection
A method and system are disclosed for differential distortion correction for use in the three-dimensional (3D) projection of film-based or digital images. A compensation transform determined based on distortion information can be applied to image data to compensate for distortions in stereoscopic images for 3D projection. Different approaches can be used for obtaining the compensation transform. |
US09143747B2 |
Color imaging element and imaging device
In the color imaging element and the imaging device according to an aspect of the present invention, a basic array pattern is repeatedly placed in a first direction and in a second direction, the basic array pattern includes four or more rectangular patterns each corresponding to 3×2 pixels each composed of a first filter, a color filter array includes therein grating filter lines surrounding the four directions of the rectangular pattern, the color filter array includes therein the first filters each disposed in each line in the first direction, in the second direction, in a third direction, and in a fourth direction, and the basic array pattern includes therein one or more second filters of each color, each disposed in each line in the first direction in the second direction. |
US09143744B2 |
Park guest-activated image capture system for theme parks and associated methods
An image capture system for a theme park includes fixed image capture areas spaced throughout the theme park. Each fixed image capture area includes at least one camera, and a kiosk coupled to the at least one camera. The kiosk includes an identification (ID) reader to read a park guest ID presented by a park guest, and a processor to activate the at least one camera to take a photo of the park guest based on the ID reader reading the park guest ID. The processor also links the park guest ID with the photo. A server is coupled to the fixed image capture areas to store each photo with the linked park guest ID. |
US09143742B1 |
Automated aggregation of related media content
Systems and methods for media aggregation are disclosed herein. The system includes a media system that can transform user generated media items into at least one aggregated media item. A synchronization component can synchronize media items with respect to time. Synchronized media items can be analyzed and transformed into an aggregated media item for storage and/or display. In addition, the aggregated media item is capable of being manipulated to create an enhanced and customizable viewing and/or listening experience. Accordingly, media item aggregation can be accomplished. |
US09143734B2 |
Method and system for providing content to a portable media player device and maintaining licensing rights
A method and system for storing a file on a portable device 36 includes a display 30, a digital video recorder 32, a first control device 80 and a controller 200 coupled to the digital video recorder. The controller generates a screen display having a selector for selecting a file to transfer. Upon selecting a file to transfer, storing the file on the portable device 36 and storing license information in a memory 210 of the portable storage device. |
US09143732B2 |
Aircraft IFE system cooperating with a personal electronic device (PED) operating as a commerce device and associated methods
A communications system for an aircraft includes an aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and at least one personal electronic device (PED) carried by an aircraft passenger. The aircraft IFE system includes an IFE advertisement source, IFE passenger seat displays, an IFE wireless transceiver, an IFE controller, and a purchase acceptance controller. The PED includes a PED optical sensor, a PED wireless transceiver, and a PED controller for communicating with the IFE wireless transceiver via the PED wireless transceiver based upon the PED optical sensor sensing a selected advertisement token image. The purchase acceptance controller cooperates with the IFE controller to accept purchase of the selected advertisement token image. |
US09143727B2 |
Dual-axis image equalization in video conferencing
A video conferencing system is provided that reduces the perspective of an image captured by a video conferencing camera. The perspective is reduced in an image by receiving a first image of a first field of view and receiving a second image of a second field of view. Moreover, the first image is equalized and the second image is equalized independently of the first image. Additionally, the first equalized image is stitched to the second equalized image to create a display image, which can be sent to a display another video conferencing endpoint. |
US09143726B2 |
Video media server for realizing video intercommunication gateway function and video intercommunication method
A certain embodiment of the invention provides a video media server (10) for implementing a video intercommunication gateway function and a video intercommunication method, the video media server (10) including: a video access control system module (11), which is configured to apply to the video media server (10) for a first video port supporting first coding and a second video port supporting second coding, complete media negotiation between the first video port and a call center (13), and complete media negotiation between the second video port and a video access network; a code converting module, which is configured to realize code conversion between the first video port and the second video port. The function of a video intercommunication gateway device is realized using a video media server (10) supporting the second coding multiplexing and demultiplexing function. |
US09143725B2 |
System and method for providing enhanced graphics in a video environment
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a video input from a video source coupled to a display configured for rendering a user interface thereon; generating a grayscale element associated with the user interface by evaluating alpha values related to pixels associated with the video input; generating an opacity mask; and setting red, green, blue (RGB) values equal to an alpha value of a source image for certain pixels in the source image. |
US09143722B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing session description for a media session
In one embodiment, a method includes constructing at a source node, a session description pointer to a session description for a media session, inserting the session description pointer in a packet in a media stream of the media session, and transmitting the packet to a receiver node. The session description pointer is configured for use in obtaining the session description by an intermediate node located between the source node and the receiver node. An apparatus is also disclosed. |
US09143720B2 |
Handheld electronic device and image projection method of the same
A handheld electronic device is provided. The handheld electronic device comprises a main body, a processing unit, an image projection module, a motion sensor, a first light sensor and a second light sensor. The processing module is disposed in the main body to generate display data. The image projection module generates a projection image according to the display data. The motion sensor senses an orientation of the handheld electronic device. The first and second light sensors sense an ambient light. The processing unit generates the display data according to the ambient light sensed by the first light sensor when the processing module determines that the orientation is a first orientation and according to the ambient light sensed by the second light sensor when the processing module determines that the orientation is a second orientation. |
US09143719B2 |
Stand for facilitating air flow through an electronic device
According to one embodiment, electronic equipment configured to support an external apparatus including a display screen and a housing comprising an opening disposed on a side opposite the display screen, the electronic equipment includes: a first supporter electrically connected to the external apparatus, a connector being exposed from the first connector, the connector detachably being connected to the external apparatus; and a second supporter configured to support an area of the housing from the side opposite the display screen, the area excluding a portion on which the opening is disposed. |
US09143713B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and imaging apparatus
The invention is directed to a solid-state imaging device in which pixels each including a photoelectric conversion portion formed above a semiconductor substrate and an MOS type signal reading circuit as defined herein are arranged in an array form, wherein: the photoelectric conversion portion includes a pixel electrode, a counter electrode and a photoelectric conversion layer as defined herein; a bias voltage is applied to the counter electrode as defined herein; the signal reading circuit includes a charge storage portion, an output transistor and a protection circuit as defined herein; the protection circuit has an impurity region as defined herein; the output transistor has an impurity region as defined herein; and the impurity regions of the protection circuits and the impurity regions of the output transistors are used in common to every adjacent two of the pixels as defined herein. |
US09143711B2 |
Systems and methods for array camera focal plane control
Systems and methods for controlling the parameters of groups of focal planes as focal plane groups in an array camera are described. One embodiment includes a plurality of focal planes, and control circuitry configured to control the capture of image data by the pixels within the focal planes. In addition, the control circuitry includes: a plurality of parameter registers, where a given parameter register is associated with one of the focal planes and contains configuration data for the associated focal plane; and a focal plane group register that contains data identifying focal planes that belong to a focal plane group. Furthermore, the control circuitry is configured to control the imaging parameters of the focal planes in the focal plane groups by mapping instructions that address virtual register addresses to the addresses of the parameter registers associated with focal planes within specific focal plane groups. |
US09143709B1 |
Non-uniformity correction (NUC) gain damping
A system of non-uniformity correction (NUC) for a pixel in an imaging array includes: a storage module for storing (a) a first gain coefficient for correcting a gain error of the pixel and (b) multiple damping factors, including a first damping factor, for adjusting the first gain coefficient, in response to multiple respective light levels that the pixel senses during operation. Also included is a NUC corrector module for receiving a first intensity value from the pixel in response to a first light level. The NUC corrector module extracts the first gain coefficient and a first damping factor from the storage module, and then corrects the first intensity value of the pixel using the (a) first gain coefficient and (b) first damping factor. |
US09143705B2 |
Signal providing apparatus, and analog-to-digital converting apparatus and image sensor using the same
An image sensor includes: a plurality of image pixels providing a reset signal and a data signal; a signal providing apparatus generating a ramp signal, and sequentially providing the reset signal, the data signal, and the ramp signal; and an analog-to-digital converting apparatus converting the data signal into a digital signal by using a first timing at which the amplitude of the ramp signal is changed based on the amplitude of the reset signal and a second timing at which the amplitude of the ramp signal is changed based on the amplitude of the data signal, wherein the reset signal used to generate the ramp signal and the data signal which has been converted into the data digital signal may be output from the same image pixel. |
US09143704B2 |
Image capturing device and method thereof
An image capturing device and a method thereof are provided. The image capturing device includes an image sensor and a processor. The image sensor includes a color filter array and a sensor chip. The color filter array includes a first region permitting visible light and infrared light to pass and a second region permitting the infrared light to pass. The sensor chip obtains a target image through the color filter array, wherein the target image includes a composite image corresponding to the first region and a first group infrared image corresponding to the second region, and the composite image includes a second group infrared image, where the second group infrared image and the first group infrared image are linear correlated. The processor adjusts a proportion of the second group infrared image in the composite image by employing the first group infrared image, so as to generate a processed image. |
US09143701B2 |
Imaging apparatus capable of specifying shooting posture, method for specifying shooting posture, and storage medium storing program
There is provided an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit, an orthogonal axis information detecting unit that detects orthogonal axis information indicating an inclination of an orthogonal axis perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging unit after imaging by the imaging unit, and a specifying unit that specifies a shooting posture of an apparatus body at time of imaging, based on the orthogonal axis information detected by the orthogonal axis information detecting unit. |
US09143700B2 |
Image capturing device for capturing an image at a wide angle and image presentation system
A first imaging unit is configured to capture an image showing a subject in front. A convex reflector is located behind an imaging plane of an optical system formed by the first imaging unit and is configured to share an optical axis with the first imaging unit and mirror a subject beside the convex reflector, a convex portion of the convex reflector being oriented forward. A second imaging unit is configured to share the optical axis with the first imaging unit and capture an image mirrored by the convex reflector. An image processing unit is configured to adjust a resolution of images captured by the first and the second imaging units, obtain a mirror-reversed image from the image captured by the first imaging unit or the image captured by the second imaging unit, and blend the mirror-reversed image with the other image. |
US09143697B2 |
Lighting and control systems and methods
Lighting and control systems and methods for a lighting node and a remote control device are disclosed. The remote control device may be coupled to the lighting node via an identification process, such as broadcasting an identification request from the remote control device to nearby lighting nodes. The lighting node can respond to the identification request by sending an identifier to the remote control device such that future commands sent from the remote control device is limited to be responded by the lighting node having the identifier stored thereon. Once coupled, the remote control device can adjust spectral content produced by the lighting node based on user-configuration or a color profile captured via an optical sensor. The adjustment via the remote control device may further include calibration and recalibration of the lighting node utilizing a feedback mechanism with the optical sensor. |
US09143696B2 |
Imaging using offsetting accumulations
An imaging system includes a sensor array of sensor elements and plural accumulator sets of accumulators. Switches alternatively route detections from a respective sensor element to different accumulators of the respective accumulator set. Offset devices offset an amount read out from a first accumulator of a set by an amount read out from a second accumulator of that set. |
US09143693B1 |
Systems and methods for push-button slow motion
Imaging systems can often gather higher quality information about a field of view than the unaided human eye. For example, telescopes may magnify very distant objects, microscopes may magnify very small objects, and high frame-rate cameras may capture fast motion. The present disclosure includes devices and methods that provide real-time vision enhancement without the delay of replaying from storage media. The disclosed devices and methods may include a live view display and image and other information enhancements, which utilize in-line computation and constant control. The disclosure includes techniques for enabling push-button slow motion effects through buffer management and the adjustment of a display frame rate. |
US09143692B2 |
Imaging apparatus which performs development processing on captured image
In an imaging apparatus of the present invention, when an instruction to perform image capturing is made during a monitoring operation of waiting for an image capture instruction while causing a live view image to be displayed, development processing for generating a recording image for recording from a RAW image captured by an image pickup element is started, and continuously performed concurrently with the monitoring operation. Then, after the development processing performed concurrently with the monitoring operation is completed, the recording image obtained by the development processing is recorded. Also, when the monitoring operation is being performed, the processing status of the development processing being performed is judged, and the judged processing status of the development processing is displayed together with the live view image while the monitoring operation is being performed. |
US09143686B2 |
Photographing apparatus, motion estimating apparatus, image compensating method, motion estimating method, and computer-readable recording medium
A photographing apparatus, a motion estimating apparatus, an image compensating method, a motion estimating method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium are provided. The photographing apparatus includes: an image sensing unit which continuously captures a plurality of images by using a rolling shutter method; and an image processor which compensates for a uniformly accelerated motion of the photographing apparatus by using the plurality of images. |
US09143684B2 |
Digital photographing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and computer-readable storage medium
An apparatus, computer readable medium, and a method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus comprising a plurality of optical systems, the method including deriving shake information from the plurality of optical systems; and determining a base optical system from among the plurality of optical systems according to the shake information. |
US09143677B1 |
Automatic real-time composition feedback for still and video cameras
An image capturing device includes an image sensing device, a processor, and a memory. Using this, the device can determine a plurality of image-based characteristics for a proposed image, compute a composition measure for the proposed image and the given settings that depends from at least two of the plurality of image-based characteristics of the proposed image, output an indication of the composition measure to a user, in the form of simple indicators, more complex indicators/displays, and or provide suggestions for altering at least one characteristic of the proposed image or data about the context of a shot, receive an image capture signal from the user in response to the indication, receive a captured image from the image sensing device in response to the image capture signal, and store the captured image in memory. The feedback can also be provided at a later time. |
US09143675B2 |
Imaging device having autofocus capability
Herein disclosed is an imaging device having an imaging optical system, the device including: an imaging element configured to include a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels arranged along a predetermined direction; a first processor configured to execute focal detection processing by a phase difference detection system based on charge signals obtained from the plurality of second pixels; and a second processor configured to execute specific processing based on charge signals obtained from the plurality of first pixels, the specific processing being different from the focal detection processing by a phase difference detection system and being necessary for a function of the imaging device. |
US09143668B2 |
