Document Document Title
US09241933B2 Compositions for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel combinatorial therapies for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or a related disorder.
US09241929B2 Prophylactic or ameliorating agent for genetic diseases
An object of the present invention is to provide a prophylactic or ameliorating agent for a genetic disease that is caused by a mutation in an exon of a gene and is capable of forming a functional truncated protein by skipping of the exon comprising the mutation. The prophylactic or ameliorating agent used in the present invention is a prophylactic or ameliorating agent for a genetic disease that is caused by a mutation in an exon of a gene and is capable of forming a functional truncated protein by skipping of the exon comprising the mutation, wherein the prophylactic or ameliorating agent contains a compound having a molecular weight of 1500 or lower.
US09241928B2 Antimicrobial compounds
This disclosure relates to compositions including certain compounds identified by a quantitative, high throughput assay to be effective in inhibiting the ability of a bacterium to kill a host organism, as well as methods for using these compounds for treating bacterial infections.
US09241923B2 Methods for promoting neuronal development and/or health
The present disclosure is directed to methods for promoting neuronal health and/or development in a subject by providing nutritional compositions comprising a neurologic component, wherein the neurologic component may promote brain and nervous system development and further provide neurological protection and repair. The neurologic component may include lactoferrin, zinc sulfate, one or more organosulfur compounds, and mixtures thereof.
US09241919B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment of inflammatory conditions
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and compositions for treating symptoms related to inflammatory conditions and to methods and compositions for treating inflammatory components of common cold, utilizing various method of administration of X-ray contrast media (CM).
US09241917B2 Facially amphiphilic polymers and oligomers and uses thereof
The present invention discloses methods of use of facially amphiphilic polymers and oligomers, including pharmaceutical uses of the polymers and oligomers as antimicrobial agents and antidotes for hemorrhagic complications associated with heparin therapy. The present invention also discloses novel facially amphiphilic polymers and oligomers and their compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention further discloses the design and synthesis of facially amphiphilic polymers and oligomers.
US09241915B2 Method for enhancing the bioavailability of ospemifene
This invention relates to a method for enhancing the bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound of the formula (I) or a geometric isomer, a stereoisomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an ester thereof or a metabolite thereof, wherein said compound is administered orally to the individual in connection with the intake of food.
US09241914B2 Method and composition for enhancing milk production
The present invention concerns a method of enhancing milk production by a ruminant that includes providing a feed that contains sorbitol and at least one additional feed component, and orally feeding the feed to the ruminant, the ruminant ingesting about 100 grams, or less, of sorbitol per day.
US09241905B2 Pharmaceutical compositions of Cefixime
A pharmaceutical suspension formulation comprising a dose greater than 100 mg/5 ml Cefixime and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
US09241903B2 Method for improving the pharmaceutic properties of microparticles comprising diketopiperazine and an active agent
Methods are provided for drying a particle. Specifically, there is provided a spray-dried diketopiperazine-insulin particle formulation having improved aerodynamic performance and in which the active agent is more stabile and efficiently delivered as compared to that of the lyophilized diketopiperazine-insulin formulation. The dry powders have utility as pharmaceutical formulations for pulmonary delivery.
US09241902B2 Chewable soft capsules containing ungelatinized starch
A soft chewable capsule film suitable for medicament or foodstuff encapsulation, and a method of fabricating capsules from such a film. Such capsules demonstrate fast rupture in the oral cavity, good mouth feel and chewability, and rapid dissolution of the shell components. In particular, the modified starch is substantially ungelatinized, due at least in part to the processing temperature, and may act as a water retention agent to promote hydration. Additionally, gelatins are selected for bloom strengths that result in a robust capsules that may be fabricated at a thinner wall thickness than previously experienced in the art. Accordingly, such thin capsules have a smaller mass than traditional capsules of the same size and dissolve more quickly than chewable capsules having greater thicknesses. The capsules may be fabricated by a rotary die process at speeds greater than those generally known for soft chewable capsules.
US09241900B2 Liquid pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a posterior eye disease
The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions based on liquid vehicles whose density is substantially higher than that of aqueous physiological fluids. The compositions are useful as medicines in ophthalmology, in particular for the treatment of conditions affecting the posterior segment of an eye. They may be administered topically into the eye or in a minimally invasive manner by periocular injection. Preferred liquid carriers are selected from semifluorinated alkanes.
US09241899B2 Topical systems and methods for treating sexual dysfunction
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, and treatment of sexual dysfunction. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications, including treating erectile dysfunction or sexual dysfunction. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., onto the penis, vulva, or other suitable portion of the skin. The composition can also be applied to a mucosal surface in some instances. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09241897B2 Immunoglobulin preparation
The present invention relates to the use of proline for reducing the viscosity of a protein preparation.
US09241893B2 Topical cosmetic skin lightening compositions and methods of use thereof
Topical cosmetic compositions are provided that can comprise a Phyllanthus extract, a Bellis extract, and a licorice (Glycyrrhiza) extract. These compositions are used for topical cosmetic applications, particularly to lighten skin. Methods for lightening skin are also provided and can comprise topically administering a therapeutically effective amount of a topical cosmetic composition comprising a Phyllanthus extract, a Bellis extract, and a licorice extract, to skin of a subject in need thereof.
US09241891B2 Personal care compositions comprising self-assembling peptides
Disclosed herein are personal care compositions having at least one oligopeptide self-assembled into nanofibers or macrostructures, wherein the oligopeptide is 2-20 amino acids in length, and wherein the oligopeptide has at least one 0- to 10-amino-acid block of hydrophobic amino acids alternating with at least one 1- to 10-amino-acid block of hydrophilic amino acid residues. The composition may further include a dermatologically acceptable carrier and at least one cosmetic skin care agent.
US09241888B2 Pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition for treating alopecia
The present invention relates to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for treating alopecia, and in general for counteracting excessive hair loss, comprising as an active ingredient a compound of formula (I) R—N1-spermidine, or 1,4-butane-diamine,N-(3-aminopropyl)-N1—R. The compounds of general formula (I) are active in accordance with the objects of the present invention, and also sufficiently stable to allow effective application for topical use on the scalp without potentially being transformed into a different substance, which is no longer active, as a result of oxidation.
US09241881B2 Dental material and method
A dental material composed of hydrophilic polycaprolactone formed by the process of exposing a hydrophobic caprolactone to ionizing irradiation from a radiation source selected from the group consisting of an Electron Acceleration (E beam), Gamma II, Cobolt, X-ray or a source of UV radiation to form a cross linked polycaprolactone composition consisting of two distinct phases one of which is soluble and the other non-soluble, and adjusting the duration of ionizing radiation and/or the intensity of the radiation to cause the concentration of the soluble phase to be above at least about 65% by weight of the cured polymeric composition whereby the hydrophobic caprolactone becomes hydrophilic.
US09241875B2 System and method for high-volume filling of pharmaceutical prescriptions
A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.
US09241872B2 Timed sequence indicators
A containment system for packaging a plurality of products that are to be accessed in a predetermined sequence. The containment system includes a plurality of product compartments that each holds at least one of the plurality of products. Indicators having a gas reactive material that changes appearance after a predetermined period of time of exposure to ambient air are deployed when gas cover seals are removed or broken to access a product in the product compartment.
US09241859B2 Folding table, portable, in particular massage table
The table comprises a plate (1) made up of at least four sections (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) mounted on rigid articulated frames (2a), elements for locking the table in the open position, the plate comprising legs (3) made with at least two parts (3a, 3b) articulated together, the first parts (3a) being articulated to the end sections (1a, 1d), braces, comprising two arms (7, 8) articulated together, are articulated to the legs (3) and to the end sections (1a, 1d), locking elements (9, 10) are used between the arms (7, 8) and/or the legs (3), a link (C1) between the articulations (31) of the arms (7, 8) to the end sections (1a, 1d) on which corresponding legs (3) are hinged, and a lock for the articulation (6) between the parts (3a) and (3b) of the legs (3) to keep the legs erected and to make the whole rigid, the whole being designed in such a way that the articulated legs and arms, once folded, fold into the frames (2a).
US09241855B2 Furniture member and power recline and lift mechanism
A furniture member includes a frame, a slide member, first and second bars, an axle, and first and second leg members. The frame includes a chair portion movable relative to a base among nominal, reclined and lift positions. The slide member is connected to the motor and displaceable relative to the base. The first bar is connected to the slide member and the chair portion. The first bar moves the chair portion among the nominal, reclined and lift positions. The axle is mounted to the base portion. The leg members are attached to the axle and include fore and aft feet. The second bar is connected to the chair portion and slidably connected to the axle. The second bar rotates the axle in a first direction in response to movement into the reclined position and rotates the axle in a second direction in response to movement into the lift position.
US09241853B2 Multiple ply managed friction material surface with smooth bonded seams
A substantially smooth, seamless managed friction material surface and apparatus for placement on a support surface between the support surface and a living being for preventing abrasion or decubitus ulcers in a living being. The managed friction material surface comprises a plurality of plies having a smooth side and a first, high friction zone and second, low friction zone. At least one adhesive ply is interposed partially between adjacent plies; and the plies are selectively bonded to form adjacent frictional zones of high and low friction. Unbonded plies are allowed to move substantially freely with respect to one another thus providing a lower friction zone. The apparatus comprises the managed friction material surface such that the bonded zone is configured for positioning remote the bony prominence and the unbonded zone for positioning proximate the bony prominence, seamlessly occupying different areas on the same side of the material surface.
US09241851B2 Hands-free user interface devices
In one embodiment, a hands-free user interface device includes a first plate, a second plate spaced from the first plate, a sensor associated with the plates adapted to detect when the first plate pivots relative to the second plate, and a controller adapted to receive signals from the sensor and output control signals to another component based upon the received signals.
US09241847B2 Fasteners having improved comfort
A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.
US09241846B2 Male hygiene device
A one-piece hygiene band (100) for use by a male to absorb moisture is provided. The hygiene band comprises an absorbent material and has at least one interconnection means (105) at a first portion (106) of the hygiene band arranged for allowing an interconnection between the first portion and a second portion (108) of the hygiene band such that a loop (114) of the hygiene band may be formed for being provided around the genitals (116) of the male. At least a segment (112) of the hygiene band is arranged for being provided between the buttocks (120) of the male.
US09241841B2 Waistband for an absorbent article
A waistband for an absorbent article having a waistband with differential extensibility and/or contraction along the circumference of the waist opening. The waistband may provide a uniform appearance along the circumference of the waist opening. The waistband may have a central zone and at least two outboard zones. The outboard zones of the waistband may be less contracted than the central zone, when the absorbent article is in a relaxed state.
US09241839B2 Absorbent article fullness indicator
A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including an alarm to indicate that the absorbent article has reached an insult limit. The signaling device operates with a sensor array which is disposed on the outermost surface of the absorbent article outer cover. The signaling device includes a detection circuit which measures changes in inductance or capacitance. The wetness monitoring system does not make direct contact with the absorbent structure located within an outer cover of the absorbent article.
US09241837B2 Conformable therapeutic shield for vision and pain
A conformable covering comprises an outer portion with rigidity to resist movement on the cornea and an inner portion to contact the cornea and provide an environment for epithelial regeneration. The inner portion of the covering can be configured in many ways so as to conform at least partially to an ablated stromal surface so as to correct vision. The conformable inner portion may have at least some rigidity so as to smooth the epithelium such that the epithelium regenerates rapidly and is guided with the covering so as to form a smooth layer for vision. The inner portion may comprise an amount of rigidity within a range from about 1×10−4 Pa*m3 to about 5×10−4 Pa*m3 so as to deflect and conform at least partially to the ablated cornea and smooth an inner portion of the ablation with an amount of pressure when deflected.
US09241836B2 Video game with automatic combination or selling of acquired items
The game program according to the present invention causes a computer to perform a registering process to register in advance in a storage unit attribute information specified by the player, an offering process to offer the game content to the player, a judgment process to compare the attribute information of the game content offered to the specified attribute information, a combining process to combine the game content offered with another game content to create a combined game content, and a recording process to record in the storage unit the combined game content as the game content owned by the player, without recording in the storage unit the game content offered as the game content owned by the player.
US09241833B2 Eyewear having multiple ventilation states
Eyewear is disclosed that can have multiple ventilation states providing different amounts of ventilation through the eyewear. The eyewear can include a lens and a frame. In some embodiments, the lens can be movable with respect to the frame to provide the multiple ventilation states. In some embodiments, the eyewear can include a gasket that removably attaches to the frame. In some embodiments, the gasket can be movable with respect to the frame to provide the multiple ventilation states.
US09241828B2 Delivery system for dispensing metered volumes of pure or sterile flowable substances
A sealed delivery system for dispensing metered volumes of a pure or sterile flowable substance is presented. Such system comprises a continuously sealing one-way valve assembly at a distal end, and a volume reducing reservoir at a proximal end, in which a pure or sterile flowable substance can be stored. In operation a user pushes down upon an actuator assembly, acting upon a metering pumping chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir via a check valve. Depression of the actuator causes a dispensing pump to push a metered volume of flowable substance through the continuously sealing one way dispensing valve assembly, and return of the actuator to its home state causes the dispensing pump to pull a metered volume of the contained flowable substance from the volume reducing reservoir and through the check valve.
US09241823B2 Auxiliary device for mounting nail deformity correction device and nail deformity correction device mounted on a nail by the same
There are provided an auxiliary device for mounting nail deformity correction device and a nail deformity correction device mounted on a nail by the same. The auxiliary device includes a resilient block that is placed in parallel with a finger and toe nail in a longitudinal direction of the finger and toe nail, and has elasticity to be elastically contracted and restored in a width direction of the finger and toe nail, and a pair of parallel protrusions that protrudes from an end of the resilient block to be inserted into an inside of the finger and toe nail, and is spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the width direction of the finger and toe nail.
US09241810B1 Fusion device and associated methods
An interbody fusion device for fusion of vertebrae, and methods thereof. The device includes a first piece made of titanium having upper and lower surfaces configured to engage the endplates of two opposing vertebrae. The upper and lower surfaces include a plurality of barbed teeth configured to engage an endplate. The first piece includes an inner void area configured to receive a second piece. The second piece is configured to engage the first piece to slide over inner surfaces of the first piece become seated and mated in the first piece. The first and second pieces mate to form an assembled interbody fusion device that fits between two vertebrae.
US09241809B2 Intervertebral implants, systems, and methods of use
An intervertebral implant frame that is configured to be attached to a spacer body can include a pair of arms that extend longitudinally from a support member such that the arms extend substantially around the spacer body. The arms may be configured to expand, crimp, or otherwise engage the spacer body to thereby hold the spacer body to the frame. The spacer body may be made from bone graft.
US09241800B2 Tibial component with a conversion module for a knee implant
A tibial prosthesis including a tibial component including a tray having first and second opposing surfaces and a stem extending from the second surface of the tibial component, a tibial conversion module including a receiver portion defining a stem-receiving cavity for slideable engagement with the stem of the tibial component, wherein the stem of the tibial component is positioned within the stem-receiving cavity at a first end of the receiver portion, and an extension peg engaged with the stem-receiving cavity at a second end of the receiver portion that is opposite the first end of the receiver portion.
US09241792B2 Two-step heart valve implantation
A two-part implantable heart valve and procedure are disclosed that allow expansion and positioning of a first part of the implantable heart valve having a temporary or transient valvular structure. A second part of the implantable heart valve is deployed within the first part and attaches thereto. The valvular structure of the second part then acts to function as the heart valve replacement. A tool or system is provided for determining an adequate percutaneous heart valve size for a given stenotic valve. A balloon can be inflated inside the stenotic valve to a desired pressure. When this pressure is reached an angiographic image is taken and the balloon diameter is measured at a waist area created by contact between the balloon and the stenotic valve. The diameter represents the minimum percutaneous heart valve diameter to be implanted.
US09241791B2 Valve assembly for crimp profile
A method of assembling a prosthetic heart valve includes providing a collapsible and expandable stent having an annulus section and an aortic section. The annulus section has a first diameter in a relaxed condition and a second diameter less than the first diameter in a collapsed condition. A constraint is applied to the stent to constrain the annulus section to a predetermined diameter between the first and second diameters. Applying a cuff and/or a plurality of leaflets to the stent in the constrained condition enables less material to be used. The resultant prosthetic valve is therefore able to be collapsed to a smaller diameter for introduction into a patient.
US09241779B2 Male incontinence treatment system
An incontinence treatment system for a male patient includes a support, a brace attachable to the support, and an introducer provided to deliver an anchor through the support and into periosteum tissue over a pubic bone of the pelvis of the male patient. The brace includes a base portion, a first post extending from the base portion and a second post extending from the base portion. A first hanger is attached to an end portion of the first post and a second hanger attached to an end portion of the second post. A first slot is formed between the end portion of the first post and the first hanger and a second slot formed between the end portion of the second post and the second hanger. The hangers are insertable into pockets formed in a pair of longitudinal arms of the support.
US09241770B2 Methods and devices for remotely controlling movement of surgical tools
Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a distal end of a surgical instrument. In general, the methods and devices can allow for controlling movement of surgical tools, and in particular for causing mimicked motion between an external control unit and a surgical tool positioned within a patient's body. In one embodiment, a surgical system is provided having a master assembly including an input tool and a slave assembly including a surgical instrument. The master assembly and the slave assembly can be configured to be electronically coupled together such that movement of the master assembly can be electronically communicated to the slave assembly to cause mimicked movement of the slave assembly.
US09241769B2 Robotic surgery system including position sensors using fiber bragg gratings
A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm.
US09241767B2 Method for handling an operator command exceeding a medical device state limitation in a medical robotic system
A medical robotic system has a robotic arm holding a medical device, and a control system for controlling movement of the arm according to operator manipulation of an input device. If the medical device is being commanded to a state exceeding a limitation by a threshold amount, then the control system disengages control of the medical device by the input device, servos the arm so that it remains in its current state, servos the input device so that it is set at a position such that a force being applied on the input device remains at its current level, requests the operator to lighten hold of the input device, sets a parameter associated with the input device upon detecting such lightened hold so that the medical device is commanded to a different state that does not exceed the limitation, and reengages control of the medical device by the input device.
US09241764B2 Method of making polymeric gloves having embedded surgical support systems and discrete elements
A method of manufacturing a glove that includes discrete elements and component systems, such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation, attached to the surgical glove. The gloves produced by this method can be used as surgical gloves or for other industrial applications. In a particular application, the method includes providing a former comprising a hand-shaped portion and a first surgical system comprising a first surgical instrument, and a first switch for controlling the first surgical system. The former includes a first depression for receiving the first surgical system. The first depression is adapted to produce an interference fit with at least a portion of the first surgical system. The first surgical system can be loaded into the first depression and a polymer coating can be applied over the loaded former to form a surgical glove.
US09241762B2 Specific absorption rate measurement and energy-delivery device characterization using image analysis
A method of controlling output of an electrosurgical power generating source includes the steps of receiving image data including tissue temperature information of a target tissue volume, calculating a specific absorption rate as a function of the tissue temperature information from the image data, and determining one or more operating parameters associated with the electrosurgical power generating source based on the calculated specific absorption rate.
US09241758B2 Surgical instrument with blade compliant along vertical cutting edge plane
An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft, an end effector, and a firing beam. The shaft extends distally from the body. The end effector is positioned at the distal end of the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, with the first jaw being pivotable toward the second jaw. The firing beam is operable to translate relative to the end effector to thereby drive the first jaw toward the second jaw. The firing beam includes a deformable portion operable to deform in response to a stress imposed by the end effector on the firing beam as the jaws clamp on dense or thick tissue. The deformable portion is defined in part by a cutout. A compliance restriction feature restricts deformation in the firing beam. A resilient member biases the firing beam to a non-deformed configuration.
US09241750B2 Dynamic cervical plate
A dynamic subsidence plate is described having a first plate member and a second plate member in sliding engagement that may infinitely subside between a first and second assembled position. The plate includes a lock assembly associated with the first and second plate members. The lock assembly includes a ramp portion, an interference portion, and a bearing member situated between the ramp portion and the interference portion. The lock assembly of the plate is configured to allow movement of the first member with respect to the second member in a first direction in an infinite number of positions between a first assembled position and a second assembled position. Further, the lock assembly alternatively prevents movement of the first member with respect to the second member in an opposite second direction between the first and second assembled positions.
US09241749B2 Bone plate assembly provided with screw locking mechanisms
One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.
US09241743B2 Bone screw extender reattachment system and methods
A bone screw extender reattachment system including an elongated reattachment rod having a proximal and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated reattachment rod includes a tip configured to attach to a head of a bone screw. The elongated reattachment rod is configured so that a screw extender assembly having an inner sleeve, an outer housing and an extender head can slide over the reattachment rod. The bone screw extender reattachment system also includes a tension plunger having a plunger-type head and an elongated shaft configured to slide over the reattachment rod so as to communicate with the screw extender assembly.
US09241740B2 Anterior cervical plate
An anterior cervical includes a plate portion for stabilizing a human or animal spine by being placed ventrally of the spinal column and affixed to two or more different vertebral bodies, and a plurality of fastening portions adapted to be anchored in the different vertebral bodies. At least one of the fastening portions is rigidly connected to the plate portion and includes a sheath element with a longitudinal opening that is accessible from a proximal side and at least one hole that reaches from the longitudinal opening to an outside. The anterior cervical plate further includes a thermoplastic element that may be inserted in the sheath element and that is capable of being liquefied by, for example, mechanical energy acting on the thermoplastic element.
US09241737B2 Polyaxial bone anchoring device
A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a receiving part having a first end, an opposite second end, a channel at the first end, and an accommodation space at the second end for receiving a head of a bone anchoring element, and a pressure element configured to be positioned in the receiving part and to exert pressure on an inserted head, the pressure element including at least one flexible section. At least one of the receiving part or a free end of the flexible section of the pressure element has an inclined surface portion configured to engage the other one of the receiving part or the free end of the flexible section of the pressure element, such that a force directed towards the second end of the receiving part is exerted on the pressure element at the engagement to exert a pre-load on an inserted head of a bone anchoring element.
US09241733B2 Debulking catheter
The present invention is an atherectomy catheter with a rotary cutting knife that is driven from the distal (nose) or side (circumference) direction. The catheter collects plaque shavings in a hollow collection chamber mounted in between the rotary cutting knife and the main catheter tubing. In contrast to prior art designs, which utilized nose mounted plaque collection chambers, the present design is able to store a substantially larger volume of removed plaque, thus increasing the length of time and amount of plaque removal that can be accomplished before the catheter must be removed from the body and cleaned. This decreases medical procedure time, allows for more complete and careful plaque removal, and reduces the burden on the patient and physician.
US09241732B2 Surgical instrument
A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft operably supported thereon and a jaw member supported at a distal end of the shaft. The jaw member is movable between open and clamping configurations. The surgical instrument also includes a probe that has proximal and distal ends. The distal end has an active blade thereon that is configured to treat tissue when the jaw member is in a clamping configuration. The proximal end of the probe is configured to selectively engage a generator that is configured to selectively couple to the housing. An adjusting assembly is operably supported on the housing and is configured to selectively rotate the probe to engage the proximal end of the probe to the generator to secure the generator to the housing.
US09241730B2 Ultrasound surgical saw
This invention discloses methods and devices using ultrasound energy for resecting bone tissue during surgical procedures. The disclosure describes the use of ultrasound surgical saw consisting of an ultrasound generator, ultrasound transducer and ultrasound horn including a cutting blade to resect bone tissue without excessive temperature rise during typical surgical procedures. The cutting blade provides a self-clearing design that includes at least two teeth disposed to prevent accumulation of bone chips within the proximity of the teeth. The design of the cutting blade allows the mechanical motion of the blade and the emission of the ultrasound energy to remove accumulated bone chips and prevent excessive temperature rise.
US09241729B2 Device to aid in the deployment of a shape memory instrument
A system is configured to create or enlarge a cavity in a tissue body and generally includes a cannula, a friction reduction covering, and a cavity creation member. The cavity creation member includes an end portion that is configured to transition between a first shape and a second shape that is different from the first shape. In operation, retracting the friction reduction covering relative to end portion causes the end portion to change shape from the first shape to the second shape such that the cavity creation member is configured to create or enlarge a cavity in the tissue body as the second end portion exits the friction reduction member.
US09241724B2 Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US09241721B2 Hip joint instrument and method
A surgical pelvic drill for operating hip osteoarthritis adapted to create a hole in the pelvic bone of a human patient is provided. The pelvic drill is adapted to create a through-going hole placed in the acetabulum area from the abdominal side of the pelvic bone of the human patient. The pelvic drill comprises: a driving member, a bone contacting organ in connection with said driving member, an operating device adapted to operate said driving member. The bone contacting organ is adapted to create a hole in the acetabulum area starting from the abdominal side of the pelvic bone through repetitive or continuous movement. A surgical and a laparoscopic/arthroscopic method of using said pelvic drill is further provided.
US09241720B2 Hip joint instrument and method
A surgical instrument for operating hip joint osteoarthritis in a human patient is provided. The hip joint comprises an acetabulum, being a part of the pelvic bone, and a caput femur, being the proximal part of the femoral bone. The surgical instrument is adapted to assist in the operating of the hip joint osteoarthritis from the abdominal side of the pelvic bone of said human patient.
US09241711B2 Surgical fastener applying apparatus with controlled beam deflection
A surgical fastener applying apparatus including an anvil half-section having a distal end and a longitudinal axis; a cartridge receiving half-section having a distal end and operatively couplable with the anvil half-section such that the distal ends of the half-sections are in juxtaposed relation; and a deflection control system operatively engaged with and reinforcing the distal end of the anvil half-section when a force is applied to the distal end of the anvil half-section in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.
US09241708B2 Large bore closure device and methods
A vascular closure system includes a body portion, an anchor, a suture carrying portion, and a plurality of needles. The body portion has a distal end surface. The anchor is positionable through a vessel puncture in a vessel wall of a vessel. The anchor defines a vessel contact surface, wherein withdrawal of the anchor captures a portion of the vessel wall between the vessel contact surface and the distal end surface. The suture carrying portion is positionable through the vessel puncture and carries at least one suture member. The plurality of needles extend through the portion of the vessel wall adjacent to the vessel puncture and are configured to connect to the at least one suture member. Withdrawal of the plurality of needles through the portion of the vessel wall positions the at least one suture member through the portion of the vessel wall.
US09241705B2 Bone anchor delivery system device with sutures
The device (10) has a handle assembly (40) and a bone anchor driver assembly (20). The handle assembly (40) has an upper handle portion (50) and a lower handle portion (60). The upper or lower handle portion is rotatable relative to the other handle portion. A bone anchor driver assembly (20) is for rotatably driving a bone anchor (12) into a hole in a bone. The bone anchor driver assembly (20) is fixed to one of either the upper or lower handle portions (50 or 60).
US09241703B2 Bone anchor delivery system device with sutures
The device (10) has a handle assembly (40) and a bone anchor driver assembly (20). The handle assembly (40) has an upper handle portion (50) and a lower handle portion (60). The upper or lower handle portion is rotatable relative to the other handle portion. A bone anchor driver assembly (20) is for rotatably driving a bone anchor (12) into a hole in a bone. The bone anchor driver assembly (20) is fixed to one of either the upper or lower handle portions (50 or 60).
US09241698B2 Tissue retractor assembly
An intracorporeal surgical tissue retractor is provided having an anchor selectively deployable in a first tissue not to be retracted and a grasper selectively deployable on a second tissue to be retracted. A longitudinally selectively movable support is threadable through the anchor and attached at a substantially distal end of the movable support to the grasper. A deployment user interface is couplable to the movable support and has a proximal end manipulable by a user extracorporeally and a distal end releasably attachable to both the anchor and the grasper, adapted to intracorporeally deploy the anchor into the first tissue and the grasper onto the second tissue. The user interface includes a first actuator having an anchor positioning tool enabling selective deployment of the anchor in the first tissue, and a second actuator enabling selective opening and closing of the jaws of the grasper.
US09241697B2 Wound retractor
A retraction device for retracting an incision in a body wall includes a sheath that traverses through the incision from outside the body to a body cavity inside the body. The retraction device may include a first, distal retention ring, a second, proximal retention ring, a circumferential, tubular sheath that is coupled to the first and second retention rings, a plurality of tensioning straps, and a proximal lock ring, wherein each of the plurality of straps is coupled to the distal retention ring and extends proximally through the lumen of the sheath and the proximal retention ring. The lock ring is sized and configured to capture the straps between an inner surface of the proximal retention ring and an outer surface of the lock ring. The lock ring is adapted to be positioned within a lumen of the proximal retention ring with the straps exiting between the proximal retention ring and the lock ring. The straps are adapted to be pulled proximally to achieve appropriate tension and subsequent retraction of the incision. The lock ring responds to the tension of the straps by wedging against the inner surface of the proximal retention ring and substantially preventing the straps from slipping distally between the lock ring and the proximal retention ring.
US09241693B2 Interferometric force sensor for surgical instruments
A surgical tool system according to an embodiment of the current invention includes a surgical tool, and an interferometry system optically coupled to the surgical tool. The surgical tool includes a body section, a sensor section at least one of attached to or integral with the body section, and a surgical section at least one of attached to or integral with the sensor section at an opposing end of the sensor section from the body section. The sensor section comprises an interferometric optical sensor defining a reference distance that changes in response to at least one of a force or a torque when applied to the surgical section of the surgical tool.
US09241692B2 Pressure/vacuum actuated catheter forceps
A method for extracting a tissue sample is provided, including the steps of inserting a catheter into a bodily cavity, the catheter having a sampling chamber, a movable cover, and an actuation mechanism for actuating the cover, positioning the sampling chamber next to tissue to be sampled, providing a fluid to the actuation mechanism to open the cover, supplying a vacuum to draw tissue sample into the sampling chamber and to close the cover, and withdrawing the catheter from the bodily cavity. Catheter forceps for obtaining a tissue sample are also provided, including a catheter, a sampling chamber positioned at a distal end of the catheter and having a movable cover, and an actuation mechanism for moving the movable cover to an opened position by providing a fluid to the actuation mechanism and to a closed position by providing a vacuum to the actuation mechanism.
US09241691B2 Methods and devices for removing tissue from a patient and placing a marker in the patient
The device is used to remove tissue from a patient and to also place a marker in the patient. The device has an opening through which tissue enters the device. The tissue which enters the opening is cut and the tissue is removed. The device may be used a number of times to remove a number of tissue masses. The device also includes a marker which the user may release in the patient at the desired time.
US09241689B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and imaging processing apparatus
Each of an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and an image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises image acquisition device configured to acquire image data by scanning a patient into whom an ultrasonic contrast medium has been injected, with ultrasonic beams, same-part correspondence device configured to bring same parts into correspondence with each other, between a plurality of images concerning the same parts of the identical patient and acquired by the image acquisition device, arithmetic operation device configured to arithmetically operate image information items on changes of intensities between the plurality of images by using the intensities of those corresponding pixels of the plurality of images which have been brought into correspondence by the pixel correspondence device, and display device configured to display results operated by the arithmetic operation device.
US09241686B2 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a monitor simultaneously displaying in blocks a series of examination items on an ultrasound diagnosis within a screen in chronological order and a controller causing the monitor to highlight a block of an examination item being currently executed among blocks indicating the series of examination items displayed on the monitor.
US09241682B2 Apparatus and method for calibrating an x-ray image of a knee of a patient
An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.
US09241679B2 Method and apparatus for filtering high-frequency electromagnetic beams and irradiation apparatus or device for irradiating an object
A method and an apparatus for filtering radio-frequency electromagnetic beams, in particular x-rays, include a fluid container containing a ferrofluid which at least partially absorbs the electromagnetic beams. A distribution of the ferrofluid within the fluid container can be varied by using an applied magnetic gradient field. An irradiation apparatus and a device for irradiating an object are also provided.
US09241678B2 Random estimation in positron emission tomography with tangential time-of-flight mask
A method of estimating random events in positron emission tomography list mode data, including obtaining time-of-flight (TOF) list mode count data that includes TOF information; converting the obtained TOF list mode count data into four-dimensional (4D) raw sinogram count data, without using the TOF information, wherein the 4D raw sinogram count data includes random count values; interpolating the 4D raw sinogram count data to generate 4D interpolated sinogram count data; low-pass filtering the 4D interpolated sinogram count data to remove noise; converting the low-pass filtered 4D interpolated sinogram count data into filtered 4D raw sinogram count data; and generating, by a processor, five-dimensional (5D) TOF raw sinogram count data from the filtered 4D raw sinogram count data by effectively applying a TOF mask filter to the filtered 4D raw sinogram count data.
