| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09216932B2 |
Dehalogenation of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
The present invention is related to making hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), more specifically, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne (TFP), from trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (trans-1233zd) by contacting the trans-1233zd with a base. Preferably, the base is potassium hydroxide or potassium tert-butoxide, which may or may not be dissolved in as solvent. |
| US09216931B1 |
Process for recovering olefins in polyolefin plants
A process for recovering unreacted olefin in a polyolefin manufacturing process comprising the treatment of a purge bin vent gas. The process involves cooling and condensing the vent gas (purge stream), which contains at least an olefin, a paraffin, and hydrogen, to produce a liquid condensate and an uncondensed (residual) gas stream. Both streams are then passed through membrane separation steps. The membrane separation of the uncondensed gas stream results in a residue stream containing mostly nitrogen and/or paraffin and a permeate stream enriched in either C2+ hydrocarbons or olefin, depending on the type of separation. The permeate from this step is recirculated within the process prior to the condensation step. The membrane separation of the condensate results in a residue stream containing paraffin and a permeate stream enriched in olefin, which may be recycled to the polymerization reactor. |
| US09216929B2 |
Aluminum oxide ceramics with hydroxyapatite
The invention relates to a method for producing hydroxyapatite coated ceramics components. In a first step of the inventive method the ceramic component is provided with a Ti coating and in a second step a hydroxyapatite is applied to the Ti coating. The invention further relates to hydroxyapatite coated ceramic components produced according to the inventive method. |
| US09216925B2 |
Method for producing aggregates from cement compositions
A method for producing aggregates from fresh cement compositions, included concrete and residual concrete is disclosed, comprising the addition of a) flash setting accelerators and b) super-absorbent polymers to fresh unset cement compositions and blending this mixture until granular materials are formed. |
| US09216923B2 |
Metal and graphite mold and method of making a crucible
A mold for making a fused silica crucible includes a cylindrical can having an interior bore. A graphite insert is received in the bore and has an upper surface adapted to form the lower surface of the crucible while the interior bore of the can forms the side wall of the crucible. Silica grain is deposited in the mold while it rotates. Bores formed in the can above the insert and in the insert draw air through the silica during fusion. |
| US09216921B2 |
System and method for treating process water with separate separation of gases and solids
The invention relates to a method and a system for purifying process water, particularly for continuously purifying process water in the paper industry. The method comprises at least one process water treatment step, which comprises the following steps: a) an anaerobic purifying step, wherein process water to be purified is brought in contact with anaerobic microorganisms in an anaerobic reactor in order to decompose impurities present in the waste water, b) a first separating step, wherein gases present in the process water obtained in step a) are separated from said process water, and c) a second separating step, wherein solids present in the process water obtained in step b) are separated from the process water. |
| US09216912B2 |
Method for preparing alkali metal and transition metal fluorosulfates
The invention relates to a method for preparing an alkali metal and transition metal fluorosulfate that is useful as an electrode material in an electrochemical battery that operates by alkali ion exchange. The method includes a first step that involves: preparing a mixture of precursors of elements making up fluorosulfate, placing said mixture in contact with a solid polymer at ambient temperature, subjecting the reaction medium to a heat treatment that aims to melt the polymer, and subsequently reacting the precursors with one another. Said polymer is one that is solid at ambient temperature, has a melting point lower than the reaction temperature of the precursors, is stable at least up to the reaction temperature of the precursors, and is soluble in a nonpolar aprotic organic solvent. |
| US09216907B2 |
Method of manufacturing positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery, positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery, electrode for lithium ion battery, and lithium ion battery
A method of manufacturing a positive electrode active material for lithium ion batteries, comprising: preparing a mixture containing (A) Li3PO4, or a Li source and a phosphoric acid source, (B) at least one selected from a group of an Fe source, a Mn source, a Co source and a Ni source, water and an aqueous organic solvent having a boiling point of 150° C. or more, wherein the amounts of (A) and (B) in the mixture are adjusted to amounts necessary to manufacture therefrom LiMPO4, wherein M represents at least one selected from the group of Fe, Mn, Co and Ni, at a concentration of 0.5 to 1.5 mol/L; and generating fine particles of LiMPO4 having an average primary particle diameter of 30 to 80 nm by reacting (A) and (B) at a high temperature and high pressure. |
| US09216905B2 |
Gasification or liquefaction of coal using a metal reactant alloy composition
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for gasifying or liquifying coal. In particular, the method comprises reacting a coal with a molten aluminum or aluminum alloy bath. The apparatus includes a reaction vessel for carrying out the reaction, as well as other equipment necessary for capturing and removing the reaction products. Further, the process can be used to cogenerate electricity using the excess heat generated by the process. |
| US09216904B2 |
Recovery of sulfur from sulfur-containing waste
A process and apparatus are provided for treating sulfur-containing waste, resulting in recovered pure sulfur and a sulfur-free ash for landfilling. In regards to a process, a sulfur-containing waste is heated in a receptacle at between 120 and 160° C. to obtain a mixture including raw molten sulfur. The process optionally separates solids, by rough screening, from the mixture and transfers the mixture, following optional screening, to a separating reactor heated at between 450 and 500° C. to create sulfur vapor and sulfur-free solid phase. The process transfers the sulfur vapor to a condenser cooled to between 120 and 140° C. to obtain molten sulfur and transfers the solid phase to a cooling conveyor, with the solid phase being collected as ash for landfilling. The process further removes gases from the condenser with an off-gas cleaner and collects from the condenser essentially pure sulfur. |
| US09216899B2 |
System and method for miniaturization of synthetic jets
A micro-electromechanical (MEM) synthetic jet actuator includes a semiconductor substrate having a cavity extending therethrough, such that a first opening is formed in a first surface of the semiconductor substrate and such that a second opening is formed in a second surface of the semiconductor substrate. A first flexible membrane is formed on at least a portion of the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and extends over the first opening. The first flexible membrane also includes an orifice formed therein aligned with the first opening. The MEM synthetic jet actuator also includes a second flexible membrane that is formed on at least a portion of the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and that extends over the second opening, and a pair of actuator elements coupled to the flexible membranes and aligned with the cavity to selectively cause displacement of the first and second flexible membranes. |
| US09216897B2 |
Capacitive sensing structure with embedded acoustic channels
A MEMS device includes a dual membrane, an electrode, and an interconnecting structure. The dual membrane has a top membrane and a bottom membrane. The bottom membrane is positioned between the top membrane and the electrode and the interconnecting structure defines a spacing between the top membrane and the bottom membrane. |
| US09216896B1 |
Animal halter
A halter for positioning on the heads of animals with a nose band, a poll band, and cheek straps and a chin strap connected between them. The nose band formed from a nose strap and a jaw strap connected at opposed ends to a slot halter link. The poll band formed from a poll strap and a throat strap connected at opposed ends to a strap ring. One end of the jaw strap inserted through a halter link slot and attached to a slide buckle on the jaw strap. One end of the throat strap inserted through a strap ring and attached to a slide buckle on the throat strap. One end of the poll strap inserted through a strap ring and attached to a slide buckle on the poll strap. The poll strap may have two strap elements with a fastener to connect and disconnect the two strap elements. |
| US09216895B2 |
Refrigerator appliance with hot water dispenser
A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment, and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet. A vented exhaust conduit is provided at least partially within an interior of the door and defines a pathway in fluid communication with an environment exterior of the cabinet. A water heater includes a heating element located at least partially within the vented exhaust conduit and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator, wherein heat generated by the heating element can escape through the pathway of the vented exhaust to the environment exterior of the cabinet. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water. |
| US09216893B2 |
Feed systems with constant pressures
The present invention discloses a feed system with a constant pressure. The feed system comprises a feed container which has a depressurize port mounted on its top, a intake port mounted at its side, and a feed port mounted on its bottom, contains a liquid material being a medicine or a liquid glue mixture; a intake structure which comprises a throttle pipeline and a throttle valve; a opening controller which connects to the throttle valve and the pressure sensor, for controlling the intake structure. The advantage of the feed system is to control the feed flow rate so as to maintain a constant during the feed process, particularly in the hybrid feed system. By steadily controlling the output flow rate, the mixed proportion is controlled to generate the product with the stable quality when two or more liquid materials must be mixed according to the specific proportion. |
| US09216892B2 |
Automated fuel quality detection and dispenser control system and method, particularly for aviation fueling applications
A fuel quality monitoring system and method to automatically and/or continuously monitor quality of fuel dispensed and control the operation of the fuel dispenser. The control system monitors fuel quality to prevent unsafe refuelings when the fuel quality is unacceptable. In one embodiment, a combination of a differential pressure sensor and a fuel quality monitoring device. If fuel quality is at an acceptable level although not ideal, the control system can allow fueling with the generation of reports and alarms. If the fuel quality is unacceptable, fuel flow can be stopped. If the differential pressure across the filter indicates a high degree of debris and/or water retention, the control system can automatically lower the flow rate to reduce the risk of filter breakdown without completely preventing fueling until the filter can be replaced. |
| US09216890B1 |
Vertical storage unit for dispensing a fuel additive
This invention is directed to a vertical fluid storage system that has a lower container for containing fluid that includes a lower fill port defined in the top of the lower container. A routing hose routes fluid from the lower fill port to an upper container disposed above the lower container. The upper container includes an upper outlet connected to a gravity hose wherein the gravity hose is connected to a gravity port to direct fluid from the upper container to the lower container. An intake valve attached to the lower container and closes to prevent fluid from flowing from the upper container to the lower container when the amount of fluid in the lower container reaches a certain volume. |
| US09216883B2 |
Clamp-on fork lift attachment with stabilizer bar
A clamp-on fork lift attachment having spaced tines which may be temporarily secured to the blade portion of a loader bucket used on equipment such as backhoe loaders and front end loaders includes a lifting plate, a leveling indicator, tie-down elements and a stabilizer bar connected between the spaced tines. |
| US09216879B1 |
Automated oil containment boom recovery device
An automated oil containment boom recovery apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a base frame having upward extending boom supports on which are mounted corresponding rotatable wheel and tire combinations. The wheel and tire combinations are pivotally adjustable with respect to each other as desired to accommodate the width of an oil containment boom. Hydraulic motors are provided for rotation of each axle and its corresponding wheel and tire combination. When an oil containment boom is placed lengthwise between the wheel and tire combinations, the boom is gripped between the rotating wheel and tire combinations and drawn into the recovery vessel. |
| US09216877B2 |
Folding and stacking installation for webs of corrugated cardboard
An installation for folding and stacking an endless web of corrugated cardboard comprises at least one corrugated cardboard production device for producing an endless web of corrugated cardboard, a squeezing device which is arranged downstream of the at least one corrugated cardboard production device for embossing folds into the web of corrugated cardboard, and a folding device which is arranged downstream of the at least one squeezing device for folding the web of corrugated cardboard along the folds. The folding device has a first engagement member which is guided for displacement so as to carry along the web of corrugated cardboard in the region of a first fold and at least one second engagement member which is guided for displacement independently of the first engagement member so as to carry along the web of corrugated cardboard in the region of a second fold which is arranged upstream of the first fold. Furthermore, the installation comprises a stacking device which is arranged downstream of the folding device for stacking the web of corrugated cardboard, which has been folded along the folds, in such a way as to form stacks. |
| US09216869B2 |
Device and method for controlling the tracking of a value document stack
For continuously singling value documents from a value document stack, the value document stack is lifted and fed toward the singler. For controlling the feed of the value document stack, an image of a side of the value document stack is recorded and evaluated, in order to recognize the edges of the individual value documents. The feed of the value document stack is controlled in dependence on the number of value document edges which are ascertained in the recorded image. If the number of value document edges cannot, or not sufficiently, be ascertained, additionally a brightness of the image in this image portion is ascertained. Upon the singling of the value documents imaged in this image portion the feed of the value document stack is controlled in dependence on the brightness ascertained in this image portion. |
| US09216865B2 |
Equipment for unloading bulk freighter and bulk carrier
An equipment for unloading a bulk carrier comprises a plurality of structures fastened to a fixed platform, the plurality of structures is fastened to the fixed platform mutually parallel, each structure comprising a mobile element having fastening elements which are associated to a projection of at least a removable hold of a bulk carrier, the mobile element being displaced from a first position (A) to a second position (B) so as to tilt at least a removable hold onto an apron feeder and then to a system of conveyor belts. Also, a bulk carrier comprises at least a removable hold including a compartment for transporting bulk products having a plurality of projections disposed in a longitudinal line and mutually parallel at a first end of the removable hold and an articulation mechanism disposed along a second end of the removable hold parallel to and opposite the first end. |
| US09216859B2 |
Rod retention system and method
The present disclosure provides belts (chains or brick-laid) having rod retains provided by way of an end module and a link cap for easier disassembly. The outer link end of the end module is altered to be narrower and furnished with a connecting structure. A separate link cap piece is produced, providing a corresponding connecting structure suitable to connect to the outer link end of the end module such that the width of the outer combined pieces is substantially the same as the other link ends of the belt. The link cap may be furnished with an opening allowing for assembly with a pivot rod. |
| US09216856B2 |
Self-contained auxiliary collection system for a refuse truck
There is disclosed a self-contained cart-tipping system for residential applications that can be installed on a variety of refuse collection truck types, including front loading, side loading and rear loading models. The cart tipper system of the invention includes independent hydraulic and electrical systems and needs only to be served by a source of electric power. |
| US09216855B2 |
Vented lid for cart
A lid for a container includes an upper panel portion and at least one connector extending rearward of the upper panel portion. A lip extends downward of the upper panel portion. A plurality of vent openings are molded into the lid. Some of the vent openings may be formed through the lip. Some of the vent openings may be formed through a substantially vertical front surface of the lid below a flange to prevent rain from entering the openings. |
| US09216853B2 |
Flexible bushing
A bushing for insertion into a cylindrical opening is disclosed having a first radius, the bushing comprising a cylindrical base having a top surface, an axial bore through the base, a plurality of walls extending axially from the top surface of the base to a first axial extent and circumscribing the bore, a plurality of locking fingers extending axially from the base and circumscribing the bore alternatingly with the plurality of walls, the plurality of locking fingers extending axially to a second axial extent less than the first axial extent and each locking finger having a tapered outer surface tapering outward from the base, wherein the plurality of locking fingers compress toward the bore when a force is applied to the tapered outer surface. A collar assembly is also disclosed utilizing the bushing to permanently lock the collar to a container such as an aerosol container. |
| US09216850B2 |
Rupturable substrate
The package supports a plurality of consumable products. The package is a blister package having a plurality of consumable products housed in a blister tray and covered with a rupturable sheet. The sheet overlies the open surfaces of the blister tray and includes rupturable locations formed thereon for permitting passage of the product therethrough. |
| US09216847B2 |
Container and lid with fastener alignment guide
A fastener storage assembly comprises a container and a lid. The container has a bottom and two pairs of opposed sidewalls. The lid acts as a fastener alignment guide for locating a fastener to be driven through a deck board having a width w into a joist having an engagement edge face thickness t. The fastener alignment guide has a template and a pair of aligned substantially identical wings equidistantly spaced a distance w. The template defines a pair of aligned openings each having a center and a medial axis passing through each center. Each of the wings projects perpendicular to the template and defines a recess defined by a pair of parallel edges spaced a distance t. A plane through the medial axis and perpendicular to the template is equidistantly spaced the edges. |
| US09216843B2 |
Stackable container system
A stackable container system may comprise a beverage container, a beverage container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality of smaller container lids. The smaller containers and smaller container lids are configured to allow any of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the smaller containers. The bottom of the beverage container and the bottom of each smaller container is also configured to allow the beverage container or smaller container to be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller container lids. In addition to storing beverage ingredients, the stackable container system can also be used to store other edible and inedible ingredients. |
| US09216841B1 |
Offshore cargo rack for use in transferring palletized loads between a marine vessel and an offshore platform
A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform (for example, oil and gas well drilling or production platform) provides a frame having a base, a front, a rear, upper and lower end portions and side walls. The lower end of the frame has a floor. Openings in the base align with forklift tine tubes or sockets. The frame includes a pair of fixed side walls extending upwardly from the base that include at least left and right side walls. A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame including a gate at least at the front and at least at the rear of the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions. The gates enable a forklift to place loads on the floor by accessing either the front of the frame or the rear of the frame. Each gate can be pivotally attached to a corner column. |
| US09216840B2 |
Vacuum container with protective features
A container including a metal sidewall is provided. The metal sidewall includes a first end; a second end; a center portion having a principal width; a first feature positioned between the center portion and the first end, the first feature extending from the sidewall such that the maximum width of the sidewall at the first feature is greater than the principal width; and a second feature positioned between the center portion and the second end, the second feature extending from the sidewall such that the maximum width of the sidewall at the second feature is greater than the principal width. The container further includes a first bead located in the center portion of the sidewall; and a second bead located in the center portion of the sidewall. |
| US09216839B1 |
Cardboard box construction
One or more rods pass through the corrugations of first and second folded down flaps and across the divide between adjacent edges of the flaps of a cardboard box blank to hold the flaps together and in a closed position. |
| US09216838B2 |
Frangible shipping carton and associated methods
A selectively frangible shipping carton for storing and shipping goods comprises at least one side wall joining a top wall and a bottom wall. A path of weakness extends around a periphery of the carton through at least a portion of the side wall. The path of weakness enables a user to manually separate the carton into at least two portions: an upper portion including the top wall and a lower portion including the bottom wall. A pair of lines of weakness extends upwardly relative to the path of weakness and terminates at or adjacent the top wall. A grip flap defined in the side wall between the pair of lines of weakness, the grip flap being graspable by the user when separating the carton into the at least two portions. |
| US09216837B2 |
Food tray
A food tray includes a front wall with a distal end and a proximal end, and a rear wall with a distal end and a proximal end. A first sidewall extends between the distal end of the front wall and the distal end of the rear wall, and a second sidewall that extends between the proximal end of the front wall and the proximal end of the rear wall. The front wall, rear wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall define an opening through which an item is placed in the food tray. The first and second sidewalls each define a slot and an extension extending above the slot. A lid member extends from a top edge of the front wall and defines a pair of tabs that engage the slots defined by the first and second sidewalls when the lid is folded over the opening. The top edge of the front wall is configured to cause the lid member to open when the first and second sidewall extensions are pulled apart. |
| US09216834B2 |
Method for inserting cotton wads into containers
The method for inserting cotton wads into containers uses a wad transport unit, which comprises two star wheels, each having three wad holders. The two star wheels are mounted rotatably on the same rotational axis but with an offset from each other, and each star wheel is driven by its own separate drive means. During rotation of the star wheels, one of the three wad holders of each star wheel is horizontally shifted in such a way that the three wad holders of each star wheel are arranged in a straight line and are thus located above three containers to be filled with the wads. |
| US09216830B2 |
Method and device for detecting oscillatory failures in a position servocontrol subsystem of an aircraft control surface
Methods and devices for detecting oscillatory faults in a positional servocontrol arrangement for an aircraft control surface are provided. The detection device estimates a reference position of the control surface and, with the aid of a model in which at each iteration a residual value of the previous iteration, multiplied by a dynamic gain, is injected, detects an oscillatory fault with the aid of this reference position. |
| US09216816B2 |
Pilot cyclic control margin display
A system to control flight of an aircraft includes a rotor blade, an actuator operably associated with the rotor blade, a controller operably associated with the actuator, and a flight control system. The flight control system having a subsystem adapted to modify a flight control limit of the aircraft based upon detection of an impending hazardous flight condition and a display showing available flight control limits provided by modification of design control limits based upon the detection of the impending hazardous flight condition. The method includes generating the control limits, modifying the control limits based upon the impending hazardous flight condition, and displaying the displacement of actuator position relative to the displayed control limits thus cueing the pilot as to the cyclic stick or pedal inputs required to increase the control margin from the impending hazardous condition. |
| US09216799B2 |
System and method for transporting over water with multiple vessels
A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of transporting includes providing multiple vessels each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination and one or more of the vessels are disconnected from the ship. |
| US09216797B2 |
Framework with a buoyant body for a subsea vehicle as well as a method for construction of a framework
A frame is for a remotely operated vehicle. Several frame elements provide a carcass formed of a buoyant material. The frame elements are provided by a curable material having been arranged on the surfaces of the carcass, forming a rigid shell around the carcass. A method of constructing a frame is for a remotely operated vehicle. Several frame elements provide a carcass formed of a buoyant material. The method comprises: forming several core elements of a buoyant material; forming a carcass by joining the core elements together; applying a curable material to the surface of the carcass; and forming several mounts integrated into the curable material, for vehicle components. |
| US09216796B2 |
Self-balancing multifunctional wheelbarrow
A wheelbarrow for carrying materials that includes a container, a pair of handles extending rearwardly from the container to control movement of the wheelbarrow and a pair of legs extending downwardly from the container to contact the ground. The wheel also has a barrel shaped wheel located at a predetermined location near the front end of the container. The wheelbarrow is self-balanced by strategically positioning the barrel-shaped wheel under and a little forward the center of gravity of the wheelbarrow; that is, the contact point of the wheel with the ground is slightly offset forwardly underneath the center of gravity of the wheelbarrow so that lifting, pushing and tilting requires minimal force and allows for superior control and maneuverability. Due to the shape and width of the wheel, during turns, the center of gravity of the wheelbarrows remains vertically, stably and near the point of contact of the wheel with the ground. |
| US09216790B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle includes a stop element supported on a first support portion which is provided on any one of a link mechanism, a body frame, a right shock absorbing device, and a left shock absorbing device at a first end portion thereof so as to turn about a support axis of the first support portion, a lock caliper supported on a second support portion which is displaced relative to the first support portion and which is provided on any one of the link mechanism, the body frame, the right shock absorbing device, and the left shock absorbing device and which is configured to change a frictional force with the stop element, and a guide member which guides a middle portion or a second end portion of the extended member to the lock caliper. A turning angle of the stop element relative to the first support portion based on a turning operation of a first cross member and a second cross member relative to the body frame is smaller than a turning angle of the first cross member or a turning angle of the second cross member relative to the body frame based on the turning operation. |
| US09216787B2 |
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle, such as an electric scooter, includes a seat that is adjustable for riding in a seated or leaning riding position. The electric vehicle also includes a removable battery pack that includes the controls for the vehicle. The electric vehicle also includes a storage tub with an expandable storage area depending upon the position of the seat. |
| US09216786B1 |
Transportation cycle with ball seat
An transportation cycling apparatus is provided having an inflatable seat securely retained by a seat retaining mechanism. The inflatable seat is spherical in shape and made of polymers to actively support a user. The cycling apparatus further having a frame, handlebars, brakes, pedal assembly and a sprocket and chain powering mechanism. The cycling apparatus can take the form of either a two-wheeled bicycle or a three-wheeled tricycle. |
| US09216784B2 |
Rubber crawler track
A crawler track where damage to drive lugs is reduced is provided. Grooves (26) in the circumferential direction of the crawler track (10) are arranged at the roots of the drive lugs (24). Thereby, tensile strain or compressive strain occurring in the roots of the drive lugs (24) when the crawler track (10) is wrapped over a wheel (14) etc. can be alleviated. Further, when the crawler track (10) meanders, a lateral load causes lateral pressure from the wheel (14) to a drive lug (24), producing tensile strain in the root of the drive lug (24). However, such tensile strain can be alleviated because the wheel (14) does not come into contact with the drive lugs (24) in the meandering movement. |
| US09216783B2 |
Cap and pin retention system
A machine tread including a first and second pair of plates. The plates have corresponding first ends and second ends, and the second ends of the first pair include outer bores. The first ends of the second pair include aligned bushing bores. The first ends of the second pair fit between the second ends of the first pair, aligning the outer and bushing bores. Ends of a bushing including an inner bore engage the bushing bores forming a pin bore through the inner and outer bores. A retention pin fits in the segmented pin bore. A head end abuts an external surface of the first pair of plates and a locking end extends past the pin bore. A retention cap engages the locking end. A dowel pin fits through a dowel pin bore in the retention cap and the locking end to limit movement of the retention pin. |
| US09216779B2 |
Low drag low noise devices using jet flow control
Low drag low noise devices are described herein that use passive jet flow control to reduce the drag and noise created by motor vehicles (e.g., motor vehicle side view mirrors) while the motor vehicles travel through a fluid. The low drag low noise devices described herein comprise a lengthwise axis, an outer body, and an inner body. The outer body and the inner body cooperatively define a channel through which fluid can pass during use. |
| US09216778B1 |
Cab suspension
A suspension system for a vehicle cab is disposed between a chassis frame and a cab rear. A cross rail is fastened to the chassis frame sides. A gas spring is mounted laterally centrally of the chassis frame sides on the cross rail. A gas spring is disposed on the base. A damping mechanism damps vertical displacements of the cab on the chassis frame. A multi-limb bar assembly interfaces the cab, the chassis frame, and the gas spring. |
| US09216776B2 |
Foldable vehicle and method of controlling the same
A foldable vehicle which has a vehicle body divided into two sections of a front section and a rear section and has a size reduced by rotating the rear section of the divided vehicle body to be folded with respect to the front section thereof. The foldable vehicle includes a front vehicle body having a front wheel; a rear vehicle body having a rear wheel and having a lower front end rotatably connected to a lower rear end of the front vehicle body through a rotating shaft to rotate around the rotating shaft in a vertical direction, thereby being folded to overlap with the front vehicle body or unfolded; a folding drive unit for folding or unfolding the vehicle bodies by rotating the rear vehicle body with respect to the front vehicle body; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the folding drive unit. |
| US09216773B2 |
Access port for vehicle
A vehicle has an operator cab with a wall defining an interior of the operator cab. An opening is formed through the wall of the operator cab, and a port is connected to the wall of the operator cab around the opening. The port includes a mounting structure connected to the wall and a tube member extending from the mounting structure and defining a passage therein, where the passage of the tube member is aligned with the opening. One or more conduits can then extend through the opening and the passage of the tube member. One or more additional openings may be formed through other portions of the wall of the cab, and each such opening may have a port and/or one or more conduits extending through. |
| US09216771B2 |
Hood structure for automotive vehicle
A panel for a vehicle. The panel includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The outer panel has an exterior surface and an underside surface, and the inner panel is located adjacent to and along the underside surface of the outer panel, but spaced apart from the outer panel. The inner panel also exhibits a bow over a substantial portion of its length, with the bow being in a direction toward the outer panel. The bow induces a moment in the inner panel during impact of the vehicle in a collision that causes the inner panel and, resultantly, the outer panel to undergo a predetermined deformation in an upward direction relative to the vehicle. The panel may be provided as the hood of the vehicle. |
| US09216770B2 |
Motor vehicle including an upper firewall crossbeam
A motor vehicle including a motor vehicle body defined by two body sides and a vehicle floor, and a wall attached laterally to the body sides and transversely to the floor, to separate a passenger compartment of the vehicle from the engine compartment. The motor vehicle further includes an upper firewall crossbeam having a cross-section that opens toward outside of the vehicle, and which is closed by the wall. The upper firewall crossbeam is omega-shaped, including a first portion configured to be attached onto the wall and a second portion configured to be attached onto the wall, the first and second portions being connected via swaged portions, the first portion extending toward the engine compartment of the vehicle via a first swaged portion, which is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The upper crossbeam includes openings configured to engage with a mechanism for attaching windshield-wiper crankpins. |
| US09216766B2 |
Wheel of a vehicle
A wheel carrier of a vehicle is provided with at least one spur to selectively deflect a wheel mounted on the wheel carrier in a predefined deflection direction in the event of an accident-generated application of force on the wheel. |
| US09216762B2 |
Apparatus and method for driving motor driven power steering
An apparatus for driving a motor driven power steering (MDPS) may include: a first calculation unit configured to calculate a damping force gain based on an MDPS output current; a second calculation unit configured to calculate a damping force using vehicle speed and steering angle speed; and a damping force calculation unit configured to calculate a final damping force using the damping force gain calculated through the first calculation unit and the damping force calculated through the second calculation unit. |
| US09216753B2 |
Utility cart with rotatably sectioned center shelves
A utility cart having individually rotatable shelves on each corner post, whereby each shelf is constructed and arranged to adjoin together to form a center interior shelf in horizontal disposition between pairs of corner posts, is disclosed herein. The utility cart includes a top shelf and a bottom shelf supported in a separated state by four corner posts. A center shelf is provided in the form of four individual shelves each rotatably secured to one of the corner posts to be rotatable thereabout. The center shelves may be rotated to fit within the confines of the cart to function as a single shelf similar to the upper and lower shelves, or they may be positioned in pairs adjacent each other and extending beyond the end(s) of the cart or individually anywhere in between. |
| US09216752B1 |
Modular cargo dolly
An improved cargo dolly has at least two top rail assemblies and a frame with an inner rail having mounting brackets for receiving the top rail assemblies. Each top rail assembly spans the width of the frame but not the length of the frame and can move between an attached state and an unattached state by actuating fasteners that pass through the top rail assembly to its respective mounting brackets on the frame. The movement between the attached and unattached states occurs independently of an attached or unattached state of the other top rail assembly. |
| US09216741B2 |
Lock up clutch controls—high idle set point
An engine control system is provided where the engine control system includes a torque converter, an engine connected to the torque converter, a transmission connected to the torque converter, a lock-up clutch housed in the torque converter wherein the lock-up clutch is configured to mechanically connect the engine and the transmission when the lock-up clutch is engaged, an engine speed sensor configured to obtain a prior engine speed which is measured prior to engagement of the lock-up clutch, a transmission speed sensor configured to obtain a prior transmission speed which is measured prior to the engagement of the lock-up clutch, and an engine control module configured to determine a desired engine speed at a speed lower than the prior engine speed and adjust a speed of the engine to the desired engine speed just prior to the movement of the lock-up clutch for the engagement or as the lock-up clutch moves toward the engagement. |
| US09216738B2 |
Primary steering enabler during engine failure
A system and method are provided for maintaining hydraulic steering for a machine during engine out or engine lugging conditions. The machine includes a torque-controlled transmission driven by an engine, the engine further being linked to a hydraulic steering pump that provides hydraulic power to a steering actuator. The machine may be, for example, a wheel loader or an off highway truck. The system and method include detecting an undesirable reduction of engine speed while the machine is travelling, and responsively reducing the transmission power to maintain the engine speed at a desired level to power the hydraulic steering pump. When the reduced requested transmission power reaches zero, a power reversal through the transmission is commanded to maintain the engine speed at the desired level to power the hydraulic steering pump. |
| US09216737B1 |
System and method for automatically detecting key behaviors by vehicles
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to detecting discrete actions by traveling vehicles. The features described improve the safety, use, driver experience, and performance of autonomously controlled vehicles by performing a behavior analysis on mobile objects in the vicinity of an autonomous vehicle. Specifically, an autonomous vehicle is capable of detecting and tracking nearby vehicles and is able to determine when these nearby vehicles have performed actions of interest by comparing their tracked movements with map data. |
| US09216732B2 |
Hybrid electric vehicle and method of controlling a hybrid electric vehicle
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) controller configured to determine a value of driver demanded torque to be supplied to a driveline of a HEV by first and second actuators of the vehicle based on a plurality of parameters, the parameters including: (a) a speed of a first actuator; and (b) a position of a driver-operated control, the controller being configured such that when the first actuator is not connected to the driveline a value of driver demanded torque is determined based on a virtual speed of the first actuator, the virtual speed being a speed at which the first actuator would be turning if the first actuator was connected to the driveline. |
| US09216731B2 |
Control device for hybrid vehicle
Provided is a control system for a hybrid vehicle capable of achieving engine startup while minimizing shock. In the control system for a hybrid vehicle, in response to an engine startup request, upon engagement of a clutch between a motor generator and a drive wheel and startup of the engine by the motor generator, engine startup is allowed when the engine startup request is present and the absolute value of the motor/generator output torque assumes a predetermined value or less. |
| US09216730B2 |
Vehicle
An ECU is mounted on a vehicle including an engine and a motor that can generate cranking torque applied to a rotation shaft of the engine. Where a request for starting the engine is not issued, the ECU determines whether the engine is during coasting or not. The ECU changes cranking target torque in accordance with engine rotation speed. In this way, engine rotation speed during cranking can be reduced to and remain in the optimum region where misfire and resonance can be avoided. |
| US09216727B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a multi-mode powertrain system
A method for operating a multi-mode powertrain system includes executing a selection scheme to evaluate operating the powertrain system in a plurality of candidate powertrain states including a one-motor electric vehicle (EV) range responsive to an output torque request. A respective minimum cost for operating the powertrain system in each of the candidate powertrain states including the one-motor EV range is determined. A preferred powertrain state is selected as one of the candidate powertrain states including the one-motor EV range that is associated with a minimum of the respective minimum costs. The powertrain system is controlled in the preferred powertrain state responsive to the output torque request. |
| US09216722B2 |
Sealing member for master cylinder
Disclosed is a sealing member for a master cylinder. The sealing member for a master cylinder, which is formed in a ring shape and is installed between an inner surface of a cylinder body and an outer surface of a piston, includes an inner wing part configured to contact the outer surface of the piston, an outer wing part configured to contact the inner surface of the cylinder body, and a sealing rear wall part configured to connect the inner wing part and the outer wing part. The sealing rear wall part is provided with an oil passage to connect an oil entrance formed at the inner wing part and an oil entrance formed at the outer wing part, and the oil passage includes a retardation passage which is longer than a shortest straight-line distance which directly connects the oil entrances. |
| US09216718B2 |
Battery mounting apparatus for electric vehicle, battery unit transfer apparatus for electric vehicle, and method for mounting battery unit
A battery unit mounting apparatus for an electric vehicle includes four or more fixing portions configured to be provided at the bottom of an electric vehicle and four or more corresponding portions-to-be-fixed on a battery unit. When the battery unit is raised toward the vehicle, the battery unit mounting apparatus causes each fixing portion to be engaged with the corresponding one of the portions-to-be-fixed. There is a first group, formed by three of the fixing portions and corresponding three of the portions-to-be-fixed, and a second group, formed by the remaining one or more of the fixing portions and the remaining one or more of the portions-to-be-fixed. The fixing portion and the portion-to-be-fixed in the second group are configured to be engaged with each other after the fixing portions and the portions-to-be-fixed in the first group are engaged. |