Camera lens structures and display structures for electronic devices
A camera may be mounted under a display in an electronic device. The display may include a polarizer layer, a color filter layer, and a thin-film-transistor layer. A layer of material such as a glass insert may be attached to an edge of the display. Openings may be formed in the layers of the display and the insert to accommodate the camera. A sleeve structure may be mounted within an opening. The camera may include lens structures formed from a stack of lens elements. One or more layers of the display may be interposed within the lens structures. The glass insert may be mounted within a notch in the color filter layer and thin-film transistor layer or along a straight edge of the color filter layer and thin-film transistor layer. The edge of the color filter layer may be recessed with respect to form a mounting shelf for the insert. |
US09143667B1 |
Helmet mounted imaging systems
An illustrative embodiment of helmet mounted imaging systems for a helmet includes an impact-resistant system housing adapted for attachment to the helmet; an image capture and transmission system carried by the system housing, the image capture and transmission system including at least one image sensor; and an impact-resistant image sensor shield carried by the system housing, the image sensor shield substantially covering the image sensor. Alternative illustrative embodiments of the helmet mounted imaging systems are disclosed. |
US09143665B2 |
Solid-state image sensor and camera
A solid-state image sensor, comprising an image sensor chip including a pixel region where a plurality of pixels are arranged and a peripheral region arranged around the pixel region, and a fixing portion including a substrate which supports the image sensor chip and a joint portion which joins the substrate to an external base, wherein the peripheral region includes a first portion, and a second portion which is smaller in an amount of generated heat than the first portion, the substrate includes a first side and a second side, the first portion is arranged nearer the first side than the second side, the second portion is arranged nearer the second side than the first side, and the joint portion is arranged on the first side of the substrate. |
US09143660B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, lens apparatus, and image pickup system of a lens interchangeable type
An image pickup system includes a lens apparatus, and an image pickup apparatus to which the lens apparatus is detachably attached. The image pickup apparatus controller changes a cycle of a control reference signal for internal processing of the image pickup apparatus, and sends a command of changing the cycle of the control reference signal to the lens controller in synchronization with a post-change control reference signal. The lens controller that has received the command changes the cycle of the control reference signal when the lens apparatus is ready to change the cycle of the control reference signal, and sends to the image pickup apparatus controller information representing whether the lens controller has been able to follow the change of the cycle of the control reference signal. |
US09143658B2 |
Image processing apparatus and processing method thereof
Provided are an apparatus and method that obtain a numerical value for an evaluation value of an appearance of noise in a plurality of videos and that coordinate the appearance of noise based on the evaluation value. In an image processing apparatus that coordinates an appearance of noise among a plurality of videos, noise properties are obtained from the videos, and a noise evaluation value is calculated based on the noise properties. Based on the calculated noise evaluation value, noise to be added to the videos is calculated, and the added noise is then added to the videos. |
US09143651B2 |
Image forming apparatus, charging information recording method, and recording medium
An image forming apparatus includes a unit for receiving process information indicating a list of processes used in a process flow requested by an information processing apparatus connected via a network; a unit for executing a process that the image forming apparatus is requested to execute, and recording charging information, which is relevant to the executed process, in charging information record data of the process flow; a unit for transferring the charging information record data to a service providing device that is requested to execute another process; a unit for receiving the charging information record data in which charging information, which is relevant to the other process executed by the service providing device, has been recorded by the service providing device; and a unit for recording, in a storage unit, the charging information record data in which charging information are recorded in association with the corresponding processes in the list. |
US09143647B2 |
Image reading apparatus and method, image forming apparatus, and computer-readable medium
An image reading apparatus includes a document cover, a cover state detector that detects whether the document cover is open or closed, an image reading unit that reads an image by conducting an optical scan that moves a scanning body with a mounted light source, detecting reflected light from the target object with a photoelectric transducer, and outputting a signal expressing the detected pixel densities, a white reference plate used as a reference for correcting an image, a power manager that switches between a power-saving state and a standby state, and a controller that controls the respective units such that in the case of restoring the standby state due to detecting the opening or closing of the document cover, an image of a document is read to detect the document size, and an image of the white reference plate is read after the detection to acquire correction values. |
US09143644B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus can suppress the degradation of an image signal due to electrostatic discharge with a simple configuration. An original feeder unit is supported openably and closably by a hinge mechanism fixed on a bottom member of an image reading unit. An image sensor substrate of an image reading unit and an image processing substrate of an image forming unit are connected by a cable. An electrically conductive connecting portion electrically connects a bottom member of the image reading unit with a casing of the image forming unit, and is arranged along the cable. The bottom member has a notch formed therein, the connecting portion is fixed to the bottom member so as to extend over the notch, and the cable is arranged so as to pass through an opening portion thereby formed in a direction from above to below of the bottom member. |
US09143643B2 |
Image processing device and screen information supply server
An image processing device first displays a first screen when first screen information is acquired. The image processing device displays a second screen when a screen change instruction is given from the user in a state in which the first screen is displayed on the display unit. The image processing device executes the image processing related to an object option when the target option is selected in a state in which the second screen is displayed. The image processing device displays the second screen including the option information when the second screen information is acquired after the image processing is executed. |
US09143641B2 |
Method for scanning data and electronic device thereof
A method for operating an electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting a touch of an external input device, determining at least one region associated with the detected touch, receiving scanning data from the external input device, and displaying the scanning data at the determined region. |
US09143637B2 |
Transmission device, video signal transmission method for transmission device, reception device, and video signal reception method for reception device
Methods and systems for allowing a contents list of a video camera recorder to be smoothly displayed on a television receiver and improve the performance of a selecting operation on video content by a user. A video camera recorder (source device) 10A and a television receiver (sink device) 30A are connected through an HDMI cable 1. The video camera recorder 10A is provided with an HDMI transmission unit (HDMI TX) 28 and a high-speed data line I/F 28A. The television receiver 30A is provided with an HDMI reception unit (HDMI RX) 32 and a high-speed data line I/F 32A. In response to a transmission request from the television receiver 30A side, the video camera recorder 10A transmits, at high speed, additional information (contents list and thumbnail data) to the television receiver 30A by using a high-speed data line constituted by specific lines of the HDMI cable 1. |
US09143629B2 |
Systems and methods for streak detection in image array scanning
A system and method are provided for streak detection in an image scanning system. The disclosed systems and methods may be particularly applicable to constant velocity transport (CVT) digital scanning systems by comparing multiple scans of a simply-produced test pattern passed over the sensor in multiple orientations. Image information from each pass of the test pattern through the image scanning system may be compared to image information from other passes in which the orientation of the test pattern is changes. The data may be normalized and compared to discern image quality defects introduced by the image scanning system including image defects presented in the form of streaks in an output image based on the scanned data. Cumulative data regarding detected image defects and defect correction measures applied in the image scanning system may be collected and stored for a user to access. |
US09143626B2 |
Subsidizing wireless services in geo-fenced zones
A system, and computer program product for subsidizing wireless services in geo-fenced zones are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A geo-fenced zone is configured, the geo-fenced zone comprising a boundary defined by a set of fixed points in space. A subsidized pricing is configured for the wireless service when the wireless service is consumed by a mobile device within the geo-fenced zone, forming a subsidized wireless service. The mobile device is detected in the geo-fenced zone. The mobile device is provided the subsidized wireless service. A billing entry is applied to an account associated with the mobile device, wherein the billing entry charges the account a subsidized amount corresponding to a measured amount of subsidized wireless service used by the mobile device while the mobile device remains within the geo-fenced zone. |
US09143625B2 |
Selection of wireless devices and service plans
Disclosed are various embodiments for selection of wireless devices and service plans. A geographic location and a plurality of wireless preferences are associated with a user. Wireless service plans, offered by at least one wireless carrier that services the geographic location, that meet the wireless preferences associated with the user are determined. A user interface is generated that presents the wireless service plans in a ranked order that is determined utilizing at least the wireless preferences. |
US09143615B2 |
System and method for providing call-back options
A system and method for providing call-back options is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a call in a call routing system, providing at least one call-back option for a caller to receive a call-back, re-allocating resources in the call routing system based at least in part on the at least one call-back option, and calling the caller based on the at least one call-back option. The caller may specify a specific time, a relative time, or a time range when a call-back is preferred. The caller may also specify one or more telephone numbers in combination with the time preferences. The call-back may be initiated by a voice response unit (VRU) and additional call-back options may be presented to the customer who responds to the call-back. |
US09143612B2 |
Centralized caller profile system and methods for routing and prioritizing calls
Disclosed is a Centralized Caller Profile System and methods for routing and prioritizing calls. The disclosed systems and methods provide enhanced customer service by allowing multiple parties to update and share the same set of profile information from a centralized database. The disclosed systems and methods provide for faster, easier access to profile information, more efficient call routing, and the ability to prioritize callers in a caller queue. |
US09143604B2 |
Personalized service method using user history in mobile terminal and system using the method
A personalized service method using a user history in a mobile terminal is provided. The personalized service method using the user history in the mobile terminal includes: checking at least one of event information and context information which occurred due to a user; checking a user's location, a user's condition, a user's emotional state, or an event occurrence time when the at least one of event information and context information occur; reflecting the user's location, the user's condition, the user's emotional state, or the event occurrence time in the at least one of event information and context information, and recording the at least one of event information and context information, having reflected the user's location, the user's condition, the user's emotional state, or the event occurrence time, in a database in a diary type; and displaying a representing image corresponding to the at least one of event information and context information, having been recorded in the diary type. |
US09143603B2 |
Methods and arrangements employing sensor-equipped smart phones
The present technology concerns improvements to smart phones and related sensor-equipped systems. Some embodiments relate to smart phone-assisted commuting, e.g., by bicycle. Some involve novel human-computer interactions, e.g., using tactile grammars—some of which may be customized by users. Others involve spoken clues, e.g., by which a user can assist a smart phone in identifying what portion of imagery captured by a smart phone camera should be processed, or identifying what type of image processing should be conducted. Some arrangements include the degradation of captured content information in accordance with privacy rules, which may be location-dependent, or based on the unusualness of the captured content, or responsive to later consultation of the stored content information by the user. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed. |
US09143602B2 |
Methods and systems to ensure that the user of a touch or keypad operated device within a moving vehicle must use two hands for device operation
Systems and methods are directed to configuring a portable electronic device such that a user of the portable electronic device is required to use two hands to operate the portable electronic device. In some configurations, the portable electronic device determines whether the portable electronic device is moving at a rate of speed that is greater than a predetermined threshold before requiring the user to use two hands. Alternatively, or in addition, a function, feature, and/or application of the portable electronic device may be inhibited such that two hands are required. Once the portable electronic device determines that the user is using two hands, an operation, feature, function, and/or application may then be enabled although still be inhibited. |
US09143600B2 |
Single button mobile telephone using server-based call routing
Implementations disclose a single button mobile telephone using server-based call routing. A method of an implementation of the disclosure includes receiving, by a processing device, datasets from an apparatus worn by a user, wherein the datasets correspond to an event experienced by the user, in response to a signal to initiate a communication with the user, analyzing, by the processing device, the datasets to determine a type of the event, identifying, by the processing device, one of a plurality of destinations based on the analysis of the datasets and the determined type of the event, and routing, by the processing device, the signal to the identified destination. |
US09143597B2 |
Method for telephony client synchronization in telephone virtualization
A method for synchronizing telephony applications running on different system software images is provided. When a telecommunications session is conducted by a first telephony application, the first telephony application controls the state of the telecommunications session through a signaling protocol stack executing on the same system software image as the first telephony application (or on a virtualization layer). The present invention allows the sharing of the signaling protocol stack by multiple telephony applications running on different system software images. |
US09143596B2 |
Voice communication apparatus
A voice communication apparatus is provided. The voice communication apparatus includes a control unit, a hand-held voice transceiver, a position status detector, a first switch and a one-way signal transmitter. The position status detector generates status information by detecting a position status of the hand-held voice transceiver. The first switch turns on or cuts off a connection path between the hand-held voice transceiver and the control unit according to the status information. The one-way signal transmitter is coupled between the position status detector and the control unit, and transmits the status information to the control unit. |
US09143590B2 |
Headset base with display and communications base
A headset base unit (2) comprising a base housing (4), a headset holder (5, 38) for holding a headset (3). The headset base unit (2) has control means (9), by means of which an audio channel can be opened between the headset (3) and a selected one of the telecommunication devices (9, 10, 11), and a display unit (39) with a display (6) adapted for displaying device icons (12, 13, 14) representing connected telecommunication devices (9, 10, 11). A further communication system (95) comprising a headset system (1) and a cordless telephone (109). The headset system (109) comprises a wireless headset (3) with a headset transceiver (51) and a headset base unit (2) with headset base transceiver means (27, 28). The handset transceiver (103) and the telephone base transceiver means (100) can be connected by a second radio link (96) according to the first radio standard. The headset base transceiver means (27) and the telephone base transceiver means (100) are adapted to be connected by a third radio link (65) according to the first radio standard, wherein the headset (3) can be used for a telephone call via the first radio link (66) and the third link (65). |
US09143586B2 |
Mobile electronic device with enhanced laminate construction
A mobile electronic device with enhanced laminate construction is disclosed. The device 10 can include: a housing 150 including a front housing 34 and a rear housing 86; a user interface 62 connected to the front housing 34; and a stack module 152 including a printed circuit board 28 including an outwardly facing side 154 and an inwardly facing side 156, an electronic component 48 attached to the inwardly facing side 156 and a battery 32 attached with laminate 162 to the electronic component 48. Advantageously, this provides a durable low profile multilayer construction for use in connection with mobile electronic devices desired by users. |
US09143585B2 |
Method and system for generic multiprotocol convergence over wireless air interface
Data packets of multiple different protocols are transmitted over a broadband wireless air interface between network stations subscribing to the broadband wireless access service. A first network station receives data packets of different network protocols in an upper layer for transmission to a second station over the wireless air interface. The different protocol data packets are processed in the upper layer to look up a destination address and class of service, and are transmitted to a single generic packet convergence sublayer along with an identification tag indicating the destination address and class of service. The generic packet convergence sublayer maps the identification tag to a single connection ID (CID) of a second station of the broadband wireless access service, without having to carry out any packet inspection. |
