Document Document Title
US09301923B2 Lipids, lipid compositions, and methods of using them
Disclosed are formulation and optimization protocols for delivery of therapeutically effective amounts of biologically active agents to liver, tumors, and/or other cells or tissues. Also provided are compositions and uses for cationic lipid compounds of formula (I). The invention also relates to compositions and uses for stealth lipids of formula (XI). Also provided are processes for making such compounds, compositions, and formulations, plus methods and uses of such compounds, compositions, and formulations to deliver biologically active agents to cells and/or tissues.
US09301921B2 Laxative gel composition
An edible, gel composition of a PEG and a gel forming agent wherein the composition is prepared by mixing together the PEG with gel forming agent to form the edible gel composition, and the edible gel composition has laxative properties.
US09301919B2 Sublimable sustained release delivery system and method of making same
The invention relates to compositions suitable for the delivery and/or stabilization of biologically active substances. The compositions comprise a sublimable matrix material and the biologically active agent to be delivered. The compositions can be used as drug delivery systems to treat a wide variety of diseases or as systems for the protection and stabilization of such substances. Also disclosed are methods for preparing compositions of the present invention.
US09301918B2 Abuse deterrent solid dosage form for immediate release with functional score
The present disclosure provides an immediate release, abuse deterrent pharmaceutical solid dosage form comprising at least one functional score. In particular, the immediate release, abuse deterrent solid dosage form comprises at least one low molecular weight hydrophilic polymer, at least one high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer, and an effervescent system.
US09301904B2 Feeding kit
A feeding kit forming a storage and preparation assembly for infant feeding implements that includes a receptacle to receive a teether and a plurality of wells to form food/drink inserts for the teether. The teether includes a lid that is removably coupled to a feeding portion, such that the inserts may be inserted into the feeding portion, a portion which includes a feeding member with a plurality of apertures.
US09301897B2 Patient positioning support structure
A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.
US09301894B2 Anti-tip system for a power wheelchair
An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.
US09301890B2 Absorbent articles in a unitary package
A method of forming disposable absorbent articles includes forming at least two different types of absorbent articles on a single product line. Each type of absorbent article has an absorbent structure that differs from the absorbent structure of at least one other absorbent article type on the product line. The method further includes creating a visual distinction between the different types of absorbent articles and packaging the different types of absorbent articles in a single package.
US09301889B2 Disposable absorbent article having elasticized outer leg cuff
The present invention is directed to a disposable absorbent article. The disposable absorbent article has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, an outer surface and an inner surface. The absorbent article is folded before use along the lateral direction. The disposable absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed therebetween, and an elasticized outer leg cuff. The elasticized outer leg cuff is disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side edge of the absorbent article. The elasticized outer leg cuff has a base and a gasket cuff supported by the base at a joint of the base to the gasket cuff. The gasket cuff is provided with elasticity and has a top gasket cuff surface, an inner cuff extending laterally inwardly from the joint and an outer cuff extending laterally outwardly from the joint. Before use of the absorbent article, the elasticized outer leg cuff is folded laterally inwardly onto the inner surface of the absorbent article such that the top gasket cuff surface faces upwardly.
US09301888B2 Stretch laminate, method of making, and absorbent article
A stretch laminate includes a first layer including an elastomer film, the first layer having a surface, and a second layer including a nonwoven material, the second layer having a surface that is attached to the surface of the first layer. The tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the stretch laminate is within about 2.5 N/cm of the tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the film at an engineering strain of about 1.5, and exists independent of mechanical activation. A method of making the stretch laminate and an absorbent article having at least one region defined by the stretch laminate are also provided.
US09301886B2 Reusable sanitary pad
A reusable pad, such as those intended for protection during menstrual periods, is provided that includes an inner layer made of two layers of natural cellulose fabric, the layers of natural cellulose fiber bonded together by a biodegradable polyurethane film. Two intermediate layers of absorbent organic bamboo fabric are also provided, along with an outer cover formed by a fabric made from cotton. The inner layer is inserted between the two intermediate layers to form a composite, and the composite is inserted into the outer cover.
US09301884B2 Liquid detection system having a signaling device and an absorbent article with graphics
A liquid detection system includes an absorbent article for personal wear having a liquid permeable liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The article also includes at least one graphic element, a conductive pattern at least partially superposed with the graphic element, and a barrier layer disposed between the graphic element and the conductive pattern. A non-invasive signaling device is selectively attachable to the outer cover of the absorbent article in overlying relationship with the conductive pattern. The signaling device is adapted to detect the presence of liquid within the absorbent article.
US09301880B2 Reduced pressure treatment system having a dual porosity pad
A wound closure system and method having a porous pad for providing a reduced pressure to a tissue site is disclosed. The porous pad comprises a porous material formed by spraying a chemical substance that cures to form the porous material which has a body and an outer surface. Both the body and the outer surface have pores wherein the average size of the pores in the outer surface is smaller than the average size of the pores in the body. The porous pad further comprises a pathway formed within the porous material that is adapted to fluidly communicate with a source of reduced pressure.
US09301876B2 System and process for surgical treatment of an eye as well as process for calibrating a system of such a type
A system for surgical treatment of an eye includes a laser arrangement that is adapted to emit light with a wavelength and repetition-rate suitable for surgical treatment of the eye. The system further includes a temperature-registration device that is adapted to register the temperature of an object that is to be subjected to the light of the laser arrangement.
US09301875B2 Ocular disorder treatment implants with multiple opening
Intraocular stents and applicators are disclosed for treating glaucoma. The stents are configured to extend between the anterior chamber of the eye and Schlemm's canal for enhancing outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber so as to reduce intraocular pressure. The stents can have features for anchoring the stent into Schlemm's canal as well as preventing the walls of Schlemm's canal from closing the outlet of the stents. The applicators can be steerable so as to make implantation easier. Additionally, the applicators can be configured to hold a plurality of stents so that multiple stents can be implanted through one incision without removing the applicator from the incision between serial implantations.
US09301873B2 Phacoemulsification Needle
A phacoemulsification needle having a hollow passageway terminates in a straight needle tip formed off-axis from the passageway, allowing the needle tip to move eccentrically when the needle is subjected to torsional or longitudinal vibratory motion. The tip may be flared or may be coextensive with the needle body. The aspiration passageway formed through the needle body may be formed off-axis from the needle body axis. The tip may also be angled with respect to the needle body. The inner and outer surfaces of the needle tip are roughened, as by sandblasting, to enhance the cutting effect of the tip when used with a non-longitudinal handpiece. The lip of each needle tip is polished to a high degree of smoothness and the edges of the tip are rounded to lessen the incidence of snags or cuts.
US09301871B2 Devices and methods for controlling patient temperature
Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.
US09301870B2 Urinary device having antiseptic and health testing properties
A urinary directional device for improving the directional urination and health of a male user is provided, in which the device comprises a conduit for the passage of urine and having a proximal end adapted for engagement with the penis of the user and a distal end having a distal aperture to enable the passage of urine from the conduit, the device having an interior surface providing one or more of a cleansing, an anti-bacterial or antiseptic or an anti-fungal function whereby the penis of the user can be cleansed by wiping on the interior surface of the device after urination and the device optionally further comprising a health detection indicator capable of indicating abnormalities in urine indicative of disease or health-related conditions.
US09301869B2 Multi-layer film and ostomy product made therefrom
A multi-layer, chlorine-free film for use in an ostomy bag or pouch includes a barrier layer formed from a non-chlorine containing amorphous polyamide resin and a maleic anhydride modified olefin or an epoxy modified olefin. The barrier layer is substantially impermeable to malodor causing compounds. Tie layers are a maleic anhydride grafted resin and contact each side of the barrier layer. Inner layers contact respective tie layers. The inner layers are one of an ethylene propylene copolymer based resin, an ethylene-octene based resin and blends-thereof. Outer layers contact respective inner layers. Each outer layer is an ethylene vinyl acetate or ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer or a blend thereof, or a polypropylene-based resin and blend thereof. The film exhibits high tear strength and low noise levels.
US09301867B2 Phalangeal deformity ring splint
A ring splint that includes a first loop, a second at least partial loop, an elongated support and optionally a third at least partial loop, the first loop and the second at least partial loops being attached to the elongated support such that the elongated support contacts the ventral surface (e.g., palmar or plantar) of a phalange (e.g., finger or toe) when in position on a phalange.
US09301865B2 Accessory anchoring system and method
An anchoring system has a brace configured to be worn on a human limb, an accessory configured to be worn on a human digit, and a harness coupling the accessory to the brace by a self-looping length of the harness comprising a portion of the harness most proximal to the brace and a portion of the harness most distal to the brace.
US09301861B2 Stent and method of inserting a stent into a delivery catheter
Stents and method of inserting a stent into a delivery catheter are disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, a stent for redirecting blood flow away from an aneurysmal sac is provided. The stent comprises an elongate frame (2) that is radially contractable from a fully radially expanded state to a radially contracted state in a process involving elongation of the frame, wherein: the fully radially expanded state represents the state of the frame at body temperature when no external force is applied to the frame; in the radially contracted state the frame has a maximum lateral dimension that is at least 30% smaller than the maximum lateral dimension of the frame in the fully radially expanded state; and the frame comprises a low porosity region (4) for positioning at the opening to the aneurysmal sac, the low porosity region having a porosity of less than 50% when the frame is in the fully radially expanded state.
US09301860B2 Articulated commissure valve stents and methods
A support structure includes strut members interconnected by rotatable joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.
