| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09168792B2 |
Pneumatic vehicle tire with tread having circumferential grooves having projections
A pneumatic vehicle tire has peripheral grooves with outer edges on a tread periphery, running peripherally parallel and substantially linearly. A groove base path on a groove base is wavy or zigzags and narrower than a peripheral groove. Projections of groove sides assigned to inward pointing corners of the groove base path are parts or sections of bodies with a base surface having at least four free sides. The base surface runs near the periphery at an angle of at least 60° and is inclined to the radial. The base surface has boundary surfaces running from the free sides toward the groove base at a smaller angle and being inclined to the radial. Two side surfaces run between adjacent projections in peripheral direction, toward the groove base path and have an angle of inclination to the radial larger than the boundary surface angle and smaller than the base surface angle. |
| US09168791B2 |
Heavy duty tire
An off the road tire comprising a carcass, a tread located radially outward of the carcass, the tread having a plurality of lugs, the lugs extending radially outward from an inner tread and being located between first and second lateral tread edges, a first row of lugs extending from the tread lateral edge axially inwards toward the centerplane, a second row of lugs extending from the opposite tread lateral edge and axially inwards toward the centerplane and wherein the lugs of the first and second rows are separated by a plurality of shoulder grooves, a third row of lugs located between the first and second row of lugs, wherein all of the lugs in each row are aligned circumferentially, wherein the lugs in the third row have two or more ends formed by grooves. |
| US09168786B2 |
Mobile robot
A mobile robot configured to be widely versatile in its use. For example, the mobile robot can be configured for being used on a wide assortment of surfaces, regardless of the orientation and/or shape of the surfaces. Alternatively or in combination, the mobile robot can be configured for effective and efficient movement on the surfaces it traverses. In some cases, the mobile robot is configured with two or more component units. In some cases, the component units are configured with magnets and a control system for orientating the magnets. In some cases, one or more component couplings join the component units. In some cases, the mobile unit is configured with Mecanum wheels. |
| US09168784B2 |
Self-propelled windrower tailwheel non-zero caster for stability
A non-zero caster angle for the rear axle swivel caster wheels on a self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine wherein steering is accomplished by varying speed and/or direction of forward drive wheels. The non-zero caster angle may be fixed or an adjuster mechanism may be provided to allow adjustment within a range of caster angles. The adjuster mechanism incorporates a fixed portion connected to the tractor frame and a pair of rotating portions, one connected to each caster wheel which allows rotation of the caster axis in a plane parallel to the machine longitudinal axis. Also disclosed is an actuator mechanism for providing powered adjustment of the caster angle, even including a control system for active caster angle adjustment. |
| US09168783B2 |
Pivot hanger assembly secured to a tubular support location associated with a vertically actuating vehicle lift
A pivot hanger assembly adapted to being mounted to a structural supporting location associated with a vehicle lift. A clamp subassembly includes a plurality of assembleable and inter-adjustable brackets adapted to being affixed around a rectangular tubular perimeter corresponding to the structural supporting location of the vehicle lift. A selected one of the brackets exhibits at least a first hinge collar support extending along a vertically extending edge, with an elongated arm exhibiting at least a second hinge collar support along a proximal end which aligns with the first collar support in order to define a continuous channel. A hinge pin inserts through the continuous channel and in order to hingedly mount the arm to the clamp subassembly in a load bearing permitting fashion. |
| US09168780B1 |
Removable insert for a file folder
A divider for a file folder includes a primary sheet made of transparent plastic and having an integrally formed tab that protrudes from a top of the primary sheet. The divider further includes a secondary sheet made of transparent plastic and welded to a surface of the primary sheet to define at least one accessory compartment and a tertiary sheet made of transparent plastic and welded to the surface of the primary sheet to define a business card compartment. A portion of the business card compartment is located adjacent to the tab of the primary sheet and is sized to accommodate a business card. |
| US09168776B2 |
Method of increasing ink crystallization
The present embodiments relate to methods of increasing ink crystallization. In particular, there is provided a method for increasing the ink crystallization rate comprising providing a substrate; applying a first crystalline compound on the substrate to form a first layer; and printing an image using an ink comprises a second crystalline compound dispose on the first layer, wherein nucleation sites are formed between the first crystalline compound and the second crystalline compound. |
| US09168774B2 |
Tri-state detector for detecting types of light
Provided herein are devices, systems, methods and various means, including those related to printer systems and, more particularly, relate to methods, apparatuses, systems and other means for monitoring a printer ribbon. Some embodiments use a multi-element detector, which is configured to detect a particular type of light emitted from a light emitter. The multi-state detector can include two sensors, one of which includes a polarizer filter that blocks polarized light. Embodiments can be used to determine, among other things, whether or not a printer ribbon is installed in a printer without the use of a snap plate. |
| US09168771B2 |
Printer
This disclosure discloses a printer comprises a roll storage part, a platen roller, a printing head, a separation plate, a first discharging exit, a pinch roller, a second discharging exit, and a first rib member. The platen roller contacts and feeds a print-receiving tape. The printing head is provided above the platen roller. The separation plate is provided on the other side than the platen roller and loops back a separation material layer toward a downward side and peel the print-receiving layer and the adhesive layer from the separation material layer. The first rib member is provided to a first section of a feeding path of the print-receiving tape and contacts the print-receiving tape from above, the first section being between a sandwiching position by the platen roller and the printing head and a support position of an end part of the separation plate. |
| US09168764B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes (A) a carriage that moves a nozzle ejecting a liquid which is cured by irradiation of an electromagnetic wave in a moving direction, (B) a first irradiation section that is installed on the carriage and irradiates electromagnetic waves on dots formed by landing the liquid which is ejected from the moving nozzle, on a medium, and (C) a second irradiation section that is installed on the carriage and irradiates electromagnetic waves on the dots which are irradiated by the electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation section, in which an irradiance level of the electromagnetic waves from the second irradiation section is different from that of the electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation section. |
| US09168763B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes: a holding unit that holds a liquid receptacle containing a liquid; a recording head that ejects, onto a recording medium, the liquid supplied from the liquid receptacle held by the holding unit; a heating unit that heats the recording medium; and a suction unit that includes a suction port for sucking air to the heating unit. Here, the suction port is disposed in a location that enables the atmosphere around the liquid receptacle to be sucked. |
| US09168762B2 |
Image forming system having intermediate apparatus that does not have a reverse unit
An image forming system of one aspect of the present invention includes a first image forming apparatus arranged on the upstream side in a sheet conveyance direction, a second image forming apparatus arranged on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and an intermediate apparatus arranged between the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus. The image forming system includes a sheet conveyance path through which a sheet is conveyed from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus through the intermediate apparatus. The sheet conveyance path is formed so that the rear end of a sheet having stopped on the sheet conveyance path is located on the sheet conveyance path within the intermediate apparatus. |
| US09168759B2 |
Method and apparatus for printhead control
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are described herein for controlling a printing device. In an example embodiment, a print line is divided into frames and frame dot states are determined based on neighboring frame dot states. Maximum motor speeds of the printing device may be adjusted so that actual motor speeds change gradually during printing. The print engine may detect a printhead type by sending a signal to the printhead and receiving a response. |
| US09168757B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
Color separation processing is performed on the input image data to generate material amount data representing the recording amount of each recording material. Halftone processing of generating binary data for each recording scan in an image recording apparatus is performed based on the material amount data. A discharge of a colored material in a first recording scan of recording the colored material and a discharge of a high transmissivity material in a second recording scan of recording the high transmissivity material are represented by the binary data for each recording scan. The high transmissivity material is recorded at a predetermined thickness on a recording layer of the colored material after the first recording scan. |
| US09168755B2 |
Inkjet printhead assembly
An inkjet printhead assembly includes: an elongate ink supply structure having a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply channels corresponding to a plurality of different colored inks and a plurality of outlet openings; and a plurality of individual printhead modules arranged along a length of the ink supply structure. Each printhead module includes: a carrier having a plurality of inlets for receiving ink from a respective set of the outlet openings, a mounting surface having a plurality of ink supply slots defined therein and a plurality of converging walls extending from the inlets towards the ink supply slots, the converging walls defining a plurality of converging ink galleries for supplying the plurality of different colored inks. A printhead segment is bonded to each mounting surface, the printhead segment receiving the different colored inks from the plurality of ink supply slots. |
| US09168754B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection unit including a nozzle formation surface in which an opening of a nozzle for ejecting liquid is formed; a wiper disposed so that the wiper can come in contact with the nozzle formation surface; and a liquid collection portion, which is capable of collecting liquid adhered to the wiper, disposed on an end side of the nozzle formation surface of the liquid ejection unit so as to be spaced apart from the nozzle formation surface in a wiping direction. The liquid collection portion includes a scraper having a scraping surface that scrapes off the liquid adhered to the wiper by coming in contact with the wiper, and a liquid absorbing material disposed at a position that does not come in contact with the wiper and at a position that comes in contact with an end portion of the scraping surface. |
| US09168751B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a liquid ejecting apparatus which includes a plurality of liquid receiving portions in which the same kinds of liquid are received, a switching unit which switches the liquid receiving portion that supplies the liquid to a liquid ejecting head, and a controller which performs a maintenance process including discharging the liquid through the liquid ejecting head, in which, when a liquid residual amount of the liquid receiving portion that supplies the liquid to the ejecting head, which is calculated by a residual amount estimation portion, is less than a determination value, the controller performs the maintenance process in a state where the liquid receiving portion to supply the liquid to the liquid ejecting head is selected among the plurality of liquid receiving portions and the liquid is supplied from the selected liquid receiving portion to the liquid ejecting head. |
| US09168750B2 |
Manufacturing method of liquid discharging head
A manufacturing method of a liquid discharging head includes: preparing a substrate having an energy-generating element and a resin layer on a first face side; irradiating a laser beam on the substrate so as to pass through the resin layer to form a hole serving as a liquid supply port in the substrate; removing a portion of the resin layer including a region which the laser beam has passed through, thereby forming a portion from which the resin layer has been removed as a channel, and forming a portion in which the resin layer remains as a side wall; and forming a discharge port forming member on a far side from the substrate of the side wall, and to form the channel forming member using the side wall and the discharge port forming member. |
| US09168743B1 |
Nozzle device
A nozzle device includes an upper cover module having a cavity, a plurality of stacked piezoelectric plate modules, a plug module, and a lower cover module. Each piezoelectric plate module includes a substrate, a piezoelectric material, an electrical connection, an upper electrode, and a lower electrode. The substrate includes multiple first through holes disposed correspondingly to the cavity. The piezoelectric material is located on the upper surface of the substrate. The electrical connection extends from the lower surface of the substrate, through the substrate, and to the bottom of the piezoelectric material. The lower electrode is located below the lower surface of the substrate and electrically connects to the electrical connection. The plug module includes plugs and second through holes corresponding to the first through holes. The lower cover module includes openings disposed according to the plugs of the plug module. |
| US09168742B2 |
Liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes a substrate including a first supply port row in which a plurality of supply ports are arranged, a first energy generating element row in which a plurality of energy generating elements are arranged, a second supply port row in which a plurality of supply ports are arranged, a second energy generating element row in which a plurality of energy generating elements are arranged, a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer for driving the energy generating elements, and a through hole configured to electrically connect the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer. The first energy generating element row, the first supply port row, the second supply port row, and the second energy generating element row are arranged in parallel in this order and the through hole is arranged between the first supply port row and the second supply port row. |
| US09168736B2 |
Recording device, method of controlling a recording device, and storage medium storing a program executed by a control unit that controls a recording device
The time required for a nozzle check is minimized without reducing the accuracy of the nozzle check. An inkjet line printer has a nozzle check control unit that performs a nozzle check to detect ejection problems in the nozzles of plural nozzle rows of the inkjet line head. The nozzle check control unit applies the nozzle check to a portion of the nozzles in the group of nozzles in a specific range where two mutually overlapping nozzle rows overlap. |
| US09168735B2 |
Inkjet recording material
An inkjet recording material that contains a supporting substrate and an image-receiving layer formed on at least one side of the supporting substrate, said layer including at least one inorganic pigment, and a latex binder having the formula (I). Also disclosed herein are the method of making said inkjet recording material and a method for producing printed images that encompasses using said recording material. |
| US09168732B2 |
Method for imparting different visually detectable features to a plurality of items, and a package comprising items each having a different visually detectable feature
A method of continuously imparting different visually detectable features to a plurality of items using a printing and/or embossing roll is provided. The circumference of the roll differs from the whole number of the item lengths. In a production series, the number of items each having a different visually detectable feature provided before said visually detectable features repeat themselves is greater than the number of items imparted after one full turn of the roll. Also disclosed is a package including a plurality of items each having a visually detectable feature that is different from the visually detectable features of all other items within the package, such that a first item includes a first visually detectable feature, and a second item includes a second visually detectable feature including at least a portion of the first visually detectable pattern element, wherein the first and second visually detectable features are different. |
| US09168729B2 |
Method for engagement of cylinders with different revolution rates in correct phase and sheet-fed rotary printing press having the cylinders
An apparatus and a method for correct phase engagement of mechanically coupled rotatably drivable components in printing material processing machines, include a coupling for mechanically connecting at least two of the rotatably drivable components. The at least two rotatably drivable components are operated at a different rotational speed in a transmission ratio in a mechanically coupled state, and a control computer has access to the transmission ratio for controlling an engagement operation and taking the transmission ratio into consideration during the correct phase engagement. |
| US09168727B2 |
Inking unit with adjustment of rollers by bending plate and method for adjustment
A printing unit (1) has a first roller (2) and a second roller (3) provided substantially parallel and facing each other for transporting of printing sheets between the first roller (2) and the second roller (3). The first roller (2) is rotationally mounted at only one end (10) of the first roller (2) and this end (10) is mounted to a deflector (9). The deflector (9) has a connection (11) to a support (12) for resiliently changing the angle of the first roller (2) relatively to the second roller (3) by bending the connection (11). |
| US09168725B2 |
Method for transferring nanostructures
A method for transferring nanostructures includes providing a growth substrate and a number of nanostructures located on the growth substrate. The nanostructures are transferred by an adhesive layer from the growth substrate to a target substrate. The nanostructures are between the target substrate and the adhesive layer, and at least partial of nanostructures is in contact with a surface of the target substrate. The adhesive layer is covered by a metal layer. The adhesive layer together with the metal layer is separated from the plurality of nanostructures and the target substrate in an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent permeates into an interface between the adhesive layer and the nanostructures. |
| US09168723B2 |
Device for reversibly fastening a panel to a structure so as to obtain a window in that structure, a vehicle, and a method
A device (10) for reversibly fastening a panel (5) to a structure (2) in order to close off a window (3) in said structure (2). Said device (10) is made up of a plurality of studs (15) suitable for being embedded in a bead of adhesive (50), each stud (15) being provided with two longitudinal orifices (16), said device having two extraction wires (30), each of which passes through a longitudinal orifice (16) in each stud (15). |
| US09168720B2 |
Biaxially elastic nonwoven laminates having inelastic zones
Disclosed is a method of imparting constraint in a biaxially elastic nonwoven laminate, and the constrained laminate itself, the method comprising providing a biaxially elastic nonwoven laminate comprising at least one meltspun elastic fabric and at least one extensible fabric or film; and fusing at least, or preferably, only a portion(s) of the at least one meltspun elastic fabric to at least one of the extensible fabrics to create at least one inelastic zone. Desirably, the at least one meltspun elastic fabric and at least one extensible fabric or film is biaxially elastic, and referred to as being “nonwoven” due to the at least one layer of meltspun elastomer. The meltspun elastic fabric may comprise a polyolefin-based elastomer or blend of an elastomer with a thermoplastic. |
| US09168718B2 |
Method for producing temperature resistant nonwovens
Temperature resistant multilayer composites, methods for making same, and articles made therefrom. The method can include extruding one or more polyolefin polymers having a MFR from less than 90 dg/min through at least one die having a plurality of nozzles to form a plurality of continuous fibers, at least one die operating at a melt pressure from greater than 500 psi (3447 kPa) to form at least one elastic meltblown layer; adhering the at least one elastic meltblown layer to at least one extensible layer to form a multilayer composite; and at least partially crosslinking the elastic meltblown layer or the extensible layer or both. |
| US09168717B2 |
Solid state nanopore devices for nanopore applications to improve the nanopore sensitivity and methods of manufacture
Solid state nanopore devices for nanopore applications and methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. The method includes forming a membrane layer on an underlying substrate. The method further includes forming a hole in the membrane layer. The method further comprises plugging the hole with a sacrificial material. The method further includes forming a membrane over the sacrificial material. The method further includes removing the sacrificial material within the hole and portions of the underlying substrate. The method further includes drilling an opening in the membrane, aligned with the hole. |
| US09168716B2 |
Metallic sandwich structure having small bend radius
An acoustic-attenuating wall panel for a nacelle of a turbine engine may include a radiused portion. The radiused portion may include an airflow surface having a concave configuration and which may be exposed to an airflow passing through the nacelle. The radiused portion may include an acoustic attenuating section. |
| US09168715B2 |
Packaging pillow device with upstream components
The disclosure describes a device for inflating and cutting a material web. The device can include a web advancement mechanism to advance a material web in a longitudinal path, an inflation mechanism for inserting a fluid into the material web to create one or more inflated pillows, a fluid inlet for providing the fluid to the inflation mechanism, and a cutting mechanism configured to cut the material web in the longitudinal path. |
| US09168710B2 |
Motor-vehicle top
The invention relates, among other aspects, to a motor-vehicle top (10) comprising a flexible cover layer (11) that provides an outer face of the top with a cutout provided therein, and at least one window is provided in the cutout, particularly a rear window (12), a circumferential edge region of the cover layer being connected to an outer window edge by a polyurethane bead (13), and wherein the polyurethane bead is synthesized by reacting an isocyanate component with a polyol component, the polyol component comprising at least the following constituents: a) polyols, herein polyetherols and/or polyesterols; b) a propellant; c) a lead-free catalyst. |
| US09168703B2 |
Curable compositions, processes for using such compositions to prepare composites and processes for preparing composites having superior surface finish and high fiber consolidation
Curable compositions, such as oxazine-based ones, are useful in applications within the aerospace industry, such as for example as a thermosetting resin composition for use as a matrix resin in processes, such as resin transfer molding, vacuum assisted transfer molding, resin film infusion, prepregging and towpregging, where the composites or laminates so prepared have superior surface finish and high fiber consolidation. |
| US09168702B2 |
Composite structural member
A method of manufacturing a composite structural member (1), comprising the step of laying up a stack of fiber reinforced laminate plies (12), wherein at least one of the plies is laid up as discrete first (13) and second ply (14) portions, and the fibers of the second portion (14) have a different characteristic from those of the first portion (13). Also, a composite structural member (1) manufactured according to the method. |
| US09168701B2 |
Fiberglass reinforced plastic lightweight heavy-duty ladder and method of making same
A fiberglass reinforced lightweight heavy-duty ladder, and method of making the same, is presented. The method includes impregnating rovings with a resin system and forming the impregnated rovings into a set of rails having a center portion, a left sidewall portion, and a right sidewall portion, where the left sidewall portion and the right sidewall portion each have an article roving density at least 10% greater than that of the center portion. |
| US09168697B2 |
Additive manufacturing system with extended printing volume, and methods of use thereof
An additive manufacturing system for printing three-dimensional parts, the system comprising a heatable chamber with a port, a print foundation, a print head configured to print a three-dimensional part onto the print foundation in a layer-by-layer manner along a printing axis, and a drive mechanism configured to index the print foundation along the printing axis such that, while the print head prints the three-dimensional part, the print foundation and at least a portion of the three-dimensional part pass through the port and out of the heated chamber. |
| US09168695B2 |
Biaxially stretched polyamide resin film and production method thereof
Disclosed is a biaxially stretched polyamide resin film which is a biaxially stretched film having a layer of a polyamide resin with caproamide as a repeating unit thereof and has an amount of the caprolactam monomer extracted from the biaxially stretched polyamide resin film of 0.1% by mass or less, and also disclosed is a packaging material including the biaxially stretched polyamide resin film. |
| US09168694B2 |
Transparent resin composition
The present invention relates to a transparent resin composition which comprises (a) a (meth)acrylate based resin comprising one or more (meth)acrylate based derivatives; and (b) an aromatic based resin having a chain having the hydroxy group containing portion and an aromatic moiety. |
| US09168691B2 |
Device for fiber excess length stable control in optical cable loose tube
The present invention relates to a device for fiber excess length stable control in an optical cable loose tube, which is disposed between a loose tube extruder and a loose tube tractor. The device forms the following structures: an extrusion section connected to the extruder, a traction section connected to the tractor, and a transition section connecting the extrusion section and the traction section, where loose tube displacement generated at the extrusion section is greater than loose tube displacement generated at the traction section. The present invention provides a device for fiber excess length stable control in optical cable loose tube with a simple structure and an excellent excess length control effect. |
| US09168683B2 |
Highly crystalline cross-linked oxidation-resistant polyethylene
The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein. |
| US09168679B2 |
Programmable soft lithography: solvent-assisted nanoscale embossing
A method of forming a nanoscale pattern on a substrate is provided, wherein the method increases or decreases the spacing of patterns on the substrate relative to a master, while keeping the pattern feature size constant. The method can alternatively reduce the pattern feature size of the substrate relative to a master, while keeping the spacing patterns constant. |
| US09168678B2 |
Flexible mat for providing a dynamically reconfigurable double-curved moulding surface in a mould
A flexible mat (1) for providing a dynamically reconfigurable double-curved moulding surface (40) in a mould. The flexible mat (1) comprises a system of rhomboid flat elements (10, 10′, 26, 26′) of an elastic deformable material arranged mutually movably in two or more relatively rotated layers (10, 10′), surrounded by a first upper cloth (6) of an elastic deformable material and a second lower cloth (8) of an elastic deformable material. The cloths (6, 8) are imperviously joined along their lateral limits and form an adjustable impervious chamber. The flexible mat (1) is adapted to be mechanically connected to the free ends (42) of a number of actuators (3) in such a way that the position of a given point on the surface (40) formed by the flexible mat (1) is determined on the basis of the position of the free end (42) of an associated given actuator (3). The mat (1) is capable of forming a uniform, continuous double-curved surface. |
| US09168675B2 |
Method for producing resin composition
A method for producing a resin composition using an extruder, the extruder having a cylinder and a screw disposed inside the cylinder, the cylinder being provided with a main feed port and further optionally provided with a side feed port disposed downstream in an extrusion direction from the main feed port, and the method comprising: supplying a resin (A) in the total amount to the extruder from the main feed port; supplying a fibrous filler (B), whose a weight average fiber length is 1 mm or more, in the total amount to the extruder from the main feed port, or, with the extruder being provided with the side feed port, supplying the fibrous filler (B) partly to the extruder from the main feed port and the remainder to the extruder from the side feed port; melt-kneading the supplied resin (A) and the fibrous filler (B); and extruding the melt-kneaded material. |
| US09168671B2 |
Method and arrangement for a sawchain
The invention concerns a method for a sawchain and a sawchain. According to the method according to the invention, a sawchain intended to be used for a sawing arrangement for a forestry harvester in order to prevent the whip-like movement of a sawchain that breaks during sawing, is achieved through a method that comprises the steps: —that the sawchain (1) is provided with a means (20) of limiting pivoting that allows a forwardly located link (3, 4, 5, 2) of the sawchain to pivot in a first direction relative to the subsequent link (3, 4, 5, 2) while limiting the ability of the forwardly located link to pivot in an opposite second direction relative to the subsequent link, —that the sawchain (1) is driven around a guide bar (9) with the aid of a driving wheel that is located at one end of the guide bar, —that sawing of a tree trunk is carried out through the guide bar (9) being turned around an axis of rotation. |
| US09168667B2 |
Handheld power tool
The invention relates to a handheld power tool (1), including: a mobile element (100) and a stationary element (102); a rotatable actuator; a ball nut (200); a ball screw (202) having a first end (202a) connected to the mobile element (100); and a universal joint (10, 12, 14) arranged so as to be driven by the rotatable actuator and so as to rotate the ball nut (200) on said ball screw (202) in order to move the ball screw (202), and thus the mobile element (100), relative to the stationary element (102). The universal joint can be advantageously retained inside two concentric spherical bearings (50a, 60a, 70a, 80a), thus making it possible to take up the axial forces in two directions. It is thus possible to eliminate any radial force on the ball screw (202) and have angularly variably rotational output. |
| US09168659B2 |
Tension stiffened and tendon actuated manipulator
A tension stiffened and tendon actuated manipulator is provided performing robotic-like movements when acquiring a payload. The manipulator design can be adapted for use in-space, lunar or other planetary installations as it is readily configurable for acquiring and precisely manipulating a payload in both a zero-g environment and in an environment with a gravity field. The manipulator includes a plurality of link arms, a hinge connecting adjacent link arms together to allow the adjacent link arms to rotate relative to each other and a cable actuation and tensioning system provided between adjacent link arms. The cable actuation and tensioning system includes a spreader arm and a plurality of driven and non-driven elements attached to the link arms and the spreader arm. At least one cable is routed around the driven and non-driven elements for actuating the hinge. |
| US09168658B2 |
Panel pickup and placing method and combined pickup device for performing the method
A panel pickup and placing method includes providing a liquid crystal panel, a machine table, a panel pickup device, and a vacuum suction device; coupling the panel pickup device and the vacuum suction device together; moving the panel pickup device to have the vacuum suction device engaging a surface of the liquid crystal panel; the vacuum suction device sucking and adhering to the liquid crystal panel; moving the panel pickup device to have the vacuum suction device lifting the liquid crystal panel for transfer to the machine table; the vacuum suction device releasing the liquid crystal panel; and moving the panel pickup device to have the vacuum suction device departing from the liquid crystal panel in order to position the liquid crystal panel on the machine table. The combined panel pickup device includes a panel pickup device and a vacuum suction device mounted to the panel pickup device. |
| US09168650B2 |
Oscillating rotary electric power tool
An oscillating rotary electric power tool, in which a spindle with a distal end tool attached thereto is projected downward from a front end portion of a housing accommodating a motor, and the housing also accommodates a coupling member rotatable integrally with an output shaft of the motor, a crankshaft fitted with the coupling member in a depression and projection fitting structure, and a link member to which the spindle is fixed and power is transmitted from the crankshaft to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise in an oscillating manner so that the link member will be driven by the motor to rotate the spindle clockwise and counterclockwise in the oscillating manner, wherein an elastic body is interposed between the coupling member and the crankshaft in the same axial direction as the output shaft. |
| US09168648B2 |
Vibration dampened hammer
A hammer that includes a handle and a head is provided. The head disposed on an upper end of the handle. The handle includes a core member; a rigid material layer molded on the core member; and a grip member molded on at least a portion of the rigid material layer. The grip member includes a first elastomeric material layer molded on the rigid material layer and a second elastomeric material molded on the first elastomeric material layer. The head has an eye portion extending through the head. The handle has at least a portion of its upper end extending into the eye portion. An epoxy resin material is positioned within the eye portion and is at least partially disposed between the handle and the head to secure the handle to the head. An elastomeric portion is at least partially disposed between the handle and the head. |
| US09168647B2 |
Automobile rim hammer
Methods and apparatus for removing a dent from an automobile rim are described herein. A hammer having a hammer head containing lead, antimony and aluminum is applied to pound an automobile rim. The dent is removed from the rim without breaking the rim. Different compounds of lead for the hammer head are provided. In one embodiment the hammer weighs between 10 and 12 pounds. In another embodiment the hammer head has a cylindrical shape. The hammer head may chip away during hitting the rim. |
| US09168645B2 |
Hand-operated pressing tool
A hand-operated pressing tool, which is suitable in particular for producing pipe connections, for pressing cable lugs, and/or for actuating cutting jaws, comprises a drive device arranged in a housing. The drive device is connected to an energy source. Furthermore, a start button, a display device, and a diagnostic connector are provided. The start button as well as the display device are arranged under a transparent housing cover. Preferably, the housing cover can be opened in order to reach the diagnostic connector. |
| US09168643B2 |
Driving rotation tool
A driving rotation tool includes a socket base, a socket clearance hole inside the socket base and surrounded by three first gripping surfaces, three second gripping surfaces and six third gripping surfaces for development of edge planes around the socket clearance hole wherein the third gripping surface is located between the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface for circular permutation of first gripping surface, third gripping surface and second gripping surface. The first gripping surface is a cambered surface. The second gripping surface is an angled surface consisting of two adjoining planes which form an obtuse angle. As such, the tool facilitates not only normally driving a nut or a bolt head but also screwing or unscrewing the nut or the bolt head with edges or corners worn out or damaged and further promotes overall convenience, practicability and market competitiveness. |
| US09168641B2 |
Bar clamp with ratchets
A clamp with a fixed jaw; a groove with the fixed jaw mounted thereon; a moveable jaw slidably mounted on the groove; a connecting member having one end secured to the moveable jaw and including a hollow cylinder at an other end disposed in the fixed jaw, and a strap interconnecting the cylindrical element and the hollow cylinder; a gear including a plurality of teeth disposed on the fixed jaw; a biasing member disposed on the fixed jaw opposite to the gear; a bifurcated handle put on the fixed jaw to cover both the gear and the biasing member; a first pawl in the handle; a lever secured to the first pawl; a rotatable pin with the hollow cylinder fastened thereon, the pin being for fastening the handle, the biasing member, the fixed jaw, the hollow cylinder, and the gear together; and the second pawl in the fixed jaw. |
| US09168634B1 |
Waterjet removal of coverings from tangled wire and loose coils
A system for impacting a flow of fluid onto a wire, a bundle of wires, coil of wires and/or cables or other electrical/electronic materials/components that are oriented in a tangle or loose coils etc., and having one or more outer covering materials, and methodology of its use to remove the one or more outer coverings. |
| US09168632B2 |
Power honing/grinding machine for the finishing of cylindrical gears with external toothing tools
Power honing/grinding machine for the finishing of cylindrical gears with external toothing tools, comprising a workpiece clamping unit having a first electrospindle rotatable about a first axis, and a tool-holder unit having a second electrospindle rotatable about a second axis, in which the movement of rotation of the second electrospindle about the second axis is synchronized with the movement of rotation of the first electrospindle about the first axis, wherein the first electrospindle has an external stator and an internal rotor and the second electrospindle has an internal stator and an external rotor. |
| US09168631B2 |
Two-part retaining ring with interlock features
A retaining ring includes an annular lower portion and an annular upper portion. The annular lower portion has a main body with a bottom surface for contacting a polishing pad during polishing, an inner rim projecting upward from the main body, an outer rim projecting upward from the main body and separated from the inner rim by a gap, and a plurality of azimuthally separated interlock features positioned between the inner rim and the outer rim, each interlock feature projecting upwardly from the main body. The annular upper portion has a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of azimuthally separated recesses in the bottom surface, the recesses defining thin portions of the upper portion, the plurality of interlock features fitting into the plurality of recesses. The lower portion is a plastic and the upper portion is a material that is more rigid than the plastic. |
| US09168630B2 |
User-input functions for data sequences in polishing endpoint detection
A method of controlling polishing includes receiving user input through a graphical user interface selecting a function, the function including at least one parameter that can be varied, polishing a substrate, monitoring a substrate during polishing with an in-situ monitoring system, generating a sequence of values from measurements from the in-situ monitoring system, fitting the function to the sequence of values, the fitting including determining a value of the at least one parameter that provides a best fit of the function to the sequence of values, determining a projected time at which the function equals a target value, and determining at least one of a polishing endpoint or an adjustment for a polishing rate based on the projected time. |
| US09168628B2 |
Device for blocking a lens
A device and a method for blocking of an optical lens and to release the blocked lens by an expelling pulse being applied off-center to a block ring which is assigned to the lens. |
| US09168626B2 |
Cutting tool sharpener
A tool sharpening assembly suitable for sharpening cutting tools. In accordance with some embodiments, the apparatus has a rotatable abrasive surface, and a tool support structure which contactingly supports a body portion of a tool while a cutting surface of the tool is presented against the abrasive surface during a sharpening operation. A cooling mechanism operates to reduce a temperature of the tool. |
| US09168617B2 |
Mold for hot stamping and method of manufacturing the same