US09143582B2 |
Interoperability for distributed overlay virtual environments
Embodiments of the invention relate to providing interoperability between hosts supporting multiple encapsulation. One embodiment includes a method that includes mapping packet encapsulation protocol type information for virtual switches. Each virtual switch is associated with one or more virtual machines (VMs). It is determined whether one or more common encapsulation protocol types exist for a first VM associated with a first virtual switch and a second VM associated with a second virtual switch based on the mapping. A common encapsulation protocol type is selected if it is determined that one or more common encapsulation protocol types exist for the first virtual switch and the second virtual switch. A packet is encapsulated for communication between the first VM and the second VM using the selected common encapsulation protocol type. |
US09143578B2 |
Content delivery system for delivering content relevant to a profile and profiling model tool for personal or organizational development
A content delivery system is provided for delivering content relevant to a profile. The system comprises a server (106) arranged to store a plurality of data elements (114) having a plurality of respective profiles associated therewith. The server (106) is further arranged to mine the plurality of data elements relative to another data element having another profile associated therewith. The server (106) is consequently able to identify at least one of the plurality of data elements having as great a relevance as possible to the another profile. The plurality of respective profiles constitute respective meta-data, and the another data element and at least one of the plurality of data elements comprise data relating to a profiling model. The server (106) is capable of delivering the identified at least one of the plurality of data element to a recipient terminal (102). |
US09143569B2 |
Systems and methods for processing, transmitting and displaying sensor data
Systems and methods for continuous measurement of an analyte in a host are provided. The system generally includes a continuous analyte sensor configured to continuously measure a concentration of analyte in a host and a sensor electronics module physically connected to the continuous analyte sensor during sensor use, wherein the sensor electronics module is further configured to directly wirelessly communicate displayable sensor information to a plurality of different types of display devices. |
US09143567B2 |
Gateway device to connect native fibre channel ports to pure fibre channel over ethernet storage area networks
Aa gateway device for use between a Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) network and a Fiber Channel (FC) storage area network (SAN) device includes a controller, at least one first native Fiber Channel F_Port in operable communication with the controller and configured to interface with a native Fiber Channel N_Port of the FC SAN device, and at least one first virtual N_Port (VN_Port) linked to the at least one first native Fiber Channel F_Port and in operable communication with the controller. |
US09143563B2 |
Integrated and scalable architecture for accessing and delivering data
A distributed and scalable data historian framework is provided that allows historian functionality to be efficiently incorporated at various levels of an industrial enterprise. The framework includes a historian data interface system that provides a single interface and common protocol for configuring, managing, and viewing historian data located throughout a network of historian distributed across the industrial enterprise. The historian data interface system leverages a data model that models the enterprise and sources of historian data to facilitate fast and efficient retrieval of desired historian data. By unifying the distributed historians under a common framework, the data model can facilitate enterprise-level management of historian data collection and storage. |
US09143560B2 |
Methods and apparatus for dataset synchronization in a wireless environment
Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products are provided for wirelessly synchronizing datasets that are stored on a wireless device and at a network device, such as a network server or database. Present aspects provide for a simplified and efficient synchronization process, whereby synchronization can be completed in a single round-trip of wireless communication between the wireless device and the network device. Single round-trip synchronization provides for less use of network resources, shorter overall synchronization cycle times and lessens the likelihood of wireless network failures, such as call drops or the like, causing the synchronization process to fail. Additionally, simplification and efficiency are further realized by creating a synchronization process that allows the network dataset to be independent of the wireless device datasets, i.e., the network server does not require a full change history nor is the network server required to know the wireless device dataset version. |
US09143559B2 |
Directory server replication
Information regarding requests made to a directory server by clients is collected. The requests including read, compare, search, write, and update requests. It is determined the number of the read, compare and search requests is greater than a threshold and/or whether the number of the write and update requests is greater than the threshold. In response to determining that either or both numbers are greater than the threshold, the following is performed. The process by which the directory server should be replicated is determined based on the information collected. The type of replication as to which the directory server should be replicated is also determined based on the information collected. A new directory server is then replicated from the directory server using the determined process. The new directory server has the determined type of replication. |
US09143558B2 |
Geographic resiliency and load balancing for SIP application services
A mechanism for achieving resiliency and load balancing for SIP application services and, in particular, in geographic distributed sites. A method performs a distribution of SIP requests among SIP servers, where at least two sites with a load balancer in each site is configured. The method includes receiving a SIP request by a first load balancer in a first site; determining whether the SIP request should be redirected to a second site; and redirecting the SIP request to an address of a second load balancer in the second site. The invention also includes a SIP proxy including a receiving unit receiving SIP requests; a load balancing unit distributing SIP requests between SIP entities; and a health monitoring unit verifying availability of the SIP entities. The SIP proxy may further be configured with a proximity measuring unit determining a proximity to a SIP entity. |
US09143555B1 |
Smart asset management for a content item
A method for managing assets for a content item to be displayed on at least one client computing device having a display is provided. Additionally, a server computing device for managing assets for a content item to be displayed on at least one client computing device having a display is provided. Additionally, a computer-readable storage device having processor-executable instructions embodied thereon is provided. The processor-executable instructions are for managing assets for a content item to be displayed on at least one client computing device having a display. |
US09143554B2 |
Control of a computing system having adjustable inputs
A technique for controlling an output of a computing system having multiple adjustable inputs includes providing a set of adjustable inputs to the computing system, observing an output of the computing system while the system is in operation, and selecting a subset of adjustable inputs from the set of adjustable inputs based on the observation of the output. The inputs in the selected subset are then adjusted to achieve a desired output of the computing system. |
US09143552B2 |
Dynamic profile management based on transport detection
Systems and methods are presented that enable the transmission of data and applications to a communications device using a most efficient communication pathway. This enables large sized information to be sent to cellular telephones and other devices without using conventional cellular signaling pathways. |
US09143551B2 |
Method, device, and system for acquiring a web page
A technique for acquiring a web page includes: receiving, at a client, a user instruction; obtaining from the instruction a page number of a web page that a user desires to access; searching for web page data in a hidden form that is cached in advance at the client, the search being based at least in part on the page number and the hidden form comprising web page data for a plurality of page numbers and in the event that web page data is found in the hidden form, generating, by the client, the web page using the web page data. |
US09143549B2 |
Communication system offering remote access and communication method thereof
A communication system offering remote access and a communication method thereof are provided. The communication system includes a remote device, a relay node, and at least one server device. The relay node controls a connection from the remote device to a local area network (LAN). The at least one server device is located in the LAN. The remote device communicates with the relay node by using a web access protocol. The relay node converts a first command compliant with the web access protocol into a second command compliant with a LAN data access protocol, so that the remote device can remotely access the at least one server device through the relay node. Thereby, the remote device can remotely access the at least one server device without setting parameters of related network nodes. |
US09143548B2 |
Quality of service support for machine-to-machine applications
A Quality of Service functionality is provided for Machine to machine device communications that allows a single IMS session to support a plurality of different data streams. In one embodiment a single IMS session is used to support a plurality of different data streams that arise from a single application type, while in another embodiment, a single IMS session is used to support a plurality of different data streams across a plurality of different devices and applications. Through the use of a single IMS session, signaling is reduced and QoS can be offered without impacting a large number of nodes. An IMS User Agent is deployed to aid in providing this functionality. |
US09143543B2 |
Method and system for multi-streaming multimedia data
A method for multi-streaming multimedia content data over a network to affiliated client devices is provided. A manifest including a list of Universal Resource Indicators (URIs) for different segments of multimedia content data for selected primary multimedia content and a list of URIs for different segments of multimedia content data for at least one alternate multimedia content related to and different from the selected primary multimedia content is built and made available for download over the network with a transfer protocol. Synchronization of display of the selected primary multimedia content on a primary display and display of the at least one alternate content on the at least one auxiliary client device is thereby enabled. A system for streaming multimedia data over a network to affiliated client devices is also disclosed. |
US09143542B1 |
Media content collaboration
A system for media content collaboration is provided. The system includes a media component, a collaboration component, a permissions component and a finalization component. The media component receives uploaded media content from a first user. The collaboration component generates an online collaboration space for the uploaded media content. The permissions component generates and grants permissions to a second user to edit or augment the uploaded media content in the online collaboration space. The finalization component generates a final version of the uploaded media content based in part on modifications made by the second user. |
US09143541B1 |
Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media to target internet-based services on a geographic location
Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media are provided to target internet-based services on a geographic location relating to a plurality of candidate geographic locations. A targeted geographic location may be provided based on usefulness, to a user probabilistically located among the plurality of candidates, of internet-based services being targeted thereon. From a first server, a plurality of candidate geographic locations may be obtained, each of which may be associated with a client IP address and a plurality of candidate confidence levels. A plurality of route-utility factors for each respective candidate geographic location, a plurality of probabilistic utility scores for each respective candidate geographic location, and an aggregate probabilistic utility score may be determined for each candidate geographic location. Further, a geographic location having an aggregate probabilistic utility score satisfying preselected criteria may be selected and transmitted to a second server so that geographically-targeted internet-based services can be provided. |
US09143536B2 |
Determining a location address for shared data
A method and apparatus for determining a location address for shared packet switched data. The data is to be accessible by a user of a first device and a user of a second device. A symmetric function is applied to a known identifier associated with the first device and a known identifier associated with the second device. The result of the function can then be used as an address for data to be accessible by users of both the first device and the second device, the data being stored on a remote server at a location defined by the address. The method ensures that the same address is calculated regardless of which identifier is used first, and that both devices can calculate the address without requiring any further signalling or capability/discovery mechanism. |
US09143528B2 |
Method and device for countering fingerprint forgery attacks in a communication system
A method and a fingerprinting device for countering fingerprint forgery in a communication system. The fingerprinting device obtains and stores a reference fingerprint for a client device, generates and transmits decoy traffic that appears to originate from the client device, the decoy traffic having different fingerprinting properties than real traffic from the client device, generates a fingerprint for non-decoy traffic purportedly from the client device, and compares the generated fingerprint with a reference fingerprint. A forged fingerprint is detected if there is a mismatch. The decoy traffic preferably comprises frames to which no response is needed. The invention is particularly suited for 802.11 using fingerprints based on duration fields of received frames and the decoy traffic is then preferably probe request frames and null data frames. |
US09143527B2 |
Apparatus and method preventing overflow of pending interest table in name based network system
A node apparatus and method are described to prevent overflow of a pending interest table (PIT) in a name based network system. The node apparatus and method increases a number of PITs to correspond to a number of interface units so that the PITs match the interface units, respectively, and stores a request message flowing in per interface unit in the matching PITs. In addition, when a capacity used at each of the PITs exceeds a threshold, the node apparatus and method transmits a traffic control message for traffic control through respectively matching interface units to prevent overflow of the PITs. |
US09143524B2 |
Propagation of malicious code through an information technology network
A method of restricting transmission of data packets from a host entity in a network, including: transmitting outgoing packets to destination hosts whose identities are contained in a record stored in a working set of host identity records; over the course of repeated predetermined time intervals, restricting, to a predetermined number, destination hosts not identified in the working to which packets may be transmitted; upon transmission of a packet to a host whose identity is not contained in a record in the working set, adding a record containing the host's identity to the working set and attributing a time to live to the record; deleting each record from the working set whose time to live has expired. |
US09143519B2 |
Remote malware remediation
An opportunity to assist with remediation of a file at a remote particular host device is identified. One or more remediation techniques are identified that can be applied to assist with remediation of the file at the particular host device. In one aspect, one or more remediation scripts are identified from a plurality of remediation scripts for remediation of the file and provided to the particular host device for execution on the particular host device. In another aspect, a remediation tool is identified and launched on a computing device remote from the particular host device with operations of the remediation tool applied to resources of the particular host device. In another aspect, at least a portion of the remediation techniques are remotely initiated to be performed locally at the particular host device. |
US09143517B2 |
Threat exchange information protection
Threat exchange information protection can include receiving security information from a number of participants of a threat exchange community, wherein a portion of the received security information is encoded with pseudonyms by each of the number of participants, analyzing the security information collectively from the number of participants, wherein the portion of the received security information remains encoded, and sending analysis results to each of the number of participants, wherein the analysis results include information relating to the portion. |
US09143516B1 |
Protecting a network site during adverse network conditions
According to aspects of the disclosed subject matter, a network protection service for processing network traffic to assist a network site is presented. The network protection service is communicatively coupled to the network site over a network, and is configured to detect that the network site is experiencing adverse network conditions. Upon detecting that the network site is experiencing adverse network conditions, the network protection service causes that a portion of the network traffic intended for the network site is rerouted to the network protection service. The network protection service then forwards a portion of the network traffic rerouted to the network protection service to the network site. |
US09143512B2 |
Communication devices, computer readable storage devices, and methods for secure multi-path communication
A message is divided into multiple message segments, and a network interface is selected from among a plurality of different types of network interfaces included within a communication device for transmitting each message segment. Each network interface is dedicated to a different type of communication protocol using a different encryption technique, and a network interface is selected for transmitting each message segment according to a pattern of the network interfaces. Secure transmission of the multiple message segments is initiated via the network interfaces according to the pattern. |
US09143511B2 |
Validation of conditional policy attachments
Framework for conditionally attaching web service policies to a policy subject (e.g., a web service client or service endpoint) at subject runtime. In one set of embodiments, a validation process can be performed at a policy subject during an initialization phase to ensure that there are no validation errors with respect to the web service policies that may be conditionally attached to the subject. This validation process can include grouping the policies that have been associated with the policy subject (via policy attachment metadata) by their corresponding constraint expressions, and determining which groups can potentially overlap (i.e., be simultaneously attached to the policy subject) at runtime. Each set of overlapping groups can then be validated using a predefined set of validation rules to identify potential errors pertaining to the policies in the set. |