US09301859B2 Foreshortened prosthetics for bilateral leg amputees
A foreshortened prosthesis comprising a socket, an adapter attached distally to said socket, and a foot attached to the adapter. The foot comprises a lower base plate formed as a flat peripherally-curvilinear member fixedly attached to the adapter and defining a short toe, a longer heel, and an instep there between. In addition, an upper slide plate is sandwiched between the adapter and lower base plate, but is not otherwise attached to the lower base. The upper slide plate is smaller and narrower than the lower base plate and slides there against under the weight of a heel strike, thereby serving as a leaf spring damper and suspension to smooth ambulation. This provides a BAK amputee with a more comfortable and natural gait, at a suitable angle and orientation, with smooth and comfortable flex relative to the direction of travel.
US09301858B2 Apparatus and method for aiding visualization and/or placing a landmark during a surgical procedure
An apparatus for aiding visualization of a prosthetic implant and concurrently landmarking a patient tissue includes a center post having proximal and distal post ends longitudinally separated by a post body. The post body defines a post axis coaxially therewith. An implant emulator embodies a reference feature of a prosthetic implant. The implant emulator is carried on an outer surface of the center post at a predetermined longitudinal spacing from the distal post end. A guiding device is removably attached to the implant emulator. The guiding device includes an attachment structure attached to the implant emulator. A spacing arm is connected to the attachment structure and extends laterally outward from the post axis. A landmark guiding structure is connected to the spacing arm, spaced apart from the center post, and embodies at least one of a location and a trajectory for placement of a landmark.
US09301856B2 Separation of hip joint liner and socket elements
An apparatus and a method for removing a hip socket liner from surface attachment to a socket, that includes providing a carrier and multiple penetrators carried to be displaced relative to the carrier, inserting the carrier in the liner so that the penetrators project toward a liner cup-shaped surface, effecting controlling limited forceful displacement of tips defined by the penetrators toward and into said liner cup-shaped surface, and transmitting pushing force acting between the carrier and hip socket whereby the liner is suddenly freed from attachment to the socket.
US09301840B2 Expandable introducer sheath
An introducer sheath has a radially unexpanded and a radially expanded configuration, where the sheath locally expands from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration when a device is advanced through a lumen thereof, and locally contracts back to the unexpanded configuration after the device advances past that location. Embodiments of the introducer sheath include an outer tubular layer comprising a longitudinal cut therethrough, and an inner tubular layer comprising at least one pleat extending through the longitudinal cut to an outside surface of the outer tubular layer. Embodiments of the inner tubular layer are adhered to an inner surface of the outer tubular layer, with the pleat not adhered to an outer surface of the outer tubular layer.
US09301837B2 Replacement heart valves and their methods of use and manufacture
A prosthetic valve has a support structure that meets with a plurality of leaflets capable of transitioning between open and closed states. The support structure can include a base frame with a polymer coating and the leaflets can be artificial. The interface between the support structure and each leaflet can be at least partially convex when viewed from an exterior of the support structure along a normal to a plane formed by a central axis of the support structure and a central axis of the leaflet.
US09301836B2 Cardiac valve support structure
Cardiac valve supports and their methods of use.
US09301831B2 Methods for attaining a predetermined porosity of a vascular device
A method for manufacturing a vascular device that includes disposing a vascular device over an expanding member. The device includes a body having a substantially uniform porosity that is adapted to change by adjusting an axial length of the body. The method also includes adhering a portion of the body to the expanding member such that upon radial expansion of the expanding member, adherence between the body portion and the expanding member reduces a porosity of the body within the body portion more than the body porosity is reduced outside the portion.
US09301829B2 Embolic protection aspirator
Embolic protection aspirators and methods for extracting debris from the vasculature during interventional procedures are provided. One such system may include an aspirating filter delivery catheter having a filtration device, an operable end cap, and a plurality of aspiration ports. The delivery catheter may be fluidly coupled to a suction providing means for extracting debris while traversing a target site for distal delivery of the filtration device. Another such system may include an aspirating filter retrieval catheter having an aspiration lumen and a balloon. The aspiration lumen may be fluidly coupled to a suction providing means for extracting debris from the filtration device prior to and/or during retrieval of the filtration device. By inflating the balloon to partially or fully restrict blood flow, suction pressure proximal of the filtration device may be increased to enhance debris extraction.
US09301827B2 Embolic implant and method of use
A parent artery occlusion (PAO) device which provides for immediate occlusion of a cerebral artery to isolate a defect. The PAO device includes a self-expanding wire-frame prolate structure which is partially covered with an ePTFE membrane.
US09301823B2 Oral care implement
An oral care implement that rotates about a longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head; a handle extending along a longitudinal axis and having a flat base surface; a mechanical vibratory device operatively connected to a power source, the mechanical vibratory device comprising an eccentric imparting movement to the head when activated; and wherein the flat base surface is oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle so that the oral care implement can stand in a self-supporting upright orientation on a horizontal flat surface, and wherein when the oral care implement stands in the self-supporting upright orientation and the mechanical vibratory device is activated, the oral care implement rotates about the longitudinal axis while maintaining the self-supporting upright orientation.
US09301816B2 Implant pellets and methods for performing bone augmentation and preservation
Embodiments described herein are related to pellets that are placed within an extraction site that is in need of bone augmentation and preservation. The pellets are typically cylindrical in shape and comprise a material and a polymer coating. The goal of the pellets are to encourage sufficient new bone growth that jaw bone deterioration is prevented. The pellets create, arrange, and assemble an ideal growth environment for new bone growth to rapidly grow and preserve the original contours of an individual's jaw bone.
US09301815B2 Orthodontic connector assembly and a method for treating teeth
An orthodontic connector assembly 10 including a plurality of substantially identical connecting members, such as members 12, 14 which include a movable but biased portion 20 which is adapted to selectively and removably receive a pocket portion 44 which is deployed on at least one bracket, such as bracket 40. In an alternative embodiment, the members, such as member 12, 14 each include a ridge, such as ridge 212, which is selectively, removably, and frictionally placed within slot 236.
US09301811B2 Methods and systems for assigning input devices to teleoperated surgical instrument functions
A method of assigning an auxiliary input device to control a surgical instrument in a robotic surgical system can include automatically assigning an auxiliary input device to control an auxiliary function of a surgical instrument based on a position of the auxiliary input device and which of a user's hands is operating another input device operably coupled to control movement of the surgical instrument. A system for controlling a surgical instrument may include an input device of a surgical system that is operably coupled to generate and transmit an input control signal to control movement of a surgical instrument operably coupled to the surgical system. The system may further include an auxiliary input device, and a control system operably coupling the auxiliary input device to control an auxiliary function of the surgical instrument based on a position of the auxiliary input device and which of a user's hands is operating the input device.
US09301809B2 Precision external control of interventional medical procedures
A method and apparatus providing precision external control of interventional medical procedures is presented. The apparatus includes a fixed frame, the fixed frame attachable to a patient and to a secure structure. The apparatus also includes a precision actuator in mechanical communication with the fixed frame, the actuator directing motion of a wire within a catheter or a catheter within the patient. Additionally the apparatus includes a control device in electrical communication with the actuator, wherein the control device controls the actuator.
US09301805B2 Systems and methods for performing digital holography
In one embodiment, a system and method for performing single-shot digital holography include an optical hybrid assembly configured to receive a reference beam from a light source and another beam, and a balanced detector comprising multiple sensor arrays that are configured to receive outputs of the optical hybrid assembly and simultaneously measure in-phase and quadrature components of an incoming light wavefront that results from interference between the reference beam and the other beam within the optical hybrid assembly to provide a full set of digital holograms in a single exposure.
US09301802B2 Energy delivery conduits for use with electrosurgical devices
A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly.
US09301801B2 Catheter having circular ablation assembly
A catheter particularly useful for ablation lesions within a tubular region of or near the heart is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible tubular catheter body having an axis and proximal and distal ends. An ablation assembly is mounted at the distal end of the tubular body. The ablation assembly has a preformed generally circular curve having an outer surface and being generally transverse to the axis of the catheter body. The ablation assembly comprises a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends that carries a tip electrode at its distal end. An electrode lead wire extends through the catheter body and into the ablation assembly and has a distal end connected to the tip electrode. In use the distal end of the catheter is interested into the heart of a patient. At least a portion of the outer circumference of the generally circular curve is contacted with the inner circumference of the tubular region so that the tip electrode is in a first position in contact with tissue along the inner circumference. The tip electrode is used to ablate tissue at the first position. The ablation assembly can then be rotated so that the tip electrode is in a second position in contact with tissue along the inner circumference different from the first position, and the tip electrode is used to ablate tissue at the second position. This procedure can be repeated to form a lesion of the desired length along the inner circumference.
US09301798B2 Surgical forceps including reposable end effector assemblies
A surgical forceps includes a housing having a movable handle coupled thereto and movable between an initial position and a compressed position. A drive bar is operably coupled to the movable handle such that movement of the movable handle between the initial and compressed positions effects longitudinal translation of the drive bar. The drive bar further includes a coupling member disposed at a distal end thereof. An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. Each jaw member defines a cam slot. A cam pin is slidably disposed within the cam slot of each of the jaw members. The coupling member is configured to releasably engage the cam pin such that movement of the movable handle between the initial position and the compressed position effects movement of the jaw members between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position.
US09301797B2 Apparatus, system, and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure
A bipolar forceps includes a shaft extending from a housing and includes an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly has a pair of jaw members movable between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a cutter having a generally circular cross-section. The cutter is configured to cut tissue when the jaw members are in the closed position. One or more electrically conductive tissue sealing plates are disposed on each of the jaw members. The tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal. An actuator is operably coupled to the knife assembly and is configured to selectively reciprocate the cutter relative to the jaw members.