US09241674B2 Distortion reduced signal detection
The present invention relates to a device and a method for extracting information from detected characteristic signals. A data stream (26) derivable from electromagnetic radiation (14) emitted or reflected by an object (12) is received. The data stream (26) comprises a continuous or discrete time-based characteristic signal ( ; 98) comprising at least two main components (92a, 92b, 92c) related to respective complementary channels (90a, 90b, 90c) of a signal space (88). The characteristic signal ( ; 98) is mapped to a defined component representation ( , , , ; , ) under consideration of a substantially linear algebraic signal composition model so as to specify a linear algebraic equation. The linear algebraic equation is at least partially solved under consideration of an at least approximate estimation of specified signal portions ( , , ). Consequently, an expression highly indicative of the at least one at least partially periodic vital signal (20) can be derived from the linear algebraic equation.
US09241673B2 Systems and methods for validating monitoring device placement and locations
This disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for validating locational data for a monitoring device. The external monitoring device located on a patient may include one or more processors, one or more memory devices, one or more power devices, one or more heart rate detection devices, and one or more heart sound detection devices. Further, the method may include determining a plurality of status of an external monitoring device located on a patient via one or more processors based on obtained heart rate data and obtained heart sound data. The external monitoring device state may be generated via a validation module based on the heart rate data and the heart sound data.
US09241672B2 Determining usability of an acoustic signal for physiological monitoring using frequency analysis
An acoustic physiological monitoring system and method wherein the usability for physiological monitoring of time segments of an acoustic signal recording body sounds is determined using frequency analysis. A time segment of the acoustic signal is filtered into a target portion in a target frequency band and a non-target portion in a non-target frequency band. Energies of the target portion and the non-target portion are computed. A usability indicator for the time segment is computed using the energies. The usability of the time segment is determined using the usability indicator. A physiological parameter estimate is selectively calculated using the time segment based on the usability of the time segment. Finally, information based on the physiological parameter estimate is outputted.
US09241670B2 Methods and systems for conditioning physiological information using a normalization technique
A physiological monitoring system may determine physiological information, such as physiological rate information, from a physiological signal. The system may condition the physiological signal to assist in the determination of the physiological information. The system may generate a positive signal and a negative signal based on respective positive and negative values of the physiological signal. The system may filter the positive and negative signals, combine the filtered signals, and modify the physiological signal based on the combined signal. The physiological signal may be modified, for example, by subtracting the combined signal from the physiological signal.
US09241657B2 Medical image registration using a rigid inner body surface
The invention relates to a medical image registration method in which an actual patient's body or portion of a patient's body (22) is positionally registered to a patient image created using a medical body-imaging technique such as MR, CT or x-ray imaging, wherein in a medical navigation system, the actual spatial position of at least a part of the body or body portion (22) is assigned to a respective position in the image of said body or body portion (22), wherein the part of the body or body portion (22) comprises a registration area in the form of the surface of a substantially rigid body structure, in particular an inner structure, made of bone or cartilage. The invention also relates to a medical image registration device which comprises a surface scanner (15) for scanning a registration area comprising the surface of a substantially rigid body structure, in particular an inner structure, made of bone or cartilage.
US09241655B2 Measuring device for measuring a physiological parameter of an aspirate
A measuring device for measuring a physiological parameter of an aspirate. The device includes a sensor element for measuring the physiological parameter, a connection port for fluid communication with a medical tube, a collection tube for aspirating and/or collecting the aspirate, a housing, wherein the sensor element is mounted within the housing and a communication passage enabling the aspirate to enter the housing from the collection tube such that the sensor element can measure the physiological parameter. Further, a method for measuring the parameter is disclosed.
US09241653B2 Method and device for estimating a myocardial performance parameter
An implantable medical device applies an electric signal to at least a portion of a heart in a subject. A resulting electric signal is collected from the heart and is used together with the applied signal for determining a cardiogenic impedance signal. The impedance signal is processed in order to estimate an isovolumetric contraction time, an isovolumetric relaxation time and an ejection time for a heart cycle. These three time parameters are employed for calculating a Tei-index of the heart. The Tei-index can be used as myocardial performance parameter in heart diagnosis and/or cardiac therapy adjustment.
US09241652B2 Auditory event-related potential measurement system, auditory event-related potential measurement method, and computer program thereof
An auditory event-related potential measurement system includes: a video output section configured to present a video to a user; a measurement section configured to measure a user's electroencephalogram signal; a scheduling section configured to schedule a timing of presenting an auditory stimulation so that the auditory stimulation is presented during a period in which the video is being presented to the user; an auditory stimulation output section configured to present the auditory stimulation to the user at the scheduled timing; and a processing section configured to acquire, from the electroencephalogram signal, an event-related potential in a first time range as reckoned from a point in time at which the auditory stimulation is presented. When an amount of video luminance change exceeds a threshold value, the auditory stimulation is not presented during a second time range as reckoned from a point in time at which the threshold value is exceeded.
US09241650B2 Patient specific QRS complex classification for arrhythmia detection
A method for QRS classification, the method may include generating, by a computer and based upon information representative of multiple QRS complexes of a patient, a QRS complex cluster tree; and updating, by the computer, the QRS complex cluster tree based upon information relating to other QRS complexes of the patient.
US09241649B2 Device features and design elements for long-term adhesion
An electronic device for long-term adhesion to a mammal includes a housing with an electronic component. The electronic device may include a first wing and a second wing, each being integrally formed with the housing. An electrode is positioned on a bottom surface of each of the wings, the electrodes electrically connected to the electronic component. An adhesive layer is provided for adhesion to a surface of the mammal. The adhesive layer may cover a portion of the bottom surfaces of the wings but generally does not cover the electrode or a bottom surface of the housing. A method of applying an electronic device to a mammal includes removing first and second adhesive covers from first and second wings of the electronic device to expose an electrode and an adhesive coated on a bottom surface of each wing.
US09241644B2 Biological information detector, biological information measuring device, and method for designing reflecting part in biological information detector
A biological information detector includes a wristband, a light-emitting part, a reflecting part, a light-receiving part, a protecting part, an acceleration sensor and a processing part. The wristband is adapted to be attached to a body of a user. The light-emitting part is configured to emit green light. The reflecting part is configured to reflect the light emitted by the light-emitting part. The light-receiving part is configured to receive reflected light reflected at a detection site of the body of the user. The protecting part is configured to protect the light-emitting part, the protecting part having a contact surface configured to contact with the detection site. The acceleration sensor is configured to detect acceleration generated by the user. The processing part is configured to process a light reception signal outputted from the light-receiving part.
US09241643B2 Methods and systems for power optimization in a medical device
A physiological monitoring system may use photonic signals to determine physiological parameters. The system may vary parameters of a light drive signal used to generate the photonic signal from a light source such that power consumption is reduced or optimized. Parameters may include light intensity, firing rate, duty cycle, other suitable parameters, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system may use information from a first light source to generate a light drive signal for a second light source. In some embodiments, the system may vary parameters in a way substantially synchronous with physiological pulses, for example, cardiac pulses. In some embodiments, the system may vary parameters in response to an external trigger.
US09241633B2 Synchronization of wireless catheters
A method includes disposing multiple medical probes to acquire physiological data concurrently from a living body. The data is sent from the multiple medical probes by transmitting over wireless channels respective sequences of data packets that are marked with respective packet numbers. A synchronization signal that is broadcast to the multiple probes is received in the probes. In response to receiving the synchronization signal, the packet numbers that are to be assigned in the probes to subsequent data packets in the respective sequences are reset.
US09241632B2 Synchronization of wireless catheters
A method includes disposing multiple medical probes to acquire physiological data concurrently from a living body. The data is sent from the multiple medical probes by transmitting over wireless channels respective sequences of data packets that are marked with respective packet numbers. A synchronization signal that is broadcast to the multiple probes is received in the probes. In response to receiving the synchronization signal, the packet numbers that are to be assigned in the probes to subsequent data packets in the respective sequences are reset.
US09241631B2 Continuous analyte monitor data recording device operable in a blinded mode
A system is provided including a continuous analyte sensor that produces a data stream indicative of a host's analyte concentration and a device that receives and records data from the data stream from the continuous analyte sensor. The data received from the continuous analyte sensor may be used to provide alarms to the user when the analyte concentration and/or the rate of change of analyte concentration, as measured by the continuous analyte sensor, is above or below a predetermined range. Data received from the continuous analyte sensor may also be used to prompt the diabetic or caregiver to take certain actions, such as to perform another single point blood glucose measurement. The device may provide for toggling between modes that allow or prevent the display of glucose concentration values associated with the continuous glucose sensor.
US09241630B1 Auto attendant system with response verification and memory-inducing components
A mounted or portable device that allows for instant communication and notification between two parties is provided. Directed primarily at elderly family members and the like that live on their own, such a device includes a video screen for display of various media in order to provide memory inducements, as well as video communication on demand. Furthermore, such a device permits a remote user to contact the person with a request for instant verification of the person's condition. Failure to respond to such a request leads to automatically sent communications to pre-assigned recipients that attention for the person user may be required, thereby seeking the closest recipient proximally at that specific moment to provide such attention and/or notification to proper authorities that medical or other help is needed. The system also allows the direct user the capability of contacting medical/police/etc. authorities if attention is needed immediately as well.
US09241629B2 Modular wearable sensor device
A wearable sensor and method for providing a wearable sensor are disclosed. In a first aspect, the wearable sensor comprises at least one power source and a first module coupled to the at least one power source. The first module includes a first outer shell and a first printed circuit board (PCB) within the first outer shell. The wearable sensor further comprises a second module coupled to the first module. The second module includes a second outer shell and a second PCB within the second outer shell. One of the first and second modules is disposable and the other of the first and second modules is reusable.
US09241628B2 Ophthalmologic apparatus, method for controlling ophthalmologic apparatus, and program
An ophthalmologic apparatus is configured to determine a direction in which a target that is used to adjust a working distance comes into focus based on an influence of astigmatism contained in a cornea reflection image of an eye to be examined.
US09241627B2 Method and analysis system for eye examinations
An ophthalmological analysis system for examining an eye, in particular in the region of a front eye section of an eye includes first and second analysis systems obtaining sectional images of the eye. The first analysis system includes a projection device and a monitoring device arranged relative to each other according to the Scheimpflug rule. The second analysis system is an optical coherence interferometer. A processing device processes a first image data set obtained by the first analysis system and a second image data set obtained by the second analysis system to supplement the first image data set, at least partially, with data of the second image data set.
US09241620B1 User aware digital vision correction
A method, a system, and an information handling system dynamically provide individualized dynamic digital display correction for users of an electronic device. An information handling system detects a login of a first user profile that is associated with a first user. The information handling system then determines whether the first user profile has an associated first vision profile. In response to the first user profile having an associated first vision profile, a vision correction value associated with the first user is identified and a first change in image characteristics which may be applied to a graphical user interface (GUI) in order to achieve the vision correction value is calculated. A size of the display of the information handling system is detected and the first change in image characteristics is further adjusted based on this size before the adjusted image characteristic in image characteristics is applied.
US09241619B2 Posterior lumbar retractor system
A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the at least one of the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portions of the first and second retractor blades are configured to be secured proximate to the first and second securement features respectively, such that the first and second retractor blades may be positioned in a first position wherein the first and second retractor blades are laterally opposed. A movement of the at least one securement feature that is movable with respect to the frame adjusts the angle of at least one of the retractor blades, wherein the at least one of the retractor blades may be adjusted between a first angle less than 90 degrees to horizontal and second angle greater than 90 degrees to horizontal.
US09241609B2 Method and apparatus for conversion of signals from a first type of image sensor to a second type of camera control unit
A method and apparatus for conversion of signals from a first type of image sensor to a second type of camera control unit is presented. A first interface is provided for enabling electrical communication between the conversion module and an image sensor, the image sensor being interchangeable between a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor. A second interface is provided for enabling electrical communication between the conversion module and a camera control unit (CCU). Also provided is conversion circuitry in communication with the first interface and the second interface, the conversion circuitry receiving signals of a first type from the first interface, converting the signals of a first type to signals of a second type and providing the signals of a second type to the second interface.
US09241607B2 Silverware basket with integral spray jets for a dishwasher
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing dedicated spray coverage for silverware and dishware positioned within a silverware basket. In an example embodiment, the dishwasher includes a tub configured to receive dishware and a circulation system configured to circulate fluid within the tub. The dishwasher further includes a silverware basket disposed within the tub and comprising a handle portion and a basket portion. The basket portion is configured to receive dishware therein. The handle portion defines at least one spray jet opening that is configured to be in fluid communication with the circulation system and configured to direct fluid toward the basket portion.
US09241606B2 Dishwasher
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a washing tub (2) having a base (3), a rear wall (4) and two side walls (5) surrounding the base (3), a door (6) providing access to the washing tub (2), connected to the washing tub (2) from its lower side and opening by tilting forward, a rack (8) wherein objects to be washed are placed, having more than one roller (7) disposed at two opposite sides of its lower surface, providing it to move forwards/backwards, having a washing position whereat it is placed on the base (3) to entirely remain inside the washing tub (2), a loading position whereat it is positioned on the inner surface of the door (6) by being moved forwards when the door (6) is open and whereat loading-unloading can be performed and a spray arm (9) extending from the base (3) towards inside the washing tub (2), remaining under the rack (8) when the rack (8) is in the washing position, spraying water towards inside the rack (8) by rotating around itself.
US09241600B2 Adjustable solar-power unit for a dispenser
An adjustable solar-power unit to power a dispenser includes a support housing maintaining a receiving aperture to rotatably retain a solar panel carrying holder therein. The adjustable solar-power unit is configured to be mounted remotely from the dispenser or may be configured to be integral with a housing that maintains the components of the dispenser. The holder may be rotated or pivoted so that the angle of incidence of the ambient light can be substantially perpendicular with that of the solar elements carried by the holder to generate an optimal amount of electrical power therefrom in order to power the dispenser.
US09241598B2 Accessories for chopping foodstuffs, having improved discharging, and electrical household appliance comprising such accessories
Provided is a static food cutting element including a hollow body having an inlet opening in which are arranged food cutting means, and also a discharge outlet. It includes a through-window formed in a lower part of the hollow body, and at least one lengthwise edge of the through-window forms a unit for guiding the cut foods towards the discharge outlet. Also provided is a cutting tool including such a static cutting element and also to an electric appliance including such a cutting tool.
US09241595B2 Cooking and mixing appliance kit
A cooking appliance kit includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining a heating cavity. A cooking vessel is configured to be inserted into the heating cavity. The cooking vessel includes a first rounded end, a second rounded end, and an intermediate necked portion that defines first and second wells that at least partially intersect. First and second distinct heater plates are disposed in the first and second wells, respectively. First and second drive arms are removable coupled to the housing in an operable communication with the drive system. The first drive arm includes a flipping wand and the second drive arm includes a stirring wand.
US09241587B2 Container, in particular a drink container
A container (1), such as a drink container, comprises a body (2) for accommodating fluids, a bottom (10), a side wall (12), a body opening (28), and a first connecting element (32). A fluid-tight closing unit (30) is connectable to the first connecting element (32) in a fluid-tight manner and has a region where a fluid passage to the body can be provided. A mouthpiece module (24) comprises a mouthpiece (26), a fluid line (34), and a unit (36) for creating a fluid passage to the body in the region. By way of a guiding unit, the fluid line (34) and the unit (36) can be transferred from a distance from the region to a position in which a fluid passage through the closing unit (30) and, by way of the fluid line (34), a connection between the body (2) and the mouthpiece (26), is created.
US09241586B1 Neck support device
Systems and methods for providing support to the head and/or neck, wherein the support may provide tension and desired orientation of the head and/or neck. In one embodiment, a cushioned saddle-shaped neck support is positioned at an upper end of a moveable support structure. A lower part of the saddle-shaped neck support is movably connected to an upper part of the support structure. A lower part of the support structure is movably supported by a surface on which a person's body can be positioned. The person's body is positioned on this surface with his neck over the neck support. As the person's neck comes into contact with the neck support, the weight of the person's head and/or neck pushes down on the neck support, which moves down and away from the person's shoulders to provide the desired tension and orientation.
US09241585B2 Waterproof plant pot holder
A decorative adjustable fabric plant pot sleeve for covering various sized plant pots is provided in which a non-elastic fabric covering is integrated with an elastic lattice structure so as to provide an adjustable plant pot sleeve without sacrificing the quality of the fabric covering that is to be used.
US09241580B2 Body transport apparatus with integrated handles
A body transport apparatus may include top and bottom portions that have a perimeter seal and an interior seal offset from the perimeter seal to define a non-inflatable frame portion and an inflatable air mattress portion. The bottom portion includes a plurality of air exit holes configured to provide an air cushion under the mattress portion when the mattress portion is inflated. The frame portion includes a plurality of handle openings and a channel so that the inflatable air mattress portion extends through the frame portion for a remote receptacle disposed outside the perimeter seal. A partial body transport apparatus may include the channel extending into the frame portion so that a remote receptacle is disposed within the perimeter seal and an inflatable air mattress portion having a longitudinal extent that is approximately 75% to 125% of a lateral extent.
US09241578B1 Under mattress support
An under mattress support to extend the longevity of an existing mattress that may include areas that are concave resulting in sag areas or soft areas comprising a plurality of heavy duty elongated polyurethane foam slats, enclosed in top and bottom pliable fabric covers that are stitched together along each slat lateral side but spaced apart by pliable fabric strips in a parallel slat array. The fabric strip spacing of the parallel foam slats allows for lateral compression to enhance support. The under mattress support is positioned below the mattress and above a box spring with the elongated polyurethane foam slats extended longitudinally from a portion of one side of the mattress to a portion of the other side of the mattress where the concave portion of a sagging or soft mattress appears in the normal course of use.
US09241576B2 Pullout sleeper sofa with translatable support frame
There is provided a sleeper sofa including a sofa frame, a main support frame, and a bed frame engageable with the sofa frame and main support frame. The sofa frame includes first and second arm portions, and a backrest portion extending therebetween. The main support frame is connected to at least one of the first and second arm portions to fixedly connect the main support frame to the sofa frame. The bed frame includes a first section and a second section pivotally connected to the first section via a hinge. The sleeper sofa further includes a guide plate defining an arcuate guide slot, which communicates with a guide post connected to the second section of the bed frame. The guide post travels in the guide slot to lower and raise the second section of the bed frame as the bed frame moves between the retracted and extended positions.
US09241572B1 Cushion structure
Provided is a cushion structure, which has a cushion base, a bottom support stand, and an adjusting device. The bottom support stand is mounted under the cushion base. The adjusting device is mounted between the cushion base and the bottom support stand. The adjusting device has a back pivot module and a front adjusting module. The back pivot module is connected to the cushion base and the bottom support stand and is mounted on the cushion base and the bottom support stand. The front adjusting module is mounted on a front end of the cushion base and the bottom support stand. The front adjusting module is used to adjust an inclined angle of the cushion base. So the cushion structure can meet needs of different users of different body shapes or with different demands.
US09241570B2 Tilt mechanism for a chair and chair
A tilt mechanism (10) for a chair comprises a base (11), a first support (12) configured to support a chair seat and a second support (13) configured to support a chair back. The second support (13) is pivotably coupled to the base (11). A first coupling mechanism (41) couples the first support (12) with the base (11) and includes a first pin (40) slideably supported in a first linear guide slot (20). A second coupling mechanism (42) couples the second support (13) with the first support (12) and includes a second pin (44) slideably supported in a second linear guide slot (36). When the second support (13) pivots relative to the base (11), the first pin (40) is caused to be displaced along the first linear guide slot (20) and the second pin (44) is caused to be displaced along the second linear guide slot (36).
US09241568B2 Refrigerator drawers with trim
An appliance that includes a storage compartment includes either a drawer or a wire basket located in the storage compartment, a handle, and a trim portion. The drawer or basket stores at least one item and the drawer is movable relative to the storage compartment. The handle is snappingly secured to a peripheral edge of the drawer or basket. The trim portion is snappingly secured to at least one edge of the drawer or basket where the trim portion is secured independently of the handle. In another example, a humidity control device is located on the drawer and controls the humidity within the interior portion of the drawer. A knob that controls the humidity control device is received through a cutout in the trim portion.
US09241567B1 Appliance guard and method
An appliance guard including a magnetic strip defining a magnetic field of at least two hundred fifty (250) Gauss units attached to a polymeric kick plate defining an outwardly angled bottom portion for preventing articles from accessing the void under an appliance is provided. The kick plate is four inches (4.0″) wide and overlaps about a half an inch (0.5″) with the magnetic strip which is three inches (3.0″) wide, and each have a length sufficient to cover the front and lateral sides of a conventional appliance. A method of preventing articles from accessing the void beneath the appliance and become lost is also provided.
US09241566B1 Modular shelving
An adjustable shelving assembly includes four corner members of L-shaped cross section, either half of each corner member comprising aperture members each including an upper, larger circle and a lower, smaller, vertical hole overlapping the larger circle thereof; at least one group of four interconnecting members each comprising upper and lower aperture elements and a through hole besides each of the upper and lower aperture elements for positioning the interconnecting member, each aperture element comprising an upper, smaller, vertical hole and a lower, larger circle overlapping the vertical hole thereof; retainers each for fastening the corner member and the interconnecting member; and lock pins each comprising a head including a cut, and a shaft having ridges. The lock pin is fastened in the larger circle of the aperture member and the through hole. The cut is fastened in the larger circle of the aperture member.
US09241560B1 Flow thru telescoping handle and method
A flow thru telescoping handle for use with brush heads and other tools includes a telescoping handle having a tear-drop shaped cross section to increase the strength and improve its functioning capabilities. A spring loaded tension pin is mounted along the bottom of the outer section of the handle which is operated by finger pressure to engage and release it from the inner handle section. A method for adjusting the length of the telescoping handle is also described using the tension pin.
US09241559B2 Portable self powered line mountable device for measuring and transmitting relative humidity
A device for attaching to an electric power line conductor includes an electrically conductive housing with an opening for accepting the power line conductor that is configured to be grounded to the power line conductor. At least one magnetic core configured to surround the power line conductor and power a power supply electronics module. An ambient air relative humidity measuring device is located within the housing.
US09241555B2 Hair treatment device for providing dispersed colors by light diffraction
Hair was coated with polymer-containing fluid and then hot pressed to form a composite of hair and a polymer film imprinted with a nanopattern. Polychromatic light incident on the nanopattern is diffracted into dispersed colored light.
US09241554B1 Combination luggage and drink holder assembly
A combination luggage and drink holder assembly includes a luggage, and a drink holder pivotally mounted at the luggage and including a base frame, a hoop pivotally coupled to the top side of the base frame, a tray pivotally coupled to the bottom side of the base frame and two links coupled between the hoop and the tray. The base frame has a structure for supporting the hoop and the tray securely in the extended or received position. The hoop defines a locating hole at the center and a peripheral wall around the border. When the drink holder is set in the received position, the peripheral wall of the hoop surrounds the base frame and the tray, and the tray blocks up the locating hole of the hoop.
US09241552B2 Laptop keyboard and mouse track pad protection sleeve
A protection sleeve for use in covering an electronic device includes a flexible body portion having an upper surface defining a plurality of receptacles configured to overlie respective keys of the keyboard and defining a recessed area configured to nest in the mouse track pad of the electronic device. The protection sleeve includes a sleeve portion coupled to a bottom surface of the body portion, the sleeve portion having a front wall coupled to a front edge of the body portion and having a bottom wall extending rearwardly from the front wall that is generally parallel to the upper surface of the body portion. The upper surface of the body portion, the front wall, and the bottom wall together define an open area configured to receive the electronic device and define an open inlet in communication with the open area to selectively receive the electronic device into the open area.
US09241551B2 Protective case with compartment
A protective case for a personal electronic device can include a compartment configured to receive and store an item such as, for example, a credit card, identification card, SIM card, memory card, keys, cosmetics, or cash. The compartment can be a waterproof compartment designed to protect the contents of the compartment from damage in situations where the protective case is exposed to liquids. In some examples, the compartment can include or be configured to receive and store cosmetics, cosmetic tools, or a mirror, and can eliminate the need to carry a separate compact. In some examples, the compartment can include an ejection mechanism configured to eject a credit or identification card from the compartment.
US09241550B2 Portable carrier for reusable grocery-style bags
A portable carrier includes a sleeve including a cavity, a dispensing port disposed along a length of the sleeve, and a loading port disposed on a first distal end of the sleeve. The loading port is configured to load a plurality of reusable bags into the cavity of the sleeve. The cavity of the sleeve is configured to store a plurality of reusable bags. The dispensing port is configured to provide access to one or more reusable bags from the cavity of the sleeve.
US09241549B2 Free arm umbrella
A free arm umbrella includes a fixing plate, an upper nest, a lower nest, umbrella ribs and support ribs. The free arm umbrella also includes a control mechanism, a support rod, a first strut rod and a second strut rod. The middle part of the first strut rod is hinged with the middle part of the second strut rod. A rotating lockout mechanism can also be set on the free arm umbrella so that the umbrella cover can be rotated easily. The free arm umbrella has advantages of simple structure, convenience of use, economic practicality, and being applicable to narrow space.
US09241546B2 Buckle
A buckle, in particular a belt buckle, having at least one hook part (2) and at least one eye part (3), wherein the hook part (2) includes a hook part base body (4) and a hook (5) fixedly connected thereto, and in a connected state of the buckle (1), the eye part (3) is hooked into the hook (5) of the hook part (2), and in a separated state of the buckle (1), the eye part (3) is unhooked from the hook (5) of the hook part (2), wherein the buckle (1) has a securing device for securing the connected state, and the securing device has at least one spring tongue (6).
US09241538B2 Boot bra
A boot bra for securing an upper portion of a boot while worn by a user can include an elastic band in the form of or configurable as a ring. The elastic band can be in the form of a continuous ring or can have a first wrap engagement member (e.g., hooks) mounted at a first end and a second wrap engagement member (e.g., loops into which the hooks can be latched) mounted at a second end of the elastic band and configured to securely engage the first wrap engagement member when the elastic band is wrapped around a human leg to form the ring. A first boot-to-band engagement member (e.g., snap member) is mounted to the elastic band; and a boot mount includes a second boot-to-band engagement member (e.g., snap member) configured for secure engagement with the engagement member on the elastic band.
US09241535B2 Sole structures and articles incorporating same
A sole structure may include at least one plate. The at least one plate may include a first portion located in a forefoot region of the sole structure and a second portion located in a rearfoot region of the sole structure. At least one compressible midsole component may be coupled to the at least one plate. A linkage rod couples the first and second portions and is configured to bias the first and second portions away from one another during bending of the sole structure.
US09241531B2 Material elements incorporating tensile strands
An article of footwear or other product may include a material element having a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and at least one strand. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, and the second layer is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. The strand is located between the first layer and the second layer, and the strand lies substantially parallel to the second layer for a distance of at least five centimeters. In this configuration, the thermoplastic polymer material may join the first layer and the third layer to the second layer. The thermoplastic polymer material may also join the strand to the second layer.
US09241527B2 Ballistic and impact protective visor system for military helmet assembly
A visor for a helmet includes a lens having a top edge that slopes downward from a top center point to first right and left curve points, at the first curve points the top edge begins to slope more aggressively toward second right and left curve points, and more aggressively toward right and left side edge points. A plane of sight along the vertical extent of the lens is displaced above the plane intersecting the side edge points. The lens has a thickness defined between an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface; the inner and outer surfaces having different radii of curvatures. The lens tapers from the center toward the outer edges.
US09241526B2 Tassel topper
The present invention generally relates to graduation cap tops. Specifically, this invention relates to a decorated graduation cap top that removably secures to a standard graduation cap and a process of manufacturing such a decorated graduation cap top.
US09241525B2 Device for hair addition
A device for hair addition comprises a band-shaped support comprising a first and a second side, an adhesive surface on its first side, and at least a first and a second partial length which each comprise a portion of the adhesive surface. Further, the device comprises a plurality of hairs which are each fixed to the second side of the support at one of their ends and which extend across and away from the support. The support is gradually plastically deformable until its first and second partial lengths lie flat against each other with their portions of the adhesive surface being arranged in between.
US09241524B2 Hair extension system
Hair extensions are disclosed that include a weft and at least a single micro-cylinder, wherein the weft comprises a plurality of hair, a skin weft and at least a single i-tip. Hair extensions may also include a weft and at least a single micro-cylinder, wherein the weft comprises a plurality of hair, a skin weft and at least a single i-tip; wherein a top section of the plurality of hair is bonded together to form the skin weft and the at least single i-tip. Methods of attaching a hair extension, wherein the hair extension comprises a micro-cylinder, a plurality of hair, a skin weft and at least a single i-tip are also disclosed herein that include bonding the plurality of hair to form the skin weft and the at least a single i-tip; threading a segment of natural hair through the micro-cylinder; inserting the i-tip into the micro-cylinder; and crimping the micro-cylinder to secure the i-tip.
US09241523B2 Process for configuring a protective hair covering
A process for forming a protective hair covering includes the following steps. First, folding a fabric section into a triangle. Next, wrapping a first side of the triangle around the back of a user's head. Then, folding the triangle along two fold lines to create two tie segments in addition to a corner of the triangle forming a third tie segment. After that, tying the first tie segment and the second tie segment into a first knot in front of the third tie segment twice. Then, folding the first tie segment into a first bow. After that, folding the second tie segment into a second bow. Then, tucking and tacking the third tie segment into a third bow. The first bow, the second bow and the third bow give an appearance of a flower.
US09241521B2 Hand sweatband
A sweatband for use on the hand and wrist is provided. The sweatband provides a surface on the back of a user's hand which may be utilized by a person to wipe sweat or perspiration. Thus, the back of the hand (opisthenar or dorsal surface of the hand) is used when wiping perspiration. The sweatband is constructed such that a first band portion wraps around a user's wrist and a second band portion wraps around the palm and back portion of a user's hand. In one embodiment the sweatband may be constructed of an elongated piece of material that is looped to form the first and second band portions. In one embodiment, a sweatband is interchangeable for use with the left or right hand. In one embodiment the sweatband is reversible.
US09241518B2 Protective glove
A glove having a plurality of discardable layers, the glove including one or more discardable outer layers that have an outer tab at a wrist area configured to facilitate removal of the outer layer; and at least one inner layer that includes an inner tab at the wrist area. The outer tab of each discardable outer layer is positioned to completely cover the tab of the at least one inner layer. The inner tab is recessed relative to the outer tab to provide a grip area on the outer tab that avoids contamination of the inner tab.
US09241517B2 Ear protection device
An apparatus comprising a first curved band portion and a second curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. The first curved band portion defines a passageway between the first end and the second end of the first curved band portion. The passageway has a first opening. The second curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. A motion-restraint portion is proximate to the first end of the second curved band portion. The first end of the second curved band portion is insertable into the first opening of the passageway of the first curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a range of motion within the passageway of the second curved band portion.
US09241514B2 Bra
A sport motion control bra having a pair of partial cups which locate, support and shape the lower periphery of the breasts of a user so as to effectively restrict the motion of the breasts relative to the body of a user during sporting activities and one or more side straps which connect to wings extending from each cup so as to, in use, support and locate the sides of the cups.A sport impact protection and motion control bra including a pair of cups dimensioned to encompass the majority of the breasts of a user. The cups are configured to effectively transfer local impact force through the cup to be dissipated through the bra and surrounding breast tissue and restrict motion of the breasts relative to the body of a user.The lower edge of each cup may include an inflexion section extending between the torso and breast sections of the bra.
US09241513B2 Item of clothing for daily pharmacological treatment of a fungal infection
An item of clothing (10) for daily pharmacological treatment of a fungal infection, comprising: a textile material (20) to manage moisture when the item of clothing (10) is worn; microcapsules (30) grafted on the textile material (20); and antifungal agents encapsulated within the microcapsules (30) to pharmacologically treat the fungal infection when released from the microcapsules (30).
US09241502B2 Animal feed compositions capable of reducing the incidence of fescue toxicosis in mammals
Animal feed compositions having utility in reducing the incidence of and treating the symptoms of fescue toxicosis in mammals that consume endophyte-infected fescue are disclosed. Methods of reducing the incidence of fescue toxicosis and making animal feed compositions are further disclosed.