US09143509B2 |
Granular assessment of device state
A system for assessing a computer device's state may collect state data about the device, then assess the state with respect to the policy for granting one or more claims. Each claim may be defined by a set of requirements that, if fulfilled, may be used to permit or deny access to a resource, such as an application, network, data, or other resource. A collection engine may reside on the device or other location and may collect requested data, and some collection engines may be extensible with a plugin architecture for expansion. A server may receive information from the device to evaluate claims. Depending on the use scenario, the claim results may be incorporated into communications and passed to an evaluator that may produce an access token which is used to permit or deny access based on the claim results. |
US09143508B2 |
Service location based authentication
A computer is configured to receive a request to access an application, the request having a header. The header includes a source address and an encrypted address generated based on the source address. The computer is further configured to generate a decrypted address from the encrypted address. The computer is further configured to determine whether the source address and the decrypted address match, transmit the source address to a data store, and determine whether a customer profile corresponding to the source address is found within the data store. |
US09143507B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for pre-authentication and processing of data streams
A method, apparatus and system for pre-authenticating ports is disclosed. In one embodiment, an active port facilitating communication of media content between a transmitting device and a receiving device is identified, while the active port are associated with a first High-Definition Content Protection (HDCP) engine. Then, inactive ports that are in idle mode serving as backup ports to the active port are identified, while the inactive ports are associated with a second HDCP engine. Pre-authentication of each of the inactive ports is performed so the pre-authenticated inactive ports can subsequently replace the active port if a port switch is performed. |
US09143499B2 |
Authenticating a data access request to a dispersed storage network
A method begins by a data accessing module of a dispersed storage network (DSN) sending a data access request to a data storage module. The method continues with the data storage module sending an authentication request to an authenticating module. The method continues with the authenticating module outputting a verification request destined for the data accessing module, wherein the verification request includes a verification code that is generated based on the authentication request. The method continues with the data accessing module outputting a verification response that includes a modified verification code that is generated based on the verification code and a credential. The method continues with the authenticating module outputting an authentication response to the data storage module, wherein the authentication response is generated based on the verification response. The method continues with the data storage module facilitating the data access request when the authentication response is favorable. |
US09143493B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating between a user device and a gateway device to form a system to allow a partner service to be provided to the user device
A system and method of communicating between a user receiving device, a user locator module and a partner service provider includes a gateway device having a port configured to communicate with a user receiving device. The user receiving device registers with the user device locator module through the port. The user device locator module determines the location of a user receiving device. The partner service provider and the user receiving device form a peer-to-peer connection in response to the location data. |
US09143487B2 |
System and method for massive controlled and secured update of devices firmware
System for remote firmware updates of mail processing device from a remote data server including: file download servers connected to the remote data server for receiving encrypted files encrypted from a list of binary files corresponding to firmware of a mail processing device to update; web servers providing a web service application for downloading files and connected to the remote data server and the files download servers for retrieving the encrypted files associated with a personalized files catalog retrieved from the remote data server; and a user computer system connected to the web servers for receiving the encrypted files for download onto a storage device to plug into the mail processing device. The mail processing device decrypts the encrypted files with file decryption keys previously provided with the personalized files catalog and installs the files before connecting to the remote data server for report the outcome of the installation. |
US09143484B2 |
System for collecting billable information in a group communication network
A method and apparatus for providing security in a group communication network provides for receiving an encryption key, encrypting media for transmission to a controller using the received encryption key, the encrypted media being directed to another communication device, and communicating the encrypted media to the controller. In one embodiment, the communicating includes wireless communication. The method and apparatus further provides for receiving encrypted media from a controller and blocking the encrypted media if the communication device is not enabled to receive encrypted-media transmission, or if the media is not encrypted based on an encryption key previously specified by the communication device. In another aspect, the communication device is a push-to-talk (PTT) device. |
US09143483B2 |
Method for anonymous communication, method for registration, method and system for transmitting and receiving information
A method and a system for anonymous communication are disclosed in the present invention, which are applied in an architecture network with Identification (ID) identifier and locator separation. The method includes: after receiving an anonymous communication request initiated by a terminal, the network allocating an anonymous ID identifier to the terminal, and recording a state of the terminal as an anonymous communication state; when the terminal is in the anonymous communication state, an access gateway device where the terminal is located replacing a source access identifier in data message transmitted by the terminal with the anonymous ID identifier while receiving the data message; and replacing an anonymous ID identifier in data message transmitted to the terminal with the access identifier of the terminal while receiving the data message transmitted to the terminal. |
US09143481B2 |
Systems and methods for application-specific access to virtual private networks
Described herein are systems and methods utilizing application-specific access to a virtual private network (“VPN”). A method may comprise receiving, from an application executing on a device, a request for a network data flow to a private network, comparing identification information associated with the application against a set of rules stored on a memory of the device, wherein the set of rules identifies conditions for the application to be authorized to access the private network, and establishing a connection for the network data flow upon the identification information satisfying the conditions for the application to access the private network. |
US09143480B2 |
Encrypted VPN connection
A method, apparatus, and system are described that provides fully automated network access to remote networked devices. The device and system permits the remote access of a local network without any pre-configuration or administrative burden at the local network. Embodiments as described herein provide a “plug and play” option to insert a device into the local network and provide access to select target devices on the network, even non-routable devices, without first requiring dedicated host software or other administrative privileges or configurations be set at the local network. |
US09143478B2 |
Email with social attributes
This invention is an email system that replaces every URL, attachment and image in the email message with a short URL, where the original URL, attachment or image is publicly accessible through the short URL. The system further includes the short URL in the public profile associated with the email address of the sender and also publishes the most popular short URLs in the system. |
US09143472B2 |
Updating an e-mail recipient list
Arrangements describe herein relate to updating an e-mail recipient list. A first version of an e-mail can be received, the first version comprising a message header identifying at least a first e-mail recipient. The first version of the e-mail can be sent to the first e-mail recipient indicated in the message header. A second version of the e-mail can be received, the second version of the e-mail indicating at least a second e-mail recipient. The second version can be sent to the at least second e-mail recipient indicated in the message header of the second version. An update request for the first version can be received, the update request configured to be processed to update the message header of the first version to add the at least second e-mail recipient to the message header. The update request can be sent to the at least first e-mail recipient. |
US09143470B2 |
Coaching with collaborative editing
A method has acts for coupling from a computerized server executing software on a processor from a non-transitory medium to two or more computerized appliances operated by persons in a contact center, and updating text composition and editing results in real time in a display of each of the computerized appliances as any person operating a coupled computerized appliance composes or edits in a text-based communication application. |
US09143468B1 |
Identifying relevant messages in a conversation graph
A method and system for identifying relevant messages in a conversation graph includes identifying a context message within the conversation graph. The context message is marked as relevant and additional messages are marked as relevant based on various criteria. A plurality of authors of messages marked as relevant is identified and a plurality of unmarked messages authored by the plurality of authors is marked as relevant. In addition, a plurality of parent messages of messages marked as relevant are identified and marked as relevant. A list comprising messages marked as relevant is then provided to a user. Multiple steps can be repeated until convergence after which the list can be provided to the user. |
US09143467B2 |
Network interface controller with circular receive buffer
A method for communication includes allocating in a memory of a host device a contiguous, cyclical set of buffers for use by a transport service instance on a network interface controller (NIC). First and second indices point respectively to a first buffer in the set to which the NIC is to write and a second buffer in the set from which a client process running on the host device is to read. Upon receiving at the NIC a message directed to the transport service instance and containing data to be pushed to the memory, the data are written to the first buffer that is pointed to by the first index, and the first index is advanced cyclically through the set. The second index is advanced cyclically through the set when the data in the second buffer have been read by the client process. |
US09143466B2 |
Intelligent sorting for N-way secure split tunnel
A method of intelligently sorting packets/datagrams for sending through appropriate branches of a N-way split VPN tunnel according to embodiments of the present invention allow for efficient movement of network traffic to and from a remote network location. Intelligent sorting may be based on a wide range of criteria in order to implement different policies. For example, datagrams may be sorted for sending through the branches of a 3-way split tunnel so that all traffic from a remote network location ultimately destined to servers at a central location may be sent via a secure VPN tunnel, all traffic that matches a “white-list” of trusted external sites may be sent directly to and from these sites to the remote network location, and all other traffic may be redirected through a Web service that scrubs and filters the traffic to/from questionable sites. Furthermore, the VPN tunnel may be chosen to minimize latency, to detour around network failures, or to conserve energy by minimizing the number of routers a datagram passes through. |
US09143463B2 |
Method for performing protocol translation in a network switch
A system and method are disclosed for processing a packet. Processing the packet comprises receiving the packet; translating the packet from a first protocol-specific format to a canonical packet format; translating the packet from the canonical packet format to a second protocol-specific format; and forwarding the packet. |
US09143460B2 |
System and method for predicting meeting subjects, logistics, and resources
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for predicting the subject, logistics, and resources of associated with a communication event. Predictions and suggestions can occur prior to, during, or in response to communication events. The user can confirm the prediction or suggestion via user input such as a click or a voice command. The system can analyze past behavior patterns with respect to the subject, logistics and resources of communication events, followed by preparing ranked listings of which subjects, logistics, and resources are most likely to be used in a given situation. The predicted logistics may then include people to invite, time and date of the meeting, its duration, location, and anything else useful in helping potential participants gather together. The resources may include files attached, files used, communication event minutes, recordings made, Internet browsers and other programs which may be utilized by the user. |
US09143459B2 |
Queue speed-up by using multiple linked lists
One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch that includes a transmission mechanism configured to transmit frames stored in a queue, and a queue management mechanism configured to store frames associated with the queue in a number of sub-queues which allow frames in different sub-queues to be retrieved independently, thereby facilitating parallel processing of the frames stored in the sub-queues. |
US09143454B2 |
System and method for a TCP mapper
A system for congestion control of traffic in a network that uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) includes a plurality of TCP congestion control programs having one or more parameters, a plurality of TCP congestion control units running the TCP congestion control programs, and a TCP mapper adapted to map incoming TCP traffic flow from a plurality of incoming TCP traffic flows to the TCP congestion control units based on at least one of (a) the type of application program from which the incoming TCP traffic flow originated (b) the type of network for which the incoming TCP traffic flow is destined, (c) parameters related to network performance (d) network constraints (e) source of the incoming TCP traffic flow, and (f) destination of the incoming TCP traffic flow. |
US09143452B2 |
Data processing
A method implemented in a network apparatus used in a network is disclosed. The method comprises collecting information about network topology from a network controller, collecting information about data movement, deciding routing in the network according to the information about network topology and the information about data movement, and providing information about the routing to the network controller, wherein the network controller enforces the routing in the network. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems also are disclosed. |
US09143451B2 |
Application layer network traffic prioritization
Layer-7 application layer message (“message”) classification is disclosed. A network traffic management device (“NTMD”) receives incoming messages over a first TCP/IP connection from a first network for transmission to a second network. Before transmitting the incoming messages onto the second network, however, the NTMD classifies the incoming messages according to some criteria, such as by assigning one or more priorities to the messages. The NTMD transmits the classified messages in the order of their message classification. Where the classification is priority based, first priority messages are transmitted over second priority messages, and so forth, for example. |
US09143450B2 |
Communication system and method for assisting with the transmission of TCP packets
A method for assisting with the transmission of TCP packets, which is used in a wireless communication system, including: receiving a plurality of TCP packets from a TCP packet sender and transmitting the TCP packets to a receiver proxy; transmitting a feedback packet to a sender proxy when receiving a TCP packet; calculating a round trip time (RTT) between the sender proxy and the receiver proxy when receiving the feedback packet, and comparing a RTT threshold and the RTT between the sender proxy and receiver proxy; determining whether a network between the sender proxy and the receiver proxy is in a congestion state according to the result of the comparison between the RTT threshold and the RTT; and dropping a TCP packet when the network is in the congestion state. |
US09143448B1 |
Methods for reassembling fragmented data units
Data units that are fragments of a larger data unit are received at a network device. A first received fragment of the larger data unit is processed to determine a port of the network device via which the larger data unit is to be transmitted based on a first received fragment of the larger data unit and prior to receiving all of the fragments of the larger data unit. After processing the first received fragment, processing of second received fragments for the purpose of determining the port of the network device via which the larger data unit is to be transmitted is skipped. The larger data unit is reassembled from all of the fragments of the larger data unit after determination of the port of the network device via which the larger data unit is to be transmitted. The larger data unit is forwarded to the port for transmission. |
US09143444B2 |
Virtual link aggregation extension (VLAG+) enabled in a TRILL-based fabric network
In one embodiment, a system includes a TRILL-enabled network that includes a first physical routing bridge (RB) and a second physical RB, logic adapted for creating a virtual RB logically connected to the first and second physical RBs to form a vLAG group at an edge of the network, logic adapted for determining a first distribution tree linking the first physical RB to every other RB in the network in a non-repeating fashion, ending with the second physical RB, and logic adapted for determining a second distribution tree linking the second physical RB to every other RB in the network in a non-repeating fashion, ending with the first physical RB, wherein when a multicast packet is received by the virtual RB from one of the physical RBs, the multicast packet is distributed according to either the first or the second distribution tree thereby preventing looping. |
US09143434B2 |
Multi-protocol label switching multi-topology support
A network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising receiving a packet, determining whether the packet comprises a topology label, and adding the topology label to the packet if the packet does not comprise the topology label. Included is a method comprising routing a plurality of packets corresponding to a plurality of forwarding equivalence classes (FECs) over a plurality of network topologies using a topology label and plurality of forwarding labels for each network topology. Also included is a network comprising a plurality of nodes in communication with each other and having a plurality of network topologies, wherein at least some of the nodes are configured to route data packets for a plurality of FECs along a path in each network topology using a topology label corresponding to each network topology and an inner label corresponding to each FEC. |