| US09216717B2 |
Wiper control device
A wiper control device controls a drive section for driving a wiper to operate at a target speed, thereby causing the wiper to perform wiping operation. The wiper control device includes a voltage monitoring section, which monitors a power source voltage supplied to the drive section, and a target speed setting section, which sets the target speed. When the power source voltage is lower than or equal to a threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed in accordance with the power source voltage. When the power source voltage is higher than the threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed at a constant value. |
| US09216713B2 |
Impact protection device with a lid
The present invention relates to a vehicle pedestrian protection airbag arrangement (7) comprising an airbag (9), a housing (8), an inflating device (10) and a lid (11), the airbag (9) being arranged to be inflated by the inflating device (10) in the case of a collision with a pedestrian when the airbag arrangement (7) is mounted in a vehicle (1). The lid (11) has a first side (11a), facing away from the housing (8) and a second side (11b), facing the housing (8) when the lid (11) is mounted against the housing (8). The housing has a front wall and a rear wall, in which housing the airbag is stored before inflation. The airbag arrangement (7) further comprises at least one attachment means (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) running between the lid (11) and at least one other part (8, 9) comprised in the airbag arrangement (7). When the airbag (9) is inflated, it is at least partly positioned between the lid (11) and the housing (8). |
| US09216711B2 |
Head protection airbag apparatus
A head protection airbag apparatus includes an airbag which is configured so that an attaching portion arranged on an upper edge thereof upon completion of inflation is attached to a body of the vehicle using an attaching clip. The attaching portion includes an attaching hole to which the attaching clip is insertable. The attaching clip includes an attaching leg. The attaching leg includes an insertion shaft portion adapted to be inserted in the locking hole and at least a pair of locking claws. The attaching hole is configured so that, when the attaching leg is inserted through the attaching hole, an peripheral edge portion of the attaching hole is pressed against an outer peripheral surface side on a region of the insertion shaft portion which is located more toward the base portion than the locking claws. |
| US09216706B2 |
Network and method for operating a network
A network, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the network includes a central subscriber and at least one first subscriber, wherein the central subscriber and the at least one first subscriber are connected via at least one first cable, wherein the central subscriber has at least one signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit, wherein by the signal coupling unit an AC voltage can be impressed on at least one first line of the first cable or can be tapped therefrom. Also disclosed is a method for operating a network. |
| US09216701B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display unit having a display screen on a front side, a driving mechanism configured to move the display unit, a holder configured to support the display unit and reciprocally move the display unit relative to the holder in a linear trajectory parallel to the display screen, a rotation guiding mechanism in the driving mechanism configured to rotate the holder, and a movement guiding mechanism in the driving mechanism configured to move the display unit relative to the holder after the holder is rotated to a predetermined position. |
| US09216700B2 |
Handbag holder for vehicles
This invention provides a purse holder that has a base that sits and grips a car console, a pair of base straps that encircle the console to secure the base to the console, and a circular strap attached to the base that surrounds the purse and holds it to the base. The circular strap has a buckle attached at each end to open/close the circular strap for insertion/removal of the purse. An adjustable elastic strap allows the user to loosen/tighten the buckle to accommodate purses of different sizes. The circular strap is attached to the base via side straps that encircle the circular strap, fold over, and adhere to themselves. Plastic boning is sewn onto the side straps to provide stability and enable the side straps to stand upright to encase the purse. In one embodiment, the circular strap and the side straps have a removable fabric covering. |
| US09216699B2 |
Laterally shiftable bicycle fork skewer
A bicycle fork anchor includes an anchor body which can have an interior space housing a skewer contraction device. The body can include a pair of skewer access ports. Also, the anchor body can include a pair of axially aligned elongate skewers, each extending through the access ports. The skewer contraction device can be operably coupled to the engagement portion of each of the pair of skewers. The skewer contraction device can be laterally moveable within the interior space of the anchor body so that during contractive operation of the skewer contraction device, the skewers draw together and simultaneously the skewer contraction device moves laterally within the interior space of the anchor body causing the skewers to extend different lengths outside the body and thereby accommodating reception of different thickness fork dropouts on the skewers. |
| US09216692B2 |
Seat panel pocket and method
A panel member assembly forming a pocket, and a method for fabricating the panel member assembly is provided. The panel member assembly including a panel including a non-linear slot which may be a generally U-shaped slot, an insert which is inserted into the slot to form the pocket, and a retainer attachable to the panel to retain the insert in the slot. The panel includes one or more attaching features and the retainer includes one or more attaching features to attach the panel and the retainer to each other, thereby retaining the insert in the slot. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer may be heat staked to the panel. The insert may include one or more additional features, such as cording, loops or rickrack to attach the pocket to the panel or the retainer. |
| US09216689B2 |
Fail-safe mirror for side camera failure
A system includes a camera mounted to a vehicle, a display in communication with the camera and configured to display an image detected by the camera, and a side mirror assembly. The side mirror assembly includes a side mirror moveable between a recessed position and a deployed position, and an actuator configured to deploy the side mirror into the deployed position. The system includes a status detector configured to detect a negative operational status of the camera, and, when the negative operation status is detected, cause the actuator to deploy the side mirror into the deployed position. |
| US09216686B2 |
Vehicle lighting control system
A lighting control system is provided with a blinker switch, a hazard switch, and a control circuit which controls the flashing of blinker lamps. The CPU of the control circuit, after detecting an input signal from one switch input port among a left side and a right side switch input port, determines that the hazard switch is switched on when an input signal from the other of the switch input ports is detected within a predetermined time, and determines that the blinker switch is switched on when no input signal from the other of the switch input ports is detected. |
| US09216684B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus for a vehicle includes a virtual image display device, a detection device, and a picture control device. The virtual image display device emits predetermined light to permit a windshield or a combiner to reflect the predetermined light towards an eye of a driver. The emitted predetermined light is to display a picture. The virtual image display device displays the picture in a displayed area as a virtual image; the picture appears ahead of the vehicle. The detection device detects a target that is an obstacle or an intersection. The picture control device displays the picture to appear below the target in the displayed area, and then moves the picture to a position corresponding to the target apparently while decreasing at least a width of the picture. |
| US09216679B1 |
Adjustable footrest
This embodiment relates generally to the Footrest system (200) to brace a rower under rowing stress when rowing a watercraft (32), which allows an operator (316) to row watercraft (32) in a safe, ergonomic, efficient, comfortable, and convenient manner. The footrest (200), enables the counteraction of oaring forces imparted by rower, while allowing footrest system (200) to meaningfully adjustable in several independent axis and angle relative to operator (316) location in watercraft (32). An inner guide system (204) can trap foot board (210) in a secured fore and aft position, or allow it to slidably travel within watercraft (32). An outer guide system (202) can trap foot board (210) in a desired angle. The footrest system (200) also allows the movement and trapping of foot board (210) in a flat position and in a negative angle and backward position so it can be a meaningful and comfortable leg rest. |
| US09216675B2 |
Vertically adjustable ergonomic armrest for automobile
A vehicle armrest assembly includes a vertically operable armrest. A door frame is coupled to the armrest and the armrest assembly includes an adjustment mechanism that selectively positions the armrest between a plurality of vertical positions relative to the door frame. A control is in communication with the adjustment mechanism. An interior door trim is configured to slidably engage a recess defined in the armrest. The recess positions the door trim distal from a substrate of the armrest. |
| US09216672B2 |
Indicator apparatus
An indicator apparatus for signaling that a foldable backrest of a seat in a motor vehicle is not locked includes a handle pivoted between a locked position and an unlocked position about a pivot axis, a locking apparatus having a catch that, by working of the handle can be moved between a blocked position and an unblocked position, and an indicator element guided between a non-indication position and an indication position and movable by a transition element. The transmission element comprises a spring element that is fixedly connected both to the handle and to the indicator element. The spring element is resistant to deformation as the indicator element is moved by the handle, but can be deformed in an elastic manner when the handle is located in the unlocked position and the indicator element is moved out of the indication position into the non-indication position. |
| US09216668B2 |
Fitting for a vehicle seat and vehicle seat
A vehicle seat fitting includes a relatively rotatable first fitting part, with toothed ring, and second fitting parts, with guide segments. Catches are guided between locked and unlocked states by the guide segments and interact with the toothed ring to lock the fitting. A spring-loaded rotatable eccentric acts such that the catches interact with the toothed ring. A rotatably supported driver rotates the eccentric. An indicator is connected to the driver or to a fastening ring fastened to the driver. An adapter is connected to an operating lever and is supported on the driver or on the fastening ring. A sensor, fastened to the adapter, is connected to the fitting, detects a position change of the indicator and provides an electrical output signal. The adapter is returned to an initial position by a restoring spring regardless of the locking state of the fitting if the operating lever is not actuated. |
| US09216667B1 |
Vehicle seat
In a vehicle seat, a positional deviation of a height device for moving a seat main body up and down is suppressed. The vehicle seat includes a cushion frame serving as a frame of a seating portion; the height device for moving the cushion frame up and down; and a side cover that covers the cushion frame and the height device from outside in a seat width direction. An operation lever is positioned in a state of being engaged with a positioning member contained in an outer side surface of the side cover, and an engagement protrusion of the operation lever moves in an engagement hole of the positioning member and abuts on a first stepped portion and a second stepped portion provided around the engagement hole when the operation lever rotates. |
| US09216662B2 |
Method and apparatus for maximizing energy efficiency of an electric drive system
A method and an apparatus are provided for maximizing energy efficiency of an electric drive system including an electric motor and a load. In the method, the torque characteristics of the system can be selected from two types of behavior: linear and quadratic behavior of a torque of the motor in respect to a rotational speed of the motor. The method gathers a plurality of data points and with which behavior the data points correlate best. The torque characteristics to be used are determined on the basis of the correlation, and the motor is controlled on the basis of the determined torque characteristics. The apparatus implements the method. |
| US09216659B2 |
Providing battery charge state information of electric vehicle
The disclosure is related to providing information on a battery charge state of a parked electric vehicle through at least one of one or more light lamps and one or more speakers of the parked electric vehicle. Particularly, the disclosure may control at least one of a lamp light color, a lamp blink pattern, and a sound pattern according to the battery charge state information such that a user can recognize the battery charge state away from the electric vehicle through hearing and/or vision. |
| US09216658B2 |
Battery pack voltage detection apparatus with controller which is mounted onto a circuit including a first battery pack voltage detection part and which controls the other battery pack voltage detection parts
A voltage detection apparatus includes first to third circuit boards are provided on first to third battery packs of a battery system respectively. The first circuit board includes a first voltage detection portion detecting a voltage of the first battery pack, a control portion controlling the first voltage detection portion, and a first insulation device which connecting the first voltage detection portion with the control portion. The second circuit board includes a second voltage detection portion detecting a voltage of the second battery pack, and a second insulation device connecting the second voltage detection portion with the control portion. The third circuit board includes a third voltage detection portion connected in series with the second voltage detection portion and detecting a voltage of the third battery pack. The control portion controls the second and third voltage detection portions. |
| US09216656B2 |
Vehicle charging port locking device
A vehicle charging port locking device has a charging port and a locking mechanism. The charging port has an engaged part that engage an engaging part of a charging connector for supplying power from an external power source to the charging port when in an engaged state. A restraining member is movably mounted between a locked state in which release of the engaged part is restricted by movement of the restraining member in a locking direction to prevent the engaging part from being released from the engaging state, and an unlocked state in which release of the engaging part is permitted by movement of the restraining member in an unlocking direction that is opposite the locking direction. The restraining member can be moved in the unlocking direction by operation of an exposed part that can be operated from beneath the hood of the vehicle. |
| US09216651B2 |
Electric vehicle control device
An electric vehicle control device includes a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer and a reset process device. The first and second microcomputers share a power source, have separate control functions, and allow for independent rewriting of their respective control programs. The reset process device monitors mutual microcomputer operation and performs a reset process that turns off power relays belonging to an onboard power system when a microcomputer operation error is identified. The reset process device includes a power shut-off reset process unit for performing a reset process that shuts off the flow of power through the onboard power system and turns off the power relays in this powered-off state when resetting due to a microcomputer operation error not caused by a microcomputer error being identified. |
| US09216646B2 |
Fuel system control
Methods and systems are provided for accurately confirming fuel tank depressurization before unlocking a fuel door to enable refueling. Following a refueling request, a fuel system may be sealed from the atmosphere while one or more fuel system valves are adjusted to divert fuel tank pressure or vacuum to an engine intake. Depressurization may be inferred based on the presence of air or vapor flow into the intake as sensed by a manifold airflow sensor. |
| US09216645B1 |
Cab-mounted exhaust pipe de-coupler
A motor vehicle in which a de-coupler has a first attachment point to a cab body, a second attachment point to a vertical engine exhaust pipe, and a de-coupler mechanism having at least one ball joint which allows limited vertical and limited horizontal movement of the engine exhaust pipe relative to the cab body. |
| US09216642B2 |
Actuating device for a torque transmission device
The invention relates to an actuator device for torque transmission equipment such as a clutch, e.g. a friction clutch or dog clutch, or a brake, comprising at least two electric motors, wherein the rotors of the electric motors are kinematically coupled together via a summation gear, and the summation gear has an output side which is coupled to an actuator of the torque transmission equipment in such a way that a state of the actuator can be set as a function of a relative rotation between the two rotors. |
| US09216635B2 |
Encapsulated windshield molding
An encapsulated windshield molding surrounds at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the windshield and includes one or more seals, such as multiple lip or whisker-type seals. The encapsulated molding aims to provide a water-tight installation of the windshield into the windshield opening of the vehicle and allows for butyl-free or adhesive-free restraint of the windshield. |
| US09216631B2 |
Roof system for a motor vehicle
A roof system for a motor vehicle with a roof opening and a movable roof part for opening up and closing the roof opening, the roof part being assigned a web guide on opposite sides, the web guide permitting a longitudinal displacement and a vertical shifting of the roof part. Each web guide is assigned a respective slider unit which has a carrier structure which is tiltable in the manner of a rocker and on both sides of a rocker axis, as seen in the longitudinal direction, has sliding sections which receive the web guide.The two sliding sections are formed by a common sliding body which extends in the longitudinal direction beyond the rocker axis and is of elastically flexible design. |
| US09216629B2 |
Vehicle enclosure and method and system of installation
A vehicle enclosure (14) and method and system of installation using an adhesive-backed attachment device (1) having a base (4) with an adhesive backing (10) and a stud (12) or a socket (2) that engages a conventional snap (8). The adhesive-backed attachment device is preferably flexible so that it may be attached to uneven surfaces of a vehicle, such as a golf cart (15). The adhesive-backed attachment device eliminates unsightly brackets, drilling or screwing into the golf cart and cuts down on installation time of golf cart enclosures. The studs and sockets may also be integrated into a new roof (14) for retrofitting an existing golf cart. |
| US09216623B1 |
Multipurpose locomotion device
A multipurpose mobility system of the present invention includes a land vehicle, a platform removable engageable with the land vehicle. The platform includes a bottom portion and a rear portion and a central axis bisecting the bottom portion and the rear portion. At least one opening defined in the bottom portion is used to receive the land vehicle thereby exposing the driving arrangements of the land vehicle to water to allow moving the land vehicle positioned on the platform on the water. The platform includes a pair of driving wheel devices connected to the rear portion and spaced from one another. |
| US09216621B2 |
Apparatus for angular positioning of an operating arm of a tire changing machine
In an apparatus for angular positioning of an operating arm of a tire changing machine, the arm has a first or proximal end hinged to a column extending vertically from the base of the tire changing machine. The arm is hinged to the column for swinging in a horizontal plane in a first direction of rotation toward a work position or in an opposite direction of rotation toward a rest position. The arm has an opposite, distal end having a support element for supporting work tools associated therewith. An adjustable lock or stop is provided for locking rotation of the operating arm in the first direction of rotation, the apparatus comprising a second lock or stop for locking rotation of the operating arm in the second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation. |
| US09216620B2 |
Peristaltic air pumping tube and tire assembly and method
An air maintenance tire includes an air inlet housing affixed to the inner liner of a tire. An elongate sidewall air pumping passageway is incorporated within a first tire sidewall. An elongate air tube is contained within the first sidewall and has an elongate elliptical internal air passageway. The air tube is configured having a substantially on-side mushroom-shaped sectional shape extending radially into the first tire sidewall formed by a radially inward tube cap and a radially outward tube stem. Inlet and intake conduits connect into sockets of the inlet housing and a pressure regulating valve system within the inlet housing controls pressurized air flow from the tube internal air passageway into the tire cavity. |
| US09216607B2 |
Screen printing plate for solar cell and method for printing solar cell electrode
The present invention relates to screen printing plate for a solar cell in which an electroconductive paste is used to simultaneously print a bus bar electrode and a finger electrode, the screen printing plate characterized in that the opening width of a finger electrode opening of the screen printing plate is less than 80 μm and a bus bar electrode opening of the screen printing plate has a closed section. The use of this screen printing plate makes it possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing solar cells, prevent the connecting section between the bus bar electrode and the finger electrode from breaking without causing an increase in shadow loss or compromising the aesthetic quality of the solar cells, and manufacture highly reliable solar cells with good productivity. |
| US09216604B2 |
Stackable container systems and methods
A container system for containing a plurality of ink pads, comprising a cover defining and at least one base. The cover defines at least first and second cover curved portions that intersect at a cover intersection portion, and the at least one base defines at least first and second base curved portions that intersect at a base intersection portion. The cover allows first and second cover mounting projections to enter first and second base mounting notches, respectively, to form an interference fit that detachably attaches the cover to the base. The second wall allows first and second base mounting projections to enter first and second base mounting notches to form an interference fit capable of detachably attaching the base to another identical base. |
| US09216593B2 |
Ink jet printer and control method thereof
An ink jet printer includes a transportation mechanism that transports a medium in a first direction; a plasma irradiation mechanism that irradiates the medium with plasma; a head mechanism that ejects ink to a portion of the medium irradiated with the plasma and moves in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a control section that controls whether to irradiate the medium with the plasma by the plasma irradiation mechanism, wherein the control section prohibits the irradiation of the medium with the plasma when a transportation speed of the medium is in a range of 0 m/min to 0.1 m/min, and irradiates the medium with the plasma when the transportation speed of the medium is greater than 0.1 m/min. |
| US09216590B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet/soft X-ray laser nano-scale patterning using the demagnified Talbot effect
An apparatus and method for nanopatterning of substrates using the demagnified Talbot effect, wherein: (a) large arrays of nanostructures can rapidly be printed; (b) short extreme ultraviolet wavelengths permits sub-100 nm spatial resolution; (c) the de-magnification factor can be continuously adjusted, that is, continuously scaled; (d) the patterning is the effect of the collective diffraction of numerous tiled units that constitute the periodic array, giving rise to error resistance such that a defect in one unit is averaged over the area of the mask and the print does not show any defects; (e) the Talbot mask does not wear out since the method is non-contact; and (f) the feature sizes on the mask do not have to be as small as the feature sizes desired on the target, are described. The apparatus includes a source of coherent radiation having a chosen wavelength directed onto a focusing optic, the reflected converging light passing through a Talbot mask and impinging on a target substrate. |
| US09216588B2 |
Release agent composition for solid inkjet imaging systems for improved coefficient of friction
A functional amine release agent displaying reduced coefficient of friction as compared to standard silicone oils, the release agent comprising a polydimethylsiloxane oil and a functional amine selected from the group consisting of pendant propylamines and pendant N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl; wherein the concentration of functional amine to polydimethylsiloxane oil is approximately less than 0.0006 meq/g. According to certain embodiments, the functional amine release agent is operable to impart a coefficient of friction of about 0.3 or more to the print media, resulting in improved finishing and converting equipment interaction. |
| US09216587B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid circulation part has a recovery path where a liquid flows into a retaining part from a first head and a second head. The recovery path has a first merging point where the liquid flowing from the first head and the liquid flowing from the second head are merged, a first recovery path part where the liquid flowing from the first head flows into the first merging point, and a second recovery path part where the liquid flows from the first merging point. The cross-sectional area of the second recovery path part, orthogonal to a direction of flow of the liquid in the second recovery path part, is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first recovery path part, orthogonal to the direction of flow of the liquid in the first recovery path part. |
| US09216582B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head ejecting liquid from nozzles thereof formed on a nozzle formation surface onto a target that is being transported; and a rotating member rotatably disposed opposite the nozzle formation surface, the rotating member having a supporting surface for supporting the target and an absorbing surface for absorbing the liquid ejected from the nozzle. The rotating member has such a configuration that a first maximum length from a rotational center to the absorbing surface is longer than a second maximum length from the rotational center to the supporting surface. |
| US09216580B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes: a platen having a supporting surface configured to support a recording medium; a liquid droplet jetting head having a nozzle surface on which nozzles are open; a head moving unit configured to move the liquid droplet jetting head in a head movement area including a first area and a second area which is adjacent to the first area; a maintenance mechanism including a cap member configured to be movable in a cap movement area which includes a retracted position and a capping position and to cover the nozzles; a cap moving mechanism configured to move the cap member by utilizing movement of the liquid droplet jetting head form the first area to the second area; and a cap guiding mechanism configured to guide movement of the cap member in the cap movement area in an inclined direction. |
| US09216570B2 |
Process for producing liquid ejection head
A process for producing a liquid ejection head, comprising providing a substrate with an energy-generating element for ejecting liquid and a wiring; forming a flow path wall forming layer containing a negative photosensitive resin on the substrate; exposing a portion to be a flow path wall of the flow path wall forming layer; forming an ejection orifice forming layer containing a negative photosensitive resin on the flow path wall forming layer; applying a material for a water-repellent layer onto the ejection orifice forming layer; drying a solvent contained in the applied material to form the water-repellent layer; exposing another region than a portion to be an ejection orifice of the ejection orifice forming layer and the water-repellent layer; and dissolving and removing the non-exposed portions, wherein the boiling point of the solvent is not more than the drying temperature in the step to form the water-repellent layer. |
| US09216568B2 |
Keyless inking methods, apparatus, and systems with chamber blade system spanning anilox roll and form roll for digital offset printing
A variable lithographic inking system includes a chamber blade system configured to supply ink to an anilox member of an inking system. The inking system includes a soft ink transfer roll and a hard form roll. Ink is transferred from the anilox roll to the form roll by way of the transfer roll, and from the form roll to a reimageable surface layer of an imaging member of a variable data lithographic system. An ink layer free of ink history is uniformly applied onto a surface of the form roll, and subsequently transferred to the reimageable surface layer while avoiding or substantially eliminating image ghosting related to inking non-uniformities. |
| US09216566B2 |
Imaging apparatus and method for making flexographic printing masters
A method for making a flexographic printing master includes the steps of providing a flexographic printing support; providing an inkjet printing device; applying a mesa relief on the flexographic printing support with the inkjet printing device; and applying an image relief with the inkjet printing device on the mesa relief. A method for making a flexographic printing master includes the imaging apparatus. |
| US09216565B2 |
Flexible film application for decorative coatings
A film application system having multiple foil application stations. Each foil application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A drive moves successive elongated components along a path through the application station from the input side to the output side as decorative foil is applied to a surface of the component. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The disclosed system must accommodate different style and shape components corresponding to different style windows, doors, or sashes. A backing fixture that is configured to support a given configuration component is positioned to support the component as the component moves through the application station in a region of the transfer head. |
| US09216561B2 |
Methods and assemblies for welding a gasket to a pipe section
The present disclosure is directed to a method of welding a gasket to a spigot portion of a pipe section. The method includes supporting the gasket in a recess on the spigot portion of the pipe section. The gasket includes a seating portion and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion. A first bonding portion extends from the first shoulder portion and a second bonding portion extends from the second shoulder portion. The first bonding portion and the second bonding portion are provided to bond the gasket to the spigot portion. The method further includes heating a portion of the gasket and an adjacent surface of the spigot portion and applying a force onto the portion of the gasket following the application of heat to fuse the gasket onto the spigot portion. |
| US09216558B2 |
Bonding process
The invention relates to a process for bonding a silicone or silicone based material to a polyurethane and use of the bonded silicone-polyurethane in the manufacture of biomaterials, devices, articles or implants, in particular long term implantable medical devices in the fields of cardiology, orthopaedics, plastic surgery and gastroenterology. The process involves the steps of (a) flame treating a surface of the silicone or silicone based material and (b) bonding the polyurethane to the flame treated surface of the silicone or silicone based material. |
| US09216552B2 |
Device for displaying image on apparel
An image displaying device includes a background layer and a display layer. The display layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is substantially smooth, and the outer surface includes a plurality of raised areas and recessed areas. The display layer has a first zone with a first thickness measured between the inner surface and a raised area and a second zone with a second thickness measured between the inner surface and a recessed area. The display layer also includes a coloring agent having a higher concentration in the first zone as compared to the second zone. The display layer has increased light transmissivity through the recessed areas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas such that a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessed areas generates an image. |
| US09216550B2 |
Process for manufacturing a fuel tank
A process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including at least one component, by molding a parison using a mold including two impressions and a core, the process including: introducing a parison into the mold impressions; introducing a core inside the parison, the core having a moving device including the at least one component closing the mold so that the impressions come into leaktight contact with the core; pressing the parison against the impressions by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the impressions; fastening the at least one component on an inner wall of the parison; opening the mold to withdraw the core; and final molding the parison by blow-molding and/or thermoforming; and to enable its fastening to the parison, the component is moved away from the core by the moving device through a combination of a rotational motion and a linear motion. |
| US09216546B2 |
Method and apparatus for three-dimensional fabrication with feed through carrier
A method of forming a three-dimensional object, is carried out by (a) providing a carrier and a build plate, the build plate comprising a semipermeable member, the semipermeable member comprising a build surface with the build surface and the carrier defining a build region therebetween, and with the build surface in fluid communication by way of the semipermeable member with a source of polymerization inhibitor; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid contacting the build surface; (c) irradiating the build region through the build plate to produce a solid polymerized region in the build region, while forming or maintaining a liquid film release layer comprised of the polymerizable liquid formed between the solid polymerized region and the build surface, the polymerization of which liquid film is inhibited by the polymerization inhibitor; and (d) advancing the carrier with the polymerized region adhered thereto away from the build surface on the build plate to create a subsequent build region between the polymerized region and the build surface; (e) wherein the carrier has at least one channel formed therein, and the filling step is carried out by passing or forcing the polymerizable liquid into the build region through the at least one channel. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described. |
| US09216542B2 |
Electrical connection between sealing coil and voltage source
An apparatus is provided for foil sealing containers and includes a sealing head having a frame containing an induction coil. The frame has a mating surface with a pair of electrical contacts disposed thereon. A power supply cabinet has a mating surface with a pair of electrical contacts disposed thereon. The power supply cabinet also has a guide configured to engage the frame of the sealing head to direct alignment of the mating surfaces of the sealing head and the power supply cabinet such that the pair of electrical contacts of the sealing head make an electrical connection to the pair of electrical contacts of the power supply cabinet. |
| US09216540B2 |
Ultrasonic welding device and method of operating said device
The invention is related to an ultrasonic welding device (5) comprising: an adapter frame (6); an ultrasonic horn (7) driven by a adapter frame mounted converter (8). A pick member (9) comprises grippers (11-14). Passive clamping means are provided with a press pad (10). Control means and activation means (15) are provided for controlled activation of the pick member (9) and the ultrasonic horn (7). The invention is further related to a method of operating said device. |
| US09216539B2 |
Imprinting apparatus, imprinting method, and manufacturing method of uneven plate
According to one embodiment, an imprinting apparatus includes an ejecting unit, a stage, a moving unit, and an observation unit. The ejecting unit ejects and drips a hardening resin material onto a substrate to be processed. The substrate to be processed is placed onto the stage. The moving unit relatively moves the ejecting unit and the stage. The observation unit observes the dripped hardening resin material and the pattern with the state in which the dripped hardening resin material and the pattern are overlaid on a plane, before the template is brought into contact with the hardening resin material. |
| US09216535B2 |
Slot die position adjustments to facilitate patterned products
A method of controlling a slot die comprises positioning actuators of the slot die with a controller according to a first set of discrete settings, operating the slot die by passing an extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot with the actuators positioned according to the first set of discrete settings, and while passing the extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot, changing the positions of the actuators with the controller to create patterned features in the extrudate. |
| US09216529B2 |
Chemical resistant and fire retardant polycarbonate polyester composition
A composition comprising a blend of: a) one or more polycarbonates; b) one or more polyesters; c) one or more core shell rubbers having glycidyl groups on the surface of the core; and d) one or more halogenated fire retardant agent; wherein the polycarbonates and polyesters form separate phases and the core shell rubber is located in the polyester phase. The compositions may further comprise a fluoropolymer capable of functioning as an anti-drip agent. The compositions exhibit a flame retardant rating according to UL-94 at V-0 of 3.0 mm or less; a notched Izod impact strength of about 8 foot pounds per inch or greater (0.90 joules) and chemical resistance to one or more of the common cleaning compositions selected from bleach, polyethylene glycol, a mixture of aryl substituted phenols and aryl substituted chlorophenols, a mixture of an alkanol and a monoalkyl ether of ethylene glycol, and one or more ammonium chlorides. |
| US09216527B2 |
Solid-dielectric switch including a molded viewing window
A solid-dielectric switch including a visible disconnect assembly having an open state and a closed state, a molded housing at least partially encasing the visible disconnect assembly, a viewing window molded into the molded housing, wherein the visible disconnect is visible through the viewing window. The invention also provides a method of molding the housing of the solid-dielectric switch. The method includes providing a mold including an external shell and an internal mandrel. The external shell defines external dimensions of a housing of the switch, and the internal mandrel defines internal dimensions of the housing. The method also includes providing a lens for a viewing window, sealing the lens between the external shell and the inner mandrel, and filling the mold with epoxy to mold the viewing window into the housing of the switch. |
| US09216524B1 |
Low density subsea buoyancy and insulation material and method of manufacturing
The present invention relates to both a material construction and manufacturing method resulting in low density materials, especially for use as subsea buoyancy and insulation. The products are made by an additive manufacturing process, printing thin layers of a polymer material while leaving voids of precisely predetermined shapes, sizes and distribution, with precisely predetermined thicknesses between the voids. The resulting products provide optimized strength, buoyancy and insulative value with minimal material usage and density. |
| US09216523B2 |
Process for shaping or forming articles
The present application discloses a method of shaping a working material (12) into an article, consisting of two primary stages: (a) in the absence of added heat, consolidating and shaping the working material into a pre-form shape using a dynamic hydroforming process that employs a rigid, male-shaped tool (32) and a non-rigid, female-shaped tool (23, 24, 26); and (b) in the presence of added heat, further consolidating and shaping the working material into the final shape using at least one additional rigid forming tool (50). |
| US09216508B2 |
Connectivity maintenance using a quality of service-based robot path planning algorithm
Methods, systems, and devices are described for evaluating signal quality metrics at one or more locations on one or more available paths to a target location by a robotic device, and determining a path to a target location and an access point switching plan for the robotic device based, at least in part, on evaluated metrics. In some examples, evaluating signal quality metrics may include comparing signal quality metrics associated with one or more locations to multiple signal quality thresholds, where one or more of these signal quality thresholds may include a minimum bandwidth threshold. In some examples, the access point switching plan comprises one or more switching events between multiple radio access technologies (RATs) at one or more boundaries. In some examples, determining a path or determining an access point switching plan is based, at least in part, on comparing the costs associated with usage of multiple RATs. |
| US09216501B2 |
Electro-hydraulic pressing device
An electro-hydraulic pressing device, which is particularly suitable for producing pipe joints by means of press fittings, has a pressure piston, which acts on pressing jaws. The pressure piston divides a pressure piston chamber into a pressure chamber and a rear chamber. A hydraulic pump for feeding hydraulic fluid from a reservoir is connected to the pressure chamber. A balance piston is arranged in the piston in addition to an overpressure valve. Up until a switch-off pressure is reached, i.e. throughout the pressing process, the balance piston closes a connection opening and a return flow channel. |
| US09216500B2 |
Tool for simplifying attachment of hose to nipple
Tool (11) for simplified attachment of hose over a nipple, comprising two separate tool parts (12, 13) which each has a free end (121, 131) with a curved profile forming a convex side (126 resp. 136) and a concave side (127 resp. 137) arranged to be inserted into a tube end when the convex sides are equally oriented on both tool parts. At a distance from their free ends the tool parts each has an operating handle (123, 133) enabling rotation of the second tool part (13) of the tool 180 degrees in relation to the first tool part (12) thereby bringing the concave sides (127, 137) of said free ends of the tool parts to face one another. Method for use of the tool is also comprised. |
| US09216497B2 |
Positioning torque mechanism for torque wrench
A torque wrench comprising: a body, an extension, a torque mechanism, a handle, and a positioning torque mechanism. The positioning torque mechanism includes a pressing cap, a clutch ring, and a spring. The pressing cap has a boss and an orifice, the orifice has plural shoulders, between two spaced shoulders is defined a recess, the pressing cap has an elongated hole and a peg. The clutch ring has plural teeth and plural first limiting projections, each first limiting projection has a tilted end portion, and between two spaced first limiting projections is defined a first limit notch, the handle includes a hollow locking member, and the locking member has at least one protrusion, each protrusion has a tilted second limit notch and an inclined edge, between two spaced protrusions is defined a third limit notch; the spring has two ends abutting against the clutch ring and the fixing member. |
| US09216495B2 |
Spacer
A spacer for holding an alignment of two concentric cylinders including at least two arcuate spacer segments, each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments having at least one spacer passage for receiving a part of a coupling bolt, each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments fitting between each of two respective end surfaces of two concentric cylinders, each end surface having a cylindrical seat; and a ring with an outer surface adjoining an inner surface of each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments. |