US09241500B2 Steeped cocoa compositions and functional cocoa beverages made from them
The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa-containing beverage, or a nutritionally fortified or energy-sustaining cocoa beverage, containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed and prepared from a cocoa water composition made from steeping a cocoa-containing product in water or an aqueous solution with an acid. A number of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and nutriceutical compositions can be added.
US09241496B2 Game transport device
The present invention is a game transport device that includes a securing strap that goes around a stable object, a battery casing that houses an approximate 24 Volt DC, 2 battery pack, a hoist casing that houses a hoist that is used to selectively perform one of pulling and dragging a large killed game animal and a wire pulling rope attached to the hoist. The game transport device also includes a swiveling hook attached to the wire pulling rope, where the swiveling hook is placed around the large killed game animal to releasably secure the large killed game animal, a carrying bag that contains and transports the game transport device and a remote control in communication with the hoist, the remote control includes a neutral button, a forward button, a stop button, an activation switch and a reset switch.
US09241492B2 Bioactive acid agrichemical compositions and use thereof
Seeds having applied to their surface a bioactive agrichemical composition comprising metal-acid solutions for protecting the seed from the adverse action of microorganisms.
US09241489B2 Plant growth regulating compounds
The present invention relates to novel non-steroidal brassinosteroid mimetic derivatives, to processes and intermediates for preparing them, to plant growth regulator compositions comprising them and to methods of using them for controlling the growth of plants and/or promoting the germination of seeds.
US09241486B2 Combination and methods for controlling turfgrass pests
The present invention relates to the use of active substance combinations for controlling animal pests, for example, from the chinch bug family (Lygaeidae), as well as animal pests that has shown resistance to pyrethroids.
US09241485B2 Composition and method for controlling harmful arthropods
The present invention provides a composition for controlling harmful arthropods having an excellent control efficacy on harmful anthropods. A composition for controlling harmful arthropods comprising an amide represented by a formula (I) wherein each of symbols are the same as defined in the Description; or salts thereof and at least one kind of pyrazole compounds selected from the group (A) consisting of chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole and a compound represented by a formula (II), shows an excellent controlling efficacy on harmful arthropods.
US09241481B1 Fishing lure
A fishing lure including a one-piece length of wire configured to have an uppermost loop for attachment of a fishing line, a first linear segment, a first bend, a second linear segment extending from the first bend and towards the uppermost loop so as to be closely adjacent and parallel to a lower portion of the first linear segment, the second linear segment terminating at a second bend, and a third linear segment extending from the second bend to a terminal loop, the second bend configured to orient the third linear segment in a direction extending generally away from the first linear segment and the second linear segment. A hook is positioned on the first bend and a spinner is operatively associated with terminal loop for rotating relative to the terminal loop.
US09241478B2 Adjustable dosage microparticulate feeder for larval and juvenile fishes
A feeder for larval and juvenile fishes is capable of delivering an adjustable dose of microparticulate feed to selected locations, via pneumatic conveyance and control. A source of low-pressure dry gas is used to blow microparticulate feed through a manifold and into a selected one of a number of tubes. In order to adjust the portion dispensed by the feeder, an adjustable portion control is provided. Instead of a fixed sized ration cup a threaded recess is provided. Within the recess is provided a mating nylon set screw with an Allen hex head socket. By screwing the set screw in, or out, a user may increase, or decrease the volume of each dose.
US09241477B2 Fluid delivery system, and associated apparatus and method
A fluid delivery system for an in ovo injection apparatus is provided. Such a fluid delivery system includes a plurality of fluid pumps each having a select valve, a diaphragm valve, and an outlet valve. The select valves are individually controllable such that each select valve is selectively operated via a pneumatic actuator. The diaphragm valves and the outlet valves are commonly operated via respective pneumatic actuators. An input valve is provided for each fluid pump in instances that require high pressure delivery of a fluid substance via the fluid pumps. In such instances, the input valves and the diaphragm valves are commonly controlled via high pressure solenoid valves, while the select valves are selectively controlled and the outlet valves are commonly controlled via low pressure solenoid valves. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.
US09241475B2 Hydraulic bale distribution system
The inventive technology generally relates to the field of animal feed distribution systems. In particular, the inventive technology includes general as well as specific methods and apparatus for the loading and/or distribution of baled animal feed. The inventive technology may provide for a hydraulically-controlled bale feeding device that may be used to load, and laterally discharge bale “flakes” through a cantilevered hydraulic armature. The system may also utilized a hydraulic slicing arm to aid in the flaking process as well as be adaptable to lifting devices, such as a pallet head on a traditional tractor and/or steer-skid.
US09241474B2 Animal harness
An animal harness for an animal includes a loop of webbing, which encircles the back, neck and shoulder of the animal. A pouch is affixed to the loop. A pulsating device is disposed within the pouch and transmits same to the animal through the chest and about its heart to calm the animal during transport.
US09241468B2 Soybean variety 01046531
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046531. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046531. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046531 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046531 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09241465B1 Maize hybrid X18D780
A novel maize variety designated X18D780 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18D780 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18D780 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18D780, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18D780. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18D780.
US09241463B1 Maize inbred PH269T
A novel maize variety designated PH269T and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH269T with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH269T through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH269T or a locus conversion of PH269T with another maize variety.
US09241455B2 Tomato plant comprising a mutant tghVI allele
The present invention relates to a tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in which the glandular heads of type VI trichomes are absent, and that has a modified composition of flavonoids and volatiles. Furthermore, the typical tomato smell is absent or nearly absent. The plant comprises a mutant allele, which is obtainable from a tomato plant, representative seed of which was deposited under deposit accession number NCIMB 41845. The said mutant allele is located on chromosome 9 between positions 1750800 bp and 4517648 bp, preferably between positions 1939546 bp and 2970346 bp, most preferably at about position 2454946 bp on a physical map of the Solanum lycopersicum genome.
US09241454B2 Lipochito-oligosaccharides stimulating arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
The invention relates to lipochitooligosaccharides obtainable from arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and which are useful for stimulating arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, and lateral root formation.
US09241453B1 Aeroponic commercial plant cultivation system utilizing a grow enclosure
A commercial plant cultivation system generates a controlled environment in which plants can be grown. A grow enclosure generate a controlled environment and can be either a mobile or fixed structure. A plurality of growing panels and a plurality of lighting fixtures are slidably mounted on a grow system support structure positioned within the grow enclosure. The plurality of growing panels can be positioned in either a vertical or horizontal configuration depending on the type of plants being grown. A nutrient delivery system is in fluid communication with the plurality of growing panels to deliver a nutrient solution to the plants. The nutrient solution is dispersed to the roots of the plants through a plurality of supply tubes positioned within each of the plurality of growing panels. Excess nutrient solution is collected and passed through a rock box in order to replenish nutrients and minerals.
US09241449B2 Irrigation system
A method of operating a drip irrigation system is provided and includes providing drip irrigation lines aside a diverter line with T-junctions interleaved between adjacent ones of the drip irrigation lines and each T-junction including a three-way line coupled to the diverter line, a check valve operably disposable between the three-way line and a downstream end of an upstream one of the drip irrigation lines to permit fluid flow in only a forward direction and a controllable valve operably disposable between the three-way line and an upstream end of a downstream one of the drip irrigation lines.
US09241445B2 Method for cultivating plant
A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that the temperature in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) is lower than that at the step (B). Preferably, the temperatures in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) and the step (B) are in the ranges of 12° C. to 19° C. and 20° C. to 25° C., respectively.
US09241443B2 Gate position control of round bale discharge
An agricultural round baler has an electronic control unit (ECU), a bale diameter sensor, a gate position sensor, and an electro-hydraulic valve that controls the flow to the gate lift cylinder. The ECU determines the height to which the gate must be raised based on the bale diameter. When the gate reaches the desired height, the ECU closes or restricts the electro-hydraulic valve for a brief period of time thereby momentarily slowing or stopping gate the gate. Momentarily trapping the bale between the gate and ground allows the bale to come to rest before the bale is released from the baler. The gate can then be fully opened so that the tractor and baler can be moved clear of the bale before closing the gate.
US09241439B2 Method and vehicle for distributing manure
The invention relates to a method and a vehicle for distributing manure, whereby a slurry sensor (8) determines the contents of the slurry (G) to be distributed, and an evaluation device (10) compares the determined values with pre-defined contents data. The quantity of slurry (G) to be distributed per unit of surface area is then computed depending on this comparison result. An adjustable valve (6) controls a distributor device (7) by means of which the computed quantity of slurry (G) is distributed on the land in accordance with the comparison result.
US09241438B2 Agricultural system for field preparation
An agricultural system includes a tow bar for attachment to a towing vehicle in a trailing position relative to a direction of movement along a field. The system includes a plurality of row-cleaning devices attached in parallel strip positions along the tow bar. Each row-cleaning device has a rigid frame, a leading coulter, one or more furrow-opener disks, and a pivotable row-cleaning linkage. The disks have a leading edge adjacent to a trailing edge of the coulter. The row-cleaning linkage is attached to the rigid frame, with the coulter and disks being coupled to the rigid frame via the row-cleaning linkage. The system further includes a roller device between two adjacent parallel strip positions and attached at each end to a respective rigid frame via a respective pivotable roller linkage. The roller linkage is independently movable relative to the row-cleaning linkage.
US09247682B2 Electronic circuit module
An electronic circuit module includes a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, and a metal cover covering the circuit board. The metal cover includes a top plate disposed so as to face the circuit board, side plates, and mounting legs. The circuit board has lands to which the mounting legs are joined. The mounting legs each have a bent portion located on the outer periphery of the top plate of the metal cover, and a mounting leg fixing portion in contact with the lands of the circuit board. When seen from the upper surface of the circuit board, the position of the bent portion is on the inner side of the position of the mounting leg fixing portion, and the width of the bent portion is greater than the width of the mounting leg fixing portion.
US09247681B2 Electric shielding enclosure including power pack
An electric shielding enclosure that encloses a volume. The electric shielding enclosure includes a conductive structure that partially encloses the volume and that has an edge defining an opening into the volume. A conductive power pack surface is configured to fill at least a part of the opening and has a number of conductive connections. The conductive connections include a first conductive connection located in proximity to a first point of the edge, and a second conductive connection located in proximity to a second point of the edge, where the second point is across the opening from the first point. Each of the conductive connections within the conductive connections is electrically coupled to the conductive structure.
US09247678B2 Method and apparatus for controlling a coolant circuit thermally coupled to a power electronics device
A vehicle system includes a power electronics device and a coolant circuit thermally coupled to the power electronics device. The coolant circuit includes a fluidic pump and a fluid/air heat exchanger, an air pump configured to transfer air across the fluid/air heat exchanger, and a shutter device configured to control airflow across the fluid/air heat exchanger. A controller controls the fluidic pump to control coolant flow through the fluid/air heat exchanger to reject heat from the power electronics device to the coolant and correspondingly controls the air pump and the shutter device to control airflow across the fluid/air heat exchanger to reject heat from the coolant to achieve a preferred heat rejection from the power electronics device.
US09247672B2 Passively controlled smart microjet cooling array
An impingement cooling system for cooling electronic components includes a nozzle array having a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with a source of cooling fluid, each nozzle including a deflection structure that deforms above a threshold temperature. A plurality of thermally conductive pins respectively are in thermal contact with the deflection structures and conduct heat from at least one of the electronic components to the deflection structures. When a heated nozzle within the nozzle array reaches a temperature above the threshold temperature due to heat conducted from the respective thermally conductive pin, the deflection structure of the heated nozzle deforms from a closed position to an open position to permit cooling fluid to impinge upon the electronic component. The deflection structure may be a deflection plate formed of a bimetallic material having layers of different thermal expansion coefficients, or a thermally responsive two-way shape memory material.
US09247667B2 Electronic device and electronic device unit
An electronic device includes: a frame-body that has a rectangular-cross-section and includes: first and second inner-walls that oppose each other, third and fourth inner-walls that oppose each other and that intersect with the first and second inner-walls, first engagement-members arranged on the first inner-wall at a first interval, second engagement-members e arranged on the second inner-wall at the first interval so as to oppose the first engagement-members, the second engagement-members each having a structure that allows each of the second engagement-members to be engaged with a corresponding first engagement-member of the first engagement-members, third engagement-members arranged on the third inner-wall at a second interval, and fourth engagement-members arranged on the fourth inner-wall at the second interval so as to oppose the third engagement-members, the fourth engagement-members each having a structure that allows each of the fourth engagement-members to be engaged with a corresponding third engagement-member of the third engagement-members.
US09247666B2 Electronic device, system, attaching method of electronic device, and apparatus
An electronic device detachably coupled to an electric terminal of an apparatus, the apparatus including an engagement portion adjacent to the electric terminal, the electronic device includes a rotation piece disposed at an insertion end portion of the electronic device, the rotation piece being rotated to engage the engagement portion disposed adjacent to the electric terminal; a connection member coupled to the rotation piece and configured to slide relative to the electronic device to rotate the rotation piece; and an operation lever coupled to the connection member and disposed at a removal end portion of the electronic device, the operation lever being interlocked with the rotation piece through the connection member.
US09247662B2 Push-in cable connector and electrical box assembly
A cable connector is provided for coupling to and mounted within the internal cavity of an electrical box for securing an electrical cable passing through an opening in the electrical box. The cable connector includes a body having a first end positioned next to or adjacent the cable opening in the electrical box and a second end spaced from the first end and the cable opening. At least one and typically two retaining members are spring biased from the first end of the body and extend into a cable passage of the body toward the second end. A front wall is provided at the second end of the body with an opening for receiving the wires and forming a stop member to prevent the armor sheathing from passing through the front wall.
US09247661B2 Housing for encasing an electronic device
An apparatus and system for housing a device include a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member optionally includes front and back surfaces surrounded by a perimeter. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.
US09247658B2 Locking enclosure, stiffening ring, and vertical mounting stiffeners for securing components
A latchable enclosure in the form of a box having a base, four sidewalls, and an open top face which may be closed by a cover plate or lid over its open top for covering components stored in the enclosure. The enclosure may be stiffened by providing a removable or permanent stiffening ring around the inside surface of the open top. This stiffening ring may also provide locations for attachment of components or mounting tracks. The enclosure may also include vertical mounting stiffeners that act to further increase the stiffness of the enclosure while also acting as mounting tracks for direct or indirect (through separate mounting brackets) attachment of components. The vertical mounting stiffeners may include a plurality of holes for said attachment.
US09247656B2 Latch system
A deflection or snap fit type latch system can resist separation in at least three axes. The snap fit type latch system can include a first member and a second member that when engaged are configured to form a snap fit connection, at least one of the members comprising a deflecting arm. A tee feature on the first member can include a stem and a head. A slot on the second member can slidingly receive the stem of the tee feature as the first and second members engage such that the second member is sandwiched between the first member and the head of the tee feature. The snap fit connection can resist separation in a first axis and the combined tee feature and slot resist separation in two additional axes. The snap fit type latch system can be part of an enclosure, such as a storage device.
US09247655B2 Sheet metal explosion-proof, and flame-proof enclosures
An explosion retaining housing includes a sheet metal member or outer skin which at least in part forms an interior region of the housing. At least one structural element provides additional strength to the member to retain the explosion in the region. The structural element can be inside of, or, outside of the region. The structural element can have a plurality of components which cooperate together to resist the force of an explosion in the interior region.
US09247654B2 Carrier substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A carrier substrate includes a dielectric layer, a first circuit layer, an insulation layer, conductive blocks, and a first conductive structure. The dielectric layer has a first surface, a second surface, and blind vias. The first circuit layer is embedded in the first surface and the blind vias extend from the second surface to the first circuit layer. The insulation layer is disposed on the first surface and has a third surface, a fourth surface, and first openings. The first openings expose the first circuit layer and an aperture of each first opening is increased gradually from the third surface to the fourth surface. The conductive blocks fill the first openings and connect with the first circuit layer. The first conductive structure includes conductive vias filling the blind vias and a second circuit layer disposed on a portion of the second surface.
US09247651B2 Flexible printed circuit and method of manufacturing same
To improve reliability by preventing separation of a sheet material attached on a flexible printed circuit, provided is a flexible printed circuit including a printed board body and a reinforcing board. A leaked portion of an adhesive agent is formed to leak in an outward direction relative to an end surface of the reinforcing board. The leaked portion adheres to part of the end surface of the reinforcing board to be continuous from a lower end of the end surface to form an inclined surface tapered in the outward direction. The leaked portion is formed such that a portion thereof that covers the end surface has an adhesion height hA, as measured from an adhesive surface of the reinforcing board, of greater than 0% and not greater than 80% of the thickness H1 of the reinforcing board.
US09247647B1 High quality factor inductor and high quality factor filter in package substrate or printed circuit board (PCB)
A package substrate (or printed circuit board) that includes at least one dielectric layer, a first inductor structure is at least partially located in the dielectric layer, a third interconnect, and a second inductor structure. The first inductor structure includes a first interconnect, a first via coupled to the first interconnect, and a second interconnect coupled to the first via. The third interconnect is coupled to the first inductor structure. The third interconnect is configured to provide an electrical path for a ground signal. The second inductor structure is at least partially located in the dielectric layer. The second inductor is coupled to the third interconnect. The second inductor structure includes a fourth interconnect, a second via coupled to the fourth interconnect, and a fifth interconnect coupled to the second via. The first and second inductor structures are configured to operate with a capacitor as a 3rd harmonic suppression filter.
US09247646B2 Electronic component built-in substrate and method of manufacturing the same
An electronic component built-in substrate comprises a substrate having a core member with an opening in which an electronic component is disposed, a first auxiliary insulating layer formed on a first surface of the core member; a second auxiliary insulating layer formed on a second surface of the core member, the second auxiliary insulating layer having a first via hole, a filling resin portion filling a gap between the electronic component and a side surface of the opening of the core member, and a first wiring layer formed on the second auxiliary insulating layer and connected to the connection terminal of the electronic component through the first via hole. The whole of the first surface and the whole of the second surface of the core member are in direct contact with the first auxiliary insulating layer and the second auxiliary insulating layer, respectively.
US09247645B2 Dielectric material with non-halogenated curing agent
Provided is a dielectric material having a non-halogenated diaminodiphenylsulfone curing agent.
US09247644B2 Wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A wiring substrate includes an insulating layer, a pad, and a solder resist layer. The insulating layer has a first surface formed with a first recess portion. The pad is embedded in the first recess portion. The pad includes a second surface and a third surface. The third surface that is located at a lower position than the first surface so as to expose an inner wall surface of the first recess portion. The pad is formed with a second recess portion in a center portion of the third surface. The solder resist layer is provided on the first surface. An adjacent portion of the first surface to a peripheral portion of the first recess portion is smaller in roughness than a region of the first surface peripheral to the adjacent portion of the first surface.
US09247641B2 Substrate with transparent conductive layer and organic electroluminescence device
A substrate with a transparent conductive layer (1) of the present invention includes a substrate (11) and a transparent conductive layer (12) disposed on the substrate (11). The transparent conductive layer (12) has a conductive region (13) and a non-conductive region (14). The conductive region (13) contains conductive fine particles (121) and a resin matrix (122). The non-conductive region (14) contains conductive fine particles (123) and the resin matrix (122). A haze value in the non-conductive region (14) is larger than a haze value in the conductive region (13).
US09247637B2 Strain relief structures for stretchable interconnects
Intersection structures are provided to reduce a strain in a conformable electronic system that includes multi-level arrangements of stretchable interconnect structures. Bypass regions are formed in areas of the stretchable interconnect structures that may ordinarily cross or pass each other. The bypass regions of the stretchable interconnects are disposed relative to each other such that the intersection structure encompasses at least a portion of the bypass regions of each stretchable interconnect structure. The intersection structure has elastic properties that relieve a mechanical strain on the bypass regions during stretching at least one of the stretchable interconnect structures.
US09247636B2 Area array device connection structures with complimentary warp characteristics
A method for designing structures with complimentary dynamic warp characteristics for attachment of a component to a PC board is disclosed. The method may include determining characteristics of thermally induced dynamic warp of the PC board and of the first component, analyzing and comparing differences between the dynamic warp characteristics of the PC board and the first component and selecting design modifications to match PC board and the first component dynamic warp characteristics. Selecting design modifications may include determining if the first component dynamic warp characteristics can be changed, determining if matching the dynamic warp characteristics of the PC board and the first component can be achieved by modifying the design of at least one of the PC board and the first component. The result of the method may be modified dynamic warp characteristics of at least one of the PC board and the first component.
US09247633B2 Circuit board for peripheral circuits of high-capacity modules, and a high-capacity module including a peripheral circuit using the circuit board
A drive circuit is laminated via a high exothermic element disposed on a power circuit, and it is configured so that the average thermal expansion coefficient of the side of the power circuit of the drive circuit board may be larger than the average thermal expansion coefficient of the side opposite to the power circuit. Thereby, the drive circuit board will be curved in the same direction as the power circuit board when the power circuit board is curved due to heat generation from the high exothermic element accompanying the operation of the module. Thereby, in a high-capacity module, while attaining reduction in size and weight, reduction in surge, and reduction in a loss, poor junction between the high exothermic element of the power circuit and the drive circuit board can be suppressed and heat generating from the high exothermic element can be more effectively released.
US09247632B2 Cover structure and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a cover structure is provided. A metal substrate disposed on a carrier is provided. The carrier has a surface, and the metal substrate has a plurality of openings exposing a portion of the surface. A first metal layer is formed on the metal substrate and is conformal with the metal substrate. The first metal layer covers the portion of the surface exposed by the openings. An insulating layer and a second metal layer located on the insulating layer are laminated on the metal substrate. The insulating layer is located between the first metal layer and the second metal layer to cover the first metal layer and fill the openings. The metal substrate and the carrier are removed to expose the first metal layer and define a plurality of cavity regions and a plurality of connecting regions connected with the cavity regions.
US09247631B2 Method for fabricating heat dissipation substrate
A method, for fabricating a heat dissipation substrate, includes the steps of: providing a substrate, with the substrate including a metal layer, an insulation layer, and a first conductive layer, with the insulation layer positioned between the metal layer and the first conductive layer, and with the metal layer thicker than the first conductive layer; removing part of the metal layer for forming a metal bulk; providing an adhesive layer including an opening, with the opening corresponding to the metal bulk; providing a second conductive layer; laminating the second conductive layer, the adhesive layer and the substrate; forming a hole in the insulation layer and the first conductive layer, with the hole positioned under the metal bulk; and forming a third conductive layer in the hole.
US09247629B2 Waveguide-based apparatus for exciting and sustaining a plasma
An apparatus includes an electromagnetic waveguide; an iris structure providing an iris in the waveguide. The iris structure may define an iris hole, a first iris slot at a first side of the iris hole, and a second iris slot at a second side of the iris hole. A plasma torch is disposed within the iris hole. An electric field in the waveguide changes direction from the first iris slot to the second iris slot. The plasma torch generates a plasma which is substantially symmetrical around a longitudinal axis of the plasma torch, such that the plasma may have a substantially toroidal shape. In some embodiments, a dielectric material is disposed in the iris hole, outside of the plasma torch. In some embodiments, the height of at least one of the iris slots is greater at the ends thereof than in the middle.
US09247625B2 Detection and wireless control for auxiliary emergency lighting
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that employ a control component and/or power source integrated in an LED based light source to control and/or power the LED light source wirelessly. In embodiments, the LED based light source may take the form of a standard light bulb that plugs into a standard lighting socket or fixture.
US09247623B2 Switch sensing emergency lighting power supply
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that employ a control component and/or power source integrated in an LED based light source to control and/or power the LED light source wirelessly. In embodiments, the LED based light source may take the form of a standard light bulb that plugs into a standard lighting socket or fixture.
US09247619B2 Luminaire recognition device, lighting system, and luminaire recognition method
A luminaire recognition device in a lighting system having multiple luminaires with a dimming function installed in a predetermined area is configured to be arranged at a predetermined location in an area for associating identification information and installation site of each luminaire. The luminaire recognition device includes a controller configured to control an illuminance of each luminaire through communication, a detector configured to detect a brightness at the predetermined location, a memory configured to store correlation information between a brightness and distance from the predetermined location to each luminaire, and a processor configured to change an illuminance of a luminaire to be searched by a defined amount with the controller, calculate a change in brightness detected by the detector, and recognize the luminaire to be searched among the multiple luminaires, based on the change and the correlation information.
US09247616B2 Method and apparatus for illuminating
This invention provides an illumination apparatus and an illumination method. The illumination apparatus comprises: a first light source for illuminating a first area; a second light source for illuminating a second area; a first measuring unit for measuring the illuminance of the first area; a second measuring unit for measuring the illuminance of the second area; and an adjusting unit for adjusting at least one of the first light source and the second light source to make the contrast ratio of the measured illuminance of the first area to the measured illuminance of the second area change gradually from a first predefined value to a second predefined value lower than the first predefined value during a first predefined duration. In this way, the relative higher contrast ratio (i.e. the first predefined value) enables the users to improve their work efficiency and the relative lower contrast ratio (i.e. the second predefined value) allows the users' eyes to be comfortable. In addition, because the contrast ratio changes gradually, the users' attention will not be distracted and the users' eyes will remain comfortable when the contrast ratio changes.
US09247611B2 Light source with light sensor
There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a light source with a light sensor to provide a desired light output. In particular, in one embodiment, there is provided a light control system. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor that share a common light pathway. Additionally, the light control system includes a controller electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor. The controller operates the light source and the light sensor alternatively during a periodic cycle having a frequency of approximately 60 Hz or greater to achieve a desired visual effect based on ambient lighting conditions.
US09247608B2 Load control device for a light-emitting diode light source
A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load is able to operate in a burst mode to adjust the amount of power delivered to the electrical load to low levels. The load control device comprises a control circuit that operates in a normal mode to regulate an average magnitude of a load current conducted through the load to a target load current that ranges from a maximum rated current to a minimum rated current. The control circuit operates in the burst mode to regulate the average magnitude of the load current below the minimum rated current. During the burst mode, the control circuit regulates a peak magnitude of the load current to the minimum rated current during a first time period, and stops regulating the load current during a second time period, such that the average magnitude of the load current is below the minimum rated current.
US09247607B2 Single wire serial interface utilizing count of encoded clock pulses with reset
A single wire serial interface for power ICs and other devices is provided. To use the interface, a device is configured to include an EN/SET input pin. A counter within the device counts clock pulses sent to the EN/SET input pin. The output of the counter is passed to a ROM or other decoder circuit. The ROM selects an operational state for the device that corresponds to the value of the counter. In this way, control states may be selected for the device by sending corresponding clock pulses to the EN/SET pin. Holding the EN/SET pin high causes the device to maintain its operational state. Holding the EN/SET pin low for a predetermined timeout period resets the counter and causes the device to adopt a predetermined configuration (such as off) until new clock pulses are received at the EN/SET pin.
US09247606B2 LED illumination dimming circuit and LED illumination dimming method
An LED illumination dimming circuit comprises a capacitor connected to the first output terminal at a first end thereof and to the second output terminal at a second end thereof; a coil connected to the second end of the capacitor at a first end thereof; a switch element connected to a second end of the coil at a first end thereof; a resistor connected to a second end of the switch element at a first end thereof and to the ground terminal at a second end thereof; a diode connected to the power supply terminal at a cathode thereof and to the second end of the coil at an anode thereof; and a controlling circuit that controls an operation of the switch element with a switch controlling signal.
US09247602B2 Lamp and illumination apparatus
An LED lamp is used being connected to an external switch for performing an ON-OFF operation. The LED lamp, when causing a light emitting module to emit light in a first lighting mode, controls a power supply circuit to cause the light emitting module to emit light at a first brightness for a predetermined time period from when a timer circuit is activated, and to cause the light emitting module to emit light at a second brightness lower than the first brightness, after passage of the predetermined time period. The LED lamp, when causing the light emitting module to emit light in a second lighting mode, controls the power supply circuit to cause the light emitting module to continue to emit light at the first brightness irrespective of a state of the timer circuit.
US09247600B2 LED actuating device and method
An LED actuating device comprises an LED actuating module, the LED actuating module comprises a micro-programmed control unit (MCU), a VF-value detection module, an actuator and an LED lamp unit; the MCU receives the VF value detected by the VF-value detection module; when the VF value is greater than or equal to a first boundary value, the LED lamp unit is actuated to operate in the constant current area at the first constant actuating current by the actuator; when the VF value is less than the first boundary value, the LED lamp unit is actuated to operate in the regulation area at the continuous step-down actuating current by the actuator until the VF is equal to the second boundary value, and the second boundary value is less than the first boundary value.
US09247597B2 Color temperature controlled and low THD LED lighting devices and systems and methods of driving the same
The purposes of the devices described herein are to provide an LED lighting device capable of efficiently and economically emitting light having a selectable color temperature or a warm-on-dim feature when driven with AC power and to provide LED lighting devices which have an improved power factor and a reduced total harmonic distortion when powered with AC power.
US09247596B2 Driving circuit for driving light-emitting circuit, and light-emitting device having the same
A driving circuit is used for driving a light-emitting circuit including a plurality of light-emitting elements connected in series. The driving circuit includes a first silicon controlled rectifier, a first current-limiting resistor, a first resistor, a controllable switch and a control circuit. One end of the first silicon controlled rectifier is grounded, and another end thereof is connected to a driving terminal for providing a driving voltage via the first current-limiting resistor. One end of the controllable switch is connected to the light-emitting circuit, another end thereof is grounded via the first resistor, and a control end thereof is connected to a first node between the silicon controlled rectifier and the first current-limiting resistor. The control circuit is configured to perform a control operation when a voltage applied to a second node between the controllable switch and the light-emitting circuit exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold.
US09247595B2 LED lighting converter
A method and apparatus for light emitting diode (LED) lighting power conversion including a full bridge rectifier circuit coupled to a first half-bridge rectifier circuit and a resonant tank circuit supplying AC power to a LED circuit and forming a first port to the LED circuit. The apparatus further includes a second half-bridge rectifier circuit and energy storage device receiving and supplying DC power to the LED circuit as determined by a controller to form a second port of the LED circuit, wherein the LED circuit further comprises a rectifier circuit for the LED circuit, and at least one LED.
US09247593B2 Three-phase power supply and system of LEDs with three-phase power supply
A three-phase power supply (10), intended especially to supply LEDs system (20), has a system of a diode bridge rectifier which comprises rectifying diodes (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106). The three-phase power supply (10) is additionally equipped with FETs and each of the rectifying diodes is bypassed by an FET of a rectifying unit (111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116), respectively, which is controlled by a control system (40), comprising an analog-to-digital converter ADC 403, a digital-to-analog converter (402), a microcontroller (401), which provides a control signal to a gate of the appropriate FET through the input/output (404). Once the control system (40), in particular the microcontroller (401), detects stable power supply conditions and starts operation of elements of an LED sequencer (30), it starts at the same time to control over the FETs in the active rectifier.
US09247592B2 Operating device with power factor correction and ripple limitation by change in operation
Operating device (A) for a luminous means, the operating device having at least one driver circuit for operating at least one luminous means (Last), an energy store (Cbulk) which supplies the driver circuit, a power factor correction circuit which is in the form of a boost converter, supplies the energy store (Cbulk) and has a storage inductor (Lb), an actively clocked switch (S) and a rectifier diode (D), wherein the storage inductor (Lb) has a secondary winding which is arranged in such a manner that said winding is magnetically coupled to the primary winding of the storage inductor (Lb) and is connected in series with a coupling capacitor.
US09247588B2 System and method for device identification
An inductive power supply system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a device. The inductive power supply system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a device and the system. The device transmits an identifier to the system. If the device does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of device from a characterization of the power consumption by the device. If the device cannot be characterized, the inductive power supply system can be operated manually.
US09247583B2 Channel steering for implementing coexistence of multiple homogeneous radios
Techniques are disclosed for controlling, in a network device, multiple radio circuits operating in a same or similar frequency band and in close physical proximity. In some embodiments, the radio circuits operate on the same network protocol. The network device can include a coexistence controller coupled to the network circuits. According to some embodiments, the network circuits are each assigned a priority, and the coexistence controller can control operations between the network circuits by selectively adjusting one or more transmission operating parameters of a respective network circuit based on a plurality of operating criteria, which include each network circuit's priority. Among other benefits, the embodiments disclosed herein can increase wireless network bandwidth and reduce mobile device power consumption by providing coordination among the radio circuits so that the transmitting and receiving operations are performed in a way that they do not interfere with their respective antennas.