A mold for hot stamping is disclosed. The mold may include: a base plate configured to receive and exhaust coolant, at least one lower mold and at least one upper mold. The at least one lower mold may be mounted at a surface of the base plate, and configured to receive the coolant from the base plate. The lower mold may also have the same shape as a lower shape of a product so as to form the lower shape of the product during hot stamping. The upper mold is made of material different from that of the lower mold, coupled to an upper portion of the lower mold, has the same shape as an upper shape of the product so as to form the upper shape of the product, and is configured to receive the coolant from the lower mold such that the coolant flows in the upper mold. |
| US09168616B2 |
Rotating module for clamping device
A rotating module for a clamping device is disclosed. More specifically, the rotating module includes a housing including a first connecting section having an end rotatably connected to an upper portion of a base frame and a second connecting section formed vertically to the first connecting section. An end portion of a connecting plate is connected to the second connecting section and a clamping device mounted at the other end of the connecting plate and configured to clamp a panel. A gear unit in the housing is rotated by receiving torque of the operating motor. Clutch units are mounted respectively in the first connecting section and the second connecting section, connected to the gear unit, and configured to selectively transmit torque of the gear unit to the first connecting section or the second connecting section so as to rotate the housing or the connecting plate. |
| US09168614B2 |
Method of generating high quality hole, recess or well in substrate
A method of generating a hole or well in an electrically insulating or semiconducting substrate, a hole or well in a substrate generated by this method, and an array of holes or wells in a substrate generated by the method. |
| US09168610B2 |
Laser apparatus for welding
A laser apparatus for welding is disclosed. The laser apparatus includes: a laser optic head adapted and configured to modify a spot size of a laser beam oscillated by a laser oscillator and to project the laser beam into a joining portion of joining members, wherein the laser optic head is adapted and configured to modify the spot size to selectively perform brazing or welding. A method of selectively brazing or welding according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes: providing a laser apparatus of as described herein; and actuating the laser optic head to modify the spot size of the laser beam and project the laser beam into the joining portion of the joining members to selectively perform brazing or welding. |
| US09168608B2 |
Welding head for rail welding
This invention concerns a welding head for welding the extremities of two sections of rail and comprises two half-heads (10) aligned and sliding with regard to one another in a longitudinal direction. Each half-head comprises grip means (12, 13) to grasp a respective section of rail and two electrodes (16) suitable for contact with respective sections of rail in order to carry out a flash butt weld. The head also comprises traction actuator means (20) which extend in a longitudinal direction and are connected to the two half-heads (10) to shift the two half-headsin a longitudinal direction one towards the other, said traction actuator means (20) having a stroke suitable for allowing, during a cycle of welding two sections of rail, simultaneous regulation of rail tensions. |
| US09168605B2 |
Soldering assembly for detachable tip
A soldering assembly comprises a heater, a lock member, and a bias member. The lock member is moveable relative to the heater, includes a ramp feature, and is configured to receive a tip or a tip holder. The bias member is configured to urge movement of the lock member away from a distal segment of the heater. |
| US09168602B2 |
Gear grinding machine and gear grinding method
The actual axial center position of a helical gear relative to the axial center position of a rotary table is calculated on the basis of input gear dimensions and information from a touch probe. Correction values for the positions and motions of the rotary table and a grindstone are calculated on the basis of the actual axial center position of the helical gear.Operation values for the rotary table, a column, a saddle, and a grindstone head are calculated by adding the correction values to reference values for the positions and motions of the rotary table and the grindstone. Motors are controlled in such a way that operation is carried out at the operation values to thereby carry out form grinding. |
| US09168599B2 |
Saw disk with improved chip discharge
A cutting disk for a rotary cutting machine includes a disk body having a central axis of rotation and a circumferentially extending outer periphery. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cutting teeth is mounted to the outer periphery of the disk body. A chip pocket is defined in the circumferential outer periphery of the disk body between each of the circumferentially spaced apart cutting teeth. Each chip pocket is formed by a chip clearance surface extending radially inwardly into the disk body to form the chip pocket between circumferentially adjacent cutting teeth. The chip pocket is adapted to receive a tooth-produced chip therein, thereby providing more room for chip discharge and thus reducing disk wear. |
| US09168597B2 |
Table saw with foldable tabletop and legs
Provided is a table saw assembly including a base portion, a saw blade opening, a saw assembly and a first leg assembly. The base portion includes a base work piece support surface which defines a support plane. The base portion includes a lower surface opposite the base work piece support surface. The saw blade opening is defined in the base work piece support surface. The saw assembly includes a saw blade which is positionable to extend upwardly through the saw blade opening. The first leg assembly includes a first foot portion. The first leg assembly is pivotable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first foot portion is positioned lower than the lower surface of the base portion. In the second position, the first foot portion is positioned above the lower surface of the base portion. |
| US09168594B2 |
Toolholder with externally mounted tunable absorber mass
A toolholder includes an absorber mass externally mounted to a body portion of the toolholder. A spacer is disposed within one or more recesses formed in a bottom wall of the absorber mass. One or more resilient members are disposed between the body portion and the absorber mass, and one or more resilient members are disposed between the absorber mass and the spacer. A clamping bolt passes through each spacer, through the absorber mass and is threaded into the body portion of the toolholder. A rigidity of the one or more resilient members can be selectively adjusted by the clamping bolts so as to tune the absorber mass for optimum dampening of vibration of the toolholder. |
| US09168588B2 |
Cutting insert having a coolant duct
A cutting insert having a main lip, a rake face and at least one coolant duct, which is formed on the top side of the cutting insert, is disclosed. The at least one coolant duct runs at least partially in the rake face towards the main lip and the width increases towards the main lip. |
| US09168586B2 |
Stopper rod
Stopper rod having an elongate body with an inlet at an upper first end and an outlet at a lower second end. The second end of the body defines a nose for insertion into a tundish outlet. A continuous axial bore extends through the body from the inlet in the first end to the outlet in the second end. A restrictor having an inlet, an outlet and a passageway therebetween is positioned in the axial bore such that the inlet of the restrictor is closer to the first end than the second end. A gas supply conduit is arranged to supply gas into the axial bore above the inlet of the restrictor. |
| US09168582B2 |
Machine for forming metal bars
There is provided a machine for forming metal bars particularly suitable for melting and the subsequent continuous solidification of precious metal such as gold, silver, precious alloys, as well as other pure metals or different alloys, in the form of powder, grits or swarf of various sizes, for producing ingots having weights varying from 50 g to 50 kg. The machine having six operating stations arranged in succession. |
| US09168579B2 |
Punching tools and related machines and methods
In some aspects of the invention, a punching tool includes a punching stamp including a stamp shaft and an axial stop; and an adjustment ring having a center opening configured to receive the stamp shaft and abut the axial stop, where a first mark is located along a cylindrical portion of the stamp shaft adjoining the axial stop, and at least a portion of the first mark remains visible when the adjustment ring is abutted against the axial stop. |
| US09168577B2 |
Bending machine for helically bending an elongated workpiece
A bending machine for helically bending an elongated workpiece (T) has at least three bending rollers (2) that, being rotatable integrally with respective supporting shafts (3) with parallel axes (y), co-operate in bending the elongated workpiece (T). Each bending roller (2) is arranged to shift along its own supporting shaft (3) by way of a prismatic coupling for a limited stroke and to swing with respect to the axis of the supporting shaft (3) by way of a partially spherical body (8) forming a rotary coupling with the supporting shaft (3) in a limited amount of angular displacement according to an arc of meridian of the partially spherical body (8), so that each bending roller (2) is orientated coplanar to the elongated workpiece (T) that takes an inclined position on the basis of a desired helix pitch. |
| US09168574B2 |
Thixotropic gel for vadose zone remediation
A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms. |
| US09168571B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlled access to pressurized fluid lines and to exhausted lines
A method and apparatus for controlled access to pressurized fluid lines and to exhausted lines. The apparatus includes a rod body having a bore; a packing fitting attached to a first end of the rod body and a ball valve attached to a second end of the rod body; a transverse arm between the first and second ends of the rod body, the transverse arm having a bore communicating the rod body bore; and a slideable rod in the bore of the rod body, in a first position of the rod a first end extends through the packing fitting to outside of the rod body and a second end is completely within the rod body, in a second position of the rod the first end extends through the packing fitting to outside of the rod body and the second end of the rod extends through and past the ball valve. |
| US09168567B2 |
Polymer membranes, processes for production thereof and use thereof
The invention relates to improved polymer membranes, to processes for production thereof and to the use thereof. |
| US09168565B2 |
Method of reducing dust with self-assembly composites
Well treatment particulates are coated with polyionic material and a composite is formed comprising multiple layers of polyelectrolyte, each layer composed of polyionic material counter to the polyionic material of the polyelectrolyte layer to which it is adjacent. |
| US09168564B1 |
Device and materials fabrication and patterning via shaped slot electrode control of direct electrostatic powder deposition
An object fabricating apparatus is comprised of at least one charged powder cloud generating system, at least one electrode proximate to the powder cloud generating system and comprising at least one shaped slot, and a voltage supply in communication with each electrode to electrostatically modulate the flow of charged powder to a conductive substrate electrically biased to provide an electrostatic attraction of the charged powder to the substrate. An object fabricating method is also disclosed that uses the object fabricating apparatus. |
| US09168559B2 |
Facility and method for coating the inside of a pipe element
A facility suitable for coating the inside of a pipe element with a mortar that comprises a transport device (32) for feeding dry matter of the mortar that includes a transport chamber (48) and a transport member (54) for transporting the dry matter arranged in the transport chamber, the transport chamber being provided with a dry matter inlet (50) and a dry matter outlet (52); a mixing and projection device (34) for mixing the dry matter with liquid matter to obtain the mortar having a mixing member (82) and a mixing chamber (74) wherein the mixing chamber has a dry matter inlet (76) fed by the dry matter outlet (52), a liquid matter inlet (78) and a mortar outlet (80). |
| US09168558B2 |
Glue dispensing apparatus with heating unit and glue dispensing method
A glue dispensing apparatus includes a container, a glue dispensing head and a heating unit. The container receives glue, and the glue dispensing head is connected to the container. The heating unit is mounted on the container. The heating unit includes a temperature sensor, a heating component, and a controller electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the heating component. The controller compares the temperature of the glue with a predetermined temperature range, controls the heating component to heat the glue when the temperature of the glue is equal to or less than a lower limit of the predetermined temperature range, and controls the heating component to stop heating when the temperature of the glue is equal to or greater than an upper limit of the predetermined temperature range. |
| US09168557B2 |
Coating apparatus
Certain embodiments provided a coating apparatus includes an applicator, material supply unit, and first, second, and third moving mechanisms. The applicator includes a meniscus pillar forming portion configured to form a meniscus pillar of the material in conjunction with a surface to be coated of the object to be coated and a recess. The material supply unit supplies the material to the applicator. The first moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relative to the surface along the surface. The second moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relative to the surface so that the meniscus pillar between the surface and the recess. The third moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relatively toward and away from the surface. |
| US09168552B2 |
Spray system for application of adhesive to a stator tube
Spray assemblies for use in coating a regular or irregular internal surface of a cylinder, and methods for coating the inside of a cylinder are disclosed. The spray assemblies may include: a spray head comprising a nozzle for spraying a coating material on an internal surface of a cylinder; a support wand coupled to the spray head; and a roller sleeve rotatably connected to the support wand and configured to contact the internal surface of the cylinder and to rotate radially as the cylinder is rotated. The spray assemblies may be used to provide a consistent and repeatable coating thickness, regardless of cylinder internal diameter. In some embodiments, the spray assemblies may be used to coat the internal surface of a stator tube. |
| US09168548B2 |
Liquid dispensing device
A liquid dispensing device for a trash container spray system may be provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the liquid dispensing device is activated upon the trash receptacle being lifted and placed back on the ground, moving a piston and actuator component of the liquid dispensing device from a first to second position, back to the first position, and providing the force needed to spray the liquid compound into the interior of the trash receptacle. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a manually activated pump feature may be provided for spraying a liquid compound into the interior of a trash receptacle via the liquid dispensing device. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a float valve feature may be provided for spraying the liquid compound into the interior of the trash receptacle via the liquid dispensing device. |
| US09168543B2 |
Rotary switch shower and its control method
A rotary switch shower with a handheld component has a waterway connected to a water outlet eccentrically arranged on a first counterface of the connecting end of the handheld component. The handheld component includes: an outlet component with an essential body, at least two outlet terminals, and a plurality of independent cavities. The outlet terminals are assembled on the essential body and communicate with the independent cavities respectively. Every independent cavity is has a water inlet on the second counterface of the essential body. The water inlets are assigned along an arc whose center is at the rotation axis. The essential body can be rotatably assembled to the handheld component, and switching of the waterways is achieved by rotating the handheld component, so that a water inlet is chosen to communicate with the water outlet, and then a independent cavity is chosen to communicate with the waterway. |
| US09168541B2 |
Shield assembly of low-flow sprinkler
The invention relates to a shield assembly of low-flow sprinkler comprises: a support body, a low-flow sprinkler assembly arranged in the support body and a plurality of shield units sequentially combined to form an arc-shaped shield to be easily installed on the low-flow sprinkler and convenience to adjust sprinkling orientation for the required sprinkling area and to increase or decrease the number of shield units for adjusting the sprinkling angle in order to enhance sprinkling orientation and angle precision. |
| US09168540B2 |
Outlet mechanism with pulsatile splash
An outlet mechanism with pulsatile splash has a main waterway comprising an inlet waterway, two branch waterways and two back-flow waterways; the two branch waterways communicate with the outlet end of the inlet waterway and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the inlet waterway. The outlet directions of the outlet ends of the two branch waterways intersect; the two back-flow waterways are arranged symmetrically with respect to the inlet waterway, and one end of the back-flow waterway communicates with the branch waterway. Another end of that communicates with the inlet end of the inlet waterway. Part of water in the branch waterway is returned to the inlet end of the inlet waterway by the back-flow waterway. The remain water in the two branch waterways intersect when water comes out of the outlet, so that the left-and-right-swing outlet effect, and then the pulsatile splash outlet effect are generated. |
| US09168537B2 |
Magnetic rack
The present application provides a magnetic rack for separating magnetic particles from a non-magnetic medium. The magnetic rack comprises a supporting housing having a top side, a bottom side, two opposite lengthwise sides, and a cavity, wherein at least one magnet is disposed in the cavity, each lengthwise side is attached with a receiving member, and the top side has at least two sockets. The magnetic rack further comprises a pair of supporting walls, wherein each supporting wall has a fixing member introduced onto or into the receiving member to tightly connect the supporting housing with the pair of supporting walls. With the coupling of the receiving member and the fixing member, the supporting wall and the supporting housing can be tightly connected together, therefore the shake of the magnetic rack or the sample vials inserted in the magnetic rack can be significantly avoided. In this way, the magnetic particles can be effectively separated from a non-magnetic medium in the sample vial. |
| US09168528B2 |
Fluids concentration cup assembly with hourglass shape
A biological fluid collection cup for use with a centrifuge bucket to separate a biological fluid into its component parts is disclosed. It includes an hourglass shape with a large upper and lower portion and a narrow middle portion. A piston is to slide into and slideably be received in the lower portion and a side port is provided for withdrawal of a fluid from the narrow portion. |
| US09168526B2 |
Hinged cap for diagnostic device
A hinged cap for engaging a housing of a diagnostic device comprises a central body; two arms extending from opposing sides of one end of said central body, said arms being substantially parallel; each of said arms comprising a cap hinge member for engaging a housing hinge member on said housing, wherein said cap hinge member and said housing hinge member define a hinge axis around which said cap is pivotable between an open and a closed position with respect to said housing. |
| US09168525B2 |
Method for producing a fluidic device
A method for producing a microfluidic device includes: a) forming a carrier plate in an injection compression molding tool; b) arranging at least one functional element on one side of the carrier plate; c) forming a cover plate in an injection compression molding tool, wherein the injection compression molding tool is the same or different than that used to form the carrier plate; and d) arranging the cover plate on the carrier plate to cover the at least one functional element and to seal the fluidic device in an airtight manner. |
| US09168522B2 |
Pipette
A pipette includes a cylinder having a distal end portion to which a pipette tip is removably fitted; and a piston fitted to be freely advanced and retreated in a cylinder chamber. The piston is retreated to suck liquid and advanced to eject the liquid thus sucked. The piston includes, on an outer periphery thereof, a communication groove for allowing an inside of the cylinder chamber to communicate with an outside of the cylinder chamber when the piston is advanced by an amount corresponding to a dimension larger than a predetermined dimension. The communication groove is located on the outside of the cylinder chamber when the piston is located at a retreated position. When the piston is advanced by the amount corresponding to the dimension larger than the predetermined dimension, a seal between the cylinder chamber and the piston is released so that pressure in the cylinder chamber becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure, and a suction/ejection effect is eliminated. |
| US09168519B2 |
Hydroconversion multi-metallic catalyst and method for making thereof
In a process for forming a bulk hydroprocessing catalyst by sulfiding a catalyst precursor made in a co-precipitation reaction, up to 60% of the metal precursor feeds do not react to form catalyst precursor and end up in the supernatant as metal residuals. In the present disclosure, the metals can be recovered in a chemical precipitation step, wherein the supernatant is mixed with at least one of an acid, a sulfide-containing compound, a base, and combinations thereof to precipitate at least 50% of metal ions in at least one of the metal residuals, wherein the precipitation is carried out at a pre-select pH. The precipitate is isolated and recovered, yielding an effluent stream. The precipitate and/or the effluent stream can be further treated to form at least a metal precursor feed which can be used in the co-precipitation reaction. The process generates an effluent to waste treatment containing less than 50 ppm metals. |
| US09168514B2 |
Microwave catalyst and preparation process and use thereof
Provided is a microwave catalyst. The microwave catalyst comprises: i) an active catalyst component comprising a metal and/or a metal oxide; ii) a microwave-absorbing component comprising at least one of CuO, ferrite spinel, and active carbon; and iii) a support. The microwave catalyst can be used for denitration by microwave catalysis, and has advantages such as high denitration efficiency, low energy consumption, environmental friendliness, and low costs. Also provided is a process for preparing the microwave catalyst and the use thereof. |
| US09168511B2 |
Catalyst for hydrogen production
The invention provides a catalyst for the production of hydrogen by steam reforming. The catalyst is a porous catalyst which is based on at least aluminum oxide and preferably magnesium oxide, and further comprises boron and nickel. The porous catalyst comprises pores having an average pore size in the range of 0.1-50 nm. The activity of the catalyst may be further enhanced by addition of a noble metal such as Rh, Ru, Pd, Ir or Pt. The catalyst can be broadly used in hydrogen production processes, and is especially suitable for reforming using a membrane which is selective for a predetermined reaction product. Such process can be operated at relatively low temperatures of about 450-700° C. |
| US09168508B2 |
Method for producing biodiesel fuel and biodiesel fuel composition
Provided is a method for producing biodiesel fuel having an excellent oxidative stability and fluidity at low temperature, wherein the method provides selective hydrogenation of a poly-unsaturated fatty acid alkyl ester to the mono-unsaturated fatty acid alkyl ester while inhibiting the formation of the trans-isomer, and a biodiesel fuel composition. In the method for producing biodiesel fuel, a fatty acid alkyl ester prepared from fat and/or waste edible oil by transesterification reaction, and/or (2) a fatty acid alkyl ester treated by esterification reaction of a fatty acid is hydrogenated in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst containing at least one of noble metals selected from those of Groups 8-10 in the periodic table under low hydrogen pressure. |
| US09168503B2 |
Reaction system and process for preparing polymethoxy dimethyl ether
The invention relates to a reaction system and process for continuously preparing polymethoxy dimethyl ether (DMM3-8) by a continuous acetalization reaction between an aqueous formaldehyde solution or paraformaldehyde and methanol in the presence of a functionalized acidic ionic liquid as a catalyst. The reaction system of the invention preferably comprises a formaldehyde-concentrating unit, a vacuum-drying unit, an acetalization reaction unit, a product-separating unit and a catalyst-regenerating unit. The process of the invention uses aqueous formaldehyde solution as an initial raw material, which is concentrated in the formaldehyde-concentrating unit to a concentrated formaldehyde of 50˜80 wt. %, and vacuum-dried to paraformaldehyde, or uses paraformaldehyde as raw material directly, then obtains DMM3-8 by an acetalization reaction. The raw materials of the reaction used in the invention are cheap and available easily, and the utilization rate of formaldehyde is high; an efficient separation between the catalyst and product, as well as the reuse of the catalyst and raw materials, are realized by a separation mode of combining extraction and rectification together. |
| US09168490B2 |
Combination membrane system for producing nitrogen enriched air
A system for providing nitrogen enriched air (NEA) from ambient air uses at least two gas separation membranes that are selectively gas permeable for oxygen and nitrogen. The oxygen/nitrogen selectivity and oxygen permeance of two of the membranes are different such that (1) the selectivity of first membrane is less than the second membrane and the oxygen permeance of first membrane is greater than the second membrane, or (2) the selectivity of first membrane is greater than the second membrane and the oxygen permeance of first membrane is less than the second membrane. The system is very compact, is energy efficient, and highly effective for generating NEA. It is ideally suited for mobile, remote and specialized end use applications, such as automotive vehicles, marine vessels, off-shore platform fuel storage and especially for supplying NEA to blanket ullage of onboard aircraft fuel storage tanks. |
| US09168482B1 |
Systems and methods for controlling silica dust during hydraulic fracturing operations
A method for capturing dust generated during movement of sand through a sand delivery system includes positioning an inlet at a first end of each of a plurality of conduits for collecting dust in a corresponding space surrounding a corresponding point along a conveyor. A second end of each of the plurality of conduits is coupled in fluid communication with a manifold system including at least one manifold extending generally parallel to the ground. Substantially an entire length of the conveyor, including the space corresponding to the inlet of each of the plurality of conduits, is covered with a cover for containing dust generated during movement of sand along the conveyor. Air is drawn through the manifold system and the plurality of conduits to capture dust generated during the movement of sand along the conveyor through the inlet of each of the plurality of conduits. |
| US09168480B2 |
Method for forming filter arrangements; and, methods
A one aspect method of forming filter cartridge arrangements for use in air cleaners is provided. The method involves coiling a media pack with a central winding bead and cutting through the winding bead in the coiled media pack to form two media packs. An example filter arrangement is disclosed. In another aspect, a filter cartridge arrangement for use in air cleaners is provided. The filter cartridge arrangement includes a media pack including a plurality of inlet flutes and outlet flutes extending between first and second opposite flow faces and formed from an arrangement of facing sheet secured to corrugated sheet. An example cartridge includes a preform secured to the media pack. In some forms, the preform includes a grid arrangement extending across one of the flow faces. The grid arrangement can include a region of cured seal material positioned in contact with the first flow face, to secure the grid arrangement to the flow face. |
| US09168475B2 |
Separator for a gas/liquid flow
The invention is separator for separating a fluid flow of gas with droplets (G, L), comprising an inlet (10) for the gas to be separated to a rotor (4) with a mesh (5) for coalescing the droplets (L) and releasing coalesced liquid (L′) from a peripheral part (50) of the rotor (4). Novel features of the separator is that—the mesh (5) generally forms an axial passage for said gas (G) from the inlet (10), through said rotor (4), to an outlet (20) for liquid depleted gas (G′), and—the rotor (4) with the mesh (5) is arranged for transporting the coalesced liquid (L′) laterally out of the axial passage to a wall (6) arranged for receiving the coalesced liquid (L′). |
| US09168474B2 |
Inertial particle separator with heat exchange
The inertial particle separator with heat exchange is a system for separating particulate matter from a mixture of fluid and particles, such as, for example, oil mixtures, natural gas mixtures, or combinations thereof. A rotating pipe first receives the mixture and imparts a tangential velocity thereto. A first heat exchanger is in thermal communication with the rotating pipe for decreasing the temperature of the mixture. An inlet of a convergent-divergent nozzle is connected to an outlet of the rotating pipe for receiving the mixture. The convergent-divergent nozzle accelerates the mixture to a supersonic axial velocity. The accelerated mixture flows into a temperature-controlled pipe which is in thermal communication with a second heat exchanger for further decreasing the temperature of the mixture. The mixture then flows into a concentric diffuser, such that the particulate matter of the mixture is separated from the fluid of the mixture under centrifugal force acting thereon. |
| US09168472B2 |
Air-permeable film imparted with oil repellency
Disclosed is an air-permeable film imparted with oil repellency, including a porous body having a surface coated with an oil-repellent agent. The oil-repellent agent contains a linear fluorine-containing hydrocarbon group represented by —R1C5F10CH2C4F9 or —R2C6F13, where R1 and R2 are each independently an alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a phenylene group, and the porous body is a porous formed body composed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fine particles that are bound together. This air-permeable film is imparted with oil repellency without significantly reducing its air permeability. |
| US09168464B2 |
Baseplate assembly for use with toy pieces
A baseplate assembly, used with releasably coupleable playing pieces, includes a baseplate operably coupled to an image generating device. The baseplate includes a display region, having playing pieces coupling elements, and means for transmitting images generated by the image generating device to the display region. An image generating and playing-piece-interacting assembly includes a receptor operably coupled to an image generating device, having a display screen for generated images, including integrated visual and optically encoded message images, a playing piece at a location relative to the display screen having an optical display message sensor, and a messaging transponder. The optical display message sensor receives the generated images and generates a first signal at least partially based upon the optically encoded message image. The messaging transponder receives the first signal and generates and sends the receptor a second signal at least partially based thereon. |
| US09168462B2 |
Doll with dress that transforms to wings
Interactive and reconfigurable toy dolls are disclosed. The toy dolls have one or more associated movable components that may be actuated through user manipulation so as to transform a doll's dress into wings. |
| US09168461B1 |
Bouncer swing
A bouncer swing has a suspension frame having legs. Elastic connectors are connected to the suspension frame. A seat harness is attached a lower end of the plurality of elastic connectors at an elastic connector lower connection formed on the seat harness. A trampoline bed is mounted to the suspension frame. The trampoline bed is mounted underneath the seat harness. Springs connect the trampoline bed to the suspension frame. The springs are preferably made of elastic cord. The springs are can be made of exposed elastic tubing. The seat harness may have a seat back that extends from a seat opening of the seat harness. The seat harness has a harness rim that can be contracted for securing a user in place. |
| US09168457B2 |
System and method for retaining system state
An apparatus and method are described for retaining system state of an online application such as a video game. For example, a method according to one embodiment comprises: executing a application on a server in response to user input from a client; transmitting video generated by the application over a network connection from the server to the client; detecting that the network connection has become unusable or impaired; responsively pausing the execution of the application from a current point of execution; and resuming the execution of the application from the current point of execution upon detecting that the network connection has become usable or unimpaired. |
| US09168456B2 |
Gaming system and method for providing a casual wagering game
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a casual wagering game including a matrix having a plurality of positions. A plurality of path endpoints are positioned along a perimeter of the matrix. Each path endpoint is associated with one of an award, a symbol indicating advancement to a subsequent level, and a terminator symbol. Each position, except a starting position, is configured to accommodate one of a plurality of tiles. Each tile includes one or more path segments. When the tiles are placed in certain configurations, path segments of bordering tiles form a complete path between the starting position and one or more of the path endpoints. The objective of the game is for a player to place tiles at positions in the matrix such that connecting path segments form a complete path between the start position and one or more path endpoints to win the path endpoint award(s). |
| US09168454B2 |
Integrating three-dimensional elements into gaming environments
In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting a first indication to toggle a presentation of wagering game content from a two-dimensional mode to a three-dimensional mode and toggling the three-dimensional mode in response to detecting the first indication. In some embodiments, the operations can further include automatically toggling the presentation of the wagering game content back to the two-dimensional mode in response to detecting a second indication. In some embodiments, the operations can further include detecting a condition that specifies a degree of three-dimensional presentation to enable for the three-dimensional mode and presenting the wagering game content with the degree of three-dimensional presentation. In some embodiments, the operations can further include detecting a change to the condition and automatically adjusting the degree of the three-dimensional presentation based on the change to the condition. |
| US09168453B2 |
Puzzle and its manufacturing process
A puzzle having a plurality of jigsaw puzzle elements; the jigsaw puzzle element having a first pressure cutting member, a second pressure cutting member, and a fracturing member which is arranged between the first and second pressure cutting members and the first and second pressure cutting members being mounted to opposing face of the fracturing member. |
| US09168449B2 |
Pole baskets for ski poles for the touring sector, which pole baskets can be folded in the direction of the pole tip
A pole basket (8) for a ski pole, cross-country pole, trekking pole, Nordic walking pole, or hiking pole, in particular for a ski pole for the touring sector, wherein the pole basket (8) has a planar basket region (9, 11, 15). The pole basket is characterized in that the basked region (9, 11, 15) can be folded in a folded state at least in some regions in the direction of a pole tip (5,7), and can be opened in the opposite direction to a stop, at which the basket region forms a flat or only unsubstantially curved plane, and that the pole basket (8) is transferred into the folded state by a force acting on a upper face of the basket region (9, 11), and that the pole basket returns to the open state independently when said force is removed. |
| US09168440B1 |
Digital memory golf green repair tool systems
An apparatus is provided which is capable of repairing a golf green as well as concealing a detachable electronic component, providing digital audio and LCD display screen components, and having a GPS chip and RFID device, in multiple embodiments of the present invention. The electronic component comprises a port which is a USB-compatible device, and may also be connected to a flash memory device to allow a user to save data files captured by the memory device and upload to any device with a USB port. |
| US09168437B2 |
Progressive set of golf club heads
A set of progressive golf clubs with an elliptical pad construction on the back of the striking face that corresponds to a location, shape and size of a predetermined golfer's impact pattern for the lofts and lengths of each of the golf clubs in the set. The elliptical pad progressively changes in location, shape and size from the long irons, to the mid irons, to the short irons, and to the wedges, based on the location, shape and size of a predetermined golfer's impact pattern for each of the long irons, mid irons, short irons, and wedges. |
| US09168434B2 |
Golf club head having a stress reducing feature with aperture
A golf club incorporating a stress reducing feature including an aperture located on the crown or sole of the club head. The location and size of the stress reducing feature and aperture, and their relationship to one another, play a significant role in selectively increasing deflection of the face. |
| US09168432B2 |
Golf club heads with turbulators and methods to manufacture golf club heads with turbulators
A golf club head including a face portion defining a loft plane, a rear portion opposite to the face portion, a heel portion, a toe portion opposite to the heel portion, a crown portion having a crown surface extending between the face portion, the rear portion, the heel portion and the toe portion, a sole portion opposite to the crown portion and having a sole surface extending between the face portion, the rear portion, the heel portion and the toe portion, and a leading edge portion between the face portion and the crown portion, the leading edge portion defining a leading edge plane forming a leading edge angle with the loft plane; and a plurality of crown turbulators disposed on the crown surface, each crown turbulator having a front portion defining a portion of the crown turbulator being closest to the face portion, the front portion of at least one of the plurality of crown turbulators being at least partly located on the leading edge portion and between the leading edge plane and the rear portion, but not extending beyond the leading edge plane. |
| US09168429B2 |
Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
Embodiments of golf club heads with optimized characteristics presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein. |
| US09168428B2 |
Hollow golf club head having sole stress reducing feature
A hollow golf club head incorporating a stress reducing feature including at least one sole located stress reducing feature located at least partially on the sole. The location and size of the sole stress reducing feature, and their relationship to one another and other club head engineering variables, play a significant role in selectively influencing deflection and performance of the face. |
| US09168425B2 |
Mesh racket
The present invention discloses a mesh racket and its manufacturing method, comprising a handle (1), a frame (2) and a string (3), wherein the handle (1) is fixed to one end of the frame (2) along the horizontal direction of the frame (2), a plurality of holes (4) are arranged on the side wall of the frame (2) for installing the string (3), characterized in that the string (3) includes the first string set (301), the second string set (302) and the third string set (303) composed by a number of parallel strings respectively, wherein the said mesh holes formed by each string set are triangular. Such a mesh racket not only features the better face performance, but also the firmer triangular mesh holes. Therefore, it is not easily deformed, thereby reducing the string changeover frequency and maintenance costs. |
| US09168423B2 |
Golf ball
An object of the present is to provide a golf ball having an increased spin rate on approach shots. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a goof shot feeling on approach shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film formed on a surface of the golf ball body, and having a coefficient of friction calculated using a contact force tester of 0.35 or more and 0.60 or less. |
| US09168422B2 |
Dimple arrangement on the surface of a golf ball and the golf ball thereof
Disclosed are manufacturing of a golf ball. A golf ball has a plurality of circular dimples in its spherical outer surface, dividing into the faces of a spherical polyhedron by a plurality of division lines, wherein border lines are formed at the position of ±1˜2 latitudinal degrees to the division lines, the circular dimples are arranged by using the border lines as an occupation limit line of the circular dimples positioned opposite to the division lines, and the golf ball has no dimple on the pole in the center of the spherical polyhedron is provided, thereby increasing the performance such as a carry distance by raising the proper amount of area ratio of dimples, obtaining the uniformity thickness cover molding without the inferior product due to the balanced gates with uniform size. |