| US09216494B2 |
Pincer structure
A pincer structure includes a first body having an immovable palate and an immovable stem, a second body having a movable palate and a movable stem, a clipping space defined by the movable palate and the immovable palate, the movable stem pivoted on the movable palate, an elastomer elastically connected between the movable palate and the immovable stem, a limiting member extruded from the movable stem, the limiting member having an abutting unit, a pivoting member pivoted on the movable stem, the pivoting member having an abutting portion, the abutting portion being movable between the movable stem and the abutting unit, a connecting member having one end and another end, said one end pivotally assembled to the pivoting member and said another end movably assembled to the immovable stem. Therefore, a recovery force of the elastomer makes the operation smooth. |
| US09216489B2 |
Chemical mechanical polishing pad with endpoint detection window
A chemical mechanical polishing pad is providing containing a polishing layer having a polishing surface; and, an endpoint detection window; wherein the endpoint detection window comprises a reaction product of ingredients, comprising: an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer having 2 to 6.5 wt % unreacted NCO groups; and, a curative system, comprising: at least 5 wt % of a difunctional curative; at least 5 wt % of an amine initiated polyol curative having at least one nitrogen atom per molecule and an average of at least three hydroxyl groups per molecule; and, 25 to 90 wt % of a high molecular weight polyol curative having a number average molecular weight, MN, of 2,000 to 100,000 and an average of 3 to 10 hydroxyl groups per molecule. Also provide are methods of making and using the chemical mechanical polishing pad. |
| US09216484B2 |
Adjustable work holding system
An adjustable work holding system can quickly adjust for different sized work pieces and can grip components with a small, about 0.100 inch, grip on the material, eliminating wasted material. Adjustable jaws can be mounted on a base plate and tightened into a desired position. Grippers are attached to the jaws and extend only about 0.100 inch over the jaws to provide a gripping surface. The grippers can be resiliently held open by a resilient member, such as an O-ring. A drive bolt for each gripper can be tightened to move the grippers closer together and grip material. The grippers provide strong holding forces and pulls the work piece down, which allows for more aggressive machining operations as compared to conventional work holding systems. |
| US09216482B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing alarm systems and door locks
A method and apparatus for marking positions for burglar alarm sensor elements on a door, the door attached to a frame having a header including comprising the steps of providing a marking apparatus the marking apparatus including an arm, a positioning member with a longitudinal centerline attached to the arm, and punch point attached to the positioning member, the punch point being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the positioning member; at least partially opening the door; placing the positioning member in a hole in the header and closing the door; while the door is closed causing the positioning member to make a mark on the top of the door; and opening the door and removing the positioning member from the hole in the header; and causing an opening to be made in the door at the location of the mark. |
| US09216480B2 |
Process for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine and piston for an internal combustion engine
In a process for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine, a groove is worked into a cast piston blank proceeding from a combustion chamber cavity (20) in a largely radial direction and then closed to form a cooling duct. A cast piston for an internal combustion engine has a closure which is fitted after the casting and the machining between the cooling duct and a combustion chamber cavity (20). |
| US09216478B2 |
Solder and die-bonding structure
A solder includes zinc as a main component and the solder contains 6 to 8 mass percent of indium. A solder includes zinc as a main component, wherein the solder contains only indium. In a die-bonding structure in which a semiconductor chip is connected to a bonded member by a solder, the solder made of zinc as a main component and contains indium. |
| US09216475B2 |
System for protecting light optical components during laser ablation
A method and apparatus to perform laser ablation in the vicinity of a charged particle beam while simultaneously protecting the light optical components of the apparatus utilized to perform the ablation from being coated with debris resulting from the ablation process. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, a protective transparent screen is used to shield the laser optical components. A preferred screen could be replaced or repositioned without breaking vacuum in the sample chamber and would not be particularly susceptible to undesirable charging effects. |
| US09216470B2 |
Method and apparatus for twin wire arc welding
A twin wire welding apparatus including a first contact tube for guiding a first consumable electrode toward a weld puddle and transferring welding current to the first consumable electrode, a second contact tube for guiding a second consumable electrode toward said weld puddle and transferring welding current to the second consumable electrode, and a single power source connected to said first and second contact tubes for providing the same potential to said two consumable electrodes, and a method for operating such an apparatus. |
| US09216469B2 |
Indirect printing bumping method for solder ball deposition
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method to form a pattern of solder bumps. A solder paste is applied a plate comprising a pattern of holes, where each hole is partially filled by a piston attached to a movable stage. The remainder of the holes are filled by applying a force to the solder paste with a first solder paste application tool. A second solder paste application tool then removes excess paste from the front surface of the plate. The solder paste is then disposed onto a surface of a substrate by moving the movable stage, which fills a larger portion of each hole with a piston, forces the solder paste out of each hole, and forms pattern of solder paste on the surface of the substrate. The pattern of solder paste is then subjected to additional processing to form a pattern of solder bumps. |
| US09216467B2 |
Extruded 1XXX-series aluminium alloy tube product
An aluminum alloy extruded tube product for a heat exchanger assembly and made from an 1xxx-series aluminum alloys and including furthermore a purposive addition of one or more wetting elements selected from the group of: Bi 0.03% to 0.5%, Pb 0.03% to 0.5%, Sb 0.03% to 0.5%, Li 0.03% to 0.5%, Se 0.03% to 0.5%, Y 0.03% to 0.05%, Th 0.03% to 0.05%, and the sum of these elements being 0.5% or less. |
| US09216455B2 |
Methods for producing silver nanoparticles
Methods for producing silver nanoparticles are described. In one aspect, a liquid solution is prepared that contains phenazine-1-carboxylic acid. Silver metal salt is added to the solution to produce multiple silver nanoparticles. |
| US09216454B2 |
Manufacturing method of multilayer shell-core composite structural component
A manufacturing method of a multilayer shell-core composite structural component comprises the following procedures: (1) respectively preparing feeding material for injection forming of a core layer, a buffer layer and a shell layer, wherein the powders of feeding material of the core layer and the shell layer are selected from one or more of metallic powder, ceramic powder or toughening ceramic powder, and are different from each other, and the powder of feeding material of the buffer layer is gradient composite material powder; (2) layer by layer producing the blank of multilayer shell-core composite structural component by powder injection molding; (3) degreasing the blank; (4) sintering the blank to obtain the multilayer shell-core composite structural component. The multilayer shell-core composite structural component has the advantages of high surface hardness, abrasion resistance, uniform thickness of the shell layer, stable and persistent performance. |
| US09216442B2 |
Gas-liquid separator and polishing apparatus
A gas-liquid separator separates gas-liquid two-phase flow into a gas and a liquid. The gas-liquid separator includes: a container having a bottom and a side portion, the bottom having a liquid discharge outlet and the side portion having a gas discharge outlet; a gas-liquid introduction pipe for introducing a gas-liquid two-phase flow into the container, the gas-liquid introduction pipe extending downward from above the container and having a lower end located in an interior of the container, the gas discharge outlet of the container being located above the lower end of the gas-liquid introduction pipe; and a guide device disposed in the gas-liquid introduction pipe and configured so as to impart a swirling motion to the gas-liquid two-phase flow in the gas-liquid introduction pipe. |
| US09216437B2 |
System and method for gyratory sifter deblinding
Enhanced action cleaning elements enable increased deblinding efficiency of gyratory sifters. The enhanced action cleaning elements increase the collisions between the elements and the screens of the gyratory sifters to enhance deblinding the screens of the gyratory sifter. |
| US09216434B2 |
Light-heat dual curing anisotropic conductive adhesive, anisotropic conductive film and preparation methods thereof
Preparation methods of an anisotropic conductive adhesive film are provided. One of the preparation methods includes heating a solid-state light-curing resin, a solid-state thermosetting resin and a solid-state elastomer to form a mixture. A liquid-state light curing active monomer and plasticizer are added to the mixture. A leveling agent, antioxidant and insulating nanoparticles are added separately to the mixture. Conductive particles are added to the mixture. A light curing agent, latent heat curing agent and coupling agent are added to the mixture to produce a light-beat dual curing anisotropic conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive is coated on a plastic film base material to form a semi-finished product. The semi-finished product is cured and dried to form a cured conductive adhesive layer, so that an anisotropic conductive adhesive film is produced. The anisotropic conductive adhesive layer is cut, and the anisotropic conductive adhesive film is rolled. |
| US09216427B2 |
Fluid distributing device and method
A system for deflecting and distributing liquid from a liquid source is provided. The system comprises a deflector turbine element incorporated at one end of a cylindrical rotor which encloses at least a portion of the nozzle and is guided coaxially along the nozzle by at least one guide ring. The turbine element fixed to the rotor cylinder further comprises at least one diagonal groove configured to receive and deflect the liquid. The rotor or spindle element is configured to spin relatively freely around the nozzle (hollow shaft) and is allowed to reposition up or down along the nozzle shaft limited by the force of the water jet in one direction and a repelling magnetic force in the opposite direction. |
| US09216426B2 |
Solid cone nozzle
A solid cone nozzle including a nozzle housing and a swirl insert, wherein the nozzle housing has an outlet chamber including a discharge orifice and the outlet chamber is disposed downstream of the swirl insert. The swirl insert has on its external periphery at least one swirl duct, which extends, in a swirl portion, helically or at an angle to the longitudinal center axis of the swirl insert and which extends in the axial direction in an outlet portion, which outlet portion extends from the end of the swirl portion to the downstream end of the swirl duct. |
| US09216416B2 |
Wear part, processing apparatus and processing plant for mineral material
A wear part for a mineral material processing apparatus includes an outer wear surface which comprises an initial phase wear surface to be put in crushing contact with an opposite wear surface, and an end phase wear surface to be taken vertically into use in the crushing process from under the initial wear surface when the wear is progressing. The wear part comprises an end phase wear surface with a protrusion to be put in use when the wear of the outer wear surface is progressing. By means of the protrusion working life of the wear part can be prolonged. A mineral material processing apparatus and a mineral material processing plant. |
| US09216413B2 |
Plasma separation reservoir
The invention relates to a microfluidic apparatus for producing a volume flow that is uniform over time in a metering process. In various solution processes or reaction processes it is essential to have a specified given volume flow or mass flow of fluid available to ensure reliable dissolution of the reagent or ensure that the reaction takes place. In microfluidic apparatus in which separation of particles from a fluid, particularly blood, is carried out through a membrane, the volume flow through the membrane decreases continuously. In order to achieve a uniform volume flow during metering, it is envisaged that first of all a reservoir is filled from a first channel, so that the contents of the reservoir can then be fed to the metering process by opening a fluid stop. The emptying of the reservoir takes place with a uniform volume flow of 0.05 microliters per second to 10 microliters per second. |
| US09216408B2 |
System and method for two and three way mixed metal oxide ZPGM catalyst
Disclosed here are material formulations of use in the conversion of exhaust gases, where the formulations may include Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Manganese (Mn), Cerium (Ce), Lanthanum and combinations thereof. |
| US09216406B2 |
Wet chemical and plasma methods of forming stable PtPd catalysts
A nano-particle comprising: an interior region comprising a mixed-metal oxide; and an exterior surface comprising a pure metal. In some embodiments, the mixed-metal oxide comprises aluminum oxide and a metallic pinning agent, such as palladium, copper, molybdenum, or cobalt. In some embodiments, the pure metal at the exterior surface is the same as the metallic pinning agent in the mixed-metal oxide in the interior region. In some embodiments, a catalytic nano-particle is bonded to the pure metal at the exterior surface. In some embodiments, the interior region and the exterior surface are formed using a plasma gun. In some embodiments, the interior region and the exterior surface are formed using a wet chemistry process. In some embodiments, the catalytic nano-particle is bonded to the pure metal using a plasma gun. In some embodiments, the catalytic nano-particle is bonded to the pure metal using a wet chemistry process. |
| US09216399B2 |
Substrates, peptide arrays, and methods
Disclosed herein are formulations, substrates, and arrays. Also disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing and using the formulations, substrates, and arrays. Also disclosed are methods for identifying peptide sequences useful for diagnosis and treatment of disorders, and methods for using the peptide sequences for diagnosis and treatment of disorders, e.g., celiac disorder. In certain embodiments, substrates and arrays comprise a porous layer for synthesis and attachment of polymers or biomolecules. |
| US09216391B2 |
Membranes having aligned 1-D nanoparticles in a matrix layer for improved fluid separation
Membranes for fluid separation are disclosed. These membranes have a matrix layer sandwiched between an active layer and a porous support layer. The matrix layer includes 1-D nanoparticles that are vertically aligned in a porous polymer matrix, and which substantially extend through the matrix layer. The active layer provides species-specific transport, while the support layer provides mechanical support. A matrix layer of this type has favorable surface morphology for forming the active layer. Furthermore, the pores that form in the matrix layer tend to be smaller and more evenly distributed as a result of the presence of aligned 1-D nanoparticles. Improved performance of separation membranes of this type is attributed to these effects. |
| US09216390B2 |
Systems, compositions, and methods for fluid purification
Disclosed herein are membranes comprising a substrate, a support layer, and a selective layer. In some embodiments the membrane may further comprise a permeable layer. Methods of forming membranes are also disclosed comprising forming a support layer on a substrate, removing adsorbed species from the support layer, preparing a solution containing inorganic materials of a selective layer, contacting the support layer with the solution, drying the membrane, and exposing the membrane to rapid thermal processing. Also disclosed are methods of fluid purification comprising providing a membrane having a feed side and a permeable side, passing a fluid mixture across the feed side of the membrane, providing a driving force for transmembrane permeation, removing from the permeate side a permeate stream enriched in a purified fluid, and withdrawing from the feed side a fluid that is depleted in a purified fluid. |
| US09216388B2 |
Simulator device
A simulator device configured to replace a filtration unit in a crossflow filtration system comprises a feed inlet (41), a first flow path (43) connected to the feed inlet (41) for simulating a retentate flow in the filtration unit, and a second flow path (44) connected to the feed inlet (for simulating a permeate flow in the filtration unit. Adjustable valve means (45, 46) are provided for controlling at least one of the simulated retentate flow and the simulated permeate flow. |
| US09216387B2 |
Method and system for improved process parameter control of a liquid composition in a reverse electro-enhanced dialysis (REED) system
A method and a system for process parameter control of a liquid composition in a reverse electro-enhanced dialysis (REED) system comprising at least two Reverse Electro-Enhanced Dialysis (REED) membrane stacks, wherein the direction of the electric field within any one membrane stack is reversed at asynchronical intervals of time relative to the current reversals for any other membrane stack. |
| US09216385B2 |
Application of rejection enhancing agents (REAs) that do not have cloud point limitations on desalination membranes
Methods of treating used or degraded reverse osmosis membranes post-production are provided. The membranes can be treated online or offline. The reverse osmosis membranes are cleaned and then contacted with a rejection enhancing agent solution that includes polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyvinylalcohol. The reverse osmosis membrane is then contacted with a tannic acid solution to produce a reconditioned reverse osmosis membrane having reduced defects. The treatment can take place at temperatures greater than 34° C. because the polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyvinylalcohol rejection enhancing agents used do not have cloud point limitations. |
| US09216384B2 |
Method for improving lean performance of PGM catalyst systems: synergized PGM
Synergized Platinum Group Metals (SPGM) catalyst system for TWC application is disclosed. Disclosed SPGM catalyst system may include a washcoat with a Cu—Mn spinel structure and an overcoat that includes PGM supported on carrier material oxides, such as alumina. SPGM catalyst system shows significant improvement in nitrogen oxide reduction performance under stoichiometric operating conditions and especially under lean operating conditions, which allows a reduced consumption of fuel. Additionally, disclosed SPGM catalyst system also enhances the reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon within catalytic converters. Furthermore, disclosed SPGM catalyst systems are found to have enhanced catalyst activity compared to commercial PGM catalyst system, showing that there is a synergistic effect among PGM catalyst and Cu—Mn spinel within the disclosed SPGM catalyst system. |
| US09216383B2 |
System and method for two and three way ZPGM catalyst
Disclosed here are material formulations of use in the conversion of exhaust gases, where the formulations may include Copper (Cu), Cerium (Ce), Tin (Sn), Niobium (Nb), Zirconium (Zr), Calcium (Ca) and combinations thereof. |
| US09216382B2 |
Methods for variation of support oxide materials for ZPGM oxidation catalysts and systems using same
Disclosed here are methods of preparing zero platinum group metal catalysts systems with different support oxide material. A ZPGM catalyst system may include a substrate and a washcoat and an impregnation layer, wherein said impregnation layer may include the ZPGM pervoskite catalyst and the washcoat layer may include the support oxides material. Suitable support oxides material may include ZrO2, ZrO2 doped with lanthanide group metals, Nb2O5, Nb2O5—ZrO2, Al2O3 and Al2O3 doped with lanthanide group metals, TiO2 and doped TiO2 or mixtures thereof. |
| US09216381B2 |
Alumina-based nitrogen oxide (NOx) trapping compositions and treatment of vehicular exhaust gases therewith
Thermally stable, solid alumina-based compositions useful for the trapping of nitrogen oxides that are contained in gaseous fluids, notably in vehicular exhaust gases, are formed of alumina, cerium and a divalent metal M selected from among barium, strontium or an association of these two elements and which include at least 10% of the weight of element M expressed by weight of oxide in contrast to the total weight of the composition and also wherein the aluminate compound of the metal element M, i.e., MAl2O4, is absent and not detectable by X-ray diffraction of the composition, after calcination thereof with air at 700° C. for two hours. |
| US09216380B1 |
Ammonia stripper for a carbon capture system for reduction of energy consumption
A method of operating a carbon capture system, such as a chilled ammonia process, to remove carbon dioxide from a flue gas stream. The carbon capture system includes a cooling system, a carbon dioxide absorption system and an ammonia absorption system. The method includes providing a portion of the flue gas stream to various systems within the carbon capture system. |
| US09216378B2 |
Method for cool drying gas
Method for cool drying gas, in particular air, whereby this gas is guided through the secondary part of a heat exchanger (2) whose primary part is the vaporizer (3) of a cooling circuit (4), which consists in measuring the ambient temperature (Tamb), as well as the lowest gas temperature (LAT) or the dew point, and to switch the cooling circuit (4) on and off on the basis of these measurements in order to always maintain the lowest gas temperature (LAT) or the dew point between a pre-determined minimum and maximum threshold value, and whereby pre-determined threshold values are calculated on the basis of an algorithm which is a function of the measured ambient temperature (Tamb). |
| US09216376B2 |
Systems and methods for exhaust gas cleaning and/or ballast water treatment
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for efficient removal of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) contained in an exhaust gas generated from fuel combustion and efficient treatment of water containing microorganizms (e.g. ballast water). |
| US09216374B2 |
Gas separation device and gas separation method
The gas separation device includes an adsorption tower having at least one part thereof exposed to an atmosphere at a higher or lower temperature than normal temperature, a mixed gas feed unit, an adsorbent provided inside the adsorption tower to adsorb a matter contained in a mixed gas upon contact with the mixed gas in a prescribed pressure and temperature environment, and separate the matter from the mixed gas, a separated gas discharge unit that discharges a separated gas from the adsorption tower, and an adsorbed gas discharge unit that discharges from the adsorption tower the adsorbed gas which is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Heat reserving elements are arranged in the adsorption tower at positions upstream and downstream of the adsorbent in the mixed gas supply direction respectively such that the mixed gas, separated gas, and adsorbed gas flow through the heat reserving elements. |
| US09216373B2 |
Filtering unit
A filtering cartridge (2), intended to be contained within an outer casing (TO) provided with an inlet (11) and an outlet (12) so as to filter the fluid which flows from the inlet (11) towards the outlet (12), the filtering cartridge (2) comprising at least one filtering membrane (40), characterized in that it comprises at least one tubular body (30) into which said filtering membrane (40) is fitted so as to be at least partly wound, the tubular body (30) comprising at least one fin (32) having helical development deriving from the internal wall of the tubular body (30). |
| US09216370B2 |
Film formed of hemispherical particles, method for producing same, and use of same
A film using fullerene derivatives, a method for producing such films, and use of same are provided. In the film formed of hemispherical particles according to the present invention, the hemispherical particles are organized like a hexagonal close-packed structure, and are formed by specific fullerene derivatives. The hemispherical particles preferably have a bilayer membrane structure assembled to provide a flake-like surface for the hemispherical particles. |
| US09216367B1 |
Oil field test and separation system
An improved fluid separator and tester having a vessel, an adjustably buoyant float member, an external surge tank, and a gas vent connected to the fluid separator having a float and gas valve assembly, the improvement comprising a set of risers set to equal height, at least one valve to redirect fluid flow to test flow meters, and a spill preventer having a connection to a vertical gas valve, a housing, at least one internal freely movable float, upper float seat adapted to receive a float to seal and prevent the escape of particulates while allowing the venting of gas, a float support means, and discharge means for expelling the contents, whereby the improvements provide increased accuracy in determining a volume of each type of input fluid during operations, allow for the assessment of proper operation of the meters, and prevent environmental contamination in the event of system malfunction. |
| US09216365B2 |
Treatment method and device of waste resource
A waste resource treatment method and device include pyrolysis desorption treatment elements having one or more pyrolysis desorption chambers connected in parallel. Sub-temperature fractionation treatment elements having a low-temperature fractionating pipe and a plurality of higher-temperature or high-temperature fractionating pipes for fractionating a gas at different temperature ranges are connected to the pyrolysis desorption chambers, respectively. The fractionating pipes are connected to sub-temperature resource recycling treatment elements for treating the gas at different temperature ranges, respectively. The sub-temperature resource recycling treatment elements are connected to refrigeration-liquefaction treatment elements and to adsorption exhaust treatment elements. The gas produced at different temperature ranges during a heating process performed inside the pyrolysis desorption chambers undergoes a resource recycling treatment and then is collected by refrigeration-liquefaction, and eventually undergoes adsorption exhaust treatment, such that various hazardous substances are sorted before applying to a resource application or undergoing further treatment. |
| US09216364B2 |
Onsite ultra high purity chemicals or gas purification
An onsite purification plant/system to delivery high and ultra high purity product, such as, process chemicals, industrial and specialty gases to manufacturing processes within the onsite plant turndown ratio from 0% to 100% while preserving the predetermined purity of the supplied substances within a predefined specification range is provided. Preserving liquid/vapor ratio in at least one of the purification means/units ensuring that product purity range stays unchanged is achieved by redirecting the product back into the onsite purification plant/system. |
| US09216360B2 |
Plush animal assembly for supporting a tablet computer or similar sized item
An assembly for supporting a tablet computer or similar electronic device. The assembly utilizes a plush animal structure as a support stand. The plush animal structure has a torso, legs that extend from the torso to form a lap area, and arms that extend from the torso. The torso, legs and arms define a receptacle area sized to receive and retain the tablet computer. An auxiliary object extends between the legs of the plush animal structure in the lap area. The auxiliary object forms a support surface between the legs in the lap area against which the tablet computer abuts when the tablet computer is in said receptacle area. The support surface is slightly forward of the arms. Consequently, when in the receptacle area, the tablet computer is inclined at a slight angle as it abuts against the support surface. |
| US09216359B2 |
Child support repositioning mechanism
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a repositioning mechanism adapted for use with a swing and configured to permit a child support to be secured a forward-facing position and one or more side-facing positions. In particular, the repositioning mechanism is configured to maintain the child support's center of gravity in the same lateral position in both the forward-facing and side-facing positions, as well as to effect longitudinal movement ensuring the child support remains longitudinally proximate to its point or points of support, such as a point of rotation. |
| US09216357B2 |
Game machine, and, control method of controlling computer and computer program used therein
A game machine uses a center unit that utilizes a physical operation of a ball to select at least one pocket by a drawing, and includes: cameras that are placed to be able to take images of the pockets; a center monitor that can display a video picture taken by the camera; and, sensors that detects the pocket decided by the drawing. And, the game machine specifies a predetermined video picture range from the video picture taken by the cameras, based on a detection result of the sensors, so as to include the video picture of the selected pocket at a time when the selected pocket is selected, and, displays a predetermined video picture on the center monitor based on the video picture in the predetermined video picture range specified. |
| US09216356B2 |
Integrated gaming system and method for managing gameplay across multiple platforms
An integrated gaming system for managing gameplay, and tracking and awarding rewards, across multiple gaming platforms; which connects an integrated gaming application, executing on a gaming device, in a browser, or a general computing devices; with an integrated gaming server, which can communicate with a number of connected external gaming servers. Furthermore disclosed is a computer-implemented integrated gaming method for reviewing reward levels, reviewing available games, playing games and obtaining rewards. The rewards can be additional games access, physical items, monetary awards, or the right to participate in events with celebrities, well-known athletes, or notable game players. |
| US09216355B2 |
Device for managing operations of accessories
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a controller to identify a programming layer of a gaming accessory, to establish communications with a computing device communicatively coupled to a gaming software application, to establish communications with the gaming accessory, to receive from the gaming accessory a gaming accessory stimulation, to detect a match between the association and the received stimulation, to retrieve the substitute accessory stimulation, and to transmit the substitute accessory stimulation to the gaming software application. The detecting of the match between the gaming accessory stimulation and the substitute accessory stimulation for the programmable layer is by way of a predetermined association of the stimulation with the substitute accessory stimulation recorded in a user profile associated with a user account. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09216349B2 |
Gripping controllers for portable computing devices
Various devices, systems, and methods for gripping controllers for use with portable computing devices are described herein. In various embodiments, a system for gripping controllers for use with portable computing devices includes two gripping controllers. Each gripping controller includes a top portion having a face with an input controller arranged to receive input from a user, a bottom portion coupled to the top portion, and a radio antenna. Each gripping controller clamps onto a side of the portable computing device. At least one gripping controller communicates the received input from one or both gripping controllers to the portable computing device via the radio antenna using a wireless communication protocol. |
| US09216347B2 |
Portable device, virtual reality system and method
A portable device includes a viewing direction sensor configured to determine the viewing direction of a user of the portable device in the real world and a position determiner configured to determine a position of the user in the real world. Furthermore, the portable device includes a processing unit configured to generate—based on the viewing direction of the user and the position of the user in the real world—a virtual world in which a change of the viewing direction in a 3D coordinate system of the real world leads to a change of the viewing direction in a 3D coordinate system of the virtual world. The portable device further includes a display configured to display the generated virtual world to the user while blocking a view of the real world. |
| US09216345B2 |
Prize placement section for prize game apparatus, and prize game apparatus
A prize placement section includes a first plate-like member having a side on which a prize is placed, and a frame member that supports the first plate-like member, the frame member including a frame-side attachment section that is adapted to removably attach the frame member to an apparatus-side attachment section provided in a game space, and the frame-side attachment section being positioned so that the frame member can be attached to the apparatus-side attachment section from above when the first plate-like member is not supported by the frame member. |
| US09216343B2 |
Snowboard
A snow sliding board (1) includes a tip (8), a center area (13) and a tail (9) and with a sliding surface (10) with a concave tip uptilt (21), a convex center area (22) and a concave end uptilt (23), wherein the concave tip uptilt (21) in an area of a front saddle point (6) terminates in the convex center area (22) in the area of the front saddle point (6), wherein the sliding surface (10) has a concave roll-up surface (17) in an area of the tip uptilt (21), which makes possible a load-dependent shifting of the edge pressure. |
| US09216340B2 |
Removable and replaceable pivoting device and training apparatus for a baseball batter using the pivoting device
The invention is a pivot device for use with baseball training devices. The pivot device is removable and replaceable to allow it to be cleaned to maintain proper functioning of the pivot device and/or to be replaced when the pivot device is worn out. |
| US09216337B2 |
Overmolded golf tee and method of making it
A golf tee has a stake made of a first material and a crown made of a second material more flexible than the first material, in which the crown is overmolded over the stake. The crown and the stake can have corresponding projections. The stake can have projections to allow the crown and the stake to hold together better. |
| US09216334B2 |
Variable length golf club shaft
A variable length shaft assembly comprising at least one spacer, a shaft portion, and a threaded fastener, wherein the threaded fastener removably connects the spacer to the lower shaft, is disclosed herein. The variable length shaft assembly may further comprise at least two spacers that are stackable on a butt end of the shaft portion so a golfer can adjust the total length of the shaft. Methods of adjusting the length of a golf club shaft without damaging any portion of the shaft and variable length shaft kits are also disclosed herein. |
| US09216332B1 |
Golf club head with adjustable center of gravity
A golf club head comprising a plurality of center of gravity adjustment assemblies and a flat panel that attenuates sound and, in certain embodiments, connects the center of gravity adjustment assemblies, is disclosed herein. |
| US09216329B2 |
Golf club groove configuration
A golf club head, and a method of making the golf club head, with an improved striking surface. The grooves are formed in the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, and a portion having a v-shape. |
| US09216328B2 |
Wedge type golf club head with improved performance
A wedge type golf club head with improved performance characteristic is disclosed herein where at least a striking surface of the wedge type golf club head is coated with a polymer coating to decrease the coefficient of friction as well as create a hydrophobic surface to remove dirt and debris. More specifically, the present invention discloses a wedge type golf club head with a hydrophobic polymer coating that creates a contact angle of greater than about 90 degrees as well as decreases the coefficient of friction to be less than about 0.1. |
| US09216323B2 |
Retrieving device
A retrieving device for retrieving an object may be provided. The retrieving device may include a retriever pole that may include a scooping device positioned at one end of the retriever pole. The scooping device may be configured to retrieve the object when positioned over the object. Additionally, the retrieving device may include a camera configured to record image data of an area within a viewing range of the camera and image data associated with the object. The retrieving device may also include a monitor positionable at the other end of the retrieving pole, which may be electrically coupled to the camera via an insulated electrical wire. The monitor may display the image data of the area and the image data associated with the object recorded by the camera. Furthermore, the retrieving device may include a power source that may be electrically coupled to the monitor and the camera. |
| US09216316B2 |
Power generating manually operated treadmill
The present invention relates to a manually operated treadmill adapted to generate electrical power comprising a treadmill frame, a running belt supported upon the treadmill frame and adapted for manual rotation, and an electrical power generator mechanically interconnected to the running belt and adapted to convert the manual rotational motion of the running belt into electrical power. |
| US09216314B2 |
Hanging stand for a barbell
A hanging stand for a barbell is provided. The stand has two pole stands and two adjustable holding seats. The two pole stands are longitudinally spaced, and the top of each pole stand has a hook hanging component which can be hanged on a cross rack to enable the pole stands to hang longitudinally. There are four sides of each pole stand, and at least two linked sides have positioning holes which are spaced at intervals. Each adjustable holding seat has a positioning plunger which is capable of being inserted into any of the positioning holes, and provides the body of the barbell to be placed on a holding sheet having an anti-run limitation edge at the end thereof. The hanging stand is easy to construct, flexible to set up, provided at a reduced cost, and the height of barbell is adjustable and progressive. |
| US09216313B1 |
Elastic cord for a pull exerciser
An elastic cord includes a hollow outer elastic cord having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end in a longitudinal direction. The hollow outer elastic cord further includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery spaced from the outer periphery in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A rib extends from the inner periphery. The rib extends from the first end through the second end of the hollow outer elastic rod. The rib includes a longitudinal hole extending from the first end through the second end of the hollow outer elastic cord. An elastic string is received in the longitudinal hole of the rib. The elastic string includes two ends respectively located in the first and second ends of the hollow outer elastic cord. The elastic string has a maximal elongation larger than a maximal elongation of the hollow outer elastic cord. |
| US09216312B2 |
Antigravity spinal exerciser
The invention provides an exerciser for use in activating deep posture and antigravity muscles in the body. The exerciser (1) comprises a headpiece (2) having at least: a first member (6) which fits around the head of a wearer in a transverse plane above the ears when the headpiece is in situ; and, a second member (7), the ends of which are fixed to the first member and which crosses the head of the wearer (5) at about the coronal plane thereof when the headpiece is in situ. The exerciser further comprises at least one flexible strap (3) on each side of the headpiece which is attached at or near the end of the second member and has at least one portion within its length that is elastic; and, an adaptation (4) at the free end of each the flexible straps to permit extension of the strap by a limb of the wearer (5). Each strap of the exerciser has a length and elasticity which allow a smooth, low velocity movement by the wearer (5) at least involving axial movement of the limb away from the head. The invention also provides methods of using the exerciser. |
| US09216311B2 |
Spinal therapy device
The invention provides a spinal therapy device that can be used by an individual to self-apply overpressure, spinal decompression, spinal joint mobilization or a combination thereof to the spine, as well as methods for using a spinal therapy device to self apply overpressure, spinal decompression, spinal joint mobilization or a combination thereof. |
| US09216308B2 |
Method of extinguishing underground electrical fires
A unique method for suppressing the spread of and extinguishing underground electrical fires in confined areas such as tunnels and conduits. A super absorbent polymer is mixed with water to form a hydrated super absorbent polymer and this admixture is applied to an electrical fire. The admixture has superior fire suppression and extinguishing properties than the fire suppression and extinguishing properties of plain water. The admixture has the ability to cling to the object(s) to which it has been applied and both cool down the object(s) and block the fire from reaching the object(s). The super absorbent polymer and water admixture also encapsulates the noxious and toxic gases produced by electrical fires and prevents the release of these toxic gases into the atmosphere. Finally, the super absorbent polymer and water mixture retains the ash, particulates, and other byproducts of the electrical fire to enable a thorough cleanup. |
| US09216307B2 |
Anti-falling device
An anti-falling device contains: a support rod including a hanging seat and ratchet teeth; two locking jaws, and each locking jaw having a fixing mount, a controlling member, and a spring; the fixing mount having a fitting orifice, an arcuate orifice, a receiving orifice, and a clamping hook. The fitting orifice is fitted with the support rod, the arcuate orifice passes through the fixing mount, the receiving orifice passes through the fixing mount, two clamping hooks of the two locking jaws are clamped on two end portions of an extending plate of a H beam. The controlling member is connected with the fixing mount and swings between a locking position and an unlocking position. The controlling member has a lock bolt and two apertures, and the two inserting bolts are inserted into the two apertures and the receiving orifice so as to limit the controlling member at the locking position. |
| US09216306B2 |
Filter element that has plenum containing bonded continuous filaments
A filter element 12 that includes a fluid inlet 16, a fluid outlet 17 that is in fluid communication with the inlet 16, a filter media 40, 42 through which the fluid passes when moving from the inlet 16 to the outlet 17, and a plenum 38 that comprises continuous filaments 66 that are bonded to each other at points of filament intersection 68. The plenum is easy to manufacture, is resistant to compaction when contorted, and exhibits a low pressure drop as air is distributed across the filter media. |
| US09216303B2 |
Mascara formulation
Mascara primer and mascara formulations are disclosed. |
| US09216294B2 |
Systems and methods for clinician control of stimulation systems
Systems and methods for programming and logging medical device and patient data are provided. The systems include a handheld device, which is capable of communicating with a medical device, and a base station, which provides connectivity for the handheld device to accomplish various functions such as recharging, programming, data back-up and data entry. The methods comprise the steps of detecting a medical device, obtaining and recording information from the medical device. Additionally, medical device parameters may be modified and the recorded information may be archived for future reference. |
| US09216288B2 |
Stimulation prosthesis with configurable data link