US09247578B2 While performing measurement for a first RAT performing tune away operations for a second RAT
Operating a user equipment (UE) which comprises a first radio that is configured to operate according to a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT. The UE may receive a request to perform a tune away operation for the second RAT while performing measurement for the first RAT (e.g., intra-cell measurement, inter-cell measurement, and/or inter-RAT measurement). Instead of waiting to complete the measurement of the first RAT, the UE may tune the radio to a frequency of the second RAT to perform the tune away operation (e.g., page decoding) for the second RAT. After completing the tune away operation of the second RAT, the UE may tune the radio back to a frequency corresponding to the first RAT in order to continue the measurement operations of the first RAT.
US09247577B2 Method for transmitting/receiving message for receiving broadcasting service reception in wireless communication system and apparatus for same
In the present invention, a method for a user equipment transmitting/receiving a message with a network in a wireless communication system is disclosed. More particularly, the method comprises the following steps: transmitting to the network a connection request message including a first indicator; receiving from the network a connection setting message including a second indicator, as a reply to the connection request message; receiving the connection setting message and then transmitting to the network a broadcast-related message; and transmitting the broadcast-related message and then disconnecting with the network based on the second indicator.
US09247576B2 Method for controlling and managing a wireless connection for data communication between a mobile device and a broadband radio network
A method for controlling and managing a wireless connection for data communication between a mobile device and a broadband radio network is suggested, in the context of which method, the log in and the authentication of the mobile device at the base stations of the broadband radio network takes place via a narrow band radio network with lower data rate and larger range than the broadband radio network.
US09247575B2 eNB storing RRC configuration information at another network component
On suspension of an RRC connection, RRC connection information may be stored and used to re-establish the suspended RRC connection. The RRC connection information can be stored at the UE and/or the RAN node or some other network element. In order to re-establish the RRC connection, the mobile device (101) in one example sends a connection re-establishment request message to the RAN (102) to have the suspended RRC connection re-established. The RAN node may need to attempt to retrieve the RRC connection data (either from memory or if from another network element if stored elsewhere/if the RRC connection was suspended by another RAN node) and verifies whether the RRC connection is valid. When verified, the mobile device (101) receives, in response to the connection re-establishment request message, a connection re-establishment command message from the RAN (102).
US09247573B2 Modular wireless network access device
In view of the above, a wireless network access device is provided. In an example implementation, the wireless network access device includes a radio interface having a plurality of individually addressable radio paths for providing a connection to corresponding radio modules. Each radio module includes a radio configured to communicate with client devices in a corresponding coverage area. Each radio module is configured to operate independently of the other radio modules. A network interface is included to provide data network access. The wireless network access device includes a processor to manage communication between the client devices that communicate with the radio modules and a data network via the radio interface and the network interface when the wireless local area network device includes at least one connected radio module.
US09247571B2 Concentrator for multiplexing access point to wireless network connections
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate multiplexing communications from multiple downstream access points to one or more mobility management entities (MME). In particular, a concentrator component is provided that can establish a single transport layer connection with an MME along with multiple application layer connections over the single transport layer connection for each of multiple downstream access points and/or related mobile devices. The downstream access points and/or mobile devices can provide identifiers, such as tracking identifiers, to the concentrator component, which can utilize the identifiers to track communications with the MME. In this regard, the MME can send paging messages, and the concentrator component can determine downstream access points related to the paging messages based on a stored association with a tracking identifier in the paging message.
US09247570B1 Wireless network including omnibus access point
There is disclosed a wireless communications network, a method for managing a wireless communications network, and an omnibus access point. The omnibus access point may receive, from a user device, a request to join an identified service set, the user device located within a coverage area of the omnibus access point and outside of a coverage area of an access point associated with the identified service set. The omnibus access point may attempt to identify the access point associated with the identified service set. When the omnibus access point succeeds in identifying the access point associated with the identified service set, the omnibus access point may establish a secure communications path between the omnibus access point and the identified access point to allow secure communications between the user device and the identified service set.
US09247569B2 Management and optimization of wireless communications multiplexed over multiple layer-three transports with indefinite duration layer-two sessions
A method of managing peer-to-peer communications between electronic devices is described. The method may include establishing an address for a plurality of network media types that a protocol stack is able to access, the address being configured as an endpoint on a first electronic device to which a second electronic device may connect to and connecting through the established address of the second electronic device supporting the same network medium. The method may further include determining which endpoint to use to establish a connection between two devices.
US09247568B2 Devices, systems, and/or methods for managing wireless networks
A method includes receiving a beacon message at a wireless network device. The beacon message is followed by a beacon time interval. The method further includes receiving a thin beacon message during the beacon time interval. The thin beacon message is followed by a thin beacon time interval that is shorter than the beacon time interval. The thin beacon time interval includes a contention-free period, a contention period, or a combination thereof.
US09247564B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting aperiodic channel state information in wireless communication system
The present invention provides a method of user equipment transmitting aperiodic channel state information and user equipment using the method. The method includes receiving a channel state information request for a plurality of reference signals, receiving the plurality of reference signals, generating channel state information on each of the plurality of reference signals in response to the channel state information request, and transmitting the channel state information through a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), wherein the channel state information request is included in only some of subframes in which the plurality of reference signals is received.
US09247561B2 Apparatus and method for prioritizing non-scheduled data in a wireless communications network
Techniques for prioritizing non-scheduled data are described. Non-scheduled data to be transmitted on a non-scheduled MAC-d flow having a non-scheduled priority and scheduled data to be transmitted on a scheduled MAC-d flow having a scheduled priority may be identified by a user equipment (UE). The UE may transmit the non-scheduled MAC-d flow and the scheduled MAC-d flow according to a priority condition. In one aspect, the UE may receive a pre-allocation of power associated with a non-empty non-scheduled MAC-d flow. Based on a priority condition that the non-scheduled priority is a highest priority, the UE may apply all of the pre-allocation of power when transmitting the non-scheduled MAC-d flow. In one aspect, based on a priority condition that the non-scheduled priority is a lower priority, the UE may adjust the non-scheduled priority and/or the scheduled priority so that the non-scheduled priority is a higher priority.
US09247553B2 Method and device for maintaining the performance quality of a communication system in the presence of narrow band interference
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a process for determining, by a base station comprising a processor, a mitigation strategy based on detection of a narrow band interferer according to an adaptive threshold. The narrow band interferer is detected in a wide frequency band of a received signal, and the adaptive threshold is determined by sampling at least some narrow band signal power levels in the wide frequency band. Information descriptive of the narrow band interferer is obtained, and interference caused by the narrow band interferer is reduced based on the information and according to the mitigation strategy. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09247552B2 Allocation of resources in a communication system
A method and an apparatus for resource allocation in a local wireless node of a system of a plurality of local wireless nodes is disclosed. An inner circle subgradient resource allocation iteration is performed based on information received from at least one other wireless node of the system and an iteration parameter until a convergent result. An updated iteration parameter is provided by at least one outer circle subgradient iteration based on the convergent result of the inner circle subgradient resource allocation iteration. The inner circle subgradient resource allocation iteration is then repeated at least once using the updated iteration parameter until a convergent result. Resources are then allocated based on the iterations.
US09247546B2 Allocation of resources for device-to-device (D2D) communication and method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving signal on the basis of the resource allocation
Allocation of resources for Device-to-Device (D2D) communication and a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a signal on the basis of the resource allocation are disclosed. A method for performing D2D (Device to Device) communication in a wireless communication system by a terminal includes: obtaining information related to an SA (Scheduling Assignment) resource region comprised of at least two sub scheduling assignment (SA) resource regions for the D2D communication; determining information regarding a terminal group to be operated in a reception mode in each sub SA resource region according to the information related to an SA resource region; determining a terminal group scheduled to include the terminal therein; and receiving a scheduling assignment (SA) for the D2D communication in the sub SA resource region in which the determined terminal group is scheduled to operate in the reception mode. The information related to an SA resource region includes the number (M) of sub SA resource regions included in the SA resource region and the number (NR) of sub SA resource regions to be operated in a reception mode given to one terminal group within the SA resource region.
US09247542B2 Methods and apparatus for efficient spectral usage in extensible carrier deployments
Methods and apparatus for providing efficient spectral usage in extensible carrier deployments. In one embodiment, the deployment comprises a long-term evolution (LTE) or LTE-advanced (LTE-A) network, and a reference carrier resource and one or more3 extensible carrier resources are configured based at least in part on a time and/or frequency separation. In one exemplary implementation, one or more reference carriers are combined with one or more carrier extensions/segments. The resulting aggregated bandwidth can be used to, among other things, optimize overall network operation.
US09247540B2 Extended USF addressing space
The present invention relates to assigning addresses to communication devices in a radio access network and notifying communication devices of scheduled uplink transmission time periods. Related methods, communication devices and control units are disclosed. A method of assigning an address to a communication device in a radio access network for use in notification of scheduled uplink transmission time periods for the communication device is provided. The method comprises assigning to the communication device an uplink state flag (USF) value. Furthermore, the method comprises assigning to the communication device an extended USF (eUSF) value. The address assigned to the communication device is a combination of the assigned USF value and the assigned eUSF value. By means of the eUSF value, the normal address range provided by the USF is extended, thereby facilitating use of more communication devices in the radio access network.
US09247539B2 Concept for bidirectional data transmission between a base station and a node
Embodiments of the present invention provide a base station including bidirectional data transmission to a node. The base station has a receiver for receiving a data packet transmitted by the node at a node transmission frequency, the node transmission frequency being derived from a frequency generator of the node. In addition, the base station has a determiner for determining the node transmission frequency based on the data packet received and for determining a deviation of the frequency generator of the node based on a frequency deviation between the determined node transmission frequency and a set node transmission frequency associated to the node. Furthermore, the base station has a transmitter for transmitting a data packet to the node at a base station transmission frequency, the transmitter for transmitting the data packet being configured to set the base station transmission frequency based on the determined deviation of the frequency generator of the node.
US09247537B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting control information in wireless communication systems
A method for transmitting control information by a base station in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes determining a precoder to be applied to a resource and a Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) port, the resource being used to transmit the control information, and the DMRS port corresponding to the resource and being used to transmit a DMRS, precoding the resource and the DMRS port by using the determined precoder, and transmitting the control information and the DMRS to a user equipment.
US09247536B2 Method for transmitting control information and a device therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting uplink control information and to a device therefor, and relates to a method comprising the steps of: selecting one uplink control channel resource corresponding to a plurality of HARQ-ACKs, from a plurality of uplink control channel resources; and transmitting a bit value corresponding to the plurality of HARQ-ACKs, by using the selected uplink control channel resource. The present invention also relates to a device for the method.
US09247535B2 Resource selection for transmission of multiple ACK/NACK on PUCCH channel
In a method of operating a communication network (20) a time division duplex (TDD) frame (F) of information is communicated over a radio interface (32) between a wireless terminal (30) and a base station node (28). The method comprises the wireless terminal (30) receiving plural downlink (DL) subframes of the frame and, in response thereto, configuring a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) channel to comprise up to four acknowledgements by using only two PUCCH channel resources and using PUCCH format 1a or PUCCH format 1b. In an example embodiment a PUCCH channel resource is specified by a sequence utilized for transmission of at least part of the PUCCH channel and a cyclical shift applied to the sequence. The two sequences of the respective two PUCCH resources are orthogonal, and the cyclical shift of the two PUCCH resources can be in a frequency domain, a time domain, or both the frequency domain and the time domain.
US09247534B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting control information in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting control information through a PUCCH in a wireless communication system and an apparatus therefore including the steps of: generating the control information; selecting a particular PUCCH format from a plurality of PUCCH formats; and transmitting the control information through the particular PUCCH format.
US09247529B2 Apparatus and methods of managing signaling radio bearer transmissions at a user equipment
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses and methods of managing signaling radio bearer (SRB) transmissions. In one aspect, the apparatuses and methods are configured to generate a SRB packet comprising signaling information, wherein the SRB packet is configured to be transmitted on a channel according to a scheduling serving grant, determine whether the SRB packet is unable to be transmitted based on resources allocated by the received scheduling serving grant, override the received scheduling serving grant in response to determining that the SRB packet is unable to be transmitted, and transmit at least a part of the SRB packet on the channel. In another aspect, a scheduling information message to indicate whether an additional scheduling severing grant is needed is transmitted on the channel along with at least the part of the SRB packet.
US09247528B2 System and method for reducing paging in UTRAN/GERAN/E-UTRAN networks when idle signaling reduction is active
Systems and methods are provided for avoiding excessive paging through messaging-based solutions on a mobile network that supports multiple radio access technologies (RATs), such as both Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)/Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)/Universal Mobile Communications System (UMTS) technology, even in situations where the present location of the UE is not known. Preventing paging in access networks where the UE is not present ensures efficient use of radio resources in the paging channel and reduces signaling load on other interfaces. In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) is simultaneously connected to a Serving General Packet Radio System (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN) and a Mobility Management Entity (MME). By using signaling between the SGSN and MME, the location of the UE may be tracked without requiring unnecessary paging, even when the UE is in IDLE mode or is inactive.
US09247526B2 Systems and methods for paging message enhancement
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for paging message enhancement, for example, by allowing packets to accumulate in an access point before sending them to a station. In some implementations, a station may not have an immediate use for a packet waiting in an access point's buffer. The station may save energy and reduce medium occupancy by allowing packets to accumulate at the access point and then receiving the accumulated packets in accordance with certain criteria. Such criteria for accumulation may be based on a Quality of Service (QoS) category, the station address, or the station type. The station may set accumulation parameters, such as a maximum occupied buffer size or a maximum time for which a station's packets are delayed for accumulation.
US09247525B2 Systems and methods for providing notifications
A personal hub for managing notifications across mobile devices and for separating the notification from the content. By separately managing the manner of notification provided to the user from its associated content, the personal hub may give a user more control over a number of mobile devices by allowing the user to escalate or dismiss different notifications across one or more mobile devices. Notifications may be managed based on device settings, priority settings, privilege settings, urgency flags, and/or other factors. In an embodiment, the user may receive an unobtrusive user-perceptible notification of an incoming communication from a personal hub that is less obtrusive than notifications which may be generated by the mobile device receiving the incoming communication.
US09247517B2 Positioning with split antennas per cell
In a split antenna system, a radio network node determines an association between a target wireless terminal and an antenna being used to communicate with the target wireless terminal. The radio network node provides an association information and a signal information of properties of a wireless signal used for communication between the antenna to a positioning node. The association information can include the identity of the antenna, which can be encoded in least significant bits of a position measurement included in the signal information. The positioning node determines a position of the target wireless terminal based on the association information and the signal information.
US09247516B2 Estimating whether or not a wireless terminal is in a geographic zone using pattern classification
A method and apparatus are disclosed for estimating whether or not a wireless terminal is in a geographic zone. The illustrative embodiment employs a pattern classifier that is trained on traits of electromagnetic signals at various locations. A computer-executable program is then generated based on the trained pattern classifier, and the program is installed and executed on a subscribed identity module of the terminal.
US09247510B2 Use of correlation combination to achieve channel detection
Wireless mobile devices are disclosed. A receiver to receive a coded signal having a code applied to the received coded signal includes a lower rate code comprising at least two code sequences of a higher rate code. One or more correlators are coupled with the receiver to correlate the received coded signal with the higher rate code to provide a higher rate code correlation result, to correlate the higher rate code correlation results with a first lower rate code to provide a first lower rate code correlation result, and to correlate the higher rate code correlation results with a second lower rate code to provide a second lower rate code correlation result. A comparator is coupled with the one or more correlators to compare the first lower rate code correlation result to the second lower rate code correlation result to determine presence of a signal indication.
US09247507B1 Using signal power levels for coexistence among multiple wireless communication technologies
Apparatus having corresponding methods and computer-readable media comprise: a transmitter configured to transmit, according to a first protocol, first wireless signals in a first frequency band; and a receiver configured to receive, according to a second protocol, second wireless signals in a second frequency band, wherein the second frequency band is adjacent to or overlaps the first frequency band; and an arbiter configured to allow the transmitter to transmit the first wireless signals according to the first protocol while the receiver receives the second wireless signals according to the second protocol responsive to at least one of i) a signal power level of the first wireless signals being less than a first signal power threshold; and ii) a signal power level of the second wireless signals being greater than a second signal power threshold.
US09247502B2 Method and apparatus for power management on mobile devices and associated mobile devices
The present invention provides method and apparatus for power management of mobile devices and associated mobile devices. The method for power management of mobile devices includes acquiring a predefined battery power level variation Δn of the mobile device and its corresponding usage time t1 if the mobile device uses the power-saving functions; acquiring the same battery power level variation Δn of the mobile device and its corresponding usage time t2 if the mobile device does not use any power-saving function; and determining an extended usage time of the mobile device Δt=t1−t2, and notifying the user of the mobile device the extended usage time. By determining the extended usage time and notifying the user of the extended usage time, the user of the mobile device can have a better understanding of the usage state of the mobile device after adopting the power-saving functions and therefore an improved user experience.
US09247501B2 Method and arrangement for handling a radio receiver in a wireless communication network
The invention provides a mechanism that on an opportunistic basis, enables an increased performance of network related services in a user equipment without significantly increasing the user equipment's power consumption A method in a user equipment is provided for handling a radio receiver comprised in the user equipment The radio receiver is adapted to receive signals from a first network over a radio link The user equipment further comprises a battery The method comprises the steps of: —detecting a change of power consumption of the battery in the user equipment, and —adjusting the receiver activity level based on the detected change of battery power consumption.
US09247500B2 Apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in customer premises equipment
A power control apparatus for controlling power consumption in customer premises equipment (CPE) for use in a content and data distribution network includes a detector, operative to determine an operational status of a connection between the CPE and a headend in the content and data distribution network, and a controller coupled with the detector. The controller is operative to place the CPE in a first mode of operation when the operational status is indicative of a loss of connectivity between the CPE and the headend. The apparatus further includes switching circuitry coupled with the controller. The switching circuitry is operative in the first mode to disable power to at least a portion of a first subset of functional modules in the CPE, to thereby reduce power consumption in the CPE.
US09247496B2 Power loop control based envelope tracking
Configuration-feedback circuitry and transceiver circuitry are disclosed. The configuration-feedback circuitry regulates an output power from a radio frequency power amplifier based on a difference between a target output power from the radio frequency power amplifier and a measured output power from the radio frequency power amplifier. The transceiver circuitry regulates a modulated power supply voltage, which is used by the radio frequency power amplifier to provide power for amplification, based on the difference between the target output power from the radio frequency power amplifier and the measured output power from the radio frequency power amplifier.
US09247495B2 Power saving Wi-Fi tethering
The techniques discussed herein reduce the power consumption of a Wi-Fi tethering device by switching the Wi-Fi functionality of the Wi-Fi tethering device from a normal operational mode to a sleep mode during idle intervals. The techniques implement a sleep protocol where a Wi-Fi tethering device and the Wi-Fi client device coordinate and establish a sleep schedule. Moreover, the techniques describe a sleep interval adaptation algorithm to establish sleep duration intervals based on data packet exchange patterns associated with different applications executing on the Wi-Fi client device and/or different operations being performed by the Wi-Fi client device.
US09247493B2 Method, terminal, and system for cell reselection
A method, terminal, system and computer readable medium for cell reselection are disclosed. When in a cell of a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the terminal receives a message from the LTE system. The message includes a dedicated priority list for the cell reselection. When the terminal camps on a cell of a non-LTE system, the terminal performs inter-system cell reselection in accordance with the dedicated priority list before a valid time of the dedicated priority list expires. With the discloses method, terminal and system, the problems of establishing a dedicated priority list causes too much increased signaling and too high costs for network update in the prior art when perform inter-system cell (re)selection are effectively resolved.
US09247488B2 Wireless access point search device and method improved in manner of storing search results, control program, and storage medium
A wireless access point search device improved in a manner of storing search results. A wireless LAN interface searches for a wireless access point. A result receiving section stores an access point information item on the wireless access point found by the wireless LAN interface. When the sum of the number of access point information items stored in the result receiving section and the number of new wireless access point items on respective new wireless access points found by the wireless LAN interface is larger than a predetermined value, a panel controller determines, whether or not to store a new access point information item on each new wireless access point in the result receiving section, based on radio field intensity of the new wireless access point.
US09247486B2 Mobile communication system, control device, base station device, system control method and device control method
A mobile communication system includes a control device and a base station device. Data communication between the control device and the base station device is conducted using a fixed-length data size and a variable-length data size. The control device transmits information indicating whether a data size of the data communication has a fixed length or a variable length. The base station device receives the information from the control device.
US09247482B2 Ad hoc wireless communications network with node role information routing and associated methods
An ad hoc wireless communications network includes wireless nodes arranged in a backbone net and stub nets coupled to the backbone net via respective wireless nodes defining gateway nodes. A method for the network includes transmitting node role information from each gateway node to respective wireless nodes within each stub net. The node role information includes node reactive routing directions for establishing a route outside of a given stub net. A route request is unicast transmitted from a first wireless node in a respective first stub net to a respective first gateway node based upon the node role information. The route request is a request to communicate to a second wireless node in a respective second stub net. The route request is transmitted from the first gateway node across the backbone net to the second gateway node of the second stub net.
US09247480B2 Dynamic threading gateway for embedded health management systems
Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information via a plurality of platforms communicatively linked together via a communication network. Each of the plurality of platforms comprising a dynamically threaded gateway comprising a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to communicate with other of the plurality of platforms along a communication link. The processor is coupled to the transceiver, and is configured to identify a plurality of paths among the plurality of platforms for obtaining requested information, select a desired path of the plurality of paths based on a cost index for the plurality of paths, and obtain the information via the desired path using the transceiver.
US09247477B2 Call routing for a multi-mode terminal being in a multi-mode communications system
Described herein is multi-mode communications system (200) that comprises at least one IP network, at least one mobile communications network, at least one multi-mode terminal (175) connectable to each of said IP network and the mobile telecommunications network, a routing server (120) for routing incoming calls from a caller to a multi-mode terminal (175), and an adaptive location register database (230) for storing at least one record relating to each multi-mode terminal (175). An incoming call (205) is received by the routing server (120). The routing server (120) interrogates an adaptive location register server (220) that is associated with the adaptive location register database (230) to determine current availability for routing the incoming call (205) to the multi-mode terminal (175). The adaptive location register server (220) provides the routing server (120) with data retrieved from the adaptive location register database (230) to indicate which network is more suitable over which the incoming call (205) is to be routed, in accordance with stored subscriber data relating to the multi-mode terminal (175).
US09247476B2 Systems and methods for coordinating power management in an independent basic service set
Systems and methods are provided for coordinating power management for wireless communications devices in an independent basic service set (IBSS). An announcement traffic indication message (ATIM) coordinator receives address information for destination stations for which data is buffered for transmission at source stations. The ATIM coordinator sends an ATIM Indication frame at the end of an ATIM window, alerting any destination station to remain awake to receive buffered data. Source stations may enter power save mode during the ATIM window after transmitting the address information for the destination stations to the ATIM coordinator. Destination stations may enter power save mode after receiving a beacon at the start of the ATIM window. Source and destination stations may awaken at the end of the ATIM window to receive the ATIM Indication frame.
US09247475B2 Radio control apparatus, connection destination switching method, and system
A radio control apparatus determines a call type of a communication terminal, and transmits a release redirection control signal to the communication terminal. When the call type is a general call, the release redirection signal not including broadcast information is transmitted to the communication terminal. When the call type is an important communication call, the release redirection control signal including the broadcast information is transmitted to the communication terminal.
US09247471B2 Short message transmission and handover procedures
The present invention relates to an improved method for handover of a mobile node from E-UTRAN to UTRAN in a scenario where SMS is the only service of the mobile node. The improved handover method allows saving radio resources by establishing the signalling connection for SMS exchange in the target network, and avoiding the data connection in the target network, since it is not used. The MME takes the decision to establish or not the data connection in the target UTRAN, and accordingly instructs the SGSN and UE to set the corresponding PDP contexts for the data connection to a “preserved” state, so as to avoid the establishment of same. Embodiments further relate to improved SMS delivery for IDLE mode UEs that activate ISR so as to avoid the involvement of the MSC server. Instead, packet-switched domain nodes are to be involved only.
US09247466B2 System and method of improving redirection in a TD-SCDMA circuit-switched fallback from TDD-LTE systems
Certain aspects of the present disclosure propose techniques for improving redirection in a TD-SCDMA circuit-switched fallback from TDD-LTE systems. Certain aspects provide a method that generally includes initiating a call setup (CS) procedure for leaving a base station (BS) of a first radio access technology (RAT) for a call on a second RAT, receiving, in response to the CS procedure, a message from the BS of the first RAT comprising a system frame number (SFN) for the BS of the first RAT and an offset number for a BS of the second RAT for setting up the call, and generating an estimated SFN for the BS of the second RAT based on the SFN for the BS of the first RAT and the offset number.
US09247460B2 Adjustment of link adaptation parameter based on data and control channel load
A method for performing link adaptation in association with scheduling a data channel for a cell in a base station of a cellular communication system, and an arrangement, suitable for performing such a method. The link adaptation method has link adaptation optimization purpose which is achieved by updating a link adaptation parameter on the basis of the load on the data channel and on the basis of the load of a control channel controlling the data channel in the cell. The method obtains a better trade-off between the spectral efficiency and the delay, due to re-transmissions.
US09247458B2 Method and a system for transmitting pilot
The disclosure discloses a method for transmitting a pilot, which includes the step of: selectively transmitting or not transmitting a demodulation pilot in a subframe according to a setting, in a control signaling, of triggering or not triggering a demodulation pilot transmission in the subframe. A system for transmitting the pilot is further disclosed, which includes a pilot selectively transmitting unit configured to selectively transmit or not transmit a demodulation pilot in a subframe according to a setting, in a control signaling, of triggering or not triggering a demodulation pilot transmission in the subframe. The method and system of the disclosure are capable of reducing the pilot overhead and improving the capacity of the LTE/LTE-Advanced system.
US09247449B2 Reducing interarrival delays in network traffic
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates use of a network link. During operation, the system continuously monitors an interarrival delay of packets received from a sender over the network link. Next, the system adjusts a receive window for the sender based on the interarrival delay to facilitate receipt of subsequent packets from the sender and other senders over the network link.
US09247447B1 Mobility pattern based preemptive load balancing
Maps of high wireless device movement and high wireless device traffic are created. These maps are correlated over selected periods of time to determine when, and where, large numbers of wireless devices are both moving and creating problematic traffic. Stationary wireless devices using an access node in the problem area are identified before the selected time period (e.g., 30 minutes before commuting time). These stationary wireless devices are handed over to a reserved frequency band. During the selected time period, wireless devices requesting access in the problem area are denied access using the reserved frequency band and are instead forced to use another frequency band.
US09247446B2 Mobile station use of round trip time measurements
Techniques are provided in which a mobile station may determine a first round-trip time (RTT) for a first measurement related communication between the transceiver and a first network device, wherein the first RTT comprises a uniform delay of time applied during the first measurement related communication by the first network device; Determine a second RTT for a second measurement related communication between the transceiver and a second network device, wherein the second RTT comprises the uniform delay of time applied during the second measurement related communication by the second network device; and determine, at least in part, a position of the mobile station with regard to at least the first and second network devices based, at least in part, on the first RTT and the second RTT.
US09247445B2 Wireless sensor module, method for processing measurement data thereby, and recording medium
A wireless sensor module has a sensor that measures a measuring object to generate measured data, a wireless communication section that wirelessly transmits the measured data to an external device and receives a radio signal from the external device, a control section that controls the sensor and the wireless communication section, and an electric power storage device that serves as an electric power supply. The control section secures an idle period of time in a series of operations for processing the measured data so that the series of operations are not carried out consecutively. The series of operations includes an operation in which the sensor generates the measured data, and an operation in which the wireless communication section wirelessly transmits the measured data to the external device.
US09247443B2 Method and apparatus for use in detecting changes within wireless signal environment
Various methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture are provided for use by one or more electronic devices to detect and/or respond to certain changes (anomalies) within a wireless signaling environment. For example, a first electronic device may receive a report of a threshold anomaly detected by a monitoring device deployed at a fixed predetermined position within a coverage area of a network service device, and may initiate an investigation by requesting that a second electronic device attempt to monitor certain transmissions of and/or actively communicate with a network service device. In response to a determination based, at least in part, on the investigation that the threshold anomaly represents a threshold change in status within the wireless signaling environment, the first electronic device may transmit a status report regarding the wireless signaling environment to another electronic device.
US09247442B2 Method and apparatus for detecting error in an IP-based bearer independent call control environment
A call monitoring method for detecting an error in a Bearer-Independent Call Control (BICC) environment using an Internet Protocol (IP) as a bearer is provided, in which an MSC receives connection information about a called exchange from another MSC, requests IP resource allocation for configuring a termination to a Media GateWay (MGW) controlled by the MSC based on the received connection information about the called exchange, determines, upon receipt of a resource allocation failure message from the MGW, whether a cause of a resource allocation failure is an IP allocation error, and transmits the resource allocation failure message to a resource manager, if the cause of the resource allocation failure is an IP allocation error.
US09247441B2 Facilitation of delay error correction in timing-based location systems
Computation of delay error offset information is facilitated. A method can include receiving measurement information indicative of a location of a mobile device, calibrating the measurement information resulting in calibrated measurement information, comparing the calibrated measurement information and historical calibrated measurement information, and computing a measurement error based, at least, on the comparing, wherein the measurement error includes delay error offset information.
US09247436B2 Insight based orchestration of network optimization in communication networks
Methods, apparatus, and program products are disclosed. Network information is accessed that corresponds to network elements in one or more wireless networks. Each of the one or more networks has an ability to serve multiple user equipment. Customer data is accessed that corresponds to the multiple user equipment in the networks. One or more optimization insights are generated using the network information and the customer data. The one or more generated optimization insights are utilized as one or more inputs to one or more pre-defined business policy-based workflows for a purpose of determining one or set of optimization functions. Execution of one or more selected optimization functions is orchestrated and the optimization function(s) are supplied with one or more of the generated optimization insights. The execution of the selected optimization function(s) cause triggering of action(s) defined to influence a selected one of the networks to provide an intended result.
US09247435B2 Null beamforming in a communication network
A first network device can implement null beamforming functionality to generate a NULL at a receive port of a second network device. In one embodiment, the first network device can estimate beamforming parameters to be used for transmitting the data signal to a first receive port of the second network device and for generating a null signal at a second receive port of the second network device, so that the second network device does not receive the data signal at the second receive port. In another embodiment, the first network device can estimate beamforming parameters to be used for transmitting the data signal to a receive port of the second network device and for generating a null signal at a receive port of a third network device, so that the receive port of the third network device does not receive the data signal.
US09247434B2 Mobile-originated SMS local broadcast
A method and system for local broadcasting of messages from a wireless mobile device to many others located within the same geographic area. This can be done using SMS messaging wherein a message to be broadcast is addressed to a particular designated address and, when received by a wireless carrier system, is checked to determine that it came from an authorized sender, and then is broadcasted by the wireless carrier system to a geographically-limited area within which the sending wireless mobile device is located.
US09247433B2 Information communication apparatus
An information communication apparatus includes: a communication portion; a storage apparatus connection portion that performs input and output operations with respect to a storage apparatus; a storage region management portion configured to provide, in the storage apparatus, a public region that makes an electronic file publicly accessible through the communication portion, and a private region that does not make an electronic file publicly accessible; and a file management portion that is capable of moving an electronic file that is stored in the storage apparatus, and is configured to move a predetermined electronic file to the private region.
US09247432B2 Systems and methods for controlling network access
Disclosed are various embodiments for systems and methods for controlling access of networks. In one embodiment, an access control service receives requests to access network beacons from client devices. In response, the access control service determines whether the client devices satisfy authorization rules associated with the network beacons. If the access control service determines that the client devices satisfy the authorization rules associated with the network beacons, the access control service authorizes the client devices to access the network beacons. Subsequently, if the client devices cease to satisfy the authorization rules associated with the network beacons, the access control service terminates the authorization of the client devices to access the network beacons.
US09247424B2 Methods and apparatus for large scale distribution of electronic access clients
Methods and apparatus for large scale distribution of electronic access control clients. In one aspect, a tiered security software protocol is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a server electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) and client eUICC software comprise a so-called “stack” of software layers. Each software layer is responsible for a set of hierarchical functions which are negotiated with its corresponding peer software layer. The tiered security software protocol is configured for large scale distribution of electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs).