US09143432B2 |
Expander-targeted zoned broadcast
A method includes detecting a topology change on a link in a network and determining which zone group corresponds to the topology change. The method also includes identifying a zone group in the network that is permitted to access a device on said link and determining an address of an expander that has the zone group permitted to access the device on the link. The method further includes generating an expander-targeted zoned broadcast command to report a topology change in the network. The expander-targeted zoned broadcast command has, as a destination address, the address of the expander determined to have a zone group permitted to access a device on the link. |
US09143429B2 |
Identifying an egress point to a network location
A method of identifying an egress point to a network location includes receiving a client connection from an external network (e.g., the internet) and retrieving an egress point identifier from an egress data source (e.g., a database, look-up table, hash table, data object etc.) for the received client connection. The egress data source stores egress point identifiers associated with at least one of an internet protocol address and a subnetwork. The method further includes binding the client connection to an egress point corresponding to the retrieved egress point identifier, encapsulating packets of data received from the client connection, and sending the encapsulated data packets through an instantiated network tunnel to the bound egress point. The method includes decapsulating the encapsulated data packets at least near the bound egress point. A default routing policy may then guide the data packets to the egress point. |
US09143427B2 |
Forwarding a packet in a sensor personal area network
The method to forward a packet according to predefined protocol steps applies to a sensor personal area network that includes data communication sensor devices. The method includes assigning a predefined compression value to a compression field in the packet for indicating that a source network identifier of the originator of the packet is assumed to be equal to a destination network identifier of an intended recipient of the packet. Furthermore, the method includes assigning a predefined label switching value lsv to an addressing mode field DAM-F in the packet P for indicating that the above mentioned protocol steps further include a label switching principle that must be applied to forward the packet. Finally the method includes using a source network identifier field SNI-F of the packet for storing and retrieving the label value lab1 for application of the label switching principle based thereon. |
US09143425B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring performance of multi-service in tunnel
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for measuring performance of multi-service in a tunnel, including: receiving a measurement message corresponding to a service packet, where a priority of the measurement message is the same as that of the service packet, and the measurement message includes at least one of the three: a packet loss measurement parameter, a delay measurement parameter, and a variation measurement parameter; and measuring performance of a service in a tunnel according to a measurement parameter in the measurement message. According to the embodiments of the present invention, a problem that performance measurement cannot be performed for different services transmitted in a tunnel in the prior art may be solved. |
US09143423B2 |
JESD test sequencer generator
A framer interfacing between one or more data converters and a logic device is disclosed. The framer comprises a transport layer and a data link layer, and the framer is configured to frame one or more samples from the data converters to frames according to a serialized interface. In particular, the synthesis of the hardware for the framer is parameterizable, and within the synthesized hardware, one or more software configurations are possible. Instance parameters used in synthesizing the framer may include at least one of: the size of the input bus for providing one or more samples to the transport layer, the total number of bits per converter, and the number of lanes for the link. Furthermore, a transport layer test sequence generator for inserting a test sequence in the transport layer is disclosed. |
US09143418B2 |
Network transmission capacity measurement
Transmission capacity from a first node to a second node through a communication network is measured. First and second probe message from the first node to the second node, a first and second amount of data in the first and second probe message respectively being mutually different, at least one of the first and second amount exceeding a fragmentation threshold of the communication network. First and second round trip time durations are measured between transmission of the first and second probe message from the first node and reception back at the first node of a first and second response message from the second node to the first and second probe message respectively. The capacity is computed from a difference between the first and second round trip time duration. |
US09143414B2 |
Scenario, call, and protocol data unit hierarchical comparator
A system, method and computer program product monitors the operation of a telecommunications network and receives source metadata at a metadata comparator. The source metadata is associated with data captured from a source in a telecommunications network. Target metadata associated with target data is also received at the metadata comparator. The source and target metadata are compared to identify metadata parameters that match or do not match. Bias data is also received at the metadata comparator. The bias data comprises weighting parameters and/or tolerance parameters. The weighting and tolerance parameters correspond to selected metadata parameters. |
US09143408B2 |
Interprovider virtual private network path identification
An inter-provider virtual provider network path is identified by identifying a provider network provider edge router having a provider edge interface serving, obtaining routing information from the provider edge router, identifying, from the routing information, a remote customer edge interface of a customer edge router connected to the provider edge router by an intermediate service provider, and identifying the path and associated links between the identified provider edge interface and the identified remote customer edge interface. |
US09143406B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for calculating throughput requirements of a network
An apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium are provided for calculating an estimated throughput requirement of a network, such as to facilitate selecting the minimum bandwidth, maximum bandwidth or some other appropriate bandwidth for providing network services to a customer accessing that network. In this regard, a method of calculating a throughput requirement of a network includes receiving a bandwidth requirement. The method also includes calculating a data link-layer frame rate requirement based on the bandwidth requirement and a frame size, where the calculated frame rate requirement is limited by a line rate for transmission of data packets across a core network. In addition, the method includes calculating a data link-layer throughput requirement based on the calculated frame rate requirement and the frame size. |
US09143403B2 |
Autonomous metric tracking and adjustment
Example embodiments relate to autonomous metric tracking and adjustment. In some examples, a computing node may include a processor to run a main operating system and an application that runs on top of the main operating system. The computing node may include a hardware-level controller that dynamically adjusts individual hardware components of the computing node via control signals that do not pass through the main operating system. The adjustments may be based on a target metric from a scheduling service external to the computing node and individual performance metrics from the computing node. |
US09143401B2 |
Methods and systems for network configuration
Network and device configuration systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a first user interface configured to receive from a user configuration information regarding a first network provided. Program code stored in computer accessible memory is configured to generate a barcode that includes information related to the first network configuration information, wherein the barcode can be scanned by a device having a barcode scanner and a network interface to configure the network interface to access the first network. |
US09143400B1 |
Network gateway configuration
Methods, systems, and computer program products for configuring network devices, such as home network gateways, in order to provide visitors with network access are disclosed. An exemplary method of configuring a network gateway includes providing to a nearby user a first level of access through the network gateway to access a cloud-based service provider in a remote network, receiving a configuration setting associated with the nearby user from a cloud-based configuration provider, and reconfiguring the network gateway in accordance with the received configuration setting to provide a second level of access to the nearby user, wherein the second level of access is configured within an estimated unused service capacity of the network gateway. Corresponding system and computer program products are also described. |
US09143396B2 |
VPLS fast rerouting method and device
Embodiments of the present invention provide a VPLS fast rerouting method and device. The method includes: generating, by a remote PE, a backup forwarding entry; and when a designated forwarder or a designated forwarder pseudo wire in a multihoming protection group fails, or the designated forwarder is switched in the multihoming protection group, forwarding, by the remote PE, a data packet according to the backup forwarding entry, thereby avoiding broadcasting the data packet to all remote PEs that belong to the same VPLS instance, and further reducing a waste of bandwidth resources in a backbone network and processing resources of the PE. |
US09143395B2 |
Scalable BGP protection from edge node failure using context labels in data packets identifying backup router mirror table
In one embodiment, a method comprises detecting, by a first provider edge router, a second provider edge router providing reachability to a prescribed destination address prefix via a protected next hop address; allocating, by the first provider edge router, a mirror forwarding table associated with the second provider edge router and identifying a destination used by the second provider edge router for reaching the prescribed destination address prefix; and the first provider edge router sending repair information to a Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)-free core network router in the core network, the repair information enabling the BGP-free core network router to add a context label and reroute a received data packet to the first provider edge router if the second provider edge router is unavailable, the context label enabling the first provider edge router to identify the destination in the rerouted data packet for delivery to the destination address prefix. |
US09143394B2 |
System and method for graph based K-redundant resiliency for IT cloud
An apparatus for enabling resiliency for cloud computing systems is provided. An apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing computer program code. The memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to perform actions. The actions include modifying a topology graph of a network architecture by mapping processes flows onto the topology graph and creating a resiliency graph based on the modified topology graph. The actions also include modifying the resiliency graph by translating at least one SLA into the resiliency graph and identifying overlaps and dependencies in the modified resiliency graph. Apparatus and computer readable instructions are also described. |
US09143391B2 |
Method of processing management frame and related communication device
A method of processing management frame for a first communication device in a network system is disclosed. The method comprises maintaining a device table including at least an identity of at least a communication device of the network system, and at least a medium access control (MAC) address corresponding to the identity, and determining whether to perform management frame transmission to a second communication device of the network system according to the existence of the identity of the second communication device in the device table. |
US09143385B2 |
Linking functionality for encoding application state in linked resources in a stateless microkernel web server architecture
A method of serving a resource to a client via a computer network is provided. The method may include at an HTTP server system having a stateless microkernel architecture, the server system including one or more link resource servers, receiving an HTTP request for a resource from an HTTP client via a computer network, the request being to perform a resource operation, the resource operation being to retrieve the resource and send the resource to the requesting client, wherein the resource is a data object. The method may further include determining if the resource operation is authorized based on the request. If the resource operation is authorized, the method may include sending the resource operation to an object server associated with the resource identified by the request, in response receiving a data object from the object server, providing, via a linking engine, the data object to each link resource server of the one or more link resource servers, in response receiving one or more links from each of the one or more link resource servers, embedding the links in the data object, and sending the data object to the requesting client via the computer network. |
US09143384B2 |
Vehicular network with concurrent packet transmission
A vehicular network is a closed network with known sources, destinations, and network connections that can be mapped in advance, and used to identify network resources needed to transmit a packet from a source to a destination. A network module can determine the source destination, and a priority of a packet based on the packet's content. Using the source and destination information, along with a network topology data, the network module can determine if two packets need the same network resources to be delivered to their destination. When the two packets do not use the same resources, there is no conflict, and the packets can be transmitted concurrently regardless of whether one of the packets has a higher priority than another packet. If there is a conflict, the network module transmits the packets based on the packets' priorities. |
US09143382B2 |
Automatic download of web content in response to an embedded link in an electronic mail message
A method in a distributed computer system includes a server and a client and is for delivering Web content within a body section of electronic mail messages. The method includes receiving at a server, at least one mail message containing an embedded hyperlink. The method includes downloading Web content associated with the hyperlink into the message store at the server. The method also includes transmitting the mail message and at least one of a link to the Web content downloaded into the message store at the server and the corresponding Web content for display at the client. The method includes determining whether the client has a preset time for downloading messages containing Web content. In response to determining that a preset time for downloading Web content exists, the method includes caching the message and Web content at the server until the preset time is reached. |
US09143377B2 |
Demapper for rotated QAM constellations
Techniques are described for quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) processing in a rotated QAM constellation. In the techniques, one or more processors determine points within the rotated QAM constellation around a vector location of a received symbol based on a probability density function applied to the vector location. The one or more processors map the points to corresponding mapped symbols of the rotated QAM constellation, and determine a plurality of bits represented by the transmitted symbol based on the corresponding mapped symbols. |
US09143375B1 |
Iterative-diversity COFDM broadcasting with improved shaping gain
Transmitter apparatus to broadcast coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed (COFDM) radio-frequency carriers conveying low-density parity-check (LPDC) coding transmits the same coded DTV signals twice some time apart. The coded DTV signals of initial transmissions and of final transmissions are mapped to quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) of the COFDM carriers according to first and second patterns, respectively. Bits that map to lattice points in the first mapping pattern more likely to experience error are mapped to lattice points in the second mapping pattern less likely to experience error. Bits that map to lattice points in the second mapping pattern more likely to experience error are mapped to lattice points in the first mapping pattern less likely to experience error. Receiver apparatus combines the earlier and later transmissions of twice-transmitted COFDM signals as part of iterative procedures for de-mapping QAM and decoding the LDPC coding of the DTV signals. |
US09143373B2 |
Transport of an analog signal across an isolation barrier
An analog signal is transported across an isolation channel using edge modulation/demodulation of a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. An edge modulator is responsive to rising edges of the PWM signal to generate first pulses having a first predetermined pulse width and is responsive to receipt of falling edges of the PWM signal to generate second pulses having a second predetermined pulse width with the same polarity as the first pulses. On the opposite side of the isolation channel an edge demodulating circuit recreates the PWM signal using the first and second pulses. The rise and falling edges of the PWM signals can be distinguished based on the pulse width of the first and second pulses. A second order pulse width modulator may be used to generate the PWM signal. |
US09143372B2 |
Communication system with receiver optimization mechanism and method of operation thereof
A communication system includes: an antenna unit configured to receive a receiver signal; a communication unit, coupled to the antenna unit, configured to: calculate a decoding result based on the receiver signal, generate a dynamic scalar based on the decoding result, and generate a content replication based on the dynamic scalar for communicating with a device. |
US09143371B1 |
Method for reducing jitter in receivers
A receiver equalizer that provides improved jitter tolerance relative to common adaptation mechanisms and that also provides inter-symbol interference. Improved jitter tolerance is an important benefit for SERDES receivers as tolerance to Sinusoidal Jitter is an important performance metric specified in most industry standards. |
US09143368B1 |
Systems and methods for reducing quantization errors using adjustable equalizer granularities
Systems and methods are provided for an equalizer. An equalizer includes a first voltage correcting circuit configured to correct a communication signal by applying a first variable corrective voltage to the communication signal, the first corrective voltage having a voltage level selected according to a first adjustable granularity. A second voltage correcting circuit is configured to further correct the communication signal by applying a second variable corrective voltage to the communication signal, the second corrective voltage having a voltage level selected according to a second adjustable granularity that is different from the first adjustable granularity. |
US09143361B2 |
Satellite communication system employing a combination of time slots and orthogonal codes