| US09168403B2 |
Bracket for a firestop collar and use of this bracket
Device for a firestop collar, including an anchoring element and an expansion element The anchoring element serves to anchor the device to a substrate, and the expansion element is intended to interact with the firestop collar. The expansion element is made of intumescent material and is arranged between the anchoring element and the firestop collar in such a way that it is in contact with the firestop collar. |
| US09168395B2 |
Hair care products with selected amino functional silicones and cationic keratin
Hair treatment agents include selected aminofunctional silicones and a selected cationic keratin hydrolysate. |
| US09168394B2 |
Pigmented skin-care compositions
A pigmented skin care composition including a dermatologically acceptable carrier and at least a first and second interference pigment. The composition according to the invention is useful in improving the appearance of the skin and in particular in reducing the appearance of skin discontinuities. |
| US09168386B2 |
Adaptation of the common notebook, laptop computer, netbook and tablet PC computer to enable each to be used as an automated external defibrillator (AED) to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest
A notebook, laptop computer, tablet PC (personal computer) or desktop computer having an automated external defibrillator (AED) capability, and methods of utilizing the notebook, laptop computer or tablet PC (personal computer) defibrillator to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. A notebook, laptop computer or tablet PC (personal computer) having the technology to enable each to be used as an automated external defibrillator (AED). Methods and apparatuses for implementing the common notebook, laptop computer, tablet PC, common cell phone and the common personal digital assistant (PDA) as an automated external defibrillator (AED). |
| US09168383B2 |
Leadless cardiac pacemaker with conducted communication
A leadless pacemaker for pacing a heart of a human includes a hermetic housing and at least two electrodes on or near the hermetic housing. The at least two electrodes are configured to deliver energy to stimulate the heart and to transfer information to or from at least one external device. |
| US09168382B2 |
Method and apparatus for selective his bundle pacing
A cardiac rhythm management system provides for cardiac pacing that is delivered to a target portion of conductive tissue in a heart, such as the His bundle. In various embodiments, the system is configured to verify capture of the target portion and provide for selective pacing of the target portion. In various embodiments, the system is configured to detect responses of the target portion and adjacent myocardial tissue to delivery of pacing pulses and use an outcome of the detection to verify selective capture of the target portion (i.e., without directly exciting the adjacent myocardial tissue. |
| US09168379B2 |
Therapy delivery method and system for implantable medical devices
Recent advancements in power electronics technology have provided opportunities for enhancements to implantable medical device circuits. The enhancements have contributed to increasing circuit miniaturization and increased efficiency in the operation of the implantable medical devices. Stimulation therapy waveforms generated by the circuits include a stepped leading-edge that may be shaped having a varying slope and varying amplitudes associated with each of the segments of the slope. A charging circuit having a single primary transformer winding and a single secondary transformer winding that is coupled to a plurality of capacitors is utilized to generate the therapy stimulation waveforms. The stimulation waveform of the present disclosure may be dynamically shaped as a function of an individual patient's response. Such stimulation waveforms facilitate achieving lower capture thresholds which reduces the device's supply consumption thereby increasing longevity of the device and facilitate a reduction of tissue damage. |
| US09168375B2 |
System and method for managing pain
A system and method for managing pain, configured to be worn by a patient, comprising an electrode array comprising a first electrode and a second electrode for providing a TENS treatment to the patient; a connector configured to couple at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to an electronics subsystem; a muscle twitch sensor subsystem configured to detect a muscle twitch profile induced by the electrode array at the patient; and an electronics subsystem comprising a power module configured to power the system, a pulse generator coupled to the electrode array and configured to transmit the TENS treatment, and a control module configured to receive an input, from the muscle twitch sensor subsystem, characterizing the muscle twitch profile, wherein the electronics subsystem is configured to modulate a parameter of the TENS treatment based upon the input, until a threshold is satisfied. |
| US09168373B2 |
Nanosecond pulsed electric fields cause melanomas to self-destruct
Methods for a new, drug-free therapy for treating solid skin tumors through the application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (“nsPEFs”) are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are melanoma cells, and the applied nsPEFs penetrate into the interior of tumor cells and cause tumor cell nuclei to rapidly shrink and tumor blood flow to stop. This new technique provides a highly localized targeting of tumor cells with only minor effects on overlying skin. |
| US09168372B2 |
Temporary leadless implantable medical device with indwelling retrieval mechanism
A method and system are provided for removing, from an implant chamber of a heart, a leadless implantable medical device (LIMD) having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is configured to be actively secured to tissue in the implant chamber of the heart. The proximal end is configured to be coupled to a distal end of an indwelling retrieval mechanism (IRM). The IRM extends from the heart along a vessel, the IRM having a proximal end configured to be anchored at a temporary anchor site. The method comprises detaching the IRM from the anchor site, loading a retrieval tool over the proximal end of the IRM and along the body of the IRM. The retrieval tool has a lumen therein that receives the IRM as the retrieval tool re-enters the vessel, thereby allowing the retrieval tool to engage the LIMD. |
| US09168371B2 |
Features for routing conductors in medical electrical lead electrode assemblies
An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel. |
| US09168369B2 |
Electrode array having a rail system and methods of manufacturing the same
A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface and a distal end. The lead includes a longitudinal rail disposed within the distal end of the lead. The longitudinal rail includes at least two prongs, each prong being configured and arranged to receive at least one segmented electrode. The lead further includes a plurality of segmented electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes is coupled to one of the at least two prongs of the rail. |
| US09168368B2 |
Method for applying pulsed radio frequency energy to the spinal canal
A flexible catheter includes two electrical contacts in a distal region of the catheter and a distal aperture of a hose line. The electrical contacts are connected to a high frequency pulse generator for applying pulsed radio frequency energy for nerve stimulation. A temperature sensor is located in the distal region of the catheter. The flexible catheter is inserted into a region in the spinal canal and the pulsed radio frequency generator is operated, thereby applying pulsed radio frequency energy to a localized region to be treated. The temperature at the distal region of the catheter can also be monitored, and the pulsed radio frequency energy is applied in dependence on the monitored temperature. With the catheter, pain and other medical conditions being related to and influenced by a nervous system are treated. |
| US09168358B1 |
Device that holds an intraosseous infusion system in place on an individual's leg
The invention protects an intraosseous infusion system from being bumped or displaced. The device is a strap and an implement that holds the intraosseous infusion system. The implement is comprised of two pieces. A U shaped piece that has an opening that holds the intraosseous infusion device. The second piece when snapped into place encircles the intraosseous infusion device to securely hold the intraosseous infusion device in place. To use the invention, the invention is place over the intraosseous infusion device placed in the patient's leg and the strap is tightened around the patient's leg. Then the second piece is pushed around the intraosseous infusion device to hold it securely in place. |
| US09168353B2 |
Catheter with flexible tip and shape retention
An improved apparatus and method to catheterize passages is disclosed. The present disclosure provides a catheter having a soft flexible pre-formed distal tip, that when used in combination with commercially available guidewires of variable stiffness, results in the ability to control the direction and angle of wire advancement allowing cannulation of body passages, including those that arise at acute angles. The catheter can have a longitudinal axis, a proximal section and a distal section having a soft flexible pre-formed tip having a curvature of ninety degrees or greater and shape retention. The catheter can have an inner wall that defines a lumen that runs along said longitudinal axis forming a single continuous tube, a reinforcement braid disposed over the inner wall, and an outside covering disposed over the reinforcement braid. A spacer can be added between said wall liner and said reinforcement braid in the proximal end. |
| US09168348B2 |
Patient interface device storage system
A patient interface device storage system includes a patient interface device structured to deliver a flow of breathing gas to a patient, the patient interface device including a mask, and a storage shell having an outer peripheral wall and a bottom wall which together define a cavity. The cavity is sized and configured to receive and hold at least a portion of the mask. The bottom wall includes a first attachment member structured to be selectively engaged with a second attachment member associated with a gas delivery device in a manner such that the storage shell and the patient interface device are coupled to and held by the second attachment member. |
| US09168346B2 |
Nasal continuous positive airway pressure device
A nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) device having a hollow body with a proximal wall, a distal wall, and an exhaust port extending through the distal wall. A proximal tubular member extends through the proximal wall of the body and is arranged such that a stream of gas entering the body through the proximal tubular member will exit the proximal tubular member in a first direction and then enter the exhaust port. A nozzle extends through the body and is arranged such that a stream of gas entering the body through the nozzle will exit the nozzle and then enter the proximal tubular member in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. |
| US09168345B2 |
Breathing device comprising a support for speech valves and/or heat and moisture exchange devices without fixing to the cannula
A breathing device for placing on a tracheostoma of a patient comprising a cylindrical housing, an annular housing support, a flexible flat part with sealing and adhesive functions, a filter or a speech valve, and a cover plate. The housing comprises, in the wall thereof, recesses for introducing and extracting inhaled air, and on the proximal opening thereof, an outer edge comprises at least three edge segments which are on the outer wall and at least three edge recesses. Holding rods support the filter on the proximal opening, the housing support comprises an annular flange having at least three inner wall support projections and an annular outer wall base. The support projections have a receiving area, the housing support supports the housing with the filter or speech valve into which the edge segment can be introduced in a precise manner into the support projections. |
| US09168342B2 |
Medicament blister
The present invention relates to medicament blisters for powder inhalers. The blisters according to the invention contain an inhalable powder comprising a medicament. The blisters are characterized by a reduced permeability for water vapor, which is achieved by decreasing the height of the sealing lacquer layer. |
| US09168339B2 |
Injection device
In an injection device a rotary indicator element (20) indexes angularly between a pre-firing position to an injection complete position to create a visual and audible/tactile signal as the drive plunger (28) arrives at or near its fired position. The indicator element (20) has a saw tooth profile which co-operates with respective abutments (34, 40) on the plunger and a housing part of the device to control and energise indicator movement. |
| US09168338B2 |
Syringe with a blocking structure
A syringe with a blocking structure, and the structure includes a one-way engagement unit having a propping portion, a flange extended outwardly from a rod and abutted with a cylindrical body, and a flexible bracket extended outwardly from the rod and isolated from the propping portion, and the flexible bracket has an external diameter greater than the propping portion. When the rod is moved forward with respect to the cylindrical body to pass through the flange, the flange abuts the flexible bracket to tilt backward. When the rod is moved backward with respect to the cylindrical body, the flange abuts the flexible bracket to tilt the flexible bracket forward, and the propping portion blocks the flexible bracket. |
| US09168335B2 |
Powerhead of a power injection system
A contrast media injection system includes detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes. Additional features include using historical data to provide optimum pressure limit values during an injection protocol, a removable memory device for storing and transferring information such as injection protocols and injector statistics, and password protection of such protocols. |
| US09168332B2 |
Hemodialysis apparatus, method of operating hemodialysis apparatus, and water content removal system
A hemodialysis apparatus includes a dialyzer, a quantitative vessel including a displaceable partition wall which partitions the inside of the quantitative vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, a storage vessel which stores a dialysate, a dialysate exchange circuit which supplies the dialysate to the first chamber, and discharges a waste dialysate in the second chamber to the outside by the consequent displacement of the partition wall to the second chamber side, a dialysate supply circuit which supplies the dialysate in the first chamber to the dialyzer, and discharges the waste dialysate from the dialyzer to the second chamber by the displacement of the partition wall to the first chamber side, and a dialysate storage circuit which supplies the dialysate in the first chamber to the storage vessel by the displacement of the partition wall to the first chamber side. |
| US09168330B2 |
Device and method for wound therapy
A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier. |
| US09168328B2 |
Layered manufacturing utilizing foam as a support and multifunctional material for the creation of parts and for tissue engineering
A solid freeform fabrication method of creating a three-dimensional article built at least in part from scaffolding layers, the method includes providing a scaffolding material, providing a supporting material in a shape of a foamy layer, and contacting the scaffolding material with the foamy layer to form at least one scaffolding layer and thereby creating the three dimensional article. |
| US09168324B2 |
Production of polyurethane foams for wound management
The present invention provides novel polyurethane-based wound dressing foams, obtained by foaming and curing silane-terminated polyurethanes. |
| US09168322B2 |
Formula and process for crosslinking antimicrobials to textiles
A process is described herein for applying antimicrobials to substrates such as fabrics. An antimicrobial-binder mixture is provided that includes an antimicrobial and a binder that includes guar gum in an aqueous solution, which is applied to the substrate. Once the substrate is cured, spikes formed by the antimicrobial are disposed on the fabric and function to rupture membranes of infectious agents. |
| US09168313B2 |
Vaccine
The present invention relates to the field of bacterial polysaccharide antigen vaccines. In particular, the present invention relates to bacterial polysaccharides conjugated to protein D from H. influenzae. |
| US09168312B2 |
Growth hormone polypeptides and methods of making and using same
The present invention relates to compositions comprising growth hormone linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of making and using such compositions in treatment of growth hormone-related diseases, disorders, and conditions. |
| US09168311B2 |
Oligomer-dantrolene conjugates and related compounds
The invention relates to (among other things) oligomer-dantrolene conjugates and related compounds. A conjugate of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits advantages over previously administered compounds. |
| US09168309B2 |
Thixotropic compositions
Thixotropic compositions and methods to produce thereof comprising ethylcellulose, triacylglycerol oil and non-ionic surfactant are provided. The ethylcellulose concentration is in the range of 1-15% and the surfactant to oil ratio is in the range of 40:60 to 60:40. |
| US09168304B2 |
Diclofenac topical formulation
The present invention provides a gel formulation comprising diclofenac sodium which has superior transdermal flux properties, which may be used for the topical treatment of pain, such as in osteoarthritis. |
| US09168302B2 |
Reduction of side effects from aromatase inhibitors used for treating breast cancer
The present invention is directed generally to pharmaceutical compositions, methods, and kits for improving side effects associated with aromatase inhibitor treatment in a subject diagnosed with breast cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising an aromatase inhibitor and an androgenic agent. |
| US09168299B2 |
Methods for treating juvenile arthritis with ant-bile salt-stimulated lipase (BSSL) antibodies
It provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising antagonists to the protein Bile Salt-Stimulated Lipase (BSSL) for the prevention, prophylaxis and treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising BSSL antagonists and their use in methods for the prevention, prophylaxis and treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Suitable BSSL antagonists to be used according to the invention are BSSL antibodies. |
| US09168295B2 |
Vaccine peptide combinations
The present invention relates to compositions comprising peptides for preventing or treating allergy to cats, and in particular to optimal combinations of peptides. |
| US09168294B2 |
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) sequences for protein expression and vaccines
The invention provides RSV fusion (F) protein ectodomain polypeptide sequences and nucleotide sequences encoding them, as well as cells containing the invention's polypeptide and nucleotide sequences. The invention further provides VLPs that contain the invention's polypeptides, and methods for using the VLPs for protein expression and vaccine formulation. Also provided are methods for distinguishing between subjects immunized with the invention's compositions and subjects infected with RSV. |
| US09168272B2 |
Bioactive glass composition
A bioactive glass composition comprising one or more glasses comprising Si02, P205 and a fluoride, the Si02 content being less than 40 mole %, the P205 content being at least 4 mole %, and the fluoride content being greater than 1 mole %. The bioactive glass or glass-ceramic can be used in a number of medical applications, including dental applications such as toothpaste. |
| US09168271B2 |
Delivery of active agents using a chocolate vehicle
This invention provides edible compositions comprising pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active agents in particulate form homogeneously dispersed in a fat matrix, such as chocolate or chocolate compound coating. |
| US09168262B2 |
Estriol therapy for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases
The present invention discloses administering steroid hormones to mammals to treat autoimmune related diseases, more particularly, Th1-mediated (cell-mediated) autoimmune diseases including: multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoimmune thyroiditis and uveitis. Most preferably the invention is used to treat a patient with a therapeutically effective amount of estriol of 8 milligrams once daily via oral administration to treat the symptoms or prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis. |
| US09168261B2 |
Compositions and methods for cartilage repair
Autologous compositions and methods are provided for cartilage repair in patients in need thereof. Some aspects include combinations of platelet-based materials with chondrogenesis inducing agents in the presence or absence of cell-based therapies. |
| US09168257B2 |
Combination therapy for MDS
Disclosed are compositions and methods for the treatment of disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The disclosed methods include administering to an individual in need of such treatment a composition that may include an IRAK1/4 inhibitor. In other aspects, the method may include administration of a BLC2 inhibitor. |
| US09168252B2 |
Abuse-resistant controlled-release opioid dosage form
Abuse-resistant, controlled release opioid tablets are a combination containing an opioid antagonist such as naloxone at a level above that needed to suppress the euphoric effect of the opioid, if the combination were crushed to break the controlled release properties causing the opioid and opioid antagonist to be released as a immediate release product as a single dose. The controlled release nature of the table prevents the accumulation of orally effective amounts of opioid antagonist when taken normally. The opioid antagonist is contained in a controlled-release matrix and released, over time, with the opioid. |
| US09168250B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for treating and/or preventing a pathology associated with an obsessional behavior or with obesity
This invention relates to the use of a ligand of the 5-HT4 receptor or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of this ligand and to a nucleic acid coding for a 5-HT4 receptor or of a functionally equivalent receptor for a drug for treating and/or preventing a pathology associated with an obsessional behavior such as anorexia, bulimia and the addiction to drugs of abuse or obesity. The invention also relates to a method for identifying a compound that is biologically active in the treatment and/or the prevention of a pathology associated with an obsessional conduct or obesity including: a) placing the 5-HT4 receptor or a functionally equivalent receptor in contact with this biologically active compound, and b) the determination of whether this biologically active compound is capable of modulating the basal activity of the 5-HT4 receptor or of a functionally equivalent receptor. |
| US09168249B2 |
Substituted dihydropyrazolones for treating cardiovascular and hematological diseases
The present application relates to novel substituted dihydropyrazolone derivatives, processes for their preparation, their use for treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and their use for the preparation of medicaments for treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular cardiovascular and hematological diseases and kidney diseases, and for promoting wound healing. |
| US09168246B2 |
Regimen for suppressing organ rejection
The present invention relates to a method of suppressing organ rejection in a patient receiving an organ transplant by initiating oral treatment with a once-daily extended release tacrolimus dosage form, for example, at an initial dose of from about 0.15 to about 0.20 mg/kg/day within 24 or 48 hours following transplantation. The once-daily extended release tacrolimus dosage form (i) provides low fluctuation and/or swing of tacrolimus, (ii) provides a significantly lower Cmax than an immediate release formulation of tacrolimus while providing the same or greater area under the curve (AUC), (iii) releases the tacrolimus substantially in the colon and/or the lower ileum, (iv) releases at most 63.5% of the tacrolimus in the dosage form at the 12 hour time point, or (v) any combination of any of the foregoing. |
| US09168245B2 |
Selective protein kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: wherein R1, R2, R3, A, Q, W and X are as defined in the description. These compounds selectively modulate, regulate, and/or inhibit signal transduction mediated by certain native and/or mutant protein kinases implicated in a variety of human and animal diseases such as cell proliferative, metabolic, allergic, and degenerative disorders. More particularly, these compounds are potent and selective native and/or mutant c-kit inhibitors. |
| US09168238B2 |
Levothyroxine formulations
A levothyroxine composition includes levothyroxine sodium and mannitol. The composition is a lyophilized solid. The composition may include from 100 to 500 micrograms levothyroxine sodium and from 2 to 4 milligrams mannitol. |
| US09168233B2 |
Treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and thrombosis
Provided herein are compositions for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and methods of application and use thereof. In particular, the present invention provides treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease with compounds that inhibit the production of TMA in the gut, such as 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB) or other compounds represented by Formula I or as shown in FIGS. 20-23. |
| US09168230B2 |
Tetrary gene delivery system for gene therapy and methods of its use
Delivery systems and their methods of formation are generally provided. The delivery system can protect a delivery molecule (e.g., DNA/RNA) and deliver it into a cell via serum. In one embodiment, the method can include binding a delivery molecule with polyethylenimine such that an end of the delivery molecule is exposed; capping the end of the delivery molecule with a first biocompatible polymer to form a core; and encapsulating the core with a second biocompatible polymer. The resulting delivery system can include a delivery molecule bonded with polyethylenimine such that an end of the delivery molecule is exposed; a first biocompatible polymer electrostatically bonded to the end of the delivery molecule to form a core; and a second biocompatible polymer encapsulating the core. |
| US09168223B2 |
Custom-pill compounding system with filler-free capability
A system and associated aspects thereof are disclosed regarding custom-compounding of drug products such as pills and polypills for particular patients, herein involving adaptations of “micro-dosing” technology to permit sufficiently small and precise amounts of drug substances or optionally formulations thereof to be controllably and automatably handled and dispensed so as to help create customized drug products that do not necessitate bulking or dilution of the drug substances. |
| US09168221B2 |
Functionalised triblock copolymers and compositions containing such polymers
Amphiphilic triblock copolymers B-A-B, wherein A is a linear poly(ethylene glycol) block, having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of between 900 and 3000 Daltons, determined with size exclusion chromatography; wherein B are hydrophobic blocks with at least two cyclic monomers selected from the group consisting of glycolide, lactide, 1,3-dioxan-2-one, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, 1,4-dioxan-2-one, 1,4-dioxepan-2-one, 1,5-dioxepan-2-one, each B-block having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of between 400 and 2000 Daltons, determined with size exclusion chromatography; and wherein 25% to 100% of the polymer hydroxyl end-groups are covalently modified with at least one derivative of a C2-C20 fatty acid. The invention also relates to compositions with such polymers and the use thereof. |
| US09168218B2 |
Use of photoluminescent polymers in cosmetic products
Disclosed are cosmetic compositions and methods for making up keratinous tissue using the compositions, as well as methods of making the compositions. The compositions contain a photoluminescent polymer (PLP) which is an oligomeric polyester synthesized from a multifunctional monomer and a diol, and which has grafted thereon an amino acid or an amino acid derivative. The compositions achieve a colorizing and/or UV-protectant effect when applied to keratinous tissue. |
| US09168216B2 |
Carrier comprising one or more di and/or mono-(electron transfer agent) phosphate derivatives or complexes thereof
The invention relates to a carrier for administering biologically active compounds comprising one or more C1-C4 alcohols, polyols and polymers thereof, water and one or more di and/or mono-(electron transfer agent) phosphate derivatives or complexes thereof. The carrier may be used in administering biologically active compounds, in particular pharmaceuticals including cosmetic agents. |
| US09168214B2 |
Methods of increasing collagen formation and cellular migration in intact skin
It has been discovered that vascular endothelial growth factor (“VEGF”) promotes migration of activated (but not differentiating) keratinocytes to skin. This growth factor specifically increases migration of keratinocytes of the “wounded skin” phenotype but does not have significant effects upon differentiated keratinocytes. It also increases collagen deposition and reduces wrinkles, enhances skin quality, and increases skin thickness to normal levels in individuals where skin has thinned due to age or disorder such as diabetes. It is particularly well suited for use as cosmeceuticals when applied in purified form and in known amounts. The data presented in the examples demonstrate efficacy and specificity of VEGF in enhancing migration of normal human keratinocytes as well as formation of new granulation tissue including collagen formation. VEGF induces keratinocyte and fibroblast migration, formation of new tissue, and not only induces deposition of collagen but improves alignment of the collagen fibers. Accordingly, this growth factor is highly suitable for use as a cosmeceutical, especially for skin resurfacing and reduction in wrinkles. |
| US09168213B2 |
Oral composition
Provided is an oral composition which is excellent in a gloss imparting effect on teeth.An oral composition, which comprises the following components (A) and (B): (A) 0.01 to 3% by mass of phytic acid or a salt thereof, and (B) 0.01 to 3% by mass of pyrophosphoric acid or a salt thereof, does not comprise a polyvalent cation or comprises a polyvalent cation in an amount of less than 0.1-fold mol relative to phytic acid, has pH 5.5 to 6.5 when diluted with water to 30% by mass, has the mass ratio (B/A) between the component (A) and the component (B) is 0.2 to 3.0, and does not comprise a fluoride or has the fluoride content of less than 500 ppm in terms of fluorine atoms. |
| US09168211B2 |
Method of making an anhydrous, pigmented composition
The invention relates to a method of making an anhydrous, pigmented sunscreen composition. The method comprises first adding a hydrophobic silica to a lipid phase comprising a dispersed color pigment and an organic UV-filter and homogenizing the mixture. Next, a hydrophilic silica is added and re-homogenization is performed. |
| US09168210B2 |
Hair cosmetic
A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a hair cosmetic which can be easily applied to the hair uniformly, and at the same time, does not drip from the hair, does not spatter when applied to the hair, and does not dirty the surrounding, clothing, the skin or the like. The present invention relates to a hair cosmetic comprising (A) a cationic surfactant, (B) a nonionic surfactant, (C) a higher alcohol, (D) an oil having an IOB value of 0.1 or lower, and (E) water, which is used after being mixed with a gas to be thickened. |
| US09168207B2 |
Compositions comprising Paulownia tomentosa wood extracts and uses thereof
Provided are compositions comprising an extract of Paulownia tomentosa wood and methods of use thereof. |
| US09168205B2 |
Gastrointestinal feeding and aspiration catheter
A gastrointestinal catheter having feeding and suction channels in close proximity. The gastrointestinal catheters may have a controlled leak via a recirculation feature. |
| US09168199B2 |
Household medicated-bath treatment device
A medicine-bath treatment device includes a central basin having a seat thereabout, at least one fumigation opening and at least one air opening, an inner vessel for holding liquid in fluid communication with the at least one fumigation opening of the basin to provide fumigation steam to the basin from the inner vessel, a spray tube having an inlet in communication with the inner vessel and an outlet in the basin to provide a jet of heated liquid within the basin, and a fan having an outlet in communication with the at least one air opening to provide a stream of heated drying air within the basin. The device also include a heater, a temperature sensor for measuring ambient air temperature, and a controller operably connected to the pump, the fan, and the heater. The controller is operably programmed to automatically adjust at least one of a treatment temperature of the jet of heated liquid, a treatment temperature of the fumigation steam, and a treatment temperature of the heated drying air based on the ambient air temperature. |
| US09168197B2 |
Vascular compression system
A vascular compression system includes a compression garment and a controller for compressing a body part of a person. In some embodiments, the compression garment is a foot cuff or a leg sleeve. The controller inflates compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer has instructions for executing cyclic compression cycles for applying intermittent compression therapy to the body part. Each compression cycle includes an inflation phase and a vent phase. At least one of the inflation phases includes a pre-fill step and a therapeutic step. In the pre-fill step, gas pressure in the inflatable chamber may be increased at a reduced rate, and in the therapeutic step, the gas pressure in the inflatable chamber may be increased at a rapid rate. |
| US09168196B2 |
Self-massage device
A massage device comprises a body having a body-contacting head adjacent one end and a handle adjacent the other end, the body shaped to permit the user to reach the back of his/her body with the head when the handle is at the user's front or side; and having a rest pivot extending from the body and terminating at a distal end in a support-contacting face, the rest pivot being positioned so that when the device is between a support surface and the user with the head in contact with the user's body and the handle positioned for contact by the user's hand, (a) the user's bodyweight stabilizes the rest pivot against sliding movement on the support and (b) any pivoting force about the rest pivot applied by the user's hand to the handle is substantially less than the force exerted against the user's body by the head. |
| US09168195B2 |
Motion-assist system of wearable motion-assist device, wearable motion-assist device, and motion-assist method of wearable motion-assist device
A motion state of a wearable motion-assist device of a doctor is sent to the wearable motion-assist device of a patient via a network. Then, this motion state is applied to the wearable motion-assist device of the patient, so that rehabilitation is conducted for the patient. Furthermore, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device of the patient is sent from the wearable motion-assist device to the wearable motion-assist device. Then, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device is applied to the wearable motion-assist device. Accordingly, the doctor can objectively sense the state of the patient. |
| US09168193B1 |
Multi-purpose medical shower chair
A multi-purpose medical shower chair, including a chair base, a seat assembly having a seat carried by the chair base, and a shower head assembly where the shower head assembly includes a shower head shaft carried by the chair base, a back massage nozzle carried by the shower head shaft, and a shower head nozzle carried by the shower head shaft. |
| US09168188B2 |
Cast removal system
Apparatus and methods for cutting a material, especially with low material speed and high cutting torque. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a hand-held device for quietly cutting through an orthopedic cast with little or no generation of debris. In yet other embodiments, there is a method for automatically advancing material past a shearing surface, such that the shearing action occurs at about the same velocity as the advancement. In yet other embodiments, there is a device for cutting material between a foot and a sharp edge, with the bottom of the foot being under the sharp edge to protect the skin of the patient. |
| US09168187B2 |
Fastening strap for disposable absorbing articles, method for manufacturing the same and disposable absorbing articles including the same
The present invention provides a fastening strap for disposable absorbing articles comprising a fabric backing and a hook strap on which a plurality of hooks are formed for releasably engaging loops on a loop strap of the disposable absorbing articles, wherein the hook strap is secured directly to the fabric backing by means of fusion bonding to form patterns on the fastening strap to thereby producing a fastening strap for disposable absorbing articles in a more simple process without using any adhesive. A method for manufacturing this fastening strap and a disposable absorbing article including this fastening strap are also provided. |
| US09168185B2 |
Absorbent article comprising a temperature sensor and a temperature change material
An absorbent article including a temperature sensor, and at least one temperature change material arranged such that it is capable of affecting a temperature change due to a supply of excrement, and such that said temperature sensor is capable of being responsive to said affected temperature change. Also disclosed is a system for detecting a supply of excrement into an absorbent article, the system including an absorbent article being arranged to generate an output signal representative of the temperature, and a processing unit adapted to process an output signal generated by the temperature sensor. The processing unit is adapted to determine a change of temperature, wherein said change of temperature is affected by the temperature change material, and to detect a supply of excrement into the absorbent article based on the change of temperature. |
| US09168184B2 |
Tampon with penetrating groove segments
The present invention relates to an intravaginal tampon for feminine hygiene. In particular, it relates to methods for producing such a tampon having relatively deep, penetrating grooves in which adjacent penetrating jaws pass through the same tampon press space during manufacture and to an apparatus useful in making such a tampon as well as the tampons made therewith. |
| US09168181B2 |
Method of forming a containment system for an absorbent article
A method of forming a containment system for an absorbent article that includes a front end region, rear end region, a first elasticized leg cuff and a second elasticized leg cuff. The method includes providing a first containment flap and a second containment flap that can each include a stem, an inner flap projection, and an outer flap projection. The method can further include securing the outer flap projection of the first containment flap in at least a portion of at least one of the front end region and the rear end region and securing the outer flap projection of the second containment flap in at least a portion of at least one of the front end region and the rear end region. |
| US09168180B2 |
Conformable medical dressing with self supporting substrate
A medical dressing comprising a backing layer and a self-supporting substrate. The backing layers form a perimeter around the self supporting substrate and hold the self supporting substrate in place on a wound. |
| US09168178B2 |
Energy-delivery system and method for controlling blood loss from wounds
An energy delivery system for controlling blood loss is provided. The system includes an energy-activated patch configured for placement on tissue. The patch includes an energy-delivering layer configured to deliver energy to the tissue. The system also includes an energy source in operative engagement with the energy-activated patch for energizing the energy-delivering layer. |
| US09168177B2 |
Slip-over light blocking sleep mask
This invention describes a slip-over sleep mask, having a tubular-shaped body consisting of a soft cloth or fabric material, which is to be used to effectively block out any light from entering a person's eyes while sleeping. The sleep mask is to be slipped over and worn around a person's head, as one piece, covering the eyes and ears. Permanently attached to the inside lower frontal portion of said tubular-shaped body is a separate ruffled or pleated piece of soft cloth or fabric material. This attached material fills in any gaps of space that exist in the areas between the eyes and nose of a person's face which would otherwise allow for any unwanted light to enter inward. The one piece, slip-over design of the sleep mask stretches and clings naturally to a person's face, thus preventing any movement or shifting of itself during sleep. |
| US09168176B2 |
Combination ear and eye protection system and related method
A combination headgear and eyewear system including eyewear that magnetically attaches to the headgear. A magnetic ball and disc joint allows the eyewear to pivot on the headgear and into a position wherein the eyewear rests upon a user's face. Adjustable temples allow the eyewear to be configured so to accommodate a large range of head sizes. |
| US09168168B2 |
Penis enhancing condom
An elongated male condom is constructed with a basic latex sheath, and least partially covered by a sponge-like material for moisture absorption. The sponge-like material is covered by a smooth latex layer having multiple apertures for moisture migration. |
| US09168160B2 |
Implantable medical device with fenestration and radiopaque marker coils on stents
A fenestrated implantable medical device, such as a stent graft (10) is provided with a plurality of zigzag stents (12) of which two or more form fenestrations (34, 36) using part of the stents (12) as a support frame (30, 32) for the fenestrations (34, 36). The frames (30, 32) are preferably covered by radiopaque wire (44) coiled around the stent structures. The radiopaque coil (44) provides easy reference to the fenestrations (30, 32) for imaging purposes. |
| US09168155B2 |
Modular femoral provisional