US09247422B2 Content communication over a wireless communication link
In a method of communicating content over a wireless communication link between a base station set-top (BSS) and one or more hosts, where each of the one or more hosts have an interface protocol substantially complying with at least a subset of a copy protection standard, an encrypted signal is at least one of received and stored in the BSS, and the encrypted signal is turned into an encrypted data packet stream. The BSS wirelessly transmits the data packet stream to one or more wireless interface apparatuses (WIAs) which are interfaced with at least one host through the interface protocol. In addition, the WIA forwards the encrypted data packet stream to the one or more hosts through implementation of the interface protocol.
US09247421B2 Mobile device, content delivery apparatus, content providing apparatus and control method thereof
A mobile device, a content delivery apparatus, a content providing apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The mobile device includes a communication unit that performs communication with an external environment, a signal processor that processes signals transmitted and received through the communication unit, and a display unit that displays an image based on a signal processed by the signal processor. The mobile device also includes a controller that controls the communication unit to transmit a profile corresponding to a request to a content delivery apparatus when the request for the profile is received from the content delivery apparatus located within a predetermined zone, and to receive content corresponding to the transmitted profile. Customized contents can be provided to the mobile device on the basis of a user's profile.
US09247418B2 Communication-session termination when subscriber server is unavailable
A method may include receiving, at a serving call session control function (S-CSCF) address database, key information associated with a user device from an S-CSCF. The key information includes a unique identifier associated with the user device, an assigned S-CSCF address serving the user device, and a validity period of session initiation protocol (SIP) registration for the user device with the assigned S-CSCF. The method may further include determining whether a data record based on the key information exists in the S-CSCF address database. Each data record in the S-CSCF address database is searchable based on each unique identifier to provide an S-CSCF address of a serving S-CSCF associated with a corresponding user device.
US09247413B1 Method and apparatus for flexible fast network switching
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for flexible fast network switching. In an embodiment, a wireless-communication device has a first chipset compatible with first and second bands and a second chipset compatible with the first band and a third band. The device selects a mode for switching among two or more of the bands. In a first mode with respect to the first and second bands, the device obtains service on the first band via the first chipset. In the first mode with respect to the first and third bands, the device obtains service on the first band via the second chipset. In a second mode with respect to the first and second bands, the device obtains service on the first band via the second chipset. In the second mode with respect to the first and third bands, the device obtains service on the first band via the first chipset.
US09247412B2 Power efficient relay discovery protocol
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus receives discovery resource information from a base station, sends a discovery signal based on the discovery resource information, and receives from at least one user equipment (UE) a request for relaying with the base station based on the discovery signal. The apparatus may also receive a discovery signal from a relay, and send to the relay a request for relaying with a base station based on the discovery signal. The apparatus may further receive a discovery signal from each of a plurality of relays, determine to select one of the plurality of relays based on the discovery signal from each relay, and send to a selected relay a request for relaying with a base station based on the discovery signal when one of the plurality of relays is determined to be selected.
US09247410B1 Power management for emergency communications device
Systems and methods of conserving power in a mobile emergency communication device. After placing a telephone call, the calling device communicates information to the call recipient, for example a response center, usable to estimate the remaining talk time of the calling device. The call recipient sends instructions to the calling device to turn off, disable, or suspend certain device capabilities to conserve battery power in the calling device. For example, if it is determined that the device is not moving, a geographical location capability of the device may be turned off to conserve power. Other capabilities may also be turned off, for example a secondary radio transceiver, a display screen or other visual indicator, certain software applications executing on the device, or other capabilities.
US09247407B1 Method and system of distributing alerts within a target area
After receiving a message that defines an initial target area for distribution of an alert, a wireless carrier network may identify a first set of one or more coverage areas that are fully encompassed within the initial target area and a second set of one or more coverage areas that are partially encompassed within the initial target area. For each partially-encompassed coverage area, the network may then define a respective target area that is less geometrically complex than the initial target area. In turn, the network may broadcast the alert (1) in each fully-encompassed coverage area in a manner that directs a recipient device to output the alert regardless of the device's location and (2) in each partially-encompassed coverage area in a manner that directs a recipient device to output the alert only if the device's location is encompassed within the respective target area for the coverage area.
US09247400B2 System for routing text messages (SMS) to allow for two-way mobile to computer communication
A process and system allowing mobile users to initiate a two-way text message (SMS) conversation with a subscriber's computer. The steps consist of using a mobile user's mobile device to send a SMS containing a keyword and short code to a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), receiving an SMS reply containing an Individual Identification Code Numbers (IICN) which establishes two-way SMS communication between mobile user and business/subscriber. The invention further establishes IICN network which allows businesses to create-a SMS network, previously only available with voice phone networks, providing the Mobile User with the options of auto SMS replay, SMS conversation transfer, or interactive two-way SMS communication with a live SMS operator.
US09247398B2 Methods for barging users on a real-time communications network
Methods for barging an online user on a real-time communications network are presenting including: making a barge request by a barging user to barge online users; if online users are a part of an on-going call and the barging user has a barge privilege, joining the barging user with the on-going call; and if online users are not part of the on-going call and the barging user has the barge privilege, creating a new call with the barging user and the online user. In some embodiments, methods further include: if the barging caller is restricted and the barging user does not have the barge privilege, denying the barging user from the joining; and if the barging caller is not restricted and the barging user does not have the barge privilege, joining the barging user with the on-going call, and granting the floor control based on a standard floor control rule.
US09247394B2 Using neighboring access points to provide client device location data
Techniques are presented to determine a location of a wireless client device operating in a wireless local area network. A beacon report request action frame is sent to a wireless client device, where the request frame is configured to cause the wireless client device to transmit a broadcast probe request frame. A beacon report response message is received from the wireless client device and includes one or more probe response frames transmitted by one or more wireless access points that receive the broadcast probe request frame. The wireless client device location is determined based in part on signal strength information in the probe response frames sent by the one or more wireless access points and which signal strength information indicates the signal strength observed by the one or more wireless access points with respect to the broadcast probe request frame transmitted by the wireless client device.
US09247393B2 Disabling access point notifications
Disabling wireless access point notifications is described. In some implementations, wireless access point notifications on a mobile device can be disabled when movement of the mobile device is detected. In some implementations, wireless access point notifications on a mobile device can be re-enabled when the mobile device detects that the mobile device has been stationary for a specified period of time following movement of the mobile device. In some implementations, wireless access point notifications can be disabled on a per access point basis.
US09247391B1 Method and system for wireless device communication
A method, system and apparatus for wireless device communication. A wireless device may be engaged in a wireless data communication session within a local geographic region. The wireless device may be tracked within the local geographic region. The targeted information may be provided to the wireless device regarding the local geographic region based on the tracking of the wireless device.
US09247384B2 Geofencing techniques
In one embodiment a controller comprises logic configured to receive, in the controller, a geofencing definition and input from at least one location information device, update a location of the controller using one or more location parameters from one or more location information devices, and generate a notification signal when the location of the controller indicates that the controller has crossed a threshold. Other embodiments may be described.
US09247383B1 Communication device
The communication device comprising a voice communication implementer, a multiple & real-time & chronological speech-to-text implementer, and a current location indication implementer.
US09247381B2 System, method and devices for delivering positioning assistance data
Disclosed are systems, methods and devices for providing positioning assistance data to a mobile device. In a particular implementation, a mobile device may receive parameters representing an inference model. The mobile device may then apply observations to the inference model to classify the location of the mobile device as being in a particular region. The mobile device may then request positioning assistance data based, at least in part, on the particular region.
US09247379B2 Method and apparatus for hierarchical map tiling
A method for processing assistance data associated with positioning of a mobile device as described herein includes estimating an initial location of the mobile device within an area; designating the initial location of the mobile device as a focal point; retrieving a subset of hierarchical assistance data as a function of the focal point; and generating a multi-level assistance data structure for the area centered at the focal point.
US09247378B2 Method for controlling an HVAC system using a proximity aware mobile device
A mobile wireless device (e.g. smart phone) may be used to remotely control an HVAC system. A program code stored in the memory of the mobile wireless device may cause the mobile wireless device to store geographic information in the memory of the mobile wireless device, monitor a location of the mobile wireless device, and compare the stored geographic information to the location of the mobile wireless device. If the comparison meets predetermined criteria, the program code may cause the mobile wireless device to transmit a command either directly or indirectly to an HVAC controller, causing the HVAC controller to transition from a first operating state having a first temperature setpoint to a second operating state having a second temperature setpoint.
US09247377B2 Setting a reminder that is triggered by a target user device
Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for setting a reminder triggered by a target device. A requesting device sends a request to a server to set a reminder triggered by a target device. The request includes parameters, such as a location and a condition that define when the reminder is triggered. The server sends instruction to the target device to set the reminder based on the parameters. When the condition such as arrival is met by the target device in relation to the location the target device sends a message to the server that the reminder has been triggered. The target device can set a geo-fence to determine the position of the target device in relation to the location, and the requesting user can dictate the size of the geo-fence. The server sends a notification to the requesting device that the reminder has been triggered.
US09247372B2 Wireless mobile device network application proxy with exchange sequence generator
Systems and methods disclosed herein receive a network application proxy (NAP)-extended API function call issued by a networking-aware host application. The NAP-extended API function call provides parameter values associated with a host off-loadable packet exchange sequence. Using the parameter values, a NAP module intercepts and responds to one or more incoming network packets associated with the host off-loadable packet exchange sequence while the host processor is in a sleep mode state or is transitioning between sleep mode states.
US09247370B2 Sound image localization control apparatus
An audio signal high frequency component controlled in terms of directivity is reproduced, or an audio signal high frequency component compensated in terms of frequency characteristic or controlled in terms of directivity is reproduced, such that the reflected sound comes from a direction in which the high frequency component is intended to be localized. The sound pressure in a seat where a desired localization effect is not provided due to the arrangement of speakers is compensated such that the interaural amplitude level in the seat is equal to that of another seat. Thus, an equivalent level of localization effect is provided in a plurality of seats, especially for an audio signal high frequency component, without significantly increasing the number of the speakers.
US09247368B2 Loudspeaker cone body
A loudspeaker cone body made of paper may include a chemically-bound nanomaterial, such as a carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube may be chemically bound to a functionalizing agent having a chemical group chemically bound to one or more papermaking additives, such as a sizing agent or a wet strength agent, a dry strength agent, a resin or cellulose-containing papermaking stock material typically present in a paper loudspeaker cone body, such as pulp. Acoustic-related loudspeaker performance characteristics such as stiffness to weight ratio and an acoustic damping of the loudspeaker cone body may be altered by incorporation of the nanomaterials chemically bound to the loudspeaker cone body.
US09247365B1 Impedance sensing for speaker characteristic information
Speakers (e.g. “loudspeakers”) from different manufactures may have differing characteristics. In order to improve audio performance, an audio system may customize audio settings based on characteristics of an attached speaker. Described is a technique for determining speaker characteristics by sending a signal through a filter of the attached speaker. The signal may be a probing signal that produces no audible effect from the speaker. The signal may progress through one or more frequency ranges and an impedance signature may be measured. When the signal progresses through a frequency range, the impedance may be measured and a speaker model type and/or characteristics or condition of the speaker may be determined based on the measured impedance.
US09247363B2 Playback queue transfer in a media playback system
Embodiments are provided for using a user interface to transfer a playback queue from one playback zone to another within a network media system. The interface may provide a first zone representation of a playback zone, and a first queue representation of a first group of playable items in a particular relative position. The particular relative position of the first queue representation may indicate that the playback queue associated with the first playback zone includes the first group of playable items. The interface may receive an input indicating a movement of a second queue representation to the particular relative position. In response, the first queue representation may be removed from the particular relative position and the second queue representation may be provided in the particular relative position, indicating that the playback queue now comprises a second group of playable items represented by the second queue representation.
US09247361B2 Hearing aid, hearing aid fitting management system, server device, and computer device
A hearing aid fitting management system comprises a fitting device, a server, and a client device that are connectable to each other in a network. The server stores hearing ability data received from the client device as a hearing ability certificate, produces a prescription number corresponding to the hearing ability certificate, and sends the prescription number to the client device. The fitting device sends the server the prescription number that has been inputted. The server sends the fitting device the hearing ability certificate corresponding to the prescription number received from the fitting device. The fitting device sends the hearing ability certificate to a hearing aid, and limits the settings in the fitting of the hearing aid to within the range of the hearing ability data.
US09247359B2 Transducer, a hearing aid comprising the transducer and a method of operating the transducer
The invention relates to a transducer comprising a housing, a first and a second diaphragm, and a first and a second signal provider. The housing comprises an inner surface. The first and second diaphragms are positioned in the housing. The first and second diaphragms define a common compartment being delimited by at least both a part of the inner surface and the first and second diaphragms. The first signal provider is configured to convert movement of the first diaphragm into a first signal. The second signal provider is configured to convert movement of the second diaphragm into a second signal. The transducer can be used in a hearing aid.
US09247358B2 Hearing aid with safety feature for opening a battery door
A hearing aid includes: a housing having an exterior surface and an opening at the exterior surface; a battery door moveably coupled to the housing; and a spring element located in the housing, wherein the spring element is aligned with the opening of the housing to allow actuation of the spring element by a tool that is inserted through the opening of the housing; wherein when the spring element is actuated by the tool, the battery door is allowed to be fully opened, and when the spring element is un-actuated, the battery door is prevented from being fully opened.
US09247356B2 Music player watch with hearing aid remote control
Described herein are devices and methods for enabling a hearing aid user to control the operation of the hearing aid and also select an audio source for streaming audio information such as music directly to the hearing aid. In one embodiment, these functionalities are combined into a single wrist-worn remote device that may also function as a watch.
US09247354B2 Method for the transmission of data between a hearing device and an external unit, and associated configuration
A method and an associated configuration transmit data between a hearing device and an external unit. A first data packet is transmitted to the hearing device by the external unit. The first data packet is received by the hearing device and a second data packet is transmitted from the hearing device to the external unit. A predefinable fixed period of time elapses between the end of the receipt of the first data packet and the start of transmission of the second data packet. The external unit thereby “knows” when the first bit of the second data packet is to arrive. This offers the advantage that the reliability of a data transmission is improved. In the case of a packet-oriented data transmission fewer data packet repetitions are required, as a result of which the transmission speed increases.
US09247350B2 Acoustic transducer assembly
Driver for an acoustic transducer having a moving coil of substantially equal length to the air gap. The air gap may itself be extended in length using an upper or lower lip, or both. A stationary coil is also provided. The moving and stationary coils can be controlled by suitable control blocks to form an electromagnet-based transducer with reduced distortion.
US09247349B2 Loudspeaker, video device, and portable information processing apparatus
A loudspeaker includes a diaphragm that vibrates back and forth to emit a sound, a magnetic circuit that is provided on a rear side of the diaphragm and has a magnetic gap on a diaphragm side, and a voice coil that is directly or indirectly joined to the diaphragm and disposed within the magnetic gap. A magnetic fluid is loaded within the magnetic gap. Also, a plurality of first edge pieces are provided at different positions in an outer circumferential portion of the diaphragm for vibratably supporting the diaphragm, each of the first edge pieces having a non-linear cross-sectional shape.
US09247348B2 Speaker having a horizontal former
A speaker includes a frame, a sound radiating surface, and a suspension that couples the sound radiating surface to the frame. A horizontal former is coupled to the radiating surface. The former extends substantially horizontally outward of a peripheral portion of the radiating surface, to a peripheral portion that is separate from the suspension. A coil is coupled to the peripheral portion of the horizontal former.
US09247347B2 Noise suppression apparatus and control method thereof
A noise suppression apparatus using spectral subtraction is provided. A noise estimation unit estimates noise components included in a mixed signal. A fundamental frequency of the mixed signal is detected. A subtraction factor in the spectral subtraction is set based on the detected fundamental frequency. The spectral subtraction for the mixed signal is executed using the set subtraction factor and the estimated noise components. A boundary frequency at the fundamental frequency or a frequency lower than the fundamental frequency is set, and a subtraction factor for a frequency lower than the boundary frequency is set to assume a value larger than a subtraction factor for a frequency not less than the boundary frequency.
US09247346B2 Apparatus, system and method for noise cancellation and communication for incubators and related devices
Systems, apparatuses and methods for integrating adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) with communication features in an enclosure, such as an incubator, bed, and the like. Utilizing one or more error and reference microphones, a controller for a noise cancellation portion reduces noise within a quiet area of the enclosure. Voice communications are provided to allow external voice signals to be transmitted to the enclosure with minimized interference with noise processing. Vocal communications from within the enclosure may be processed to determine certain characteristics/features of the vocal communications. Using these characteristics, certain emotive and/or physiological states may be identified.
US09247343B2 Sound direction estimation device, sound processing system, sound direction estimation method, and sound direction estimation program
A sound direction estimation device includes a first correlation matrix calculation unit configured to calculate a correlation matrix of a plurality of channels of input sound signals, a second correlation matrix calculation unit configured to calculate a correlation matrix of noise signals based on the plurality of channels of sound signals, and a sound source localization unit configured to calculate a spatial spectrum based on the correlation matrix calculated by the first correlation matrix calculation unit and the correlation matrix calculated by the second correlation matrix calculation unit and to estimate a direction of a sound source associated with the plurality of channels of sound signals using the calculated spatial spectrum.
US09247339B2 Loudspeaker design
Improved speakers are better able to accurately reproduce sound through the use of low-mass transducers.
US09247334B2 Portable electronic device
The invention relates to a portable electronic device, comprising: a housing comprising at least one hole; and at least two directional microphones mounted in the housing and placed coincidentally for stereo sound pickup, each one of the microphones defining a main sound axis and each one of the two directional microphones defining a direct sound direction and a opposite sound direction which describe opposite directions of the main sound axis, wherein the at least one hole is a common hole shared between the at least two directional microphones such that the main sound axis of the at least two directional microphones are pointing through the common hole in different directions.
US09247329B2 Suspension for a hearing device receiver
A suspension for a hearing device receiver includes: a receiver holding part; and a damping structure with a body and a receiver base, the body comprising a first body part, the damping structure having an inner surface forming a sound duct, the sound duct extending through the first body part, the damping structure having a first opening at a first sound duct end, the first opening configured for connecting an output port of a receiver, the damping structure having a second opening at a second sound duct end, the sound duct providing a sound path for conveying sound energy from the receiver through the damping structure to the second opening, the first body part extending from the receiver base; wherein the damping structure comprises a first damping element connecting the body and the receiver base so that the receiver base is separate from and in parallel to the first body part.
US09247323B2 Method and network node for configuring a network for optimized transport of packet traffic
In order to configure a network for optimized transport of packet data traffic, a first packet node determines whether a traffic volume to be forwarded to a remote second packet node exceeds a predefined bypass threshold. If that is the case, the first packet node sends a bypass request towards the remote second packet node. An intermediate third packet node processes the request and determines, whether it locally has an interfering second bypass request and in this case, determines which of the two requests has a higher weight. The bypass request or, in case of an interfering second bypass request, the one with the higher weight, is then forwarded to the remote second packet node. Upon receipt thereof, the second packet node determines whether the received bypass request can be served. If that is the case, the bypass will be executed by sending a trigger to a service layer network to establish a bypass connection in accordance with the bypass request.
US09247322B1 Low-power user interface device for environmental monitoring system
Embodiments of an environmental monitoring system that mitigates complexities in installation and maintenance while complying with strict regulations on operations of the system. The environmental monitoring system may communicate wirelessly between components such as sensor units and display devices, enabling these components to be separately and easily installed in an environment without needing to install wires in the environment to connect them. In addition, in embodiments at least some of the components (e.g., sensor units and display devices) of the environmental monitoring system may be adapted to wirelessly and reliably communicate using specific wireless communication protocols, described in detail herein, that exchange few communications between the components and thereby decrease power consumption of these components. Further, in some embodiments, a display device may include hardware and/or execute software that drive and/or update a display only when a condition is met.
US09247320B2 Capacity allocation of call-handling devices across call destinations
A system and method that allocate call capacity based on the need to divide the call capacities of at least some call-termination devices across geographic regions. Accordingly, the allocation system uses various input parameters as constraints in a linear programming optimization, which has the objective of maximizing the capacity allocation of a device to fulfill the traffic demands of each region being processed. The input parameters that are used include i) the traffic demand forecast of each geographic region being evaluated, ii) the available call capacity of each call-termination device, iii) the call destinations associated with each region, and iv) service levels associated with each given call destination. Call-capacities are separately allocated for i) the predicted traffic that is expected in the next time period and ii) an additional margin of excess traffic above and beyond the expected traffic.
US09247317B2 Content streaming with client device trick play index
An apparatus downloads files of encoded video including interspersed key frames over a communication network. The apparatus plays back video from the downloaded files and creates a trick play index based on the downloaded files. The trick play index indicates network locations of the key frames in the encoded video files. When the apparatus receives a trick play request, such as rewind or fast forward, the client device downloads the key frames from the indicated network locations, and plays back video from the downloaded key frames.
US09247316B2 Protected media decoding using a secure operating system
Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of tools and techniques for facilitating decoding of protected media information using a secure operating system. According to one exemplary technique, encoded media information that is encrypted is received at a secure process of a secure operating system of a computing system. At least a portion of the encoded media information that is encrypted is decrypted in the secure process. The portion of the encoded media information includes header information. Additionally, the header information is sent from the secure operating system to a software decoder for control of decoding hardware. The software decoder is included in a process for an application. Also, the decoding hardware is securely provided access to the encoded media information for decoding of the encoded media information to produce decoded media information.
US09247314B1 Cross-platform electronic shopping cart
A network device receives selected items for an electronic shopping cart as selected by a user. The electronic shopping cart is associated with a first access network platform. The network device identifies an abandonment of the electronic shopping cart and stores the selected items associated with a user account for the user to create stored cart items. The network device receives a cart inquiry indicating that the user has accessed a second access network platform and associates the stored cart items with the user on the second access network platform. The network device determines a highest priority item of the stored cart items based on the second access network platform, generates promotional instructions for presenting the highest priority item to the user on the second network platform, and sends the promotional instructions to the second access network platform.
US09247313B1 Dynamic video ad format based on user bitrate and bandwidth
This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods that facilitate employing bandwidth factors to determine, infer, or predict a client device buffer wait time or a client device buffer ratio associated with a video playback on a client device to select an advertisement format for the video and select an advertisement to accompany the video based upon the format.
US09247311B2 Systems and methods for playing back alternative streams of protected content protected using common cryptographic information
Systems and methods for performing adaptive bitrate streaming using alternative streams of protected content in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor, and memory containing a client application. In addition, the client application configures the processor to: request a top level index file identifying a plurality of alternative streams of protected content, where each of the alternative streams of protected content are encrypted using common cryptographic information; obtain the common cryptographic information; request portions of content from at least the plurality of alternative streams of protected content; access the protected content using the common cryptographic information; and playback the content.
US09247305B2 Systems and methods for displaying and interacting with interaction opportunities associated with media content
Methods to present video and purchasing function content embedded in the video in a single user interface. The user interface may be configured to allow the user watching the video to take an action with respect to the video content, which may include items for purchase, and to allow the user to both watch the video content, and select the item for purchase in one transaction step. In other embodiments, the video content is segmented such that a user is provided the ability to select one or more objects in the video. In other embodiments, the user interface provides a dynamic message such as a “call to action” to a user. The call to action may be timed with the video and/or with the user viewing selections in order to urge a user to take a pre-determined action such as purchase a product, make a donation, and the like.
US09247304B2 Content synchronization apparatus and method
A content synchronization apparatus is provided. The content synchronization apparatus includes a communication unit configured to communicate with a device that the content synchronization apparatus can synchronize content with, a control unit configured to, in response to a synchronization command to share current content being played by the device being received, share the current content by acquiring the current content and state information corresponding to the current content through the communication unit, synchronize the current content with the device using the current content and the state information, and configure a display screen based on the results of the synchronization of the current content with the device, and an output unit configured to display the configured display screen.
US09247300B2 Content notification and delivery
Disclosed are methods and systems for displaying content recommendations to a television viewer. In one aspect of the invention, when the user changes channel, the system displays content recommendations to the user before going to the next channel. The recommendations are based on user profiles and/or aggregated multi-user content. In a further aspect, the user can decide on one of the recommendations (or answer a yes/no query) to migrate to the corresponding content.
US09247294B2 Method and apparatus for managing communication activities of a communication device
Aspects of the subject disclosure include, for example, selecting a first communication device of the plurality of communication devices to analyze activities of the first communication device, presenting at a device activity information associated with the activities of the first communication device, facilitating an exchange of messages between the device and the first communication device, receiving a request from the device to transfer control of the first communication device to the device responsive to the device receiving an unsatisfactory response from the first communication device, and receiving control information from the device to adjust an operational aspect of the first communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09247293B2 System and method for multi-standard browser for digital devices
The present invention provides a method of rendering a thin client application in a network device, for parsing the internet data so as convert the internet data into a common data format which can be rendered in set-top box using any type of middleware. The invention would be equipped to handle any type of application and also would be cost-efficient to be developed in a middleware layer of a network device like set-top box.
US09247292B2 System and method to monitor a person in a residence with use of a set-top box device
A particular method includes receiving, at a set-top box device, an activation request from a monitoring service associated with activation of a video camera coupled to the set-top box device. The activation request is received when one or more alert conditions are satisfied. The method further includes activating the video camera based on a response to a prompt.
US09247290B2 Seamless transition between display applications using direct device selection
Transitioning between display applications, including: retrieving a device identifier when a first device is selected using a first display application running on a second device; enabling the first display application to launch a second display application using the device identifier of the first device, launching the second display application customized to automatically select the first device, wherein the automatic selection of the first device using the device identifier allows to bypass a device selection process. Keywords include seamless transition and direct device selection.
US09247286B2 Frame formatting supporting mixed two and three dimensional video data communication
Systems and methods are provided that relate to frame formatting supporting mixed two and three dimensional video data communication. For example, frames in frame sequence(s) may be formatted to indicate that a first screen configuration is to be used for displaying first video content, that a second screen configuration is to be used for displaying second video content, and so on. The screen configurations may be different or the same. In another example, the frames in the frame sequence(s) may be formatted to indicate that the first video content is to be displayed at a first region of a screen, that the second video content is to be displayed at a second region of the screen, and so on. The regions of the screen may partially overlap, fully overlap, not overlap, be configured such that one or more regions are within one or more other regions, etc.
US09247285B2 Method and system for monitoring a content signal
A system and method for monitoring a signal includes a monitoring display and an automation system receiving the content signal and either captures an I-frame of the content signal or encodes the content signal into an MPEG signal. The automation system communicates the I-frame or MPEG encoded signal to a display.
US09247284B1 Portable content container displaying A/V files in response to a command received from a consumer device
In an embodiment, a media playback device is disclosed comprising a first interface configured to communicate with a media output device, a second interface configured to communicate with a data storage device, and control circuitry. In one embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to receive information identifying media files from a data storage device (DSD) over the second interface; generate a user interface for the media output device, the user interface identifying at least one of the media files; transmit the user interface to the media output device over the first interface; receive a play command from a user to play a selected media file; and transmit the play command over the second interface to the DSD to stream the selected media file on the media output device, wherein the media stream from the DSD bypasses the media playback device.
US09247281B2 Handheld electronic device having universal remote control mechanism and operation method of the same
A handheld electronic device having a universal remote control mechanism is provided. The electronic device comprises a touch display unit, a storage unit, a wireless transmission unit and a processing unit. The touch display unit receives device information and displays a user interface having virtual function keys. The storage unit stores a device code discrimination table. The processing unit retrieves the device code discrimination table and initiates a test procedure according to an order of the hit rate of the instruction codes of plural rows of device codes in the device code discrimination table. The processing unit further terminates the test procedure and controls the electronic device to be controlled by using a specific device code when the processing unit can control the electronic device to be controlled by using all the instruction codes of the specific device code through the wireless transmission unit.
US09247275B2 Web-based video broadcasting system having multiple channels
A web-based video broadcast system, comprising at least one web page in communication with a host system to permit a plurality of users and a plurality of content providers to access the host system. The host system is programmed to register a plurality of channels, each associated with a unique channel identifier, and to associate each of at least a portion of the plurality of channels with at least one content provider responsive to a request by the at least one content provider. The host system is further programmed to permit the at least one content provider associated with a channel to selectively upload to the host system at least one video file and associate the at least one video file with the channel. The host system is further programmed to store the at least one video file and continuously display the at least one video file responsive to a user selecting the channel via the at least one web page.
US09247274B2 Flexible channel stacking
A receiver includes a plurality of input paths for receiving and processing a plurality of input RF signals. The input paths isolate one or more portions of corresponding ones of the received input RF signals, and combine the isolated portions of the corresponding ones of the received input RF signals onto one or more output signals. A bandwidth of the isolated portions of the corresponding ones of the received input RF signals and a bandwidth of the output signals are variable. The isolated portions of the corresponding ones of the received plurality of input RF signals are extracted and utilized to generate the output signals. The portions of the corresponding ones of the received plurality of input RF signals may be mapped into one or more channel slots in the time domain. The channel slots may be assigned in the frequency domain to one or more frequency bins.
US09247272B2 Network of collaborative online shows
The present invention generally relates to networked communication systems. In particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods configured to provide an audience centric instant micro forum for sharing media and communications regarding a particular event and/or product.
US09247270B2 Method and apparatus for coding video and method and apparatus for decoding video accompanied with arithmetic coding
A method of decoding a video through symbol decoding includes parsing symbols of image blocks from a received bitstream; classifying a current symbol into a prefix bit string and a suffix bit string based on a threshold value determined according to a size of a current block; performing arithmetic decoding of the prefix bit string and the suffix bit string by using respective arithmetic decoding methods determined for each of the prefix bit string and the suffix bit string; performing inverse binarization of the prefix bit string and the suffix bit string by using respective binarization methods determined for each of the prefix bit string and the suffix bit string; and restoring the image blocks by performing an inverse transformation operation and a prediction operation on the current block by using the current symbol restored through the arithmetic decoding and the inverse binarization.
US09247268B2 Method for predicting a block of image data by verifying condition relating temporal variation between image data of reference block and prediction block of previous reference block, decoding and coding devices implementing said method
A method for predicting a current block belonging to a current image with a view to the coding or the reconstruction of the current block. The method includes determining for the current block a reference block from at least one motion data previously associated with the current block. The fulfillment of a predefined condition is is verified. The predefined condition being representative of a temporal variation between the image data of the reference block and the image data of a prediction block of the reference block previously determined from at least one motion data associated with the reference block. The motion data is modified according to the result of the verification, and a final prediction block for the current block is generated from the motion data of the current block.
US09247263B2 Video encoding and video/audio/data multiplexing device
The present invention provides a buffer architecture and latency reduction mechanism for buffering uncompressed/compressed information. This combination provides for a proficient division of the encoding task and quicker through-put time. The invention teaches a single chip digital signal processing device for real time video/audio compression comprising a plurality of processors, including a video input processor, a motion estimation processor, a digital signal processor, and a bitstream processor, wherein processing and transfer of the signals within the device is done in a macroblock-by-macroblock manner. The device can include a multiplexing processor that is comprised of a storage unit which buffers a compressed video bitstream and a processor which retrieves the compressed video bitstream from the storage unit and produces a multiplexed data stream whereby the compressed video bitstream is processed in a pipeline manner.
US09247262B2 Absolute or explicit reference picture signaling
An encoded representation (60) of a picture (10) of a video stream (1) is decoded by retrieving buffer description information identifying a buffer description defining multiple reference pictures (40, 42) of the video stream (1) from the encoded representation (60). A picture identifier of a reference picture (42) is determined based on picture identifier information retrieved from the buffer description for the reference picture (42) and a reference picture preceding the reference picture according to a list order in the buffer description. The determined picture identifier is used to update a decoded picture buffer (230, 350) that stores reference pictures (40, 42) to be used as decoding reference for the picture (10) and/or any subsequent picture (50) of the video stream (1).
US09247255B2 Method and apparatus for image encoding/decoding
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding. The method for image decoding includes comparing whether a size of a current transform block and a size of a smallest transform block (smallest transform unit (STU)) are the same as each other, and decoding information indicating whether transformation is performed on the current transform block and determining whether to perform inverse transformation on the current transform block based on the decoded information indicating whether the transformation is performed when the size of the current transform block and the size of a smallest transform block are the same as each other.