US09301795B2 Transvascular catheter for extravascular delivery
An intravascular catheter for peri-vascular or peri-urethral tissue ablation includes multiple needles advanced through guide tubes which may be supported by an expandable balloon. The guide tubes expand with open ends around a central axis to engage the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the injection an ablative fluid for ablating tissue, or nerve fibers in the outer layer or deep to the outer layer of the vessel, or in prostatic tissue. The diameter of the inflated balloon is less than the inside diameter of the vessel, allowing perfusion across the inflated balloon and guide tubes.
US09301794B2 Modular impactor head
A modular impactor head includes a load transfer member, a base, and a locking assembly. The base defines a space sized and configured to receive the load transfer member therein and to constrain movement of the load transfer member relative to the base in a plurality of directions. The locking assembly is sized and configured to constrain movement of the load transfer member with respect to the base in at least one direction such that the load transfer member is fixed to the base.
US09301790B2 Device for fixation of bone fractures
A device and method for fixation of bone fractures has a bone screw comprising a shank with a threaded end portion, on the outer surface. The screw has a through bore with two bore portions differing in diameter. A step in the diameter is formed between these bore portions and is located within the end of the screw having the thread. This step in diameter can support a metal insert which in turn supports a polymer pin when the latter if pressurized with a sonotrode in the bone screw. Together with an applied ultrasonic vibration the pressure fluidizes the polymer pin and presses the material through holes configured in the wall of the bone screw and into surrounding bone.
US09301788B2 Adjustable spine distraction implant
An adjustable spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume and/or cross sectional area in the spinal canal and/or neural foramen. The adjustable implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor. The implant includes elliptical or oval shaped adjustable member or spacer for positioning between and adjustably spacing apart the spinous processes.
US09301787B2 Medical apparatus and method for spinal surgery
A medical apparatus for use proximate a surgery location on a spine of a subject includes a first lateral support member and a second lateral support member, each lateral support member coupled to a portion of the spine proximate a first vertebra. A transverse connection member has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween, with the first end coupled to the first lateral support member and the second end coupled to the second lateral support member. A first extension member has a first end and a second end, with the first end coupled to the intermediate portion of the transverse connection member, and the second end coupled to a spinous process of a second vertebra.
US09301785B2 Spinal buttress plate
A spinal buttress plate includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface and including an annular lip, a ledge, and a pair of teeth. The annular lip defines an opening. The annular lip and the opening are adapted to engage a screw for facilitating the securement of the buttress plate to one or more vertebrae. The ledge defines an aperture. The ledge and aperture are adapted to engage an instrument for positioning the buttress plate adjacent a spinal bone graft. The teeth are disposed in spaced-apart relation on the bottom surface of the body and are positionable within the one or more vertebrae.
US09301783B2 Orthopedic external fixation device
Devices for the fixation of a bone fracture and methods of using the devices are provided. The devices comprise at least one distal pin assembly configured to engage a first bone fragment, at least one proximal pin assembly configured to engage a second bone fragment, and a rail bar system configured to connect the distal and proximal pin assemblies together across the bone fracture. Each pin assembly includes a screw portion having a distal end configured to engage first bone fragment and a proximal end, a support sheath portion having a distal end configured to engage the first bone fragment, wherein the support sheath portion defines an elongated channel in which the proximal end of the screw portion is disposed, and a cap portion configured to attach the proximal end of the screw portion to the support sheath portion.
US09301782B2 External fixation
External fixation techniques for immobilizing joints or fractured bones are described herein. An external fixation system may include one or more clamp assemblies connected to one or more rod assemblies at polyaxial joints. Each rod assembly may be length adjustable, and may include a one-way locking mechanism to provisionally lock the length of the rod assembly, and additional locking mechanisms to permanently lock the length of the rod assembly. The system may be deployed pre-assembled as a unit to immobilize a joint or fracture. Another external fixation system further includes a spanning member extending transverse to the rod assemblies. Two or more external fixation systems may be deployed in a stacked configuration on one set of bone pins to immobilize two joints and/or fractures. The systems may be provided in kits including guiding instrumentation, bone pins and pin clamping assemblies for connecting the bone pins to the external fixation systems.
US09301781B2 Bone regeneration device for bones, and method of use
A method of stimulating bone regeneration in a discontinuous section of a long bone in a subject requiring same, comprising the step of applying to said discontinuous section of the bone an effective vacuum for an effective length of time. A device for carrying out the method consisting of a sealable tubular-shaped sleeve or cuff that fits snugly and sealably around the bone section to be treated and that can be evacuated via a port that is integral to the sleeve or port.
US09301778B2 Obturator tip
A surgical instrument for use with a surgical portal apparatus includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal axis and a dilating member disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The dilating member has a first longitudinal arc segment and a second longitudinal arc segment in diametrical opposed relation to the first longitudinal arc segment. The first and second longitudinal arc segments define respective first and second radii of curvature transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first and second radii of curvature decrease from proximal to distal to define a generally tapered configuration of the dilating member. The first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature at predefined longitudinal positions of the dilating member such that the first longitudinal arc segment extends distally beyond the second longitudinal segment to define a penetrating tip. The penetrating tip has a reduced profile and dimensioned to facilitate initial insertion of the dilating member into tissue.
US09301777B2 Occlusion bypassing apparatuses and methods for bypassing an occlusion in a blood vessel
Occlusion bypassing apparatuses are disclosed for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion in a vessel. The occlusion bypassing apparatuses include a shaft component and a needle component slidably disposed within the shaft component and having an angled configuration when deployed. In embodiments hereof, the needle component has an angled distal tip segment that may be utilized to selectively bend a flexible distal portion of the shaft component in order to extend the flexible distal portion towards the true lumen of the vessel. The needle component is distally advanced relative to the shaft component to pierce through the intima of the vessel and thereafter enter the true lumen.
US09301770B2 Systems, methods and devices for performing gynecological procedures
Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system and devices provide simplified use and reduced risk of adverse events. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.
US09301766B2 Apparatus for repairing bone defects
A system for repairing a soft tissue or bone defect can include a C-shaped guide member having a first end and a second end and configured to extend around a condyle area of a femur of a patient. The guide member includes a threaded bore at the first end, and the second end configured to rest on a tibia of the patient. The system includes a cannulated bullet threadably received in the threaded bore and configured to be threadably advanced to secure the guide member relative to the femur. The system also includes a drilling member insertable through the bullet and configured to drill a femoral bore through the femur.
US09301761B2 Anastomosis devices and methods
Methods and devices are provided for anastomosing tissue in the body. In one exemplary embodiment, an anastomotic device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a body lumen and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal and distal portions can each include a plurality of asymmetrical s-shaped slits and can each be adapted to expand upon rotation to form proximal and distal wings. The proximal and distal wings can extend toward one another to engage tissue therebetween and thereby form a passageway through the tissue.
US09301760B2 Devices for securely closing tissue openings with minimized scarring
Devices, tools, systems, kits and methods for closing a tissue opening non-invasively are presented. The devices include a tissue closure device that reliably induces eversion of tissue edges that define a tissue opening. The devices may be used in combination with an applicator tool to provide easy and uniform apposition of the tissue closure devices across the tissue opening. Further embodiments provide for releasable locking of the tissue closure devices, allowing for drainage of wound edema and/or treatment of infection, without removal and reapplication of the devices. Still further embodiments allow for the passing of moisture or other substances that may collect under a tissue closure device.
US09301758B2 Surgical stapler delivery systems and methods of assembling the staplers
Surgical stapler delivery systems and methods of using the delivery systems to deliver and assemble surgical staplers are described herein.
US09301754B2 Medical device for port closure
The present invention provides devices for safely closing an opening in tissue. In one embodiment, the medical device includes a delivery tube, a control member and a staple. The delivery tube is elongated and extends from a proximal end to a distal end to define a longitudinal axis. The delivery tube defines a tube lumen, while the control member is elongated and extends through the tube lumen. The staple is releasably attached to the control member adjacent the distal end of the delivery tube. The staple formed of a resilient material having a C-shape, the C-shape including free ends defining first and second tines. The resilient material of the staple is elastically deformable such that the staple may flex to change a distance between the first and second tines. The free ends are spaced apart a first distance in an unbiased state of the staple.
US09301752B2 Tissue thickness compensator comprising a plurality of capsules
A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a plurality of layers. Various embodiments are disclosed herein for manufacturing a tissue thickness compensator. In certain embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise at least one medicament tube, capsule, and/or packet contained therein.
US09301747B2 Articulating suturing device and method
A device for closing an opening in tissue includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel disposed between the proximal and distal ends. A pair of pins are disposed within the channel and cooperate with a slidable and axially movable foot. The foot extends distally from the channel with a flexible guidebody extending from a distal foot end of the foot.
US09301743B2 Surgical access system and related methods
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US09301741B2 Vascular closure device
A device for closure of an opening formed through a wall of a body vessel of a patient is provided, as well as an introducer system for delivery of the closure device. Various embodiments include the closure device having hook members configured to engage the tissue interior of the body vessel wall, hook members configured to engage interstitial tissue adjacent to the body vessel, a plug member to contact sealably the opening from inside the body vessel, and combinations thereof. A retraction member is removably attached to the each of the embodiments to permit manipulation of the device. Remodelable material may be included with each of the embodiments to promote quicker healing. The introducer includes a sheath that is insertable through the opening and a pusher disposed within the lumen of the sheath and movable within the sheath lumen to deploy the device.
US09301739B2 Apparatus for holding and operating one or more syringes
Apparatus for supporting a syringe includes a handle portion and a cradle. A clip is provided for connecting the plungers of two or more syringes, and two or more syringes are operated by placing one in the cradle and attaching the clip to the plungers for simultaneous operation of the plungers. The handle portion also forms a cavity for storing the clips. The apparatus is preferably used in combination with an applicator tip that combines the outputs from the two or more syringes.