A provisional prosthetic system that replicates the characteristics of a corresponding, nonprovisional femoral prosthesis. The provisional prosthetic system may include a frame component and a shell component. The frame component of the provisional prosthetic system may be configured to be attached directly to a resected femur. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is impacted onto the resected femur to firmly seat therewith. Once the frame component is secured to the resected femur, a shell component of the provisional prosthetic system may be positioned on and secured to the frame component. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is made from a metallic material. This allows for the frame component to maintain the rigidity necessary to facilitate proper trialing. In another exemplary embodiment, the shell component is a plastic. |
| US09168141B2 |
Medical prosthetic devices and implants having improved biocompatibility
Disclosed are medical prosthetic device or medical implants which exhibit improved biocompatibility. The devices or implants include a metal material, e.g., titanium, in which the metal surfaces are coated with a corresponding hydride material that contains one or more biomolecule substance. The biomolecule substance may contain one or more biologically active molecules, e.g., bio-adhesives, biopolymers, blood proteins, enzymes, extracellular matrix proteins, extracellular matrix biomolecules, growth factors and hormones, peptide hormones, deoxyribonucleic acids, ribonucleic acids, receptors, inhibitors, drugs, biologically active anions and cations; vitamins; adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP), marker biomolecules, amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides (RNA and DNA bases), or sugars. |
| US09168138B2 |
Aspirating implants and method of bony regeneration
Devices and methods for in situ drawing, filtering and seeding cells from the marrow of surrounding bone into a fusion cage without any of the challenges mentioned above. Various implants and devices with aspiration ports that enable in-situ harvesting and mixing of stem cells. These devices may include spinal fusion cages, long bone spacers, lateral grafts and joint replacement devices. Each device utilizes at least one aspiration port for harvesting of stem cell-containing marrow via aspiration from adjacent bony elements. |
| US09168135B2 |
Device for collapsing and loading a heart valve into a minimally invasive delivery system
A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body. |
| US09168133B2 |
Prosthetic heart valve and method
A prosthetic heart valve comprises a radially crimpable and radially expandable, net-like, annular support frame and a valve assembly disposed therein, the valve assembly comprising a conduit tapering from an inlet towards an outlet thereof. Some embodiments or the support frame comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion, a diameter of the proximal portion smaller than a diameter of the distal portion. The proximal portion is dimensioned for deployment in an annulus of a native aortic valve and a distal portion for deployment in an ascending aorta. Some embodiments of the conduit comprise a support construction with a three-cusp, crown-shaped cut line, the support construction sutured to the support frame around a bottom portion thereof and around the cut line. A method for using the prosthetic heart valve to replace a defective native aortic valve uses a minimally invasive procedure. |
| US09168132B2 |
Stentless support structure
A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve. |
| US09168131B2 |
Prosthetic heart valve having improved commissure supports
A prosthetic heart valve according to the present disclosure comprises a radially collapsible and expandable annular frame and a leaflet structure comprising a plurality of leaflets mounted within the frame. The frame in particular embodiments can have commissure attachment portions that are configured to support the commissures of the leaflets at locations spaced radially inwardly toward the longitudinal flow axis of the prosthetic valve relative to the frame portions circumscribing the moveable portions of the leaflets. When the leaflets open under pressure of blood flowing through the prosthetic valve, the moveable portions of the leaflets are retained at positions spaced inwardly from the inner surface of the frame to protect against abrasion of the leaflets. |
| US09168129B2 |
Artificial heart valve with scalloped frame design
Implantable prosthetic valves are disclosed, methods of their use, and related fabrication techniques are disclosed. In some cases, the prosthetic valves disclosed herein can include frame, skirt, and valve components. The frame component can have an overall, generally scalloped shape comprising fewer struts and fabricated from less raw material than known frames. In some cases, the prosthetic valves disclosed herein can be crimped to a smaller diameter than can other known valves. |
| US09168127B2 |
Intraoperative estimation of intraocular lens power
Apparatus for performing intraocular implant surgery, including surgical apparatus for performing intraocular implant surgery, an autorefraction device associated with the surgical apparatus, wherein the autorefraction device is configured to perform autorefraction on the aphakic eye to provide one or more aphakic refraction measurements, and a processor connected to the autorefraction device, wherein the processor is configured to process the aphakic refraction measurements and provide the user of the apparatus with information regarding the power of the intraocular lens. |
| US09168126B2 |
Fail-safe silicone breast implant delivery device
A tapered sleeve is provided for implant delivery. An implant (e.g., a pre-filled silicone breast implant) is introduced into a large proximal end of the sleeve and extruded into a surgical pocket of minimal access incision size through a small-sized distal end of the device. Sized appropriately to the implant, the sleeve remains intact during implant run-through of the sleeve. |
| US09168116B2 |
Oral-care device and system
A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof. |
| US09168113B2 |
Tooth movement measurement by automatic impression matching
The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes receiving a tracking model, performing a matching step between individual teeth in a plan model and the tracking model, comparing the tracking model with the plan model, and detecting one or more positional differences. |
| US09168111B2 |
Abutment devices and methods for natural teeth
Root canal abutment devices and methods which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured within a pulp chamber of a pre-existing tooth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements. |
| US09168108B2 |
Dispensing device
A dispensing device with at least one container for the accommodation of components to be dispensed, with an applicator that can be releasably fixed to and/or on the at least one container and with a coupling means for releasable fixing of the applicator to at least one container. The coupling means may include at least one spring arm which has a radially pivotable free end for locking the applicator in place on at least one container and may further comprise a moveable locking ring. |
| US09168107B2 |
System and method for preventing wrong-site surgeries
A container holds at least one surgical implement, has a lock mechanism, and has a signature label that impedes access to the surgical implement until the correct surgical site is confirmed. A method of using the container includes the steps of confirming the correct surgical site, signing the label and removing it from the container, placing the label in the medical record, unlocking the container, removing the implement, and beginning the surgery, wherein the surgical team is forced to pause to confirm the correct surgical site before starting the surgery. Preferably, the container top may be removed and placed between the surgeon and surgical technician to define a no-hands “neutral zone” to avoid being stuck by the sharps. Also, the container preferably includes compartments for storing used sharps and/or a local anesthetic-loaded syringe, and the top may be replaced and secured for safely disposing of the sharps after the surgery. |
| US09168106B2 |
Device and method for instrument adjustment in computer assisted surgery
The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the position of a surgical instrument (1) with respect to a solid (3) tracked by a navigation system (2), wherein the instrument (1) comprises a fixed part (11) that is rigidly fixed to the solid (3) and a mobile part (12) that is attached to the fixed part by screws (13), the device (4) comprising: a stem (41) comprising a tip (42) suited to the head (130) of the screws (13), a motorized system (45) for driving the stem (41) in rotation, a communication device with the navigation system (2), such that the navigation systems (2) transmits to the motorized system (45) the number of turns to apply to the stem (41) to reach the target position of each screw (13). |
| US09168102B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a container to a sterile environment
A method and apparatus for providing an unsterilized item to a sterile field is disclosed. The item can include a human input device. The sterile field can be in an operating room. |
| US09168101B2 |
Apparatus and method for sterilization and organization of a tamper resistant lock and receptacle
A multicompartment envelope or sterilization receptacle for receiving and storing medical instruments includes an adhesive flap for sealing multiple compartments within a single envelope. Individual compartments within the multicompartment enveloped can be opened while still keeping the seal of other compartments, thus keeping unused instruments sterilized. The multicompartment envelope or sterilization receptacle has an aperture for insertion of a heat-deforming color changing sterilization indicator device, where, after exposure to extreme heat, the sterilization indicator device deforms and cannot thereafter be inserted or removed from an aperture of a sterilization receptacle fitted for an unsterilized sterilization indicator device. Thus, the practitioner is assured of sterilized instruments in a sterilization receptacle, when an intact, color changed sterilization indicator device is within the aperture of the sterilization receptacle. Several multicompartment envelopes can further be organized within a binder by procedure or instrument type. |
| US09168099B2 |
Lithotripsy apparatus using a flexible endoscope
An apparatus is presented comprising an endoscope including a flexible shaft which has an active deflection section at a distal tip, a handle connected to a proximal end of the flexible shaft, a platform mounted to a top portion of the handle and oriented substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the proximal end of a straight portion of the flexible shaft to provide a substantially straight entry into a working channel of the flexible shaft for an output accessory, a stone retrieval device insertable into the proximal end of the working channel of the endoscope, a lithotripsy shaft including one or more guide features at a distal end of the lithotripsy shaft to facilitate passage of wires or filaments of the stone retrieval device there through, and a lithotripsy shaft driver attached to the platform for driving the lithotripsy shaft under power. |
| US09168098B2 |
Light-based method for the endovascular treatment of pathologically altered blood vessels
A light-based method of endovascular treatment, in particular, of pathologically altered blood vessels. Provided are a Method of Endovascular Light Treatment and a corresponding Endovascular Light Application Device. |
| US09168097B2 |
Methods of conditioning sheet bioprosthetic tissue
Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes. |
| US09168092B2 |
Surgical instrument with protective sheath
An electrode tip for use in performing electrosurgical operative procedures is disclosed. The electrode tip includes a main body that can receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical generator. The main body includes a working surface that communicates the electrical energy to patient tissue during the operative procedure. An insulative sheath is disposed around a portion of the electrode tip to prevent electrical energy from being communicated from the covered portions of the electrode tip to patient tissue. The insulative sheath has a leading edge that is shaped to minimize resistance to the movement of the electrode tip through patient tissue. The leading edge can be arcuately shaped or angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the electrode tip to provide the resistance reducing characteristics. |
| US09168090B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument with restricted trigger
An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The end effector includes a first jaw pivotable relative to a second jaw to a closed position. The first actuator is movable from a first position to a second position to pivot the first jaw to the closed position. The first actuator engages the second actuator in the second position to selectively provide RF energy to the end effector. |
| US09168089B2 |
Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
A control system for controlling the output of an electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The control system includes a control module configured to receive an optical signal from a surgical site, the optical signal being related to an optical tissue characteristic, the control module configured to process the optical signal using a closed loop control loop and provide continual control of the output of the electrosurgical generator in response to the optical tissue characteristic. |
| US09168086B2 |
Removable ink for surgical instrument
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for preventing reuse of a surgical instrument. The single-use surgical instrument includes a housing, an electrical connector and a treatment component. Indicia may be printed on the housing, the electrical connector and/or the treatment component. A removable ink is applied to any portion of the surgical instrument in the form of indicia that is readable by a scanning device. The removable ink includes a protein-based composition that is reactivateable with a sterilization solution having an enzyme-based composition such that upon sterilization, the removable ink reacts with the sterilizing solution and becomes unreadable by the scanning device. |
| US09168083B2 |
HR surgical generator
A high-frequency surgical generator including a power supply for supplying rectified electrical energy, a power oscillator for supplying a potential-free, DC current-free and DC voltage-free high frequency voltage and a control device for controlling the high frequency voltage wherein the power supply is configured as a current source for supplying a load-independent output current, such that the load-independent output current of the power supply serves as the control variable for controlling the high-frequency voltage. The target value of the load-independent output current is pre-determined by the control device. The high-frequency surgical generators configured as such achieve improved modulation capability. |
| US09168082B2 |
Fine dissection electrosurgical device
An electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands including an elongate shaft that defines a handle end and a distal end, a first discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate shaft, a first active electrode of conductive material disposed on the distal end of the elongate shaft, the first active electrode has an edge feature, a first return electrode of conductive material disposed a substantially constant distance from the first active electrode, and an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate shaft fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit. |
| US09168080B2 |
Balloon catheter
A medical device including a catheter body defining a proximal portion and a distal portion. An expandable element is included defining a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the distal portion of the catheter body. A tip element coupled to the distal end of the expandable element is included, the tip element including a shaft slideably receivable within a portion of the catheter body. A tensioning element coupled to the shaft and disposed within the expandable element is included, the tensioning element being engageable with the distal end of the catheter body and biasing the expandable element toward a pre-determined longitudinal position. An electrode array defining a substantially closed loop affixed to and extending from the tip element is also included. |
| US09168079B2 |
Method and system to prevent complete obstruction in catheter in case of a kink
A medical device comprising a shaft having a kink radius; a tube disposed within the shaft; a fluid source in fluid communication with the tube; an elongate member disposed within the tube, and the elongate member imparting a kink radius on the tube, the imparted kink radius of the tube being larger than the kink radius of the shaft. |
| US09168078B2 |
Apparatus and method for stylet-guided vertebral augmentation
A stylet-guided balloon vertebroplasty system, as well as methods for bone augmentation using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target an approximately centered target site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height and/or to reinforce the bone structure. |
| US09168077B2 |
Self-drilling self-tapping bone screw
A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw includes a body having a head at one end and a cutting end at an opposite end, the cutting end having a generally flat cutting surface supporting two symmetrical cutting edges which extend from the longitudinal centerline to diametrically opposed thread start points. A recess is formed in the head for receiving an end of an insertion tool. A dual lead thread extends outwardly from the body in a spiral path from the cutting end towards the head. The dual lead thread pitch is tapered towards the cutting end, and transitions to a straight or slightly tapered thread towards the head. |
| US09168076B2 |
Bone compression screw
A system for orthopedic repair of bones, the system may include a compression screw. The screw may include a blunt tip on one end with tapped threads to allow for greater bone fixation uniform across a threaded portion of the screw. The screw may also include springs, which may be Belleville washers, which provide appropriate compression and tension and prevent excessive loosening of the screw after surgery. The springs allow the screw to retract without losing pressure on the fracture site. The system may be minimally invasive for multiple fractures on a single bone such as calcaneal fractures, and stabilizing long bone fractures without bone plates. |
| US09168075B2 |
Variable angle locked bone fixation system
A bone fixation assembly for securing a fixation device such as a bone plate, to bone includes a fixation device, including at least a through hole with isolated protrusions (such as pegs or spikes); and locking bone engaging members such as screws.The screw has a shank with a thread for engaging bone and a partial sphere head with a thread configured and dimensioned to match with the isolated protrusions of the hourglass shaped through holes of the bone plate.The bone plate has a through hole shaped like an hourglass which diameter matches that of the screw spherical head and is provided with multiple isolated protrusions.In use, the screw is threaded into the bone, through the hole of the bone plate at a selected angle. The partial sphere head of the screw engages in the protrusions of the plate hole resulting in the strong locking of the screw at the selected orientation within the through hole in just one single surgical action. |
| US09168069B2 |
Polyaxial bone anchor with pop-on shank and winged insert with lower skirt for engaging a friction fit retainer
A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A down-loadable compression insert having a sub-structure, a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring having inner and outer tangs and an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled. |
| US09168068B2 |
Spinal stabilization system
A spinal stabilization system includes an elongated loop member and a bone screw. The elongated loop member includes a pair of opposing elongate bodies defining a gap therebetween and a pair of connection members connecting the pair of opposing elongate bodies at opposite ends of the elongate bodies. The bone screw includes a head portion defining a slot, a shank extending longitudinally from the head portion and a set screw. The slot includes a leading end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the elongated loop member and a trailing end portion adapted to receive the set screw. The gap defined by the pair of opposing elongate bodies is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the bone screw securely connected to one of the pair of opposing elongate bodies. The gap is configured and dimensioned to facilitate unilateral adjustment of the elongated loop member relative to the bone screw. |
| US09168066B2 |
Ball and socket assembly
A ball and socket assembly including a ball component with a notch formed therein. The socket is a one-piece structure including an opening sized to receive the ball component. |
| US09168064B2 |
Bilateral dynamic external distractor for the treatment of complex fracture luxations of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the hand
A bilateral dynamic external distractor is disclosed for the treatment of complex fracture luxations of the PIP of the hand. The distractor comprises two setscrews, one left proximal guide block, one right proximal guide block, two threaded rods, two distal guide blocks, and two optional alignment guide clips. The left and right distal guide blocks each comprise a threaded passage, and the first threaded rod extends between the right proximal guide block and the right distal guide block, and the second threaded rod extends between the left proximal guide block and the left distal guide block. Furthermore, rotation of the first and second threaded rods causes the left and right distal guide blocks to move relative to the left and right proximal guide blocks along an axis of the first and second threaded rods. |
| US09168063B2 |
Void containment apparatus and method of use for creating a sealed environment for product delivery
A void containment apparatus and its method of use during an invasive procedure on the body are disclosed. The void containment apparatus includes an elongated housing and a balloon. The balloon is capable of being inflated and deflated. When inflated, the balloon provides a seal around a void and allows delivery or extraction of material into or out of the void with minimal leakage outside the void. |
| US09168062B2 |
Spinal implant system and method
A method for treating a spine comprises the steps of: percutaneously delivering a first fastener along a pedicle trajectory disposed in alignment with a first vertebral level of vertebrae; fastening the first fastener with the first vertebral level adjacent a lateral portion of the vertebrae; percutaneously delivering a first spinal rod adjacent to the first fastener; connecting the first spinal rod with the first fastener; percutaneously delivering a second fastener along a cortical trajectory disposed in alignment with the first vertebral level; fastening the second fastener with the first vertebral level adjacent a contra-lateral portion of the vertebrae; percutaneously delivering a second spinal rod adjacent to the second fastener; and connecting the second spinal rod with the second fastener. Systems and implants are disclosed. |
| US09168060B2 |
Introducer sheath
An introducer sheath and methods of making the introducer sheath are described. The introducer sheath may include a hub portion and a tubular portion. The hub portion may include a substantially non-planar valve portion in a relaxed state. The valve portion may include an aperture configured to receive a medical device. A hub portion may be formed using a forming device. An aperture may be formed through a distal surface of the valve portion. |
| US09168059B2 |
Adaptable obturator for various sized trocars
Surgical access systems and obturators for or used in surgical access systems are provided. The obturator is configured to operate or accommodate the use of at least two different sized trocars. The outer diameter of the adaptable obturator when inserted into a trocar compresses from an initial condition to a compressed condition to match the inner diameter of the trocar. |
| US09168056B2 |
Liquid ejection device and medical instrument including liquid ejection device
Fluid is pressurized and supplied to a fluid chamber with a fluid pressurizing and supplying unit. The pressurized fluid within the fluid chamber is ejected through an injection nozzle by reduction of the volume of the fluid chamber caused by applying a driving voltage to a volume varying unit. In applying the driving voltage to the volume varying unit, the effect imposed on fluid injection by pressure fluctuations of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber is compensated by changing the voltage waveform of the driving voltage. When the pressure of the supply flow amount is decreased to a pressure lower than a predetermined pressure, the time intervals of the driving waveform are corrected. The maneuverability of a fluid injection device does not deteriorate even when the pressure of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber fluctuates. |
| US09168049B2 |
Method for intracorporeal lithotripsy fragmentation and apparatus for its implementation
Electro-impulse intracorporeal lithotripsy comprises bringing electrodes of a probe in immediate electrical contact with the calculus and supplying to the electrodes of very short high voltage impulses capable to ignite electrical spark discharge and establish a discharge channel within the bulk of the calculus. The channel goes through the calculus and creates tensile stresses, destroying the calculus. |
| US09168043B2 |
Method for left atrial appendage occlusion
Disclosed is a method of preventing atrial appendage thrombus from entering the blood stream in which an occlusion device placed within the left atrial appendage inhibits compression of the left atrial appendage and facilitates tissue in-growth onto the occlusion member. The occlusion device includes an occlusion member, a plurality of supports and a plurality of barbs associated with the plurality of supports. |
| US09168042B2 |
Circular stapling instruments
A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher assembly. |
| US09168040B2 |
Apparatus and method for surgical fastening
Apparatus and methods for applying fasteners during endoscopic surgery are provided. The apparatus generally comprises a handle portion, a triggering mechanism and a fastener applicator. One embodiment of the invention forms the fastener around a single focal point on an anvil. Another embodiment vertically stacks the fasteners in a fastener applicator which is readily detachable from the handle portion by virtue of a rotational locking system and which may be replaced with a new fastener applicator having a fresh load of vertically stacked fasteners. The various embodiments may be variously combined together in a single device. The methods generally include the following steps: forming a fastener by placing it over a single focal point anvil and pressing the fastener against the single focal point anvil using a slide. |
| US09168037B2 |
Laparoscopic suture device with asynchronous in-line needle movement
An apparatus comprises a shaft, a needle throwing arm, and a needle receiving arm. The arms are movable asynchronously along planes that are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The arms selectively engage a surgical needle, such that the throwing arm may pass the surgical needle through tissue for receipt by the receiving arm, and the receiving arm may then pass the surgical needle back to the throwing arm for additional stitching. The arms may pivot about a common pivot. Such versions may include a single actuator for both arms or separate actuators for the arms. The arms may also pivot about their own respective axles, which may facilitate a forward reset motion for a needle, allowing the needle to continue travelling along a circular path in a single direction to create several stitches. The apparatus may also convert reciprocating movement of actuators into rotational motion. |
| US09168036B2 |
Barbed sutures
A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism for selectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism for operably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. At least one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanism are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb of the barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly. Also provided are a barb for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture including at least one barb. |
| US09168035B2 |
Adjustable implant
An implantable support member having at least one adjusting portion operable for adjusting a length or tension of the support member after placement of support member anchors. The support member is operable to provide mid-urethral support for treating urinary incontinence. |
| US09168032B2 |
Ligament balancer and drill guide
A ligament balancer for a knee is disclosed that includes a first guide portion having a first guide hole extending there through, and a second guide portion having a second guide hole extending there through, the first and second guide portions being moveable with respect to each other along a movement axis, the balancer being adapted such that, in use, the movement axis is substantially parallel to the anterior/posterior axis of a distal femoral surface. Also disclosed is a kit of parts that includes the ligament balancer and a drill guide for a knee, the drill guide includes first and second connected arms, each arm comprising at least two guide openings extending there through, the guide openings being spaced longitudinally along each arm, longitudinal axes of the first and second arms intersecting at a predetermined angle. Also disclosed is a method of attaching a cutting block to a distal femoral surface as part of a knee replacement procedure. |
| US09168027B2 |
Adaptive acoustic pressure estimation in medical ultrasound
Adaptive acoustic pressure estimation is provided in medical ultrasound. The responses of tissue of a specific patient at different frequencies (e.g., linear and non-linear responses) are measured. The responses are used to determine the acoustic pressure. The measurement in a specific patient adapts the estimate to the patient. The acoustic pressure for the desired locations is determined in order to set the transmit power to the desired level, such as for contrast agent imaging with high SNR but with limited destruction of the contrast agents or to provide the desired thermal dose the acoustic therapy. |
| US09168026B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, phase shift transmission/reception control method, and ultrasonic probe
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe has a laminated structure of an acoustic matching layer, transducer layer with arrayed transducers, and backing layer. A transmission/reception unit transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from an object via the transducers. A control unit controls the transmission/reception unit to synchronize ultrasonic-wave generation by a specific transducer of the transducers with ultrasonic-wave reception by a different transducer. A phase shift detection unit detects a phase shift between an output signal from the transmission/reception unit and a reference signal, the output signal corresponding to synchronization between the ultrasonic-wave generation and the ultrasonic-wave reception. |
| US09168024B2 |
Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and method of producing ultrasound image
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an operating unit which sets multistage focus positions through operation by an operator, and a multistage focus position correction unit which, when an inter-focus position distance at the multistage focus positions set through the operating unit exceeds an allowable range set in advance for each measurement depth, automatically corrects the multistage focus positions so as to be within the allowable range. |
| US09168021B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring heart contractility
A Method for measuring heart contractility of a patient, in which a mechanical shear wave is propagated through the heart and observation of the propagation leads to determine a shear wave propagation parameter representative of the elasticity of the heart is disclosed. The value of the propagation parameter at the end of a systole is sampled, which leads to a parameter representative of the end systolic elastance. |
| US09168004B2 |
Machine learning in determining catheter electrode contact
Cardiac catheterization is carried out by memorizing a designation of a contact state between an electrode of the probe and the heart wall as one of an in-contact state and an out-of-contact state, and making a series of determinations of an impedance phase angle of an electrical current passing through the electrode and another electrode, identifying maximum and minimum phase angles in the series, and defining a binary classifier adaptively as midway between the extremes. A test value is compared to the classifier as adjusted by a hysteresis factor, and a change in the contact state is reported when the test value exceeds or falls below the adjusted classifier. |
| US09168003B2 |
Imaging apparatus for diagnosis and control method thereof
An imaging apparatus for diagnosis and associated control method constructs multiple cross-sectional images in an axial direction inside the body lumen based on line data generated by radially operating a transmitting and receiving unit, and includes a receiving mechanism which receives a count value from a reference position of the transmitting and receiving unit, storage for storing the count value and the line data correlated with each other, an arrangement for constructing a longitudinal-sectional image by aligning the line data based on the count value, a display which displays the longitudinal-sectional image; and a mechanism which reads out line data correlated with the same count value as that of the line data disposed at the position appointed by the user on the displayed longitudinal-sectional image and reconstructing the cross-sectional image. |
| US09167999B2 |
Systems and methods for planning hair transplantation
Systems and methods for creating a treatment plan for cosmetic procedures, for example, a hair transplantation procedure, are provided. The treatment plan allows user to provide input on a proposed hair element using a free-hand drawing in a two-dimensional plane, and for the proposed hair element to be generated and displayed on a three-dimensional model of a body surface. Various techniques and methods described in the application provide for improved planning of a natural looking hair. |
| US09167995B2 |
Physiological parameter confidence measure
Confidence in a physiological parameter is measured from physiological data responsive to the intensity of multiple wavelengths of optical radiation after tissue attenuation. The physiological parameter is estimated based upon the physiological data. Reference data clusters are stored according to known values of the physiological parameter. At least one of the data clusters is selected according to the estimated physiological parameter. The confidence measure is determined from a comparison of the selected data clusters and the physiological data. |
| US09167994B2 |
Light-source sensor integrated photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion device including a substrate having opaque interconnection layers, an insulating film formed on the substrate, and having a plurality of openings, light-emitting elements formed of the openings, each light-emitting element having an upper electrode layer, and light-receiving elements formed of the openings, each light-receiving element having an upper electrode layer, wherein a semiconductor material is different in the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the upper electrode layer both of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are formed as common electrodes, and each interconnection layer is formed on a region outside a region specified by the opening. |
| US09167993B2 |
Noninvasive glucose sensing methods and systems
New methods and systems for noninvasive glucose monitoring and sensing with electromagnetic waves or ultrasound are disclosed. The methods are based on absolute or relative measurement of tissue dimensions (or changes in the dimensions) including, but not limited to: thickness, length, width, diameter, curvature, roughness as well as time of flight of ultrasound and optical pulses and optical thickness, which change with changing blood glucose concentrations. By measuring noninvasively absolute or relative changes in at least one dimension of at least one tissue or tissue layer or absolute or relative changes in time of flight of ultrasound or optical pulses, one can monitor blood glucose concentration noninvasively. |
| US09167992B2 |
Lancet drive system depth control method and test strip location methods
Adjustment mechanisms are used in conjunction with integrated lancet test strips to adjust the position of the drive system, engagement system, or the drive coupling in a fixed stroke lancing system to thereby adjust the penetration depth of the lancet. In a variable drive stroke lancing system, the lancet penetration depth is adjusted by changing the stroke length of a drive system. The stroke length of a drive system is adjusted by rotating a cam or sliding a cam in a cam type drive system. In either the fixed or the variable drive stroke lancing system, the test strip and/or guidance foil of the integrated lancet test strip is immobilized while the lancet is actuated. |
| US09167985B2 |
Microwave tomography systems and methods
Methods and/or systems are disclosed herein for use in imaging an object with microwave tomography using a plurality of different boundary conditions. |
| US09167984B2 |
Device for blood flow property measurement and method of its connection
The device for blood flow property measurement in the body and the method of its connection to the subject enables to measure electrical impedance in the main parts of body simultaneously. The impedance is spatially localized in the particular scanning channels (5) both by the placement of the current electrodes (9) of the alternating current source (2) and by setting their frequencies, and by proper spatial placement of the voltage electrodes (6). For the purpose of the whole body measurement at least three current generators (1) and twelve scanning channels (5) are used. The number of scanning channels (5) can be adjusted as necessary. By means of this device it is possible to monitor blood pulse waves or blood flow in the particular parts of human body. |
| US09167983B2 |
Imaging method for obtaining spatial distribution of nanoparticles in the body
A well-posed magnetic imaging method is disclosed that exploits the non-linear behavior of the characteristic time scale of the Néel relaxation for obtaining accurate high-spatial resolution images of magnetic tracers. The method includes placing an object in a selection field (static field) generated by three pairs of orthogonally arranged coil (drive coils), supplying prudently choice currents to the drive coils, a zero field voxel (ZFV) is formed that can be positioned anywhere in the local region of interest (ROI), switching the magnetizing field off, and collecting an image. |
| US09167981B2 |
ECG device, ECG lead signal generating circuit, and related method
Embodiments of the invention disclose an ECG device, an ECG signal processing method, an ECG lead signal generating circuit, an ECG signal generating method, another ECG device, another ECG signal processing method, and an ECG electrode assembly. The ECG device has an electrode assembly and an ECG lead signal generating circuit. The electrode assembly has three cardio enclosure electrodes for acquiring three cardio enclosure voltages, respectively. The ECG lead signal generating circuit has a first precordial lead generator. The first precordial lead generator is configured to generate a first modified precordial lead according to the three cardio enclosure voltages, wherein the three cardio enclosure voltages are sufficient for generating the first modified precordial lead. |
| US09167979B2 |
Atomic magnetometer sensor array magnetic resonance imaging systems and methods
Devices disclosed according to various embodiments use one or more arrays of atomic magnetometers to directly detection of relaxation of magnetic field induced subatomic precession within a target specimen. The disclosed devices and methods relate to application of utilization of a magnetic sensor with unique properties requiring changes in design, allowing new functions, and requiring alternative analysis methodologies. Various embodiments are also directed to methods for obtaining and processing magnetic signals. These methods may take advantage of the unique spatial arrangement of the atomic magnetometers and the capacity sensors to be used in either a scalar or a vector mode. Various embodiments have advantages over current techniques utilized for imaging of anatomical and non-anatomical structures. Such advantages may include, for example: development of a wearable, portable array, lower power consumption, potential wafer-level fabrication, the potential for development of a more rapid signal, decreased need for development of strong magnetic fields, and lower cost allowing wider availability. |
| US09167971B2 |
Heart murmur extraction and heart impairments identification using fuzzy controller
A method and device for heart murmur extraction and classification is disclosed. Data corresponding to a heart sound/signal is acquired from a patient through a data acquirer. The heart sound data is processed to isolate systole and diastole periods. Features to discriminate between the defects types associated with different heart murmurs are extracted, and the heart murmurs are detected and identified based on the extracted features using a fuzzy controller. |
| US09167967B2 |
Home health digital video recording system for remote health management
Remote health monitoring of at least one individual using at least one remote apparatus that receives and records health-related video content being delivered from a plurality of video sources. The remote apparatus also receives and stores vital sign data of an individual. Also, a user interface capable of executing a rule script having a plurality of response choices is provided in the remote apparatus. A remote server is provided that is communicatively coupled to the remote apparatus and includes a script generator for generating the rule script that is based on the vital sign data and various responses received from the individual. The various responses received from the individual are analyzed within the remote server to determine appropriate video content that can be recorded in the remote apparatus for imparting better health knowledge to the individual and monitoring their health condition accordingly. |