US09247254B2 Non-square transforms in intra-prediction video coding
This disclosure describes techniques for determining transform partitions in video encoding processes that allow for non-square transform partitions in intra-coded blocks. According to one example of the disclosure, a video coding method comprise partitioning a coding unit into multiple prediction units, and determining a transform partition for each of the prediction units, wherein at least one transform partition is a non-square partition.
US09247252B2 Image decoding device
In expansion and reduction of the size of a macroblock in a moving image encoding, a compression ratio falls because an information amount for describing size information of the macroblock increases. An image decoding device includes a CU dividing unit and a CU-size storing unit. The CU-size storing unit has stored therein size information of an encoded CU in an encoding target picture to be stored and size information of all CUs in preceding and following pictures used for prediction. The CU dividing unit predicts a CU size in an encoding target position using the CU size information stored in the CU-size storing unit and determines a CU size of a final encoding target CU.
US09247251B1 Right-edge extension for quad-tree intra-prediction
Encoding and decoding using right-edge extension for quad-tree intra-prediction may include identifying a current frame from the plurality of frames, the current frame including a plurality of blocks, identifying a current block from the plurality of blocks, identifying a proximal reconstructed pixel, wherein the proximal reconstructed pixel is proximally above the current block, identifying a distant reconstructed pixel, wherein the distant reconstructed pixel is a most proximate reconstructed pixel above the proximal reconstructed pixel such that a reconstructed pixel proximally to the right of the distant reconstructed pixel is available for prediction, generating a prediction pixel based on the proximal reconstructed pixel, the distant reconstructed pixel, and the reconstructed pixel proximally to the right of the distant reconstructed pixel, and generating a predicted pixel for the current block based on the prediction pixel.
US09247246B2 Complexity scalable multilayer video coding
A multi-layer video system has a first layer encoder that encodes a first layer of video information, at least one second layer encoder that encodes at least one second layer of video information, and an encoder side reference processing unit (RPU) that estimates one or more of an optimal filter or an optimal process that applies on a reference picture that is reconstructed from the first video information layer, and processes a current picture of the second video information layer, based on a correlation between the first layer reconstructed reference picture. The correlation relates to a complexity characteristic that scaleably corresponds to the first video information layer reconstructed reference picture and the second video information layer current picture. A scalable video bitstream is outputted, which may be decoded by a compatible decoder. A decoder side RPU and the encoder side RPU function as an RPU pair.
US09247242B2 Skip transform and residual coding mode extension for difference domain intra prediction
An apparatus for coding video information according to certain aspects includes a memory unit and a processor in communication with the memory unit. The memory unit stores difference video information associated with a difference video layer of pixel information derived from a difference between an enhancement layer and a corresponding base layer of the video information. The processor determines a value of a video unit based on the difference video layer. The processor is further configured to refrain from performing a transform and residual coding of the determined value of the video unit.
US09247240B2 Three-dimensional glasses, three-dimensional image display apparatus, and method for driving the three-dimensional glasses and the three-dimensional image display apparatus
The present invention relates to three-dimensional glasses, to a three-dimensional image display apparatus, and to a method for driving the three-dimensional glasses and the three-dimensional image display apparatus. The present invention is a method for driving three-dimensional glasses for watching a three-dimensional image consisting of a left-eye image and a right-eye image, wherein the method comprises the following steps: transmitting glasses characteristic information, including information relating to the opening/closing speed of shutters of a left-eye lens unit and a right-eye lens unit of the three-dimensional glasses, to an external three-dimensional image display apparatus for outputting the three-dimensional image; receiving synchronization information, including information relating to the output periods of the left-eye image and right-eye image, from the three-dimensional image display apparatus; and synchronizing, using the synchronization information, the opening/closing periods of the shutters of the left-eye lens unit and the right-eye lens unit with the output periods of the left-eye image and right-eye image outputted by the three-dimensional image display apparatus. The synchronization information includes information on the time of opening the shutter of the left-eye lens unit, information on the time of closing the shutter of the left-eye lens unit, and information on modes for indicating the type of image outputted by the three-dimensional image display apparatus, and the method for driving the three-dimensional glasses and three-dimensional image display apparatus of the present invention, efficient data communication between the three-dimensional glasses and the three-dimensional image display apparatus is enabled, in order to increase the convenience of a user watching the three-dimensional images and prevent the unnecessary consumption of a battery of the three-dimensional glasses.
US09247238B2 Reducing interference between multiple infra-red depth cameras
Systems and methods for reducing interference between multiple infra-red depth cameras are described. In an embodiment, the system comprises multiple infra-red sources, each of which projects a structured light pattern into the environment. A controller is used to control the sources in order to reduce the interference caused by overlapping light patterns. Various methods are described including: cycling between the different sources, where the cycle used may be fixed or may change dynamically based on the scene detected using the cameras; setting the wavelength of each source so that overlapping patterns are at different wavelengths; moving source-camera pairs in independent motion patterns; and adjusting the shape of the projected light patterns to minimize overlap. These methods may also be combined in any way. In another embodiment, the system comprises a single source and a mirror system is used to cast the projected structured light pattern around the environment.
US09247237B2 Techniques for wavelet-based image disparity estimation
Various embodiments are generally directed to repeated use of wavelet filters with different directional orientations each time to detect distances to edges in different directions in deriving a disparity map from multiple image bitmaps. A method includes subjecting an image bitmap to a first-order wavelet filter a selected number of times, an orientation of the first-order wavelet filter altered each time to create a first set of intermediate maps; and subjecting the first image bitmap to a second-order wavelet filter the selected number of times, an orientation of the second-order wavelet filter altered each time to create a second set of intermediate maps; the first-order and second-order wavelet filters, as well as their orientations, selected to be mathematically related such that the first-order wavelet filter approximates a sine function and the second-order wavelet filter approximates a related cosine function, both masked by a Gaussian. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09247228B2 Apparatus and method for providing media content
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to receive two-dimensional image content comprising a plurality of images, identify an object in a first image of the plurality of images, identify the object in a second image of the plurality of images, determine a perspective angle difference between the first and second images, generate a third image using the first and second images when the perspective angle difference satisfies a three-dimensional angle threshold, generate three-dimensional image content using the first image and the third image, and provide the three-dimensional image content to a display device operably coupled with the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09247224B2 Image processing device performing filtering process on image data components using filter coefficient
An image processing device includes an acquisition section, first conversion section, determination section, filtering section, and second conversion section. The acquisition section acquires first image data defined by a plurality of color components. The first conversion section converts, for each pixel data, the plurality of color components into converted pixel data defined by a luminance and a color difference. The determination section determines whether or not each converted pixel data is target pixel data having a black character attribute. The filtering section performs a filtering process on a luminance of each target pixel data using a filter coefficient to obtain processed pixel data defined by the luminance and the color difference. The filter coefficient enhances a difference in the luminance between the each target pixel data and neighboring pixel data. The second conversion section converts each processed pixel data into updated pixel data defined by the plurality of color components.
US09247223B2 Reduce operating environment effect using multiple cameras
Methods and devices for automatically white balancing an image are described. In one embodiment, a method includes: capturing a first image using a first camera associated with an electronic device and capturing a second image using a second camera associated with the electronic device, the first image and the second image being temporally related; determining one or more white balance correction values for the first image by analyzing the first image and the second image, the white balance correction value representing the effect of lighting conditions on the first image and the second image; and correcting one or more images captured by the first camera based on the white balance correction value.
US09247220B2 Imaging apparatus including two image sensors having a different arrangement
An imaging apparatus includes a prism for separating a first luminous flux into a plurality of second luminous fluxes, a plurality of imaging sensors disposed corresponding to the second luminous fluxes, an image generator for generating image data based on output image signals, and focus controller for executing a focusing operation based on focus detection image signals. The imaging sensors each have a plurality of imaging pixels and a plurality of phase difference pixels disposed in a specific pattern. An arrangement of a first imaging sensor, which is one of the plurality of imaging sensors, is different from an arrangement of a second imaging sensor, which is another one of the plurality of imaging sensors. The specific pattern is such that a position of a phase difference pixel of the first imaging sensor does not overlap with a position of a phase difference pixel of the second imaging sensor.
US09247209B2 Rules-based content management
Techniques for rules-based content management are provided. Video on demand content is collected from a variety of sources. Business rules embedded within metadata can be retrieved where the business rules control processing and delivery of the video on demand content. The video on demand content may be selectively packaged in response to the business rules and the metadata to generate packaged video on demand content. A server can distribute the packaged video on demand content to devices. A priority for processing the packaged video on demand content can be based on a quality of service parameter and based on the metadata, the business rules, and a license embedded within the metadata where the license describes the priority. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09247207B2 System to provide index and metadata for content on demand
A content on demand system includes logic to compose information about multiple audio and/or video streams into an audio and/or video stream format, and logic to communicate the information about multiple audio and/or video streams to a plurality of set top boxes.
US09247204B1 Automatic mute control for video conferencing
In one example, a device executes one or more video communication processes that receive audio streams and video streams from a plurality of computing devices participating in a video communication session associated with the one or more video communication processes. The device evaluates one or more properties of the audio streams, including the volume of an audio signal among the audio streams. The device selects a first group of the audio streams to mute in the video communication session, based at least in part on the one or more properties of the audio streams. The device distributes a second group of the audio streams in the video communication session, while muting the first group of audio streams in the video communication session.
US09247203B2 Object of interest based image processing
An apparatus, a method and a system are provided, wherein the system includes an encoding engine to encode and/or compress one or more objects of interest within individual image frames with higher bit densities than the bit density employed to encode and/or compress their background. The system may further include a context engine to identify a region of interest including at least a part of the one or more objects of interest, and scale the region of interest within individual image frames to emphasize the objects of interest.
US09247200B2 Controlled environment facility video visitation systems and methods
Video visitation systems and methods for correctional facilities include an audio/video processor element interconnecting an inmate station and a remote visitor station. The audio/video processor element adjusts audio and/or video feeds to facilitate monitoring by a plurality of officers at remote monitoring stations without experiencing network bandwidth and latency issues.
US09247199B2 Method of providing information-of-users' interest when video call is made, and electronic apparatus thereof
An information providing method and an electronic apparatus thereof are provided. According to the information providing method of the electronic apparatus, when a video call is made, a user making the video call is identified, at least one piece of information-of-interest of the identified user is acquired based on user's usage information on social network services (SNSs), and the at least one piece of information-of-interest is displayed on a video call screen.
US09247197B2 Systems and methods for subscriber authentication
Systems and methods for authenticating subscribers of video signals are disclosed. In accordance with the various embodiments, a subscriber authentication system includes an encoder coupled to a source of video signals and a source of subscriber data. The encoder generates encoded video signals having at least a portion of the subscriber data encoded in the video signals. An authentication indicating apparatus operable to receive the encoded video signals and to decode the received signals generates an authentication status for the subscriber.
US09247195B2 Method and system for direct recording of video information onto a disk medium
A method for converting video information from an incoming format to an outgoing format using a process free from one or more intermediary files. The method includes receiving video information in a first format and receiving a desired output media format based upon a first input and a desired TV standard based upon a second input. The method decodes the video information in the first format to raw video information in an uncompressed format and directly resizes the raw video information in the uncompressed format into a size associated with the desired output media format and the desired TV standard. The method adjusts the uncompressed format in the size associated with the desired output media format and the desired TV standard to a frame rate associated with the desired TV standard and encodes the uncompressed format in the size and the frame rate into an elementary video stream. A step of multiplexing the elementary video stream with audio information in the desired output media format and the desired TV standard to form video and audio information in a presentation format based upon the desired output media format and the desired TV standard is included.
US09247184B2 Energy saving circuits and methods for multimedia over coaxial alliance (MOCA) capable devices
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to MOCA networks including power-saving MOCA-capable devices. Each of the MOCA-capable devices is operable during a normal or active mode to perform the specific multimedia functionality for which the device is designed, such as to function as a digital video recorder (DVR) and content server, set-top box, and so on. Moreover, each of the MOCA-capable devices is also operable to automatically enter a low-power or standby mode, which reduces the power consumption of the device, when the device need not operate in the active mode. In this way, power savings in each of the MOCA devices results in overall power savings in the MOCA network. A global user-configurable low-power or standby mode parameter can be utilized to override the automatic standby mode operation if desired.
US09247182B2 Using cluster computing for generating personalized dynamic videos
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of obtaining through a computing cloud, parameters of a digital video. The method further includes modifying by software generators of the computing cloud, one or more of the obtained parameters, such that the modification is based on information relating to segments of the users of the network. The method includes creating by rendering engines of the computing cloud a plurality of versions of the digital video. Each one of the plurality of versions comprises a digital video adapted to appeal to at least one of the segments of the users of the network. Further, the method includes determining a quality of at least one of the plurality of versions of the digital video, as well, as determining whether the at least one of the plurality of versions is viewable to the users of the network based on the determined quality.
US09247178B2 Display device used as demonstration device
A demonstration device includes a handheld terminal and a receiving terminal. The handheld terminal includes a mode switch key, and a first micro control unit. The mode switch key can generate a mode switch trigger signal to change from TV signal mode for example, to whiteboard mode. The receiving terminal includes a second micro control unit, and a mode switch executing unit. The second micro control unit can receive the mode switch control signal, and the mode switch executing unit can switch the receiving terminal from TV signal mode to a whiteboard mode according to the mode switch control signal. The receiving terminal draws a picture with lines of particular colors and widths according to movements of the handheld terminal when held in a user's hand.
US09247174B2 Panel user interface for an intelligent television
An intelligent television and methods for displaying content are disclosed. Specifically, a user may cause an application panel to be displayed, which displays content based on the panel tab selected by the user and the content being actively displayed on the intelligent television; that is, the layout, information, and content of the application panel depends on the content being displayed by the intelligent television. For example, upon receiving a selection from the user, the intelligent television may display one or more items of information that are associated with the content currently being displayed in an active content window. Additionally, the user may select a tab corresponding to specific information about the active content window. As the application panel is used to navigate through various screens in the intelligent television, the application panel itself does not obstruct the user from viewing content displayed on the screen of the intelligent television.
US09247170B2 Triple conversion gain image sensor pixels
An image sensor having pixel circuitry operable in multiple gain modes is provided. The pixel circuitry may include first and second floating diffusion (FD) regions, a first photodiode coupled to the first FD region via a first transfer gate, a second photodiode coupled to the first FD region via a second transfer gate, a third photodiode coupled to the second FD region via a third transfer gate, and a fourth photodiode coupled to the second FD region via a fourth transfer gate. The first FD region may be coupled to the second FD region via first and second control transistors. The control transistors may be connected to a shared reset transistor. During readout, both control transistors may be deactivated to provide a high gain mode, only one transistor may be activated to provide an intermediate gain mode, or both control transistors may be activated to provide a low gain mode.
US09247168B2 Imaging device including focusing pixels
An imaging device includes a solid-state imaging device including focus detecting pixels which are arranged together in a region in which imaging pixels are arranged in a form of a two-dimensional (2D) matrix, a separating unit configured to separate imaging signals and focus detection signals from pixel signals output from the solid-state imaging device, to output horizontal direction focus detection signals output from a horizontal direction focus detecting pixel set including two focus detecting signals in a row direction and vertical direction focus detection signals output from a vertical direction focus detecting pixel set including two focus detecting signals in a column direction, a horizontal direction focus detection processing unit configured to convert a format in which the horizontal direction focus detection signals are output to a predetermined format.
US09247164B1 Image pixel more robust to power supply noise, dark node for use in the image pixel, and control method thereof
An image pixel includes light nodes and a dark node. The dark node includes: a first charge storage unit for storing first power supply information during a first time period; a second charge storage unit for storing second power supply information related to the power supply during a second time period; and an information output unit for outputting a first sample signal related to the first power supply information or a second sample signal related to the second power supply information. The first power supply information remains in the first charge storage unit during the second time period and during when the second sample signal is outputted by the information output unit.
US09247160B2 Multi-step exposure method using electronic shutter and photography apparatus using the same
A multi-step exposure method using an electronic shutter and a photography apparatus using the same are provided. The photography apparatus includes an image sensor, and a control unit which divides an area of the image into a first area and a second area using brightness information of the acquired image, and controls so that a first row group and a second row group of the second area have different exposure times. As a result, an image with a wider dynamic range is provided.
US09247153B2 Image processing apparatus, method and imaging apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a histogram computation section that for a plurality of images with different light exposure amounts captured, computes for each of the images a histogram of the number of pixels a light exposure amount ratio computation section that, based on a degree of similarity between a profile of a first histogram computed from a first image out of the plurality of images and a profile of a second histogram computed from a second image out of the plurality of images, computes as a light exposure amount ratio a ratio between a light exposure amount for the first image and a light exposure amount for the second image, and a pixel value adjustment section that adjusts the pixel values of pixels contained in one image out of the first image and the second image based on the light exposure amount ratio.
US09247152B2 Determining image alignment failure
A first set of pixels of a short exposure image and a second set of pixels of a long exposure image may be obtained. The short exposure image may have been captured using a short total exposure time (TET) and the long exposure image may have been captured using a long TET. The long TET may be greater than the short TET. The first set of pixels and the second set of pixels may be aligned. A first pixel value of a first pixel in the first set of pixels and a second pixel of a second pixel in the second set of pixels value may be compared. Based on the comparison, an alignment error value for the first pixel and the second pixel may be determined. Based at least on the alignment error value, an output image may be provided.
US09247148B2 Variable-magnification image processing apparatus
A variable-magnification image processing apparatus, comprising: a magnification setting group storing unit to store a magnification setting group; a display magnification obtaining unit to obtain a display magnification of an image displayed on a display screen at an equal pixel magnification; a magnification setting selection unit configured to select one of the magnification settings in one of decreasing order and increasing order; and a display control unit configured to display the image at the magnification setting, wherein the magnification setting selection unit is configured to execute at least one of: operation to select the obtained display magnification subsequently to a maximum one of the magnification settings smaller than the obtained display magnification when a magnifying operation is conducted; and operation to select the obtained displaying magnification subsequently to a minimum one of the magnification settings larger than the obtained display magnification when a reducing operation is conducted.
US09247140B2 Vibration-type driving unit, two-dimensional driving apparatus, image-blur correction apparatus, interchangeable lens, image capturing apparatus, and automatic stage
A vibration-type driving unit includes a vibrator including an electro-mechanical transducer; a moving body provided with the vibrator; a contact member in contact with the vibrator provided on the moving body; a support member configured to support the contact member; and a moving mechanism configured to move the moving body relative to the support member. The vibrator and the contact member are disposed so that the vibrator moves in a first direction relative to the contact member. The moving mechanism is configured to move the moving body relative to the support member in a second direction intersecting the first direction in a plane parallel to a plane in which the vibrator and the contact member are in contact with each other.
US09247139B2 Method for video background subtraction using factorized matrix completion
A method processes a video acquired of a scene by first aligning a group of video images using compressed domain motion information and then solving for a low rank component and a sparse component of the video. A homography map is computed from the motion information to determine image alignment parameters. The video images are then warped using the homography map to share a similar camera perspective. A Newton root step is followed to traverse separately Pareto curves of each low rank component and sparse component. The solving for the low rank component and the sparse component is repeated alternately until a termination condition is reached. Then, the low ranks component and the sparse component are outputted. The low rank component represents a background in the video, and the sparse component represents moving objects in the video.
US09247136B2 Automatic mobile photo capture using video analysis
A system creates an electronic file corresponding to a printed artifact by launching a video capture module that causes an imaging sensor of a mobile electronic device to capture a video of a scene that includes the printed artifact. The system analyzes image frames in the video in real time as the video is captured to identify a suitable instance. The suitable instance is a frame or sequence of frames that contains at least a portion of the printed artifact and that also satisfies one or more image quality criteria or other criteria. Upon identification of each suitable instance, the system will automatically cause a photo capture module of the device to capture a still image of the printed artifact. The still image has a resolution that is higher than that of the image frames in the video. The system will save the captured still images to a computer-readable file.
US09247133B2 Image registration using sliding registration windows
This disclosure pertains to devices, methods, and computer readable media for performing image registration. A few generalized steps may be used to carry out the image registration techniques described herein: 1) acquiring image data from an image sensor; 2) selecting a pair of overlapping image portions from the acquired image data for registration; 3) determining an area of “maximum energy” in one of the image portions being registered; 4) placing an image registration window over both image portions at the determined location of maximum energy; 5) registering the overlapping image portions using only the image data falling within the image registration windows; and 6) determining, according to one or more metrics, whether the image registration window should be shifted from a current location before registering subsequently acquired image portions.
US09247128B2 Imaging apparatus, method for controlling imaging apparatus, and program
An imaging apparatus includes a controller configured to perform focus control by adding a set value to a result of focus detection by automatic focusing based on a phase difference detection method. In a shooting mode, in a case where an AF frame to be used in the focus control is different from an AF frame to which the set value is set, the controller notifies a user of this fact.
US09247127B2 Fast focusing method and device for multi-spectral imaging
Fast focusing methods and devices for multi-spectral imaging are disclosed. The method comprising selecting one of a plurality of imaging channel as a reference channel, adjusting rotation positions of a stepper motor, calculating focus measures corresponding to all rotation positions of the stepper motor, and obtaining a first distribution curve; in each of the other imaging channels, selecting at least three rotation positions of the stepper motor, matching focus measures at the selected rotation positions with the first distribution curve to obtain a second distribution curve and a offset value between the first distribution curve and the second distribution curve, and calculating a clear focusing position of the imaging channel to be focused according to the offset value; performing a fine-tuning focusing, and thereby obtaining a more precise clear focusing position. A fast focusing for multi-spectral imaging and obtain clear multi-spectral images is obtained.
US09247124B2 Imaging apparatus, semiconductor integrated circuit, and imaging method
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device; a lens optical system including a focus lens for condensing light toward the imaging device; a driving section configured to driving one of the imaging device and the focus lens to change a position to which a focus is adjusted on an object side; a shutter provided at at least one of the imaging device and a position between the lens optical system and the imaging device; and a control unit configured to control the shutter and the driving section, wherein the control unit drives the imaging device or the focus lens such that a focus is adjusted to each of first to third focusing positions of different object distances and controls the shutter and the driving section such that image signals of first to third object images at the first to third focusing positions are obtained by the imaging device.
US09247123B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture an image, a subject detector configured to detect a subject from the image captured by the imaging unit, a setting unit configured to set, in accordance with a change of a position of the subject detected by the subject detector, an image region to be focused on for the changed position of the subject, a focus unit configured to perform a focus operation to the subject included in the set image region, and a controller configured to control a speed of the focus operation according to a moving speed of the subject detected by the subject detector.
US09247118B2 Stepping motor control unit, stepping motor controlling method, and optical apparatus
A control unit for a stepping motor includes an encoder and a controller. The controller controls the stepping motor based on information sent from an image pickup apparatus configured to capture an object via an image pickup optical system that includes the focus lens. in a case that the image pickup apparatus performs autofocusing in capturing a still image, the controller open-loop-controls the stepping motor in at least one of a drive start period and a drive stop period of the stepping motor, and feedback-controls the stepping motor using an output of the encoder between the drive start period and the drive stop period of the stepping motor. The controller open-loop-controls the stepping motor in a case that the image pickup apparatus performs the autofocusing in capturing a motion image.
US09247114B2 Camera module
A camera module according to an aspect of the present invention includes a camera module housing configured to have an opening on the upper side thereof and have an image sensor installed therein and a window member made of light transmission material, formed to have a shape corresponding to the opening of the camera module housing, and fixed to the opening.
US09247113B2 Display device
The present invention provides a display device which has a display unit on a main body, comprising a cover member that can be deformed into a first shape for covering the display unit and a second shape for forming a grip in order to solve the problems in the conventional cameras. The problem is such that the size of the camera becomes large by the size of the grip, which impairs portability of the camera because the conventional camera provides a fixed grip on the camera body on which a display unit with a large screen is mounted. In addition, another conventional camera has a space for accommodating the cover members within the grip, so that the size of the grip becomes accordingly large and thus the camera itself becomes large.
US09247107B2 Method for verifying color matching precision, and storage medium stored with program for image forming system
A method for verifying a color matching precision includes determining a relationship in a magnitude of a distance X, a distance A, and a distance B, which are respectively distances between an achromatic color point and a new target color gamut point on a boundary of a new target color gamut, a verified target color gamut point on a boundary of a verified target color gamut, and a printer color gamut point on a boundary of a printer color gamut having a same hue. When X is more than A and B is less than A and X, a color matching precision of a new target color gamut point is verified by calculating a color difference between the new target color gamut point and a measured color value of the verified target color gamut point having the same hue as the new target color gamut point.
US09247105B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method therefor
An image forming apparatus detects an edge in image data and performs density correction so as to reduce the density of the detected edge. The apparatus then performs screen processing on the image data including the edge that has undergone the density correction, and performs smoothing processing on the edge in screen data obtained through the screen processing.
US09247103B2 Image processing device, image processing system, non-transitory computer readable medium, and image processing method
Provided is an image processing device including an image target separating unit that separates a read printed document into image targets, a page aggregation state determining unit that determines a page aggregation state of the read printed document based on a layout of the image targets separated by the image target separating unit, a printing direction determining unit that determines a printing direction of each of pages determined by the page aggregation state determining unit based on a features of each of the image targets separated by the image target separating unit, and a document format converting unit that converts a document format of the read printed document based on the results of the determination by the page aggregation state determining unit and the printing direction determining unit.
US09247094B2 Information processing device and information processing system for extracting non-selectable printing parameters
An information processing device including an image processing unit, a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with a terminal device within a communicable distance from the terminal device, a display, an input unit, and a controller configured to, after the wireless communication with the terminal device, control the display to display one or more parameters of all parameters available for setting an image processing operation by the image processing unit, the one or more parameters including at least one un-selectable parameter that is not selectable on the terminal device, and in response to receiving, via the input unit, a signal corresponding to a specific parameter of the one or more parameters displayed on the display, control the image processing unit to perform the image processing operation based on the specific parameter corresponding to the received signal.
US09247089B2 Scanning apparatus
A scanning apparatus for scanning an object includes a casing, a scanning module, at least one sensor, and a control unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the scanning module and the sensor for receiving a detecting signal generated by the sensor so as to actuate the scanning module to scan, and the scanning module then generates a first image of a first scanned page and a second image of a second scanned page. The control unit further includes a recognition unit for recognizing whether the first image along with the second image are continuous. As the recognition unit recognizes the first image and the second image to be discontinuous, the control unit generates an insertion image between the first image and the second image.
US09247087B2 Electronic apparatus including main unit and open/close unit movable in up and down direction and openable/closeable in rotating direction relative to main unit
When a document cover in a closed position is opened, a lower end of a rear cover of the document cover may horizontally push a hung portion of an electric cable inside an image reading apparatus. If a rectangular edge of the lower end contacts the horizontal portion directly, the electric cable containing the horizontal portion may be damaged. Therefore, arc-like projections are formed on the lower end of the rear cover such that the projections contact the horizontal portion. According to this configuration, the damage of the electric cable can be suppressed.
US09247081B2 Input apparatus following task flow and image forming apparatus using the same
An input apparatus includes a command input unit to input a command, a key input unit having at least one key, a navigation key input unit having a rotatable navigation key, and a display panel unit to perform displaying according to manipulation of the command input unit, the key input unit, and the navigation key. In the input apparatus, the command input unit, the key input unit, the navigation key input unit, and the display panel unit are arranged in sequence according to a task flow, so a user-friendly input apparatus can be implemented.
US09247071B2 Methods and systems for providing portable VoIP services
A smart card is used with a network based system to providing portable telecommunication and computing services. In an exemplary embodiment the smart card holds a user authentication code and user telephony account information. The smart card transfers the user authentication code and the account information to one of a plurality of geographically dispersed card readers which are each connected to a local telephony device. When the smart card is plugged into a first card reader, telephone calls directed to the smart card user's follow-me telephone number are received at a first local telephony device. When the smart card is plugged into a second smart card reader, telephone calls directed to the follow-me telephone number are received at a second telephony local device. Hence the user is enabled to receive and place calls using any of the geographically dispersed telephony devices as though they were his/her own personal landline or cellular telephone supplied by his/her telephony services provider.
US09247070B2 Method of operating a contact center
Some known Contact Centers rely on a Network Level Router to determine which of a number of available Contact Centers should deal with a given contact. This decision is made by the NLR based on real time information provided by the Contact Centers. However, the format of such information is proprietary which means that the NLR must translate and collate this information. This invention seeks to use session initiation protocol (SIP) Presence for such information transfer which enables improved decision making and further enables additional functionality to be added to the Contact Center system. The invention provides a SIP enabled Contact Center (180, 190, 200) comprising a Contact Center server arranged to send SIP messages to one or more other SIP enabled nodes in a SIP communications network, said SIP messages comprising SIP presence information about the current state of the Contact Center.
US09247066B1 User input drivent short message service (SMS) applications
A message processing application may be configured to receive at least one inquiry message from a user device in the form or a text message, email or other communication message format. The message may be received and processed to identify the content of the inquiry message to determine whether the inquiry message should be transferred to a live agent queue or whether the inquiry message should be responded to with an automated response stored in a database. In the case of the automated message failing to address the user's inquiry or if the automated responses do not appear to be relevant based on the comparison of the message content to automated response content then transmitting the inquiry message to the live agent queue.
US09247063B2 Method and system for personalising responses to customer communications
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for personalizing a response to an incoming customer communication. The method includes identifying a customer based on an incoming customer communication; selecting a rule applicable to the incoming customer communication, the rule having a destination associated therewith; preparing data to facilitate processing of the incoming customer communication; and routing the call to the destination associated with the selected rule and sending the prepared data to the destination.
US09247059B1 Priority token-based interactive voice response server
An Interactive Voice Response Server (“IVR Server”) generates a session identifier (“session ID”) to identify and track a session during an initial communication connection. Upon resolving menu selection identifiers that are received from a first communication device to a queue of sessions, the IVR Server stores the session ID in a queue table for the queue. Next, the IVR Server determines an estimated wait time, generates a token, and links the estimated wait time and the token to the session by mapping the token and the estimated wait time to an entry of the session ID in the queue table. Finally, the IVR Server transmits the estimated wait time and the token to the first communication device. In a subsequent communication connection, the session can be accessed on the same or a different device as the session progresses through the queue based on the token.
US09247057B2 System and method for providing proactive service assurance in emergency networks
An approach is provided for network quality assurance. The approach includes identifying a node in a calling path associated with a call between a calling party and a called party. The approach also includes querying call record information associated with the call from the node. The approach further includes analyzing the call record information to determine a successful state or a failure state of the call. The approach further includes recursively querying and analyzing other call record information associated with the call from one or more subsequent nodes based on the successful state, the failure state, or a combination thereof determined for the node, the one or more subsequent nodes, or a combination thereof.
US09247053B1 Method and system for providing quick directions
A method and system for providing a telephone caller information assistance such as driving directions from a starting location to a destination location. To obtain information assistance, the caller places a telephone call to access the system. If the geographical location of the caller can be determined by an automatic location identification system it is displayed on an operator console where the caller's request is transferred to be handled by a live operator. The operator receives the caller's destination request and queries the system for the street route driving instructions to the requested destination. After obtaining the street route driving instructions, the call can be transferred to an audio box having an interactive user interface capable of replaying the desired information to the caller. In an illustrative embodiment, the interactive user interface is capable providing functions to stop, start, pause, and replay the information to the caller.
US09247046B2 Methods and apparatus for transmitting data
Methods and apparatus for transmitting data are provided. A relationship, between a sender of a call signal and a receiver of a call signal, that exists in at least one network service server, is confirmed. Data associated with the sender is selected based on the relationship between the sender and the receiver. The data associated with the sender is transmitted to the receiver.
US09247041B2 Inherent disorder reader adapted to be connected to a mobile device
Embodiments of the invention provide an adaptor that presents information from an inherent disorder feature as an optical signal. The adaptor is configured to direct the optical signal onto an optical processing unit built into a camera of a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, to generate an image usable to identify an object. The adaptor is configured to be user attachable to the mobile device.
US09247040B1 Vehicle event recorder mobile phone mount
A phone vehicle event recorder mount comprises an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive an indication of whether a phone vehicle event recorder is connected. The processor is configured to, in the event that the phone vehicle event recorder is connected, provide an indication to disable receiving and transmitting voice phone calls.