The present application discloses systems and methods for operating a stimulation prosthesis that contains a command module and a stimulator module that communicate by a data link. The stimulation prosthesis has at least two operating states: a configuration state and a stimulation state. In one embodiment, the stimulation prosthesis may use a communication protocol that is suitable for the current operating state. The risk of unintended transitions between the operating states due to data transmission errors is substantially eliminated. And in accordance with another embodiment, in addition to switching stimulation strategies, the stimulation prosthesis may also switch stimulation data formats to a format that is optimized for the new stimulation strategy. |
| US09216287B2 |
Apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia may comprise: one or more dysphagia measuring sensor units attached to the neck of a patient; one or more electrical stimulation electrode units attached to the neck of the patient to provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia; and a control unit which controls the dysphagia measuring sensor units and the electrical stimulation electrode units. Accordingly, the apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia according to the one embodiment of the present invention has the dysphagia measuring sensor units, and the electrical stimulation electrode units which provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia, thus simultaneously enabling convenient measurement of the dysphagia and treatment of the dysphagia using the electrical stimulation electrode units. |
| US09216285B1 |
Leadless implantable medical device having removable and fixed components
A leadless implantable medical device (IMD) may include an electrode, a housing, and an energy transfer component. The housing retains a pulse generator configured to provide stimulation energy for delivery to a tissue of interest, a power supply, a memory storing programmable instructions, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is responsive to the programmable instructions to control operation of the leadless IMD. The electrode is securely affixed to the tissue of interest. The housing includes first and second body portions mated to one another at a detachable interface. The electrode is coupled to the second body portion. The energy transfer component is distributed between the first and second body portions and is configured to convey at least one of stimulation energy or sensed signals across the detachable interface when the first and second body portions are mated to one another. |
| US09216276B2 |
Methods and systems for modulating medicants using acoustic energy
This invention provides methods and systems uniquely capable of enhancing medicant delivery and/or effectiveness through the use of energy to predictably disrupt membranes and mechanically and thermally modulate cells and tissues. In exemplary embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein are capable of modulating multiple layers of tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, the energy is acoustic energy (e.g., ultrasound). In other exemplary embodiments, the energy is photon based energy (e.g., IPL, LED, laser, white light, etc.), or other energy forms, such radio frequency electric currents, or various combinations of acoustic energy, electromagnetic energy and other energy forms or energy absorbers such as cooling. Medicants can be first introduced to the region of interest by diffusion, circulation, and/or injection. An exemplary system for enhancing medicant delivery and/or effectiveness comprises a control system, a probe, and a display or indicator system. Imaging and/or monitoring may alternatively be coupled and/or co-housed with an ultrasound system contemplated by the present invention. |
| US09216273B2 |
Medical device for dispersing medicaments
For selective treatment of diseased tissue sections or organ parts, the surface of medical devices entering into contact with areas thereof under pressure is coated with lipophilic substantially water-insoluble medicaments binding to various tissue components with good adherence thereto, said medicaments having an effect thereupon a short time after entering into contact therewith without exerting a harmful influence upon adjacent healthy tissue. |
| US09216271B2 |
Local delivery with a balloon covered by a cage
A catheter configured for delivering an agent to a patient's vessel wall is described. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon substantially covered by a expandable cage such that when the inflatable balloon is inflated the expandable cage substantially surrounds an outer surface of the inflated balloon. The inflatable balloon is configured to be deployed within a lumen against a lumen wall and separated from the lumen wall by the expandable cage in an expanded state, and is adapted to provide an agent delivery to a treatment site, and the expandable cage is further collapsible and is removable from said lumen. |
| US09216268B2 |
Methods of manufacturing drug-loaded substrates
Described are methods for modifying a substrate by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid. The substrate may be a polymer or a metal alloy, and the densified fluid may be carbon dioxide. Uses of such substrate modification include impregnation of the substrate with one or more drugs, impregnation of microcellular particles, and formation of microcellular compositions. |
| US09216266B2 |
System and respiration appliance for supporting the airway of a subject
A respiration appliance (10), system (40), and method (62, 72, 86) for supporting the airway of a subject (12) as the subject (12) breaths. The flow of gas from the lungs of the subject (12) during exhalation is leveraged to provide support to the airway. In particular, a body (14) that encloses one or more external orifices of the subject (12) provides a resistance differential between inhaled gas flows and exhaled gas flows that supports the subject's airway. |
| US09216264B2 |
Portable patient interface system
A portable patient interface system (2) includes a frame (16), a cushion (14) coupled to a first side of the frame, a collapsible faceplate (18) coupled to a second side of the frame opposite the first side, and a longitudinally collapsible hose (56) structured to be in fluid communication with the collapsible faceplate and the cushion. |
| US09216263B2 |
Breath intake valve
A breath intake valve is connected to a tracheostomy tube inserted into a patient's trachea. The inner end of the valve attaches to the tracheostomy tube. An apertured disk endpiece with an O-ring around its circumference is releasably set into the outer end of the tubular valve body. A floppy diaphragm overlying the inner face of the disk endpiece functions as an intake valve to allow patient inhalation and air intake, and as a check valve to block patient exhalation, thereby to redirect it to the patient's larynx, sinuses, and mouth for normal speech. The O-ring gives way to forceful patient exhalation to release the disk endpiece from the tubular valve body. The disk endpiece is tethered to the breath intake valve body to prevent misplacement of the endpiece after such a release. The breath intake valve is itself likewise tethered to the tracheostomy tube to prevent its misplacement after any disconnection. The breath intake valve also includes a whistle to produce audible signal when exhalation is forceful. |
| US09216262B2 |
Device for detecting the observance by a patient of an oxygen-therapy treatment
The invention relates to a device for implementing a system for detecting the observance by a patient of an oxygen-therapy treatment involving an oxygen supply, and for recording the data of said treatment and transmitting said data. The invention also relates to the use of said device, and to a method for tracking the observance of an oxygen-therapy treatment. |
| US09216260B2 |
Dose counters for inhalers, inhalers and methods of assembly thereof
A manually operated metered dose inhaler includes a dose counter chamber including a dose display tape driven by a ratchet wheel which is driven in turn by an actuator pawl actuated by movement of a canister, the tape unwinding from a stock bobbin during use of the inhaler, a rotation regulator being provided for the stock bobbin and including a wavelike engagement surface with concavities which engage against control elements in the form of protrusions on resilient forks of a split pin thereby permitting incremental unwinding of the stock bobbin yet resisting excessive rotation if the inhaler is dropped onto a hard surface. |
| US09216256B2 |
Palm activated drug delivery device
Disclosed is a device for the parenteral delivery of a medication, such as a drug. The device includes upper and lower housings in which the upper housing is configured to move relative to the lower housing as a result of application of an external force to permit the user of the device to control the rate at which the drug is administered. |
| US09216245B2 |
Manual breast pump
The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be disassembled and assembled easily for cleaning purposes, and which can readily modify a negative pressure during expression of milk generated by a lever-type operating section. A breast pump having an accommodating vessel for collecting breast milk, a breast pump main body, and an operating section attached to the breast pump main body and for deforming a negative pressure generating member installed on the breast pump main body, wherein the operating section has a lever form and includes an engagement opening as an engaged section for engaging with an engaging section provided on the breast pump main body, and the engagement opening is selectively engaged with engaging sections in a plurality of positions provided midway on an extending section erected in a pillar shape as one portion of the negative pressure generating member. |
| US09216244B2 |
Inline swivel connection for multi-lumen tubing
An apparatus for connecting multi-lumen conduits may include a conduit adapter and a conduit collar. The conduit adapter may include a housing, a bayonet connector, and a support member connecting the housing and the bayonet connector. The support member has an aperture that permits fluid communication through the support member. One end of the conduit collar is sized for insertion into the housing, and a second end is adapted to receive a first multi-lumen conduit. The housing also is adapted to receive a second multi-lumen conduit. The bayonet connector engages a primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit and the second multi-lumen conduit such that the primary lumen of the second multi-lumen conduit fluidly communicates with the primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit. The conduit adapter and the conduit collar are capable of 360 degree rotation relative to each other about a common axis. |
| US09216238B2 |
Implantable medical device having reduced chance of late inflammatory response
The invention provides a method for fabricating an implantable medical device to increase biocompatibility of the device, the method comprising: heat setting a polymer construct, wherein the polymer construct is at a temperature range of from about Tg to about 0.6(Tm−Tg)+Tg such that the set polymer construct comprises a crystalline structure having crystals at a size less than about 2 microns; and fabricating an implantable medical device from the heat set polymer construct. |
| US09216235B2 |
Photoactivated crosslinking of a protein or peptide
A method of crosslinking a protein or peptide for use as a biomaterial, the method comprising the step of irradiating a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a crosslinking reaction to form a 3-dimensional matrix of the biomaterial. |
| US09216234B2 |
Sealants, manufacturing thereof, and application thereof
Method comprising: applying uncured pre-gel (UP) to surface; contacting UP with cross-linking agents; allowing applied UP to cure, increasingly adhere to first surface, source of agents: solid support comprising agent, or insoluble agent salt in UP, wherein trigger compound is added to UP, or spraying/coating agent, with solid support added. |
| US09216230B2 |
Treatment of organic waste
There is provided an apparatus for assisting hygienization of organic waste. The apparatus comprises at least one reception means for receiving organic solid matter and organic waste, mixing means for mixing the organic waste and the organic solid matter together into an organic mixture, selecting means for selecting whether to expose the organic mixture in the mixing means to either: aeration in order to create a homogenized and internally oxygenous organic mixture, thereby accelerating the hygienization of the organic mixture, or a heat treatment, wherein the heat treatment performs the hygienization of the organic mixture, or to neither the aeration nor the heat treatment. The mixing means may then expose the organic mixture to the aeration, or to the heat treatment, or to neither of the aeration nor the heat treatment on the basis of the selection. The apparatus may further comprise delivery means for passing the organic mixture to either aerobic biodegradation or an end user. |
| US09216228B2 |
Receptor and antigen targeted prodrug
The present invention relates to a prodrug which comprises at least one pharmaceutically and/or diagnostically active compound bound by a cleavable linker, a receptor and/or antigen targeting moiety and a protein-binding moiety which is capable of binding to a carrier molecule. |
| US09216210B2 |
Multiprotease therapeutics for chronic pain
The invention includes Clostridial neurotoxin derivatives containing at least two light chain endopeptidase domains, and nucleic acids encoding such Clostridial neurotoxin derivatives. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes methods and compositions for the treatment of inflammatory disorders (such as arthritis); chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain through the use of such Clostridial neurotoxin derivatives, including those derived from an intact BoNT/A having an LC/E-derived endopeptidase joined to the LC/A endopeptidase. |
| US09216207B1 |
Method for oral administration of an active ingredient
A method for oral administration of an active ingredient to a subject is provided whereby a plurality of bubbles containing the active ingredient t are formed in a small intestinal of the subject. The method includes administering orally to the subject an effective amount of the above-mentioned pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceutical composition includes a drug layer and an enteric coating layer. The drug layer comprises an active ingredient, a surfactant, an acidic component and an effervescent ingredient. The active ingredient comprises a nucleic acid, a peptide or a protein. When the acidic component of the drug layer is dissolved in the small intestinal to react with the effervescent ingredient for generating carbon dioxide and the plurality of bubbles containing the active ingredient, and the active ingredient is embedded in a gap formed between an inner layer and an outer layer of an double-layer structure formed by the surfactant. |
| US09216200B2 |
Tumor suppression using human placental perfusate and human placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells
Provided herein are placental perfusate, placental perfusate cells, and placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells, and combinations thereof. Also provided herein are compositions comprising the same, and methods of using placental perfusate, placental perfusate cells, and placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells, and combinations thereof, to suppress the growth or proliferation of tumor cells, cancer cells, and the like, and to treat individuals having tumor cells. |
| US09216196B2 |
Drink for the rapid replacement of calcium ions in the blood stream
The present invention relates to a beverage that provides rapid uptake of calcium ions into the blood stream in less than ten minutes. |
| US09216192B2 |
Toll-like receptor agonist formulations and their use
The present invention is directed generally to stable formulations of a TLR agonist preferably a TLR7 or a TLR8 agonist, for use in the treatment of cancer, preferably solid tumors and lymphomas. Specifically, the present invention is directed to stable formulations of up to 50 mg/ml of a TLR agonist which comprise a cyclodextrin. |
| US09216190B2 |
Analgesic method
An analgesic medication includes an oligonucleotide being a double strand RNA comprising 18 to 70 base pairs, and a pharmaceutical acceptable vehicle for delivering the said oligonucleotide into cells, wherein a dosage of the oligonucleotide in the analgesic is 50 μg to 200 μg/kg per time, and the pharmaceutical acceptable vehicle is selected from a group of polyethyleneimine, lipofectamine and iFect. |
| US09216187B2 |
Soyasapogenol composition
A soy saponin composition is provided high bodily absorption characteristics. In an embodiment, a soyasapogenol composition comprises soyasapogenol B and 3-O-D-glucuronopyranosyl soyasapogenol B. The weight ratio (B/A) of the 3-O-D-glucuronopyranosyl soyasapogenol B to the soyasapogenol B is in the range of 0.001-10. The composition can be produced by partial decomposition of a sugar chain residue of a soy saponin B group glycoside utilizing an acid. |
| US09216183B2 |
Topical treatment for chemotherapy induced eyelash loss or hypotrichosis using prostamide F2 alpha agonists
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the treatment of post-chemotherapeutic hypotrichosis. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the use of compositions comprising bimatoprost for the treatment of post-chemotherapeutic hypotrichosis which may be applied before, during and after receiving chemotherapeutic treatment. |
| US09216181B2 |
BMP-2 upregulating compounds for healing bone tissue and screening methods for selecting such compounds
The present disclosure relates to a method to stimulate endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation in a subject which method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of an H1 receptor antagonist, whereby endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation is stimulated in said subject. Also provided is a pharmaceutical formulation including an H1 receptor antagonist present in an effective amount to stimulate BMP-2 up-regulation in a subject and a kit. |
| US09216176B2 |
Abuse resistant drug formulation
A pharmaceutical composition may include a coated particulate which may include at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient, particularly one susceptible to abuse by an individual. The coated particles may include a fat/wax and have improved controlled release and/or crush resistance. Method of making these coated particulate and dosage forms therewith are also described. |
| US09216175B2 |
Sublingual buprenorphine spray
The invention provides sublingual formulations containing buprenorphine, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a derivative thereof. The invention further provides sublingual formulations containing buprenorphine and naloxone, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or derivatives thereof. The invention further provides a method of treating pain or opioid dependence by administering sublingual formulations containing buprenorphine, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a derivative thereof to a patient in need thereof. |
| US09216172B2 |
Method for determining effectiveness of cancer treatment by assessing the presence of a KIF5B-RET chimeric gene
In order to identify a gene that can serve as an indicator for predicting the effectiveness of a drug treatment of cancer and to provide a novel method for predicting the effectiveness of a drug treatment targeting said gene, lung adenocarcinomas were subjected to whole-transcriptome sequencing. As a result, in-frame fusion transcripts between the KIF5B gene and the RET gene were identified. The KIF5B-RET gene fusions were detected in 6 out of 319 (2%) LADC specimens from Japanese individuals and 1 out of 80 (1%) LADC specimens from U.S.A. individuals. None of the seven subjects revealed known activating mutations such as EGFR, KRAS or ALK oncogenes; thus, said gene fusions were found to be responsible mutations (driver mutations) for oncogenesis. Since said gene fusions are considered to induce constitutive activation of RET tyrosine kinase protein, it was found that treatments with RET tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective in patients with detection of said gene fusions. |
| US09216171B2 |
Methods of preventing ischemic injury using peripheral nociceptive stimulation
Methods of inhibiting ischemia-related and ischemia-reperfusion-related injury are provided. Remote administration of a C-fiber activator or TRPV1 agonist or remote electrical stimulation and activation of TRPV1 reduces ischemia-related tissue damage in subjects at risk for ischemia-related tissue damage. In aspects of the invention, remote application of a TRPV1 agonist inhibits ischemia-related cardiac tissue damage. Methods of inhibiting cardiac tissue damage by topically administering the TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin are provided. |
| US09216170B2 |
Combination therapy for proliferative disorders
Treatment of proliferative diseases with a combination of a b-Raf inhibitor and MDM2 inhibitor. |
| US09216169B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition comprising candesartan or ester thereof and chlortalidone, and use thereof
Provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising candesartan or ester thereof and chlorthalidone, and use thereof, wherein the weight ratio of candesartan or ester thereof to chlorthalidone is 5.3:1 to 1:6.25. The pharmaceutical composition has a synergistic antihypertensive effect, and can enhance the antihypertensive effect and extend duration of antihypertension. |
| US09216168B1 |
Therapeutic compositions comprising imidazole and imidazolium compounds
Therapeutic compositions comprising substituted imidazole or imidazolium compounds may be used for a number of medical purposes, such as treatment of undesirable conditions or diseases, including disease or conditions related to bone, cancer, and/or pain. |
| US09216167B2 |
Ketorolac tromethamine compositions for treating or preventing ocular pain
Compositions comprising ketorolac tromethamine at a therapeutically effective concentration of less than 0.5% are disclosed herein. Methods of treating or preventing ocular pain using said compositions are also disclosed herein. |
| US09216166B2 |
Anti-microbial photodynamic therapy
Antimicrobial molecular conjugates for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms in human and animals are provided. The key to these conjugates is a special spacer connecting at least one photosensitizer to a microorganism receptor (vector) which in turn binds selectively to the surface of a microorganism bringing about photo-destruction upon irradiation. Spacers having hydrophilic structure such as ethylene glycol units and amino carboxyl end capped ethylene glycol units must be used for linking the vector to the photosensitizer. In a preferred embodiment a spacer would have at least 3 ethylene glycol units and be end capped with a carboxyl group on one end and a amino group at the other end. The present invention effectively works to combat bacterial infection in the real patient-related environments where blood, serum and other body fluids are always present or at least nearby. Spacers of selected length and structure, in preferred embodiments, are used for linking the vector to the photosensitizer. These conjugate are found to be very effective in combating bacterial infection in the real patient-related environments where blood, serum and other body fluids are always present or a least nearby. A method of use is also provided. |
| US09216165B2 |
Combination of a statin and a taxane for the treatment of gastric cancer
The present invention relates to a combination of (i) a statin, and (ii) a taxane, for simultaneous or sequential use in the treatment of a patient suffering from solid tumor, e.g. a gastric cancer. The present invention also provides a statin, for use in a method for enhancing sensitivity of a patient suffering from a solid tumor to a taxane. |
| US09216161B2 |
Methods of treating Huntington's disease comprising administering metal chelators to the upper one-third of the nasal cavity
Methods for preconditioning and/or providing neuroprotection to the animal central nervous system against the effects of Huntington's disease. Therapeutic agents are administered to the upper third of the nasal cavity to bypass the blood-brain barrier and access the central nervous system directly to avoid unwanted and potentially lethal side effects. Therapeutic agents include those substances that interact with iron and/or copper such as iron chelators, copper chelators, and antioxidants. A particular example of such therapeutic agents is the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO). An effective amount of DFO may be administered to the upper third of the nasal cavity of a patient at risk for, or diagnosed with Huntington's disease. The effective amount of DFO is delivered directly to the patient's central nervous system for preconditioning, preventing and/or treating Huntingon's disease. |
| US09216158B2 |
Microorganism comprising particles and uses of same
A particle is disclosed. The particle comprising: (i) at least one inner core which comprises a solid matrix of nutrients for microorganism growth; (ii) an inner membrane being fabricated from a water-soluble polymer, the inner membrane surrounding the inner core and a population of dried microorganisms; and (iii) an outer porous membrane surrounding the inner membrane, the outer porous membrane being insoluble in water. Methods of generating same, propagating microorganisms within and uses of same are also disclosed. |
| US09216157B2 |
Chewing gum in the form of multi-layer tablets
Disclosed are tablets having a sandwich-like structure comprising at least one inner layer of gum base containing one or more active pharmaceutical, dietetic or nutritional ingredients and two non-contigous outer layers comprising antiadhesion excipients and compression adjuvants preventing the adhesion to the punches of the tabletting machine and possibly active ingredients which are the same as or different from those present in the inner layer. Said tablets are obtainable by direct compression of mixtures or granulates of the various components of each layer. |
| US09216156B2 |
Virosome-like vesicles comprising gp41-derived antigens
The present invention relates to a virosome-like vesicle comprising at least a gp41-derived antigen or an analogue thereof, said gp41-derived antigen being located to the external surface of and/or encapsulated inside said vesicle and being in a convenient configuration for conferring said virosome-like vesicle with an ability to induce an immune response against a gp41 protein or a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). |
| US09216150B2 |
pH dependent carriers for targeted release of pharmaceuticals along the gastrointestinal tract, compositions therefrom, and making and using same
Novel drug carriers capable of targeted and/or pH dependent release of biologically active agents into selected pH environments including the gastrointestinal (GI), ophthalmic, urinary, or reproductive tracts. Unexpectedly, carriers including free fatty acids (FFA) are able to deliver biologically active agents to various pH environments. Such targeted delivery is tailorable and useful for active agents that are: (a) injurious to the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum), (b) acid labile, (c) impermeable/insoluble compounds in GI fluids, (d) susceptible to first pass metabolism, and/or (e) cause stomach irritation, upset, or dyspepsia. |
| US09216148B2 |
Compound having skin-whitening, anti-oxidizing and PPAR activities and medical use therefor
Provided are a novel compound having skin-whitening, anti-oxidizing and PPAR activities and a medical use thereof, and the compound has skin-whitening activities for the suppression of tyrosinase, and accordingly, is useful for use in skin-whitening pharmaceutical composition or cosmetic products; has anti-oxidant activities, and accordingly, is useful for the prevention and treatment of skin-aging; and has PPAR activities, and in particular, PPARα and PPARγ activities, and accordingly, is useful for use in pharmaceutical compositions or health foods which are effective for the prevention and treatment of obesity, metabolic disease, or cardiovascular disease. |
| US09216146B2 |
Cosmetic composition
A cosmetic composition comprises a) an N-acyl amino acid compound selected from the group consisting of N-acyl amino acid, its isomers, its salts, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof, and b) hexyldecanol. |
| US09216144B2 |
Hair treatment process providing dispersed colors by light diffraction
A hair treatment process for providing dispersed colors by light diffraction including (a) coating the hair with a material comprising a polymer, (b) pressing the hair with a pressing device including one or more surfaces, and (c) forming a secondary nanostructured surface pattern on the hair that is complementary to the primary nanostructured surface pattern on the one or more surfaces of the pressing device. The secondary nanostructured surface pattern diffracts light into dispersed colors that are visible on the hair. The section of the hair is pressed with the pressing device for from about 1 to 55 seconds. The polymer has a glass transition temperature from about 55° C. to about 90° C. The one or more surfaces include a primary nanostructured surface pattern. |
| US09216138B2 |
Self-venting cannula assembly
The present disclosure relates to a self-venting cannula assembly. The self-venting cannula assembly including an outer tube that defines a throughbore, an inner tube, a vent aperture, and a filter element. The inner tube is positioned within the outer tube, which defines a vent channel therebetween. The vent aperture is formed in the outer tube to provide fluid communication between the vent channel and an external environment. The filter element is positioned over the vent aperture and prevents particles having a dimension greater than about 0.2 microns from passing therethrough. |
| US09216134B2 |
Massage machine
Provided is a massage machine capable of performing a rubbing operation and a pressing operation separately on different areas of the back surface of a body part of a person to be treated while performing the rubbing operation on the side surface of the body part. Specifically provided is a massage machine (M1 (M2)) provided with a rubbing unit (1) comprising a pair of rubbing parts (2, 2) for applying a rubbing massage to a body part of a person to be treated and a rubbing driving part (3) for driving the rubbing parts (2). The rubbing parts (2) comprise a pair of first rubbing parts (12, 12) disposed on both sides of the body part and reciprocating in the direction along the side surface of the body part, and a pair of second rubbing parts (13, 13) disposed on the back surface of the body part and reciprocating in the direction along the back surface of the body part and in the direction crossing the back surface. |
| US09216129B2 |
Container for cremated remains
A container for containing cremated remains is provided herein. The container provided herein is suitable for use as a clutch or point cover for a motorcycle. |
| US09216127B1 |
Burial vault and method for customizing a burial vault
A decorative burial vault includes a decorative top surface substrate having a decorative graphic thereon, the substrate being attached to the top surface of the burial vault or a carapace attached to the burial vault. |
| US09216126B2 |
Table adapter with joint assembly
A table adapter and joint assembly are configured for use with a table during a medical procedure, e.g. a medical imaging procedure or combined imaging and surgical procedure. The table adapter is connectable, directly or indirectly, to a portion of the table. The joint assembly connects with the table adapter about a shaft such that the joint assembly is rotatably adjustable. A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp is attachable to the joint assembly. The joint assembly generally has a parallelogram shape that has four joints for adjustment where these four joints can be selectively locked or unlocked relative to each other using a single actuator. |
| US09216125B2 |
Surgical head holder and surgical accessories for use with same
A surgical head holder and accessories for use with the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a horseshoe shaped head support includes two wings pivotally coupled that adjust the angle therebetween. Arcuate base members are coupled to the wings to accept a plurality of placement subassemblies, which are circumferentially adjustably positioned and secured within the channels. Each placement subassembly is configured to receive a skull pin and provide adjustable horizontal, vertical, and angular positioning of the skull pin with respect to the arcuate base. A table attachment supports the horseshoe shaped head support and is adapted to be selectively and rigidly coupled to an operating table. The table attachment includes a vertical body, a horizontal generally u-shaped bar adjustably intersecting therewith, and an attachment member extending therefrom for coupling to the operating table. Various neurosurgical accessories may be rigidly coupled to the table attachment. |
| US09216122B2 |
Support apparatus, system and method
A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner. |
| US09216121B2 |
Support and containment structure for persons
A support and containment structure for persons comprises at least one support member which extends mainly along a longitudinal axis, and at least one containment element. The at least one containment element is assembled transversely on the at least one support member and is able to contain the trunk of the person. The at least one support member consists of a plurality of modular elements adjacent to each other, selectively adjustable in height and able to be clamped in a stable position by means of relative clamping means. The modular elements assume, in their entirety during use, a position substantially adapted to the trunk of the person in correspondence with his spine. |
| US09216114B2 |
Head-mounted device for settable compound delivery system for inflatable in-ear device
A head-mounted support device for carrying at least one un-inflated inflatable or expandable inner portion of an in-ear device thereon includes a main body adjustably mountable on a user's head, with at least one settable compound delivery device mounted thereon, and a at least one receptacle to receive an inflatable in-ear device inner portion. The invention also refers to a head-mounted settable compound delivery system kit, along with the earphone wire assembly that receives the customized in-ear device inner portions thereon. |
| US09216100B2 |
Medical device
A medical device includes yarns made of a shape memory material and polymer yarns, wherein the yarns made of said shape memory material include polymer sheathing. |
| US09216096B2 |
Intervertebral implants and related tools
According to some embodiments, a method for promoting spinal fusion using a spinal implant comprises providing a spinal implant, wherein the spinal implant comprises an anterior wall, a posterior wall and two lateral walls configured to extend between the anterior wall and the posterior wall. In some embodiments, the spinal implant further comprises at least one internal chamber generally positioned between the anterior wall, the posterior wall and the two lateral walls, wherein the internal chamber being is adapted to receive at least one graft and/or other fill material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the graft and/or other fill material delivered into the internal chamber is configured to exit through the one or more of the openings of the anterior wall. |
| US09216095B2 |
Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations. |
| US09216092B2 |
Tissue prosthesis and method of, and equipment for, forming a tissue prosthesis
A tissue prosthesis 100 comprises an envelope 38 of a biologically inert, elastically deformable material capable of being expanded to conform to an interior surface of a cavity 36 formed at a site 10 in a patient's body. A filler material 60 is received in a fluent state in the envelope 38. The filler material 60 is of the same class of material as the envelope 38 to form, when cured, together with the envelope 38, a unified structure. |
| US09216085B2 |
Partial joint resurfacing implant, instrumentation, and method
A method of repairing an articular cartilage defect with the partial joint resurfacing implant includes surgically creating an opening in the articular cartilage defect site. The method also includes obtaining a partial resurfacing implant which is implanted into the opening. The partial resurfacing implant includes a top articulating portion, an implant fixation portion, and a locking mechanism. The implant fixation portion including an upper segment coupled to the top articulating portion and a bone interfacing segment configured to facilitate insertion into the articular cartilage defect site. The method further includes the bone interfacing segment being inserted into the opening with the top articulating portion and adjacent articular cartilage being positioned to each other to facilitate motion and load transfer over the defect site. Another method of repairing an articular cartilage defect with a partial joint resurfacing implant and a partial joint resurfacing implant are also disclosed. |
| US09216081B2 |
Modular total prosthesis for the middle ear
A total prosthesis for the middle ear, with a prosthesis body, with a first coupling element for connection of the prosthesis to the tympanic membrane or for coupling to the manubrium, and with a second coupling element for connection to the footplate of the stirrup, which second coupling element has a receiving part, connected rigidly to the prosthesis body, and has an insert part with a plug element that can be inserted coaxially, and with a shoe that is connected rigidly to the plug element and that bears on the footplate of the stirrup, is characterized in that the receiving part has an elongate cavity as a receiving opening with a cylindrical bore which extends axially and encloses the full circumference of the plug element and whose inside diameter is greater than the maximum transverse extent of the plug element, which elongate cavity is closed at the end away from the insert part and acts as an end abutment for the plug element, and in that the second coupling element extends axially by at most a third of the axial length of the prosthesis body. In this way, it is easy to produce a desired defined length of the prosthesis, which also remains fixed after surgery, and it is also possible, during surgery, to react to the specific individual situation of the stirrup bone. |
| US09216080B2 |
Toric lens with decreased sensitivity to cylinder power and rotation and method of using the same
A method, system and apparatus for vision correction are disclosed. The method, system and apparatus include a toric intraocular element for correcting astigmatism and having a cylinder power, and a depth of focus extender coupled to the toric intraocular element, the depth of focus extender extending a depth of focus. The extended depth of focus may reduce sensitivity of the toric intraocular element to at least one of rotation and selected cylinder power. |
| US09216079B2 |
Double bundle ACL repair
A system for single tunnel, double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction includes implant constructs and instruments. The implant constructs provide a combination of cortical fixation and bone tunnel aperture fixation. The implant constructs separate a graft into distinct bundles. The instruments are used to prepare shaped bone tunnels to receive the implant constructs and graft bundles. Methods for reconstructing the antero-medial and postero-lateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament may rely on single femoral and tibial tunnels and a single strand of graft. |
| US09216075B2 |
Element for reinforcing a mesh
The present invention relates to a reinforcing element (200) for a circular mesh, comprising a plurality of fingers (201) which, at rest, form a conical structure (202) that can open out when the reinforcing element is placed under axial stress, each finger comprising a vertex segment (201a) and a peripheral segment (201b) defining a vertex part (202a) and a peripheral part (202b) of the said conical structure, the said reinforcing element comprising, for each finger, means (201c, 205; 402; 502) of misaligning the said vertex segment and the said peripheral segment, at least when the said reinforcing element is under axial stress, the said misalignment means making it possible, in the said position under axial stress, firstly for the peripheral part of the said conical structure to adopt a planar configuration, and secondly, for the said vertex part of the said structure to maintain a conical shape. The invention also relates to a prosthesis (300) comprising such a reinforcing element (200) associated with a mesh (1). |
| US09216074B2 |
Cleaning or care device for cleaning or care of a medical instrument, in particular a dental instrument
A cleaning or care device for cleaning or care of at least one medical instrument, in particular a dental instrument having a cleaning chamber to receive the at least one instrument to be cleaned and having a media feed, through which a cleaning or care agent can be delivered into the cleaning chamber, wherein the cleaning chamber is bordered by a flexible outer shell, so that the volume of the cleaning chamber is variable. The duration of cleaning or care of the instrument is thus shortened, and the quantity of resources required for this, such as cleaning or care agent or energy, is reduced. |
| US09216070B2 |
Intuitive user guided configuration routine
A user-guided configuration routine for use with a remote catheter guidance system configured to calibrate of one or more medical devices of the remote catheter guidance system with minimal user input. The user-guided configuration routine being configured to determine the appropriate configuration steps from diagnostic data received from the remote catheter guidance system or from a user. |
| US09216067B2 |
Vitreous cutter sleeve and a vitreous cutter system using the same
A vitreous cutter sleeve is disclosed herein. The vitreous cutter sleeve includes an elongate tubular body with a peripheral sidewall and a central passageway disposed through the elongate tubular body, the central passageway of the elongate tubular body configured to receive a vitreous cutter therein, at least a portion of the elongate tubular body being formed from a material that is transparent to visible light, the material being further configured to conduct at least one of infrared radiation, radiofrequency radiation, and an electrical current; and an illumination device operatively coupled to the elongate tubular body such that the illumination device is capable of providing illumination to an inside portion of an eye through at least a portion of the peripheral sidewall of the elongate tubular body. A vitreous cutter system that includes a vitreous cutter and a vitreous cutter sleeve is also disclosed herein. |
| US09216066B2 |
System and method for creating a customized anatomical model of an eye
A system and method for creating a line recognition template that replicates an object is provided for use as a control reference during ophthalmic surgery on the object. Creation of the template first requires aligning a plurality of reference points along a central “z” axis, with anatomically measured lengths (Δ“z”n) between adjacent reference points. Axially-symmetric surfaces can then be traced between selected, adjacent, reference points to create the template. For the present invention, the location of reference points, and the tracing of axially-symmetric surfaces, are based on a cross sectional image of the object for surgery. Preferably, the cross sectional image is obtained using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) techniques. |
| US09216061B2 |
Medical device with orientable tip for robotically directed laser cutting and biomaterial application
A medical device used in a medical robotic system has a conduit and an orientable tip. An optical fiber coupled to a laser source and/or a catheter coupled to one or more biomaterial sources extends through the conduit and tip so that the tip of the medical device may be robotically directed towards a target tissue for laser and/or biomaterial application as part of a medical procedure performed at a surgical site within a patient. A protective sheath covers the fiber as it extends through the conduit and tip. A first coupler adjustably secures at least the sheath to the medical device and a second coupler adjustably secures the fiber to at least the sheath. A similar dual coupler mechanism may be used to secure the sheathed catheter to the medical device. |
| US09216056B2 |
Catheter for treatment of atrial flutter having single action dual deflection mechanism
A catheter and method for the treatment of a patient having atrial flutter or other arrhythmia comprises an elongated catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. Further it has a distal tip section comprising a flexible tubing having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The tip section further comprises a nitinol tube having slots formed therein which causes the distal tip section to deflect using the same puller-wire action used to cause the deflectable catheter to deflect at a point proximal to the distal tip section. |
| US09216052B2 |
Instrument for the fusion and cutting of blood vessels
An instrument suitable for minimal invasive surgery. The instrument can be introduced into a body, for example, through a trocar, and has two arms and a centrally guided knife for clamping vessels. The central guidance of the knife in at least one of the arms avoids disadvantages that could otherwise develop as a result of the off-center severing of coagulated tissue. Moreover, the clean central guidance of the knife results in lower wear on the knife. Thus, a better cut quality and a longer service life of the knife can be achieved. |