A satellite communication system for communicating between a plurality of user terminals is disclosed having at least one satellite which provides multiple beams, a plurality of user terminals that communicate with each other via satellites of said constellation, at least one gateway connected to a public switched telephone network and communicating with at least one user terminal over the satellite communication system wherein each of said user terminals within a given frequency band is distinguished from another of the user terminals employing a combination of time slots and orthogonal codes implemented in a forward and return link. Each of the user terminals is equipped to initiate or receive or terminate packet data messages. Each of said user terminals is handed off from one beam of a satellite to another beam of said satellite. The hand off is predicated on signal strength determined at said plurality of user terminals. |
US09143360B2 |
Object-based computer system management
A method, system, and architecture for managing computer systems is provided. A management system employs management objects (MOs) to provide administrators the ability to intuitively express the administrative intent in an information technology (IT) environment, and to act out the administrative intent based on the information gathered by the management system. Managed elements of an IT environment, such as, by way of example, hardware components, software applications, software updates, software distribution policies, configurations, settings, etc., may be expressed as MOs. Actions, such as, by way of example, detect, install/apply, remove, remediate, enumerate, etc., may be associated with the MOs. The management system manages the computer systems by deploying the appropriate MOs and their associated actions onto the computer systems, and performing the actions on the computer systems. |
US09143356B2 |
Method and system for email processing
An Email processing method and system comprising in response to obtaining an Email, parsing contents of the Email to obtain an Email subject identifier of the Email, at least one new interaction record, and interaction information corresponding to the at least one new interaction record; determining whether there is a merged Email, which has a merge Email subject identifier matching a subject identifier of the Email, and conforms to a predefined interaction content structure comprising at least one interaction record divided by interaction relationship of contents; and in response to that the determination result is yes, merging the at least one new interaction record of the Email into the merged Email to generate a new merged Email based on the interaction information corresponding to the at least one new interaction record. |
US09143354B2 |
Method and system for transmitting multimedia streams
A method of transmitting data streams of a multimedia session between a first and a second terminal through a telecommunication network comprising a network core is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes the determination by border modules, points of access to the network core, of the routing topology and of the state of the links of the network. The method further includes the determination of parameters of the session, the selecting of input and output border modules of the network core for the streams, the predetermination of a path, between the input and output border modules for all the streams of the session, the setting up of resources along the path, the defining of routing rules at the routing modules situated along the path, and the transmission of the streams only by the path. |
US09143345B2 |
System and method for providing phone related services to devices using UPnP on a home network
A system and method for exchanging call data between multiple devices using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) on a home network. The system includes a telephony terminal, a first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a control point for selecting the telephony terminal and the first and second electronic devices for exchanging the call data, for setting a call reception connection between the telephony terminal and the first and second electronic devices, and forming a plurality of sessions for exchanging the call data between the selected telephony terminal and the first and second electronic devices. |
US09143342B2 |
System and method for home automation and security
Systems and methods for home automation and security are disclosed. An example method includes storing an indication that a building is expected to be occupied at a first time; controlling, via a processor, a behavior of a security system at the building at the first time based on the indication; and changing, via the processor, the behavior of the security system at the building at the first time in response to determining that a particular person is located at a location not corresponding to the building at the first time. |
US09143341B2 |
Systems and methods for portable data storage devices that automatically initiate data transfers utilizing host devices
A computing system including a media content provider (MCP), a host device, a portable media content storage device (PMCSD), and a data communications network. In response to data communications being initiated between the PMCSD the host device, a data transfer application resident on the PMCSD is automatically executed to determine if any media content transfer instructions exist on the PMCSD or a MCP. The data transfer application resident on the PMCSD may be a portable application not requiring the installation of any configuration or support files to the host device or it may be an application having a boot process that installs configuration or support files to the host device prior to application execution. When one or more media content transfer instructions exists on the PMCSD or a MCP, the media content transfer instruction(s) is processed by the host device, to facilitate media content transfer between the PMCSD and the MCP. |
US09143339B2 |
Information communication device for obtaining information from image data by demodulating a bright line pattern appearing in the image data
An information communication method includes: setting an exposure time of an image sensor so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to an exposure line included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject; capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time, to obtain the image including the bright line; and obtaining information by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the bright line included in the obtained image. |
US09143337B2 |
Method and system for providing enhanced broadcast advertising
One example provides a broadcast device configured to display an advertisement for viewing by a user and a mobile client device configured to capture information relating to the advertisement from the broadcast device. The mobile client device determines whether the captured information is sufficient to allow the mobile client device to generate an electronic coupon. If it is, the mobile client device generates a coupon may be stored in the mobile client device and subsequently presented at a point-of-sale device as part of a transaction. If the captured information is insufficient, the mobile client device may request additional information from an advertiser server either directly or via the broadcast device. |
US09143334B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting group message in unicast network
A method and an apparatus for transmitting a group message in a unicast-based network are provided. A method of a terminal for transmitting a group message in a unicast-based network includes when receiving a session connection request message, transmitting a first group notification message for forming a relay group, to other terminals, receiving a second group notification message from at least one other terminal, forming a relay group with the terminal and at least one other terminal corresponding to the second received group notification message, and determining one of the terminals of the relay group as a relay terminal which relays the group message to other terminals in the relay group. |
US09143331B2 |
Methods and devices for authentication and key exchange
One feature pertains to a content accessing device for securing content. The content accessing device is provisioned with a cryptographic algorithm, and generates a symmetric key also known to a content storage device. The content accessing device sends a first authentication challenge to the content storage device, where the first authentication challenge is based on the cryptographic algorithm and the symmetric key. The content accessing device receives a second authentication challenge from the content storage device in response to sending the first authentication challenge, and determines whether the first authentication challenge is different from the second authentication challenge. If the second authentication challenge is different from the first authentication challenge the content accessing device sends a first response to the content storage device in response to the second authentication challenge. |
US09143329B2 |
Content integrity and incremental security
A media signer produces an array of hash values including a respective hash value for each of multiple different portions of content. The media signer applies a hash function and an encryption key to the array of hash values to create a digital signature associated with the content. Prior to playback of the content, a media verifier retrieves the array of hash values for the different portions of content. The media verifier produces a hash value result for the retrieved array. Based on the hash value result for the retrieved array and a hash value result of the array in the received digital signature, the media verifier verifies the integrity of the retrieved array. If the retrieved array of hash values is found to be trustworthy, the media verifier determines the integrity of a portion of the content by verifying the portion's corresponding hash value from the “trustworthy” array. |
US09143328B2 |
System and method for providing a system management command
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein relate to a method of providing a system management command. The method comprises receiving from an authorized requestor information identifying the electronic device and a request to issue a system management command to the electronic device. The method additionally comprises providing, in response to the request, a system management command, information identifying a source of the command as a trusted source and the information identifying the electronic device. Also disclosed are an electronic device and a computer system according to the invention. |
US09143323B2 |
Securing a link between two devices
A cryptographic key is used to secure a communication link between a first device and a second device. Generating the cryptographic key is accomplished by a) generating a first cryptographic key, b) generating a second cryptographic key, c) applying a hash function to packets transmitted over the communication link to create a hash result, and d) applying the hash function to the first cryptographic key, the second cryptographic key and the hash result. |
US09143319B2 |
Mechanism for managing authentication device lifecycles
An authentication device is used to authenticate a component to a product using a secret key. The life cycle of the authentication device is controlled by selective deletion of the secret key. An attestation message is sent by the authentication device upon deletion of the secret key. Authentication devices from faulty components or over supply of the authentication devices ma}′ be rendered inoperable and audited. |
US09143316B1 |
Non-disruptive eye scan for data recovery units based on oversampling
A data recovery unit includes a phase locked loop configured to receive data samples and generate an output; a first sample selector coupled to the phase locked loop; and an eye scanner coupled to the phase locked loop. The first sample selector is configured to receive the data samples and the output of the phase locked loop. The eye scanner comprises a second sample selector coupled to the phase locked loop via a first horizontal shift module. |
US09143315B2 |
Predictive periodic synchronization using phase-locked loop digital ratio updates
Embodiments are described for a method and system of enabling updates from a clock controller to be sent directly to a predictive synchronizer to manage instant changes in frequency between transmit and receive clock domains, comprising receiving receive and transmit reference frequencies from a phase-locked loop circuit, receiving receive and transmit constant codes from a controller coupled to the phase-locked loop circuit, obtaining a time delay factor to accommodate phase detection between the transmit and receive clock domains, and calculating new detection interval and frequency information using the time delay factor, the reference frequencies, and the constant codes. |
US09143314B2 |
Low power oversampling with delay locked loop implementation
In one embodiment, an apparatus including a phase detector unit to determine a phase difference between a reference clock signal and a feedback clock signal. The apparatus further includes a controller unit to generate a delay signal based on the phase difference. The apparatus further includes a set of voltage-controlled delay lines to generate phase outputs based on the delay signal, where the phase outputs are provided by the apparatus to a clock generator unit to generate an oversampled clock signal for data recovery by a receiver. |
US09143307B2 |
Low-loss large-signal electrical balance duplexer
A circuit for a large-signal electrical balance duplexer (EBD) may include a circulator that can be configured to couple an output node of a transmit (TX) path to an antenna. An EBD circuit may be coupled to the circulator, at a first port of the EBD circuit. The EBD circuit may be configured to isolate the circulator from one or more input nodes of a receive (RX) path. An attenuator may be coupled between the output node of the TX path and a second port of the EBD circuit. The attenuator may be configured to provide an attenuated signal to the EBD circuit. |
US09143306B2 |
Device and method for encoding bits to symbols for a communication system
A device and method for encoding bits to symbols for a communication system are described. In one embodiment, a method for encoding bits to symbols for a communication system includes receiving a set of N-bit data to be transmitted, where N is an integer, generating side scrambling values using a polynomial, scrambling the set of N-bit data using the side scrambling values to produce scrambled data, mapping the scrambled data to a particular set of M symbols from a plurality of sets of M symbols, where M is an integer and M is smaller than N, and outputting the particular set of M symbols for transmission over a transmission medium. Other embodiments are also described. |
US09143303B1 |
Carrier aggregation across multiple frequency bands
Examples disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software for carrier aggregation. In one instance, a method of operating a wireless communication system that uses multiple frequency bands to control carrier aggregation includes monitoring intermodulation distortion in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing frequencies for each of the frequency bands, and receiving a communication service request for a wireless communication device. If the communication service request is Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE), the method will schedule the wireless communication device to use intra-band contiguous carrier aggregation. If the communication service request is not VoLTE, and the intermodulation distortion is below a distortion threshold, the method will schedule the wireless communication device to use intra-band non-contiguous carrier aggregation. Finally, if the communication service request is not VoLTE, and the intermodulation distortion is above the distortion threshold, the method will scheduler the wireless communication device to use inter-band non-contiguous carrier aggregation. |
US09143301B2 |
Base station and method for receiving control information
Disclosed are an encoding ratio setting method and a radio communication device which can avoid encoding of control information at an encoding ratio lower than necessary and suppress lowering of the transmission efficiency of the control information. In the device, an encoding ratio setting unit (122) sets the encoding ratio R′control of the control information which is time-multiplexed with user data, according to the encoding ratio Rdata of the user data, ΔPUSCHoffset as the PUSCH offset of each control information, and ΔRANKoffset as the rank offset based on the rank value of the data channel using Expression (1). R control ′ = O Q ′ = max ( O ⌈ O 10 - Δ offset PUSCH + Δ offset RANK 10 · R data ⌉ , O 4 · M sc ) ( 1 ) Where ┌x┐ is an integer not greater than x, and max(x,y) is the greater one among X and Y. |
US09143300B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving data in communication system
A data transmission apparatus in a communication system includes a verification unit configured to verify a new frequency band for transmitting and receiving data to and from a plurality of terminals; a generation unit configured to generate a frame in the new frequency band; and a transmission unit configured to transmit data through the new frequency band by using the frame, wherein the frame includes data fields in which data corresponding to the terminals are included, and control fields in which control information for receiving the data included in the data field in the terminals is included, and wherein the control fields include a VHT-STF (very high throughput short training field), a VHT-SIG (very high throughput signal field) A1, a VHT-SIG A2, a plurality of VHT-LTFs (very high throughput long training fields), and a VHT-SIG B. |
US09143299B2 |
Method and device for transmitting a sounding reference signal
The present invention provides a method and device for transmitting a sounding reference signal on a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an SRS transmission method comprising the steps of: receiving cell-specific parameters for constituting a SRS; receiving first terminal-specific parameters designating a resource which can be used in the non-periodic transmission of the SRS; receiving request information whereby SRS transmission is requested; and, after the request information has been received, transmitting the SRS by using the resource allocated by means of the first terminal-specific parameters; wherein the SRS is transmitted inside subframes designated by means of the cell-specific parameters, and the present invention also relates to a device for the same. |
US09143298B2 |
Method for transmitting sounding reference signal in multiple antenna wireless communication system and apparatus therefor
A method for transmitting sounding reference signals by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. The method according to one embodiment includes configuring an initial cyclic shift (CS) value and an initial comb value via a higher layer; setting a comb value for at least one antenna port; and transmitting the sounding reference signals using the comb value via at least one antenna port. |
US09143296B2 |
Systems and methods for uplink signaling using time-frequency resources
Methods, base stations and access terminals for uplink signalling are provided. Resource request channel characteristics such as location in time-frequency, sequence, time slot, are assigned to each access terminal to distinguish their resource requests from the resource requests of other access terminals. Access terminals make requests using a resource request on a resource request channel having the assigned characteristics. The base station can then determine which access terminal transmitted 0 the resource request based on the resource request channel characteristics of the resource request channel upon which the resource>request was received. The base station then transmits a response to the request which may for example be a new resource allocation, a default allocation or a renewal of a previous allocation. |
US09143294B2 |