US09247035B1 Twisted case
The inventive device disclosed in the present application is a new case for iPhone 5 which has a built-in cable holder along one side of the phone. The holder is on the side opposite the volume and vibration controls. The user leaves their headphones plugged in and attached to their phone, wraps the headphone cable between the two prongs on the side of the case, and clips the ear buds into the earphone clip at the top. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
US09247034B2 Heat dissipation structure and handheld electronic device with the heat dissipation structure
A heat dissipation structure includes a heat conduction support body disposed in a handheld electronic device. The heat conduction support body has a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. A chamber is defined between the first and second faces. More than one capillary structure and a working fluid are disposed in the chamber. One of the first and second faces or both of the first and second faces are in contact with the electronic components of the handheld electronic device. One of the first and second faces is in contact with the housing of the handheld electronic device. Accordingly, the heat generated by the electronic components can be quickly conducted and dissipated outward.
US09247033B2 Accessing payload portions of client requests from client memory storage hardware using remote direct memory access
A method of processing client requests on a data processing apparatus. The method includes receiving control portions of client requests from respective clients. Each client request has control and payload portions, where the payload portion includes data and the control portion includes information relating to the data of the payload portion. The method also includes buffering, in non-transitory memory of the data processing apparatus, the received client request control portions, and retrieving the payload portion of a client request before processing that client request.
US09247032B2 Method for offloading packet segmentations and device using the same
A method for offloading packet segmentations includes the steps of retrieving a packet segmentation offloading parameter in a packet and segmenting the packet into a plurality of sub-packets by taking consideration the packet segmentation offloading parameter. A device for offloading packet segmentations includes a packet parser configured to receive a packet to be transmitted, a header buffer controller configured to retrieve a header of the packet and connected to a buffer to access the header, an extractor configured to retrieve a packet segmentation offloading parameter in the packet, and a segmentation module configured to segment the packet into a plurality of sub-packets by taking consideration the header and the packet segmentation offloading parameter.
US09247029B1 Efficient processing of streams of images within a moving window session
In one general aspect, a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed cause one or more processors to perform a process that can include sending from a client device to a host device an indicator of a size of a target display area of a moving window session with respect to a host display area of an application operating at the host device where the application can be remotely controlled via the client device. The process can include analyzing a stream of images associated with the target display area of the moving window session and defining at the client device a plurality of regions within the target display area based on the analyzing. The process can also include modifying the moving window session without terminating the moving window session and without establishing a new moving window session.
US09247028B1 Latency-guided web content retrieval, serving, and rendering
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the retrieval, serving, and rendering of web content provided from a web content server to a requesting client device, e.g., over a network, based on target latency. A computer-implemented method includes determining, by a web content server, a requesting client device in communication with the web content server, or both, latency-related limitations of the client device. The method also includes determining, by the web content server, the client device, or both, web content needs of the client device based on a web content request from the client device. The method further includes adjusting web content to be displayed at the client device based on the determined latency-related limitations and needs of the client device. At least a portion of the adjusting of web content can occur at the web content server, the client device, or both. Related systems are also presented.
US09247020B2 Media content receiving device and distribution of media content utilizing social networks and social circles
Devices and methods for receiving sections of media content and receiving ranked content and caching sections of content are disclosed herein. Media content can be received by a device and filtered as a function of relevance to user interest. In an aspect, the device can receive sections of the content ranked based at least in part on popularity and respective sections of the media content can be cached based on the ranking. In another aspect, the device can present subset of the cached media content sections to users belonging to social circle networks and social circles.
US09247019B2 Mobile application traffic optimization
A system with distributed proxy for reducing traffic in a wireless network to satisfy data requests made by a mobile application the system is provided. The system includes a mobile device having a local proxy for intercepting a data request made by the mobile application where the local proxy simulating application server responses for the mobile application on the mobile device for data requests where responses are available in the local cache. A proxy server is coupled to the mobile device and an application server to which the data request is made. The proxy server is able to communicate with the local proxy where the local proxy forwards the data request to the proxy server for transmission to the application server for a response to the data request. The proxy server queries the application server independent of activities of the mobile application for any changes to the data request that the mobile application has previously made and notifies the local proxy of such changes.
US09247018B2 Method and apparatus for cooperation between push devices
A method and an apparatus for cooperation between push devices to improve the validity and reachability of Internet Protocol (IP) connections. The method for cooperation between push devices includes: obtaining, by a Push proxy, a Push identifier and an address of a Push client; storing, by the Push proxy, a mapping between the Push identifier and the address of the Push client; and if the address of the Push client changes, updating, by the Push proxy, the corresponding address in the mapping. With the embodiments of the present invention, validity and reachability of IP connections can be improved, and the real-time performance and reliability of Push messages can be improved.
US09247013B2 System for repetitively executing rules-based configurable business application operations
A method, system, and computer program product for repetitively executing rules-based configurable business application operations. The method commences by initiating a recording session to record user steps taken within an interactive session, then during the interactive session, retrieving a post from a social media site using and access interface of the social media site. The recording session is saved in a persistent storage for subsequent initiation of a batch processor to replay at least a portion of the saved recording session. The method further comprises selecting one or more rules based on the sentiment of the post, and taking one or more actions in response to the rule. Operations for interactive processing or for batch processing include extracting an author of the post, extracting a sentiment of the post, extracting a category of the post, and performing further actions based on aspects of the post.
US09247012B2 Applying relative weighting schemas to online usage data
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture allow adjusting the relative weighting associated with evaluation criteria associated with a unified view of dissimilar data. The operation generally includes collecting data regarding attributes of a user interacting with an application, where the collected data has associated evaluation criteria. The data is collectively represented according to the evaluation criteria. The systems, methods and articles of manufacture then allow dynamically modifying the evaluation criteria before evaluating and collectively representing the data according to the adjusted criteria.
US09247010B2 Method, system, and devices for facilitating real-time social and business interactions/networking
A personal networking/communication device (PND) enables real-time social and business interactions/networking within a real environment. A first PND associated with a first person/user in the real environment is within communication range of a second PND. The first PND receives (via electronic communication) and displays a social interaction information signature (SIS) of the second PND. The signature includes a physical mapping/location of the second PND relative to the first PND and provides some information about the second PND's user. Following a selection of the SIS on the first PND, the first PND electronically transmits one or more “request for interaction or information exchange” (RIIE) to the second PND. When the first PND receives a response to the RIIE from the second PND, the user of the first PND receives real-time unequivocal confirmation of whether the second person is interested in interacting/socializing with the user.
US09247006B2 Single sign-on between multiple data centers
Systems and methods are disclosed for a single sign-on (SSO) enterprise system with multiple data centers that use a lightweight cookie on a user's client device. The lightweight cookie includes a reference to a data center in which the user is already authenticated, and a new data center contacts the old data center for creating a session for the user on the new data center. If the old data center is unavailable, then the new data center may fall back to accessing a local security store, a backup of keys, security tokens, and/or other security data, in order to create a local session for the user on the new data center.
US09247004B2 System and method for reliable and scalable health monitoring
A health-monitoring system and method are disclosed. The health-monitoring system and method comprise a sensory system and a sensory to front-end communication (SFCM) protocol coupled to the sensory system. The health-monitoring system and method include a front-end system coupled to the sensory system and a front-end to back-end communication (FBCM) protocol coupled to the front-end system. The health-monitoring system and method include a back-end system. The SFCM protocol communicates with the front-end system using a first state awareness link and the FBCM protocol communicates with the back-end system using a second state awareness link.
US09247000B2 Distributing and synchronizing objects
The described embodiments distribute and synchronize objects in a network. More specifically, the described embodiments distribute copies of objects locally (i.e., store copies of objects in local address spaces). By storing a copy of a given object in a local address space, the object's methods may be executed locally, which can help to avoid excessive network traffic associated with remotely executing the object's methods. However, executing an object's methods locally can result in the state of the object (i.e., data associated with the object, etc.) becoming out of sync with other copies of the object in the network. To avoid issues associated with unsynchronized copies of the object in the network, the described embodiments use a policy that specifies conditions under which objects are to be synchronized.
US09246994B2 Method and system for distributing a network application among a plurality of network sites on a shared network
Presented is a system and method for distributing a network application across a plurality of geographically dispersed network sites. The system comprises a plurality of network sites connected by a shared network and interconnected by a dedicated non-blocking communication network. The system can use different interconnecting network topologies based on the number of sites to be interconnected. The method balances the network application load and resources across the interconnected network sites based on a distribution policy implemented without burdening the shared network. The method provides redundancy capabilities by detecting the loss of a network site and redistributing the network application load to the remaining network sites.
US09246992B2 Virtual desktop implementation method, apparatus, and system
A virtual desktop implementation method, apparatus, and system are provided. A monitor program intercepts a file access request of an application program, and obtains file operation information of the file access request, where the file operation information includes a storage location and an operation type of a to-be-accessed file; the monitor program determines a file type of the to-be-accessed file according to the storage location of the to-be-accessed file, where the file type includes a system file and a program file; sends the file access request to a to-be-accessed file in a local virtual operating system folder when the file type is a system file; and sends the file access request to a to-be-accessed file in a program folder in a local or remote device when the file type is a program file. Accordingly running speeds of a virtual desktop and an application on the virtual desktop are improved.
US09246989B1 Scheduling data pushes to a mobile device based on usage and applications thereof
Embodiments relate to pushing data to mobile devices more efficiently. In a first embodiment, a computer-implemented method receives pushed data on a mobile device. The method includes: (a) recording, at a memory of the mobile device, information describing activity occurring on the mobile device during a first time period; (b) sending, from the mobile device to a server, data indicating the first time period and activity data indicating whether the mobile device was active during the first time period; and (c) during a second time period occurring after the recording (a) and sending (b), receiving application data pushed to the mobile device at a first rate determined based at least in part on the activity data sent to the server in (b), wherein the second time period is determined by the server based at least in part on the data indicating the first time period.
US09246986B1 Instance selection ordering policies for network-accessible resources
Methods and apparatus for supporting instance ordering selection policies (ISOPs) for network-accessible resources are disclosed. A system includes a plurality of resource instances of a provider network, and a resource manager. The resource manager assigns an ISOP to be used to respond to instance acquisition requests of a specified type from a particular client. In response to a request of the specified type from the client, the resource manager determines, based at least in part on the ISOP, an order in which a plurality of resource groups (such as a set of instances reservations of the client, or an instance marketplace accessible to multiple clients) is to be examined to obtain an instance for the client. Starting with a first resource group, the resource manager examines each resource group until an instance matching instance selection criteria specified in the request is found.
US09246982B2 Reducing network usage of computing device
Methods and systems for reducing network usage of a computing device are provided herein. The method includes receiving a network call relating to a network transfer from an application at an application programming interface of the computing device. The method also includes determining whether the network transfer is relevant to a current state of the application and procrastinating the network transfer if it is not relevant to the current state of the application.
US09246972B2 Content delivery methods and systems
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for delivering content from content providers to end users using computer networks. Aspects of the invention enable content providers cost-effective content delivery using, for example, download and peer-to-peer mechanisms, while also allowing content providers the ability to control and restrict usage of the content and combat piracy. These and other aspects of the invention are discussed in more detail herein.
US09246965B1 Source assignment based on network partitioning
Directing a video player to a video source is disclosed. An indication that a client requires video streaming instructions is received. A past download performance for a plurality of clients that or correlated to the client requiring video streaming instructions is determined. At least one of: a content source, and a bitrate, is selected, based at least in part on the determined past download performance of the plurality of correlated clients. The client is provided with instructions based at least in part on the selection.
US09246962B2 Conference mixing using turbo-VAD
A conference mixer includes a unit configured to receive a plurality of input streams, a spectral voice activity detection (VAD) unit configured to, for each of the input streams, generate and output a spectral VAD decision indicating whether a frame including data packets is voice, a turbo VAD unit configured to generate and output a turbo VAD decision that indicates for a frame including data packets which input stream is active, the turbo VAD decision being based on the spectral VAD decisions and a power-based decision indicating whether an estimated instantaneous power level of a frame including data packets is greater than a power threshold, and a finite state machine (FSM) unit configured to select which of the input streams to output as an active stream based on a plurality of the turbo VAD decisions, the turbo VAD decision being based in part on feedback provided by the FSM.
US09246959B2 System and method for location-based social network feeds
Systems and methods are provided for location-based social network feeds. A system identifies a geolocation of a display device. The system identifies a first network feed and a second network feed associated with a user profile associated with the display device. The system identifies a first geolocation associated with the first network feed. The system identifies a second geolocation associated with the second network feed. The system calculates a first proximity between the first geolocation and the geolocation of the display device. The system calculates a second proximity between the second geolocation and the geolocation of the display device. The system outputs, to the display device, the first network feed based on the first proximity and the second network feed based on the second proximity.
US09246958B2 Systems and methods for multiple photo selection
Techniques to allow for ease of navigation within a photo browsing interface of a social networking system. In one embodiment, designations of a first image and a second image for sharing are received from within at least one of a single-image view and a camera view. Based on the designations, the first image and the second image are added to a communication. The designations may be based on a user selection of an option provided by an interface of a mobile device. The first image and the second image may be received from within a social networking application or from within a dedicated camera application.
US09246956B2 Method for pairing a computer with a video conference device
A method including: generating a random identification token on a computer, said identification token identifying the computer; modulating the identification token to an audio signal on the computer; causing, with the computer, a speaker to emit the audio signal; receiving, at video conference device, the audio signal with a microphone associated with the video conference device; demodulating the audio signal to the identification token in the video conference device; sending at least the identification token and a unique identifier of the video conference device to the computer; and establishing a communication session through a communication network, that both the computer and video conference device are communicatively connected to, from the computer to the video conference device enabling control of, and data transfer to, the video conference device from the computer.
US09246950B2 System and method of providing registration macros in an IMS network-based device
Disclosed are a network-based device, method and computer-readable medium for providing registration macros in an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). The method embodiment includes receiving an instruction from a user regarding a plurality of registration changes of customer Public User Identities at one or several pieces of equipment and implementing a macro such that the first step comprising at least one of a registration or de-registration and a second step comprising one of a registration or a de-registration both occur based on the instruction from the user.
US09246949B2 Secure capability negotiation between a client and server
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for establishing an authenticated session between a client computing device and a remote computing device. In certain embodiments, a connection is established between the client computing device and the remote computing device. Once the connection is established, the client computing device sends a number of requests to the client computing device including a negotiate request, a setup request, and a validation request. In response to the requests, the client computing device receives a number of responses from the remote computing device including a negotiate response, setup response and a validation response. Once the responses have been received, a determination is made as to whether information contained in the validation response matches information contained in the negotiate response. If the information matches, an authenticated session is established between the remote computing device and the client computing device.
US09246946B2 System and method for providing customized response messages based on requested website
The invention describes a system, method and computer product to regulate user access to websites. The system receives a URL request by a user corresponding to a website that the user wishes to access. Thereafter, the system determines the associated group of the user and the associated category of the website. Subsequently, a message to be displayed to the user is determined based on the associated group of the user and the associated category of the website. The message is included in a block page and then displayed to the user.
US09246944B1 Systems and methods for enforcing data loss prevention policies on mobile devices
A computer-implemented method for enforcing data loss prevention policies on mobile devices may include (1) identifying a mobile device that connected to a network and that may include sensitive data and that is in a predetermined state that is designated for transferring data for data loss prevention analysis, (2) requesting, from a data loss prevention policy database via the network, a data loss prevention policy category for the sensitive data based on an analysis the sensitive data, (3) receiving the data loss prevention policy category, tagging, based on the data loss prevention policy category, the sensitive data on the mobile device with a data loss prevention policy tag and (4) enforcing on the mobile device, based on the data loss prevention policy tag, a data loss prevention rule for the data loss prevention category of the sensitive data. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09246943B2 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.
US09246941B1 Systems and methods for predicting the impact of security-policy changes on users
A computer-implemented method for predicting the impact of security-policy changes on users may include (1) identifying at least one end-user computing system that may potentially be regulated using a security policy, (2) predicting, prior to activating the security policy on the end-user computing system, how activating the security policy may impact at least one user of the end-user computing system by monitoring at least one behavior of the user on the end-user computing system and by determining how activating the security policy on the end-user computing system may have impacted the behavior, and (3) notifying, based at least in part on predicting how activating the security policy may impact the user, an administrator of the end-user computing system with information that indicates how activating the security policy may impact future user behavior. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09246937B2 Network access control system and method
The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling a network access of a network packet on the basis of a thread which is inserted into a process through code injection. The network access control system according to the present invention comprises: a process inspecting unit for detecting a code injection-based thread included in a process; and a network monitoring unit for performing network filtering so as to detect a network packet having access to a network, and, if a communication subject of the detected network packet is the code injection-based thread, blocking the traffic of the detected network packet.
US09246935B2 Method and system for dynamic and comprehensive vulnerability management
One or more relevant scanners used to identify asset vulnerabilities are identified, obtained, and logically arranged for deployment on an asset in accordance with a vulnerability management policy and a scanner deployment policy such that the relevant scanners are deployed at, or before, a determined ideal time to minimize the resources necessary to correct the vulnerabilities, if found. The relevant scanners are then automatically deployed in accordance with the scanner deployment policy and, if a vulnerability is identified, one or more associated remedies or remedy procedures are applied to the asset. At least one of the one or more relevant scanners are then re-deployed on the asset to determine if the identified vulnerability has been corrected and, if the vulnerability is not corrected at, or before, a defined time, protective measures are automatically taken.
US09246931B1 Communication-based reputation system
A communication between an entity and a host is identified. Reputation information associated with a set of other entities that communicate with the host is identified. A reputation score associated with the host is generated based on the reputation information associated with a set of other entities. A reputation score associated with the entity is generated based on the reputation score associated with the host.
US09246928B2 Compiling pattern contexts to scan lanes under instruction execution constraints
A technique for determining scan lanes is provided. For a set of patterns, a number of scan lanes is estimated to be utilized on an accelerator. The number of the scan lanes estimated for the set of patterns is iteratively incremented to optimize a throughput of the accelerator. The set of patterns is distributed to the number of the scan lanes as a distribution, and each one of the scan lanes has a predetermined number of engines. A size of a memory space is evaluated that is needed for the distribution to distribute the set of patterns onto the number of scan lanes.
US09246927B2 Data leak protection
Methods and systems for Data Leak Prevention (DLP) in an enterprise network are provided. According to one embodiment a data leak protection method is provided. Information regarding a watermark filtering rule is received by a network device. The information includes a sensitivity level and an action to be applied to files observed by the network device that match the watermark filtering rule. A file attempted to be passed through the network device is received by the network device. A watermark embedded within the received file is detected by the network device. A sensitivity level associated with the watermark is compared by the network device to the sensitivity level of the watermark filtering rule after the watermark is detected. If the comparison results in a match, then the action specified by the watermark filtering rule is performed by the network device.
US09246926B2 Packet validation using watermarks
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing secure transmissions across a network comprising a transmitting device and a receiving device. At the transmitting device, a stream of watermark bits is generated. Next, a plurality of watermarks is generated, each of the plurality of watermarks comprising an index number and a portion of the stream of watermark bits. The watermarks are inserted, into each header of a plurality of outgoing packets. At the receiving device, the plurality of outgoing packets are received and it is determined if a received packet is valid based on the watermark in the header of the received packet. The stream of watermark bits may be generated using a stream cipher such as RC4, a block cipher such as 3DES in CBC mode, or other equivalent pseudo-random stream generating techniques.
US09246925B2 Method and system for third-party service platform login
A third-party service platform login method is provided for a public platform containing information of a plurality of third-party service platforms. The method includes accepting a user logging onto the public platform from a client terminal, obtaining a third-party service platform selected by the user on the public platform, and obtaining a user identification number (UIN) of the user and a UIN of the selected third-party service platform. The user's UIN corresponds to a user account of the user on the public platform and the selected third-party service platform's UIN corresponds to a public account of the third-party service platform on the public platform. Further, the method includes combining the UIN of the user and the UIN of the selected third-party service platform to generate a new combined user account for the user to log onto the selected third-party service platform, and logging onto the selected third-party service platform.
US09246924B2 Method for sharing service identity among multiple client devices in a real-time communications network
Methods for sharing service identity between client devices in a real-time communications network are presented including: registering a first client device with a server on the real-time communications network, the first client device registering with a shared service identity, where the first client device becomes an active client device; and when a second client device enters a physical proximity of the first client device; establishing a personal area network connection between the first client device and the second client device; registering the second client device with the server, the second client device registering with the shared service identity, where the second client device becomes the active client device and the first client device becomes a waiting device, where the waiting device discontinues communication with the server.
US09246922B2 Programmatically enabling user access to CRM secured field instances based on secured field instance settings
Access to customer relationship management (CRM) secured field instances is enabled based on field settings. A requester's identity determines action paths to be executed in order to enable access to fields. A client application's user privileges are inherited to enable access to secured fields. Such access through a granted privilege is provided through an API intermediating inheritance of user's privileges from client application.
US09246919B2 Portable information terminal apparatus, method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and service utilization system
A portable information terminal apparatus includes an obtaining unit that causes an information apparatus shared by multiple users to obtain an access token that contains access right information indicating that the information apparatus has an access right to an external service utilization system, and obtains the obtained access token, and a request unit that transmits the access token obtained by the obtaining unit to the information apparatus upon requesting the external service utilization system to execute a service operation, and causes the information apparatus to perform data communication with the external service utilization system in response to a request for execution of the service operation, using the access token.
US09246916B2 Specifying rights in a digital rights license according to events
A digital license specifies rights with regard to corresponding digital content, and in particular specifies at least one event and for the at least one event at least one of a condition precedent to allowing the event to proceed and an action to be taken once the event has occurred. To respond to a request for an event from a rendering application with regard to the content, event code corresponding to the event is located in the license, and the condition within the event code is evaluated. If evaluated as true, the requested event is allowed to proceed, whereby the rendering application performs the event, and the action within the event code is executed. If evaluated as false, the requested event is denied.
US09246912B2 Password generator
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for generating a short term password that may be used to access a data warehouse. According to aspects of the disclosure, a user may request a password after inputting a data warehouse environment, an ID name, and a reason for the password reset. A server may receive the request and determine whether the difference in time of the present request and a previous request for the same ID name and data warehouse environment is greater than a time limit. Additionally, the server may determine whether a previous user has logged in using a password for the same ID name and data warehouse environment. Thereafter, the server may generate and output a short term password that expires after the time limit.
US09246911B2 Authentication apparatus, authentication system, authentication method, and recording medium having authentication program recorded thereon
It is determined whether a login button is pressed or not. If the login button being pressed is sensed, a user authentication window appears. After the user authentication window appears, it is determined whether an authentication code is input or not. If an authentication code is input, then it is determined whether a prescribed period of time has passed or not since the last logout. If it is determined that a prescribed period of time has not passed since the last logout, authentication is performed in MFP. It is then determined whether the authentication is “OK” or not. If the authentication is “OK,” the authentication is successful. A login process is then executed.
US09246910B2 Determination of apparatus configuration and programming data
A method including determining a public identifier for identifying a configuration of an apparatus, determining a common configuration certificate comprising a common configuration certificate identifier for verifying programming data, and determining a hardware certificate comprising the public identifier and the common configuration certificate identifier for associating a permitted combination of the apparatus configuration and the programming data. Furthermore, the method includes generating a dedicated package of the hardware certificates corresponding to the apparatus configurations allowed to be provided, encrypting the dedicated package of the hardware certificates using a public key, and storing the encrypted dedicated package of the hardware certificates with an identifier to a passive memory of the apparatus.
US09246908B2 Adding biometric identification to the client security infrastructure for an enterprise service bus system
An enterprise service bus client accesses a user's biometric information, where the biometric information is accessed from a biometric input device coupled to the enterprise service bus client. Furthermore, the enterprise service bus client retrieves a certificate using the user's biometric information. With the certificate, the enterprise service bus client establishes a connection with an enterprise service bus server and accesses an enterprise service bus service.
US09246907B2 Confidence-based authentication discovery for an outbound proxy
A confidence-based authentication discovery scheme is implemented at a proxy. The scheme assumes that some level of unauthenticated browsing is allowed prior to enforcing authentication at the proxy. Once a known and trusted set of identity providers has been accessed and the user is required to authenticate at the proxy (e.g., as a result of policy), the proxy initiates Federated Single Sign-On (F-SSO) to one or more (or, preferably, all) known sites accessed by the browser. This F-SSO operation is performed seamlessly, preferably without the user's knowledge (after the user allows an initial trust decision between the proxy acting as a service provider and the external identity provider). The proxy collates the results and, based on the trust it has with those sites, produces a confidence score. That score is then used as input into policy around whether or not a user should be permitted to access a particular site.
US09246904B2 Secure web container for a secure online user environment
Disclosed herein are systems and methods that allow for secure access to websites and web-based applications and other resources available through the browser. Also described are systems and methods for invocation of a secure web container which may display data representative of a requesting party's application at a user's machine. The secure web container is invoked upon receipt of an API call from the requesting party. Thus, described in the present specification are systems and methods for constructing and destroying private, secure, browsing environments (a secure disposable web container), insulating the user and requesting parties from the threats associated with being online for the purposes of providing secure, policy-based interaction with a requesting party's online services.
US09246899B1 Authentication and interaction tracking system and method
A central authentication and interaction tracking system authenticates an entity making a request related to a financial account. The system facilitates authentication of an entity engaging in an interaction based on a record of interactions initiated by the entity. The system includes an application interface receiving interaction requests over a network, the requests originating from multiple entities and including authentication factors. The system further includes a computer processor and computer memory capable of building, from each interaction request, an entity print record for each of the multiple entities, wherein each entity print record includes the authentication factors. The system further facilitates deriving, from the entity print record, an entity print, comparing received authentication factors for a requested interaction with the entity print, and making an authentication determination based on the comparison.
US09246898B2 System and method for securely distributing legal evidence
This invention provides a system and method to search for and securely download Digital MultiMedia Evidence (DME) data from a central DME repository to portable USB, smart phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or other data storage devices, with a clear chain of custody and access control audit trail reporting, so the DME can be used to prepare for and conduct legal proceedings.
US09246893B2 Intra-computer protected communications between applications
Systems, methods and machine-readable media for providing a security service are disclosed. The methods include receiving a modification of the application object code to allow the software application to transmit a request for the security service; retrieving the modified application object code corresponding to the software application from memory; receiving, via a processor, the request for the security service from the modified application object code; and providing, via the processor, the security service. The systems and machine-readable media performing operations according to the methods disclosed.
US09246888B2 Systems and methods for secure communication over an unsecured communication channel
A system and method for secure data transmission over an unsecured communication channel by means of public key cryptography is disclosed. A plurality of digital certificates associated with a plurality of user devices within a peer network are maintained at each of the user devices in a certificate database. Each user device is assigned with a secure hardware token. The hardware token stores a private key and a local encryption key associated with the corresponding device. In order to transfer data between a first user device and a second user device, a public key of second user device stored in the certificate database is used to encrypt a data to be transferred from a first user device to the second user device within the peer network. At the second user device, the encrypted data is decrypted using a private key associated with the second user device to retrieve the data.
US09246883B2 Subscriber identity module provisioning
The exemplary embodiments of the invention include inputting, at a device, a voucher having a plurality of data fields, where the voucher provides provisional subscriber identification for the device, sending at least some of the voucher data fields to a network operator, based on the sent information, receiving a software based subscriber identity module, and using the software based subscriber identity module to authenticate the device. Further, the exemplary embodiments include receiving a voucher having a plurality of data fields from a device, where the voucher provides provisional subscriber identification for the device, in response to the voucher code, sending to the device a request for additional information, in response to the request, receiving an additional data field of the voucher and a security identifier of the device, and based on validating the additional information using the security identifier, sending a software based subscriber identity module to the device.
US09246880B2 Methods for secure communication between network device services and devices thereof
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and network device that generates a network communication including a destination address associated with a second network device and a destination port number, wherein the destination port number corresponds to a service operating on the second network device. An initial SSL handshake protocol message is generated and at least the destination port number is inserted into a server name indicator (SNI) extension of the initial SSL handshake protocol message. An SSL connection is established with the second network device using a predetermined port number and the initial SSL handshake protocol message is sent to the second network device. Information included in the network communication is sent to the second network device using the SSL connection.
US09246879B2 Methods and apparatus to form secure cross-virtual private network communication sessions
Example methods and apparatus to form secure cross-VPN (virtual private network) communication sessions in multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)-based networks are disclosed. An example method comprises sending a first border gateway protocol route advertisement to a first provider edge router associated with a first one of two multiprotocol label switched-based virtual private networks in response to receiving a cross-virtual private network link setup request from an application server, the route advertisement comprising a flow-spec parameter, and the setup request identifying a communication path between two user devices associated with the first and second multiprotocol label switched-based virtual private networks, sending a second border gateway protocol route advertisement to a second provider edge router associated with the second multiprotocol label switched-based virtual private network, and restricting a communication session between the two user devices of the first and second multiprotocol label switched-based virtual private networks to a first protocol for a threshold period of time based on a restriction parameter shared by the communication path.
US09246878B2 Methods and systems for routing packets in a VPN-client-to-VPN-client connection via an SSL/VPN network appliance
In a method and system for routing packets between clients, a packet is received from a first client connected to a secure sockets layer virtual private network (an SSL/VPN) network appliance. An identification is made, responsive to an inspection of the received packet, of i) a type of connection required for transmission of the received packet to a destination address identified by the received packet and ii) a second client connected via an SSL/VPN connection to the SSL/VPN network appliance and associated with the identified destination address. A request is made for establishment by the second client of a connection of the identified type within the SSL/VPN connection. The received packet is transmitted to the second client via the established connection of the identified type.
US09246874B2 Virtual domain name system
Methods, devices, and storage mediums resolve uniform resource identifiers to Internet protocol addresses based on various criteria. Additionally, uniform resource identifiers are resolved to Internet protocol addresses based on Application-Layer Traffic Optimization information and domain name system policies.
US09246872B2 Methods and arrangements for enabling data transmission between a mobile device and a static destination address
The embodiments of the present invention provide a solution for simplifying data transmission between a mobile device and a static destination address. This is achieved by introducing a new network node referred to as a VPC connector. The VPC connector is associated with a gateway of the operator network such as a GGSN. The VPC connector has access to a static first mapping between a subscriber identity associated with the mobile device and a static destination address to which the data from the mobile device should be sent. In order for the gateway to be able to route data from the mobile device to the correct static destination address, the gateway sends a dynamic second mapping between a temporary IP address of the mobile device and the subscriber identity associated with the mobile device to the network node referred to as the VPC connector. When the GGSN receives data from the temporary IP address of the mobile device, the GGSN requests information of the VPC address to which the GGSN should route that data. Since, the VPC connector can identify from which IP address the data is received, the VPC connector can then retrieve the VPC address by using the static first mapping and the dynamic second mapping.
US09246865B2 Prioritized alert delivery in a distributed processing system
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for prioritized alert delivery in a distributed processing system are provided. Embodiments include receiving a plurality of events from a plurality of tiered event producing components in a distributed computing system; identifying a plurality of potential alerts in dependence upon the events; wherein each potential alert includes a priority and one or more condition events describing the event producing component creating the event; comparing the potential alerts and their condition events and priorities; identifying the highest priority potential alert having condition events whose event producing component is in a tier that is higher than the tier of condition events of one or more lower priority potential alerts; and creating an alert in dependence upon the identified highest priority potential alert and the condition events corresponding to the identified highest priority potential alert.
US09246858B2 Enabling participation in an online community using visual machine-readable symbols
A facility for coordinating an online discussion is described. The facility receives an indication that a user has captured a machine-readable symbol encoding an identifier that identifies a particular online discussion. In response, the facility incorporates into an online forum that hosts this online discussion an indication that this user captured a symbol encoding an identifier that identifies this online discussion.
US09246857B2 Method and system for correlating conversations in a messaging environment
A computer based method for correlating conversations is provided, including the steps of providing a discussion interface at an interface device, receiving an indication that one of several messages displayed at the discussion interface is part of an active conversation, providing a message entry location for imputing new messages associated with the discussion interface, and receiving new messages at the message entry location. New messages received are automatically associated with the active conversation by displaying them with a visual cue shared by all messages associated with the active conversation.
US09246856B1 Collaborative streaming of video content
A system, method and various user interfaces enable visually browsing multiple groups of video recommendations. A video stream includes a group of videos to be viewed and commented by users who join the stream. Users who join a stream form a stream community. In a stream community, community members can add videos to the stream and interact collaboratively with others community members, such as chatting in real time with each other while viewing a video. With streams, a user can create a virtual room in an online video content distribution environment to watch videos of the streams and interact with others while sharing videos simultaneously. Consequently, users have an enhanced video viewing and sharing experience.