US09301737B2 Needle tip for biopsy device
A biopsy device includes a body portion, a cannula, a cutter, and a tissue stop having a proximal face. The cannula has a transverse aperture that is defined in part by a proximal edge and a distal edge. The cutter is movable to a distal position to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A tip at the distal end of the cannula has a sharp edge that extends proximally to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal edge of the transverse aperture. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal cutting edge of the cutter when the cutter is at the distal position. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the proximal face of the tissue stop.
US09301734B2 Medical device and method for use in tissue characterization and treatment
A medical device is presented for use in tissue characterization and treatment. The device comprises: a tissue characterization probe comprising an elongated carrier carrying an array of tissue characterization sensors arranged in a spaced-apart relationship at least along an axis of said carrier, such that progression of the probe through a tissue mass provides for locating and determining a dimension of an abnormal tissue specimen inside said tissue mass based on characterization signals from the sensors in the array, thereby enabling consequent treatment of the abnormal tissue specimen by a treatment tool.
US09301733B2 Systems and methods for ultrasound image rendering
Systems and methods for ultrasound image rendering are provided. One system includes a user interface having a display configured to display ultrasound images for a volume data set and a content detection module configured to detect an object within the volume data set. The system also includes an image-processing module configured to receive ultrasound signals from a diagnostic probe and process the signals to generate the ultrasound images. The image-processing module is further configured to locally change an opacity function of the displayed ultrasound image based on the detected object to change an opacity of a subset of voxels in the volume data set.
US09301732B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic arrangements selecting parameters for selecting relevant estimation data for classifying an elasticity image
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including: a tomogram constructing means; an elasticity information calculating means; an elasticity image constructing means; a display means; an estimation data generating means configured to generate estimation data for estimating the characteristic of a biomedical tissue on the basis of the elasticity image; an estimation data selecting means configured to select at least one parameter used for the estimation of the characteristic of the biomedical tissue and to make the selected parameter displayed on the display means, an analyzing means configured to analyze the elasticity image using at least one parameter selected by the estimation data selecting means and to make the result of analysis displayed on the display means; wherein the display means displays the parameter used for the estimation of the characteristic and the result of analysis.
US09301731B2 Ultrasound system and transducer assemblies
An ultrasound system is disclosed. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound device. The ultrasound device includes a housing, a control panel coupled to the housing, and a receiver assembly coupled to the housing, wherein the receiver assembly includes a first contact surface. The ultrasound system further includes a transducer assembly having an ultrasound probe and a cartridge, wherein the cartridge includes a second contact surface. The cartridge is configured to be removably received in a slot of the receiver assembly such that the cartridge is movable between a removed position, in which the transducer assembly is not connected to the ultrasound device, and an engaged position, in which the cartridge is positioned in the slot and the first contact surface is electrically coupled to the second contact surface.
US09301730B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system configured by probe firmware
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system (50) includes analog and/or digital components which are configurable by firmware data. An ultrasound probe (10) contains firmware data for configuring the programmable devices of an ultrasound system for operation with the probe. The firmware data is uploaded from the probe and used to configure the analog and/or digital components for operation with the probe at runtime.
US09301729B2 Ultrasound detecting device having function of confirming irradiation position, and method thereof
Provided is an ultrasound fracture detection device capable of accurately irradiating an ultrasound pulse to a target object, the device being characterized by being provided with an ultrasound wave irradiating transducer, a signal receiving transducer which receives a reflected wave of an ultrasound wave irradiated from the ultrasound wave irradiating transducer, a signal, storage unit which stores a received signal, and a display unit which displays an analysis program that analyzes a stored signal, a determination program that performs determination from the result of the analysis and/or performs determination from the stored signal, and the result of the analysis and/or the result of the determination, wherein the determination program performs the determination using that information relating to the received signal varies depending on the reflector within a living organism.
US09301724B2 Containment tubes and imaging systems employing same
An isolation system with imaging or radiation therapy capability is disclosed. At least one containment barrier (14, 15, 16, 17) defines an isolation region (10). An imaging or therapy system (20) is disposed outside of the isolation region. The containment barrier includes a substantially hollow tubular extension (24, 42, 44, 124, 224, 324) protruding away from the isolation region (10). The substantially hollow tubular extension surrounds an interior volume (26) that is in fluid communication with the isolation region and is in fluid isolation from the imaging or therapy system. The substantially hollow tubular extension is made at least partially of a material providing operative communication between the imaging or therapy system and the interior volume of the substantially hollow tubular extension.
US09301723B2 Microwave energy-delivery device and system
An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.
US09301720B2 Integrated position and parameter sensing for the muscular-skeletal system
A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a sensing module (200) and an insert dock (202). The sensing module (200) includes a load sensing platform (121), an accelerometer (122), and sensing assemblies (123). In one embodiment, a force or load applied by the muscular-skeletal system is measured. The force or load is applied to the sensing assembly (123). The accelerometer (122) generates motion data. The motion data includes acceleration data. The force or load measured by sensing assembly (123) in combination with the motion data captured by the accelerometer (122) is used to calculate a total force or load. A second accelerometer can be used to provide reference position information. The sensing assemblies (123) comprise a transducer (304), an elastic or compressible propagation structure (305), and a second transducer (314).
US09301718B2 Reusable wireless medical sensors
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to reusable wireless sensors. According to certain embodiments, the wireless sensor may include a rechargeable battery coupled to an induction coil for recharging the battery. One or more magnets may be disposed within or coupled to the wireless sensor, and the one or more magnets may be arranged to align the induction coil of the wireless sensor with a recharging device to facilitate recharging the battery of the wireless sensor.
US09301716B2 Method and apparatus for evaluating values representing a mass or a concentration of a substance present within the body of a patient
The present invention relates to a method for evaluating a value representing the mass or the concentration of a substance comprised by a tissue or a bodily fluid of a patient, the method including the steps of a) determining a relation between one or more calculated or measured value(s) reflecting the mass or the concentration and a distribution space of the patient or an approximation thereof, and b) assessing whether the relation fulfills a criterion. The present invention further relates to systems and computer programs for performing this method.
US09301712B2 Method and apparatus for continuous measurement of motor symptoms in parkinson's disease and essential tremor with wearable sensors
Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus for generating a plurality of movement impairment indices from one or more kinematic signals to characterize movement disorders. Additionally we disclose methods for generating a plurality of movement impairment indices from one or more kinematic signals obtained from one or more kinematic sensors, said methods implemented in a digital computer with one or more processors in order to characterize movement disorders based on spectral analysis, regularity metrics, and time-frequency analysis.
US09301707B2 MR imaging in separate rooms using a magnet having a diagnostic table
In MR imaging in a suite of rooms including a diagnostic room and a second surgical room, the magnet includes a diagnostic table separable from a docking station of the magnet and the second room includes a second surgical table. An imaging control computer controls operation of the imaging system and a movement control computer controls operation of the magnet moving system and the patient support table. During imaging in the surgical room, the diagnostic table is separated and docked at a secondary docking station while an emulating computer system cooperate with the imaging control computer system by emulating outputs from the disconnected diagnostic table for controlling operation of the imaging system.
US09301706B2 Magnetic resonance imaging system for non-contrast MRA and magnetic resonance signal acquisition method employed by the same
A magnetic resonance imaging system uses a first RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal from a subject, and a device for estimating a cardiac phase of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the first RF coil. The first RF coil, for example, can be an RF coil exclusive to cardiac phase estimation. The magnetic resonance imaging system also uses a second RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal based on the estimated cardiac phase, and a device for reconstructing a magnetic resonance image of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the second RF coil. Thus, MRA can be performed by estimating a cardiac phase.
US09301705B2 System and method for magnetic-resonance-guided electrophysiologic and ablation procedures
A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures includes an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and be used as an intracardiac device to deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions.
US09301704B2 Magnetic resonance imaging system for non-contrast MRA and magnetic resonance signal acquisition method employed by the same
A magnetic resonance imaging system uses a first RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal from a subject, and a device for estimating a cardiac phase of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the first RF coil. The first RF coil, for example, can be an RF coil exclusive to cardiac phase estimation. The magnetic resonance imaging system also uses a second RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal based on the estimated cardiac phase, and a device for reconstructing a magnetic resonance image of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the second RF coil. Thus, MRA can be performed by estimating a cardiac phase.
US09301691B2 Instrument for optically detecting tissue attributes
A jaw assembly including first and second jaw members configured to clamp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a surface opposing a surface of the second jaw member, a light source, and a light detector. The light source is configured to emit light from an opening defined in the surface of the first jaw member. The light detector is disposed within the opening and is configured to sense properties of light reflected off tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to generate signals indicative of the sensed properties of light. A processor is operatively associated with the light detector and is configured to receive the signals from the light detector. The processor is also configured to analyze the signals to determine an attribute of tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to provide feedback to a user of the attribute of the tissue.
US09301690B2 Device, system, and method for a stress sensing medical needle
In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a needle (e.g., hypodermic needle or trocar) and sensor (e.g., fiber Braggs grating sensor) coupled to a system to determine (e.g., in real time) stress and/or vibrations encountered by the needle. Consequently, various embodiments may (a) help identify nearby vessels, (b) determine whether the needle penetrated a hollow body structure, and (c) accurately guide needles towards a target structure (e.g., vessel). Other embodiments are described herein.
US09301689B2 Patient monitoring system
A patient support apparatus includes a monitoring system having a first detector and a controller. The first detector detects electromagnetic radiation from a first field of view of the first detector and providing a signal indicative of characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation. The controller includes a processor coupled to the first detector and a memory device including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to processes the signal from the first detector, translate the signal into an array of data, and evaluate the data in the array to determine characteristics of a patient positioned in the first field of view.