| US09167964B2 |
Method of motion correction in optical coherence tomography imaging
An image data set acquired by an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system is corrected for effects due to motion of the sample. A first set of A-scans is acquired within a time short enough to avoid any significant motion of the sample. A second more extensive set of A-scans is acquired over an overlapping region on the sample. Significant sample motion may occur during acquisition of the second set. A-scans from the first set are matched with A-scans from the second set, based on similarity between the longitudinal optical scattering profiles they contain. Such matched pairs of A-scans are likely to correspond to the same region in the sample. Comparison of the OCT scanner coordinates that produced each A-scan in a matching pair, in conjunction with any shift in the longitudinal scattering profiles between the pair of A-scans, reveals the displacement of the sample between acquisition of the first and second A-scans in the pair. Estimates of the sample displacement are used to correct the transverse and longitudinal coordinates of the A-scans in the second set, to form a motion-corrected OCT data set. |
| US09167962B2 |
Airway management
The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate improving visualization associated with intubation. A dynamical articulating laryngoscope can include a handle assembly and a blade assembly. The blade assembly can further include a main blade assembly, a proximal blade assembly, and a distal blade assembly. A medium control articulation point can couple the main blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly, and a fine control articulation point can couple the distal blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly. Further, the proximal blade assembly can pivot relative to the main blade assembly around the medium control articulation point and/or the distal blade assembly can pivot relative to the proximal blade assembly around the fine control articulation point. Pivoting about the medium control articulation point and/or the fine control articulation point can be effectuated by one or more blade control components. |
| US09167958B2 |
Endoscope having auto-insufflation and exsufflation
An endoscopic imaging system for examining a patient's body cavity includes an endoscope having a distal end, a proximal end and a number of lumens therein. One or more distal gas ports are disposed at or adjacent the distal end of the endoscope and one or more proximal gas ports are disposed proximal to the distal gas ports. Insufflation gas is delivered to the distal gas ports and withdrawn from the proximal gas ports or vice versa such that a gas bubble is formed in the body cavity and travels with the distal tip of the endoscope. |
| US09167956B2 |
Endoscope sheath
An endoscope sheath, said endoscope sheath comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet, said first sheet defining a first sheet distal end and an opposed first sheet proximal end, said first sheet also defining opposed first sheet first and second side edges extending between said first sheet proximal and distal ends, said second sheet defining a second sheet distal end and an opposed second sheet proximal end, said second sheet also defining opposed second sheet first and second side edges extending between said second sheet proximal and distal ends, said first and second sheets being sealed to each other adjacent said first and second sheet distal ends, first side edges and second side edges, said first and second sheets being unsealed from each other adjacent said first and second sheets proximal ends, said first sheet having greater optical clarity than said second sheet adjacent said first and second sheet distal ends, said first sheet being more rigid than said second sheet adjacent said first and second sheet distal ends. |
| US09167954B2 |
Fluid ejection device
A fluid ejection device includes a fluid chamber configured to store fluid, a nozzle configured to eject the fluid stored in the fluid chamber, a fluid supply channel connected to the fluid chamber and configured to supply the fluid to the fluid chamber, an air bubbles generating member configured to generate air bubbles in the fluid chamber, and a partitioning wall portion configured to separate the fluid chamber and the fluid supply channel, support the air bubbles generating member. The partitioning wall portion include at least one hole, communicating the fluid chamber and the fluid supply channel. The hole is configured to inhibit backflow during ejection of a jet pulse. |
| US09167952B2 |
Dishwasher detergent dispenser
A dispenser for a dishwasher having a wash tub includes a fluid reservoir to hold a treating chemistry, a lid operatively mounted to the fluid reservoir, and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a hydraulic actuator fluidly coupled to a fluid source and configured to initiate movement of the lid between its closed and the open positions in response to fluid pressure applied to the actuator by the fluid source. |
| US09167950B2 |
Dishwasher with filter assembly
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid. |
| US09167949B2 |
Sonic silverware washing method
The portable, compact, silverware washing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is manufactured so as to easily mount on top of a kitchen countertop or to be easily portable to other locales. The appliance is designed so as to not be connected to a water supply within a home or apartment, but rather rely upon the user to pour in an independent supply of water. The device includes a motor and pump assembly to fill a washing chamber with water and detergent, while a sonic transducer bombards the silverware loaded therein with sonic vibrations. The pump assembly automatically drains the water and waste after completion of the washing cycle. The appliance is configured with a specialized basket for holding the silverware in individualized compartments. |
| US09167943B2 |
Cyclonic separator
A cyclonic separator for a vacuum cleaner that includes a cyclone stage, a chamber and a silencer. The chamber has a plurality of ports through which fluid from the cyclone stage enters the chamber. The silencer is located in the chamber and includes a plurality of baffles. Fluid entering the chamber through the ports collides with the baffles, which act to reduce noise. |
| US09167941B2 |
Sheet product dispenser with auxiliary feed button
A sheet product dispenser includes a housing having a front cover, a main controller, a motor, a dispensing mechanism, a maintenance switch, and an auxiliary feed push button. The motor, main controller and dispensing mechanism are configured to dispense a length of sheet product in response to a signal representative of a request for sheet product. The maintenance switch is internally disposed within the housing and accessible for actuation when the front cover is open, in operable communication with the main controller to facilitate operation of the motor when actuated. The auxiliary feed push button is disposed in operable communication with the maintenance switch, and is disposed to be accessible and actuatable when the cover is closed. The main controller is responsive to executable instructions to facilitate actuation of the motor in response to a signal from the maintenance switch when actuated by the auxiliary feed push button. |
| US09167939B2 |
Shower door assembly
A shower door assembly is disclosed comprising a stationary frame, a movable frame having a window, an upper frame, and an adjusting assembly. The adjusting assembly further comprises an adjusting block and a fixing block. The adjusting block is disposed between the stationary frame and the movable frame and at least partially received in the stationary frame, and the adjusting block further includes an extension portion on a surface of which a first engaging element is disposed. The fixing block is received in the upper frame and includes an eccentric rotary block having a second engaging element and a base portion having a passage for receiving the extension portion. The eccentric rotary block is rotatable about the base portion. |
| US09167936B2 |
Fluid mixing apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods are provided for making a beverage or providing a liquid. First and second liquids may be mixed to form a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid may be passed through a frothing head and/or may be combined with a coffee product and optionally dispensed into a cup. Examples of first and second liquids can include, but are not limited to various dairy products, enzymes and flavoring liquids. According to one example implementation, a first liquid is a reduced fat milk, such as skim milk, and a second liquid is whole milk, thereby enabling the creation of dairy product varieties including one percent and two percent milk to be created by the appropriate mixture combination of the skim milk and whole milk. |
| US09167934B2 |
Brewing head of a hot-beverage preparation device, preparation device having a brewing head and operating method for said preparation device
A brewing head of a hot beverage machine includes a fixed brewing chamber part, and a movable brewing chamber part which is movable in relation to the fixed brewing chamber part to define a brewing chamber for receiving a substrate capsule. The fixed and movable brewing chamber parts are closed by a locking system to thereby form the brewing chamber, and a seal is provided for pressure-tight sealing of one of the two brewing chamber parts and the substrate capsule during beverage preparation. The brewing chambers has three operating positions involving an opening position for loading the brewing chamber, a partially closed position in which the brewing chamber is closed and the seal is detensioned, and a closed position in which the brewing chamber is likewise closed and the seal is tensioned. |
| US09167927B2 |
Method of forming side paper of a foldable paper cup, and foldable paper cup
The present invention relates to a paper cup, and more particularly, to a foldable paper cup in which a volume of a container is variable, and a method of manufacturing a side paper of the foldable paper cup. The method of manufacturing the side paper of the foldable paper cup includes: a first step of forming a cutting part for dividing a portion of a continuous side paper source paper into upper and lower portions of the side paper; a second step of providing a release part to which the side paper source paper and a film do not adhere on a portion of the upper portion of the side paper so as to laminate the film and the side paper source paper; a third step of cutting a film on one end of the release part and separating the side paper from the side paper source paper in a fan shape; and a fourth step of rolling up the side paper around a forming mechanism to form a container sidewall having a cone shape. A curling part is formed on the entire circumference of an upper end of the side paper of the foldable paper cup manufactured so that upper and lower portions of the container are separated so as to fold a boundary between the upper and lower portions. Here, a bottom paper support part, for supporting a bottom paper inserted into the entire circumference of the lower end of the side paper, is formed. Thus, in the method of manufacturing the foldable paper cup of the present invention, an additional process is performed prior to an existing manufacturing process to utilize the existing process of manufacturing the paper cup as-is. Also, since the manufacturing processes are simplified, additional costs required for manufacturing the foldable paper cup may be inexpensive. In the foldable paper cup of the present invention, the volume of a container of a cup ramen may be reduced to reduce distribution costs in stages of distribution. Also, the foldable paper cup may be easily portable. When the foldable paper cup is used, the foldable paper cup may provide a container having a large volume similar to that of the container of a conventional cup ramen and may also be firm. |
| US09167926B1 |
Pizza box having foldable lid
Embodiments may comprise a food container. Food containers according to embodiments of the invention may include at least three sidewalls each adjoining an edge of a base wall bounded by at least three edges. A food container may further include at least one lid comprising at least one leaf, wherein the leaf is adapted to be fixed in an open configuration and function as a handle while in the open configuration. |
| US09167923B1 |
Pillow having cross-flow mesh inserts
A pillow and a pillow cover are provided. The pillow and pillow cover include a cover layer defining an interior volume, the cover layer having a first side facing outward substantially in a first direction, a second side facing outward substantially in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, and a perimeter formed at a boundary of the first side and the second side. The cover layer includes a body portion, a first mesh portion and a second mesh portion formed separately and spaced apart from the first mesh portion. The pillow includes a filler material disposed in the interior volume. The interior volume is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere via the first and second mesh portions. |
| US09167920B2 |
Wrap around bed skirt
A wrap around bed skirt that can be secured in place without removing the mattress from the box springs. The bed skirt can include mitered corners that aid in retaining the bed skirt in place. The bed skirt may include a fabric drop with or without pleats or ruffles. |
| US09167918B2 |
Security system for articles displayed on an elongate rod
A securable article display system having a base on a support and an elongate rod cantilever mounted to the base. A blocking assembly defines a receptacle for a part of the rod and is configured so that with the blocking assembly in the engaged state: a) the blocking assembly cannot be separated from the rod by movement relative to the rod transversely to the length of the rod; and b) the blocking assembly is movable along the length of the rod to block an article suspended from the rod from moving past the rod free end. The rod and blocking assembly interact in a manner whereby the rod binds with the blocking assembly as the blocking assembly moves away from the base towards the free end so as to thereby prevent the blocking assembly from moving past the free end to separate from the rod. |
| US09167910B2 |
Chair assembly
A chair component includes a first chair member adapted to support a seated user, a second chair member movable between a first position, wherein the second chair member is substantially coplanar with the first chair member, and a second position, wherein the second chair member is substantially parallel with the first chair member, a cover member wrapped about at least a portion of the first chair member and at least a portion of the second chair member, and a single-piece drawstring operably coupled with the cover member to draw the cover member about the at least a portion of the first chair member and the at least a portion of the second chair member when the second chair member is in the first position. |
| US09167906B2 |
Computer component mounting device for a chair
A computer component mounting apparatus configured to be coupled to a chair and to support a computer component, such as a laptop, a computer monitor, or a keyboard. The computer component mounting apparatus includes a mounting post defining a swing axis, an elbow including a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, a swing arm assembly, and a deck tilt mount. The vertical leg of the elbow is rotatably coupled to the mounting post about the swing axis. The swing arm assembly is rotatably coupled to the horizontal leg of the elbow about a tilt axis. The deck tilt mount is rotatably coupled to the swing arm assembly about a pitch axis. A keyboard support, a computer monitor support assembly, or a laptop table may be coupled to the deck tilt mount. |
| US09167905B2 |
Tray table with rotatable inner tray
A tray table that facilitates consumption of entertainment and various other media via a portable electronic device is disclosed herein. The tray table includes an inner tray secures the portable electronic device for hands free operation. One or more channels at the inner tray receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device. The inner tray is capable of rotating between an open and closed position, while the tray table itself may rotate between a stowed and service position. |
| US09167902B1 |
One-piece office chair in three dimensions
A one-piece office chair in three dimensions made of composite plastic materials with an adjusting apparatus comprises a middle axle seat, a seat frame, a back frame, and two armrests, all of which are formed in one-piece to complete the entire chair frame. Also, an adjusting apparatus is applied to provide supports and elasticity for the chair frame, enabling the back frame to adjust the angle in accordance with users' movements. With the dynamic design and the resilience of the materials, the present invention further allows sideway movements in three-dimensional angles by having the back frame and the seat frame adjusting the angle from a middle axle seat thereof; meanwhile, the back frame thereof also allows lying back movement, featuring the present invention a comfortable seating in every angle. |
| US09167901B2 |
Seat pad and method for manufacturing the same
A seat pad and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, wherein molding failure is prevented at the periphery of a horizontal groove. In the seat pad, a groove structure 7 for containing a part of a seat cover material is provided on a seat surface for seating. At least a part of the groove structure is formed as a horizontal groove which extends in a horizontal direction. The seat pad is manufactured by foam molding in a mold with the seat surface maintained to face in a downward direction, and a first end of the seat surface, in terms of a longitudinal direction of the seat pad which crosses the horizontal direction thereof at right angle, positioned lower than a second end thereof. The seat pad has at least one concavity 10 positioned between the first end and the horizontal groove, so as to face the horizontal groove. |
| US09167894B2 |
Workstation having automated and powered height, depth and rotational adjusters
A workstation is disclosed including a tabletop, a frame, a support coupled to the tabletop and the frame for supporting the tabletop vertically above the frame, and a powered rotator coupled to the frame. The powered rotator may be configured to move the support and the tabletop horizontally along an arcuate path with respect to a user position. The user position and a center of curvature of the arcuate path may each be disposed away from a forward edge of the tabletop. A method of moving a tabletop of a workstation is also disclosed. |
| US09167893B2 |
Folding table
The invention relates to a folding table including: two tabletop members that are coupled to each other pivotably with one edges of the tabletop members serving as an axis, and are able to be folded; leg members that are disposed on a lower surface of a tabletop formed by unfolding the two tabletop members; a separation biasing unit that causes two leg members to move away from each other; and a movably coupling unit that couples the leg members to the tabletop members in such a manner as to be moveable from the one edge side to the other edge side. When the tabletop members are pivoted to unfold the tabletop, the separation biasing unit and the movably coupling unit cause the leg members to be unfolded along the lower surface of the tabletop. |
| US09167890B2 |
Oral care implement having a decorative member and a method of forming the same
An oral car implement (100) having a decorative member (150) recessed in a handle (120) of the oral care implement and having at least a portion thereof exposed via an aperture (140), and a method of forming the same. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement (120) comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and a head (110) connected to the handle; the handle comprising a first transverse section (122) and a second transverse section (121), the first transverse section coupled to the second transverse section; a decorative member disposed between the first transverse section and the second transverse section; and an aperture extending through the first transverse section that exposes at least a portion of the decorative member. |
| US09167889B1 |
Reversible snowbrush scraper
A scraper comprising an elongated handle, a blade head at a first end of the elongated handle, and a set of brush bristles at a second end of the elongated handle is provided. The blade head includes first and second scraping edges spaced from each other and extending parallel to the brush bristles. The elongated handle may be held in a right handed orientation in which the first scraping edge may engage a surface to be scraped or a left handed orientation in which the second scraping edge may engage the surface to be scraped for comfortably removing ice, snow, or debris from the surface. |
| US09167888B2 |
Oral care implement having flexibly supported cleaning elements extending in opposite directions
An oral care implement having a head with a soft tissue cleaner disposed on a second side thereof. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle and having a first side and a second side; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements attached to the first side of the head; and a soft tissue cleaner disposed on the second side of the head, the soft tissue cleaner including a first portion comprising a plurality of projections and a second portion comprising a plurality of bristles. |
| US09167887B2 |
Oral care implement
An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush (100), comprises a handle (110) and a head (120). A plurality of tooth cleaning elements (130) may be provided on a front surface (121) of the head (120). The head (120) is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments (140-145) made of a rigid material. The segments (140-145) are isolated from one another by channels (157-159B) containing an elastomeric material (146) that flexibly connects the segments (140-145) together. The oral care implement further comprises an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner (200) located on a rear surface (122) of the head (120) opposite the front surface (121) of the head (120). Each of the segments (140-145) comprises a protuberance (163-169) made of the rigid material that extends through the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner (200) and is exposed therethrough. |
| US09167885B2 |
Automatic switchable low threshold current power supply
A method of operating a device connected to an electric power line conductor includes the steps of attaching a device to a first electric power line conductor, sensing a current in the first electric power line conductor and selecting between a first set of windings and a second set of windings connected in series with the first electric power line conductor. |
| US09167882B2 |
Toothbrush with interdental brush storage
A dental hygiene device includes a toothbrush component and at least one interdental brush component that can be stored within the toothbrush component. At least one ventilation window located within the toothbrush component allows for drying of the interdental brush component to prevent the growth of biofilms. The interdental brush component removably attaches to the toothbrush component by a latch mechanism, a door mechanism or a friction fit between the interdental brush component and the toothbrush component. |
| US09167880B2 |
Cosmetic applicators
A multi-functional, multi-compositional cosmetic applicator includes an application surface in liquid communication with a reservoir. The reservoir includes a first personal care composition and a second personal care composition stored therein, and the applicator is actuatable between a first and second functional configuration wherein the application surface of the applicator exhibits a first frictional force when in the first functional configuration and a second frictional force that is less than the first frictional force when in the second functional configuration. The applicator includes an actuatable delivery system that allows a user to selectively dispense the first and second compositions. |
| US09167875B2 |
Protection case for electronic device
A protecting case for protecting an electronic device from external impact includes a hollow main body filled with water and a number of buffering modules received in the main body. The electronic device is received in the main body. The buffering modules are deformed to release active metal powder into the water when the main body falls to the ground. The active metal powder is a chemical that reacts with water to generate hydrogen gas. |
| US09167874B2 |
Mat and a system and method for converting the mat to a bag
A system and method converts a mat between a first position and a second position. A perimeter of the mat may be weighted to maintain the mat in the first position wherein the mat is substantially flat in the first position. A rope may be provided that extends around the perimeter of the mat. The rope may be pulled to move the mat into the second position wherein the mat forms a bag in the second position. A locking mechanism may slide in a first direction on the rope to secure an opening formed by the mat in the second position. |
| US09167873B2 |
Cantilever parasol
A cantilever parasol has a mast, two main arms proceeding laterally from the mast and coupled to each other in a scissors-type manner, and a linkage of bars for supporting a cover. A first main arm extends from an upper mast bearing through a slit in the cover to a vertical arm of the linkage of bars. At least one sealing structure is provided for sealing the slit in the cover. |
| US09167868B1 |
Shoe with embedded strap anchor
Provided are, among other things, shoes, portions of shoes and processes for manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, a shoe includes: a sole comprised of a base material and a strap anchor, the strap anchor being stronger than the base material, including a number of attachment points on opposite sides of the shoe, and being at least partially embedded within the base material; and a strap that is attached to and/or looped through at least one of the attachment points and that is configured for strapping the shoe to a wearer's foot. According to another embodiment, a shoe includes: a sole comprised of a base material and a strap anchor, the strap anchor including a number of attachment points on opposite sides of the shoe, and the base material having been injection molded around the strap anchor; and a strap that is attached to and/or looped through at least one of the attachment points and that is configured for strapping the shoe to a wearer's foot. |
| US09167866B2 |
Shoe sole ornamentation apparatus and related method
The present invention is directed toward a device, kit, and related method for an adhesive film for application to the sole of a shoe. More specifically, the film is easily attached to the shoe sole so that a user may decorate their shoe soles and continuously change the appearance of the soles of a single pair of shoes instead of purchasing multiple shoes of a variety of styles. It also serves as a shoe sole protector, as it covers the original sole protecting it from wear and abrasion. A cutting device to trim the film to size without trimming the shoe material is also contemplated. |
| US09167861B2 |
Safety helmet with anti-dazzle visor
Disclosed is a safety helmet having an outer shell, having a front opening, coupled with an inner shell made of shock absorption material, an anti-dazzle visor constrained to the outer shell and movable between a position of engagement and a position of disengagement with the front opening, and an operating portion of the anti-dazzle visor, integral with this latter, and controlled, through a motion transmission cable, by a control slider coupled to a related guide fastened to the outer shell. The control slider is translatable manually between an inactive position and an active position in which the anti-dazzle visor is arranged in a position of engagement. Advantageously, the motion transmission cable has one end integral with the outer she and the other end integral with the control slider, and engages with a drive constrained to the operating portion of the anti-dazzle visor, for movement of this latter. |
| US09167858B2 |
Hair addition
Hair additions and their methods of construction are set forth. A hair addition according to one embodiment includes a plurality of hair strands having upper and lower ends, at least two threads coupling the upper ends together, and two layers of polyurethane sandwiching the hair strand upper ends and the at least two threads. The two layers of polyurethane form a strip, and at least one clip is coupled to the strip. It may be desirable for a diameter of the strip to be no more than 25%-50% greater than a diameter of the hair strands. A method of formation includes: aligning a plurality of hair strands; coupling an end of the hair strands together using thread; sandwiching the coupled end of hair strands and the thread between two layers of polyurethane; curing the two layers of polyurethane; and coupling at least one clip to the cured polyurethane. |
| US09167857B2 |
Waist belt for automatically measuring waist circumference
Provided is a waist belt for automatically measuring a waist circumference. The waist belt includes a belt part (10) and a buckle part (20). The belt part has a plurality of magnets (11) attached thereto at a predetermined interval. The buckle part includes two or more magnetic field sensors sensing the plurality of magnets attached to the belt part, an operation processor processing and analyzing signals obtained by the magnetic field sensors, and a display displaying a measurement result of a waist circumference obtained by the operation processor. |
| US09167856B1 |
Articles for making and supporting a kneepad inside a trouser leg
A kneepad pocket is created inside the front of a trouser leg knee by making a cutout in the front of the trouser leg above the knee cap and associating an article (10) with the cutout in a way that creates the pocket. A first part has a fabric piece that forms a perimeter margin surrounding a closeable opening which has a long dimension transverse to the length of the trouser leg and through which a kneepad can be inserted into the pocket. The first part is fit to the cutout in the front of the trouser leg with the fabric piece being attached to the trouser leg. A second part is disposed inside the trouser leg and attached to the trouser leg to form top, bottom, and sides of the pocket. A third part has opposite margins that are transverse to the length of the trouser leg, one of which is attached to the fabric piece of the first part above the closeable opening and the other of which is attached to the second part below the top of the pocket. Other embodiments provide for suspension of the knee pad by a strap. The suspension allows the height of the kneepad along a trouser leg to be adjusted and the kneepad to be disconnected. |
| US09167854B2 |
Posture-improving garment
A garment for improving the wearer's posture provides cords that, when secured in place, exert a slight pressure against the wearer's shoulders each time he/she starts to slouch, serving as a reminder to be more erect. The garment had a horizontal channel that is located around the body of the user, preferably just below the breast area, that accommodates a first cord. The garment further includes vertically-extending channels that extend upward from the horizontal channel and over the shoulders of the user. A cord extending along each vertical channel engages the cord in the horizontal channel such that the horizontal cord anchors the vertical cord(s) when the cords are pulled sufficiently, lightly engage the front of the wearer's shoulders. Once the cords are secured in place, the wearer will feel a slight pressure against his/her shoulders each time he/she starts to slouch, serving as a reminder to be more erect. |
| US09167853B2 |
USB charger for electronic cigarettes
A USB charger for electronic cigarettes, comprising a USB interface configured for connecting with a power supply and a load end configured for connecting with a load, wherein, the USB charger for electronic cigarettes further comprises a voltage comparison unit, a benchmark circuit, a sampling circuit, a current detecting element, a state indicating unit, and a low voltage difference linear regulator connected between the USB interface and the load end; the benchmark circuit is connected between an output end of the low voltage difference linear regulator and an input end of the voltage comparison unit; and the state indicating unit is connected with an output end of the voltage comparison unit; the USB charger for electronic cigarettes of the present invention achieves advantages effects of being safer and improving users' experiences. |
| US09167842B2 |
Functional food preparation and use thereof
The invention concerns a functional food preparation based on milk/dairy products added with botanical products containing various active principles. The milk/dairy products, which can be obtained from fresh or pasteurized animal milk, soy milk or rice milk, comprise Saccharum officinarum containing polycosanols, Monascus purpureus containing plant statins, and Glycine max containing isoflavones and coenzymes. Further components can be added to the preparation to improve its organoleptic properties. The invention also refers to the use of the preparation as a food with functional features which are useful to stabilize the cholesterol and triglycerides amount, having an antioxidant action and protective of arteries and the cardiocirculatory system. |
| US09167841B2 |
Tangerine peel extract and its preparation and application
This invention disclosed is a tangerine peel extract with the effect of weight gain. This extract uses tangerine peel as the raw ingredient and is obtained through extraction processes using supercritical CO2, water, or organic solvents. The resulting extraction component contains a large quantity of flavonoids and terpenoids, which can effectively regulate the function of the spleen and stomach leading to desired weight gain. This invention also declares the preparation methods of the above mentioned tangerine peel extraction, which is simple in technique and highly effective in extraction. This invention also further declares the application of the above mentioned tangerine peel extraction in preparing healthcare food with the function of gaining weight. |
| US09167836B2 |
Perfume composition
There is provided a flavor composition that can impart and augment the natural, fresh and milk-rich feeling of dairy products to a necessary and sufficient level, which is a flavor composition for milk, dairy products, foods or beverages containing milk and dairy products, or dairy product substitutes, characterized by containing a trace amount of one or more disulfide compounds selected from the group consisting of methyl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide, bis(2-methyl-3-furyl)disulfide, methyl furfuryl disulfide and difurfuryl disulfide, as dairy products to which the flavor composition is added. |
| US09167832B2 |
Low flouride crustacean concentrated hydrolysate fraction compositions
Fluorine being present in the exoskeleton of crustaceans, and especially krill represents a problem for using krill as a source for food, feed, food additives and/or feed additives. There has been developed a process for removing such fluorine from krill material by subjecting the krill to disintegration and to an enzymatic hydrolysis process prior to or simultaneously with a removal of the exoskeleton particles producing a fluorine-reduced product. Inherent in the disclosed process is the ability to process krill material with a high polar lipid content for producing superior quality, low fluorine, products suitable for the food and feed as well as the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic industry. |
| US09167821B2 |
Bis(difluoromethyl)pyrazoles as fungicides
Bis(difluoromethyl)pyrazole derivatives of the formula (I) in which the symbols R1, X and G are each as defined in the description, and agrochemically active salts, metal complexes and N-oxides thereof, and use thereof for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi, and also processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I). |
| US09167817B2 |
Process using Grignard reagents
The present invention relates to a process using Grignard reagents for providing thio-triazolo group-containing compounds. |
| US09167813B2 |
Non surfactant hydro-alcoholic foamable compositions, breakable foams and their uses
A substantially surface active agent-free foamable composition which includes short-chain alcohol, water, polymer, fatty alcohol or fatty acid or a combination of fatty alcohol and fatty acid and propellant. A substantially surface active agent-free foamable composition which includes, water, polymer, fatty alcohol or fatty acid and propellant. A method of treatment using a substantially surface active agent-free foamable compositions. |
| US09167812B2 |
Biocide compositions comprising amides based on 2-furoic acid and its derivatives
Suggested are biocide compositions, comprising (a) 2-Furoic and/or Tetrahydro-2-furoic acid amides; (b) Biocides and optionally (c) Oil components or co-solvents and/or (d) Emulsifiers. The compositions show high solubility for biocides and improved emulsification properties. |
| US09167809B2 |
Cornea storage container to maximize cornea health
An apparatus for shipping, storing, and viewing a cornea comprising a container having a viewing window in a container base, an inner sidewall, and a corneal basket arranged within said container base. The corneal basket is in contact with said inner sidewall and adapted to support a corneoscleral disc by including more than one corneal support rod and more than one disc support surface and a lid that sealingly engages with the container. |
| US09167807B1 |
Animated decoy spreader
A device for spreading fowl decoys on the surface of a body of water. A hub sits below the surface is removably coupleable with up to four arm arrangements. Arm arrangements are jointed, allowing hub and arm arrangements to sit below the surface of the water while decoys float on surface. Hub is connected to an anchor on the bottom of the body of water, and can be displaced horizontally with a pull cord. Cords in the arm arrangements allow for near-random motion of attached decoys, simulating a swimming motion of fowl. Hub can be displaced vertically with a pull cord, causing the decoys to dip head first into the water, simulating a feeding motion of water fowl. Hubs can be combined by coupling arm arrangements from each hub. When displaced horizontally in the water, hubs not attached to the pull cord move semi-randomly, creating more random motion in decoys. |
| US09167805B2 |
Method of establishing mouse strain
A method of producing a chimera animal, characterized by transplanting, into a host animal, an aggregate of a first pluripotent stem cell that is of interest to strain establishment, a second pluripotent stem cell in which the ability to form germ cells is absent or decreased, and embryo. |
| US09167803B2 |
Device for farming benthic organisms such as bivalves
A farming device for benthic organisms, which is submerged in a water tank or a body of water, is constituted of a plurality of tray-form containers, which are the cultivating floor for benthic organisms such as bivalves, and are stacked in the vertical direction, with a central cavity passing through the stacked cultivating floors in the vertical direction and horizontal gaps defined between the cultivating floors, the cultivating floors communicating with the cavity. |
| US09167801B2 |
Insecticide strip and combination with identification ear tag
An insecticide impregnated strip configured for convenient and reliable attachment to conventional animal ear tags. The insecticide strip comprises an elongated integrally molded member having a key-hole shaped aperture formed in an upper portion thereof, enabling the elongated strip to be pendularly suspended from the ear tag. Various methods are disclosed for attaching the strip to different types of known ear tags. |
| US09167799B2 |
Collapsible animal housing assembly
An animal housing assembly includes a cage coupled to a base assembly to provide an enclosure for one or more animals to be kept in captivity. The cage is collapsible such that the cage may transition from an expanded state, wherein the cage may cooperate with the base assembly to form an enclosure for an animal, to a collapsed state, wherein portions of the cage may fold into one another into a compact condition. The base assembly may transition from an assembled state, wherein first and second base members are releasably coupled to one another to form the base assembly, to a disassembled state, wherein the first and second base members are separated from one another, thereby allowing a more compact condition. |
| US09167797B2 |
Cheese container, cheese block and method of branding cheese
A container is disclosed that is used to from a block of cheese having a brand marking. The container has dividers located on an internal side of a sidewall of the container. The block of cheese may be divided into slices of cheese where a slice of cheese has a brand marking. |
| US09167796B2 |
Lettuce line SV6370LC
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated SV6370LC. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line SV6370LC, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SV6370LC with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SV6370LC, including the gametes of such plants. |
| US09167793B1 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH491297
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH491297. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH491297, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH491297 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 CH491297. |
| US09167792B1 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH344150
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH344150. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH344150, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH344150 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 CH344150. |
| US09167791B1 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH010506
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH010506. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH010506, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH010506 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 CH010506. |
| US09167790B1 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH366635