US09246855B2 Method and apparatus for joining electronic conference
According to the present invention, even while a chat opening process is in progress, users can join chats by means of a simple procedure from a video game machine . Once a chat has been opened, an invitation signal can further be transmitted to other chat guests. A video game machine of an expected guest receiving the invitation signal displays a screen prompting the guest to enter the chat room, and the expected guest can join the chat by transmitting an enter room signal to a database. At this time, a chat answer signal indicating that the expected guest accepts the invitation from a chairman is transmitted from the expected guest to the chairman.
US09246854B2 Terminal device
A client device including a first message receiver that receives a first message from an external device; a second message receiver that receives a second message from the external device; a display unit that displays one of the first message received by the first message receiver and the second message received by the second message receiver; and a controller that determines whether or not a specific address or a specific keyword is stated in the body of the second message received by the second message receiver, and discards the received second message on the basis of the determination result.
US09246853B1 System, method, and computer program for determining a profile for an external network user
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining a profile for an external network user. In use, a plurality of communications between each of a plurality of home users located in a home network and an external user located in an external network is identified. Additionally, a profile is determined for the external user, utilizing the plurality of communications. Further, one or more actions are performed, utilizing the profile for the external user.
US09246849B2 Technique for implementing virtual fabric membership assignments for devices in a storage area network
A technique is provided for facilitating fabric membership login for an N_Port of a storage area network. A communication from a network node is received. The communication may include a portion of criteria associated with the N_Port. Using at least a portion of the portion of criteria, a virtual fabric identifier corresponding to a virtual fabric which is associated with the N_Port may be automatically identified. Fabric configuration information, which includes the virtual fabric identifier, may be automatically provided to the network node. A fabric login request from the N_Port to login to the virtual fabric may then be received. According to a specific embodiment, the communication may be transmitted from a network node to an F_Port on a Fibre Channel switch. When the N_Port received the fabric configuration information from the F_Port, the generating, using at least a portion of the received fabric configuration information, a fabric login request message may be generated by the N_Port which includes a fabric login request for the N_Port to login to the virtual fabric corresponding to the virtual fabric identifier. In at least one implementation, the N_Port and/or F_Port may be configured or designed to support trunking functionality.
US09246846B2 Network processor
The present invention discloses a network processor for a broadband gateway. The network processor includes a host processor; a plurality of networking interfaces, corresponding to a plurality of networking technologies, respectively; and a network address translation (NAT) engine, for accelerating packet processing from a first networking interface to a second networking interface.
US09246844B2 Method for activating and deactivating client-side services from a remote server
A system, apparatus, and method for controlling the operation of a service in a client device. The invention uses an existing protocol which is used for communications between an application resident in the device and a remote server to convey information about the service to the application. The information may be relevant to a service specific function, such as configuration or provisioning, or an activation or de-activation instruction, for example. The application receives the service related information, processes the information and then provides the information to the service via a notification channel. The service related information may be incorporated into a message sent from the remote server to the client device by using an element of the protocol, for example, by appending a text string to a header.
US09246839B2 Extending organizational boundaries throughout a cloud architecture
An information sharing paradigm for a cloud computing solution enables flexible organizational boundaries with respect to cloud resources. Cloud service customers manage their own organization boundary but can extend that boundary selectively by associating cloud resources they own with sets of domain names that may be associated with requests for cloud resources that the organization may be willing to share with other organizations that are using the cloud environment, and by ensuring that any such requests for resources that are shared in this manner are associated with one or more message handling policies that have been defined by (or otherwise associated with) the resource-owning organization. Cloud resources owned by an organization (even those marked as “internal only”) may be selectively shared with one or more other organizations using the cloud environment depending on the domain names associated with the requests. Message handling policies are enforced with respect to shared resources.
US09246834B2 Fibre channel over ethernet
The present invention provides methods and devices for implementing a Low Latency Ethernet (“LLE”) solution, also referred to herein as a Data Center Ethernet (“DCE”) solution, which simplifies the connectivity of data centers and provides a high bandwidth, low latency network for carrying Ethernet and storage traffic. Some aspects of the invention involve transforming FC frames into a format suitable for transport on an Ethernet. Some preferred implementations of the invention implement multiple virtual lanes (“VLs”) in a single physical connection of a data center or similar network. Some VLs are “drop” VLs, with Ethernet-like behavior, and others are “no-drop” lanes with FC-like behavior. Some preferred implementations of the invention provide guaranteed bandwidth based on credits and VL. Active buffer management allows for both high reliability and low latency while using small frame buffers. Preferably, the rules for active buffer management are different for drop and no drop VLs.
US09246831B2 NoC system and input switching device
An input switching device is provided between a plurality of functional blocks (NoC routers or IP) connected to a specific router among a plurality of NoC routers of a NoC system and the specific router. The specific router includes a plurality of first buffers that temporarily store flits from the input switching device. A plurality of second buffers in the input switching device correspond to the respective one of the plurality of functional blocks, and temporarily store the flits from the functional block. A controller selectively sets one of the plurality of first buffers as output destination of the flit stored in each of the second buffers based on a free space of the plurality of first buffers. A distributor outputs the flit stored in each of the second buffers to output destination set for the flit by the controller. In this way, throughput degradation of the NoC system can be prevented.
US09246830B2 Method and apparatus for multimedia queue management
Methods and systems for a multimedia queue management solution that maintaining graceful Quality of Experience (QoE) degradation are provided. The method selects a frame from all weighted queues based on a gradient function indicating a network performance rate change and a distortion rate caused by the frame and its related frames in the queue, and dropping the selected frame and all its related frames, and continues to drop similarly chosen frame until a network performance rate change caused by the dropping frame and its related frames meets a predetermined performance metric. A frame gradient is a distortion rate divided by a network performance rate change caused by the frame and its related frames, and a distortion rate is based on a sum of each individual frame distortion rate when the frame and its related frames are replaced by some other frames derived from remaining frames based on a replacement method.
US09246826B2 Integrated circuit arrangement for buffering service requests
The present invention discloses an integrated circuit arrangement (100) comprising a data communication network comprising a plurality of connections (300), a plurality of modules (110) coupled to the data communication network via at least one network interface (120), the network interface comprising a plurality of buffers; a remote service module (150) being coupled to the data communication network via a further network interface (140), wherein each of said modules (1 10) is arranged to provide its network interface (120) with a service request (200) for the remote service module (150), said network interface being arranged to extend said service request with a first identifier (204) for establishing a network connection (300) with a remote service module (150); and a circuit portion (350) comprising a plurality of buffers (142) between the at least one network interface (120) and the remote service module (150) for storing service requests (200) from the plurality of modules (110), said circuit portion comprising decoding logic (144) for selecting one of said buffers (142) by decoding a further identifier (210) embedded in the service request (200).
US09246821B1 Systems and methods for implementing weighted cost multi-path using two-level equal cost multi-path tables
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a network switch for implementing weighted cost multi-pathing (WCMP). In some implementations, the switch can implement equal cost multi-pathing (ECMP) using ECMP forwarding tables. The ECMP forwarding table may include more than one output port associated with a destination address of an incoming packet. The ECMP forwarding table may become undesirably large if unequal weights were assigned to the output ports. A multi-level ECMP table can be implemented that can allow assigning weights to the output ports while being relatively small. The multi-level ECMP table can include a first level where each entry includes at most a single output port. A second level can include entries having one or more output ports.
US09246818B2 Congestion notification in leaf and spine networks
Methods and systems to alleviate congestion in leaf and spine network topologies. Control information may be advertised by spines regarding the leaves to which it is connected. The control information is advertised to other leaf switches connected to the advertising spine. The control information may include a destination leaf ID, an enroute spine ID, an FL flag and an FF flag. The FL flag is a “Flow Learn Flag,” that is set by the advertising spine that a leaf switch toward which the spine may be facing congestion above at a first predetermined threshold level. The FF flag is a “Flow Freeze Flag,” that is set when all links to the corresponding destination leaf identified are congested, and the congestion level has crossed a second predetermined threshold level.
US09246814B2 Communication system, control apparatus, communication node, and communication method
A communication system includes: a plurality of communication nodes; and a control apparatus that controls packet processing of the plurality of communication nodes. The control apparatus further includes: a virtualization unit that configures a virtual node(s) from a plurality of communication nodes among the plurality of communication nodes; a control unit that sets a processing rule for a packet in at least one communication node of the plurality of communication nodes included in the virtual node(s), so that the at least one communication node executes packet processing corresponding to an operation of the virtual node(s); and a path calculation unit that calculates a forwarding path of a packet, based on a virtual network topology including the virtual node(s). The plurality of communication nodes process a packet corresponding to the forwarding path, in accordance with the processing rule.
US09246813B2 Flow control node for managing throughput fairness of a plurality of flows, transmission node, method for controlling flow, and method for controlling transmission rate
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-hop network system includes: a transmission node; a reception node; a router node; and a flow control node connected to all nodes within the multi-hop network system. The flow control node periodically receives flow monitoring information from at least one transmission node and evaluates whether the distributed state of the bandwidth of a network is fair. At this time, the flow control node sets a queue length threshold as transmission rate control information for fairly distributing the bandwidth of the network and transmits the set queue length threshold to at least one transmission node when unfairness has been detected. The transmission node sets the queue length threshold as a reference point for adjusting the transmission rate and performs the packet and/or link scheduling.
US09246802B2 Management of routing tables shared by logical switch partitions in a distributed network switch
Techniques are provided for managing a routing table in a distributed network switch. The distributed network switch is divided into logical switch partitions, or logical networks, that may share a routing table. The shared routing table is configured with counters and thresholds to control utilization of the routing table on a per-logical network basis. When counters exceed certain threshold, the routing table is modified to reduce routing entries within the routing table or pause insertion of new routing entries.
US09246799B2 Data plane learning of bi-directional service chains
Techniques are provided to decouple service chain structure from the underlying network forwarding state and allow for data plane learning of service chain forwarding requirements and any association between services function state requirements and the forward and reverse forwarding paths for a service chain. In a network comprising a plurality of network nodes each configured to apply a service function to traffic that passes through the respective network node, a packet is received at a network node. When the network node determines that the service function it applies is stateful, it updates context information in a network service header of the packet to indicate that the service function applied at the network node is stateful and that traffic for a reverse path matching the classification criteria is to be returned to the network node.
US09246798B2 Message handling extension using context artifacts
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: identifying a context artifact, wherein the context artifact defines a context object type for use by the DRA; receiving a Diameter message at the DRA from an origin device; establishing a context object of the context object type defined by the context artifact; evaluating a rule that includes a context object reference, wherein the evaluation includes accessing the context object based on the context object reference; and transmitting a message based on the evaluation of the rule.
US09246795B2 Protection method and system for preplanning duality of paths for a unicast and/or a multicast traffic
The present invention relates to a protection method based on preplanning duality of paths for a unicast and/or a multicast traffic, by extending a network into hierarchy of connected rings to form a hierarchical ring based tree (HRBT) structure. The present method enables a deterministic method to route a frame (or packet) when a primary path to destination is unavailable due to node/link failure, bandwidth crunch, mis-configuration, etc. If both primary and secondary (or alternate) path are pre-provisioned before traffic is allowed, the switch-over time from primary (P) path to secondary (S) path will be minimized, thus enabling 50 ms protection switching in packet network.
US09246793B2 Network, network fault recovery method, and node device
A ring network of a multicast label switch path scheme includes a plurality of nodes connected to form a ring. Further, a signal input to a first one of the nodes is branched to be transmitted in first and second different directions to a second and a third one of the nodes through a first working path and a second working path, respectively, in the ring network, the second one and the third one of the nodes defining end points of the first working path and the second working path, respectively, from the first one of the nodes, and a first backup path is set from the second one of the nodes to the first one of the nodes in the first direction, and a second back up path is set from the third one of the nodes to the first one of the nodes in the second direction.
US09246792B2 Providing point to point communications among compute nodes in a global combining network of a parallel computer
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for providing point to point data communications among compute nodes in a global combining network of a parallel computer that include: determining a class route identifier available for all of the nodes along a communications path from an origin node to a target node; configuring network hardware of each node along the communications path with routing instructions in dependence upon the available class route identifier and the network's topology; transmitting, by the origin node along the communications path, a network packet to the target node, including encoding the available class route identifier in the network packet; and routing, by the network hardware of each node along the communications path, the network packet to the target node in dependence upon the routing instructions for each node and the available class route identifier.
US09246791B2 Method and apparatus for routing and forwarding between virtual routers within a single network element
A method and apparatus for routing and forwarding between virtual routers is described. A method in a single network element comprises peering a first virtual router to a second virtual router, wherein the first and second virtual routers have separate address spaces and separate routing tables, distributing a set of one or more routes from the first virtual router to the second virtual router, wherein a first of the set of routes identifies the first virtual router as a next hop of the first route, said first route including a destination, and downloading to a set of one or more forwarding tables, the destination and the next hop.
US09246784B2 Information notification apparatus, information notification system, information notification method, and program
An information notification apparatus includes a first reception unit that receives a first state change notification indicating that the operating state of an electrical appliance has changed to a first state, a transmission unit that transmits a state notification indicating that the operating state of the electrical appliance is the first state to an information terminal, and a second reception unit that receives an acknowledgement notification. The first reception unit further receives a second state change notification indicating that the electrical appliance has been changed to a second state from the electrical apparatus. The transmission unit calculates a correlation value for each of information terminals and transmits the state notification to an information terminal having a calculated correlation value higher than a threshold value, the correlation value indicating a degree of likelihood that the owner of the information terminal has performed an operation corresponding to the second operating state.
US09246783B2 Network resource management with prediction
An indicator for a device may provide an indication that a threshold associated with a budget for a network resource has or will be reached. When a user requests a network operation that will consume the network resource, an amount of the network resource to be consumed by the operation is predicted, if possible. If the prior use of the network resource and the amount to be used to complete the network operation exceeds a threshold the user may be warned and given an opportunity to cancel the operation or adjust the way in which the operation will be performed. If the amount of network resource a network operation will consume is unknown, a rate of use of the network resource is determined and a time until the budget is reached is estimated.
US09246777B2 Computer program and monitoring apparatus
To analyze the cause if an event occurred to a plurality of monitoring targets. A monitoring computer 101 includes a general rule storing part 136 configured to store a general rule, wherein the general rule previously associates a first event which can occur in any of the plurality of monitoring targets and a second event which can cause the first event, an correlation rule generating part 129 configured to generate an correlation rule, wherein the correlation rule is created based on the general rule and configuration information, and in the case where a predetermined number or more of events corresponding to the second events are detected, the correlation rule indicates that an event corresponding to the first event will occur, and an analyzing part 125 configured to analyze a cause of an event indicated by the event information based on received event information and the correlation rule.
US09246772B2 System and method for network topology and flow visualization
A graphical user interface including an object representing a network device is rendered. Interface objects respectively corresponding to each internal interface of the network device are rendered within the object representing the network device. A network flow record for a network flow through the network device is acquired. The network flow record identifies ingress and egress interfaces of the network device for the network flow. Switching information for the network flow within the network device is determined based on the ingress and egress identifications. A transmission path of the network flow within the network device from the ingress interface is rendered within the object representing the network device. The transmission path is defined by the switching information identified by the network flow record.
US09246764B2 Network service admission control using dynamic network topology and capacity updates
A network device implements resource admission policy management related to controlling the denial or grant of a delivery of a network service to a customer device. The network device receives a notification related to a change in network topology or network capacity of a network that delivers the network service. The network device identifies changes in the network topology or the network capacity based on the notification, and applies resource admission control to deny or grant the customer device access, to resources of the network to receive delivery of the network service, based on the identified changes in the network topology and/or the network capacity.
US09246760B1 System and method for reducing throughput loss responsive to network expansion
Systems and methods for reassigning and implementing communication links in a network are described herein. The systems and methods described herein, reduce the amount of throughput loss that results when a network is expanded. The systems and methods generate distributions for the communication links that, when implemented, reduce the number of broken paths that occur in the expanding network. More practically, the systems and methods provide a heuristic for remapping communication links from a first link distribution to a second link distribution.
US09246753B2 Method and device for predicting and determining failure
A method and a device for predicting and determining a failure include a signal monitor that monitors the signal quality of each link, a signal quality prediction section that predicts future signal quality by using given forecast information and information on the monitored signal quality, and a failure prediction determination section that, depending on a degree of deterioration of the predicted signal quality with respect to a link, determines to bypass the link or to lower the symbol rate of the link.
US09246752B2 Ensuring health and compliance of devices
A compliance method and associated system is provided. The method includes generating backup devices for devices of a list of devices associated with a data storage environment. A device from the list of devices is selected and available credentials for connecting and authenticating the device are determined. Configuration and operational state data for the device are retrieved. A backup device associated with the device is selected and associated policies are loaded. Each policy is evaluated with respect to the backup devices, associated dependencies, and the configuration and operational state data. Compliant and non-compliant policies with respect to the backup devices are determined.
US09246751B2 Ethernet ring protection switching method, network device and system
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an Ethernet ring protection switching method, network device and system. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a node obtains bandwidth information of a first link on an Ethernet ring on which the node is located, and determines that bandwidth of the first link changes, where there is at least one Ethernet ring protection instance on the Ethernet ring, and then the node determines ports of the node, where the at least one Ethernet ring protection instance passes through the ports, so that the node can query pre-configured correspondence between bandwidth information and switching information of each link on the Ethernet ring, and execute, through the ports of the node, a switching operation corresponding to the bandwidth information of the first link.
US09246745B2 MAC address management method
A method for MAC address management is provided. A MAC address is provided, and capacities of a first column and a second column corresponding to a first index in a MAC table are checked. If the first column and the second column are filled, capacities of a third column and a fourth column corresponding to a second index in the MAC table are checked. If one of the third and fourth columns is empty, the MAC address is written thereto. The second index is successive to the first index. The MAC table further comprises a plurality of time stamp columns, recording idle time of each MAC address.
US09246740B2 Methods, systems, and products for security systems
Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms in security systems. An alarm message is received from a security system associated with a network address. The network address is associated to a notification address. A Voice-over Internet Protocol call to the notification address is initiated over a data network to alert of an alarm from a security system.
US09246739B2 Method for bidirectional data transmission via a packet-oriented network device
A telecommunication system for bidirectional data transmission of a data set between a data transmission device and a data reception device via at least one packet-oriented network device, which includes encapsulation of the data set to enable a connection-oriented data transmission of the data set; connection-oriented transmission of the encapsulated data set by means of at least one mobile telephone from the data transmission device to a base station of a mobile telephone network; evaluation of the data encapsulation protocol in the base station for an unpacking of the data set to enable a packet-oriented data transmission of the data set; and packet-oriented transmission of the data set from the base station to the data reception device.
US09246737B2 Method and system for down-converting an electromagnetic signal
Methods, systems, and apparatus for down converting a modulated carrier signal to a demodulated baseband signal are described herein. A first switch is controlled with a first control signal which comprises a first sampling aperture with a specified frequency, wherein the first switch is on during the first sampling aperture and wherein the first switch is off outside the first sampling aperture. A second switch is controlled with a second control signal which comprises a second sampling aperture with a specified frequency, wherein the second switch is on during the second sampling aperture and wherein the second switch is off outside the second sampling aperture. The first and second control signals each control a charging and discharging cycle of a respective energy storage element so that for each switch a portion of energy is transferred to the respective energy storage element when the respective switch is on during the charging cycle, and a portion of previously transferred energy is discharged during the discharging cycle for each respective switch when the switch is off. A down-converted in-phase baseband signal portion is derived from energy accumulated at said first energy storage element during both the charging and the discharging cycles for the first energy storage element and a down-converted inverted in-phase baseband signal portion is derived from energy accumulated at said second energy storage element during both the charging and the discharging cycles for the second energy storage element, and the two portions are combined with a first differential amplifier circuit to form a down-converted differential in-phase baseband signal.
US09246735B2 Equalizing a signal modulated using a 5QAM modulation format
An optical system may include an optical transmitter or an optical receiver. The optical transmitter may include a laser to provide an input signal, a first digital signal processor (DSP) to receive a data signal, provide non-rotated and rotated symbols corresponding to the data signal, and provide digital signals corresponding to the non-rotated and the rotated symbols to cause one or more digital to analog converts to convert the digital signals to analog signals. The optical transmitter may further provide a modified 5 quadrature amplitude modulation (5QAM) signal based on the analog signals and the input signal. A constellation map of the modified 5QAM signal may include all constellation points of a 16QAM signal. The optical receiver may include a second DSP to receive components associated with the 5QAM signal, filter the components, reduce phase noise of the 5QAM signal, and provide data associated with the 5QAM signal.
US09246733B2 Method and apparatus for phase-based multi-carrier modulation (MCM) packet detection
A method is disclosed for detecting packet at a receiving system in a Multi-Carrier Modulation (MCM) system. The method starts with receiving a signal at the receiving system. Then during the plurality of symbol durations, a set of phases of the signal for each symbol duration is obtained, where each phase is a phase of a carrier of the number of carriers. Then a set of phase variances for each carrier of the number of carriers is obtained, where each phase variance is a difference of phases of a carrier in different symbol durations. Then a phase variance value based on the set of phase variances is computed and it is compared with a threshold to determine whether a packet has been detected from the received signal.
US09246727B2 Reception of phase-shifted signal sequences in diversity reception
During transmission of a signal, a decoder receives a data symbol sequence and one or more copies of the data symbol sequence. The data symbol sequence and each of the copies have unknown noise, including unknown phase shifts. The unknown phase shifts are estimated such that the data symbol sequence that was transmitted is substantially recovered.
US09246723B2 Transmitter precoding for optimizing positioning performance
Described herein are techniques related to transmitter precoding for optimizing positioning performance. The techniques are directed to transmitting a plurality of preambles in a plurality of directions with different precoding for each transmission. The receiver analyzes the channels from the preamble and estimates the time of arrival (ToA) of the line-of-sight (LoS) component. Based on the best estimation of the earliest ToA, the receiver may determine the LoS distance between the receiver and the transmitter.
US09246722B2 Device for providing a differential output signal and method for providing a differential output signal
A device, which provides a differential output signal having a first output signal component and a second output signal component based on a plurality of input signals, includes a pair of signal sources and a controller. The pair of signal sources includes a first activatable signal source for providing the first output signal component and a second activatable signal source for providing the second output signal component. The controller is operably coupled to the pair of signal sources and is configured to activate either the first signal source or the second signal source of the pair of signal sources depending on the plurality of input signals.
US09246720B2 Semiconductor device and receiver
A semiconductor device contains a narrow band noise detector section to detect narrow band noise in an input signal that is input by way of a power line. The semiconductor device further includes a reference signal generator section to generate a second reference signal whose amplitude value which corresponds to the narrow band noise frequency of a pre-established first reference signal is reduced, and a correlation calculation section to calculate the correlation value between the input signal and the second reference signal utilized in the frame synchronization processing of the input signal.
US09246719B2 High dynamic range radio architecture with enhanced image rejection
A circuit for down-converting an RF signal to a baseband signal includes a trans-admittance amplifier adapted to receive the RF signal and generate in response a pair of differential current signals. The circuit further includes a trans-impedance amplifier having at least four mixers and at least four linear amplifiers. The four mixers frequency down-convert the pair of differential current signals to generate four pairs of differential baseband current signals, wherein each pair of the differential baseband current signals has a different phase and is associated with each of the linear amplifiers. Additionally, the circuit includes a summing block that generates an in-phase signal using a first weighted sum of the four different baseband current signals and a quadrature signal using a second weighted sum of the four different baseband current signals. The circuit further includes an analog-to-digital converter for converting the in-phase and quadrature signals to respective digital representations.
US09246716B2 Method and apparatus for selectively terminating signals on a bidirectional bus based on bus speed
A method of controlling signal termination includes providing first logic for selectively terminating signals received at a first device on a bidirectional data bus, providing second logic for selectively terminating signals received at a second device on the bidirectional data bus, sending first signals from the first device to the second device on the bidirectional data bus at a first speed, stopping the sending of the first signals, after stopping the sending of the first signals, enabling the second logic and shifting a reference voltage of the second device from a first level to a second level, after enabling the second logic at the second device, sending second signals from the first device to the second device on the bidirectional data bus at a higher speed, and controlling the first logic based on a speed of signals received at the first device on the bidirectional data bus.
US09246709B2 Storage device in which forwarding-function-equipped memory nodes are mutually connected and data processing method
According to one embodiment, a storage device includes a plurality of memory nodes. Each of memory nodes includes a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports, a selector, a packet controller and a memory. The selector outputs a packet input to the input port to one of the output ports. The packet controller controls the selector. The memory stores data. The memory nodes are mutually connected at the input ports and the output ports. The memory node has an address that is determined by its physical position. The packet controller switches the output port that outputs the packet based on information including at least a destination address of the packet and an address of the memory node having the packet controller when receiving a packet that is not addressed to the memory node having the packet controller.
US09246700B2 Generic control protocol
Techniques are provided for controlling downstream Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) access points or other devices using a Generic Control Protocol (GCP). At the CCAP access point having a network interface and a coaxial interface, GCP control plane information is received from a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) via the network interface, where the control plane information is designed to configure the CCAP access point to enable communication over the network interface and the coaxial interface. GCP can be used to send data structures and register control messages across a network to embedded devices.
US09246699B2 Method and system for testing multiple components of a multi-tenant, multi-domain, multi-tiered website
Embodiments are described for a system and method for testing a plurality of web resources, such as web sites and/or web servers in a distributed client-server computer network. Embodiments include a method of configuring a proxy server to forward incoming HTTP requests back to a fixed port on the IP address of the sender of the incoming HTTP request to effectively remove the requirement of domain name resolution from the test environment. A reflective proxy server reflects requests from a source IP address back to that same IP address on a specific port on the testing computer to permit the testing of arbitrary web site domain names without performing DNS resolution at any step in the process, thus removing the need to modify the testing computer's host's file.
US09246698B2 Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating a radio resource measurement in a radio communication system
Apparatus, and an associated method, for requesting a measurement to be performed at a communication station of a radio communication system, such as a WLAN. A measurement request message is generated at a requesting station. The measurement request message includes fields identifying a selected measurement type and a field identifying a duration period for which the measurement is requested to be made. The duration period is mandatory or non-mandatory. The request message is communicated to a communication station whereat the message is detected and the values contained therein are identified. Selection is made at the communication station to which the message is delivered whether to perform the requested measurement for the requested duration period. If the requested duration period is non-mandatory, the communication station is able to select a duration period of lesser length during which to perform the requested measurement.
US09246696B2 mRSVP-TE based fast reroute in facility (1:N) protection mode
An apparatus comprising a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to transmit a backup Label Switched Path (LSP) multicast Resource Reservation Protocol-Traffic Engineering (mRSVP-TE) path request (PATH) message upstream, wherein the backup LSP PATH message requests reservation of a first backup LSP to protect a first primary LSP configured to transmit multicast data, and wherein the backup LSP PATH message is transmitted to support a facility mode one to many (1:N) fast reroute protocol.
US09246693B2 Automatic utilization of resources in a realtime conference
The architecture facilitates the association of resources (e.g., hardware software) with a meeting location such as a conference room or conference space. Additionally, the room and resources can be associated with a realtime conference or meeting at the meeting location. Still further, the resources can be automatically joined to the meeting being held in the room, for both the organizer of the meeting and the remote participants of the meeting. The resources are network addressable and register to a communications infrastructure for online availability. The architecture automatically joins the conference room resources to any conference or call that is being held in the locale (e.g., room) of the conference, and which the user has joined using a realtime conferencing application. The resources distributed across multiple meeting locations can be utilized for a single session, as well.
US09246692B2 Synchronizing multiple transcoding devices utilizing simultaneity of receipt of multicast packets
Disclosed is a method for synchronizing video in a system including a host CPU and a plurality of transcoder instances, the method comprising: receiving, by two or more transcoder instances in the plurality of transcoder instances, a synchronization Internet Protocol (“IP”) packet from the host CPU, wherein the synchronization IP packet is received as one packet in a multicast stream of IP packets; detecting, by the two or more transcoder instances in the plurality of transcoder instances, the synchronization IP packet at the same point in the multicast stream; and transcoding, by the two or more transcoder instances in the plurality of transcoder instances, the multicast stream of IP packets immediately after detecting the synchronization IP packet.
US09246689B2 Component management via secure communications
Technologies are generally described for establishing secure communications to manage components of a control system. In some examples, upon receiving a request from a component to join a cluster of components, a class and instance of the component may be verified to authorize the component. A command to be transmitted from the component to another component of the cluster may be marked with a signature, where restrictions may be placed on a type of command that a particular class of component may transmit to one or more other classes of components. Based on the signature, a secure communication path between the components may be established by creating an encrypted virtual private network (VPN). The command may then be transmitted from the component to the other component through the secure communication path.
US09246685B2 Automated password authentication
A system connected to an existing computer includes a unit for monitoring the screen and provides input, and a storage unit that stores data that pair screen buffer regions with authentication details. The system learns new pairs via user training and presents stored authentication details when the screen buffer matches a related stored region which is paired with a region of the screen.
US09246682B2 Communication apparatus, method for controlling communication apparatus, and program
A communication apparatus includes a storage unit, an updating unit, a determination unit, and a deletion unit. The storage unit stores, in a storage, a first key used to decrypt or authenticate a packet to be communicated between the communication apparatus and a second communication apparatus. The updating unit updates the first key to a second key different from the first key when an expiration date of the first key has passed. The determination unit determines that a packet to be decrypted or authenticated using the second key has been received from the second communication apparatus. The deletion unit deletes the first key from the storage unit in response to the determination unit determining that the packet to be decrypted or authenticated using the second key has been received from the second communication apparatus.
US09246681B2 Use of 32-bit random numbers to produce cipher key stream for 8-bit data stream
A method of enciphering information includes generating five index values by performing modulo division on a 32-bit binary input value, identifying five 8-bit output patterns based on the five index values, and enciphering or deciphering five bytes of text using the five 8-bit output patterns.
US09246680B2 Optical cryptography systems and methods
Systems and methods for encoding a message are disclosed. A message may be passed from a first node to a second node via a communication link using a multi-stage cryptography algorithm distributed between the first node and the second node and applied by circuitry within the first node and the second node in which the multi-stage cryptography algorithm includes instructions for transmitting at least two optical signal transmissions across the communication path and using a number of independent transformations of polarization state of the optical signal transmission by a combination of the first node and the second node at least equal to the number of optical signal transmissions across the communication link.
US09246677B2 Method and system for secure data communication between a user device and a server
The present disclosure discloses a method, a system and a computer program product for secure data communication between a user device and a server. User credentials, a device id and a first hash are received at server from a user device. The first hash is generated using the user credentials. At server, a second hash is computed using the user credentials stored in the database of the server. The first hash is verified with the second hash. Once verified, an encryption key and a sequence number corresponding to the user credentials and device id are generated. The encryption key and the sequence number are encrypted using a pre-defined key and one or more user credentials. The encrypted encryption key and the sequence number are sent to the user device to encrypt data.
US09246676B2 Secure access for encrypted data
Embodiments generally provide techniques for managing data security. One embodiment includes providing, at a client system, an encrypted private key that can be decrypted using a locker key. Encrypted data is received from a remote system, and embodiment determine that the received encrypted data can be decrypted using a private key recovered by decrypting the encrypted private key. A request is transmitted to the remote system for the locker key corresponding to the encrypted private key, and the requested locker key is received from the remote system. Embodiments decrypt the encrypted private key using the received locker key to recover the private key, and decrypt the encrypted data, using the private key.
US09246675B2 Cryptographic systems using pairing with errors
Using the same mathematical principle of paring with errors, which can be viewed as an extension of the idea of the LWE problem, this invention gives constructions of a new key exchanges system, a new key distribution system and a new identity-based encryption system. These new systems are efficient and have very strong security property including provable security and resistance to quantum computer attacks.
US09246673B2 Taste-based authentication to securely share data
Examples are disclosed for transforming a multi-dimensional attribute value for a taste related to an area of interest for a user of a computing device and encrypting or decrypting a ciphertext using the transformed multi-dimensional attribute value in order to securely share data with another computing device.
US09246671B2 Motor vehicle with encrypted bus data
In a method for operating a motor vehicle, encrypted data is exchanged between a sensor and a control device via a bus. An item of information required for decrypting the exchanged data is provided by a user of the motor vehicle by way of a portable device. The encrypted data includes measurement values of the sensor which relate to an operating state of a component of the motor vehicle.