| US09216043B2 |
Devices and methods for monoaxial screw conversion
Devices and methods for selectively converting polyaxial bone screws into monoaxial screws are described herein. In one embodiment, a spinal screw extension instrument is provided having an outer component configured to engage a receiving member of a polyaxial screw. The instrument further includes an inner component disposed within an inner lumen of the outer component and configured to translate longitudinally relative to the outer component such that the inner component can apply a distal force to a compression member of the polyaxial screw disposed within a distal portion of the receiving member to thereby convert the polyaxial screw to a monoaxial screw. |
| US09216042B2 |
Adjustable fixation device
An articulated fixation device is provided having a high degree of adjustability for securing a plate member thereof to a skull and at least one spinal rod thereof to a vertebral bone. In one form, an adjustable bridge member is provided that is adjustably connected to both the plate member and the spinal rod. The adjustable connections can include an upper and rearward pivot connection between the plate member and the bridge member and a lower and forward pivot connection between the spinal rod and the bridge member. |
| US09216039B2 |
Dynamic spinal stabilization assemblies, tool set and method
A hinged bone screw and tool set is used for implanting such bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws. The hinged bone screw includes a shank with an upper portion and a receiver with integral arms forming a U-shaped channel. A lower curved seat partially defining the U-shaped channel cooperates with an upper portion of the bone screw shank for hinged movement of the shank with respect to the receiver. The tool set includes an insertion tool, a bone screw driver, a reduction tool and a closure starter. The insertion tool includes a bone screw attachment structure and a laterally opening channel. The insertion tool further includes a threaded portion for cooperation with the reduction tool to provide synchronized placement of a closure structure in the bone screw receiver while reducing and capturing a longitudinal connecting member within the receiver. Further alternative bone screws are hinged, polyaxial or fixed and include lordosing or kyphosing lateral surfaces. |
| US09216036B2 |
Tissue anchor insertion system
A tissue anchor insertion system for inserting a tissue anchor into a body tissue such as bone, comprising a cutting device having a sharp leading end to create an aperture in the bone for insertion of the tissue anchor therein. The cutting device is deployed through a sleeve which is a close fit with the cutting device. The distal end of the sleeve is typically configured to penetrate the tissue in which the tissue anchor is to be inserted. A tissue anchor is also deployed through the sleeve, after the sleeve is in position, on a delivery device configured to support the tissue anchor during its insertion into the tissue. Typically the leading end of the sleeve is embedded within the tissue when the tissue anchor emerges from the distal end during the insertion process, so the tissue anchor is not damaged by insertion through the tissue. |
| US09216035B2 |
Surgical instrument ringing a titanium needle with a node of minimum amplitude in a substantially cylindrical portion of the needle
A surgical instrument and method, for example to accomplish phacoemulsification, are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handpiece that has a piezoelectric transducer, and a titanium needle having a free distal tip and a supported end that is attached to the handpiece. The titanium needle has a substantially cylindrical portion with an outer diameter in the range 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm and a length in the range 12 mm to 37 mm. A circuit drives the piezoelectric transducer to periodically longitudinally expand and longitudinally contract at a driving frequency. The driving frequency is selected to ring the titanium needle with a standing wave that is characterized by longitudinal expansion and longitudinal contraction, the standing wave having a distal node of minimum amplitude in the substantially cylindrical portion. |
| US09216033B2 |
System and method for treating biological vessels
A system for performing angioplasty and a method of utilizing same are provided. The system includes a balloon mounted on a catheter shaft and an expandable constraining structure mounted over the balloon. The expandable constraining structure includes a plurality of axial struts crossing a plurality of radially-expandable rings being for constraining said balloon such that isolated balloon regions protrude through openings in said constraining structure when the balloon is inflated. |
| US09216029B1 |
Surgical forceps
This application presents a bifurcated, optimally-angled surgical forceps. In one example, this surgical forceps may enable a more natural maneuver for initial clamping of the vas deferens through the scrotal skin. This may be more comfortable for users and easier to maintain, and may provide greater tactile surface contact between the thumb and vas deferens. This device also may provide the surgeon with an entire segment of vas deferens upon which the vasectomy may be performed, thus reducing the need for frequent repositioning of instruments. The device may also be applied to other surgical procedures that may benefit from the features of the device and where a section of a tubular anatomical structure may need clamping at two points along its length. Examples include blood and lymphatic vessels, ducts of the digestive system, and large nerves or nerve bundles. |
| US09216023B2 |
Expandable bone implant
An expandable implant includes an implant body defining an internal void, the implant body including a plurality of interconnected linkages. A first plurality of the linkages has an expansion characteristic that is different from a second plurality of the linkages. An expandable bladder is sized to be disposed in the internal void. The bladder defines a bore configured to receive an expansion material, such that the expansion material applies an expansion force against the bladder, which thereby applies the expansion force against the implant body so as to cause the first linkage to expand greater than the second linkage. The expandable implant can be placed in a fracture location so as to restore height to a fractured target bone. |
| US09216022B2 |
Methods and instruments for forming non-circular cartilage grafts
Techniques and instruments for knee replacement surgery that allow for the removal of an oval oblong-shaped allograft bone and cartilage plug from a donor distal femur. The instruments include (i) sizing guides to match the recipient's femoral size and curvature to that of a donor femur (the sizing guides also acting as a wide pin placement template for the donor distal femur); (ii) osteotomes that cut the curved and straight portions of the implant shape (these may be disposable or reusable); and (iii) templates that fit over the guide pins and have openings to allow the osteotomes to cut the donor femur plug to the correct size, shape and depth. The instruments allow for a non-circular shape to be extracted from a donor femur for use in a bone-saving osteoarthritis distal femur resurfacing procedure. |
| US09216020B2 |
Endoscopic surgical cutting stapler with a chain articulation
An endoscopic surgical cutting stapler with a chain articulation is provided, in which a joint is implemented by a chain articulation, teeth are provided at two ends of a chain plate of the chain articulation, and teeth of adjacent chain plates in the same row are engaged. Through mesh transmission of engaged teeth of the adjacent chain plates in the same row, an angle of a most proximal chain plate of the chain articulation is gradually multiplied at several stages and transmitted to an end effector. The end effector can rotate for 90° with small drive motion of the operating mechanism, thereby achieving precise placement of the chain articulation after rotation. The end effector can be precisely aligned with a part to be cut and stapled, and a radius of curvature of the chain articulation can be significantly increased. |
| US09216019B2 |
Surgical stapler with stationary staple drivers
A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler can comprise a cartridge deck and a plurality of staples at least partially positioned within the cartridge deck. In various embodiments, the staples can be supported by a support jaw of the surgical stapler and can comprise legs which can extend upwardly through apertures defined in the cartridge deck. In use, the cartridge deck can be pushed downwardly relative to the staples into a well defined in the support jaw. |
| US09216017B2 |
Suture anchor device, kit, and method
A suture anchor and kit for anchoring a suture member to human bone in an interference fit. A suture anchor includes a threaded portion and has a head at the proximal end thereof, the head being generally circular. A tip is located at a distal end of the shank. The shank is at least partially threaded and includes walls defining a reel portion. The shank also includes walls for engaging a suture, the walls for engaging the suture typically adjacent walls defining the reel portion. The head typically includes walls for engaging a drive tool. The kit includes a drive tool for rotating the suture anchor when a suture member is engaged with the walls for engaging the suture such that rotation of the anchor causes the suture material to wrap around the reel portion of the shank. |
| US09216012B2 |
Methods and apparatus for securing medical instruments to desired locations in a patient's body
A medical device for localization of tissue at a target site in a patient's body includes a tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis. The medical device is configured for placement of the distal end at the target site. A fixation device is disposed on the distal end. The affixation device is configured to mechanically fix the distal end of the medical device to tissue at the target site. |
| US09216011B2 |
Core biopsy arrangement
A core biopsy arrangement for taking a tissue sample from a human or animal tissue, preferably from a tumour or a suspected tumour, includes a needle holder member provided with a tissue sampling needle, a longitudinal movement element adapted to apply a longitudinal movement to the needle, wherein the movement of the needle is a reciprocating movement having a stroke length L, wherein the forward movement is faster than the retracting movement, and wherein the reciprocating movement is initiated when the distal end of the needle is subjected to a force in the longitudinal direction. |
| US09216009B2 |
Catheter
A catheter includes a sheath insertable inside a body lumen and provided with a window portion permeable to inspection waves, a detection unit movable in the axial direction of the sheath inside the sheath and which detects the inspection waves, and a reinforcement tube positionable to cover the inner surface or the outer surface of the window portion and movable in the axial direction of the sheath. |
| US09216008B2 |
Quantitative assessment of neovascularization
Systems and methods using contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging for quantitative assessment of neovascularization, such as within a tumor or a plaque. The contrast agent moves in small blotches rather than in continuous flow, but image processing methods enable the detection and quantification of the blood flow, even in the tiny blood vessels of the vasculature tree. The image processing includes compensation for motion of the tissue arising from body movement. The position and extent of the discrete positions of contrast material may be accumulating during a complete heart cycle onto a single 2D image, to enable an indication of a vascular tree based on this local accumulated image. Dynamic processing (DP) of the discrete positions of contrast material enables a complete vascular tree to be obtained. The neovascularization is quantified by the ratio of its total area to that of the plaque in which the neovascularization has grown. |
| US09216007B2 |
Setting a sagittal view in an ultrasound system
Embodiments for providing a plurality of slice images are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to thereby output ultrasound data; and a processing unit configured to form volume data based on the ultrasound data, set a reference slice, a reference point and a window on the volume data based on input information of a user and set a sagittal view for measuring a thickness of a nuchal translucency (NT) of a fetus on the volume data. |
| US09216004B2 |
Adam and ease mammography device
Two styles of The Mammography Device are intended, brassiere style (typically for females) and breastplate style (typically for males). The Device should be manufactured to include highly variable cup or mold sizes that will conform to the breast and torso snugly without tightness and use Sensors and Mesh Lines to “read” through breast tissue. Secondary Torso Connectors enhance sizing variability. The Device will have a Vacuum Ability, which allows the Conforming Mesh to be customized to individuals. The Device will create a more comfortable screening for breast tissue anomalies than current methods. The Device may be manufactured to be recyclable; each part should be soft. The Device may be ground for electricity via Grounding Points at its right or left Horn. The communication port on The Device may be used to connect it, if not using wireless communications, from its Rim to a computer. |
| US09216003B1 |
Universal intraoral digital sensor holder for existing digital sensor systems in dentistry
A universal dental digital sensor holder has a bite block connected to a rod that has a connector which is used to flexibly attach a sensor holder so as to allow rotational movement of the sensor relative to the bite block and multiple sensor holders are removably connected to the connector so that they can be used to obtain different radiographic projection views due to their differing configurations for holding the intraoral sensor in the patient's mouth. The bite block can have an opening formed in it fitted with a sleeve to allow access to a tooth located beneath the opening in the patient's mouth. A cable protector can be formed in the rod adjacent an anterior bite surface so that an intraoral sensor cable can be held adjacent the rod and at least partially protected from one or more teeth biting the anterior bite surface. |
| US09216001B2 |
Pulse detection using patient physiological signals
The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates optical characteristics of light transmitted into a patient to ascertain physiological signals, such as pulsatile changes in general blood volume proximate a light detector module. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. |
| US09215998B2 |
Device for obtaining a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram and a rhythm strip
A device for obtaining a standard 12-lead ECG and a rhythm strip, comprising: a personal ECG device to which nine skin monitoring electrodes are electrically connected, either directly or via an electrodes belt and which presents an array of at least 6 precordial electrodes that are anatomically positioned for the user, two belt mounted limb electrodes and one flying electrode, such that the skin monitoring electrodes deployed on the belt in combination with those directly connected to the personal ECG device permit the acquisition of ECG data for the rhythm strip and the standard 12 lead ECG, and wherein the ECG device includes a communication module for transferring the ECG data to a remote data center via a mobile device. |
| US09215994B2 |
Detecting infection in reduced pressure wound treatment
Provided is a method of detecting infection in a wound caused by an infecting organism at a wound site. Also provided is a system for detecting an infection in a wound at a wound site. Additionally, a porous pad comprising luciferase is provided. |
| US09215992B2 |
Medical device inserters and processes of inserting and using medical devices
An apparatus including a sheath defining a distal surface for placement on a skin surface, a device support movable between a proximal and distal position, and adapted to support a medical device, a sharp support movable between a proximal position and a distal position and adapted to support a sharp for inserting the medical device under the skin surface and extending through a portion of the device support, a handle movable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the sheath and adapted to urge the device support and the sharp support from a proximal to a distal position to insert the sharp under the skin surface, and a driver for advancing the sharp support towards the proximal position when the sharp support reaches the distal position. |
| US09215989B2 |
Wearable ambulatory medical device with multiple sensing electrodes
An ambulatory medical device including a plurality of electrodes configured to be disposed at spaced apart positions about a patient's body, an electrode signal acquisition circuit, and a monitoring circuit. The acquisition circuit has a plurality of inputs each electrically coupled to a respective electrode of the plurality of electrodes and is configured to sense a respective signal provided by a plurality of different pairings of the plurality of electrodes. The monitoring circuit is electrically coupled to an output of the acquisition circuit and is configured to analyze the respective signal provided by each of the plurality of different pairings and to instruct the acquisition circuit to select at least one of the plurality of different pairings to monitor based on at least one of the quality of the respective signal, a phase difference between the respective signal and that of other pairings, a position of electrodes relative to the patient's body, and other criteria. |
| US09215984B2 |
Multispectral imaging for quantitative contrast of functional and structural features of layers inside optically dense media such as tissue
A method for evaluation of target media parameters using visible through near infrared light is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light source, illuminator/collector, optional illumination wavelength selector, optional light gating processor, imager, detected wavelength selector, controller, analyzer and display unit. The apparatus illuminates an in situ target. The sample absorbs some light while a large fraction of the light is diffusely scattered within the sample and some light exits the sample and may be detected in an imaging fashion using wavelength selection and an optical imaging system. The method extends the dynamic range of the optical imager by extracting additional information from the detected light that is used to provide reconstructed contrast of smaller concentrations of chromophore. Using a reiterative calibration method, acquired spectra and images are analyzed and displayed in near real time in such a manner as to characterize functional and structural information of the target tissue. |
| US09215983B2 |
Hemoglobin contrast in magneto-motive optical doppler tomography, optical coherence tomography, and ultrasound imaging methods and apparatus
A novel contrast mechanism for imaging blood flow using magneto-motive optical Doppler tomography (MM-ODT), Optical Coherence Tomography, and Ultrasound. MM-ODT, OCT, and ultrasound combined with an externally applied temporally oscillating high-strength magnetic field detects erythrocytes moving according to the field gradient. |
| US09215980B2 |
Health monitoring appliance
A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs. |
| US09215979B2 |
Multi-user remote health monitoring system
A method for monitoring a physiological condition of a user with an apparatus in a computer network is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) storing authorization information in a nonvolatile condition within the apparatus, the authorization information being suitable for identifying at least one of (i) one or more authorized patients among a plurality of medical patients of a health monitoring service and (ii) one or more authorized types among a plurality of patient types of the health monitoring service, (B) sensing biometric data from the user of the apparatus and (C) identifying the user as a particular patient from at least one of (i) the authorized patients and (ii) the authorized types in response to matching the biometric data to the authorization information. |
| US09215974B2 |
Apparatus for optometric self-examination, management server and contact lens selection system
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for optometric self-examination, a management server and a contact lens selection system using the same that are readily available to a new user and additionally shorten a time period required by an eye care practitioner for prescription or, even if no eye care practitioner's prescription is provided, allow for selection of a contact lens preferred for the user. The apparatus for optometric self-examination includes an optometric data acquisition unit for determining at least a part of a shape of a cornea of a user in response to an operation by the user and acquiring optometric data, based on the shape of the cornea, and a contact lens data display unit for displaying a result of selection of a contact lens suited for the optometric data, based on the optometric data and the shape data of contact lenses. |
| US09215971B2 |
Endoscope
An insertion portion includes a holding member that holds an observation portion, and a tubular bending portion. A small-diameter portion of the holding member is fitted into an inside surface of a distal end side portion of the bending portion. A hole portion is provided in the bending portion. A concave portion is provided at the small-diameter portion. A screw member penetrates the hole portion by screw-fastening, and a distal end side thereof is housed in the concave portion. A diameter of the concave portion is larger than an outside diameter of the screw member. A length obtained by adding a depth of the concave portion and a thickness of the distal end side portion of the bending portion is greater than an axial direction length of the screw member. The screw member is held in a non-contacting state with respect to the concave portion in the hole portion. |
| US09215969B2 |
Scanning endoscope system and method of operation of scanning endoscope system
A scanning endoscope system includes: a fiber that guides illuminating light from a light source; a first actuator provided on a side of the fiber and expands/contracts according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; a second actuator disposed at a position facing the first actuator across the fiber and expands/contracts according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; a drive signal output section applying a first voltage for setting a reference position of the fiber where the first actuator is in a contracted state, to the first actuator, and applying a second voltage for setting the reference position of the fiber where the second actuator is in a contracted state, to the second actuator; and a controller that in order to change the reference position of the fiber, controls the drive signal output section to change at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage. |
| US09215963B2 |
Medical instrument containing an adhesive seal with filler
A method for filling a hollow space in an autoclavable medical instrument with an adhesive containing a filler has the steps of providing an adhesive with a low viscosity allowing the adhesive to enter into a hollow space in a medical instrument, providing a filler of solid particles within said low viscosity adhesive, density of said solid particles differ from a density of said low viscosity adhesive, filling that hollow space in said medical instrument with that low viscosity adhesive containing said solid particles, allowing said particles a period of time for crowding together into a minimum of space, and curing said adhesive after said period of time. |
| US09215959B2 |
Vacuum accessory tool
A vacuum accessory tool comprises a housing that defines a suction nozzle and a hair removal assembly associated with the suction nozzle. In one embodiment, the vacuum accessory tool further comprises an agitator assembly located in the suction nozzle and driven by an air turbine. In another embodiment, an impeller associated with the air turbine is weighted to prevent build-up of hair and other debris at the impeller. |
| US09215952B2 |
Modular food ingredient roller
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a modular food ingredient roller. |
| US09215950B2 |
Portable grill assembly
A portable grill assembly includes a grill grate, a fire tray, the fire tray including a plurality of holes, a plate configured to be secured to the fire tray, a gap created between the plate and the fire tray to enable a uniform flow of oxygen to pass through the gap on all sides of the fire tray into the holes and a grid pattern extending upward from the fire tray to elevate a fuel over the holes, and a support stake. The support stake includes at least one coupler to secure multiple sections of the support stake, the coupler includes a lip to prevent movement of sections of the support stake relative to the coupler. The support stake is configured to secure and position the fire tray a distance above the ground and to secure and position the grill grate a distance above the fire tray. |
| US09215944B2 |
Snap having a drill guide for surface cover
Method(s) and device(s) are presented for accurately positioning and fastening a surface cover to the surface. A surface cover can be provided with a cover snap member that has a drill guide through which a hole can be drilled into the surface. The hole can be used to fasten a surface snap member, which snaps together with the cover snap member. The surface snap member can be attached to the surface through a separate screw. Alternatively, the surface snap member can have an integral screw that provides for self-attachment. The surface snap member can have a bore which aligns with the drill guide when the surface snap member and the cover snap member are snapped together. The user can snap the cover snap member and surface snap member and drill a hole into the surface through the channel formed by the aligned drill guide and bore. |
| US09215934B2 |
Corrective chair using slider means
Provided is a corrective chair using a slider means that includes a supporting leg, a seat plate that is coupled to the supporting leg and on which a user seats, and a backrest whose lower part is coupled to an upper part of the supporting leg and that supports a back of the user when the user seats on the seat plate. The chair includes a slider that is interposed between the supporting leg and the seat plate. The slider includes guide rails that are coupled to both sides of a top surface of the supporting leg, and are disposed to be inclined toward the backrest in such a manner that portions of the guide rails close to the backrest are lowered and portions thereof opposite to the backrest are raised; guide blocks whose lower parts are slidably coupled to the guide rails, that are disposed on the guide rails opposite to the backrest in an initial state, and whose upper parts are coupled to a bottom surface of the seat plate; and elastic bodies whose one sides are coupled to a bottom surface of a front side of the seat plate and the other sides are coupled to a top surface of the supporting leg. When the user seats on the seat plate, the guide blocks are slid in an inclined direction of the guide rails to compress the elastic bodies, and the seat plate is moved toward the backrest to allow a back of the user to come in contact with the backrest, and when the user rises from the seat plate, the elastic bodies are restored to original states to restore the guide blocks and the seat plate to original states. Accordingly, since the guide rails are disposed to be inclined, when the user seats on the seat plate, the seat plate is retreated toward the backrest to allow the back of the user to come in close to the backrest. Accordingly, even though the user unconsciously seats on the chair, since the corrective chair using a slider means allows back portions of an upper body such as pelvis and waist to be straightened, the corrective chair using a slider means can correct a posture of the user so as to allow the user to seat on the chair in a correct posture. |
| US09215933B2 |
Load bearing surface
An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures. |
| US09215931B1 |
Storage rack with improved tie support
A storage rack includes front and rear deck beams and C-shaped tie supports extending between the deck beams. Each tie support has a side wall, a top flange and a bottom flange. The top flange has front and rear ends and tabs extending downwardly therefrom. The bottom flange has front and rear ends and tabs extending downwardly therefrom. When assembled with the deck beams the front and rear ends of the top flange are seated on a support ledge of the deck beams with the tabs received into respective slots. Similarly, the front and rear ends of the bottom flange are seated on a lower leg of the front and rear deck beams with the tabs received into the respective slots. The tie supports cooperate with the deck beams to limit the sagging of the decks, while also preventing outward twisting of the deck beams. |
| US09215930B2 |
Storage device
In general, in one aspect, a storage device is provided. The storage device provides lockable elevated storage. The storage device includes a housing assembly and a base assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing body, a strut, a door assembly, a door seal, and a hinge. The base assembly includes at least two left leg assemblies, at least two right leg assemblies, at least one horizontal transverse member, at least two horizontal longitudinal members, at least two first stabilizing brackets, and at least two second stabilizing brackets. |
| US09215927B2 |
Television support and mounting kit
A panel television support and mounting kit allows the consumer to employ any of the three modes of support, namely stand mount, elevated console mount and wall mount. The elevated console mount incorporates a vertical spine to elevate the panel television above the console and an offset arm to support the television over an upper shelf of the console. A mounting structure is provided that can be attached to the spine or to a wall. Pivoting and tilting is accommodated by the mounting structure. |
| US09215926B1 |
Storage rack with improved tie support
A storage rack includes front and rear deck beams and C-shaped tie supports extending between the deck beams. Each tie support has a side wall, a top flange and a bottom flange. The top flange and bottom flange have front and rear ends and tabs extending downwardly therefrom. The top flange has a reinforcing rib. When assembled with the deck beams the front and rear ends of the top flange are seated on a support ledge of the deck beams with the tabs received into respective slots. Similarly, the front and rear ends of the bottom flange are seated on a lower leg of the front and rear deck beams with the tabs received into respective slots. The tie supports cooperate with the deck beams to limit the sagging of the decks, while also preventing outward twisting of the deck beams. |
| US09215923B1 |
Portable table apparatus
A table apparatus and method of constructing the same including a table top having a plurality of slots, a plurality of legs, each of the legs inserted into a corresponding slot, and a support brace having a first longitudinal slot and a second longitudinal slot, the first longitudinal slot having a longitudinal length greater than a longitudinal length of the second longitudinal slot. A first leg of the plurality of legs is positioned in the first longitudinal slot. A second leg in the plurality of legs is positioned in the second longitudinal slot. The first leg can have a first bolt, the first bolt positioned to extend through a first slot of the plurality of slots and the first longitudinal slot. The second leg can have a second bolt, the second bolt configured to extend through a second slot of the plurality of slots and the second longitudinal slot. |
| US09215921B2 |
Packaging and applicator device including an applicator member
A packaging and applicator device for applying at least one cosmetic, makeup, or care product composition, the device comprising: a container containing the composition; and an applicator member that is secured to the container and that defines an application surface, the applicator member being made, at least in part, out of an inorganic material, and having at least one channel passing therethrough so as to enable the composition to pass from the container to the application surface; the application surface having a surface area lying in the range 50 mm2 to 200 mm2, better in the range 70 mm2 to 150 mm2, better still in the range 80 mm2 to 100 mm2, and the applicator member having a weight that is greater than 4 g. |
| US09215920B2 |
Applicator for cosmetics products
This applicator for cosmetic products, or lipstick, is a single or multiple ply card with an embossed pattern that retains a sample of lipstick from a separate container. The pattern shears lipstick from a tube onto the applicator. Also, the pattern assists a consumer in placing the cosmetic upon the applicator. In use, a woman selects a lipstick and moves the applicator, with the raised pattern, or field, down, across the lipstick source. The lipstick collects between the embossing of the raised field. A woman folds the applicator, moves it to her mouth, and transfers the sample to her lips. Following use, a woman reverse folds the applicator and encloses the raised field and sample residue for disposal. |
| US09215918B2 |
Luggage bag with removable organizer
Embodiments of the invention provide a luggage bag, which includes an outer container and an organizer that is contained therein. The outer container includes a detachable garment flap having an envelope for storing one or more garments therein. The organizer includes a plurality of foldable compartments. The organizer can be stored within the outer container and covered by the detachable garment flap. The compartments can stack and fold onto each other and can fold into and out of the outer container. The compartments can be removably attached to each other by a connector, such as pile tape, snaps, buttons, etc. The compartments can be modular such that the organizer can be configured to include any desired number of compartments. In some embodiments, the organizer can occupy substantially the entire interior volume of the outer container. The compartments of the organizer are configured to unfold, deploy, and extend from the outer container. |
| US09215916B2 |
Protective cover for supporting mobile terminal in dual direction and multi angle
A protective cover of a mobile terminal is provided. The protective cover for supporting a mobile terminal in a dual direction and a multi angle includes: the protective cover for housing the mobile terminal at the inside; and a support sheet mounted in a recess formed at an outer surface of the protective cover and spread based on a groove line formed in a lattice and having a portion close contacting with the protective cover and having the remaining portions spread from the protection cover and contacting with the ground and for supporting the mobile terminal. Thereby, by supporting the mobile terminal in various heights and angles using an auxiliary card, the mobile terminal can be supported in a multi direction and a multi angle. |
| US09215915B2 |
Mobile storage unit
A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit includes a rigid exo-skeletal frame and a flexible storage bag that couples to the rigid exo-skeletal frame while within an open storage region framed by the exo-skeletal frame. The mobile storage unit also includes a top seat portion and stabilizing features that extend and retract from the rigid exo-skeletal frame to support the mobile storage unit in the upright position. The mobile storage unit can also include a monitoring device for transmitting signals that are used to determine the location of the mobile storage unit. |
| US09215913B2 |
Rotatable ring bivalve housing
A rotatable bivalve housing comprising a first annular structure and a second annular structure that may be fixedly engaged with one another to provide a circular volume within which a rotatable ring, or a rotatable ring structure, may be securely rotated. Additionally, the first annular structure may be fixedly engaged with the second annular structure, each annular structure having one or more arcuate bow structures extending outwardly from the portion of the annular structure supportive of the rotatable ring. |
| US09215912B2 |
Sliding fastener
In a sliding fastener, a fastener element is adhered at a predetermined pitch. The fastener element includes: a close-contact portion; and first and second engaging/disengaging portions which are respectively disposed on the first and the second tape surface sides of the close-contact portion. The close-contact portion has a first close-contact surface and a second close-contact surface which are respectively disposed in one direction and the other direction along the tape length direction. In addition, the pitch is set smaller than a sum of a dimension between the first and the second close-contact surfaces and a dimension between the first and the second close-contact surfaces. As a result, it is possible to make an element row rigid in a line in a more firm manner when a left and right element rows are coupled. |
| US09215907B2 |
Footwear assembly with outsole having an abrasion resistant arch
An aspect of the present disclosure includes footwear with a sole assembly including an abrasion resistant medial arch portion. In various embodiments, a sole assembly can include a primary portion extending across lateral, toe, and heel regions of the sole assembly, and a secondary portion at a medial arch region of the sole assembly. The primary portion can include a first compound having a first durometer and the secondary portion can include a second compound having a second durometer higher than the first durometer. Additionally, the sole assembly can include a dam portion spaced between the primary and secondary portions. The dam portion can include sidewalls that form a recess configured to separate the first compound from the second compound. |
| US09215898B2 |
Shin guard
A shin guard for combat sports is provided having increased protect for the wearer and the opponent. The shin guard has sleeve for surrounding the lower leg of the wearer and a front padding attached to the sleeve with a top portion reversibly secured which covers and hides a closure system. The shin guard may also have a calf reinforcement. |
| US09215897B2 |
Lightweight, durable apparel and laminates for making the same
Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described. |
| US09215892B2 |
Pasteurization system for root vegetables
A system and method for pasteurizing the surface of a food product includes a flame pasteurizing means arranged to transfer heat to an outer layer of the food product as it is carried by a cook belt. The flame pasteurizing means provides a medium that engulfs more than 50% of the surface area of the skin or outer layer and raises the temperature of the outer layer to at least 145° F. (about 62.8° C.). A washing means, arranged at an exit point of the flame pasteurizing means, removes the raised temperature outer layer and stops heat transfer to an adjacent inner layer of the food product. The pasteurized and washed product retains the same color and flavor as that of the unpasteurized product. |
| US09215889B2 |
Steviol glycoside
Nobel Stevia Sweetening components are provided. Through the analysis of the components of the nobel Steviol Glycoside included in the stevia extract and/or crystals, not only the quality control of sweeteners, but judgment on the correctness of indication of origin or infringement of right are facilitated since the raw material of the sweetener can be identified. |
| US09215888B2 |
Nutritional composition made using isolated organic matter
Nutritional compositions, formulations, and intermediates are provided which may be utilized to formulate various sweeteners and other products. The formulations described herein are made from constituents found in soils or fossilized soils. |
| US09215883B2 |
Manufacturing method and apparatus for popping candy
A method and apparatus for producing popping candy which is formed in moulds. A reactor with one or more trays holds the product and one or more moveable transmission mechanisms and one or more lids provided at each end of the reactor act as inlets and outlets. One or more two way valves regulate and maintain inside pressure of the reactor and cooling and heating mechanisms are provided. |
| US09215882B2 |
Additive manufacturing system and method for printing customized chocolate confections
An additive manufacturing system for printing a chocolate confection, the system comprising a platen, a recirculation loop configured to circulate a flow of a chocolate material, and further configured to maintain a temper of the chocolate material; and a print head the print head being configured to receive at least a portion of the chocolate material from the recirculation loop, and further configured to extrude and deposit the chocolate material onto the platen to print at least a portion of the chocolate confection based on the commands from a controller. |
| US09215880B2 |
Combination automated and hand deboning apparatus and method with single unit processing
An apparatus and method for separating wanted tissues from a bird carcass comprises mechanical and manual manipulation of the tissues. Mechanical manipulation includes scoring the lateral side of the carcass below the ribs between the neck opening and vent to separate the breast tissue from the skeletal system, and cutting the breast tissue and tenderloin tissue from the breast bone. Manual manipulation of the wanted tissues includes: mounting the carcass on a fixture, grasping the breast tissue adjacent the neck opening, and moving the hand toward the vent to separate the breast tissue from the carcass; and grasping the tenderloin tissue adjacent the neck opening, and moving the hand toward the vent to separate the tenderloin tissue from the carcass. Alternatively, the breast tissue may be harvested as a butterfly filet by scoring the lateral side of the carcass and removing the breast tissue from the carcass. |
| US09215879B2 |
Apparatus for producing pillow-shaped hollow bodies
An apparatus for producing pillow-shaped hollow bodies which are formed by the division of hot wafer tubes that are plastically deformable in the warm-baked state. In the frame of the device there is provided at least one crimping device which revolves along a circular orbit which is configured as a mechanically actuatable tongs and separates the wafer tubes into pillow-shaped hollow bodies. A horizontally disposed rotatable mounting is provided in the frame of the device which contains the crimping device configured as tongs and moves this along the circular orbit from an upper receiving position provided for receiving the wafer tubes to a lower dispensing position provided for dispensing the pillow-shaped hollow bodies. |
| US09215874B2 |
Fungicidal composition comprising a pyridylmethylbenzamide derivative and a thiazolecarboxamide derivative
A composition comprising at least a pyridylmethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (1) and N-(cyano-2-thienylmethyl)-4-ethyl-2-(ethylamino)-5-thiazolecarboxamide; in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 10. A composition further comprising an additional fungicidal compound.A method for preventively or curatively combating the phytopathogenic fungi of crops by using this composition. |
| US09215873B2 |
Polymorphs and amorphous forms of 5-amino-1-[2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfinyl]-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile
The present invention relates to novel crystalline polymorphs, solvate pseudomorphs and amorphous form of 5-amino-1-[2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-[(trifluoroethyl)sulfinyl]-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile (fipronil). The present invention also provides methods for preparing the novel polymorphs, pseudomorphs and amorphous form, as well as insecticidal or pesticidal compositions comprising same, and methods of use thereof as pesticidal agents. |
| US09215872B2 |
Use of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibitors in the treatment of plant species from the family of the true grasses
The use is described of at least one succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibitor for increasing the biomass of the flag leaf, of leaf F-1 and/or of leaf F-2 of the plant of plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae). |
| US09215871B2 |
Agrichemical composition and method of promoting growth of plant
An agrichemical composition comprising a compound represented by the formula (1) and at least one insecticidally active compound selected from Group (A): Group (A): imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, nitenpyram, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, imidaclothiz, cycloxaprid, abamectin, emamectin, emamectin benzoate, milbemectin, doramectin, lepimectin, flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, fipronil, ethiprole, acetoprole, vaniliprole, pyriprole, pyrafluprole, thiodicarb, aldicarb, oxamyl, methiocarb, carbofuran, carbosulfan, fenitrothion, malathion, dimethoate and the like. |
| US09215868B2 |
Low-foam preparations for crop protection
Alkyl ether sulfates having 1 to 9 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain and 1 to 20 alkyleneoxy units in the ether moiety are suitable for use as low-foam additives for enhancing the activity of water-soluble or partially water-soluble agrochemicals. They can be used to produce low-foam preparations for crop protection. |