Method of using component carrier by relay station in multi-carrier system and relay station
A method of using component carrier by a relay station in a multi-carrier system comprises: receiving a component carrier (CC) link configuration information from a base station (BS); allocating a CC to at least one of a backhaul link between the BS and the RS and an access link between the RS and an RS user equipment (UE) according to the CC link configuration information; and transmitting or receiving a signal by using the CC in the allocated link. |
US09143293B2 |
Method of signaling particular types of resource elements in a wireless communication system
A wireless communication terminal including a transceiver coupled to a processor and corresponding methods are disclosed. The processor is configured to determine resource elements that carry data intended for the terminal from a set of allocated resource elements that carry data intended for the terminal excluding at least resource elements associated with a first set of one or more resource elements of a particular type that are shifted relative to a known reference signal pattern. The processor is also configured to decode the resource elements that carry the data intended for the terminal based on the resource elements that carry the data intended for the terminal. |
US09143281B2 |
Blind decoding of uplink control channels
In 3GPP LTE, the uplink ACK and CQI bits are jointly coded prior to transmission to maintain a low peak to average ratio (PAR) waveform. Further, when data needs to be transmitted, the uplink control channels are multiplexed with data prior to transmission. However, due to errors on downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) assignments, an evolved Base Node (eNB) receiver needs to employ a set of rules to decode the control channels, to minimize the number of blind decoding hypotheses. This innovation describes the rules employed by a receiver to reduce complexity and computational overhead in part by assuming that the UE is responding to grant on the downlink while providing for combinations in which one or more types of grants are not received. Energy detection in accordance with metrics and normalizing for differing power controls enables selecting the correct combination for decoding. |
US09143280B2 |
Terminal apparatus and retransmission control method
A terminal apparatus and retransmission control method reduces overhead of the uplink control channel in cases when ARQ is applied in communication that uses an uplink unit band and a plurality of downlink unit bands associated with the uplink unit band. A first condition is set in which downlink assignment control information is transmitted from a base station by a unit band group which comprises a basic unit band, which is the downlink unit band on which a broadcast channel signal including information relating to the uplink unit band is transmitted, and a second downlink unit band other than the basic unit band. A bundling unit will not transmit a response signal to the base station in certain cases. |
US09143277B2 |
Apparatus and method for support of communications services and applications over relatively low signal-to-noise ratio links
A physical layer (PL) frame generation method is provided. A PL payload is generated by encoding and modulating source data based on a first modcod of a first set. A synchronization header, comprising a first unique word (UW) (designed to facilitate efficient and reliable detection by terminals of a relatively low SNR operating range), and a modcod field (which indicates the first modcod scheme), is appended to the PL payload. A PL header is appended to the synchronization header and PL payload to form the PL frame. The PL header comprises a second UW and physical layer signaling (PLS). The PLS comprises encoded data fields reflecting a length of the PL frame, where the fields are encoded based on a second modcod scheme of a second set. The first modcod set is designed for SNR operating levels relatively lower than the SNR operating levels of the second modcod set. |
US09143271B2 |
Broadcasting signal transmitting apparatus, broadcast signal receiving apparatus, and broadcast signal transceiving method in a broadcast signal transceiving apparatus
Disclosed is a broadcast signal transmitting apparatus, a broadcast signal receiving apparatus, and a broadcast signal transceiving method in a broadcast signal transceiving apparatus. The broadcast signal transmitting method comprises the following steps: compressing the headers of data packets of an IP stream identified by IP address information, wherein the compressed data packets include a first packet, the header of which contains static field information, a second packet, the header of which contains dynamic field information, and a third packet, the header of which contains the compressed static field information and/or the compressed dynamic field information; signaling IP-PLP mapping information for mapping the IP stream and a component PLP for transmitting the IP stream, the IP stream compression information, and the header information of the first packet to L2 signaling information; and transmitting the header information of the second and third packets via the component PLP, and transmitting the L2 signaling information via a common PLP. |
US09143270B2 |
Digital receiver and corresponding digital transmission system server
The present invention concerns a receiver and an error correction method at a receiver, comprising the steps of receiving data information from a broadcast network in a sequence of packets, detecting a first packet within the sequence of packets being a corrupted packet, identifying a packet identifier and a sequence number of the first packet, requesting, on a second network, to receive a transport packet identified with the sequence number and comprising the first packet and receiving the first packet embedded in the transport packet, from the second network. |
US09143269B2 |
Broadband wireless communication resource assigning method, base station apparatus and terminal apparatus
A method of wireless communication for communication between a base station and a plurality of terminal apparatuses, the method including: dividing an available frequency into a plurality of segments and notifying control information to the terminal apparatus, the control information including setting of a segment of the plurality of segments, communication quality of which will be fed back by the terminal apparatus, and cancellation of a segment of the plurality of segments, communication quality of which has already been fed back from the terminal apparatus; and feeding back communication quality related to a predetermined segment to the base station in accordance with the control information by the terminal apparatus. |
US09143267B2 |
Low complexity and power efficient error correction coding schemes
Technologies are generally described herein for adapting an error correction coding scheme. Some example technologies may receive a message. The technologies may generate a portion of a codeword by encoding the message based on the error correction coding scheme. The technologies may transmit a copy of the portion of the codeword from a transmitter to a receiver via a feedforward communications channel. The technologies may generate feedback based on the copy of the portion of the codeword. The technologies may transmit a copy of the feedback from the receiver to the transmitter via a feedback communications channel. The technologies may generate an adapted error correction coding scheme by adjusting the error correction coding scheme based on the copy of the feedback. |
US09143264B2 |
Optical transmission device and optical transmission system
An optical transmission device includes: an optical signal generator to generate and transmit an optical signal that transmits data; a detector to detect a number of active clients; and a processor to determine transmission rate of the optical signal according to the number of active clients and quality of the optical signal at an optical receiver. |
US09143261B2 |
Optical module
An optical transceiver includes: a first WDM filter which reflects a first optical signal from a first light source and passes a second optical signal from a second light source; a first total reflection mirror which reflects the first optical signal to make it enter the first WDM filter; a second total reflection mirror which reflects the second optical signal; and a second WDM filter which reflects the second optical signal reflected by the second total reflection mirror to make it enter the first WDM filter. The first and second WDM filters are disposed on a light path, the first and second light sources are disposed back and forth along the light path on both sides thereof, the first and second total reflection mirrors are disposed outside the light path, and an incident angle of the first optical signal to the first WDM filter is smaller than 45 degrees. |
US09143260B2 |
Optical transmission system, method of adjusting optical transmission device, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
An optical transmission system includes: a plurality of transmitters that output an optical signal having a frequency different from each other; a process unit that adds a reference signal to at least two of the optical signals, the reference signal having a frequency width narrower than that of the two optical signals, an interval of central frequencies of the reference signals being narrower than that of the two optical signals, a multiplexer that multiplexes optical signals output by the plurality of transmitters; an extract unit that extracts a beat signal generated between the reference signals because of a multiplexing of the multiplexer; and an adjust unit that adjusts a frequency interval of the two optical signals in accordance with an extract result of the extract unit. |
US09143259B2 |
Multi-node system networks with optical switches
A system and method for optical switching of networks in a multi-node computing system with programmable magneto-optical switches that enable optical signal routing on optical pathways. The system includes a network of optical links interconnecting nodes with switching elements that are controlled by electrical control signals. Data transmission is along the optical links and an optical pathway is determined by the electrical control signals which are launched ahead of optical signal. If links are available, an optical pathway is reserved, and the electrical signal sets the necessary optical switches for the particular optical pathway. There is thereby eliminated the need for optical-electrical-optical conversion at each node in order to route data packets through the network. If a link or optical pathway is not available the system tries to find an alternative path. If no alternative path is available, the system reserves buffering. After transmission, all reservations are released. |
US09143255B2 |
Orthogonal signaling for CDMA
The present invention uses a portion of an orthogonal spreading code space in a CDMA spectrum for uplink from a user element to a base station. By assigning the user elements one or more codes, which are orthogonal to those used to spread data, to use for uplink , the present invention significantly reduces interference between channels, and between the data channels and the channels, while supporting additional capacity. The codes may be individually assigned to user elements or assigned to groups of user elements. Further, different length codes may be assigned to the user elements to support different rates depending on Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. |
US09143250B2 |
Blood glucose monitoring system having wireless communication module to which time synchronization method is applied
The present disclosure relates to a blood sugar meter system with a wireless communication module, and more particularly, to a time synchronization method between a blood sugar meter system with a wireless communication module synchronized with a cellular network such as a global system for mobile communication (GSM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) network and the cellular network. The present invention provides a blood sugar meter system with a wireless communication module applying a time synchronization scheme including: a global system for mobile communication (GSM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) network transmitting network identity and time zone (NITZ) information; and a blood sugar meter metering user's blood sugar data, wherein the blood sugar meter synchronizes a network time according to the NITZ information with an internal time of the metered data and transmits the metered blood sugar data to a server connected to the GSM/CDMA network. |
US09143249B2 |
Method and system for digital coupons distributed via a television program
A method for distributing digital coupons via a television program, such as a commercial, are described. The method includes enabling insertion of a visual indicator into a television program that advertises a product. The television program is presented to users, such that the visual indicator is indicative of a coupon offer being available for the product being advertised. The method includes enabling addition of the coupon offer to the first user's loyalty card associated with a first retailer. The method includes enabling addition of the coupon offer to the second user's loyalty card associated with a second retailer. The coupon offer is available for redemption at the first and second retailers. |
US09143248B2 |
Targeted content streaming and reception system
This invention relates to methods and systems for the broadcast and reception of targeted content. Using the systems and methods, a wide variety of different types of content can be targeted to a single client or a group of clients. The methods and systems utilize application handlers to handle different types of content. Further, the system can distribute packets with different rates depending on their priority. |
US09143245B2 |
Methods and devices for acquiring continuous physical signals
Provided is a method for acquiring continuous physical signal such as temperature, pressure and the like. The method comprises the following steps: inputting a voltage signal u representing continuous physical signal; obtaining a sampled signal uk of an analog voltage through an analog sampling channel (1), wherein the sampling frequency is fΔh; performing digital low-pass filtering on the uk (6) to obtain a voltage signal ũk subjected to low-pass filtering, and resampling the ũk to obtain a resample signal ũj, wherein the resampling frequency fΔy is the same as the sampling frequency required by an application terminal and the sampling frequency fΔh is M times of the resampling frequency fΔy; and storing and outputting the resample signal ũj to the application terminal. Provided also is a corresponding device. The cost of the analog sampling channel is lowered; the ūj can be directly applied to industrial automation for substitution of the ũj, especially output signals do not contain transient values, the requirements of a stable model on input quantity can be met, the random disturbance can be inhibited, and the measurement accuracy can be improved. |
US09143243B2 |
Power module for high/low voltage insulation
A power module for high/low voltage insulation is provided. The power module includes a first substrate, a second substrate and an insulating substrate. The first substrate includes a first control circuit and a light source, wherein the first control circuit controls the light source to emit light. The second substrate includes a light-sensing part, a second control circuit and a power device. The light-sensing part receives the light of the light source of the first substrate to send a sensing information. The second control circuit correspondingly drives the power device in accordance with the sensing information. The insulating substrate is disposed between the first substrate and second substrate. |
US09143238B2 |
Optical modulation schemes having reduced nonlinear optical transmission impairments
A method of transmitting a data signal using an optical transmitter of an optical communications system. The optical transmitter is configured to modulate an optical carrier in successive signalling intervals to generate an optical signal. A modulation scheme is provided which comprises a multi-dimensional symbol constellation. The modulation scheme is designed such that an average degree of polarization of a modulated optical signal output from the optical transmitter has a first value when averaged across a first signaling interval, and has a second value when averaged across more than one and fewer than 100 signaling intervals. The second value is less than 10 percent of the first value. During run-time, an encoder of the optical transmitter encoding a data signal to be transmitted as symbols of the constellation, and a modulator of the optical transmitter modulating available dimensions of the optical carrier in accordance with the symbols. |
US09143236B1 |
Fiber fault detection within data transceiver having micro OTDR (μOTDR) for fiber optic network
The present invention is an apparatus and method that identifies and localizes fiber breaks or faults automatically, utilizing a fiber optic data transceiver that has μOTDR functionality. The transceiver of the present invention is a single wavelength bi-directional transceiver that during normal operation sends and receives optical data streams in the same wavelength window using any protocol and reports the distance to the fault or multiple faults nearly instantaneously when the transfer of data is disrupted, without the need to have fiber lines dedicated for this purpose or physically connect and reconnect each fiber line to check for faults and eliminates the need to map out the distance to the remote transceiver. |
US09143230B2 |
Methods and apparatus for communications using visible light communications signaling in combination with wireless radio signaling
Various exemplary methods and apparatus are directed to using Visible Light Communication (VLC) in a downlink, e.g., a supplemental downlink, in combination with a wireless radio downlink/uplink pair. A gateway is coupled, via a wireline link, to a VLC access point. In some embodiments, the gateway includes a wireless radio base station. A user equipment device detects a visible light signal from the VLC access point, and transmits a radio signal to a communications device, e.g., a gateway including a base station or a macro base station, indicating that the UE device is in a VLC coverage area. The gateway configures the VLC access point to serve as a supplemental wireless cell which supports downlink communications. The gateway sends traffic signals to the VLC access point, via the wireline, which are converted by the VLC access point into VLC signals which are transmitted. The UE device receives VLC downlink traffic signals and transmits a corresponding acknowledgment signal via an uplink radio channel. |
US09143229B1 |
Method and apparatus for estimating optical power
A method of monitoring optical power in an optical channel includes directing a portion of a broadband optical signal propagating through an optical channel to an optical input of an electrically controllable tunable optical filter. The portion of the broadband optical signal is filtered with the electrically controllable tunable filter to select an optical channel for optical power monitoring. The selected optical channel is detected and an electrical signal that represents the selected optical channel is generated. An optical power of the selected optical channel is estimated from the electrical signal that represents the selected optical channel by performing an iterative deconvolution of the selected optical channel signal with a predetermined response function of the electrically controllable tunable optical filter. |
US09143226B2 |
Method and apparatus for ranging transmission by mobile station in wireless communication system
Disclosed is a ranging transmission method comprising: a mobile station receiving a message including backoff window information from a base station; the mobile station determining an x-th backoff window for an x-th (x is a non-negative integer) ranging transmission using the backoff window information; the mobile station performing the x-th ranging transmission to the base station within the x-th backoff window; and the mobile station determining a start point of an (x+1)th backoff window on the basis of an end point of the x-th backoff window. |