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH366635. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH366635, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH366635 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 CH366635. |
| US09167788B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV659171
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV659171. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV659171, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV659171 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV659171 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV659171. |
| US09167783B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV163018
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV163018. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV163018, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV163018 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV163018 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV163018. |
| US09167781B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV799972
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV799972. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV799972, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV799972 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV799972 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV799972. |
| US09167780B2 |
Pea variety SV0969QH
The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated SV0969QH. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line SV0969QH, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line SV0969QH with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line SV0969QH, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants. |
| US09167779B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH384087
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH384087. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH384087, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH384087 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 CH384087. |
| US09167776B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH981713
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH981713. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH981713, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH981713 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 CH981713. |
| US09167772B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH657855
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH657855. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH657855, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH657855 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 CH657855. |
| US09167771B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH745184
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH745184. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH745184, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH745184 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 CH745184. |
| US09167765B1 |
Soybean cultivar 497BWU65
Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean cultivar, designated 497BWU65, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-121612. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the cultivar, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 497BWU65 cultivar, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program. |
| US09167762B2 |
Tomato hybrid EX15567631
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid EX15567631 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid EX15567631 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09167757B2 |
Irrigation system and method
An irrigation system is provided and includes a main irrigation line, one or more lateral driplines, each lateral dripline being divided into zones and including a plurality of emitters at each zone and a plurality of controllable valves disposed along each of the one or more lateral driplines at zone borders. Each one of the plurality of controllable valves is actuatable to activate corresponding emitters in the associated zone in a zone by zone cycle and each one of the plurality of emitters is replaceable to vary an amount of deliverable fluid by the zone by zone cycle. |
| US09167754B2 |
Greenhouse screen
The invention refers to a greenhouse screen comprising strips of film material that are interconnected by a yarn framework of transverse threads and longitudinal threads to form a continuous product, wherein the yarn framework is thermally bonded to at least one side of the strips of film material, wherein also those parts of the yarn framework that is thermally bonded to the strips have liquid-transporting capacity by capillary action. The amount of yarn in the yarn framework interconnecting and holding the strips can herewith be reduced. |
| US09167752B2 |
Needleless inoculation
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for inoculating a plurality of plants. In various embodiments, an exemplary method includes spraying a plurality of plants with an inoculum utilizing an automated inoculum spraying subsystem of a mobile inoculation system. The method additionally includes spraying the plurality of plants with a grit medium utilizing an automated grit blasting subsystem of the mobile inoculation system. Spraying the plants with the grit medium inflicts a plurality of wounds to the tissue of the plants on a plurality of surfaces of the plants. The wounds inflicted by the grit medium allow the inoculum to be absorbed into the plants to inoculate the plants. |
| US09167748B1 |
Sulky apparatus
Sulky apparatus including an operator standing platform, a tire and associated wheel rim for allowing the operator standing platform to move along the ground, a wheel well associated with the operator standing platform for housing the wheel rim and tire in an operational position, a tire axle having two end portions located in the center of the wheel rim, the two end portions being configured to rest in the bottoms of depressions located in the walls of the wheel well, a pivoting U-shaped axle locking member located at the top of the wheel well where the locking member can engage the upper surfaces of the end portions of the axle and secure the axle and the associated tire in the operational position in the wheel well, a pivotal cover covering the wheel well for allowing access to the wheel well and locking means associated with the wheel well and the cover for locking the pivoting U-shaped axle locking member and the cover in place in their operational positions. When the locking means is unlocked, it permits the pivotal wheel cover to be pivoted upward and forward and the pivoting U-shaped axle locking member to also be pivoted upward and forward and this allows the tire and the associated wheel rim to be removed from the wheel well. |
| US09167747B1 |
Device and system for cutting the tops of onions and other bulb crops
A device for cutting the tops of crops in a crop bed includes a separator having an inlet, an outlet and an interior space defined between the two. A fan is in fluid communication with the separator and creates an air stream that flows into the separator inlet, through the interior space of the separator, and out the separator outlet. The air stream has an upstream end at or near the separator inlet, where air is pulled into the separator, and a downstream end at or near the fan and continuing beyond. A cutter is positioned upstream of the separator inlet. When the device is in operative position over a crop bed, the air stream lifts the tops of the crops into position to be cut by the cutter. The air stream carries the cut tops away from the crop bed. |
| US09167744B2 |
Forming bar with liquid distribution passageway
A device for attaching to a shank of a planting unit. The device may include liquid delivery tubing for delivery fertilizer to a planting furrow and a forming bar configured for securing to the shank. The forming bar may include a passageway extending therethrough for receiving and passing through fertilizer or other liquid that is delivered to the liquid delivery tubing. The forming bar may include a shank connecting portion, a rib portion, and a foot portion. The rib and foot portions may define the passageway. Further, the foot portion may protect the tubing. A method for using the device to deliver fertilizer to a seed furrow is also described. |
| US09167739B2 |
Quick safety connection for coupling a tool to an operating machine
A quick connection that allows fastening a tool to the lifter arm of an operating machine and includes first and second joining devices associated respectively to the lifter arm and the tool aimed at being reciprocally engaged. The first joining device includes a swivel head that swivels between a raised position and a lowered one and a first gudgeon; the second joining device includes a shaped body that defines a calibrated inlet opening and support structure. The swivel head, in raised position, enters the shaped body through the opening, then it rotates to its lowered position, thus bringing the first gudgeon in engagement with the support structure. The shaped body includes a stop aimed at striking a winglet of the swivel head and at preventing the swivel head from going out in any succession of movements which are not inversely equal to those carried out for the introduction. |
| US09173336B2 |
Techniques for marking product housings
Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. The markings provided on products can be textual and/or graphic. The techniques or processes can provide high resolution markings on surfaces that are flat or curved. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, the housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface. The markings can be formed using a ultra-violet (UV) curable material that can be selectively cured on a surface (e.g., housing surface) in places where markings, namely text and/or graphics, are to be provided. |
| US09173332B2 |
Lightweight audio system for automotive applications and method
A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration. |
| US09173330B2 |
Back frame composed of assembling pieces of different heat transfer capabilities and backlight system comprising same
The present invention provides a back frame of flat panel display device, which includes at least two primary assembling pieces. The at least two primary assembling pieces are joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame. According to practical needs of the main frame structure, different materials are used for primary assembling pieces at different locations. The at least two primary assembling pieces are connection through mating and joining corresponding joint sections. The joint section of at least one of the primary assembling pieces includes a reinforcement structure. The present invention also provides a backlight system. The back frame and the backlight system of the present invention have a simple back frame structure, reduce the expenditure of the back frame mold, and also save the material used for back frame so as to lower down the cost of flat panel display device and also improve the strength of a joining site of the back frame in order to have the overall strength of the back frame meeting a required strength. |
| US09173329B2 |
Heat sink-integrated double-sided cooled power module
A power module for an inverter that is used in an eco-friendly vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle, an electrical vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle, i.e., a heat sink-integrated double-sided cooled power module in which cooling efficiency is maximized by adopting a double-sided direct cooling method that uses a heat sink manufactured by an extrusion method. In particular, the heat sink is disposed in upper and lower portions of the power module, and direct bonding materials (DBMs) are deposited between the upper and lower heat sinks where a chip is interposed between the DBMs. Faces between the heat sinks, the chip, and the DBMs are bonded to one another by a solder, and an entire circumference of the chip and the DBMs is finished by a mold portion. |
| US09173324B2 |
Dehumidifying cooling apparatus and method for an electronics rack
Dehumidifying cooling apparatus and method are provided for an electronics rack. The apparatus includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger disposed at an air inlet or outlet side of the rack, wherein air flows through the rack from the air inlet to the air outlet side. The heat exchanger is positioned for air passing through the electronics rack to pass across the heat exchanger, and is in fluid communication with a coolant loop for passing coolant therethrough at a temperature below a dew point temperature of the air passing across the heat exchanger so that air passing across the heat exchanger is dehumidified and cooled. A condensate collector, disposed below the heat exchanger, collects liquid condensate from the dehumidifying of air passing through the electronics rack, wherein the heat exchanger includes a plurality of sloped surfaces configured to facilitate drainage of liquid condensate from the heat exchanger to the condensate collector. |
| US09173323B2 |
Heat dissipation assembly with bidirectional airflow
A heat dissipation assembly is configured in an enclosure of a network device. The enclosure defines an air flue. The heat dissipating assembly includes a fan module received in the air flue, and a damper module secured in one end of the air flue adjacent to the inside of the enclosure. The fan module includes a first bracket and a plurality of fans fixed with the first bracket. The damper module includes a frame and a plurality of vanes located in the frame. When a direction of airflow of the plurality of fans changes, the plurality of fans in the air flue is reversed, and the first bracket supports the plurality of vanes of the damper module to keep the air flue open. |
| US09173321B2 |
Electronic device with airflow control structure
An electronic device includes a chassis, an air-guiding housing mounted in the chassis, and an airflow control member. The chassis includes a base panel with a plurality of ventilation holes. The air-guiding housing comprises an airflow passage aligned with the plurality of ventilation holes. The airflow control member includes a shielding plate attached on the base panel. The airflow control member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the shielding plate is located beside the air-guiding housing, and the airflow passage is communicated with the plurality of ventilation holes for allowing air flowing to an outside of the chassis via the plurality of ventilation holes. In the second position, the shielding plate is located between the air-guiding housing and the base panel for closing the plurality of ventilation holes and preventing air flowing to the outside of the chassis. |
| US09173319B2 |
Portable communication device and cradle apparatus thereof
Disclosed are a portable communication device and a cradle apparatus for the same. The portable communication device includes a first housing; a second housing with a first display device, the second housing being cradled at a known angle after being swung from the first housing; and a third housing with a second display device, the third housing being stacked with the second housing before the second housing is swung from the first housing, and being extended from a lower edge of the second housing and tilted at a same known angle as the second housing when the second and third housings are extended from the first housing. |
| US09173317B2 |
USB flash disk and assembly method thereof
A USB flash disk includes a metal head with a cavity, a support received in the cavity and a USB flash disk chip disposed on the support. The support includes an upper support and a lower support. One end of the upper support is connected to an end of the lower support. The upper support and the lower support form a receiving cavity therebetween to receive the USB flash disk chip. The upper support is provided with a latching structure with an opening on an outer surface thereof. The opening is defined at one end of the upper support connected to the lower support. The latching structure includes an inclined block located in a middle portion thereof and a latching groove defined on the latching structure away from the end of the upper support connecting to the lower support. An inner wall of the cavity is provided with a latching block latched in the latching groove. The USB flash disk chip includes an integrated circuit packaged inside configured for storing, the USB flash disk chip is provided with a first set of metal contacts on a surface thereof compliant with the USB interface protocol. The users can independently choose the characteristics of each component of the USB flash disk and then complete the USB flash disk assembly according to their own preferences. |
| US09173315B2 |
Package carrier for a microelectronic element
A package carrier enclosing at least one microelectronic element has a pattern of electrically conductive connection pads for electric connection of the microelectronic element to the package carrier. The package carrier is manufactured by providing a sacrificial carrier; applying an electrically conductive pattern to one side of the carrier; bending the carrier to create a shape having an elevated portion and a recessed portion; forming a body member on the carrier at the side where the electrically conductive pattern is present; removing the sacrificial carrier; and placing a microelectronic element in a recess created in the body member at the position where the elevated portion of the carrier has been, and connecting the microelectronic element to the electrically conductive pattern. Furthermore, a hole in the package provides access to a sensitive surface of the microelectronic element. |
| US09173313B2 |
Waterproof structure of a casing
A waterproof structure of a casing has a case body and a cover pivotally mounted on the case body. The case body has a recess, a water collecting sump defined in the recess and two abutting protrusions respectively formed on two opposite inner sidewalls of the case body. The cover has an outer shell, and an inner stop and two side stops formed on an inner surface of the outer shell. When the cover pivots to cover the recess of the case body, the inner stop and the side stops prevent moisture and dust from entering the case body from a clearance formed between a pivot edge of the outer shell and the water collecting side surface of the case body. |
| US09173307B2 |
Rack system for power storage battery modules
A rack system for power storage battery modules according to the present disclosure includes a rack assembly configured in the form capable of defining an entire accommodation area, where a plurality of battery modules are accommodated in a multi-stage form; and a plurality of rail frames coupled to the multi stages of the rack assembly to support edges of the bottom surface of the battery modules, wherein each of the battery modules has a bottom surface on which rail fixing parts are provided corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the rail frames and have an elastic coupling projection at a location contacting the rail frames, and when the battery modules are installed, the battery modules are pressured toward the rail frames in a vertical direction to couple the rail fixing parts to the rail frames. |
| US09173306B2 |
Mobile device
A mobile terminal includes first and second bodies rotatably coupled to each other, first and second display units formed on the first and second bodies, respectively, and a moving unit configured to allow the first and second bodies to rotate relative to each other between a folded configuration that one surfaces of the first and second bodies are overlaid by each other and an unfolded configuration that the first and second bodies are unfolded from each other, wherein the first and second display units are disposed on the other surfaces of the first and second bodies, respectively, to be externally exposed in the folded configuration, and wherein at least one of the first and second bodies relatively rotates with a rotation center thereof being moved by the moving unit such that the first and second display units form an obtuse angle with each other in the unfolded configuration. |
| US09173297B2 |
Method of making a three dimensional circuit with an imprint tool
Imprinting tools that include a female master tool and a male working tool are used to create three-dimensional circuits. The female tool is used to create multiple male tools that are metallized and pressed into a substrate transferring the metallization to the substrate. Metallization on prominences of the male tool can be selectively removed to create vias, blind vias, vertical traces and other selectively non-metallized regions for interconnect circuitry. The process is used to create circuitry that includes narrow, high aspect ratio traces having reduced parasitic capacitance to adjacent circuit features. |
| US09173295B2 |
Support apparatus
A design support apparatus includes: an area identifying unit configured to identify a target area where a via is to be added in a printed circuit board; a determining unit configured to determine a starting point for starting a search for a location of the via in the target area; and a searching unit configured to move a search point along a path in an intersecting direction that intersects a radial direction around the starting point while moving the search point in the radial direction and to determine whether the via is to be added at a moved search point. |
| US09173293B2 |
Memory module and video camera
According to the embodiments, there are provided semiconductor memories that are mounted individually on two sides of a mounting board; a controller that is mounted either on an obverse side or a reverse side of the mounting board, and performs read and write control of the semiconductor memories; and a connector that is deviated in a lateral direction from the controller so as not to overlap the controller, is mounted either on the obverse side or the reverse side of the mounting board, and transfers a signal exchanged between the controller and outside. |
| US09173291B2 |
Circuit board and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a circuit board. A circuit board in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a base substrate; an interlayer insulating layer covering the base substrate; a via structure passing through at least the interlayer insulating layer of the base substrate and the interlayer insulating layer in the vertical direction; and an etch stop pattern disposed on the interlayer insulating layer in the horizontal direction to surround the via structure and made of an insulating material. |
| US09173286B2 |
Flexible-rigid circuit board composite and method for producing a flexible-rigid circuit board composite
A flexible circuit board for producing a flexible-rigid circuit board composite made of at least one flexible circuit board and at least one rigid circuit board, the at least one flexible circuit board having at least one first planar segment, which interacts as intended in the installed state with at least one second planar segment of the at least one rigid circuit board, wherein the at least one first planar segment comprises at least one flexible connecting element, which is elastically connected to a face of the at least one first planar segment. Furthermore, a flexible-rigid circuit board composite is provided having at least one flexible circuit board, a flexible-rigid circuit board arrangement, and a method and a device for producing a flexible-rigid circuit board composite. |
| US09173278B2 |
Counter weight means for a cross arm of X-ray equipment and a corresponding X-ray equipment
A gravity balance device for a cross arm of X-ray equipment, the gravity balance device is mounted within the cross arm for maintaining gravity balance of the cross arm, the gravity balance device comprises a counter weight module, configured to move along in a direction opposite to a moving direction of a tube of the X-ray equipment. |
| US09173276B2 |
Light source luminaire system light element control
Disclosed is a light source having a plurality of light elements and a control system for controlling the light elements. The control system includes a plurality of light element controllers, each connected to a respective light element, and arranged to obtain light element data; and a bus interface, which is connected to the light element controllers via a light source bus. The bus interface provides the light element controllers with a general command, and the light element controllers generate light element drive signals on basis of the general command and the light element data. |
| US09173275B2 |
Alarm clock integrated with lamp and method for controlling operation of lamp thereby
Provided is an alarm clock integrated with a lamp and a method for controlling an operation of a lamp by the same, and the alarm clock integrated with the lamp further includes a luminance sensor (181) and a sensor connection unit (182), the microcomputer (120) outputs a sensor operation control signal to a sensor connection unit (182) at a lamp operation time set by a lamp operation time setting unit (111), compares a current luminance value input from a luminance sensor (110) and an initial operation luminance value of a lamp (140) stored therein after a luminance sensor (181) is operated, and outputs a pulse control signal to the lamp current adjustment unit (150) so as to change an output of the lamp (140) so that a luminance value of the lamp (140) is changed to a set luminance value when the initial operation luminance value is smaller than the current luminance value. |
| US09173269B2 |
Lighting system for accentuating regions of a layer and associated methods
A lighting system for accenting a region of a target surface comprising a color matching engine, a plurality of light sources, a color capture device configured to measure light reflected by a target surface, and a computerized device configured to operate the plurality of light sources to emit an analysis light so as to be incident upon the target surface and identify a region of the target surface that reflects two or more wavelength ranges of light using a pattern recognition algorithm, defining a detected pattern having wavelength ranges. The color matching engine is configured to perform a matching operation that operates to determine dominant wavelength(s) of the wavelength ranges and polychromatic lights including or excluding dominant wavelength(s). The computerized device operates the light sources to emit a combined light being sequentially each of the polychromatic lights. |
| US09173262B2 |
Control unit for a LED assembly that determines output data for the LED assembly from duty cycles of the LED units in the assembly
A control unit for an LED assembly comprising a first and second LED unit, said LED units being serial connected is described. The LED assembly, in use, is powered by a switched mode power supply. The control unit being arranged to receive an input signal representing a desired output characteristic of the LED assembly, determine a first and second duty cycle for respective LED units associated with a nominal current of the switched mode power supply, for providing the desired output characteristic, determine the largest of the first and second duty cycles for respective LED units, determine a reduced current based on at least the largest of the duty cycles, adjust the first and second duty cycle for respective LED units based on the reduced current,—provide an output signal for the LED assembly and the switched mode power supply based on the adjusted first and second duty cycles and the reduced current for obtaining the desired characteristic. |
| US09173261B2 |
Secondary-side alternating energy transfer control with inverted reference and LED-derived power supply
A single magnetic storage element is used to provide power to multiple lighting devices, which may be strings of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of different color. A switching circuit controls alternating application of energy among the multiple lighting devices and another switching circuit may charge the primary winding to different energy levels to control the intensity of the multiple lighting devices. In particular, the multiple lighting devices may be controlled to provide a desired color profile while dimming the lighting devices, while requiring only a single magnetic storage element for supplying energy to the lighting devices. |
| US09173257B2 |
Low voltage LED dimmer with integrated universal switch mode power supply
A low voltage dimmer for LED lamps incorporates an AC-DC power supply along with a Pulse Width Modulator (PWM) to modify the power delivered to an LED load is configured to fit inside the form factor of a standard single gang electrical to control the intensity of the light emitted by the LED. The PWM portion of the dimmer circuit incorporates a microprocessor configured to produce a train of output pulses and controlled by a variable input voltage to modulate the output duty cycle of these pulses to drive one or more LED lamps to switch between “on” and “off” conditions. Variation of the duty cycle of the pulses regulates the total amount of time in each cycle that the lamp is illuminated, with the aggregate “on” time determining the apparent brightness of the lamp. |
| US09173244B2 |
Methods for establishing and using public path, M2M communication method, and systems thereof
Embodiments of the present invention, relating to the communications field, provide methods for establishing and using a public path, an M2M communication method, and systems thereof. To reduce occupied network resources and improve service processing efficiency of a network, an embodiment of the present invention provides the following technical solution: obtaining characteristic information of a public path, where the public path is corresponding to an MTC device in a one-line transmission group; establishing the public path according to the characteristic information; performing, by the MTC device in the one-line transmission group, data transmission with an MTC server by using the public path; and releasing the public path when the data transmission between the MTC device in the one-line transmission group and the MTC server is completed. The present invention is applicable to M2M communication. |
| US09173239B2 |
Connected-state radio session transfer in wireless communication systems
Embodiments described herein relate to connected-state radio session transfer in wireless communications. A target access network controller may create a radio session associated with an access terminal, the radio session corresponding with a source radio session at a source access network controller. The target access network controller may also establish a communication route between a data network and the access terminal via the target access network controller. The target access network controller may further receive a frozen state associated with the source radio session from the source access network controller. In an aspect, the frozen state may include a snapshot of any data being communicated through the source radio session when freezing occurred. The target access network controller may subsequently unfreeze the received state. |
| US09173238B1 |
Dual path in-vehicle communication
Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for receiving communication on a head unit, wherein the communication may be sent to a mobile device coupled to the head unit. The head unit may be enabled to receive communication sent to the mobile device by an application on the head unit, wherein the application may communicate with the network in communication with the mobile device. The head unit may be operable to receive communication sent to a plurality of mobile devices, wherein the head unit may prioritize the received communication. Communication sent to the mobile device and/or head unit may comprise calls, messages, emails, and/or data. |
| US09173235B2 |
Apparatus and method for self-scheduling in a wireless communication system
The present disclosure provides channel sensing in an efficient manner in a cognitive radio MAC protocol and improves channel utilization. Proposed is an Adaptive Channel Sensing (ACS) for variably sensing a channel in accordance with a Fixed Channel Sensing (FCS) and a channel state so as to perform the channel sensing in an efficient manner while reducing the power consumption of a terminal. Further proposed is a self-scheduling mechanism which enables multiple terminals to simultaneously transceive data by means of a slot-based contention on the basis of the results of the FCS and ACS, which are proposed by the present disclosure. |
| US09173233B2 |
Communication efficiency
There is provided a method, comprising: detecting, by a node of a first wireless network, that at least one overlapping second wireless network is configured to apply contention periods and contention-free periods for communicating with different subsets of devices; detecting that a contention period timing applied by the at least one overlapping second wireless network is not aligned with a contention period timing applied by the node of the first wireless network; and causing a modification of the contention period timing in at least one of the wireless networks in order to have the contention periods to take place at least partly at the same time in each overlapping wireless network. |
| US09173232B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving data in wireless access system for supporting multi-radio access technology
The present invention, relates to a method of a terminal transmitting/receiving data to/from first base stations for supporting a first radio access technology (RAT) and second base stations for supporting a second RAT in a wireless access system, includes performing a scanning process for at least one second base station; receiving a first message for reordering the scanning process for the at least one second base station after predetermined time; transmitting a first scanning report message indicating the result of the scanning process for the at least one second base station based on the first message; receiving a second message for ordering the connection with one second base station of the at least one second base station; performing a connecting process for the at least one second base station based on the second message; and simultaneously transmitting/receiving the data to/from the first base stations and the second base stations. |
| US09173230B2 |
Method for scheduling data burst
A method for scheduling data burst is provided. The method is adapted for a mobile apparatus. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, a data burst is generated, and a maximum delay time is calculated according to a delay constraint of the data burst. Next, whether to receive a downlink data burst before the maximum delay time is determined. If yes, a base station is requested to schedule the data burst to at least one available scheduling time near the downlink data burst. Afterwards, the data burst is sent according to the at least one available scheduling time. |
| US09173229B2 |
QoS based buffering while TTI bundling is enabled
QoS based uplink data buffering while TTI bundling is enabled by a wireless user equipment (UE) device. The UE may establish a packet-switched connection with a network via a wireless link. The UE may receive, at a media access control (MAC) layer, an indication to enable TTI bundling. The UE may selectively buffer uplink data at an application layer based on the indication to enable TTI bundling. The uplink data may be buffered selectively based on Quality of Service (QoS) considerations. Uplink transmissions may subsequently be performed using TTI bundling. |
| US09173227B2 |
System compatibility method and apparatus
A system compatibility method and apparatus are disclosed. The system compatibility method includes sending, according to a downlink resource configured in a new frame structure of a first system, information of a downlink resource carrier. The information of the downlink resource carrier includes information of a downlink resource carrier compatible with a second system. Information of an uplink resource carrier is received according to an uplink resource configured in the new frame structure of the first system. The information of the uplink resource carrier includes information of an uplink resource carrier compatible with the second system. |
| US09173218B2 |
Protocols for enabling mode 1 and mode 2 devices in TV white space networks
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and apparatus for operating in a television white space (TVWS) network. One example method generally includes receiving, at an apparatus, a message with a field indicating a current version of an unused frequency spectrum map (e.g., a white space map (WSM)), the unused frequency spectrum map indicating channels usable for wireless communications; determining whether the current version of the unused frequency spectrum map is different than a previous version of the unused frequency spectrum map; and using a channel for wireless communications based on the determination. Another example method generally includes accessing a database of available channels for a current location of an apparatus via a neighboring portable or fixed enabling apparatus and enabling one or more portable dependent apparatuses for the wireless communications via one or more of the available channels. |
| US09173217B2 |
Base station calibration
A method for calibrating a base station including a plurality of antennas is provided. First correction information is received from a system module, the correction information determined from first calibration of the base station Signals are received at a radio frequency module from at least one antenna of the base station Second correction information is determined on the basis of the received signals and the first correction information. |
| US09173215B2 |
Transmission and reception of control information
The disclosure is related to transmitting control information in a transmission/reception point and to receiving the control information in user equipment. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to transmitting the control information for user equipment which receives downlink control information through a downlink control channel newly defined in a data region. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to performing a resource mapping for enhanced control channel elements (ECCEs) of an enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH). |
| US09173213B2 |
Search space for non-interleaved relay physical downlink control channel R-PDCCH
The present invention relates to providing control information within a search space for blind decoding in a multi-carrier communication system. In particular, the control information is carried within a sub-frame of the communication system, the sub-frame including a plurality of control channel elements. The control channel elements may be aggregated into candidates for blind decoding. The number of control channel elements in a candidate is called aggregation level. In accordance with the present invention, the candidates of lower aggregation levels are localized, meaning that the control channel elements of one candidate are located adjacently to each other in the frequency domain. Some candidates of the higher aggregation level(s) are distributed in the frequency. |
| US09173198B2 |
Methods and apparatus to indicate space requirements for communicating capabilities of a device
Example methods and apparatus to indicate space requirements for communicating capabilities of a device are disclosed. In accordance with a disclosed example method, a request is sent to a network to request a quantity of blocks to be allocated for use by a mobile station. The quantity of blocks is determined based on a data size to identify radio access capabilities of the mobile station. An allocation of the quantity of blocks is received from the network. Radio access capability information of the mobile station is sent via the allocated blocks. |
| US09173197B2 |
Method and apparatus for signaling to a mobile device which set of training sequence codes to use for a communication link
The present patent application improves DARP by allowing multiple users on one time slot (MUROS). It comprises means and instructions for signaling training sequence set information to a remote station, comprising receiving signaling from a remote station indicating if a new set of training sequences is supported, and using a channel description to signal the training sequence set to be used by the remote station for a communication channel being established. |
| US09173194B2 |
Method and system for transmitting MBMS control information in multicarrier aggregation system
A method and system for transmitting Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) control information in a multicarrier aggregation system are disclosed in embodiments of the disclosure. The method includes that: when an MBMS needs to be sent, a network side determines an MBMS-including Component Carrier (CC) and a non-MBMS-including CC, and sends service control information and service data of the MBMS in the MBMS-including CC. The method further includes that: the network side sends, in the non-MBMS-including CC, related control information of the MBMS in the MBMS-including CC. With technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the disclosure, a UE operating or residing in a non-MBMS-including CC can find out timely and accurately the initiation of a session for a UE-interested MBMS in an MBMS-including CC, so as to avoid premature blind gathering of UEs in the MBMS-including CC, thus effectively decreasing duration of impact on uplink random access by the MBMS-including CC. |
| US09173193B2 |
Support for broadcast control header for wireless networks
Various example embodiments are disclosed herein related to broadcast control headers for wireless networks. According to an example embodiment, a method may include allocating resources for a broadcast channel for a wireless network may include determining a set of physical resource units (PRUs), each PRU including a plurality of contiguous subcarriers, selecting one or more subsets of the PRUs, each subset including a plurality of PRUs distributed across the set of PRUs, and determining a plurality of logical resource units (LRUs) from each subset of PRUs, including permutating the subcarriers independently within each subset of PRUs to obtain the plurality of LRUs for each subset of PRUs, each LRU including a plurality of distributed subcarriers. |
| US09173190B2 |
System and method for controlling paging delay
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling a delay probability distribution associated with receiving a response to a page. The method entails performing a series of page operations, wherein each page operation entails transmitting a page and scanning for a page response. The method further entails adjusting at least one timing parameter associated with performing the series of page operations based on a characteristic of one or more scans for the page performed by the at least one remote device. The characteristic may be the period of periodic page scans performed by the at least one remote device. |
| US09173182B2 |
Transmission method in a wireless network and corresponding reception method