| US09215865B2 |
Dual-bearing reel
A cover open mechanism of a dual-bearing reel includes a frame, a first side cover, a spool support portion and a cover opening and closing portion. The cover opening and closing portion includes a cover opening and closing structure and an urging member. The cover opening and closing structure is engaged with the spool support portion and the first side cover, and sets an opened/closed state of the first side cover. The urging member is disposed between the first side cover and the cover opening and closing structure, and urges the first side cover in an openable state. The first side cover is configured to be prevented from rotating when any one of the first side cover and the spool support portion is engaged with the other of the first side cover and the spool support portion. |
| US09215864B2 |
Method of producing earthworm castings using solid fuel ash and earthworm bed for producing earthworm castings
A method of producing earthworm castings by feeding earthworms with feed prepared by mixing solid fuel ash with shells, crab shells and yellow earth and to an earthworm bed for producing earthworm castings, comprises the steps of: grinding solid fuel ash; washing shells and crab shells to remove salt, and then removing 80% or more of water therefrom; grinding the washed shells and crab shells; mixing 60-70 wt % of yellow earth, 20-30 wt % of the solid fuel ash and 10-20 wt % of the ground shells and crab shells; fermenting and maturing the mixture; and feeding the matured mixture to earthworms to allow the earthworms to produce earthworm castings. The earthworm bed (50) comprises: a feeding unit (52) through which feed prepared by mixing solid fuel ash with shells, crab shells and yellow earth is fed; a breeding chamber (51) in which earthworms are bred to produce earthworm castings; and a discharge unit (53) through which the earthworm castings produced in the breeding chamber (51) are discharged. According to the invention, ash from a solid fuel boiler is used as feed for earthworms to produce earthworm castings, whereby problems associated with the disposal of the solid fuel ash are solved in an environmentally friendly and economical manner. The produced earthworm castings are used as fertilizers, solid amendments and the like. |
| US09215863B2 |
Method of evaluating plant protection
A method is provided for evaluating a protected plant having a protection mechanism. A population of immature insects (i.e., larvae or nymphs) belonging to an insect species having a plurality of instars is first exposed to the protected plant such that the protected plant is at least contacted thereby. The insect exposure extends for a selected time period corresponding to a sublethal exposure of the insect population to the protected plant. The exposure of the insect population to the protected plant is then halted following the selected time period and insects collected. A physical characteristic of at least some collected insects is measured. The measured physical characteristics are then statistically analyzed so as to determine an efficacy of the protection mechanism of the protected plant with respect to the insect population. Associated methods are also provided. |
| US09215859B2 |
Pet stroller with latchable canopy bar
A pet stroller having a frame assembly and a cloth platform enclosure connected to a platform enclosure member that defines a base and a sidewall of a pet seating area. Upper and lower canopy bars are pivotably connected to the rear pivot blocks that are pivotable to extend or retract a canopy over the pet seating area. A cloth canopy assembly is connected to the handle and the upper and lower canopy bars, and has a cutout exposing a front portion of the lower canopy bar. An over-center latch assembly is connected to the platform enclosure member in a position aligned with the cutout on the canopy assembly. The over-center latch is movable to a latched position in which it clamps the lower canopy bar to the platform enclosure member to form an enclosed pet seating area. |
| US09215857B1 |
Soybean cultivar 177357950112
A soybean cultivar designated 177357950112 is disclosed. Embodiments include the seeds of soybean 177357950112, the plants of soybean 177357950112, to plant parts of soybean 177357950112, and methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean 177357950112 with itself or with another soybean variety. Embodiments include methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to soybean cultivars, breeding cultivars, plant parts, and cells derived from soybean 177357950112, methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean 177357950112, and the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing 177357950112 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09215856B1 |
Soybean cultivar 82926150112
A soybean cultivar designated 82926150112 is disclosed. Embodiments include the seeds of soybean 82926150112, the plants of soybean 82926150112, to plant parts of soybean 82926150112, and methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean 82926150112 with itself or with another soybean variety. Embodiments include methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to soybean cultivars, breeding cultivars, plant parts, and cells derived from soybean 82926150112, methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean 82926150112, and the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing 82926150112 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09215852B2 |
Guzmania plant named ‘SKY’
A new and distinct Guzmania hybrid named ‘SKY’ characterized by solid growth habit; funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 20-25 cm in height (above the pot when flowering); numerous, green color foliage (measuring about 25-30 cm length and about 3-3.5 cm in width) Superior floral bract production; bracts are red in color (closest to RHS 46A) singular head inflorescence, measuring about 18 cm in height and about 18 cm in diameter; and long-lasting habit. |
| US09215847B2 |
Apparatus for anchoring an irrigation tower
A remotely operable anchoring system for a mobile irrigation apparatus includes anchoring units mounted to irrigation towers. The anchoring units are remotely operable through a control module and have anchor members which, upon command, can be moved by the anchoring units from a retracted position to an extended position in which each anchor member penetrates and anchors itself into the soil beneath the irrigation tower. Upon command, after the danger of high wind has passed, each anchor member may be retracted from the extended position to the retracted position in preparation for future use. |
| US09215845B2 |
Aggressive grate for combine harvester
A processing system for a combine harvester has a tubular rotor housing that concentrically receives a rotor used for threshing and separating crop materials. Concave and separator grate assemblies are arranged side-by-side axially along the processing system. Each grate assembly has laterally spaced apart side rails and a plurality of axial bars spanning the side rails. Each axial bar has a plurality of fingers extending therefrom toward an adjacent axial bar, the fingers defining apertures through which grain may pass. Each axial bar additionally has a plurality of disrupter walls placed between adjacent fingers, wherein an upper edge of each disrupter wall projects above the fingers on the same axial bar such that it is closer to the rotor to disrupt the axial flow of the crop material through the rotor housing. |
| US09215837B2 |
Agricultural implement with combined down force and depth control
An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder. |
| US09220184B2 |
Advanced cooling for power module switches
A system includes an electronic device, a heat spreader with a vapor chamber attached to a bottom end of the electronic device, so that heat flows from the electronic device to the heat spreader, and a heat sink with microchannels running through it attached to a bottom end of the heat spreader, so that heat from the heat spreader flows through the heat sink and to an ambient. A method for cooling a device includes transferring heat generated by a device through a conductivity layer, spreading the heat through a heat spreader, transferring the heat from the heat spreader to a heat sink that contains microchannels, and releasing the heat from the heat sink into an ambient. |
| US09220181B2 |
Electrical room of an industrial equipment such as a container crane, the electrical room comprising a cooling device
An electrical room housing electrical and electronic apparatus for operating and controlling electrical motors of an industrial equipment is disclosed. The electrical room includes a cooling device with a first heat exchanger which is arranged with a first set of channels through which is conducted a first flow of air drawn from inside the electrical room. Warm air from inside the electrical room is circulated through the first heat exchanger of the cooling device and returned to the electrical room in a closed loop, and the air temperature in the electrical room is controlled dependent on a setpoint of between 24-40° C. A method for controlling the cooling device to cool the electrical room and one or more computer programs arranged for controlling the cooling device are also described. |
| US09220178B2 |
Secure system for energy consuming device
A support structure includes a groove and a channel. The grove can be defined by a wall and a lip. An energy consumption device includes a housing that supports a magnet and a first and second terminal and the magnet helps couple the energy consumption device to the support structure. The housing is positioned in the groove and the groove helps retain the housing in the support structure while the channel allows the energy consumption device to be visible. To help secure the energy consuming device, a header can be provided on both ends of the support structure so that the housing can be translated along the groove but cannot be removed from the support structure. |
| US09220176B2 |
Integrated circuit arrangement in a distributed computing system
On a typical motherboard the processor and memory are separated by a printed circuit data bus that traverses the motherboard. Throughput, or data transfer rate, on the data bus is much lower than the rate at which a modern processor can operate. The difference between the data bus throughput and the processor speed significantly limits the effective processing speed of the computer when the processor is required to process large amounts of data stored in the memory. The processor is forced to wait for data to be transferred to or from the memory, leaving the processor under-utilized. The delays are compounded in a distributed computing system including a number of computers operating in parallel. The present disclosure describes systems, method and apparatus that tend to alleviate delays so that memory access bottlenecks are not compounded within distributed computing systems. |
| US09220174B2 |
Pedestal for flat panel display device and flat panel display device
The present disclosure relates to a pedestal for a flat panel display device. The pedestal comprises: a supporting frame, comprising a horizontally arranged base plate and a framework vertically fixed on the base plate, the framework having a supporting plate on its top, and the supporting plate being configured to support an underside of a display panel of the flat panel display device; at least one circuit board, vertically disposed on the framework; a front shell and a rear shell, fixedly connected with the framework, and wherein the front shell and the rear shell have strip-type notches on their tops respectively, opening directions of the strip-type notches facing to each other and configured to horizontally limit a position of the display panel. An embodiment of the present invention further discloses a flat panel display device including such pedestal. |
| US09220168B2 |
Wiring board with built-in electronic component
A wiring board with a built-in electronic component includes a core substrate having the thickness not exceeding 300 μm and having a cavity having an opening on a surface of the core substrate, an electronic component having the thickness not exceeding 300 μm and accommodated in the cavity of the core substrate, and a laminated structure formed on the surface of the core substrate and including an insulation resin layer and a wiring layer such that the laminated structure is covering the opening of the cavity of the core substrate and the electronic component accommodated in the cavity of the core substrate. The electronic component has an insulation material body and an electrode formed on a surface of the insulation material body, and the wiring layer of the laminated structure is formed such that the thickness of the wiring layer is set smaller than the thickness of the electrode. |
| US09220158B2 |
Ambience cinema lighting system
The present invention relates to a method for providing an ambience light effect in a cinema comprising a cinema display screen arranged on a front wall of the cinema and a plurality of light sources, comprising receiving first and second image content to be sequentially displayed on the cinema display screen, determining at least one of a color and intensity for the second image content, determining a second set of control data for controlling the plurality of light sources to emit an ambient light effect based on at least one of the color and intensity for the second image content, and associating the second set of control data with the first set of image content. Advantages with the invention include the possibility to provide an improved ambient lighting experience by using the “extra space” specifically available in a cinema, e.g. walls, floor and ceiling. |
| US09220157B2 |
Load control device for high-efficiency loads
A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch or an electronic switch) for controlling power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load includes a thyristor for controlling the power to the load, a gate coupling circuit electrically coupled to a gate terminal of the thyristor, a control circuit configured to control the thyristor to turn the load on or off, and a power supply configured to conduct current through the electrical load to generate a supply voltage across a capacitor when the thyristor is non-conductive. When the electrical lead is on, the control circuit is configured to maintain the thyristor non-conductive after a beginning of each half-cycle until the magnitude of the supply voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US09220153B2 |
Illuminating apparatus and control method for keeping a constant total brightness of ambient light and light produced by the illuminating apparatus
An illuminating apparatus and control method is adapted to keep a constant total brightness of the ambient light and light produced by the illuminating apparatus. The illuminating apparatus has a control module storing an objective brightness and detect the ambient brightness through an optical sensor. The control module turns on a lamp according to a comparison result of the objective brightness and the ambient brightness. Hence, a total brightness of the lamp's brightness and the ambient brightness is adjustable to be equally bright as the objective brightness. The illuminating apparatus of the invention does not provide excessive brightness and accordingly conserves electric power energy. |
| US09220149B2 |
Lighting devices having remote lumiphors that are excited by lumiphor-converted semiconductor excitation sources
Lighting devices include a semiconductor light emitting device and first and second spaced-apart lumiphors. The first lumiphor has a first surface that is positioned to receive radiation emitted by the semiconductor light emitting device and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second lumiphor has a first surface that is positioned to receive radiation emitted by the semiconductor light emitting device and radiation emitted by the luminescent materials in the first lumiphor. The first lumiphor is a leaky lumiphor in that the luminescent materials therein wavelength convert less than 90% of the radiation from the semiconductor light emitting device light that is incident on the first lumiphor. |
| US09220145B2 |
Transformer voltage detection in dimmable lighting systems
An illumination system detects a peak value of a voltage of a transformer supplying an LED module by analyzing the current value of the voltage and an on-time of the voltage. Based on the detected peak value, a property of the illumination system is adjusted. |
| US09220144B2 |
High-stability dimmer
A time-division control circuit individually controls an effective voltage supplied to each lighting load by adjusting the periods during which switching circuits connected to N sets of lighting loads are kept on. A zero-cross signal having a value that changes at the zero-cross point of the AC voltage is generated. An oscillation signal is generated with a frequency equal to, or an integer multiple of the AC frequency. The phase difference between the zero-cross signal and the oscillation signal is measured and a common reference point that defines the timing for turning the switching circuits ON or OFF is determined on the basis of the measured phase difference. An ON/OFF signal for each switching circuit is transmitted at a timing for each of the N sets of switching circuits on the basis of the reference point and the effective voltage to be supplied to the lighting load. |
| US09220142B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device includes a mounting area that includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a first electrode group disposed adjacent to the first end of the mounting area, a second electrode group disposed adjacent to the second end of the mounting area, a plurality of files each in that a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in the mounting area to extend from a vicinity of the first end of the light-emitting area to a vicinity of the second end of the mounting area and electrically connected in series with each other of the light-emitting elements in each file. Light-emitting elements included in two or more files can be a light-emitting block to be lighted together through electrodes of the first electrode group and the second electrode group. |
| US09220137B2 |
Method for driving a light-emitting unit and circuit therefor
A driver circuit is provided which comprises a series-connected unit having a light-emitting element and a current limiting inductor directly connected to the light-emitting element, a regenerative diode which is connected in parallel to the series-connected unit and which regenerates energy stored in the current limiting inductor, a transistor which controls a current flowing through the light-emitting element and the current limiting inductor, and a controller which controls an operation of the transistor, wherein the controller controls the transistor according to a voltage value of a power supply applied to the light-emitting element. |
| US09220135B2 |
Light emitting component and light emitting device using same
A light emitting device including a light emitting component is provided, wherein said light emitting comprising an integrated light emitting diode and a semiconductor field effect transistor. The semiconductor field effect transistor may prevent situations such as overheating and voltage instability by controlling a current passing through the light emitting diode as well as enhancing the ability to withstand electrostatic discharge and reducing cost of the light emitting device in multiple aspects. |
| US09220134B2 |
Driving current generation circuit, LED power supply module and LED lamp
A driving current generation circuit includes a semiconductor device configured to operate with a variable voltage as a reference voltage, a driving current generator configured to generate a driving current for driving an LED (Light Emitting Diode) based on an instruction received from the semiconductor device, and a dimming voltage converter configured to generate a second dimming voltage set based on the variable voltage from a first dimming voltage set based on a ground voltage, wherein the semiconductor device performs a driving control of the driving current generator based on the second dimming voltage. |
| US09220130B1 |
Method and apparatus for controlling operation of range top heating elements for cooking
A range has burner elements which are connected in series with a temperature switch. Upon reaching a predetermined temperatures, the switch opens and power to the burner element is secured. The burner elements are preferably open coil units, but radiant burner elements may employ similar technology with a lower upper threshold than prior art units have used. Lowering the temperature in a cooking utensil below common ignition temperatures while still allowing boiling is an objective of many embodiments. |
| US09220124B2 |
Enhanced connection recovery method for multi-RAT deployments
A method is proposed by which a mobile device is controlled, which is capable of establishing connection with a first and at least a second type radio access network, the first and the second type radio access network operating with different radio access technologies. In case a radio link failure is detected, when the mobile device was connected with the first type radio access network, it is tried to re-establish connection with the first type radio access network. In case reestablishing the connection with the first type radio access network was not successful, it is tried to re-establish connection with the second type radio access network. |
| US09220123B1 |
Peer-to-peer sharing of network resources
A first mobile device receives, from each of a plurality of other mobile devices, information related to the availability of at least one network resource provided by at least a first network offered for sharing by the respective other mobile device. The first mobile device also receives a request from a second mobile device to access the network resource provided by the first network shared by at least one of the plurality of other mobile devices. The first mobile device selects at least one of the other mobile devices to share the network resource provided by the first network with the second mobile device. The first mobile device communicates to the second mobile device peer-to-peer network connection information of the selected at least one of the other mobile devices. |
| US09220122B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program for configuring device communications
A set of allowed discovery cycles is stored in a radio network access node, the set consisting of a minimum discovery cycle and integer multiples thereof and each discovery cycle defining only one interval for discovery. The access node transmits in a cell an indication of a specific discovery cycle selected from the set. The access node configures at least one user equipment in the cell with a measurement gap chosen to overlap a subframe for discovery within the one interval for discovery of a different discovery cycle of the set that is in use in a neighbor cell. |
| US09220118B1 |
Method and system for establishing a default bearer in accordance with a substitute packet data policy
A mobility management entity (MME) may receive a request that identifies an access point name (APN) for a packet data connection for a wireless communication device (WCD). The APN may be authorized by the WCD according to a service profile in a home subscriber server (HSS), and the APN may be associated with a subscribed packet data policy. However, if the MME determines that it cannot validate the request (e.g., because the HSS is unreachable or non-responsive), the MME may send to a packet gateway a session request that identifies the WCD and includes a dummy APN. The dummy APN is associated with a substitute packet data policy that differs from the subscribed packet data policy. Based on the session request including the dummy APN, the packet gateway may establish a packet data session for the WCD in accordance with the substitute packet data policy. |
| US09220114B2 |
Method and apparatus for restricting channel access to a wireless station operating in accordance with a power saving scheme
A wireless station includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive networking frames over a wireless medium, and a channel access counter configured to track a time period and signal that the time period has expired. The time period begins in response to a first networking frame of the networking frames. The first networking frame is addressed to a receiver other than the wireless station. A length of the time period is based on a first length in response to a type of the first networking frame being an acknowledgment frame type. The length of the time period is based on a second length in response to the type of the first networking frame being a data frame type. The transceiver is configured to wait to access the wireless medium until after the channel access counter signals that the time period has expired. |
| US09220113B2 |
Mobile communication method, mobile station, and radio base station
In a mobile communication method according to the present invention, a mobile station (UE) transmits uplink data to a radio base station by using an uplink radio resource assigned to the mobile station by predetermined scheduling information, in a predetermined cycle. The method includes the steps: (A) notifying, to the mobile station (UE), the predetermined cycle and information on the uplink radio resource; (B) notifying, to the mobile station (UE), the predetermined scheduling information; and (C) transmitting uplink data in the predetermined cycle by using the uplink radio resource assigned by the predetermined scheduling information, the transmission starting at a certain point determined on the basis of the received predetermined scheduling information. In the step (C), the predetermined scheduling information is discarded, when the information on the uplink radio resource and information notified by the predetermined scheduling information are inconsistent with each other. |
| US09220109B2 |
Method for modifying the state of local access points in a cellular network
A method of allocating resources in a cellular radio communication network including user equipments and a cluster composed of local access points to the network covering a microcell. For each local access point, the presence of user equipments in a coverage zone of the microcell associated with the local access point is determined. A local coverage message specifying equipments determined as present in the microcell coverage zone is generated. A global coverage message by aggregation of the local coverage message of each local access point in the cluster is generated. At least one operating parameter of a local access point in the cluster is modified as a function of the global coverage message. For each local access point in the cluster, an activity state of the user equipment is determined and a field in the local coverage message is entered accordingly with data representing the activity of the equipment. |
| US09220107B2 |
Component carrier activation and deactivation using resource assignments
This invention relates to a proposal of an uplink resource assignment format and a downlink resource assignment format. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the new uplink/downlink resource assignments in methods for (de)activation of downlink component carrier(s) configured for a mobile terminal, a base station and a mobile terminal. To enable efficient and robust (de)activation of component carriers, while minimizing the signaling overhead, the invention proposes a new uplink/downlink resource assignment format that allow the activation/deactivation of individual downlink component carriers configured for a mobile. The new uplink or downlink resource assignment comprises an indication of the activation state of the configured downlink component carriers, i.e. indicate which downlink component carrier(s) is/are to be activated or deactivated. This indication is for example implemented by means of a bit-mask that indicates which of the configured uplink component carriers are to be activated respectively deactivated. |
| US09220105B2 |
Handover signaling in wireless networks
A first base station transmits at least one message to configure at least one backward compatible carrier and at least one non-backward compatible carrier in a wireless device. The first base station transmits, in response to the first base station making a handover decision, a second message to a second base station. The second message comprises parameters indicating whether the wireless device supports configuration of non-backward compatible carriers, configuration information of at least one backward compatible carrier and/or configuration information of at least one non-backward compatible carrier. |
| US09220099B2 |
Method of protocol abstraction level (PAL) frequency synchronization
Embodiments of wireless devices and methods to support a clock synchronization protocol that is provided independently and in parallel to multiple protocol abstraction level (PAL) and other upper layer entities and to multiple streams per each of the PAL and the upper layer entities. The frequency and time synchronization messages are delivered by MAC management action frames and can be aggregated in A-MPDU together with data, management and control MPDUs. |
| US09220097B2 |
Method for sending and receiving control information, apparatus and communication system
The present invention provides a method for sending and receiving control information, an apparatus and a communication system. The method for sending control information includes: setting respective control bits in a downlink control information (DCI) format to generate control information applied by a network side to a terminal, wherein indication information indicating whether to swap a corresponding relationship between a transmission block and a codeword is not carried in a control bit in the DCI format, if a dedicated demodulation reference signal used to demodulate data is preconfigured by the network side for the terminal and respective codewords correspond to the same number of layers; and the indication information is carried in a control bit in the DCI format, if the dedicated demodulation reference signal used to demodulate data is not preconfigured by the network side for the terminal; and sending the generated control information to the terminal. |
| US09220095B2 |
Communication system, mobile station device, base station device, random access processing method, and integrated circuit
A base station device uses a downlink control channel and instructs a mobile station device to perform a random access procedure. The mobile station device switches, according to whether or not random access parameters are included in parameters of a secondary cell that has been allocated to the mobile station device, between a first random access procedure in which information in a carrier indicator field included in the downlink control channel is not used for selection of a cell in which a random access procedure is performed, and a second random access procedure in which information in the carrier indicator field included in the downlink control channel is used for selection of a cell in which a random access procedure is performed. |
| US09220093B2 |
Method of supporting data retransmission in a mobile communication system
A method of receiving packets at a network in a mobile communication system. Including receiving a first packet from a user equipment; and receiving a second packet from the user equipment regardless of a reception status for the first packet, if control information for the second packet is transmitted to the user equipment. |
| US09220087B1 |
Dynamic point selection with combined PUCCH/PUSCH feedback
A method includes receiving in a mobile communication terminal signals from multiple cells that coordinate transmission of the signals with one another in a Cooperative Multipoint (CoMP) scheme. A respective channel feedback for each of the multiple cells, and a single additional rich channel feedback having a higher information content than the channel feedback computed for the multiple cells, are calculated in the terminal based on the received signals. The channel feedback for the multiple cells is transmitted on a periodic uplink control channel, and the single rich channel feedback is transmitted on an a-periodic uplink channel. |
| US09220085B2 |
Selection of acknowledgment timing in wireless communications
Disclosed is a method including communicating, by a mobile device, with a base station via first and second component carriers having different frequency bands and time division duplexing (TDD) configurations. The method may include receiving one or more downlink transmissions via the second component carrier. The method may include selecting a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) timing sequence based on the TDD configurations of the first and second component carriers. The method may include transmitting one or more positive acknowledgment and/or negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) signals, associated with the one or more downlink transmissions, according to the selected HARQ timing sequence. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09220080B1 |
Determining a propagation-time adjustment for a wireless coverage area, based on information provided by wireless terminals
A method and system that account for one or more propagation-time components in a transmission path between a base station and a wireless terminal in a coverage area being served by the system. One such component is in the base station equipment between the radio that serves a wireless terminal and the antenna element that radiates and/or receives electromagnetic signals that involve the terminal. Another component of the transmission path is the one or more paths over which a radiated signal travels between the base station antenna element and the wireless terminal. By accounting for these propagation components through the use of measurement data provided by possibly a large number of wireless terminals, a disclosed location engine is able to derive adjusted measurements that are more representative of the propagation-time characteristic being measured by the individual terminals. These adjusted measurements can then be used to estimate the location of a wireless terminal more accurately. |
| US09220077B2 |
Uplink synchronization processing method, user equipment, and base station
An uplink synchronization processing method, a User Equipment (UE), and a base station are provided. The method includes: receiving a component carrier (CC) uplink synchronization indication message sent by a base station, where the uplink synchronization indication message carries identification information of one or multiple newly configured CCs; sending synchronization signaling to the base station when knowing that the uplink synchronization needs to be executed on all or a part of the one or multiple newly configured CCs corresponding to the identification information; and receiving a time advanced (TA) adjusting message that is sent by the base station according to the synchronization signaling, and applying a TA value carried in the TA adjusting message to the CC on which the uplink synchronization needs to be executed. |
| US09220076B2 |
Base station and method for clock synchronization of base station
The present invention discloses a radio base station and a method for clock synchronization of the radio base station. The radio base station may include a base station outdoor apparatus including an adapter, a ground service antenna, and a satellite antenna. A base station indoor apparatus includes a satellite signal processing module configured to perform decoding processing on a satellite radio frequency signal received by the satellite antenna to obtain a satellite service signal. The satellite antenna and the ground service antenna are connected to the adapter. The adapter is configured to couple the signals received by the satellite antenna and ground service antenna, and transmit a coupled signal to the base station indoor apparatus through a first data cable. |
| US09220075B2 |
Signal transmission pattern
An access point transmits signals (e.g., a cell reselection beacon) on a carrier frequency according to a multi-power level transmission pattern. Signals are transmitted at a high power level for a first defined period of time (e.g., between 4-7 milliseconds) and at a low power level for a second defined period of time (e.g., between 58-65 milliseconds). |
| US09220071B2 |
Slow congestion control
A method for power control stabilization in the uplink of a cellular CDMA communication system applying a fast inner loop power control comprises determining (210) of a radio frame based RoT value for a cell. A radio frame based SINR is determined (212) for individual UEs in the cell. The RoT value is compared (214) with a first threshold. Each frame based SINRs is compared (218) with a second threshold. The fast inner loop power control for a UE is broken (220) in dependence of the comparisons. The breaking comprises commanding (222) of a first number of consecutive power down commands to UEs having the frame based SINR above the second threshold for a RoT value above the first threshold and toggling (224) of power control commands for the subset of UEs during a second number of radio frames for a RoT value above the first threshold. |
| US09220066B2 |
Bundling data transfers and employing tail optimization protocol to manage cellular radio resource utilization
Techniques for increasing power and resource efficiency of a mobile device are presented herein. In the mobile device, with regard to periodic or one-time data transfers, a communication management component can analyze information comprising data transfer parameter information, including jitter information, associated with each application of a subset of applications used by the device and can desirably schedule and/or bundle data transfers associated with the applications to reduce the number of separate data bursts to transfer that data to thereby reduce use of wireless resources and power consumption by the device. A push notification system can receive respective jitter information associated with each application from the mobile device, and the push notification system can desirably schedule and/or bundle push notifications to reduce the number of separate data bursts sent to the device to reduce use of wireless resources and power consumption by the device. |
| US09220065B2 |
Enabling a mobile broadband hotspot by an auxiliary radio
There is provided a method of enabling a mobile broadband hotspot by an auxiliary radio. By utilizing a commonly available auxiliary radio, such as a Bluetooth radio, hotspot connectivity using a primary radio, such as Wi-Fi, can be readily enabled. Accordingly, device connections, guest access, and device disconnections can be easily requested on demand from a mobile broadband hotspot. Additionally, the mobile broadband hotspot may be configured to enable or disable connections using a pre-determined schedule. The pre-determined schedule may provide Internet access only when necessary, such as during scheduled device updates. |
| US09220062B2 |
Method and apparatus for low-power browsing
An approach is provided for providing a low-power browsing experience on a mobile device. A proxy platform receives a request for a webpage. The proxy platform also receives information about the mobile device. The proxy platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of the information about the mobile device and sends the webpage to the mobile device in a format that is based on the information about the mobile device. The mobile device may then operate in a low-power mode when browsing the requested website. |
| US09220055B2 |
Methods and apparatus for cell selection/reselection of a mobile terminal from a legacy network to an advanced network
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing a cell selection by a multi-mode terminal from a legacy network (2G, 3G) to a advanced network (4G). The terminal performs the cell selection upon the existence of a Base Station (BS) on the advanced network system. The terminal does not attempt to perform the cell selection when the LTE BS does not exist. |
| US09220054B2 |
Enhanced service discovery mechanism in wireless communication system
According to various embodiments, an apparatus and method are disclosed that are configured to transmit from a controller to associated mobile stations an advertising message including an advertising information element indicative of the establishment of the new association of a new service provider capable of providing at least one particular service. |
| US09220052B2 |
Providing circuit switched operation in a wireless network
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), supporting Long Term Evolution (LTE), to perform circuit switched (CS) fallback is provided. The WTRU may receive, via a packet switched (PS) evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), a paging message including an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). The paging message may have a domain indicator indicating that the paging message is from a CS service. The WTRU may fallback to CS and subsequently use the IMSI. |
| US09220051B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling DNS redirection in mobile telecommunication systems
System and method for providing DNS redirection in mobile telecommunication network. The system includes a functionality that is capable of intercepting a DNS reply from a content delivery provider, extracting a token, comparing the token with a stored token and replacing an IP address associated with the content delivery provider with an IP address of a resource of the mobile telecommunication network. |
| US09220050B2 |
Mesh network defragmentation
Methods of reassembling a mesh network which has been disrupted by the unavailability of a node or a link are disclosed. Nodes continuously receive beacon messages originating from a leader node. These beacon messages may be transmitted directly by the leader node, or may have been retransmitted by an intermediate node. When a node determines that it has not received a beacon message in a certain time period, it concludes that it is now disconnected from that leader node. At this point, it may choose to act as a leader node and form a new network, or may join with another network. The determination of which network to join may be based on some indicia associated with the leader node of that network. |
| US09220048B2 |
Moving cellular communication system operative in an emergency mode
A communication system comprising moving relay/s including base- and mobile-station functionality and a radio manager, all co-located, emergency moving relay/s further including a simulated stationary network that includes a simulated IP connectivity gateway communicating with a simulated mobility management entity and simulating the operation of a stationary network; the emergency moving relay being a root of a subtree including moving relay/s and mobile station/s, and utilizing its mobile-station functionality, base station functionality and radio manager for normal and emergency operation including communicating to a designated mobile station in the subtree each message received from a moving relay mobile in the subtree, the message having an IP address of the designated mobile station; or communicating to the simulated stationary network each message received from a moving relay/mobile station in the subtree and having an IP address not matching any mobile station in the subtree. |
| US09220046B2 |
Method for wireless communication in a device with co-existence radio
Various methods for wireless communication in a device with co-existed/co-located radios are provided. Multiple communication radio transceivers are co-existed/co-located in a user equipment (UE) having in-device coexistence (IDC) capability, which may result in IDC interference. For example, the UE is equipped with both LTE radio and some ISM band applications such as WiFi and Bluetooth modules. In a first method, the network identifies IDC capability by UE identification (e.g., UE ID). In a second method, the UE intentionally performs cell selection or reselection to cells in non-ISM frequency bands. In a third method, the UE signals the existence of ISM band applications via capability negotiation. In a fourth method, the UE signals the activation of ISM band applications by signaling messages (e.g., RRC message or MAC CE). Under the various methods, the UE and its serving eNB can apply FDM or TDM solutions to mitigate the IDC interference. |
| US09220041B2 |
Mobility enhancement for fast moving user equipment in a heterogenous network environment
Relative sizes of neighbor cells are identified, and measurement reporting of the neighbor cells is differentiated in dependence on at least the relative size. In one embodiment the relative sizes are identified by a frequency layer and/or physical cell identity sent by a serving cell. The differentiated reporting may be implemented by using different values, based on the relative sizes, of a measurement or reporting parameter or a scaling factor (such as Treselection or time to trigger) which adjusts either of those parameters. In one embodiment the differentiated measurement reporting is conditional on a user equipment which sends the measurement reports being classified as fast moving, and in another is further conditional on it also having no active data transfer applications ongoing. In various embodiments, detecting and measuring of small neighbor cells (and thus their reporting) is omitted, or measurements can be collected normally and only the reporting is omitted. |
| US09220037B2 |
HS-DSCH inter-node B cell change