US09143222B2 |
Wireless communication system, communication control method, and relay station
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, a communication control method, and a relay station. The wireless communication system includes: a wireless terminal; a plurality of base stations; and a relay station, wherein the relay station defines a wirelessly communicable base station among the plurality of base stations as a candidate for a master station, in a case where a plurality of the candidates for the master station are present, acquires priority order setting information for setting priority orders of connection regarding the respective candidates for the master station, and sets the priority orders of the connection based on the priority order setting information. Then, in a case where the relay station has received a connection request from the wireless terminal, the control unit decides a candidate for the master station, which has a highest priority order of the connection, as an optimal master station. |
US09143217B2 |
Method and arrangement for supporting adjustment of transmission from correlated antennas
Method and arrangement for determining at least one phase affecting error related to transmission from at least one pair of correlated antennas. The method involves transmitting (1002) reference signals from the correlated antennas in the at least one pair, in a set of frequency bands, wherein a number of controlled phase differences are introduced between reference signals transmitted from the antennas. The method further involves receiving (1004), in response to the transmitted reference signals, for a number of the controlled phase differences, one or more indications of a selected precoder matrix. Further, the method involves identifying (1006) changes of selected precoder matrix over the number of controlled phase differences, over the set of frequency bands, wherein the identifying is based on the received one or more indications; and determining (1008) at least one relation between the identified changes. Further, at least one phase affecting: error is determined based on said at least one relation. The method and arrangement enable adjustment of transmission from the at least one pair of correlated antennas, such that said at least one phase affecting error is reduced. |
US09143216B1 |
Apparatus and method for transitioning a circuit for determining a condition of a channel from an inactive state to an active state based on a received request
A first network device including a transceiver, a circuit and a controller. The transceiver receives a first packet broadcast from a second network device to multiple network devices via a channel. A bit in the first packet indicates a request for a condition of the channel. The network devices include the first network device. The circuit determines the condition of the channel based on the bit in the first packet. The controller, prior to the circuit determining the condition of the channel and in response to the bit in the first packet, transitions the circuit to an active state. The controller, subsequent to the circuit determining the condition of the channel, returns the circuit to an inactive state. The transceiver, subsequent to the circuit returning to the inactive state, transmits a second packet to the second network device. The second packet indicates the condition of the channel. |
US09143206B2 |
Antenna selection with eMBMS
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus determines at least one signal metric and selects a number of antennas from among a set of antennas for receiving a multicast/broadcast signal based on the at least one signal metric. |
US09143205B2 |
Data transmission device and data transmission method
A data transmission device comprises a data sending device that includes an electromagnetic signal sending unit. The data sending device is configured to output binary data in such a polarity that an electromagnetic signal, which is output from the electromagnetic signal sending unit, is substantially point symmetric with a point, at which amplitude of the electromagnetic signal crosses 0, as a symmetric point. Binary data is output corresponding to whether a gradient at the symmetric point is positive or negative. |
US09143204B2 |
Direct coupled biasing circuit for high frequency applications
This invention eliminates the need for “capacitor coupling” or “transformer coupling,” and the associated undesirable parasitic capacitance and inductance associated with these coupling techniques when designing high frequency (˜60 GHz) circuits. At this frequency, the distance between two adjacent stages needs to be minimized. A resonant circuit in series with the power or ground leads is used to isolate a biasing signal from a high frequency signal. The introduction of this resonant circuit allows a first stage to be “directly coupled” to a next stage using a metallic trace. The “direct coupling” technique passes both the high frequency signal and the biasing voltage to the next stage. The “direct coupling” approach overcomes the large die area usage when compared to either the “AC coupling” or “transformer coupling” approach since neither capacitors nor transformers are required to transfer the high frequency signals between stages. |
US09143202B2 |
Charging a chargeable power supply of a near field communication (NFC) enabled device from a radio frequency (RF) signal inductively coupled onto a magnetic field
A NFC communicator or NFC communications enabled device has a data store to store data, a coupler to couple inductively with the magnetic field of a radio frequency signal and a signal generator to supply a radio frequency signal to the coupler. A modulator is provided to modulate a radio frequency signal in accordance with data and a demodulator is provided to extract data from a modulated radio frequency signal inductively coupled to the coupler. A controller enables the NFC communicator or NFC communications enabled device both to initiate near field radio frequency communication with another near field RF communicator and to respond to near field radio frequency communication initiated by another near field RF communicator. The NFC communicator or NFC communications enabled device also has a power deriver that derives power from a radio frequency signal inductively coupled to the coupler to charge a chargeable power supply. |
US09143197B2 |
Joining process for G3 networks
Systems and methods for routing protocols for power line communications (PLC) are described. In some embodiments, a method performed by a PLC device, such as a PLC meter, may include identifying at least one bootstrapping agent and a personal area network (PAN) identifier for one or more networks that are operating within a personal operating space of the PLC device. The device selects a target bootstrapping agent to use for the join process with a target network. The target bootstrapping agent may be selected from a list of bootstrapping agents associated with the target PAN identifier. If the attempt to join the target network fails, then the device further determines if other bootstrapping agents are associated with the target PAN identifier. The device selects an alternate target bootstrapping agent from the other bootstrapping agents that are associated with the target PAN identifier and reattempts the join process. |
US09143195B2 |
Systems and methods for communicating among network distribution points
A communication system has a trunk extending from a network facility, such as a central office, with a plurality of distribution points positioned along the trunk. Each leg of the trunk defines a shared channel that permits peak data rates much greater than what would be achievable without channel sharing. As an example, the connections of each respective trunk leg may be bonded. Further, the same modulation format and crosstalk vectoring are used for each leg of the trunk. The crosstalk vectoring cancels both far-end crosstalk (FEXT) that couples between connections of a given trunk leg and crossover crosstalk that couples between one trunk leg and another. In addition, logic determines an amount of excess capacity available for each leg of the trunk and controls error correction based on the determined excess capacity. |
US09143191B2 |
Method and apparatus for filtering and combining multipath components of a signal received at multiple antennas according to a wireless communication protocol standard designed for a receiver having only a single receive antenna
An interface including filter modules, receiver modules, and a summer. The filter modules are configured to receive from multiple antennas multipath components of a signal as transmitted to the interface. Each of the filter modules is configured to (i) receive corresponding ones of the multipath components of the signal as received at a respective one of the antennas, and (ii) according to a wireless communication protocol standard, filter the signal as received at the respective one of the antennas to generate a filtered signal. The wireless communication protocol standard is designed for a receiver having only a single antenna for receiving signals. The receiver modules are configured to respectively receive the filtered signals. Each of the receiver modules is configured to combine the multipath components in the respective filtered signal to generate an output signal. The summer is configured to sum the output signals. |
US09143188B2 |
Spreading sequence selection
A method for transmitting communications by a transmitter includes selecting a non-alternating spreading sequence, receiving bits for transmission, encoding the bits using the non-alternating spreading sequence to obtain encoded bits, and transmitting the encoded bits to a frequency shift key (FSK) receiver. A method for receiving communications by an FSK receiver includes receiving, by the FSK receiver, encoded bits from a transmitter, decoding the encoded bits using a non-alternating spreading sequence to obtain decoded bits, and processing the decoded bits. |
US09143173B2 |
System and method for estimating an amplifier operating point using measurements at a receiver
An apparatus includes a receiver component, a first signal processing component and a second signal processing component. The receiver component can receive a transmission signal, wherein the received transmission signal reflects an encoded and modulated initial source signal, amplified via a source transmitter, and transmitted over one or more channels of a wireless communications network. The first signal processing component can process the received transmission signal to generate a replica transmission signal that estimates the encoded and modulated initial source signal. The second signal processing component can determine an optimal parametric function for modeling the source transmitter, wherein the determination of the optimal parametric function comprises an iterative non-linear curve-fitting process, and wherein the optimal parametric function reflects one or more parameters of the source transmitter. |
US09143171B1 |
Duobinary voltage-mode transmitter
A duobinary voltage-mode transmitter comprises a first branch including a first logic circuit and a first driver, and a second branch including a second logic circuit and a second driver. When a transition occurs between NRZ signals, two ends of a first match circuit are electrically coupled between the output nodes of the first driver and the second driver, respectively, and the first driver and the second driver are turned off. |
US09143155B2 |
RF DAC with configurable DAC mixer interface and configurable mixer
One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a circuit. The circuit includes a digital to analog converter (DAC) configured to convert a time-varying, multi-bit digital value to a corresponding time-varying output current. The circuit also includes a mixer module downstream of the DAC and comprising a plurality of mixers. A control block is configured to selectively steer output current from the DAC to different mixers of the mixer module. Other techniques are also described. |
US09143152B2 |
AD conversion circuit and solid-state image pickup device
An AD conversion circuit includes: a comparison unit that receives an analog signal and a reference signal, compares voltages of the signals, and outputs a first comparison signal; a signal generation unit that outputs a second comparison signal for switching a logic state, and outputs a third comparison signal that is a result of a logic operation on the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal; a control unit that outputs an enable signal; a clock generation unit that outputs first to nth clock signals having different phases; a latch unit that includes first to nth latch units, each of the first to nth latch units including an input terminal, a first control terminal, a second control terminal, and an output terminal, and latches a logic state of the one of the first to nth clock signals; and a count unit that performs a count operation. |
US09143149B1 |
Method and apparatus for calibration of a time interleaved ADC
Systems and methods for converting analog signals to digital signals. A reference slice is associated with each of a plurality of active slices to balance the loading on an active sampling track and hold amplifier within each active slice. Alternatively, the reference slice is split into a portion having a reference ADC that is shared by a plurality of partial reference slices, each partial reference slice having a partial reference input module. |
US09143144B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a pipelined analog-to-digital converter
Systems comprising: a first MDAC stage comprising: a sub-ADC that outputs a value based on an input signal; at least two reference capacitors that are charged to a Vref; at least two sampling capacitors that are charged to a Vin; and a plurality of switches that couple the at least two reference capacitors so that they are charged during a sampling phase, that couple the at least two sampling capacitors so that they are charged during the sampling phase, that couple at least one of the reference capacitors so that it is parallel to one of the at least two sampling capacitors during a hold phase, and that couple the other of the at least two sampling capacitors so that it couples the at least one of the reference capacitors and the one of the at least two sampling capacitors to a reference capacitor of a second MDAC stage. |
US09143137B2 |
Low voltage CMOS power on reset circuit
An electronic circuit includes an illustrative low voltage CMOS power on reset circuit. The electronic circuit can comprise a power on reset circuit coupled between a supply voltage terminal and a signal node. The illustrative power on reset circuit comprises a voltage detector coupled to the supply voltage terminal which is configured to track CMOS thresholds and deactivate when supply voltage reaches a level for proper operation of CMOS logic. |
US09143136B2 |
Pumped distributed wave oscillator system
A Pumped Distributed Wave Oscillator (PDWO) that provides a high purity accurate signal source with multiple oscillation phases. High-accuracy, high-frequency oscillation phases open paths to high performance phased-array transceiver design. Additional noise-canceling, noise-shaping circuit techniques result in enhanced sensitivity in radio design. |
US09143134B1 |
Combined analog architecture and functionality in a mixed-signal array
A system and apparatus are described for providing greater flexibility and performance in a mixed-signal array through improved and highly configurable routing, control elements and signal processing capabilities. |
US09143131B2 |
Field-programmable gate array
An FPGA has a number of CLBs, each CLB having a number of CABs (10, 110, 210, 310, 410). Each CAB (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) comprises: a number of configurable transistors (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) each comprising one or more useable transistors M and a number of switching transistors; and, configuration circuitry comprising a number of switching transistors. The ratio of switching transistors to useable transistors for each CAB is less than 26:1. A method of configuring such an FPGA comprises optimizing each configurable transistor. |
US09143129B2 |
Low power, accurate reference-free threshold detector
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to detector circuits. Embodiments provide a low-power, accurate reference-free threshold detector. In particular, embodiments reduce leakage current at low input levels and prevent shoot through current for higher than nominal low input levels. Further, embodiments require no bandgap or accurate reference, and as a result eliminate the need for a constantly ON bandgap or accurate reference circuit. As such, embodiments have significantly reduced power consumption compared to conventional circuits. In addition, embodiments detect correctly low and high input levels that are separated narrowly and that may have wide ranges. Embodiments can be extended to any particular design choice of low and high input levels and corresponding output levels. |
US09143128B2 |
System and method for reducing reconfiguration power usage
A system and method for reducing power consumption in a reconfigurable integrated circuit. Some embodiments provide placement and routing programs that reduce the number of bits to be reconfigured. Some embodiments provide placement and routing programs that increase the number of groups of circuits that do not need reconfiguration at some times. Some embodiments include circuits that selectively block reconfiguration. |
US09143127B2 |
Operation switch device
An operation switch device includes a circuit board and a push switch disposed on the circuit board and including a movable part exposed to an outside for reacting to an external pressing operation. Also provided on the circuit board is a touch detecting electrode formed in proximity to the push switch. The operation switch device further includes an operation detecting circuit connected with the push switch and the touch detecting electrode, and an operation member disposed to oppose the circuit board with the push switch interposed between the operation member and the circuit board. The operation member is displaceable such that the pressing operation on the operation member causes depression of the movable part of the push switch. The operation detecting circuit detects a touch operation on the operation member using the touch detecting electrode, and detects the pressing operation on the operation member using the push switch. |
US09143126B2 |
Proximity switch having lockout control for controlling movable panel
A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having lockout control for controlling a movable panel on a vehicle. The switch includes a proximity sensor such, as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry for processing the sense activation field to sense user activation of the switch and controls functionality when one or more lockout sensors are activated. |
US09143124B2 |
Switch controls
Switches for use in RF devices are provided that offer a better balance of power losses and switching times than switches of the prior art. Switches of the present invention comprise a stack of transistors controlled a symmetric bias network. The stack of transistors includes an even number of transistors arranged in series, where every two successive transistors defines a pair. The bias network includes a symmetrically branching set of connections, where the gates of every pair of transistors are connected by a first connection having a first node, and two or more first nodes are connected by a second connection to a second node, and so forth. The symmetry of the bias network tends to reject even harmonics, and the rejection of even harmonics can be further enhanced by adding capacitors between the bias network and the stack of transistors at points of symmetry. |
US09143122B1 |
Adaptive low skew clocking architecture
A system includes: an initial clock region; a first adjacent clock region adjacent to the initial clock region; a spine coupled to receive a clock signal from a clock; and a first phase detector coupled to detect a difference in phase between the initial clock region and the first adjacent clock region. The initial clock region comprises an initial delay element coupled to the spine and to the first phase detector. |