The invention relates to a method for transmission in a wireless network comprising a plurality of base stations and at least one mobile terminal, a mobile terminal (MT) transmitting a same signal (704) intended for the plurality of base stations (BS1,BS2, BS3). In order to optimise the synchronisation of the mobile terminal with the plurality of base stations, the method comprises a step of transmission of an item of information representative of a first temporal offset intended for the mobile terminal, the first offset being according to at least one reception time (740, 750, 760) of the first signal by at least one base station (BS1,BS2,BS3). |
| US09173178B2 |
Method and system for power headroom reporting in the presence of multiple transmit antennas
A method and system are provided in which a mobile device may be operable for long term evolution (LTE) communication or some other wireless technology via two or more transmit antennas. The device may comprise a power amplifier for each transmit antenna with substantially similar maximum power being provided by both amplifiers. A power headroom value may be determined in the device based on path loss values between the transmit antennas and a base station and the maximum transmit power for each transmit antenna. Transmission via one of the transmit antennas may occur concurrently with transmission via another of the transmit antennas. The device may generate an indication of the determined power headroom value for communication to the base station. The power headroom value may be reported periodically or in response to a change in the power received at the base station. |
| US09173176B2 |
Wireless multi-cell communication system and method for managing resource power to provide high speed downlink packet access services
A method and wireless multi-cell communication system for providing high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) services. The system includes a radio network controller (RNC) in communication with a plurality of base stations. The RNC sends a control signal to at least one base station having a plurality of timeslots, e.g., in a time division duplex (TDD) system and/or frames including transmission timing intervals (TTIs), e.g., in a frequency division duplex (FDD) system assigned thereto for the establishment of HSDPA channels. The control signal indicates a maximum allowed HSDPA transmit power for each of the timeslots and/or TTIs. The base station sends a feedback signal to the RNC indicating the results of measurements of the power of the transmitted HSDPA timeslots and/or TTIs during a predetermined time period. |
| US09173175B2 |
Information processing apparatus and communication apparatus
An information processing apparatus and a communication apparatus for accurately recognizing at the base station the current receiving quality of the mobile terminals for improving the throughput of the base station. A mobile terminal determines its own receiving quality based on the signal received from the base station for generating the receiving quality message indicating the receiving quality and generates the power control information requesting the transmission power of the base station. The receiving quality message is transmitted at a frame rate and power control information is transmitted at the slot rate to the base station. Based on both the receiving quality message and power control information, the base station estimates the current receiving quality of the mobile terminal and adaptive modulation and coding is performed based on the estimated value. The present invention may be applied to cellular phones and base stations. |
| US09173174B2 |
Resource block indication and allocation for in-device coexistence interference avoidance
A method is provided for reducing radio frequency interference between a first device and a second device co-located on a UE. The method comprises transmitting, by the UE, to a network element, responsive to the UE detecting IDC interference between the first device and the second device, an output power level of the first device, an amount of de-sense experienced by the second device, and information regarding a plurality of RBs on which the UE requests to perform an uplink transmission. |
| US09173171B2 |
Portable device with subscriber identity cards and method for controlling transmission power thereof
A portable device is provided. The portable device comprises a first wireless module, a second wireless module, a first subscriber identity card coupled to the first wireless module, a second subscriber identity card coupled to the second wireless module and a battery. The first subscriber identity card camps on a cell via the first wireless module. The second subscriber identity card camps on the same cell or a different cell via the second wireless module. A first transmission power of one of the first and second wireless modules is maintained, and a second transmission power of another one of the first and second wireless modules is dynamically adjusted according to a variation in a voltage of the battery. |
| US09173170B2 |
Apparatus and method for asynchronous peer-to-peer discovery
Apparatus and method are provided for performing asynchronous discovery among multiple peers in a wireless peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In an aspect of the disclosure, a peer selects a duty cycle C corresponding to a probability that the peer is in either a scanning state or an advertising state, rather than a sleeping state, wherein the duty cycle C is selected in accordance with a power consumption of the peer. The peer also selects a first probability Pt for being in the advertising state, and performs an asynchronous discovery protocol in accordance with the duty cycle C and the first probability Pt. |
| US09173166B2 |
Method and network-side device for optimizing activation/deactivation of ISR
The present application relates to mobile communication technical field, and a method for optimizing activation/deactivation Idle State signaling Reduction (ISR) and a network side device are disclosed. The method includes: during a process of updating User Element (UE) area, a first network entity, when receiving a context request message transmitted from a second entity, determines to activate or deactivate ISR, according to a mobile-reachable timer or an implicit detach timer corresponding to said UE, or operation states of the mobile-reachable timer and the implicit detach timer; and the first network entity transmits the determination result to the second network entity, said second network entity determines to instruct the UE to activate or deactivate the ISR according to the received determination result. The application optimizes the existing procedure for the activating/deactivating of the ISR, enables the ISR processing at the network side and the UE side to be consistent in height, and thus avoiding unnecessary signaling expense. |
| US09173161B2 |
Peer-to-peer pre-association discovery operations
A method for discovering P2P service capabilities of peer devices in a Wi-Fi network is disclosed. A client device scans one or more channels of the P2P network to discover peer devices, and receives one or more data frames from a set of peer devices. Each of the data frames includes management information to enable the client device to establish a connection with a corresponding peer device. Each data frame further includes a first set of service information, which includes data indicating whether the corresponding peer device is configured to provide a P2P service. The client device then selectively establishes a P2P connection with a peer device from the set based, at least in part, on the first set of service information. |
| US09173158B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving LTE enhanced packet core architecture using openflow network controller
A communication network configured to substitute serving gateway (“SGW”), packet data network gateway (“PGW”), and mobility management entity (“MME”) with an OpenFlow network controller (“OFNC”) for packets routing between mobile devices and the Internet is disclosed. The network includes a cellular base station, a packet data network (“PDN”), and OFNC. The cellular base station provides wireless communication for user equipments (“UEs”). The PDN is able to route packet flows to their destination(s). The routing controller or OFNC manages a cluster of routers including at least one edge router via OpenFlow protocol. The OFNC, in one embodiment, establishes a routing path between the cellular base station and the PDN for an authenticated UE via a group of routers based on information obtained from an authenticating server and a charging system. |
| US09173157B2 |
Wireless station clustering in cooperative communications
A method and a wireless system. The system including a cluster of wireless stations (STAs), an access point (AP), and at least one cluster lead configured to send and receive data from the STAs and the AP and to retransmit the received data to other cluster leads, or to the AP, or both. The at least one cluster lead includes an STA designated by the AP from the cluster of STAs based at least partially on channel coherence time. |
| US09173152B2 |
Handover method and apparatus
A method and a server are described for supporting handover by a network node in a mobile communication system. A message related to a handover, including a first parameter indicating a cause for the handover, is received. A handover command message is transmitted to a first base station for a terminal to perform a handover to a second base station, when the network node determines that handover is needed based on the cause. A status report message including a second parameter indicating whether or not the cause for handover is solved is received. A reverse handover request message is transmitted to the second base station for the terminal to perform reverse handover to a target base station, when the network node determines that a reverse handover is needed. The network node determines whether the handover or the reverse handover is needed. |
| US09173149B2 |
Method for adjusting cell reselection priority for avoiding IDC interference in wireless communication system and device for same
The present invention discloses a method for a first communication module of a user equipment measuring for cell reselection in a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention comprises the following steps: receiving a first message including at least one frequency priority list from a base station; receiving a second message from at one or more second communication modules which coexist in the terminal; and measuring the frequency based on the at least one frequency priority list and the operating frequency information that is included in the second message, when the second message indicates the beginning of the operation of the one or more second communication modules. |
| US09173148B2 |
Identification of target node for wireless handoff
Identification of an access point to which an access terminal is to be handed-off involves, in some aspects, identifying one access point of a set of access points that may have been detected by an access terminal. For example, an access terminal may receive a signal having an identified characteristic (e.g., a particular phase offset) from an access point. Each access point of a set of access points associated with the identified characteristic may be directed to attempt to decode a signal from the access terminal. The access point of the candidate set to use for the handoff operation may then be determined based on the signal received from the access terminal, if any, by each of the candidate access points. |
| US09173147B2 |
Communicating data using a local wireless access network node
A local wireless access network node receives a request to offload at least a portion of data traffic for a user equipment from a macro wireless access network node to the local wireless access network node, where the user equipment is to maintain a wireless connection to the macro wireless access network node after the offload. The local wireless access network node sends a response to indicate whether the local wireless access node has accepted or denied the request. |
| US09173141B2 |
Method, device and system for establishing neighboring base station connections
A method, a device and a system for establishing neighboring base station connections are provided according to the present invention. In the method, access information of a base station on a bearer network is obtained dynamically, neighborhood information of the base station is obtained according to the access information, and a neighboring base station connection is established according to the access information and the neighborhood information of the base station. |
| US09173140B2 |
Methods and apparatus for handover management
Systems and techniques for handover management in wireless communication networks. An apparatus, such as a base station, receives information relating to load conditions and computes handover threshold information based on the information relating to the load conditions. The information relating to the load conditions may comprise information received from other base stations, and the base station may in turn share its own information. Information may be shared through direct communication between base stations, or may be managed by a controller. Handover thresholds may be set for user devices based on the load metric information. |
| US09173138B2 |
Method for handoff during connected mode of a multimode mobile station in mixed deployment
Methods for handoff of a multimode mobile station (MS). The MS, in connected mode, moves from a cell of a legacy base station to a cell of an ABS and scans base stations from a list of neighboring base stations, wherein at least the ABS is listed as another legacy base station in the list of neighboring base stations. The MS performs the handoff to connect to a legacy zone of the ABS. Further, the multimode MS switching from the legacy zone of the ABS to a advanced zone of the ABS based on a Zone Switch request or command is triggered by either the multimode MS or the ABS. The Zone Switch request is triggered after detecting capabilities of either the multimode MS or the ABS that they support advanced zone. The capabilities are detected by using MAC versions of the multimode MS and the ABS or an indicator for the advanced zone. The multimode MS can also performs handoff to the advanced zone from the cell of the legacy base station by receiving one or more information for ranging in the advanced zone from the ABS during the handoff. |
| US09173136B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for performing single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) handovers
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for performing single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) handover are disclosed. According to one method, the method occurs at a testing platform. The method includes receiving, via a communications channel for exchanging messages between a first session initiation protocol (SIP) peer and a second SIP peer, a first message for triggering a bearer deletion procedure associated with a call between the first SIP peer and the second SIP peer. The method also includes in response to receiving the first message or a related message, triggering the bearer deletion procedure prior to changing an access technology. |
| US09173132B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring communication resource sets and method and system of resource management
A method for configuring a wireless communication resource set, a resource set configuration apparatus, a method and system of wireless communication resource management, and a base station with the system of wireless communication resource management are provided, wherein the method for configuring wireless communication resource sets includes: ordering the resource sets according to the preset mode; dividing the ordered resource sets into segments, wherein the segments include segments with different types and different functions; and further dividing the segments into sections, wherein every section is used for a corresponding type of service. |
| US09173131B2 |
Mobility load balance processing method, relay node, donor base station, and communication system
A mobility load balance processing method includes: sending, by a donor base station DBS, indication information to a relay node RN of the donor base station DBS, where the donor base station DBS uses the indication information to instruct the relay node RN to perform mobility load balance processing to hand over at least one user equipment UE in a cell of the relay node RN to a neighboring cell. A relay node, a donor base station, and a communication apparatus are also disclosed. Through UE handover, a cell to which a UE is attached can be adjusted, so that load balance between cells is achieved after an RN is introduced. In this way, network resource utilization is maximized, and system capacity and system performance are improved. |
| US09173130B2 |
Channel status information feedback method and apparatus in multi-node system
Provided is a channel status information feedback method and apparatus of a terminal in a multi-node system, including a plurality of nodes and a base station which is connected to and can control each of the plurality of nodes. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining one precoding matrix index (PMI) for each cooperative node with respect to the entire target frequency band; obtaining a phase correction value to be applied to the PMI for said each cooperative node in each subband within the target frequency band; and feeding the calculated PMI and phase correction value back to the serving node. |
| US09173128B2 |
Radio-awareness of mobile device for sending server-side control signals using a wireless network optimized transport protocol
System and method of radio-awareness of mobile device for sending server-side control signals using a wireless network optimized transport protocol are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method of sending a message over an alternate channel to a mobile device in the presence of an open TCP connection with a mobile device, including sending the message over the alternate channel to the mobile device, without utilizing the open TCP connection, responsive to determining that a timing criteria has been met. The alternate channel utilized need not cause a radio of the mobile device to switch on. |
| US09173124B2 |
Systems and methods for wireless signal measurement and reporting for device to-device communication
Methods, systems, and devices for configuration and reporting of proximity detection measurements are disclosed herein. User equipment (UE) is configured to receive and store a PD-RS list from an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) node B (eNB). The PD-RS list includes a radio resource configuration for at least a first proximity discovery reference signal (PD-RS). The UE is configured to measure at least the first PD-RS to determine a signal parameter for the first PD-RS. The UE reports the signal parameter for the first PD-RS to the eNB. |
| US09173120B2 |
System and method for processing received data in a wireless network
A method for communicating data within a wireless network includes receiving an indication of a measurement type from a wireless communication device and receiving a first wireless transmission pertaining to a first measurement performed by the wireless communication device. The method also includes, in response to the received transmission, obtaining a value of a second measurement of the measurement type. The second measurement is performed by a sensor associated with the base station. In addition, the method includes determining a value of the first measurement based on the received transmission and a value of a second measurement performed by the sensor associated with the base station. |
| US09173118B2 |
Method and base station for selecting working remote radio unit for user equipment
The present invention provides a method for selecting a working remote radio unit for a user equipment. By comparing isolation of a current working RRU set of a user equipment with a preset isolation threshold, resource utilization and signal interference can be effectively balanced and a working remote radio unit of the user equipment can be accurately determined. |
| US09173116B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for controlling access points
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, an apparatus and a system for controlling access points. The method includes: receiving load information on working APs in a coverage area; judging a current overall capacity of the coverage area according to the load information; and controlling APs in the coverage area according to a judgment result. A network management server includes a first receiving module, a first judgment module, and a first control module. The system includes the network management server, working APs, and non-working APs. The embodiments of the present invention also provide another method for controlling APs, a primary working AP, and a system for controlling APs. In the embodiments of the present invention, APs in the same coverage area are automatically controlled to turn on or off according to the service traffic; resources are utilized rationally; labor costs are saved; and the work efficiency is improved. |
| US09173114B2 |
OFDM system with reverse link interference estimation
A new method of performing interference estimation to allow the data packets to be efficiently delivered in an OFDM system. The interference estimation is performed on average over each frame for each mobile station individually in both frequency and time domains. Based on the estimated interference, the CIR can be determined by the BTS based on channel response estimates made by the BTS, or by the MS based on channel response estimates made for the uplink assuming a symmetrical channel. Numerical results show that the CIR estimation error could be very small if a sub-channel is considered as the minimum transmission unit. In terms of the aggregate throughput, the interference estimation method can provide a significant gain. |
| US09173113B2 |
Mobile communication terminal
A mobile communication terminal includes an interference rejection combining processor for obtaining a received signal vector with regard to each of multiple resource elements and for calculating receiving weights so as to suppress influence to a desired beam of electric wave sent from the desired base station by other beams, on the basis of the received signal vectors; a non-interference-rejection receiving weight calculator for calculating receiving weights so as not to suppress influence to the desired beam by other beams; a signal separator for separating a signal destined for the mobile communication terminal from signals destined for other mobile communication terminals; and an interference rejection combining determiner for determining whether the receiving weights to suppress influence by other beams or the receiving weights calculated by the non-interference-rejection receiving weight calculator should be used for signal separation by the signal separator, on the basis of an index representing a relationship between reception quality of a desired downlink transmission signal and reception quality of an interfering signal. |
| US09173112B2 |
Method for transferring data and information enabling an estimate of a wireless link between a source and at least one receiver
In a wireless communication system a frame composed of plural single carrier orthogonal frequency division multiplex symbols is transferred between a source and a receiver. The frame includes at least one hybrid symbol which is composed of at least one pilot sequence which is mapped on one subcarrier in two of at least a part of subcarriers on which the hybrid symbol is mapped and of discrete Fourier transformed data which are mapped on at least subcarriers comprised between two subcarriers on which the at least one pilot sequence is mapped. The at least one pilot sequence has the property that the variations of amplitudes obtained after performing a discrete Fourier transform over the at least one pilot sequence are limited. The frame also includes other symbols composed of discrete Fourier transformed data only. |
| US09173110B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring a channel status between terminals in a wireless access system that supports cooperative communication
A method and device for measuring a channel status between a first user equipment (UE) and a second UE. The method performed by the second UE includes: receiving control information related to a dedicated sounding zone from a base station through at least one of the plurality of downlink subframes, where the dedicated sounding zone is radio resource allocated for receiving a sounding signal; and receiving the sounding signal from the first UE, where the sounding signal is included in an initial symbol of an initial subframe of the plurality of uplink subframes, and where the initial symbol is included in the dedicated sounding zone. The method also includes measuring the channel status between the first UE and the second UE by using the sounding signal; and reporting a result of measurement for the channel status to the base station. |
| US09173109B2 |
Radio link quality monitoring
Disclosed herein is a method of radio link monitoring (RLM) in a UE comprising the steps of: selecting a control channel type to perform RLM on, wherein the control channel type includes one or more of: a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); or an enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH); receiving a transmission on a carrier, the transmission comprising one or more reference signals; and determining the quality of the radio link using the selected control channel type and the one or more reference signals. |
| US09173105B2 |
Method of preventing fraudulent use of a security module
A method includes preventing fraudulent use of a security module in a device, and the security module is designed to perform the following steps of: retrieving a device identifier of the device from the device; checking whether negative allowance information is stored in the security module for the retrieved device identifier and transmit a security module identifier of the security module and the retrieved device identifier to a server; and receiving a response from the server regarding whether the security module is allowed to operate with the identified device and store negative allowance information in the security module for the retrieved device identifier, if the security module is not allowed to operate with the identified device according to the server response. A security module may execute the method, and a system may include the device and the server. |
| US09173104B2 |
Mobile device with device agents to detect a disallowed access to a requested mobile data service and guide a multi-carrier selection and activation sequence
An end-user mobile device has a cellular network modem that is capable of communication over multiple carrier access networks. Prior to activation of the device with any cellular carrier, a secure credential memory stores a set of pre-activation credentials. One or more device agents detect an attempt by a user to use the device in a manner that would require a cellular connection to communicate Internet data, where such attempt is not allowed by a pre-activation service policy. Such an occurrence triggers the device agents to guide a device activation sequence that uses the pre-activation credentials to connect via a carrier access network to an activation server, which downloads service options to the device for multiple cellular service carriers. When the user selects one of the options, the activation sequence further guides the device to receive and securely store permanent credentials. The device subsequently uses the permanent credentials to access the network of the selected service carrier. |
| US09173098B1 |
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for wirelessly pairing peripherals with connected devices
A method and a system for wirelessly pairing a wireless peripheral with a computing or communication device and identifying a unique identifier of the wireless peripheral as an authorized wireless peripheral or the connected device owned by a user. The method and system further associate the wireless peripheral with the user, with the user's computing or communication device, or with an application installed on the user's device such that the computing or communication device wirelessly connects to the wireless peripheral for exchange of data or information by simply looking up the identifier of the wireless peripheral, without having to perform any wireless discovery protocols and user interaction or intervention for discovery or pairing of the computing or communication device and the wireless peripheral. |
| US09173096B2 |
Systems, methods and programs for detecting unauthorized use of text based communications services
Systems, methods, and programs for generating an authorized profile for a text communication device or account, may sample a text communication generated by the text communication device or account during communication and may store the text sample. The systems, methods, and programs may extract a language pattern from the stored text sample and may create an authorized profile based on the language pattern. Systems, methods, and programs for detecting unauthorized use of a text communication device or account may sample a text communication generated by the device or account during communication, may extract a language pattern from the audio sample, and may compare extracted language pattern of the sample with an authorized user profile. |
| US09173095B2 |
Techniques for authenticating a device for wireless docking
Examples are disclosed for a first device to wirelessly dock to a second device. In some examples, a first device may receive identification from the second device for wirelessly docking. The first device may determine whether the second device is allowed to wirelessly dock and if allowed an authentication process may be implemented. The first device may then wirelessly dock to the second device based on a successful authentication. Other examples are described and claimed. |
| US09173094B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing handover in consideration of authentication procedure
A method and device for performing handover is provided. A terminal acquires information related to a target base station (BS) through scanning, transmits a ranging request message to the target BS, the ranging request message including authentication information used for a connection with a serving BS and indication information indicating direct handover to the target BS, receives a ranging response message including a handover procedure optimization flag from the target BS and performs a network entry procedure to the target BS according to the handover procedure optimization flag. |
| US09173092B1 |
Base station data embedded for transmission within information provided to a user device
Systems and methods are described herein for collecting data from a base station. Data may be collected at a base station. The data may be embedding into a URL. The URL may then be wirelessly transferring to a mobile device. The mobile device may transmit the URL to a front-end sever. Upon receiving the URL at a front-end server from the mobile device, the URL may be stripped of the embedded data. The stripped URL can be passed from the front-end server to a web server for content delivery to the user device. The front-end server may decode the data stripped from the URL to be stored as collected base station data. |
| US09173089B2 |
Allocation of device id in device to device communications
A method of assigning a device ID of a device-to-device network to a mobile station includes: selecting a subset from a set of parameters from which the device ID is determined, each parameter in the set having a number of bits for complete representation, the subset comprising a number Nd2d of parameters used to determine the device ID; determining a number L of device ID bits to represent the device ID; dividing the L device ID bits into a group of l1 indicator bits and a group of l2 identifier bits, wherein l2 is the difference between the number L of device ID bits and the number l1 of bits allocated to the group of indicator bits; assigning bit values to the l1 indicator bits; allocating a number Ljp of the l2 identifier bits to each of the parameters in the subset; and assigning bit values the l2 identifier bits. |
| US09173083B2 |
Wireless roaming method and access controller
According to an example, a reauthentication or reassociation message carrying a roaming group information may be received from a wireless client (STA) by an AC when the STA is roaming. In addition, the AC may determine, according to the roaming group information and the received reauthentication or reassociation message, whether the STA is roaming between roaming groups or within a roaming group. In response to a determination that the roaming is between roaming groups, an extension authentication protocol (EAP) reauthentication process may be initiated and in response to a determination that the roaming is within a roaming group, a Key Cache method may be adopted to authenticate the STA. |
| US09173082B2 |
Preventing roaming user terminal re-authentication
A method and device for preventing a roaming user terminal from re-authentication are provided. The method includes: when Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) of a roaming user terminal changes, change information of the roaming user terminal is reported to a Broadband Remote Access Server (BRAS) via an Access Controller (AC) and the BRAS reports modified information of the roaming user terminal to an Authentication, Authorization, Accounting server (AAA server). |
| US09173081B2 |
System and method for enabling interactions between a policy decision point and a charging system
A system and method for telecommunications operators to enable group based dynamic policy controls for both pre-paid and post-paid subscribers, who are typically not managed in an Online Charging System (OCS), but rather in an Charging System or a Billing System. Examples of policy controls that may be enabled by this invention include tracking spending for post-paid subscribers, managing subscriber usage across fixed-line and mobile networks, and so on. This is achieved by introducing a new component called the Enhanced Charging System (ECS) and creating a new reference point and interface between the Policy Management System and the ECS. |
| US09173077B2 |
Method in a UE, a network node and a client node in a wireless communications network
A method and nodes for enabling a client node such as a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) or Location Services (LCS) client to set up a communication to a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communications network. The method enables the client node to provide solutions that enable location aware non-voice based emergency services by means of new signalling and a new architecture. A text message may be sent from the UE to the client node via a network node, wherein the text message includes UE location information and a client indicator. The UE location information and the client indicator are then utilized to determine a client node which is most appropriate for communication with the UE. |
| US09173076B2 |
Authentication method, authentication system and authentication program
A data server to authenticate a passenger anonymously and allow an outside service to provide a service on the basis of this authentication. A passenger in an automobile uses a portable terminal with an acceleration sensor to send the acceleration sensor log in the portable terminal to a data server. The data server calculates the degree of similarity between the acceleration sensor log and time-series data related to acceleration obtained from probe data acquired from the automobile, and verifies that the portable terminal is indeed inside the automobile by confirming that there is a sufficiently high correlation between the log and the time-series data. The data server provides an access permission code to the portable terminal in response to successful acceleration authentication. The portable terminal provides the access permission code to an outside service, and the outside service accesses probe data in the data server using the access permission code. |
| US09173072B2 |
Methods and systems for verification in account registration
Techniques to confirm account registration. In one embodiment, an MSISDN associated with a mobile device is received. It is determined whether to confirm registration of an account with a social networking system based at least in part on the MSISDN. Receipt of the MSISDN may include receipt of an HTTP request. The HTTP request may include an HTTP header with the MSISDN and a phone number associated with the mobile device. The MSISDN and the phone number may be compared. Registration may be confirmed based on a match between the MSISDN and the phone number. |
| US09173070B2 |
Receiving an emergency alert message via a broadcast data channel
A mobile device may be configured with multiple receivers (e.g., a cellular receiver, a broadcast receiver such as FM, AM, DTV, a satellite receiver, a NWR receiver, etc.). Upon receipt of an emergency alert message via at least one of the receivers, the mobile device, via an application installed on the mobile device, may extract the emergency alert message from a data channel of the broadcast. The mobile device, via the application, may process the extracted emergency alert message to determine if the emergency alert message is to be rendered via the device. And, if the emergency alert message is to be rendered, the mobile device, via the application, may format the extracted emergency alert message to conform to a standard format (e.g., Commercial Mobile Alert System, CMAS, format). |
| US09173068B2 |
Method for operating a mobile radio apparatus, mobile radio apparatus as well as method for automatically transmitting a message
The invention relates to a method for operating a mobile radio apparatus (10) connectable to at least one radio network (14) via radio technology, having at least one display (22) and at least one computing device for executing at least one computer program (24) for presenting content provided in a computer network and retrievable via the radio network (14) on the display (22), in which the mobile radio apparatus (10) is connected to the radio network (14) via radio technology, wherein the computer program (24) is opened depending on a connection state of the mobile radio apparatus (10) to the radio network (14) and at least a part of the content is displayed on the display (22) by means of the opened computer program (24), to a mobile radio apparatus (10) as well as to a method for automatically transmitting a message to a mobile radio apparatus (10). |
| US09173067B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing a passive indoor localization of a mobile endpoint device
A method, computer readable storage device and an apparatus for locating a mobile endpoint device in an indoor environment are disclosed. For example, the method generates a location map having a predicted signal strength for each respective location on the location map, receives a signal strength associated with the mobile endpoint device within the indoor environment, compares the signal strength to the location map having the predicted signal strength for each respective location on the location map and locates the mobile endpoint device as being at a particular location within the indoor environment. |
| US09173065B2 |
Method and system for providing enhanced location based information for wireless handsets
Methods, devices and systems for generating enhanced location information on or about a mobile device may include hybrid lateration and trilateration solutions in which the mobile device performs location determination calculations with the aid of network components or global positioning systems (GPS). Mobile devices may automatically form groups based on proximity and/or may be grouped together via a network server. Mobile devices in a group may share computed location information and/or informtion collected from internal sensors with other grouped mobile devices. Information shared between grouped mobile devices may be used to enhance the location information computed on each mobile device. For example, each mobile device may supplement and/or augment previously computed location information based on the received location information and/or relative positions of other mobile devices in the same group. Each mobile device may also utilize local sensors to further enhance their location information. |
| US09173060B2 |
System and method for mobile location by dynamic clustering
A system and method for determining the location of a mobile device in a communications network. A set of network measurement reports (NMR) may be provided for a region in the network. NMRs in the first set may be clustered as a function of observed measurement information in the NMRs. A candidate NMR for a mobile device may be received, and the candidate NMR may then be associated with a selected cluster of NMRs. The candidate NMR and a second set of NMRs may then be clustered, and a location of the mobile device determined as a function of the clustered candidate NMR and second set of NMRs, where the NMRs in the second set are associated with the selected cluster. |
| US09173059B2 |
Mobile internet protocol (IP) location
A mobile IP location server that retrieves the location of a mobile device based on the public IP address that a mobile device is using. A mobile IP location server comprises a mobile location protocol interface, an identifier resolver, and a location manager. The mobile location protocol interface interacts with location applications and receives and responds to location requests. The identifier resolver converts a device's public IP address to a real mobile identifier (e.g. MSISDN) and performs address conversion by either interacting with an HTTP proxy server or querying a network address translation (NAT) table. The location manager retrieves the location of a mobile device given the device's real mobile identifier (e.g. MSISDN). A web application requests mobile IP location services by transmitting an IP request to the mobile IP location server. An IP location request contains a mobile device's public IP address, port number, and any application specific information. |
| US09173058B2 |
System and method for locating WiMAX or LTE subscriber stations
A system and method for estimating a location of a subscriber station receiving a first signal from a first base station and receiving a second signal from a second base station where the first and second base stations are nodes in a WiMAX or LTE network. A message may be received from the subscriber station containing first and second information, and a range ring determined from the first base station using the first information. A location hyperbola may be determined using the second information wherein the location hyperbola has the first and second base stations as foci. A location of the subscriber station may be estimated using the range ring and the location hyperbola. |