A radio resource control (RRC) message is received by a radio resource control (RRC) device of a user equipment (UE). The RRC message notifies the FDD UE of a high speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) inter-Node B cell change. A reordering buffers of a medium access controller-high speed (MAC-hs) is flushed in response to the receiving the RRC message. A status report is generated for each acknowledge mode (AM) RLC instance mapped to the HS-DSCH by a radio link control (RLC) device after the MAC-hs flushes the reordering buffer. Each status report indicates missing AM RLC packet data units (PDUs). The RRC device sends a “TRANSPORT CHANNEL RECONFIGURATION COMPLETE” message on a DCCH after the RLC device generates each status report. |
| US09220024B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting a cell size in a wireless communication system
Method in a network node (110) comprised in a wireless communication system (100), for adjusting size of a cell (115) served by the network node (110). The method comprises estimating (304) a parameter value, related to a number of unsuccessful network connection attempts made by one or more user equipment (120) during a measurement period, and/or a number of dropped user equipment connections to the network node (110) during the measurement period. Further, the method comprises comparing (305) the estimated (304) parameter value with a threshold value, and adjusting (306) the size of the cell (115), based on the result of the comparison (305) of the estimated (304) parameter value with the threshold value. |
| US09220022B2 |
LTE user presence detection for small cell placement
One embodiment includes a method for determining a target location for a metro cell base station by calculating, via at least one monitoring device, at least one of a number of user equipments within a range of the at least one monitoring device and a radio frequency (RF) level of at least one macro cell base station. The method further includes determining, via the at least one monitoring device, the target location for the metro cell base station based on at least one of the calculated number of user equipments within the range and the calculated RF level of the at least one macro cell base station. |
| US09220017B2 |
Radio parameter control apparatus, base station apparatus, radio parameter control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A radio parameter control apparatus (1) includes a measurement report collection unit (10) and a radio parameter determination unit (11). The measurement report collection unit (10) collects a plurality of measurement reports generated by at least one mobile station (5), each of the measurement reports containing a measurement result of radio quality of a first cell (62) managed by a base station (4). The radio parameter determination unit (11) determines, based on the plurality of measurement reports so as to reduce the number of cell-edge mobile stations deemed to be located at a cell edge between the first cell (62) and a neighboring cell (61), an updated value of a radio parameter capable of changing coverage of the first cell (62). |
| US09220016B2 |
Position monitoring for a coverage area
It is disclosed a method, an apparatus and a computer program for monitoring, for a position of a set of one or more positions that are associated with a coverage area of a communication node, if a report comprising a position associated with said coverage area of said communication node and lying in a defined environment of said position for which said monitoring is performed is received as a validation of said position for which said monitoring is performed. |
| US09220012B1 |
Systems and methods for provisioning devices
In a method, implemented by a first device connected to a wireless network, for assisting in provisioning a second device for connection to the wireless network, the first device receives, via the wireless network and from a remote server, a public key corresponding to a private key stored in the second device. The first device uses the public key to encrypt network security information stored in the first device, the network security information including information that is useable to securely connect to the first wireless network. The first device wirelessly transmits, for reception by the second device, a signal carrying the encrypted network security information. |
| US09220010B2 |
System and method for developing applications in wireless and wireline environments
An intelligent messaging network provides multiple software development kits (SDKs) to assist, e.g., engineers in developing client and server applications. The SDKs can contain a consistent set of application program interfaces (APIs) and a set of platform specific libraries for all intelligent messaging network supported platforms and networks. In addition to the SDKs, the intelligent messaging network can provide developers a resource kit including a set of tools to assist the developers when designing, implementing, and testing their client and server applications. The intelligent messaging network can provide a mobile client and server SDK environment to assist engineers developing client applications and servers. The SDKs can provide an easy to use APIs and a set of platform specific libraries to perform, e.g., compression, network management services, server-to-server communication, server registration/de-registration, and reliable message transport services. |
| US09220006B1 |
Techniques for automatically activating or deactivating a phone associated with a virtual phone number
A computer-implemented technique is presented. The technique includes determining, at a server including one or more processors, one or more phones associated with a virtual phone number associated with a user. The technique includes determining, at the server, a location for each of the one or more phones. The technique includes receiving, at the server, position information from a mobile phone associated with the user indicating the user crossed a geo-fence corresponding to a specific location of a specific one of the one or more phones. The technique includes determining, at the server, a status of the specific phone associated with the geo-fence based on a previous status of the specific phone and the position information. The technique further includes selectively forwarding, from the server, an incoming phone call to the virtual phone number to the one or more phones based on their respective statuses. |
| US09220005B2 |
Device management services via mobile devices
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for monitoring a device asset of a customer via a mobile endpoint device are disclosed. For example, the method detects one or more devices of the customer via the mobile endpoint device, registers the one or more devices that are detected with an asset management system, wherein the asset management system is located remotely from the one or more devices, monitors the one or more devices and transmits one or more operation parameters associated with the one or more devices to the asset management system. |
| US09220001B2 |
Methods and systems for group calls in a wireless communication network
Methods and systems are disclosed for forcing at least some members of a communication group to join a new group call when they are participating in an another group call to a different communication group. A wireless communication device that seeks to initiate the new group call transmits a request-to-transmit (RTT) on a reverse channel to initiate the new group call. This way, at least some of group members participating in the other group call can be allowed to join the new group call. The recipients of the RTT can then switch from a primary channel on which the other group call is taking place to an alternative channel to join the new group call. In one implemenation, the disclosed embodiments can be applied to a two-way wireless communication system that employs a TDMA channel access scheme. |
| US09219998B2 |
Participant grouping for enhanced interactive experience
Representative embodiments of a method for grouping participants in an activity include the steps of: (i) defining a grouping policy; (ii) storing, in a database, participant records that include a participant identifier, a characteristic associated with the participant, and/or an identifier for a participant's handheld device; (iii) defining groupings based on the policy and characteristics of the participants relating to the policy and to the activity; and (iv) communicating the groupings to the handheld devices to establish the groups. |
| US09219997B2 |
Managing service subscriptions over a unidirectional transmission channel
Methods, apparatus, and products for managing service subscriptions of a plurality of devices over a unidirectional transmission channel, including: assigning, by a subscription management module, one or more group identifiers to a device to be activated for a service subscription, each group identifier being an identification of a group of devices having an activated subscription to the service; activating, by the subscription management module, the device's service subscription including broadcasting an activation message that includes a unique identifier of the device, the assigned group identifiers, and an active subscription period being a period of time during which the device's subscription to the service is to be active; and prior to expiration of the active subscription period, broadcasting a reactivation message including at least one of the group identifiers to which the device is assigned. |
| US09219995B2 |
Network entity and method for providing a service for user entity in a communication network
A network entity comprises a detector for detecting at least one behavior indication indicating a behavior of the user entity during a communication towards the communication network, an allocator for allocating said user entity to a certain user entity group from a plurality of user entity groups in dependence on the detected at least one behavior indication, said certain user entity groups being respectively associated with a different set of management parameters adjusting said service, and an adjuster for adjusting said service for said user entity in dependence on the set of management parameters associated with the certain user entity group. |
| US09219992B2 |
Mobile device profiling based on speed
Systems and methods for modifying settings of mobile device are provided. Method includes determining first geographic location of mobile device. First geographic location is associated with first time. Method also includes determining second geographic location of mobile device. Second geographic location is associated with second time. The method also includes determining a speed of the mobile device based on the first geographic location, the first time, the second geographic location, and the second time. The method also includes associating at least the speed of the mobile device with a device profile. The device profile is a member of a set of device profiles stored within the mobile device. The method also includes adjusting at least one user-interface setting of the mobile device based on the device profile. The at least one user-interface setting is associated with an audio or visual user-interface element of the mobile device. |
| US09219990B2 |
Real time data feeds in a close proximity notification system
An aspect includes a method for providing real time data feeds to a user of a mobile device. A signal that includes an identification code is received by a mobile device from a short-range wireless communication transmitter. The signal is processed on the mobile device. The processing includes determining whether information associated with the signal is stored on the mobile device, and identifying a retrieval location of the information based on the determining and on the signal. The processing the signal is performed exclusively by a software application located on the mobile device and independently of any networks. Based on the processing, information from the retrieval location is retrieved using the mobile device. A real time data feed associated with the identification code is located. The information is displayed on the mobile device and the real time data feed is streamed on the mobile device. |
| US09219986B2 |
Client device location using synchronized wireless receivers
A wireless receiver (e.g., access point (AP)) is a member of a group of a plurality of receivers in a wireless local area network and time synchronized with other receivers in the group. A channel scan list is generated from a plurality of wireless channels available in one or more frequency bands. A channel is selected for the receiver to monitor from the channel scan list based on a current time at the receiver such that each of the plurality of receivers in the group are scanning the same channel at the same time. The selected channel is scanned and signal characteristic information (e.g., received signal strength (RSS)) is generated for the signals received during a given scan duration. |
| US09219981B2 |
Distributed data in a close proximity notification system
An aspect includes providing distributed data in a close proximity notification system using a transceiver that includes an antenna and a processing device. The processing device includes a memory for storing instructions that when executed by the processing device result in the transceiver: discovering wireless mobile devices within a proximity range of the transceiver; initiating communication between the transceiver and one or more of the wireless mobile devices; exchanging data with the one or more of the wireless mobile devices, the exchanging including receiving a request for information from one of the one or more of the wireless mobile devices; based on receiving the request for information, identifying a retrieval location of at least a subset of the requested information; and transmitting the at least subset of the information or an identifier of the retrieval location to the wireless mobile device. |
| US09219980B2 |
Campus security in a close proximity notification system
According to an aspect, a method for providing assistance to a user of a mobile device includes receiving a signal from a short-range wireless communication transmitter. The signal includes an identification code, and the receiving is by a mobile device of a user located within the space. The signal is processed on the mobile device and includes: determining whether information associated with the signal is stored on the mobile device; and identifying a retrieval location of the information based on the determining and on the signal. The processing of the signal is performed exclusively by a software application located on the mobile device and independently of any networks. Based on the processing, information that includes an address of a security system is retrieved using the mobile device. The mobile device is monitored for inputs and based on receiving a security request, the security request is transmitted to the security system. |
| US09219978B2 |
System and method for communication with a tracking device
A system and method for providing communication with a tracking device are disclosed. An example tracking device includes a location detector, a communication device, memory, a processor, and a configuration routine. The location detector is operative to determine locations of the tracking device. The communication device is operative to communicate with a remote system. The memory stores data and code, the data including location data determined by the location detector and configuration data. The processor is operative to execute the code to impart functionality to the tracking device. The functionality of the tracking device depends at least in part on the configuration data. The configuration routine is operative to modify the configuration data responsive to communications from the remote system. Thus, functional access to the tracking device is provided to the remote system. |
| US09219974B2 |
Method and apparatus for simultaneously controlling near sound field and far sound field
An apparatus and method for forming a Personal Sound Zone (PSZ) at a location of a listener are provided. An apparatus for simultaneously controlling a near sound field and a far sound field may classify the near sound field and the far sound field based on a distance between an array speaker and a listener, and may control the near sound field and the far sound field and thus, it is possible to perform focusing even when the listener is located in adjacent to the array speaker. Additionally, the apparatus may generate a directive sound source using the array speaker, and at the same time, may reduce a sound pressure in a far field, thereby reducing a sound source spreading to the far field while focusing is performed at the location of the listener. |
| US09219971B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric speaker
A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric speaker comprises forming a piezoelectric thin film and then forming an upper electrode and a lower electrode on and beneath the piezoelectric thin film, respectively, forming a damping material layer for attachment of the piezoelectric thin film below the piezoelectric thin film with the upper and lower electrodes formed thereon and therebeneath, attaching the piezoelectric thin film to an acoustic diaphragm in an inclined structure in which the piezoelectric thin film is horizontally turned from the acoustic diaphragm, and performing drying at room temperature; and fixing the acoustic diaphragm to a frame using an adhesive material with high elasticity. |
| US09219969B2 |
Methods and systems for reducing spillover by analyzing sound pressure levels
Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for reducing spillover in a media monitoring system are disclosed. An example method includes identifying media associated with media monitoring data. The media monitoring data is received from a first meter associated with a first media presentation device. The example method includes identifying an expected sound pressure level associated with the first meter. The example method includes comparing the expected sound pressure level to an actual sound pressure level collected from the media by the first meter to determine if spillover occurred. The example method includes crediting the media as a media exposure if spillover did not occur. |
| US09219964B2 |
Hearing assistance system with own voice detection
A hearing assistance system includes a pair of left and right hearing assistance devices to be worn by a wearer and uses both of the left and right hearing assistance devices to detect the voice of the wearer. The left and right hearing assistance devices each include first and second microphones at different locations. Various embodiments detect the voice of the wearer using signals produced by the first and second microphones of the left hearing assistance device and the first and second microphones of the right hearing assistance device. Various embodiments use outcome of detection of the voice of the wearer performed by the left hearing assistance device and the outcome of detection of the voice of the wearer performed the right hearing assistance device to determine whether to declare a detection of the voice of the wearer. |
| US09219963B2 |
Dual single-crystal backplate microphone system and method of fabricating same
A dual backplate MEMS microphone system includes a flexible diaphragm sandwiched between two single-crystal silicon backplates. Such a MEMS microphone system may be formed by fabricating each backplate in a separate wafer, and then transferring one backplate from its wafer to the other wafer, to form two separate capacitors with the diaphragm. |
| US09219961B2 |
Information processing system, computer-readable non-transitory storage medium having stored therein information processing program, information processing control method, and information processing apparatus
In an exemplary information processing system including a plurality of sound output sections, the positional relationship among the plurality of sound output sections is recognized. In addition, a sound corresponding to a sound source object present in a virtual space is generated. The output volume of the sound for the sound source object is determined, for each sound output section, in accordance with the positional relationship among the plurality of sound output sections, and the generated sound is outputted in accordance with the output volume. |
| US09219958B2 |
Systems and methods for acoustic echo cancellation with wireless microphones and speakers
Systems and methods for acoustic echo cancellation with wireless microphone and speaker systems are described herein. In one embodiment, an acoustic echo canceller is provided that can, among other things, cancel an acoustic echo component of an audio signal that is produced when an audio signal transmitted to a remote speaker on a lossy wireless link is picked up by a remote microphone and transmitted back to a base station on a lossy wireless link. |
| US09219953B2 |
Earphone microphone
Provided is an earphone microphone capable of outputting sound with good quality and picking up clear sound. The earphone microphone includes a speaker, a microphone, a main body case, and a seal member. The seal member seals between the main body case and user's external acoustic meatus when the earphone microphone is inserted in the external acoustic meatus. The main body case is provided with an acoustic space in which the speaker and the microphone are disposed, and a first opening and a second opening which are communicated with the acoustic space. When the earphone microphone is inserted in the external acoustic meatus, the first opening is communicated with the external acoustic meatus while the second opening is communicated with outside of the main body case other than the external acoustic meatus. |
| US09219950B2 |
Reproduction apparatus, reproduction method, and program
Disclosed herein is a reproduction apparatus including: a reproduction control information acquisition block configured to acquire reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of content; a reproduction block configured to reproduce, in accordance with the acquired reproduction control information, the content that is distributed; and a control block configured to control an operation of an application program that is executed in operative connection with the content being reproduced in accordance with information associated with the application program and obtained from the acquired reproduction control information. |
| US09219948B2 |
Method and system for compression and decompression for handling web content
Certain aspects of a method and system for compression and decompression for handling web content may include a communication system that comprises a server in a server computing cloud that coordinates operation of one or more set-top boxes. The server may be operable to receive a request to display one or more frames of web content from the one or more set-top boxes. The server may be operable to receive one or more parameters associated with the one or more frames of the requested web content from the one or more set-top boxes. The server may be operable to dynamically encode at least a portion of one or more frames of the requested web content into one or more color spaces based on the received one or more parameters. |
| US09219947B2 |
Indirect control of content consumption in an appliance
Aspects of the disclosure relate to control of consumption of content in an appliance. The content can include linear programming and non-linear assets. Such control can permit (i) changing a channel in the appliance (e.g., a CPE without upstream functionality) and thus selecting a linear-programming asset, a non-linear asset, and so forth, and (ii) controlling consumption of such assets. In one aspect, a device with upstream network connectivity can control the consumption of media in the appliance. The device can leverage data management and control functionality of a service provider network to acquire information related to assets available for consumption and to transmit asset requests to the service provider network, which can transmit content and signaling to the appliance in accordance at least in part with the asset request, thus controlling media consumption in the appliance. |
| US09219944B2 |
Systems and methods for determining user output preferences
A method is disclosed for determining audiovisual output preference. The method comprises providing first and second stimuli having respective sets of audio and visual characteristics. The method receives a user selection between the first and second stimuli, and includes the set of audio and visual characteristics corresponding to the selected stimuli in the audiovisual output preference. |
| US09219942B2 |
Script-based video rendering
Systems and methods are provided for cross-platform rendering of video content on a user-computing platform that is one type of a plurality of different user-computing platform types. A script is transmitted to the user-computing platform and is interpreted by an application program compiled to operate on any one of the plurality of user-computing platform types. A series of frame images is encoded to provide the encoded video data. Encoding the frame images comprises encoding the frame images into a content-transfer format whereby the content-transfer encoded frame images can be passed by a script interpreter interpreting the script to the application program. The encoded video data is transmitted to the user-computing platform. The script is further configured to cause the script to be interpreted by the application program to: decode the transmitted encoded video data into decoded video data comprising the content-transfer encoded frame images; and render the decoded video data by displaying the frame images. |
| US09219939B1 |
Methods and devices for presenting an interactive media guidance application
Methods and devices for presenting an interactive media guidance application are provided in accordance with various embodiments. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: determining that a first portion of guide listings corresponding to guidance information for a first amount of time has been displayed on the user equipment device; automatically requesting a second portion of guide listings corresponding to guidance information for a second amount of time from a database having guidance information in response to determining that the first portion of guide listings has been displayed, wherein the second amount of time succeeds the first amount of time in time order and wherein the second portion of guide listings is stored in a cache located between the database and the user equipment device; receiving an indication that a user has requested at least one guide listing within the second portion of guide listings; and receiving the second portion of guide listings from the cache in response to receiving the indication from the user. |
| US09219935B2 |
Display apparatus, external peripheral device connectable thereto and image displaying method
A display apparatus, an external peripheral device connectable thereto and an image displaying method. The display apparatus includes a video receiver which receives a video signal; a display unit which displays an image; and a peripheral device connector which includes a first port to transmit and receive a video signal and a second port to receive a video signal, both of which are connected to the external peripheral device. |
| US09219933B1 |
Systems and methods for enabling functionality of a trigger mechanism based on log entries in a traffic log
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for enabling functionality of a trigger mechanism based on log entries in a traffic log. An example method involves (i) accessing a stored traffic log, wherein the log includes multiple ordered log entries including a first log-entry and a second log-entry; (ii) making a first determination that the first log-entry corresponds to a show-segment video-component (VC) of a live show, wherein the first log-entry further corresponds to a broadcast time-period; (iii) making a second determination that the second log-entry is positioned immediately after the first log-entry; (iv) making a third determination that the second log-entry corresponds to a manual start-time type; and (v) responsive to making the three determinations, enabling functionality of a trigger mechanism during the broadcast time-period, wherein the enabled trigger mechanism is configured to cause processing of a next log entry in the log in response to being triggered. |
| US09219931B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving service discovery information in multimedia transmission system and file structure for the same
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting service discovery information in a multimedia transmission system. Service discovery information, including service access information for reception of a service, is generated. The service discovery information is transmitted after being classified into a plurality of levels. |
| US09219929B2 |
Enhanced startup and channel change for fragmented media stream delivery
A media stream delivery system encodes and fragments media streams into numerous media stream fragments maintained on fragment servers. Playlist information, media data, and bandwidth adaption data is provided as box information with media stream fragments to reduce the number of client requests required to begin playback or perform a channel change. A client no longer needs to make separate requests for bandwidth adaptation data, media data, or playlist information. Playback can begin as soon as sufficient media stream fragments are received. |
| US09219928B2 |
Methods and apparatus to characterize households with media meter data
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to characterize households with media meter data. An example method includes identifying, with a processor, a household minute credited to a station in a household by a first media meter (MM) device, the first MM device collecting only audio data, determining whether a panelist audience meter device is crediting the station at the same time in the household, when the panelist audience meter device is crediting the same station, associating the household minute with an ambient tuning status, identifying a first automatic gain control (AGC) value and a first code status of the household minute, calculating model coefficients based on the ambient tuning status, the first AGC value and the first code status, and calculating a probability of ambient tuning based on the model coefficients. |
| US09219924B2 |
Spatial scalable video coding using non-scalable video CODEC
This invention discloses an encoding apparatus and a decoding apparatus for scalable video coding such that a non-scalable video decoder is usable for decoding a scalable video bit-stream comprising a base layer bit-stream and an enhancement layer bit-stream. In one embodiment, a source video frame is downscaled to give a downscaled video frame, which is then encoded into the base layer bit-stream. The difference between the source video frame and an up-scaled video frame reconstructed from the downscaled video frame in the base layer bit-stream yields a residual frame. The residual frame is partitioned into a number of residual sub-frames each having a resolution that is the downscaled video frame's resolution. The residual sub-frames are encoded into the enhancement layer bit-stream. Thereby, a non-scalable encoder is usable to encode both the downscaled video frame and the residual sub-frames, allowing both bit-streams to be decodable by employing only one non-scalable decoder. |
| US09219922B2 |
System and method for exploiting scene graph information in construction of an encoded video sequence
A system method and computer program product for creating a composited video frame sequence for an application. A current scene graph state for the application is compared to a previous scene graph state wherein each scene graph state includes a plurality of hierarchical nodes that represent one or more objects at each node. A video construction engine determines if one or more objects have moved based upon a comparison of the scene graph states. If one or more objects have moved based upon the scene graph comparison, motion information about the objects is determined and the motion information is forwarded to a stitcher module. The motion information is used to define motion vectors for use by the stitcher module in construction of the composited video frame sequence. |
| US09219918B2 |
Sample adaptive offset (SAO) adjustment method and apparatus and SAO adjustment determination method and apparatus
A video encoding method and apparatus, and a video decoding method and apparatus for generating a reconstructed image having a minimized error between an original image and the reconstructed image. The video decoding method accompanied by a sample adaptive offset (SAO) adjustment, the method includes: obtaining 5 slice SAO parameters with respect to a current slice from a slice header of a received bitstream; obtaining luma SAO use information for a luma component of the current slice and chroma SAO use information for chroma components thereof from among the slice SAO parameters; determining whether to perform a SAO operation on the luma component of 10 the current slice based on the obtained luma SAO use information; and equally determining whether to perform the SAO adjustment on a first chroma component and a second chroma component of the current slice based on the obtained chroma SAO use information. |
| US09219913B2 |
Inferred base layer block for TEXTURE—BL mode in HEVC based single loop scalable video coding
An apparatus for coding video data using a single-loop decoding approach may include a memory unit and a processor in communication with the memory unit. In an example, the memory unit stores the video data, the video data including a base layer and an enhancement layer. The base layer includes a base layer block, a non-constrained INTRA mode block, and an INTER mode block. The base layer block includes a sub-block located at least partially within one of the non-constrained INTRA mode block or the INTER mode block. The enhancement layer includes an enhancement layer block located at a position in the enhancement layer corresponding to a position of the base layer block in the base layer. The processor approximates pixel values of the sub-block and determines, based at least in part on the approximated pixel values, pixel values of the enhancement layer block. |
| US09219908B2 |
Image display apparatus and method for operating the same
An image display apparatus and a method for operating the same are discussed. The method according to an embodiment includes determining whether an input image is a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image, changing a gray level of a current frame of the input image based on the determination result and based on a difference between the gray level of the current frame and a gray level of a previous frame of the input image, and displaying on a display unit an image corresponding to the current frame at the changed gray level. |
| US09219906B2 |
Image display device and method as well as program
Three-dimensional processing is applied to more than one images taken from different points of view to generate a stereoscopic image, and the stereoscopic image is stereoscopically displayed. An instruction to control a stereoscopic effect of the stereoscopically displayed stereoscopic image is received, and the three-dimensional processing is applied to the more than one images to achieve a stereoscopic effect according to the instruction. Then, control values of the stereoscopic effect according to the instruction are recorded in a recording unit with the control values being associated with the more than one images. At this time, if there are the control values of the stereoscopic effect recorded in the recording unit, difference values between the control values of the stereoscopic effect according to the instruction and the recorded control values of the stereoscopic effect are recorded in the recording unit. |
| US09219900B2 |
Determine video to play with audio
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to determining video to play based on audio. Videos associated with the audio are determined. One of the videos to play with the audio is determined based on analysis. |
| US09219899B2 |
Signal processing device
In the present signal processing device, a recording unit is configured to record an inputted signal into a recording medium. A switch input unit is configured to input signal selection information for selecting any one of a plurality of signals. A meta-input unit is provided independently from the switch input unit. The meta-input unit is configured to input metadata. A switch list managing unit is configured to associate the signal selection information and the metadata and manage the signal selection information and the metadata as a switch metadata information every time the signal selection information is inputted into the switch input unit. A playlist recording unit is configured to determine a reproduction duration of each clip and generate a playlist including the metadata based on the switch metadata information. The playlist recording unit is configured to output the playlist to the recording medium. |
| US09219893B2 |
Method for correcting pixel information of color pixels on a color filter array of an image sensor
A method for correcting pixel information of color pixels on a color filter array of an image sensor includes: establishing an M×M distance factor table, selecting M×M pixels of the color filter array, calculating a red/green/blue-color contribution from the red/green/blue pixels to a target pixel in the selected M×M pixels, calculating a red/blue/green-color pixel performance of the target pixel, calculating a red/blue/green-color correcting factor, obtaining a corrected pixel information of each of the red/green/blue pixels, by applying the red/green/blue-color correcting factor to the measured pixel information of each of the red/green/blue pixels. |
| US09219887B2 |
Drive assist device
A drive assist device includes: a overhead image generating unit that generates a vehicle periphery overhead image; a forward trajectory setting unit that sets a forward trajectory serving as an expected trajectory in the travel direction of the vehicle occurring when the turning based on a calculated steering angle; a reverse trajectory setting unit that sets a reverse trajectory serving as an expected trajectory in the travel direction of the vehicle or in the opposite direction as the travel direction of the vehicle occurring when turning based on a steering angle in the opposite direction as the calculated steering angle; and a image synthesizing unit that generates a drive assist overhead image for display in a monitor by synthesizing the forward trajectory and the reverse trajectory with the vehicle periphery overhead image. |
| US09219882B2 |
Graphical user interface apparatus and connection method in two-way communication system
A GUI (graphical user interface) apparatus for connecting with a location of a participant by a two-way communication system such as a video conference system. The apparatus includes a display processing device for arranging a plurality of display frames to display still pictures representing specific nominated connection destinations on a screen of display device, a plurality of operation devices arranged on the display frames in a one-to-one relation and a connection processing device for connecting with a particular nominated participant through the network when the operation device arranged corresponding to the display frame, on which the still picture representing the particular nominated participant is displayed, is operated. |
| US09219881B2 |
Device and method for live video chat
A server device bridges a live video chat between two terminals, and then terminates the live video chat after a short period of time has elapsed since the live video chat, in order to reduce the pressure and fear of the parties to the live video chat. |
| US09219879B2 |
Radio-over-fiber (ROF) system for protocol-independent wired and/or wireless communication
A switched wireless system is used to increase the range of peer-to-peer communications. The optically-switched fiber optic communication system includes a head-end unit (HEU) having a switch bank. Cables couple the HEU to one or more remote access points in different coverage areas. The switch bank in the HEU provides a link between the remote access points in the different coverage areas such that devices in the different cellular coverage areas communicate with each other, such as through videoconferencing. By using the switched communication system, the range and coverage of communication between devices may be extended such that devices in different coverage areas and devices using different communication protocols can communicate. |
| US09219870B1 |
Sensor data rescaler for image signal processing
An input rescale module that performs cross-color correlated downscaling of sensor data in the horizontal and vertical dimensions. The module may perform a first-pass demosaic of sensor data, apply horizontal and vertical scalers to resample and downsize the data in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, and then remosaic the data to provide horizontally and vertically downscaled sensor data as output for additional image processing. The module may, for example, act as a front end scaler for an image signal processor (ISP). The demosaic performed by the module may be a relatively simple demosaic, for example a demosaic function that works on 3×3 blocks of pixels. The front end of module may receive and process sensor data at two pixels per clock (ppc); the horizontal filter component reduces the sensor data down to one ppc for downstream components of the input rescale module and for the ISP pipeline. |
| US09219861B2 |
Adapted digital device and adapter for a digital device
A digital device having an image-handling function, adapted to be held at a level between a user's shoulder level and the user's hip level and directed toward a scene, comprising: a display located on a first surface of the device; an image capture component comprising a lens locatable adjacent a second surface, the lens being adapted to capture a field of view having a center lying on an axis substantially parallel to the first surface; a spatial attitude detector for detecting a current attitude of the device relative to a baseline attitude; a selector for selecting a portion of the field of view according to the baseline attitude; a distortion corrector for correcting distortion of the view caused by an angular difference between the current attitude and the baseline attitude; and a renderer for rendering a corrected image by the distortion corrector on the display. |
| US09219858B2 |
Generating a composite field of view using a plurality of oblique panoramic images of a geographic area
Generating a composite geo-referenced panoramic field of view image of a geographic area is provided. Geodetic coordinates are generated for each of a plurality of pixels in a digital image capturing the geographic area based on a corrected amount of image distortion in each line of pixels in the plurality of pixels in the digital image. Each of the plurality of pixels in the digital image with the calculated geodetic coordinates is mapped to a geo-referenced map corresponding to the geographic area based on the calculated geodetic coordinates of each pixel. The composite geo-referenced panoramic field of view image of the geographic area is generated based on the mapping of each of the plurality of pixels in the digital image with the calculated geodetic coordinates to the geo-referenced map corresponding to the geographic area captured in the digital image. |
| US09219857B2 |
Image capture
An apparatus including a processor configured to change automatically which pixels are used to define a target captured image in response to relative movement of a sensor frame of reference defined by a camera sensor and an image frame of reference defined by the image. |
| US09219854B2 |
Imaging device, method for controlling imaging device, and information storage device
An imaging device includes an objective lens that includes a movable lens that is configured so that an in-focus object plane position is changed along with a change in angle of view, an image sensor that acquire an image, a focus control section that implements an autofocus (AF) operation by controlling a position of the movable lens, a reference lens position setting section that sets a reference lens position based on a moving range of the movable lens during a wobbling operation, the wobbling operation being performed every given cycle during the AF operation, and a magnification correction section that performs a magnification correction process that reduces a change in the angle of view of the image due to a change in the position of the movable lens during the wobbling operation relative to the reference lens position. |
| US09219847B2 |
Tuning of digital image quality
An image restoration method includes providing image data (260) including image statistics (230) using a digital camera module. A set of digital camera module characterization parameters is selected from a common dynamic camera configuration file (210) using the image statistics (230). The selected digital camera module characterization parameters are converted to image signal processing parameters and the image data is tuned using the image signal processing parameters for providing a tuned image (270). The method may involve lens shading correction as well adjusting the processing to the characteristics of the image sensor (250). |
| US09219846B2 |
Information processing system having improved authentication for data output request, information processing apparatus, method of processing information, and program