US09301688B2 System for screening the skin condition of the plantar surface of the feet
The present invention relates to a novel approach means of screening foot skin condition of patients at risk for foot tissue breakdown, such as persons with diabetes, through the provision of a remote screening device that can be used in telemedicine or home self-monitoring approaches. The invention would record high resolution images of the bottom of the patient's feet, without artifacts or other distortions that might arise from images taken of feet that have been compressed through standing and the like. These images could immediately be viewed by the patient and/or electronically submitted to a medical facility where clinicians could screen the images for signs of tissue breakdown.
US09301684B2 Ophthalmic imaging apparatus, control method for ophtalmic imaging apparatus, and storage medium
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus having an automatic transition function for transiting from an anterior ocular observation state to a fundus observation state, an autofocus function performed during fundus observation, and an automatic image capturing function performed when fundus alignment is complete, the apparatus comprising: a first control unit configured to control the automatic transition function, the autofocus function, and the automatic image capturing function to be deactivated in response to a first user operation; and a second control unit configured to control the deactivated automatic transition function, autofocus function, and automatic image capturing function to be reactivated in response to a second user operation.
US09301681B2 Ophthalmic apparatus, and treatment site measuring method for the apparatus
The present invention relates to an ophthalmic apparatus and to a treatment site measuring method for the apparatus. The ophthalmic apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a first image unit for capturing the lower region of a retina so as to generate an image of the captured retina; a second image unit for capturing the local region of the retina indicated by a surgical operator so as to generate an image of the captured local region of the retina; and a control unit for mapping the image of the local region of the retina generated by the second image unit to the image of the retina generated by the first image unit based on the image of the retina generated by the first image unit.
US09301680B2 Device for monitoring position and movements of an eye, particularly suitable for ocular radiotherapy
A device for non-invasive monitoring of an eye position and ocular movements of a patient having: a housing body (2) having at least one through opening (2a); a plurality of light sources (3) housed in said housing body (2); a plurality of sensor means (4) housed in said housing body (2); deflector means (6) for invisible radiation (RL) supplied, in use, by said plurality of light sources (3) and reflected by said eye (O) under examination; support means (8) that can be adjusted for said housing body (2); at least one program data processing and control unit (9). The support means (8) can be adjusted in such a way that the through opening (2a) of the housing body (2) can be placed at the eye (O) under examination so that the invisible radiation hits the eye (O) frontally. The program data processing and control unit (9) is designed to calculate instant-by-instant the position and orientation of a suitable three-dimensional reference system integral with the eye with respect to a predetermined three-dimensional reference system.
US09301678B2 Apparatus and method for assessing effects of drugs by recording ocular parameters
The invention is directed to quantification of the effects of drugs on a patient using pupillometric measures. Apparatus and processes for obtaining control and patient measures and deriving relationships from same are provided. The methods of the invention provide doctor quantitative feedback on patient symptoms and on the effects of a drug or dosage of same on a patient, as well as provide assessment capability to patients and law enforcement.
US09301677B2 Systems and methods for implanting and examining intraocular lens
Systems and methods for designing and implanting a customized intra-ocular lens (IOL) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes an eye analysis module that analyzes a patient's eye and generates biometric information relating to the eye. The system also includes eye modeling and optimization modules to generate an optimized IOL model based upon the biometric information and other inputted parameters representative of patient preferences. The system further includes a manufacturing module configured manufacture the customized IOL based on the optimized IOL model. In addition, the system can include an intra-operative real time analyzer configured to measure and display topography and aberrometry information related to a patient's eye for assisting in proper implantation of the IOL.
US09301676B2 System and method for determining ocular scattering
Improved systems and methods for determining ocular scattering are provided. These systems and methods can be used to quantify ocular scattering before and/or after a wide variety of different ophthalmic diagnostic procedures, and various surgical and non-surgical treatments. One embodiment provides a system and method for determining ocular scattering that uses two light detectors, with one detector configured to detect light over a relatively narrow angular range, and the other detector configured to detect light over a relatively large angular range. The data from the narrow angular range and the large angular range can then be analyzed to determine a measurement of ocular scattering.
US09301675B2 Method and apparatus for validating testing procedures in objective ophthalmic eye testing for eye evaluation applications requiring subject compliance with eye fixation to a visual target
A method and associated apparatus for validating testing procedure in objective ophthalmic eye testing is implemented for eye evaluation applications requiring subject compliance with eye fixation to a visual target. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a predetermined visual fixation target to the subject in a predetermined location with an automated ophthalmic eye testing device, wherein the testing procedure of the eye evaluation application requires the subject to fixate upon the visual fixation stimulus; tracking the subject's gaze during at least the supplying of the predetermined visual fixation stimulus to the subject throughout the testing procedure of the eye evaluation application with a video based eye tracking system; and validating the testing procedure by at least one of i) indicating to the clinician when the subject's gaze location differs from the predetermined visual fixation stimulus by an amount greater than a predetermined threshold amount, and ii) having the automated ophthalmic eye testing device repeat at least portions of the testing procedures when the subject's gaze location differs from the predetermined visual fixation stimulus by an amount greater than a predetermined threshold amount.
US09301669B2 Rail assembly for a dishwasher basket
A rail assembly for a dishwasher basket that may include a rail to be connected to a side wall of the dishwasher basket; at least one support roller for guiding a front portion of the rail; a pair of guide rollers for guiding a rear portion of the rail, the pair of guide rollers may include a lower guide roller located to engage a lower guide face of the rail, and an upper guide roller located to engage an upper guide face of the rail; a lever element on which at least one of the guide rollers is mounted and which is rotatable about an axis extending generally in parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one guide roller; and may include a spring element for rotationally biasing the lever element to urge the at least one guide roller against the rail.
US09301662B2 Upright vacuum cleaner
Several embodiments of an upright surface cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the upright surface cleaning apparatus. A support member is mounted to the surface cleaning head. A portable cleaning unit is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.
US09301660B2 Laminar composite toilet lid and seat
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a laminate composite toilet lid and seat and a method of manufacturing thereof. The toilet lid includes a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes first and second resilient layers disposed on first and second surfaces of the core structural layer. The toilet lid further includes a plurality of exterior layers disposed on exterior surfaces of the core structural layer and the first and second resilient layers, the exterior layers configured to envelop the toilet lid.
US09301659B1 High efficiency evaporative/dehydration toilets
A high efficiency evaporative toilet provides a unique air introduction and exposure/utilization system providing a unique air flow pattern that draws hot air over solids and then over liquids for absorption of moisture in three different technological options. An expansion of the liquid surface exposed to hot air is achieved through the use of wicking in the carousel and microwave applications. An air exhaust system provides a unique exhaust flow system that draws saturated air out of the system and is operated nonstop, using minimal amounts of electricity with the added option of being compatible with the use of solar panels.
US09301657B2 Skin care device with integrated cleanser
A cleansing workpiece suitable for use with a personal care appliance. The cleansing workpiece includes a cleanser and a cleansing component, such as a number of tufts each having a plurality of bristles. In use, the cleansing workpiece can be rotated, reciprocated, oscillated, etc., over a subject's skin in order for the cleansing workpiece to dispense or apply a quantity of the cleanser onto the subject's skin and/or for the cleansing component to clean, massage, and/or exfoliate a subject's skin with the aid of dispensed cleanser. The cleanser may be continuously applied to the subject's skin as the cleansing component.
US09301652B2 Portable walk-in bathtub
A portable, walk in type bathtub includes an entrance and a door attached thereto to allow someone to walk into the bathtub without stepping over a wall. A replaceable water tank is attached to the tub such that clean water is directed from the water tank to the tub. Once the water has been used, the dirty or black water is directed to a separate tank within the water tank attachment. Once all of the clean water from the water tank has been used, the water tank is detached from the tub housing and a new tank containing clean water is attached to the tub to further facilitate bathing. The tub and water tank include wheels attached to the bottoms thereof to facilitate movement of the tub and water tank. The wheels may be raised and lowered to facilitate movement and locking of the tub in place.
US09301651B2 Pivotable shelf for a bathtub
A bathtub assembly includes a tub body and a positionable shelf including a substantially planar platform and a mounting post disposed in a corner portion of the platform. A mount for the positionable shelf defines a socket for the mounting post and includes a flanged, outwardly threaded, hollow tubular portion open at both ends and a flanged sleeve therewithin. The mounting post can be slidably received within the flanged sleeve such that mounting post can rotate relative to the socket. Accordingly, the positionable shelf can rotate relative to the tub body 360 degrees in a horizontal plane.
US09301650B1 Rotatable coffee pod storage device
Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a rotatable coffee pod storage device. The rotatable coffee pod storage device may have a plurality arms that are configured to receive coffee pods. The arms of the coffee pods may be configured to receive coffee pods in a direction that is perpendicular to the angle of rotation of the rotatable coffee pod storage device. Accordingly, a user may be able to easily and effectively insert and remove a plurality of coffee pods, while also conveniently storing the coffee pods and reducing the amount of space required to store the coffee pods.
US09301649B2 Sharpened edge spatula device
A sharpened edge spatula device facilitates food preparation and serving by providing a spatula device having a sharpened edge. The device includes a handle and a head coupled to and extending from the handle. The head has a first edge, a second edge, and a pair of side edges extending between the first edge and the second edge. The side edges taper extending from the first edge to the second edge and the first edge is sharpened.
US09301647B2 Knife for a cutting disc for a cutting machine
A knife for a cutting disc in a cutting machine, which disc includes a centrally arranged, penetrating hole and an opening extending in a radial direction. The disc is manufactured from sheet metal and includes a dike-shaped section with a sloping part extending radially from the center of the disc. An attachment element for attaching the knife is arranged along the sloping part. The knife is bent along a bend line running along the longitudinal direction of the knife. The attachment element is present in a section of the knife on one side of the bend line, and a cutting edge is present running along the free edge of the knife. The angle of bend between the sections is such that the section of the knife at which the cutting edge is present is parallel to the plane of the cutting disc when the knife is mounted on the disc.