| US09173056B2 |
Hybrid method for high accuracy and cost-effective prediction of mobile device positions through mobile networks
A method for determining the geographical location of a network-connected mobile device comprising a hybrid approach that further comprises both the utilization of strength or time delay signals and a database of fingerprints taken throughout the network area. |
| US09173052B2 |
Bluetooth low energy watch with event indicators and activation
A system for communicating via a wireless link is disclosed. The system may include a watch movement, a wristband, or an appliance. The system may also include a microprocessor having a Bluetooth® low energy radio. The microprocessor may be configured to receive a notification of an event from a Bluetooth® device and, in response to receiving the notification, activate an indicator on the watch movement, wristband, or appliance. Furthermore, the microprocessor may be configured to receive user input and transmit data via a Bluetooth® link to a smartphone or tablet where it may be received by an application. |
| US09173051B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting time-controlled service in machine-to-machine communication system
Methods and apparatuses are provided for operating a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Subscriber Station (SS) for a time-controlled service in an M2M communication system. The M2M SS registers the time-controlled service. The M2M SS establishes a service flow with an M2M Base Station (BS), after registering the time-controlled service. Data is transferred, from the M2M SS, to the M2M BS, through the service flow during an access admission time period. Transmission of the data to the M2M BS is ceased during an access restriction time period. |
| US09173049B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for data transmission
The present invention provides a method, an apparatus and a system for data transmission. The method includes: receiving processed first microwave data information that is received through a microwave antenna; performing multiplexing through a preset rule on the first microwave data information and processed first radio frequency data information that is received through a base station antenna, and sending multiplexed information to a baseband unit, so that the baseband unit sends the first microwave data information to a microwave indoor unit. In the method, the apparatus and the system for data transmission, microwave data information and radio frequency data information are multiplexed, and then multiplexed information is transmitted together. The microwave data information can be transmitted through a transmission medium between base station devices, such as a fiber, thereby saving connection cables between microwave transmission devices and reducing a device cost and an installation cost of the microwave transmission devices. |
| US09173044B2 |
Method and system for delivering announcements in a cabin
A method for delivering announcements via a cabin communication facility comprising at least one cabin loudspeaker and via an on-board entertainment system comprising at least one headset output comprises the steps of delivering an announcement via the at least one cabin loudspeaker, beginning at a first instant, and delivering the announcement via the at least one headset output, beginning at a second instant, which differs from the first instant, the delivering of the announcement via the at least one cabin loudspeaker and the delivering of the announcement via the at least one headset output being initiated at differing instants. |
| US09173042B2 |
Bone anchor fixture for a medical prosthesis
A screw-shaped anchoring fixture for anchoring a prosthesis in the skull bone. The anchoring fixture comprises a main body configured to be implanted into the bone and a flange configured to function as a stop to prevent the main body from completely penetrating through the bone. The main body comprises a distal tapered apical portion, a first portion, and a second portion. The inner diameter of the second portion is greater than the inner diameter of the first portion. The method for inserting the anchoring fixture includes providing the anchoring fixture, drilling a hole, and inserting the anchoring fixture into the hole until the flange contacts the skull bone, wherein the hole has a diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the first portion and less than the outer diameter of the second portion. |
| US09173040B2 |
Miniaturized variable reluctance transducer
The present invention comprises a new topology of a balanced variable reluctance transducer where magnets are moved to a lateral position relative to the dynamic flux circuit. This makes the whole transducerFIG.considerably smaller and the air gaps become fully visible from the outside. |
| US09173035B2 |
Dual coil moving magnet transducer
Embodiments are disclosed for driving an electromagnetic transducer via a drive unit comprising stationary coils and a moving magnet. In some embodiments, an electromagnetic transducer comprises a diaphragm configured to generate acoustic vibrations, a moving magnet affixed to the diaphragm, and a pair of fixed coils surrounding the moving magnet, the fixed coils configured to direct electrical current in opposite directions. |
| US09173030B2 |
Speaker system and speaker driving method
A speaker system includes: a display panel having a display screen; a structure having a plate part functioning as an acoustic diaphragm located outside of a perimeter of the display screen and being supported by the display panel; and an actuator attached to the structure so that a displacement direction of the actuator may be a direction of a plate surface of the plate part. |
| US09173025B2 |
Combined suppression of noise, echo, and out-of-location signals
A system, a method, logic embodied in a computer-readable medium, and a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that when executed carry out a method. The method processes: (a) a plurality of input signals, e.g., signals from a plurality of spatially separated microphones; and, for echo suppression, (b) one or more reference signals, e.g., signals from or to be rendered by one or more loudspeakers and that can cause echoes. The method processes the input signals and one or more reference signals to carry out in an integrated manner simultaneous noise suppression and out-of-location signal suppression, and in some versions, echo suppression. |
| US09173024B2 |
Noise mitigating microphone system
A microphone system has a package with a top, a bottom, and four sides that at least in part form an interior chamber. One of the sides forms an inlet aperture for communicating the inlet chamber with the exterior environment. The system also has first and second microphone dies, in a stacked relationship, respectively having a first and second diaphragms. A circuit die, positioned in electrical communication with the first and second microphone dies, is configured to mitigate vibrational noise from the first microphone die using a signal produced by the second microphone die or vice versa. The first and second microphone dies are positioned so that the first and second diaphragms are substantially the same distance from the inlet aperture in the side. |
| US09173017B2 |
Circumaural earphone and decorating strap thereof
A circumaural earphone and a decorating strap thereof are provided. The circumaural earphone includes two earphone cups, a main strap, a decorating strap, a photosensitive switch, a power supplier and a light emitter. Two ends of the main strap are connected with the two earphone cups. Two ends of the decorating strap are detachably connected with the two earphone cups or the main strap. The photosensitive switch is disposed in one of the two earphone cups, the main strap or the decorating strap. The power supplier is disposed in one of the two earphone cups, the main strap or the decorating strap. The light emitter is disposed in the decorating strap and electrically connected with the power supplier through the photosensitive switch. |
| US09173015B2 |
Microphone module with sound pipe
A microphone module has a substrate with an aperture to allow sound waves to pass through the substrate, a lid mounted to the substrate to define a first interior volume, a microphone mounted to the substrate within the first interior volume, and a housing coupled to the substrate and covering the aperture. The housing forms a second interior volume and includes an acoustic port configured to allow sound to enter the second interior volume. The module further includes a pipe extending from the acoustic port in the housing, and at least one exterior interface pad outside of the second interior volume. The pipe has an open end to receive sound waves and direct them toward the acoustic port in the housing. Moreover, the at least one exterior interface pad electrically couples to the microphone. |
| US09173009B2 |
Computer-implemented system and method for notifying users upon the occurrence of an event
A computer-implemented system and method for notifying users on the occurrence of an event is disclosed. An embodiment further includes notifying selected users upon the occurrence of particular events in sessions using a variety of notification methods. |
| US09173001B1 |
Media content access systems and methods
In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to process a flagging request, which designates a scene within the media content instance as a flagged scene. The processing subsystem is further configured to generate an actionable data module containing additional content corresponding to the flagged scene. |
| US09172993B2 |
Broadband local area network
A BCN network with BCN modems that enable network wired devices to communicate over a typical home coaxial network that may include passive splitters and different types of coaxial cable. |
| US09172985B2 |
Video playback system allowing multiple mobile communication devices to control the same video decoder and related computer program products
A video playback system includes a content provider server for providing video signals of a first and a second video; a video decoder; a display for displaying video content outputted from the video decoder; a playback control server for controlling the video decoder; a first mobile communication device for transmitting a first selection message to the playback control server via internet at a first time point; and a second mobile communication device for transmitting a second selection message to the playback control server via internet at a second time point. The playback control server utilizes the video decoder to receive video signals of the first video according to the first selection message, and utilizes the video decoder to receive video signals of the second video according to the second selection message after the second time point. |
| US09172982B1 |
Audio selection from a multi-video environment
A method and system for audio selection is disclosed. Multiple active videos are rendered in a single video stream and the multiple active videos are simultaneously displayed on a client machine. A user selects a video from among the multiple active videos for which associated audio is presented. As the user selects different videos the previous audio is stopped and the new audio is played. The new audio is synchronized to the selected video. |
| US09172979B2 |
Experience or “sentio” codecs, and methods and systems for improving QoE and encoding based on QoE experiences
Certain embodiments teach a variety of experience or “sentio” codecs, and methods and systems for enabling an experience platform, as well as a Quality of Experience (QoS) engine which allows the sentio codec to select a suitable encoding engine or device. The sentio codec is capable of encoding and transmitting data streams that correspond to participant experiences with a variety of different dimensions and features. As will be appreciated, the following description provides one paradigm for understanding the multi-dimensional experience available to the participants, and as implemented utilizing a sentio codec. There are many suitable ways of describing, characterizing and implementing the sentio codec and experience platform contemplated herein. |
| US09172978B2 |
Communicating primary content streams and secondary content streams including targeted advertising to a remote unit
The invention relates to a method and system to communicate primary and secondary content streams to at least one remote unit, for example, via a television channel in a targeted television environment. The secondary content stream comprises a plurality of tertiary content streams (e.g., video streams) providing commercials, advertisements or any other content. The tertiary content streams are included in the secondary content stream as a mosaic so that each tertiary content stream is a subset or portion of an active display area or frame provided by the single secondary content stream. In one exemplary embodiment, the method and system provide targeted or specific commercial advertisements to demographically selected audiences. |
| US09172975B2 |
Method and system for encoding and transmitting high definition 3-D multimedia content
One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a method and system for encoding and/or transmitting high definition 3-D multimedia content. In one embodiment, the frames for each eye of a viewer may be transmitted in a frame sequential manner to a display device, with an occasional null frame included in the frame stream. The null frame may be ignored by the display device and not presented to the viewer. In another embodiment, a synchronization signal may be presented to the display device to instruct the display device on how to display the frame-sequenced frames such that the 3-D effect of the content may be achieved. The synchronization signal may be presented to the display device embedded within the frames of the content or embedded within the null frames. The synchronization signal may also be provided out of band, such as on a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable. |
| US09172965B2 |
Multi-level representation of reordered transform coefficients
Techniques and tools for encoding and decoding a block of frequency coefficients are presented. An encoder selects a scan order from multiple available scan orders and then applies the selected scan order to a two-dimensional matrix of transform coefficients, grouping non-zero values of the frequency coefficients together in a one-dimensional string. The encoder entropy encodes the one-dimensional string of coefficient values according to a multi-level nested set representation. In decoding, a decoder entropy decodes the one-dimensional string of coefficient values from the multi-level nested set representation. The decoder selects the scan order from among multiple available scan orders and then reorders the coefficients back into a two-dimensional matrix using the selected scan order. |
| US09172964B2 |
Systems and methods for changing rate-control setting during video encoding
Methods for changing a rate-control (RC) setting during video encoding, performed by an RC controller and a video encoder, are provided. An embodiment of the method comprises determining whether change in the RC setting is allowed for encoding a next portion of a video sequence, detecting a request for changing the RC setting before encoding the next portion of the video sequence if the RC setting is allowed to be changed; and executing video encoding for the next portion of the video sequence ceaselessly utilizing the changed RC setting when detecting the request. |
| US09172960B1 |
Quantization based on statistics and threshold of luminanceand chrominance
Embodiments are directed towards modifying a quality of an image without affecting a bit rate associated with a video sequence of images. For each macro-block (MB) or sub-block within a MB for a target image to be encoded, various statistics are determined for a luminance component and chrominance components that provide at least average values for the chrominance components that may then be used to identify saturation thresholds. The saturation thresholds are used to determine a Qlevel. An average Qlevel from at least a previous frame is used to generate a Q modulation factor that may be combined with an activity based modulation factor and/or variance based modulation factor, or used singly. The final quantizer is calculated by bit-rate controller base quantizer multiplied by the Q modulation factor, and may be used to encode a MB or sub-block within a MB. |
| US09172959B2 |
Method and encoding/decoding of video using common merging candidate set of asymmetric partitions
The present invention provides video encoding and decoding methods using block merging, which can be applied to a high resolution video of more than HD (High Definition) resolution. A video encoding method includes partitioning a current block into a first and a second prediction unit by using asymmetric partitioning, constructing a list of common merging candidate blocks including a predetermined number of common merging candidate blocks selected from adjacent blocks of the current block, selecting at least one candidate block from among the list of common merging candidate blocks and sending information of the selected candidate block to a decoder for each of the first and the second prediction unit. |
| US09172956B2 |
Encoding and decoding images using inter-prediction
According to the present invention, an inter-prediction method includes: receiving mode information on the inter-prediction of a current block; decoding the received mode information; and performing inter-prediction using the decoded mode information. According to the present invention, image compression efficiency may be improved. |
| US09172947B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing multi-view image using hole rendering
A method and apparatus for processing a multi-view image are provided. A priority may be assigned to each hole pixel in a hole region generated when an output view is generated. The priority of each hole pixel may be generated by combining a structure priority, a confidence priority, and a disparity priority. Hole rendering may be applied to a target patch including a hole pixel having a highest priority. The hole pixel may be restored by searching for a source patch most similar to a background of the target patch, and copying a pixel in the found source patch into a hole pixel of the target patch. |
| US09172946B2 |
Method for driving liquid crystal display device displaying stereoscopic images
The image quality of a liquid crystal display device that can display stereoscopic images is improved without the decrease in resolution. In a method for driving a liquid crystal display device that displays stereoscopic images by a wavelength division method, a first image seen with left eye and a second image seen with right eye are displayed using R, G, and B whose wavelength bands are different from each other by a field-sequential method. In the field-sequential method, writing of video signals and lighting of a backlight are sequentially performed not in the entire pixel portion but in each given region of the pixel portion. |
| US09172945B2 |
Method of creation of a virtual three dimensional image to enable its reproduction on planar substrates
A method of creation of a virtual three dimensional image to enable its reproduction on at least one planar substrate includes creating a virtual three dimensional space that includes a ground plane. A virtual model of an object is merged into the virtual three dimensional space and located at a desired position on the ground plane. A first virtual camera is placed at a first position in the virtual three dimensional space. Virtual lighting is added to the virtual three dimensional space to create shadows of the virtual model on at least the ground plane. The first virtual camera is used for rendering of the virtual model and the shadows to obtain a rendered image. The virtual model is removed and the rendered image is projected onto the ground plane. A second virtual camera is placed vertically above the projection of the rendered image on the ground plane and is used to capture the virtual three dimensional image of the projection of the rendered image on the ground plane to enable reproduction of the virtual three dimensional image on the at least one planar substrate. |
| US09172944B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, non-transitory tangible medium having image processing program, and image-pickup device
An image processing device includes: a parallax control processing section performing an image processing for modifying a parallax magnitude, on each of a plurality of parallax images obtained through shooting from a plurality of respective view point directions different from one another, with use of shooting information related to a shooting condition for each of the parallax images. |
| US09172937B2 |
Timed events during recorded media playback
A system and method are provided for providing a timed event to a user viewing recorded media content at a defined time interval. The recorded media content may be any media viewed on a time-shifted basis. For example, the recorded media may be television content recorded by a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), media content recorded on a Digital Video Disc (DVD), streaming media content providing by a network such as the Internet, or the like. In general, the timed event may be, for example, presenting audio, visual, or audio-visual content and is configured to occur periodically at a time interval such as, but not limited to, every half-hour, every hour, or once a day. Once the timed event is configured, the timed event is periodically effected at the time interval to provide an indication of time while the user is viewing recorded media content. |
| US09172936B2 |
Inter-video corresponding relationship display system and inter-video corresponding relationship display method
To enable a utilization frequency of each segment in a source video to be readily assessed between videos in a corresponding relationship during a creation process. Relationship information that is information indicating a segment in a corresponding relationship between a source video and a plurality of derived videos created using at least a part of segments of the source video is stored in a relationship information storing unit, and a corresponding relationship of the segment between the source video and the plurality of derived videos and a utilization frequency of each segment of the source video by the plurality of derived videos are displayed based on the relationship information stored in the relationship information storing unit. |
| US09172934B2 |
Method for white balance adjustment of images
A white balance adjustment method includes capturing a raw image by an image capturing device where an arrangement format of the raw image is BGb/GrR, a predetermined sampling width is used to sample RGB pixels, and obtaining color scale values of each channel. Each channel includes a first buffer space and a second buffer space, the first buffer space storing smaller color scale values, the second buffer storing larger color scale values, an average value of the minimum color scale values stored in the first buffer space is calculated to obtain a reference black, an average value of the maximum color scale values stored in the second buffer space is calculated to obtain a reference white. A color histogram stretching method using the obtained reference black and white adjusts the white balance of the raw image. |
| US09172933B2 |
Correcting anamolous texture and feature width effects in a display that uses a multi primary color unit scheme
A method for correcting artifact effects is a multi-primary color matrix display is provided where the display is populated by an array of red-green-blue (RGB) pixels and of non-RGB pixels. The method includes receiving all-RGB data in an all-RGB format; converting the all-RGB data into multi-primary data in accordance with a predefined multi-primary color scheme, testing for and applying one or more artifact correction modifications to each of primary colors that is not represented by all pixels, wherein the modification includes shifting of intensity production of a given non-primary color to a metameric equivalent of pixels in one or more adjacent RGB pixels. |
| US09172932B2 |
Video signal paths switching in a portable display system
An image projection system includes a scaler IC, a micro-projector, a video connector, and a controller. The video connector is coupled to the scaler IC and the micro-projector. The controller controls the video connector and the scaler IC to form a first signal path mode and a second signal path mode. The video connector transmits a first image signal from the scaler IC for external displaying in the first signal path mode. The video connector receives a second image signal from a peripheral device and passes the second image signal to the micro-projector for projection in the second signal path mode. |
| US09172929B2 |
Encapsulation of light-emitting elements on a display module
A video display module comprises a circuit board having a front face, a plurality of light-emitting elements electrically coupled to the front face of the circuit board, and a polymer encapsulating member adhered to the front face of the circuit board, the polymer encapsulating member substantially covering at least a portion of the circuit board and a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements, the polymer encapsulating member substantially sealing the portion of the circuit board and the portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements. |
| US09172928B2 |
Color image capture system and method for light modulation
A color image capture systems comprised of: a lens 110; a light sensitive sensor 114; a first wavelength dependent mask 120 located on an optical path 128 between the lens and sensor, wherein the first wavelength dependent mask 120 includes a first attenuation pattern for modulation of a light field; and a second wavelength dependent mask 130, wherein the second wavelength dependent mask includes a second attenuation pattern to modulate the modulated light field from the first wavelength dependent mask, the second wavelength dependent mask located on the optical path 128 between the first wavelength dependent mask and the sensor, further wherein the second wavelength dependent mask is separated from the sensor by a distance d. |
| US09172920B1 |
Doorbell diagnostics
A doorbell can be configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing device. In some cases, components that enable the doorbell to wirelessly communicate with the remote computing device could make the doorbell incompatible with certain types of chimes. In some embodiments, the doorbell is configured to diagnose chime compatibility issues. |
| US09172911B2 |
Touch control of a camera at a remote video device
A device, computer program product, and method control the operation of one or more cameras associated with a video conference endpoint in a video conference call. A camera control unit (remote control) includes a touch enabled end user component that presents to the user graphical objects representing video conference endpoints currently connected in a conference call, and/or one or more live video feeds currently captured by the video conference endpoint's cameras, and allows the user to manipulate a camera's pan, tilt and zoom using a touch screen display embedded in said camera control unit. |
| US09172908B2 |
Unpaired devices
Disclosed is a user device comprising an output component configured to deliver an experience to a user in a standalone mode of the user device and an input component configured to receive a notification of an event. The device also comprises an indication generator for generating an indication for transmission over an air interface in response to receiving the input. The indication comprises an identifier relating to the event. Further, the device comprises a processing component configured to receive a message from a network node via a network. The message indicates that a media device has detected the identifier, and also comprises information of the media device. The processing component is configured to process the message received from the network to enable transfer of at least part of the experience to the media device. |
| US09172907B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting aspect ratio of images during a video call
A method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting an aspect ratio of an image during a video call is described herein. Specifically, a method for dynamically adjusting the aspect ratio of an image during a video call may include obtaining at least one display parameter of a display device, performing a comparison of the at least one display parameter to at least one image capture parameter of a capture device, capturing an original image, modifying the original image based on the comparison performed, wherein the modified image has an adjusted aspect ratio different from an aspect ratio of the original image, and sending the modified image to the display device. |
| US09172906B2 |
Mobile communication terminal and data input method
A mobile communication terminal includes a display module to display image data on an image display area, an input module to generate touch data according to a touch input in a touch area, and a storage module to store the touch data associated with the image data. A data input method includes displaying image data on an image display area, generating touch data according to a touch input in a touch area, associating the touch data with the image data, and storing the touch data associated with the image data. |
| US09172898B2 |
Video display apparatus and method of setting user viewing conditions
A method of setting user viewing conditions of a video display apparatus including determining whether a detected terminal is registered by receiving address information of the detected terminal; measuring a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the detected terminal, if the detected terminal is registered, comparing the RSSI of the detected terminal with preset reference RSSI; comparing a priority order of the detected terminal user profile with a priority order of a preset user profile, if a value of the measured RSSI is larger than a value of the reference RSSI; loading the detected user profile of the terminal, if the priority order of the detected terminal user profile is higher than the priority order of a preset user profile; and setting user viewing conditions based on the loaded user profile. |
| US09172896B2 |
Content-sensitive and context-sensitive user interface for an intelligent television
An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for navigating processes associated with providing content. The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces' layout, aspect ratio of elements, display of elements, and size of selectable images are dependent on the type of content presented. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the content. |
| US09172893B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array, control lines TG each provided for a corresponding one of rows of pixels and configured to control, e.g., operation of a transfer transistor, and a driver circuit 103 configured to control the operation of the transfer transistor through the control lines TG and connected to a power-supply line TGL. The solid-state imaging device performs all reset operation for resetting signal charges of all pixels by the driver circuit 103 and reading operation for reading a pixel signal from each row of the pixels. An impedance controller 130 configured to control an impedance value for power-supply line TGL in the reading operation to be less than an impedance value for power-supply line TGL in the all reset operation is provided. |
| US09172889B2 |
Imaging systems and methods for generating auto-exposed high-dynamic-range images
Electronic devices may have camera modules that include an image sensor and processing circuitry. The image sensor may capture an image from a scene. The processing circuitry may extract image statistics and exposure levels from the image. The processing circuitry may use the image statistics and the exposure levels to generate a first exposure time, a second exposure time, and gain settings for the image sensor. The image sensor may capture additional images from the scene having long-exposure image pixel values that are captured using the first exposure time and short-exposure image pixel values that are captured using the second exposure time. The processing circuitry may generate a long-exposure image and a short-exposure image from the second image. The processing circuitry may generate auto-exposed high-dynamic-range images of the scene using the long-exposure image and the short-exposure image. |
| US09172883B2 |
Imaging apparatus with a finder device having at least one variable magnification lens which can be inserted into and removed from an optical path of the finder device
A camera 10 has an imaging optical system, an imaging device 21a, and a finder device 15. The finder device 15 includes a variable magnification lens 64 which can be inserted into and removed from an optical path, and a shutter 62 which can switch between a closed state in which it interrupts light coming from a finder window 16 and an open state in which it allows passage of light coming from the finder window 16. The camera 10 is equipped with a driver 54 for controlling insertion and removal of the variable magnification lens 64 in accordance with the focal length of the imaging optical system, a driver 53 for controlling the state of the shutter 62, and a CPU 82. The CPU 82 controls the shutter 62 so that it is kept in the closed state while the variable magnification lens 64 is being moved. |
| US09172881B2 |
Camera and method of controlling operation of same
It is arranged so that a user looking at an optical viewfinder and manipulating an operating member of a camera can ascertain which operating member is being manipulated. An optical image of a subject is displayed in the optical viewfinder. Operating members of the camera, which include a shutter-speed dial, exposure dial and command lever, are provided with respective touch sensors for sensing that these operating members have been touched. If the user touches the shutter-speed dial, an image representing the shutter-speed dial touched by the user appears on the optical image of the subject. Viewing the displayed image allows the user to ascertain that he is manipulating the shutter-speed dial. |
| US09172871B2 |
Method and device for multi-camera image correction
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a device for multi-camera image correction. The method for multi-camera image correction includes: acquiring information of independent images that are captured by each camera and have no overlap area or have an overlap area smaller than a threshold; acquiring, according to information of each independent image, an image correction parameter that corresponds to each camera and allows adjacent independent images to be corrected into a contiguous image; and performing, according to the image correction parameter, correction processing on video data of a camera that corresponds to the image correction parameter. In the embodiments of the present invention, maintenance manpower is saved, adjustment efficiency is improved, and remote maintenance may be performed in the case of no overlap area or of a small overlap area. In addition, images are corrected in a data processing manner, which efficiently ensures precision of image correction. |
| US09172870B2 |
Real-time image processing method and device enhancing the resolution of successive images
Disclosed herein are a method and a device of real-time image processing. The method comprises capturing three images, enhancing a resolution of the images to obtain for each image a high-resolution image (HRI), obtaining two displacement vectors using the HRIs, obtaining a superimposed HRI based on the HRIs and the displacement vectors, obtaining a compensatory vector based on the displacement vectors, and generating a super-resolution image based on the superimposed HRI and the compensatory vector. |
| US09172868B2 |
Imaging device, imaging method and storage medium for combining images consecutively captured while moving
The present invention can easily acquire images having a uniform aspect ratio. In an imaging device of the invention, a control section detects the movement amount and the movement direction of the imaging device based on output from an acceleration sensor. Then, when the movement direction of the imaging device in its initial movement started at the beginning of imaging is substantially linear and a substantially horizontal or vertical direction, the control section calculates a reference movement amount by which a composite image having a predetermined aspect ratio can be generated, based on the movement amount of the imaging device, and controls the display section to display imaging area information (guide) indicating the final imaging area having the predetermined aspect ratio based on the reference movement amount. |
| US09172867B2 |
Method for running camera and electronic device thereof
A method usable by an electronic device executes at least one application operating a first camera and a second camera and determines whether an image acquired by the second camera is shaded by an object obscuring a portion of the acquired second camera image. In response to a determination the acquired second camera image is shaded, the method displays on a preview screen an image acquired by the first camera. |
| US09172866B2 |
Electronic device, driving method of the same, and computer readable recording medium
An electronic device includes: a display unit capable of displaying a rotational pathway which rotates on a screen and with which an operation of the electronic device is associated according to a position on the rotational pathway; a touch screen that detects a touch from an outside and receives an input of a positional signal according to a position of the touch; a display controller that converts the position of the touch corresponding to the positional signal received by the touch screen into a position on the rotational pathway and causes a mark to be displayed at the position converted; and an operation controller that controls an operation of the electronic device according to a display position of the mark on the rotational pathway. |
| US09172862B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, and program
An information processing device includes a detecting unit configured to detect a motion of a subject included in an image generated by an imaging device including multiple phase difference detecting pixels which generate a signal arranged to perform focus determination by phase difference detection, and multiple image generating pixels which generate a signal arranged to generate an image; and a determining unit configured to determine thinning-out processing when reading out a signal from the imaging device, according to the detected motion of a subject. |
| US09172859B2 |
Camera module and method for inspecting horizontality of object and the camera module
Exemplary embodiments of a camera module are proposed, the camera module including an image sensor photographing a object image, a memory unit stored with a look-up table recorded with pixel number of the object image corresponding to a length of the object, and an image signal processor detecting a pixel number of the object image photographed by the image sensor, reading out a length of a object corresponding to the detected pixel number from the memory unit and inspecting horizontality of the image sensor and the object. |
| US09172858B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling settings of an imaging operation
An information processing apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform control for selecting settings for an imaging operation of an imaging unit based on surrounding sound obtained by a sound obtaining unit and an image generated by the imaging unit. |
| US09172857B2 |
Image capture apparatus, imaging lens, and image capture system
An image capture system including an image capture apparatus and an imaging lens detachable from the image capture apparatus comprises an image capture unit which captures an image of an object, an aperture which adjusts an amount of light that enters the image capture unit; a stepping motor of a 1-2 phase driving type, which is configured to drive the aperture, and a control unit which controls to set the stepping motor in a current applied state when the aperture is stopped down, and to drive the aperture by a difference between an aperture value while the aperture is stopped down and an aperture value for still image capture, when a still image capture instruction is issued while the aperture is stopped down. |
| US09172856B2 |
Folded imaging path camera
In embodiments of a folded imaging path camera, a device includes a camera lens module that focuses an image, which is received as reflected light. An image sensor captures the image from the reflected light that is directed at the image sensor. The device also includes one or more optics that fold the reflected light of the image along an imaging path directed through the camera lens module and directed at the image sensor. The imaging path directed through the camera lens module can be approximately perpendicular to an axis along which the reflected light of the image is received via an aperture in the device. Alternatively, the imaging path directed through the camera lens module is approximately parallel to the axis along which the reflected light of the image is received via the aperture in the device. |
| US09172853B2 |
Microlens array architecture for avoiding ghosting in projected images
Light-field image data is processed in a manner that reduces projection artifacts in the presence of variation in microlens position by calibrating microlens positions. Approximate centers of disks in a light-field image are identified, and gridded calibration is performed, by fitting lines to disk centers along orthogonal directions, and then fitting a rigid grid to the light-field image. For each grid region, a corresponding disk center is computed, and a displacement vector is generated. For each grid region, the final disk center is computed as the vector sum of the grid region's geometric center and displacement vector. Calibration data, including displacement vectors, is then used in calibrating disk centers for more accurate projection of light-field images. In at least one embodiment, the imaging geometry is arranged so that disks are separated by a gap, so as to limit or eliminate ghosting. |
| US09172852B2 |
Camera system, video processing apparatus, and camera apparatus
Disclosed herein is a camera system including, a camera apparatus having, an image sensor, a correction section, a first transmission processing section, and a synchronization processing section, and a video processing apparatus having a second transmission processing section and a conversion section, wherein the video processing apparatus outputs the video data obtained by the conversion by the conversion section. |