An information processing system including at least one information processing apparatus includes a first memory unit that stores information indicative of a necessity of an authentication to a print request with respect to each candidate of a transmission source of the print request; a receipt unit that receives the print request through a network; and a control unit that authorizes a print for the received print request, of which authentication information is received, in a case where the authentication is successful based on the authentication information, and authorizes the print for the received print request, of which authentication information is not received, in a case where the authentication is determined by the transmission source of the print request to be unnecessary based on the information stored by the first memory unit. |
| US09219845B2 |
Information storage system and information storage method
An information storage system including information processing devices; an information storage device connected to the information processing devices; an access information generating unit configured to generate, based on a request from a first information processing device, access information for accessing a storage area in the information storage device to which access is restricted from the information processing devices other than the first information processing device; a display unit configured to cause the first information processing device to display the access information; a sending unit configured to cause a second information processing device to acquire the access information displayed on the first information processing device and to send the access information to the information storage device; and an access unit configured to cause the information storage device to allow the second information processing device to access the storage area based on the access information that has been sent. |
| US09219844B2 |
Intelligent fax retransmission system and method
Described herein is a fax processing system for the improvement of efficiency and reliability of fax transmissions over any communications network, specifically for retransmitting an incomplete transmission. Fax images are encoded with an embedded digital bit signal by a fax software program on the originating fax that indicates the number of pages in the document where such bit signal is recognized by fax software at a fax service for the purpose of monitoring the page count of the transmission, and in the case of a failed transmission, using the embedded digital data to notify the recipient that more pages will be transmitted, and further transmitting the remaining pages on the next facsimile phone call. |
| US09219843B2 |
Communication terminal and computer readable medium
A communication terminal that includes a first communication unit that is coupled to an IP (Internet Protocol) network and conducts a facsimile transmission through the IP network; a second communication unit that is coupled to a public telephone network and conducts a facsimile transmission through the public telephone network; a control unit that, in a case that a communication error is detected when the first communication unit calls to the IP network and that the address information used for calling to the IP network is the address information corresponding to the destination which is converted from the telephone number received by a reception unit, controls the second communication to call to public telephone network by using the telephone number received by a reception unit. |
| US09219842B1 |
System and method of providing sideband advertising
A system and method of embedding a sideband content, including sideband advertising, in a main content is disclosed. The method includes the steps of preparing the main content, preparing the sideband content, and merging the sideband content in the main content such that the sideband content is embedded non-intrusively in the main content. The sideband content may include a watermark, mosaic image or text pattern. Sideband content may be embedded in media content including print media content, online content such as web pages, streaming media content such as radio, television, and video transmissions, and mobile media content. |
| US09219841B2 |
Image-processing device identifying object in image specified by encircling line
A computer-readable instructions in an image-processing device, when executed by a processor, cause the image-processing device to perform: acquiring a target image; identifying an encircling region and an object region; determining a first candidate region and a second candidate region by using both the encircling line region and the object region; and extracting a contacting object region including a first candidate region and a second candidate region that satisfies conditions as follows: a condition that the first candidate region is disposed on an inner peripheral side of the encircling line region, and that the second candidate region is disposed on an outer peripheral side of the encircling line region; and another condition that the first candidate region and the second candidate region abut the encircling line region, and that the first candidate region and the second candidate region confront each other across the encircling line region. |
| US09219840B2 |
Storing information for access using a captured image
An electronic device associates first information and at least a first portion of a first image, and uses a second image that includes a portion corresponding to at least the first portion of the first image to access the associated first information. |
| US09219839B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, including: an apparatus main body including an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet; an image reading apparatus provided on an upper portion of the apparatus main body; a document feeding apparatus located on the image reading apparatus and configured to feed a document to the image reading apparatus; and a support portion configured to support the document feeding apparatus on the apparatus main body without the image reading apparatus in a state in which the document feeding apparatus is openable and closable with respect to the image reading apparatus. |
| US09219835B2 |
Image reading device outputting output image and explanation image, and image processing system having the same
A reading device includes a reading unit, an output unit, and a processor. The processor is configured to: control the reading unit to read an image from an original sheet; perform an image process on the read image; and output, to the display, both an output image and an explanation image representing contents of the image process performed on the read image. The output image represents one of the read image and an image resulting from the image process performed on the read image. |
| US09219833B2 |
Automatic document feeder, image reading device, and image forming apparatus
An automatic document feeder comprises: a feeding unit that causes an image of a first side of a document to be read by a first image reading unit; a second image reading unit that reads an image of a second side of the document; a release unit that supports a reading guide opposite to a reading surface of the second image reading unit and enables underneath of the reading surface to be released; and a paper ejection tray on which the document having been subjected to image reading and ejected from a paper ejection roller pair is accumulated, wherein an end fence that rises up at a document ejection direction upstream side of the paper ejection tray is configured of separate members that are an upper portion and a lower portion, and a rotational pivot of the release unit is provided downstream from the end fence in a feeding direction. |
| US09219824B1 |
Exchange service for wireless communication pricing accessible by wallet applications
A system and method may provide an exchange service for providing the price of wireless minutes to wallet applications and other client applications. The system may obtain pricing information for the wireless minutes and provide the pricing information to a wallet application. The pricing information may be provided through a rate server that subscribed to receive the pricing information. The rate server typically also provides exchange rates for currencies for use at wallet applications that are communicably coupled to the rate server. By providing the pricing information to wallet applications, wireless service providers may variably price their wireless services. End users may be able to obtain real-time prices of the wireless services and purchase such services directly using payment accounts associated with a wallet application. For example, a Bitcoin wallet may be used to obtain real-time prices of the wireless services and purchase such services using Bitcoins. |
| US09219822B2 |
System and method for updating a contact list
Presented are systems and methods for updating a contact list on a mobile device. A mobile device receives a conference call roster providing a plurality of conference call attendees participating on a conference call before or after joining a conference call. The mobile device determines, while participating on the conference call, contact information for a conference call attendee by querying a remote contact information database storing contact information of the plurality of conference call attendees. The mobile device receives, while participating on the conference call, contact information for the conference call attendee. The mobile device populates a contact information record with the received contact information. |
| US09219821B2 |
Disposable telephone numbers
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed that provide disposable numbers for a conference service. A disposable number is assigned to a conference bridge that is only activated for a defined period of time, after which the disposable number is disposed and deactivated. A call is received to the disposable number, and the call is routed to the conference bridge. A database is queried that associates the disposable number to a subscriber's number. Subscriber information is retrieved that describes when a conference bridge subscription is active. If the conference bridge subscription is active, then a caller is connected to the conference bridge. If the conference bridge subscription is inactive, then the caller is prompted to pay for a conference service. |
| US09219819B1 |
Load balancing and sharing of contextual information in a multi-vendor and/or multiple contact center environment
A method and system for load balancing and sharing of context information in a multi-vendor and/or multi-contact center environment. The arrangements utilize a generic client-side API in conjunction with a set of back end-frameworks to facilitate support of disparate contact center solutions. Accordingly a single client side application can be used to support multiple vendor contact center solutions. Further, the system enables an enterprise to leverage an instance of a visual IVR server, which works in conjunction with a contact center that supports such visual IVR server, so that it can also be used with contact center solutions that do not provide direct access to IVR scripts. The system also facilitates use of agent availability statistics to intelligently route customer calls to the most available agent across multiple vendor solutions or where instances of a single vendor solution are deployed in different data centers. |
| US09219817B2 |
Method and system for managing interactive communications campaigns
A web-based solution through which business entities create and manage communications campaigns, such as campaigns that afford target recipients an opportunity to be connected to a third party call center. A web interface is provided to enable a business entity customer to create a set of one or more rules that, when triggered during the campaign, cause the solution to take certain control actions in real-time, based on campaign performance. Preferably, this campaign performance is measured indirectly, i.e. without requiring a direct connection to an on-premises call center ACD. The interface provides the business entity customer with a convenient and easy-to-use display that identifies any rule that has been (or may be getting ready to be) triggered, together with a then current status of the campaign. The system takes a control action (e.g., campaign suspension, adjusting an outbound call rate, or the like) when a customer-configurable rule is triggered. |
| US09219815B2 |
Identifier technique for communication interchange
A method and a communication interchange enhancement system for implementing an enhanced user interface for a communication interchange includes but is not limited to a method including to providing an identifier associated with a third-party participant related to the communication interchange; matching the identifier with the third-party participant in a database storing one or more lists of possible third-party participants; obtaining context data associated with the identifier regarding a group-type characteristic of the third-party participant for purposes of communication interchange with at least another participant; and enabling a user interface to display the group-type characteristic. |
| US09219814B2 |
Communication apparatus and control method therefor
This invention provides a communication apparatus, which suppresses abrupt changes of a current and voltage generated in a communication line upon connecting an external telephone to the communication line, and a control method thereof. To accomplish this, in a communication apparatus of this invention, when an off-hook state of an external telephone is detected upon connecting the external telephone to a communication line, an SOC captures a line using a first line capture means having an impedance lower than the external telephone side, and then switches an H-relay to connect the external telephone to the communication line. Furthermore, the SOC temporarily switches a line capture state to a second line capture means having an impedance higher than the first line capture means after the H-relay is switched and before the line is released. |
| US09219813B2 |
Provisioning work environments on personal mobile devices
A virtual business mobile device can be provisioned on a personal mobile device, by binding a mobile application for provisioning the business mobile device to a privileged component of a host operating system of the personal mobile device, wherein the binding enables a hypervisor component and a management service component of the mobile application to execute in a privileged mode. The mobile application is then able to download a virtual phone image for the business mobile device and security-related policy settings relating to use of the business mobile device from a mobile management server, wherein the hypervisor component is able to launch a virtual machine for the business mobile device based on the virtual phone image. Once the virtual phone image has been downloaded, the management service component initiates a periodic attempt to establish a connection with the mobile management server to comply with the downloaded security-related policy settings. |
| US09219812B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal is disclosed. The mobile terminal may include a display module and a controller. The display module displays a plurality of icons on a background thereof. The controller changes the background to a specific background predetermined for a specific icon upon selection of the specific icon from the plurality of icons, and executes a specific application corresponding to the specific icon using information corresponding to a specific region of the changed background when the selected specific icon is moved to the specific region. |
| US09219803B2 |
Housing and electronic device using the same
A housing includes a substrate, a transition layer disposed on the substrate, and a color layer disposed on the transition layer. The transition layer is a layer of titanium-nitride and M-nitride, wherein the M is chromium, aluminum, or silicon. The color layer is a titanium-aluminum-nitride layer. The color layer provides the appearance of enamel on the exterior of the housing. The transition layer enhances the hardness of the housing. An electronic device using the housing is also described. |
| US09219794B2 |
Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium storing information processing program
An information processing apparatus includes a first receiving unit that receives, from a first information processing apparatus, a reservation process, which is a reservation for transmission of a process to be performed by a second information processing apparatus, a registration unit registering the reservation process received by the first receiving unit in a memory, a request unit that requests the first information processing apparatus to transmit the process to be performed by the second information processing apparatus when a communication is received from the second information processing apparatus and the reservation process is stored in the memory, a second receiving unit that receives the process to be performed by the second information processing apparatus transmitted from the first information processing apparatus in response to the request from the request unit, and a transmitting unit transmitting the process received by the second receiving unit to the second information processing apparatus. |
| US09219793B2 |
Word description app for social status insights
The present invention relates to a social media app that allows users to select words to describe one another. The database query structure of the system (app) remembers the words used to describe the users and the connections between users and can then match up descriptions and relationships to tell users their public image, and to provide social status insights and whom they tend to attract in their social circles. |
| US09219787B1 |
Stateless cookie operations server
A stateless cookie operations server machine can provide real-time, actionable, user-specific tracking abilities in the collection of impressions and user interactions with a company's digital properties. The client-side code (e.g., in a web browser) may load an image element configured with parameters and a hyperlink (e.g., URL) that causes name-value pairs to be sent as parameters, along with a cookie data file, to a remote server. The remote server may process the parameters and perform operations based on both the value and the name of the name-value pairs. Mathematical and/or other operations may be performed on the parameters and the results saved into the appropriate cookie data file. The server sends the update cookie data file and any requested content (e.g., a transparent image pixel, or other information) back to the client-side device. As a result, the client-side application may use the information in the updated cookie data file to perform one or more web analytics and personalization functions on a real-time, user-specific, actionable basis. |
| US09219786B2 |
Behavior based client selection for disparate treatment
Embodiments for server connection optimization in a persistently connected publish/subscribe environment are provided. A computer assigns an initial activity category for a client. The computer logs, into a log file, one or more select operations of a connection between a client and a first server. The computer calculates a ratio of a number of the select operations to a check time of the first server, wherein the check time is a period of time that has elapsed since a previous review of logged data. The computer sets a second activity category for the client based on a look-up of the ratio in a schedule of ratio ranges in a control file, wherein the second activity category is not the initial activity category. The computer transfers the client from the first server to a second server, in response to setting the second activity category. |
| US09219784B2 |
Synchronization of a server side deduplication cache with a client side deduplication cache
A server computational device maintains commonly occurring duplicate chunks of deduplicated data that have already been stored m a server side repository via one or more client computational devices. The server computational device provides a client computational device with selected elements of the commonly occurring duplicate chunks of deduplicated data, in response to receiving a request by the server computational device from the client computational device to prepopulate, refresh or update a client side deduplication cache maintained in the client computational device. |
| US09219780B1 |
Method and system for wireless device access to external storage
Traditionally, wireless device, such as cell phone or personal data assistant device (PDA), has relatively smaller storage capacity. Therefore, it is quite often that a user of the wireless device has difficulty to find more storage space for storing ever increased personal data, such as storing multiple Gig bytes of multimedia data including digital video, music, or photo picture etc.. Instant application disclosed a system and method for a storage system providing storage service to the wireless device for the wireless device remotely storing personal data into an external storage space allocated exclusively to a user of the wireless device by the storage system. |
| US09219778B2 |
Resource upload
A method, system and program for uploading a resource from remote storage to a remote service. The method comprises the steps of connecting to the remote service, initiating an upload of the resource to the remote service, selecting the remote storage as a source of the resource, acquiring the resource from the remote storage, and uploading the resource to the remote service. In one embodiment, at least part of the method is executed by a proxy server and the step of acquiring the resource from the remote storage comprises downloading the resource to the proxy server. In another embodiment, the remote service communicates directly with the remote storage. In this further embodiment, a client device acquires authentication data for the resource from the remote storage and the step of acquiring the resource from the remote storage includes providing the authentication data to the remote storage. |
| US09219776B2 |
Aggregating content from different content sources at a cloud service
A cloud service stores and aggregates content that is obtained from different content sources using different protocols. For example, the content may include electronic messages, calendar information, contacts, social network content, feed data, search results, and the like. The cloud service aggregates content for each user based on the user's configuration settings. The cloud service may perform processing on the aggregated content before it is delivered and displayed to the user on the client device. For example, one or more views may be generated and stored by the cloud service before the view is requested from the client. Changes made to the aggregated content on the client may be synchronized with the content source. Searches may be made across all or a portion of the different content sources that are aggregated for a user. |
| US09219774B2 |
Exchange of callback information
In one embodiment, a method is provided for exchanging callback information. In this method, a first request-response based protocol request is transmitted to a computing device, and a first request-response based protocol response is received from the computing device. Here, the first request-response based protocol response is identified to encapsulate a callback request and this callback request is extracted from the first request-response based protocol response. The callback request is then processed to generate a callback response, and the callback response is encapsulated in a second request-response based protocol request. The second request-response based protocol request is transmitted to the computing device, and a second request-response based protocol response is received after the transmission of the second request-response based protocol request from the computing device. Here, the second request-response based protocol response is a response to the first request-response based protocol request. |
| US09219766B2 |
Telephony enabled information exchange
Systems and methods for IMS telephony enabled information exchange are disclosed. In some implementations, a transfer request to transfer a file from a first user to a second user is received at a IMS gateway and during an ongoing telephone call established between a first device associated with the first user and a second device associated with the second user. The second user on the ongoing telephone call is identified at the IMS gateway. Upon identifying the second user and responsive to the transfer request, the file is transferred from the first user to the second user. |
| US09219765B2 |
End user QoS selection
A method, computer program product, and computer system for receiving, at a remote computer device, a response time goal selected by an end user. The response time goal includes an interval when a next payload is to be received at a local computer device from the remote computer device. The remote computer device dynamically adjusts content of the next payload to be delivered to the local computer device based on the response time goal selected by the end user to allow the content of the next payload to be received at the local computer device within the response time goal selected by the end user. |
| US09219764B2 |
Personal network access control system and method
A server is provided that includes a processor such that for a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) request containing a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) identifying the first device, the processor is programmed to promote adding a URI and redirecting the SIP request to a second device. The added URI used by the second device to invoke a Personal Network Management (PNM) Controller function. |
| US09219762B2 |
Techniques for desktop migration
Techniques for desktop migration are presented. A user authenticates to an original device and a token is generated for remoting to that device's desktop. A target device acquires the token while in proximity to the original device and uses the token to authenticate to a third-party service that provides a second token back to the target device. The second token permits the target device to authenticate and to directly connect via remoting software to the original device's desktop. |
| US09219759B2 |
Voice transmission technology selection
The present invention relates to a method of transmitting a signal by an MME (Mobility Management Entity) in a wireless network, the method comprising: receiving a tracking area update message from an UE (User Equipment); transmitting, on reception the tracking area update message, an Update Location message comprising an IMS voice over PS (Packet Switched) session supported indication to an HSS (Home Subscriber Server), wherein the IMS voice over PS session supported indication indicates whether or not an IMS Voice over PS Session is supported homogeneously in all tracking areas in the serving MME. |
| US09219757B2 |
Message correlation
Message correlation wherein messages from multiple network elements may be correlated as a function of correlation IDs included within the messages. The correlation IDs may be determined independently by each network element and in a stateless manner. The correlation IDs may be unique for each session and determined from unique dialog information included within messages used to the support the session. |
| US09219754B2 |
Determining security factors associated with an operating environment
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for determining security factors associated with an operating environment for a computer through a wireless network. The computer identifies one or more local computers operating within range of wireless communications to the computer through a wireless network. The computer determines a current operating environment corresponding to the one or more identified local computers. The computer determines a current security value for the current operating environment corresponding to identities and security of the identified local computers. The computer identifies data corresponding to the current operating environment, the data corresponding to a current time period of the current operating environment. The computer determines security information corresponding to the current operating environment, wherein the security information includes a familiarity of the computer to the current operating environment, and a historical security of the computer in the current operating environment. |
| US09219752B2 |
Data leak prevention systems and methods
A data leak prevention system includes an application, having source code that is unavailable or non-modifiable, resident on a client device. A system call is emittable by the application as a result of an action, and is to take place before a data leak event can occur. The action involves a document and i) latest full contents of the document, ii) metadata of the document, or iii) a combination of the latest full contents and the metadata. A system call interceptor agent is also resident on the client device. The interceptor agent includes a system call interceptor to intercept the system call emitted by the application and to suspend the system call. The system also includes a policy decision engine to analyze at least some of i) the latest full contents, ii) the metadata, or iii) the combination, and implement a policy action based upon the analysis. |
| US09219747B2 |
Filtering network traffic using protected filtering mechanisms
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for filtering network traffic using protected filtering mechanisms. An indication that traffic is to be filtered can be received, and a hash key, a signature representation, and an obfuscated signature can be identified or generated. The hash key and the signature representation can be provided to a first device without exposing the contents of the signature to the second device, and the obfuscated signature can be provided to a second device without exposing the contents of the signature to the second device. The first device and the second device can execute independent operations to collectively determine if the traffic is to be filtered. |
| US09219746B2 |
Risk identification based on identified parts of speech of terms in a string of terms
Systems, methods and apparatuses for analyzing a string of terms (e.g., a search query, text of an email, and the like) are provided. In some examples, a determination is made as to whether one or more terms in the string matches a keyword. If so, various parts of speech of one or more terms in the string of terms may be determined. In some examples, a category of risk of the terms for which the part of speech is identified may also be determined. A risk rating may then be determined for the string of terms based on the relationship between the terms (e.g., the parts of speech) and the category or categories identified. In some examples, one or more additional actions may be implemented based on the risk rating. |
| US09219743B2 |
System for tracking media content transactions
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a web server having a controller adapted to manage an archive of media content for a subscriber, and record a transaction description and a corresponding tracking identifier for a transaction that manipulates the archive. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09219742B2 |
Transforming user-input data in scripting language
A mechanism for preventing injection attacks of scripting languages is provided. There is a mechanism of transforming user-input data in a scripting language included. The mechanism comprises a step of tracing a script instruction to separate instruction related variables and user-input related variables; and a step of encoding the user-input related variables into data belonging to safe-character-set area which do not include reserved character, and passing the encoded user-input related variables to a statement of the script instruction. |
| US09219740B2 |
Access control system and method
Certain embodiments of the invention relate to an access control system defining one or more compartments and providing rules, which are applied to the compartment(s), to control access to network services by entities that are associated with a said compartment, the rules comprising at least a first kind of rule for controlling access to network services that use dynamically-assigned communications ports. |
| US09219737B2 |
Method and apparatus for delivery of scan jobs in disconnected network topologies
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for delivering a document obtained on a remote network that is disconnected from a protected network are disclosed. For example, the method receives the document at the remote network that is disconnected from the protected network, stores the document on the mobile endpoint device, detects a presence of the protected network, delivers the document to a repository on the protected network and deletes the document from the mobile endpoint device. |
| US09219733B2 |
Software-based aliasing for accessing multiple shared resources on a single remote host
In order to allow a single user registered on a single local host or other machine to access multiple shared resources on a remote host, an aliasing mechanism is employed so that multiple concurrent connections can be established by the user to a single remote host, with each connection using a different identity. Each connection can therefore be used to access a different shared resource on the remote host. In some illustrative examples, a user's identifier such as his or her machine log-in identification may be associated with two or more resource sharing aliases. As a result, two or more resource sharing sessions can be established by the user with a single remote host, with each of the sessions using a different one of the aliases. The resource sharing sessions are usually established in accordance with a resource sharing protocol such as the Server Block Message (SBM) protocol. |
| US09219731B2 |
Method of managing user log-in to cloud-based application and image forming apparatus performing the method
An image forming apparatus includes a communication interface unit to perform communication with a cloud server that provides an application service; a user interface unit to display a screen and receive a user input; a storage unit to store a database that corresponds to an application that is installed in the image forming apparatus; an image forming operation performing unit to perform an image forming operation; and a control unit that stores user log-in information in the database that corresponds to the application, so as to match the user log-in information with a user account for the image forming apparatus, and manages a log-in to a user account for the application by using the stored user log-in information. |
| US09219728B1 |
Systems and methods for protecting services
A computer-implemented method for protecting services may include (1) identifying a service control manager, the service control manager having access to modify a configuration of at least one service, (2) identifying a request from a process for permission to access the configuration of the service, and, in response to the request, (3) authenticating the process based on at least one attribute of the process, (4) providing an authentication token to the process, (5) intercepting an attempt by the process to access the configuration of the service via the service control manager, the attempt including the authentication token, and, in response to the attempt, (6) validating the authentication token, and, in response to validating the authentication token, (7) allowing the process to access the configuration of the service. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09219726B2 |
Print system, image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, print service system, and storage medium for authorizing access to print data held by a print service system
A print system includes a print service system, an information processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus. The print service system includes a holding unit associated with a user and holding print data instructed by the user, a providing unit that provides access authorization information for the holding unit, to the information processing apparatus upon a request thereof, and an access authorizing unit that authorizes an access to the holding unit if receives the access authorization information. The information processing apparatus includes a transmitting unit that transmits the access authorization information to the image forming apparatus by proximity communication. The image forming apparatus includes an authorization information acquiring unit that acquires the access authorization information by the proximity communication, and a print data acquiring unit that sends the acquired access authorization information to the print service system, is authorized to access the holding unit, and acquires the print data. |
| US09219724B1 |
Facilitated information exchange to a service provider for a requested service
A method, a computer program product and a computer system, for exchanging information to provide services, is provided. A computer processor creates an information repository associated with a service requestor, in response to receiving a request for service from the service requestor. The computer processor notifies a service provider of the request for service from the service requestor. The computer processor receives a request for information from the service provider, regarding information about the service requestor. The computer processor forwards the request for information to one or more information providers. The computer processor stores information in the information repository, in response to receiving the information from the one or more information providers, and notifies the service provider to retrieve the information from the information repository. |
| US09219717B2 |
Methods and systems for registering a packet-based address for a mobile device using a fully-qualified domain name (FQDN) for the device in a mobile communication network
A mobile communication device registers for data communication through a mobile communication network with a packet-based network. The device may or may not have a mobile device number, and registers using a fully-qualified-domain-name (FQDN) uniquely identifying the device in a domain-name-system (DNS) of the packet-based network. A packet-data-network gateway assigns a packet-based address for the device, and generates a request for registering the address with the FQDN in a DNS server. Alternatively, the device generates the packet-based address based on a received portion of the address, retrieves the FQDN from an identity module, and sends a DNS-Update message to the DNS server including the address and FQDN. Again alternatively, a DNS server receives an encrypted DNS update message including a FQDN and a packet-based address, and decrypts the message prior to registering the address and FQDN in a DNS database. |
| US09219715B2 |
Mediator utilizing electronic content to enforce policies to a resource
Methods, systems and apparatuses for a mediator enforcing policies to a resource utilizing an electronic content, are disclosed. One method includes receiving, by a mediator computing device of a mediator, a second share SKG2 from an owner server, wherein a first share SKG1 is provided to a member server of a member of a group by the owner server, wherein the owner defines policies associated with the group. The method further includes the mediator receiving a request from the member for mediation, including the mediator receiving a dispatch of the header of the encrypted electronic content, determining, by the mediator, whether the member is eligible to access the electronic content based at least in part on the policies associated with the group, if eligible, the mediator responds to the request for mediation with a member accessible header. |
| US09219713B2 |
Electronic electricity meter with integrated digital-certification mechanism for secure communication
Electronic electricity meter with integrated digital-certification mechanism for secure communication, comprising current sensors, voltage sensors, electronic circuit for conditioning the current signals and voltage signals in the electrical levels required by the processing unit, processing unit able to continuously sample the current signals and voltage signals provided by the circuit and that reflect, using a known ratio, the real value of the current and voltage delivered to the meter connection terminals, the processing unit calculates the active and passive through energy and determines the energy values to be counted, and a communication unit, linked to the processing unit, which uses a digital data protocol and a physical interface to communicate with the world outside the meter, and a processing unit with digital certification functions located between the processing unit and the communication unit. |
| US09219710B2 |
Seamless authentication with proxy servers
A computer can be configured to provide seamless access to a proxy server by, upon connection to a computer network, determining whether a proxy server using authentication is connected to the computer network, and then prompting a user of the computer to enter authentication information for that proxy server. This authentication information for the proxy server then can be stored in a manner accessible by applications on the computer to use the authentication information to connection with requests by the applications to access the second computer network. For example, the operating system can store the authentication information. It also can include a module that processes all requests from applications that access the proxy server, and then includes in such requests the stored authentication information. |
| US09219709B2 |
Multi-wrapped virtual private network
The invention includes a system for transmitting multi-wrapped VPN enabled-data across a communication network from a device to another destination device within a remote protected network. The device comprises a software stack, hardware layer, application-layer VPN software, link-layer VPN software, and user-based application software. Next, the device is coupled to a communication network. Next, the system includes a link-layer VPN aggregator and an application-layer VPN aggregator. Finally, the system includes a protected network that includes the destination device. The invention includes embodiments for configuring a device to transmit multi-wrapped VPN enabled-data and processes for transmitting multi-wrapped VPN enabled-data across a communication network from a device to another destination device within a remote protected network. Finally, the invention includes inverse processes so the destination device can transmit data back through the communication network and to the device. |
| US09219708B2 |
Method and system for remotely authenticating identification devices
A method of authenticating, using an authentication server, the use of an authentication device over a communication network via an intermediate communication device, comprising: receiving an authentication datagram by the intermediate device; protecting the datagram by the intermediate device, by at least one of changing, adding to, encrypting and signing of the datagram; and forwarding the datagram to the authentication server for authentication. |
| US09219706B2 |
Just-in-time wrapper synchronization
The invention is directed to just-in-time (JIT) retrieval of directory information to reduce network traffic and load on directory servers and/or data sources by requesting only the information that is currently needed from the directory server. In the invention, a wrapper operating with a directory server and an application programming interface (API) provides this capability. The wrapper is configured to receive a request from a client and to determine a location corresponding to a set of current attribute values for responding to the request. The wrapper retrieves the set of current attribute values in a JIT manner from at least one of the following: the directory server and an external source. A set of current attributes is returned to the client from the wrapper. By propagating information in a JIT manner, only the information that will be currently used is propagated across the network. |
| US09219705B2 |
Scaling network services using DNS
Lookup requests received by a domain name service (DNS) are processed based on the actual location of data associated with a requested content page rather than a domain mapping of IP addresses. A DNS server which receives a request initiates a query for the location of user data associated with the request based on an object handle contained in a domain name of the request. The location data is used to construct an IP address which is provided in response to the IP lookup request received by the DNS server. The DNS system may be used to provide IP addresses for a scaled web-based networking service, alternate versions of a service and a service implementing rolling upgrades. |
| US09219696B2 |
Increased efficiency of data payloads to data arrays accessed through registers in a distributed virtual bridge
A system and method for efficient transfer of data from a controlling bridge to a register of a distributed bridge element. A Load Store over Ethernet (LSoE) frame processing engine (FPE) is equipped with a repeat and a repeat with strobe function that, when coupled with an auto-increment function of an indirect register facility, allows a distributed virtual bridge to move data payload more efficiently which decreases the data loading on the computers data paths used for other data transfers. |
| US09219694B2 |
Content addressable memory with reduced power consumption
A ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) provides a pre-classifier section which analyzes a subset of received data values to forward the entire received data values only to selected portions of a TCAM likely holding that data value to substantially reduce power consumption required for classification. |