US09301641B2 Beverage dispenser with automatic closure of the powder containers chutes
The invention concerns a beverage dispenser comprising: a housing (1), at least one refillable container (2) for storing bulk beverage ingredient, said container comprising a tank (22), a discharge port (5) at the outlet (23) of the tank, at least a beverage preparation unit (3) operatively linked to the container for preparing a beverage from the stored bulk beverage ingredient, a door, wherein the discharge port (6) of the container (2) is configured for being automatically closed due to the opening movement of the door.
US09301639B2 Beverage foams making device
A beverage foams making device includes a base having a shaft rotatably extending therethrough. A stirring member and a driving member are respectively connected to two ends of the shaft. The stirring member has multiple holes and at least one protrusion extends from the stirring member. The driving member is cooperated with a driving device which drives the shaft to rotate. A cup has a connection portion connected to the base and the stirring member is located in the cup. The stirring member generates foams when the beverage in the cup is stirred by the stirring member. Ice cubes are not broken when making the beverage. The device is mainly suitable for making beverages such as green tea and black tea, alternative, milk, coffee and/or juice is also available.
US09301638B2 Drink preparation machine
Provided is a drink preparation machine with an outer housing, which contains at least one ventilation element for ventilating an interior which is enclosed by the outer housing. In order to reduce the likelihood of penetration by dust, water and/or small objects, to allow simple and quick cleaning with reduced use of detergents and to achieve energy-saving operation of the drink preparation machine, the at least one ventilation element can be actuated to open and close.
US09301636B2 Beverage press
A beverage press is shown and described. The beverage press may include a lid, a liquid containing member having upper and lower portions, where the upper portion of the liquid containing member is selectively engaged with the lid. The beverage press may also include a press operatively secured with the lid and extending within the liquid containing portion, where the press is microwaveable, and a solid retaining member selectively engaged with the lower portion of the liquid containing member.
US09301633B2 Unity heart device
A multi-piece ceremonial sculpture and a method of assembly. The method of assembling the sculpture is to fasten a heart-shaped outer piece to a base by way of a peg and an indented hole. Once the outer piece has been secured, an inner piece will be inserted within the outer piece and securely fastened within. A topper pin is placed through aligned openings on the top of both the outer and inner pieces. Once assembled, the heart sculpture represents love, unity and commitment between two parties together in a union.
US09301631B2 Scoop used in cooking and/or portioning food
The invention relates to a scoop (1) used in cooking and/or portioning food, comprising a plate-like, elongated handle (10) and a plate-like scoop blade (20) as its extension. The handle (10) is provided with at least one weakening line (11) in the longitudinal direction of the handle (10), which allows the handle (10) to be bent into a chute by pressing the handle (10). The scoop blade (20) is provided with two or more weakening lines (21, 22), which join the longitudinal weakening line (11) or weakening lines of the handle (10) in such a way that the scoop blade (20) bends into a chute, cup, spoon or dish forced by the bending of the handle (10) into a chute. The weakening lines (11, 21) are formed of elastic material (13), which is more elastic than the scoop material. At the weakening lines there are slots (14) in the scoop material, which are filled up with the said elastic material (13).
US09301630B2 Composite cup structure
An improved composite cup structure, which comprising: an inner plastic cup and an outer paper cup; of which the composite cup is manufactured from paper and plastics by a ratio of 7:3; the rims of both inner plastic cup and outer paper cup are provided with outwards curled edges, in particular, the curled edge of the inner plastic cup is slightly larger than that of the outer paper cup, and a flat surface is formed on the top; besides, an extension sheet of any shape is formed on the curled edge towards the cup bottom; when the inner and outer cups are overlapped, the curled edge of the inner plastic cup could cover the curled edge of the outer paper cup, thus forming a heat-insulating, leak-proofing composite cup of excellent strength; the extension sheet contributes to the separation of inner and outer cups for classification and recycling.
US09301628B1 Shopping cart corral for displaying one or more advertisements and method of providing same
Some embodiments disclose a corral configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements. The corral can include: (a) an enclosure having an opening configured to receive the one or more shopping carts, the enclosure having a first side; and (b) at least one first panel located at the first side and configured to display at least a first advertisement of the one or more advertisements. The advertising panels can be configured to be coupled adjacent the opening of the corral to facilitate better visibility.
US09301626B2 Checkout counter
A classification device (2) for identification of articles (3) in an automated checkout counter is presented. The device comprises a memory unit (5) capable of storing digital reference signatures, each of which digital reference signatures corresponds to an article identity, a processor (6) connected to the memory unit (5), and at least one sensor (4, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24) configured to determine a measured signature of an article (3) wherein said processor (6) is configured to compare said measured signature with the digital reference signatures, and to calculate a matching probability of a predetermined number of article identities.
US09301625B2 Hanger for displaying floor mats
A hanger for displaying floor mats includes a main body portion and at least one post extending from the main body portion for receiving at least one floor mat. The hanger further includes a locking member hingedly coupled with the body portion and selectively movable between a first configuration disengaged from the post, and a second configuration engaging the post to capture a floor mat supported on the post.
US09301623B2 Portable baby change apparatus
A portable baby change apparatus (10) may include a first part (20), adapted to be removably suspended from a support structure (110); a second part (30), pivotably attached to the first part (20), and providing at least a portion (32) of a surface for changing a baby; wherein the first and second parts (20, 30) are pivotable relative to each other, between a closed configuration wherein the first part (20) covers said portion (32) of said surface, and an open configuration wherein, when the first part (20) is suspended from a support structure (110), said surface (32) is substantially horizontal. Extension parts (40), coupled to the second part (30), are movable relative to the second part (30) between a first position and a second position wherein, the extension parts (40) provide further portions (42) of said surface.
US09301619B2 Stool
Apparatus and methods for providing a stool with a seat, a spring device, a leg connected to spring device, and an engagement surface disposed at a distal end of the leg.
US09301617B2 One-piece office chair with an adjusting apparatus
A one-piece office chair made of plastic with an adjusting apparatus comprises a middle axle seat, a seat frame, a back frame, and two armrests which are formed in one-piece to complete the entire chair frame. Furthermore, an adjusting apparatus is applied to provide supports and elasticity for the chair frame, enabling the back frame to adjust the angle in accordance with users' movements, featuring the present invention as an ergonomic design of comfortable seating with easy assembly and light weight.
US09301615B2 Seating structure with a contoured flexible backrest
A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.
US09301612B2 Chair with a swivel back support
A chair includes a unitary shell defining a seat portion and a riser portion. The riser portion is generally normal to the seat portion. The chair further includes a back support and a flexible coupling that couples a portion of the back support to a portion of the riser portion. The flexible coupling includes a cushion between the portion of the back support and the portion of the riser portion.
US09301611B2 Leg and foot support structure to be applied to tiltable armchairs
A leg and foot support structure applied to tiltable armchairs, comprised of a quadrangular rigid structure, said quadrangular rigid structure being lifted by means of feet; a pivotable quadrangular articulated frame for supporting the feet that is assembled on the front half and within said rigid structure; moving parts of said structure being operated by driving assemblies comprised of articulated arms connected and actuated simultaneously by a driving unit. An inner sliding frame composed of two quadrangular structures that slide over each other through articulated arms pivoted to the respective structures and to a rigid articulated frame that is angularly moved in order to be underneath a seat structure; said quadrangular structures start their relative slippage only after the articulated rigid frame reaches an end of its angular displacement.
US09301610B1 Enclosed boltless shelving system
An easy-to-assemble, easy-to-break down boltless shelving system including a rack and shelves on which articles can be stored and displayed. The boltless shelving system has upstanding corner posts located at the four corners of the rack by which back and side panels can be slidably and removably attached to the rack to enclose three sides thereof. Each upstanding corner post of the rack has a pair of flat faces that extend from one another at an angle. The outer ends of the flat faces are bent to form longitudinally-extending flanges that run along opposite sides of each of the corner posts. The flanges have a generally L-shaped profile to create guide channels. Panels are pushed downwardly and into receipt by the guide channels of opposite facing flanges of a pair of adjacent corner posts, whereby to enclose the rack of the shelving system on any number of sides thereof.
US09301607B1 Combination toy chest and play station
A combination toy chest and play station includes a toy chest defining an interior space, a lid hingedly connected to toy chest for enclosing the interior space, and a table hingedly connected to the toy chest. The table is pivotable about the toy chest between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.
US09301596B1 Attachment assembly for an electronic device
An attachment assembly for an electronic device attaches to an electronic device, such as a cell phone, to prevent a user from dropping, losing or breaking the electronic device. The assembly includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimter wall coupled to and extending between the top wall and the bottom wall. A tether is retractable into and out of the housing. The tether has a first end extending outwardly of the housing. A connector is coupled to the first end of the tether. The connector is configured for releasably attaching an electronic device to the tether.
US09301595B2 Multi-layered holster to secure an instrument
A device holster may accommodate different sized devices, such as guns, weapons, tools, etc. One example configuration may include a front cover that includes a number of engaging snap portions and a molded surface area that provides a cavity shaped as a hand gun barrel and hand gun trigger housing, and a rear cover with a larger surface area than the front cover which provides a rear cover including a number of layers including a first layer composed of a first material, a middle layer composed of a second material and a third layer composed of a third material, and the second material of the middle layer is different from the first material of the first layer.
US09301591B2 Dual end liquid applicator
A dual end liquid applicator including a reservoir handle having a first opening defined at a first end, a second opening defined at a second end opposing the first end, a first head member, and a second head member is provided. The reservoir handle defines an internal cavity for storing a dispensing liquid. The first head member is operably connected at the first opening at the first end of the reservoir handle. The second head member is operably connected at the second opening at the second end of the reservoir handle. The first head member and the second head member, when rolled over a contact surface, transfer and dispense the dispensing liquid from the internal cavity of the reservoir handle through the first opening at the first end of the reservoir handle and the second opening at the second end of the reservoir handle respectively, to the contact surface.
US09301588B2 Hair removal apparatus for personal use and the method of using same
Hair or partial hair removal system and hair growth deterrent that includes mechanical process for cutting, plucking or shaving hair follicles, along with pre and/or post skin treatment techniques. The skin treatment techniques can include the application of energy to the skin surface before, after and/or during the application of the mechanical process. Such techniques include the application of heat and/or energy from illumination sources and/or RF emitters. Further skin treatment techniques include the application of solutions before, after and/or during the mechanical process and/or the application of heat and/or energy. Overall, the system operates to treat an area of skin to facilitate the removal of all or a portion of hair, retard further growth, and recovery of skin surface.
US09301587B2 Hair color (or dye) storage, dispensing and measurement (or measuring) system
An apparatus and system for preparing a hair coloring includes a graduated syringe and a container filled with a pigmented hair dye. The container includes an air-tight chamber and an opening, and also includes an engagement mechanism for installing the container on a rack for support. An air-tight reclosing seal at the opening allows the syringe to engage the air-tight reclosing seal, and extract the hair dye from the air-tight chamber. When the syringe is disengaged from the container, the air-tight reclosing seal closes off the air-tight chamber and permitting a known quantity of the hair dye to be withdrawn from the container into the syringe, allowing an accurate and repeatable quantity of hair dye to be dispensed from the container.
US09301585B2 Bag assembly and method of providing the same
A bag assembly includes a base member configured to be releasably coupled to a horizontal surface to maintain a position of the bag assembly with respect to the surface. The bag assembly further includes a support member attached to and extending outwardly from the base member. A bag member is disposed adjacent the support shaft and includes at least one compartment, the compartment having at least two openings for access into the compartment. The bag member rotates about the support shaft to access the at least two openings.
US09301583B2 Storage container
A storage container includes a main body and a cover. The main body includes a first recessed portion and an outer edge portion. The first recessed portion has an opening portion and is bounded by a first bottom surface portion and a first peripheral wall portion including a first wall portion. The outer edge portion protrudes further than the first wall portion on an outer periphery side of the storage container with respect to the first wall portion. The first wall portion has a groove portion and at least one first hole portion. The groove portion is formed on a protruding end portion of the first wall portion in a position separated from an edge of the first recessed portion toward the outer edge portion. The at least one hole portion opens onto the protruding end portion, communicates with the groove portion and is separated from the first recessed portion.
US09301579B2 Waterproof slide fastener
In a waterproof slide fastener, fastener elements are formed using a synthetic resin which contains a silicone resin or a fluorine-based resin, and a water repellant agent is applied to waterproof tapes and the fastener elements and hence, the waterproof slide fastener can exhibit a water-repellent effect brought about by the waterproof tapes and a water-repellent effect brought about by the fastener elements. Accordingly, it is possible to properly prevent the intrusion of a liquid through a gap formed between the left and right fastener elements and a gap formed between the fastener element and the waterproof tape.
US09301577B2 Shoe customization system having interchangeable platens
Heat press platens for a shoe customization/decoration system and a method of using the same are disclosed. The platens may be quickly interchanged to allow the same equipment to be used to dye shoes of different sizes. The platens individually accommodate a pair of assembled shoes and are shaped to: reduce print sizes, maintain symmetry and flatness of the shoe, and accommodate a range of shoe sizes. The size and shape of the platens enable one shoe to be fitted on one side of a platen and another shoe to be fitted on the opposite side. The platens position the shoes so that they are mirror images of each other. This positioning allows a single print, including mirror images of the same design, to be applied to two shoes at the same time.
US09301568B2 Flip-flops
A flip-flop or slipper which has a sole that has holes for receiving the knobs on a strap. The holes are heat-treated to reduce the resilience of the sole material at the sides of the holes. This prevents the knobs from squeezing through the holes and thus prevents the strap from disengaging the sole.
US09301567B2 Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with monofilament areas
An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes areas formed using monofilament strands. The monofilament areas may be bounded by multifilament areas. The multifilament areas may be configured to form a welt that includes a tensile element.
US09301565B1 Headwear support system
A headwear support system includes a support base having a shape that is generally one-half of a hemisphere. The support base includes a front projection extending outwardly therefrom, a rear connection rib coupled to a top rear of the support base, and two diametrically-opposed apertures on a bottom rear of the support base. The headwear support system further includes a first elastic member having opposed ends, each end configured to be coupled to respective ones of the diametrically-opposed apertures and wherein the first elastic member is configured to selectively secure the headwear to the support base. The headwear support system also includes a second elastic member configured to be coupled to the rear connection rib and configured to be selectively coupled to a button of the headwear. A clip member is also included in the system and is configured to be coupled to the rear connection rib and configured to be selectively coupled to a travelling case.
US09301563B2 Pressure sensing glove
An pressure sensing glove in which at least five, preferably at least seven and most preferably at least nine pressure sensors are intrinsic to the glove manufacture, usually sandwiched between layers of the glove. Between five to nine pressure sensors are positioned throughout the glove, and the pressure sensors themselves may be capacitive sensors, piezoelectric sensors, air filled bladder pressure sensors in communication with hollow tubes further connected to electronic pressure sensors, or any other sensor known in the art.
US09301560B2 Impact protection device
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an impact protection device including a base member, a cushioning layer secured to a peripheral edge of the base member and an impact shield operatively attached to an outer surface of the base member. The impact shield may be deflectable and/or moveable relative to the base member, and may be attached to the base member at a plurality of discrete locations.
US09301558B2 Cardiopulmonary lightning protection garment
A cardiopulmonary lightning protection garment fabricated of an electrically conductive textile, or other suitable body shielding material, forms a fast flashover facilitating, electrical shield of at least an upper portion of the body, and includes a region of reduced conductivity adjacent the wearer's heart. The protective garment also includes a grounding member providing a movable connection between the conductive body shield and a local ground plane. Various configurations of the basic garment are contemplated, including a hooded jacket, hooded raincoat, padded vest, rain poncho, and the like. In various embodiments, the grounding member is a strap-like tail attached to the electrical body shield at an upper end, and having a weighted lower end for maintaining a sliding contact with the ground. In other embodiments, the lower end is attached to a wearer's shoe.
US09301556B2 Ventilated motorcycle jacket
A ventilated jacket includes a front, a back, side portions, and sleeve portions. A vent system including a first vent, a second vent, and a third vent is disposed on each side portion. Each first vent extends from the side portion onto at least a portion of the corresponding sleeve and is movable between open and closed positions via a first fastening member. Each second vent is disposed in the side portion forward of the corresponding first vent and is movable between an open position and a closed position via a second fastening member. Each third vent is disposed in the side portion rearward of the corresponding first vent and is movable between an open position and a closed position via a third fastening member.
US09301552B2 Anti-slip stocking sole
A compression stocking is described with anti-slip means at the bottom surface of the stocking sole. The anti-slip means comprises one or more elongate grip members having a wave shape. The sole comprises a fabric tread and at least a portion of the elongate grip members overlies the tread.
US09301550B2 Apparatus for providing tension in garments and method of use
An apparatus, system and method for providing tension in garments for improving privacy control by the wearer. The apparatus incorporates materials having elastomeric properties which may be placed in proximity to a wearer's crotch during operation. The tension is directed to preventing, concealing and/or obfuscating the curvature or shape of private features of the wearer, such as a woman's labia, from visibility through the garment. The apparatus may include one or more components providing tension for privacy control. The apparatus may include angled seams to obfuscate a woman's private features.
US09301549B2 Electronic cigarette device, electronic cigarette and atomization device thereof
An electronic cigarette atomization device includes an atomization bushing, an electric heater coil and an atomization base located in the atomization bushing. The atomization device further includes a liquid supply component inserted into the atomization bushing; the liquid supply component is formed by high temperature resistant fiber free of glass fiber and, a through hole axially extended is defined in the middle portion of the liquid supply component; and the electric heater coil is positioned in the through hole of the liquid supply component and is pressed against an inner wall of the liquid supply component. The liquid supply component of the atomization device is made of high temperature resistant fiber material free of glass fiber, thus making the construction and process simplified, leading to low fabrication cost, and causing no damage to human body.
US09301547B2 Electronic cigarette, electronic cigarette smoke capsule and atomization device thereof
The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette, an electronic cigarette smoke capsule and an atomization device thereof, utilizing more than one heating element. The heating elements are further provided on the same or different smoke output channels and further are connected in parallel. This kind of disposable electronic cigarette, electronic cigarette smoke capsule and the atomization device thereof not only can improve the atomization ability and the product reliability by times, but also can make the atomized tar particles finer.
US09301546B2 Segmented smoking article with shaped insulator
A cigarette includes lighting and mouth ends. It also includes a mouth-end segment; an aerosol-generation system disposed between the lighting and mouth ends, which includes (i) a heat-generation segment adjacent the smokable segment, including a heat source configured to be activated by combustion of a smokable material and an insulation layer of a non-glass material that is woven, knit, or both, shaped to retain (e.g., by interlocking engagement with) the heat source, and (ii) an aerosol-generating segment with aerosol-forming material disposed between, but physically separate from, each of the heat generation segment and the mouth end; a piece of outer wrapping material that provides an overwrap around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating segment, the heat-generation segment, and at least a portion of the smokable segment; those segments being connected together by the overwrap to provide a cigarette rod; that is connected to the cigarette rod using tipping material.
US09301545B2 Cigarette case for electronic cigarettes
The present disclosure relates to an exemplary cigarette case for receiving electronic cigarettes. The cigarette case includes a housing and a cover assembly pivotally coupled to the housing. The housing defines a chamber for receiving the electronic cigarettes, and includes an end surface. The cover assembly is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the end surface between a first position where the chamber is covered by the cover assembly and a second position where the chamber is exposed.
US09301530B2 Microbiocidal heterocycles
The present invention relates to heterocyclic compounds of formula I which have microbiocidal activity, in particular fungicidal activity as well as methods of using the compounds of formula (I) to control microbes: wherein A is x-C(R10R11)—C(═O)—, x-C(R12R13)—C(═S)—, x-O—C(═O)—, x-O—C(═S)—, x-N(R14)—C(═O)—, x-N(R15)—C(═S)—, x-C(R16R17)—SO2— or x-N═C(R30)—, in each case x indicates the bond that is connected to R1; T is CR18 or N; Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4 are independently CR19 or N; Q is O or S; n is 1 or 2; p is 1 or 2, providing that when n is 2, p is 1. R1 is (formula A) R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R10, R11, R12, R13, R16, R17, R18, R19 and R30 each independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C1-C4alkyl, or C1-C4haloalkyl; R8, R14 and R15 each independently are hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl; and R9 is phenyl, benzyl or group (a), wherein the phenyl, benzyl and group (a) are each optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyi, halogen, cyano, hydroxy and amino; or a salt or a N-oxide thereof.
US09301528B2 Synergistic combination of a lenacil compound and one of DCOIT or OIT for dry film protection
A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing lenacil and one of 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one or 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.
US09301525B2 Pest control composition including novel iminopyridine derivative
Provided is a pest control composition containing an iminopyridine derivative represented by the following Formula (I) and at least one of other pest control agents: [in the formula (I), Ar represents a 5- to 6-membered heterocycle which may be substituted, A represents a heterocycle having a 5- to 10-membered unsaturated bond including one or more nitrogen atoms, and has an imino group substituted with an R group at a position adjacent to the nitrogen atom present on the cycle, Y represents hydrogen, halogen and the like, and R represents any one of groups represented by the following Formulae (a) to (e), (y) or (z)].
US09301521B2 Bee attractants
Chemical attractants to Osmia lignaria and other bees are provided herein along with methods of using the attractants.
US09301518B1 Electrically swiveled hunter chair device
An electrically swiveled hunter chair device having a chair affixed to a base, a receiver disposed on the base, a cylinder selectively and rotatably disposed within the receiver, a motor drive in operational communication with the chair such that the chair is bidirectionally rotated via a foot pedal, the chair further having folding spikes whereby chair removal provides for anchoring the chair to a ground, the chair height adjustable via a selectively inserted pin, the device selectively mounted to any imaginable surface including various vehicles.
US09301513B2 Fishing reel
A dual-bearing reel includes a reel body, a spool shaft, and a spool body. The spool shaft is rotatably mounted to the reel body. The spool body is non-rotatably mounted to the spool shaft. The spool body has an insertion hole. The spool shaft is inserted into the insertion hole. The spool shaft has an insertion region. The insertion region is inserted into the insertion hole and is disposed to oppose a surface of the insertion hole. The insertion region has a first region and a second region. A first gap is disposed between the first region and the insertion hole. A second gap that is smaller than the first gap is disposed between the second region and the insertion hole.
US09301503B1 Automatic ball-throwing device
The automated ball-throwing device includes a housing defining a first distal end with a ball-dropping bowl. The ball-dropping bowl is adapted to receive a ball therein. The ball-dropping bowl includes an inclined surface that extends downwardly to an interior of the housing. The interior of the housing includes a first set of guide rails that extend in parallel relationship with a portion of the inclined surface. A second set of guide rails and a conveyor belt are located inside of the housing. The second set of guide rails and the conveyor belt align adjacent to a third distal end of the inclined surface. A ball is able to roll down the inclined surface, and onto the conveyor belt. The first set of guide rails and the second set of guide rails aid the ball through the interior of the housing.
US09301502B2 Time of flight animal monitoring
A system and method are provided for monitoring the movement of an animal. An animal transceiver unit is placed on the animal for transmitting and receiving signals. A base transceiver unit for transmitting and receiving signals relative to the animal transceiver unit is operated to monitor relative movement of the animal transceiver unit and the base transceiver unit. An indication of the relative distance between the base transceiver unit and the animal transceiver unit is provided in response to signal communication between the animal and base transceiver units.
US09301501B2 Head and horn protector
An improved head and horn protector having a unitary left side head pad and left rear horn pad as well as a unitary right side head pad and right rear horn pad. A left bridging pad has a left bridging pad linear segment of protective material attached to the pad, with a first end connected to the left rear horn pad near an inner edge of the left rear horn pad and a second end preferably attached only to a rear end of the left bridging pad. A right bridging pad is constructed similarly. On each rear horn pad a looped keeper is preferably attached to and angled across each rear horn pad in order to facilitate maintaining a desired length of the bridging pad within such looped keeper. And the lower portion of each horn pad linear segment is used to protect side head pad linear segments and guides.
US09301500B1 Method of removing hair from a pet and grooming tool associate therewith
A method is provided for removing hair from a furry pet by a grooming tool. The tool is formed with an elongate handle portion having a neck area. A blade guiding portion is positioned at the neck area and a blade assembly is pivotably connected to the blade guiding portion. The blade assembly consists of a blade with a front part having a set of teeth. The method comprising the steps of placing the blade in engagement with the pet, so that the front part with the teeth is positioned at an acute angle to the coat; and maintaining engagement of the blade with the pet to cause the blade to glide over a contour of the pet's body to engage and pull out hair from the pet.
US09301499B2 Pet deshedding tool
A deshedding tool (10) for removing hair from a pet includes a handle (13) which carries a blade holder (14). A blade assembly (20) is carried by the blade holder (14). The blade assembly (20) includes a plurality of sawtooth blade segments (21) and a plurality of blade guards (22). The blade segments (21) and the blade guards (22) alternate with each other, and the blade guards extend outwardly from the blade holder (14) and downwardly from the blade holder (14) farther than the blade segments (21).
US09301497B2 Device for sampling tissue from an animal and corresponding storage means
The invention relates to a device for sampling tissue from an animal, comprising sampling means provided with at least one cutting element (35) for cutting and collecting a sample of tissue from the animal, and means (31) for storing the sample, into which the cutting element is inserted once the sample has been collected. According to the invention, the storage means (31) have at least two openings, a first opening (32) for receiving the cutting element and the sample, and a second opening (33) cooperating with the detachable closing means (34).
US09301491B2 Loblolly pine tree named ‘01PM0038’
A new and distinct variety of loblolly pine tree named ‘01PM0038’, particularly characterized by high rust resistance, uniform, rapid growth, stem straightness and moderate branch angle.
US09301484B2 Cotton variety 13R315B2R2
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 13R315B2R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 13R315B2R2. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 13R315B2R2 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 13R315B2R2 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.
US09301476B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV061486
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV061486. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV061486, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV061486 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV061486 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV061486.
US09301471B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV700968
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV700968. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV700968, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV700968 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV700968 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV700968.
US09301468B2 Variety corn line HAF4561
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated HAF4561, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line HAF4561 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line HAF4561, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line HAF4561, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09301467B2 Variety corn line AX3611
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated AX3611, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line AX3611 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line AX3611, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line AX3611, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09301466B2 Variety corn line HID3259
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated HID3259, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line HID3259 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line HID3259, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line HID3259, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09301460B2 Irrigation controller with weather station
An irrigation control module is described that adjusts a watering schedule for a connected irrigation controller based on weather data provided by a local weather station. The irrigation control module can add additional weather-based irrigation schedule adjustments to an irrigation controller that may otherwise lack the hardware (e.g., wireless transmitter, sufficient memory) and software (e.g., evapotranspiration algorithms) to store and interpret weather data from a weather station.
US09301454B2 Wettable, non-leachable peat moss, method of preparation, and method of use
A peat moss composition having improved water holding capacity, hydrophilicity, and/or anti-leaching properties comprising one or more polysaccharides, for example guars and/or guar derivatives, is disclosed. A method of preparing the peat moss composition and a method of using it are also disclosed.
US09301450B2 Combine crop conveying and feeding system
A combine feeding system includes a lower conveyor roller configured to rotate around a lower conveyor roller axis, an upper conveyor roller configured to rotate around an upper conveyor roller axis and a drive shaft configured to rotate around a drive shaft axis. The lower conveyor roller axis, upper conveyor roller axis and drive shaft axis are substantially perpendicular to first and second housing walls. The feeding system also includes at least one chain configured to move over the drive shaft, the lower conveyor roller and the upper conveyor roller. The feeding system further includes at least one lower support arm coupled to the drive shaft and the lower conveyor roller and configured to pivot about the drive shaft axis. At least one force mechanism is configured to apply a force to the at least one chain in at least one of a first direction and a second direction.
US09301448B2 Stripper with a plurality of ducting units
An stripper comprising a plurality of ducting units, a platform, a bin, a header, and a chassis. The platform supporting the plurality of ducting units. The bin capable of holding a harvested crop. The header is capable of harvesting the harvested crop. The plurality of ducting units convey the harvested crop from the header to the bin. The chassis supports the platform, the bin, the headers and the plurality of ducting units. The plurality of ducting units comprise hollow channel comprising a passage between an entry at a first end and an exit at a second end of the plurality of ducting units. The channel in the plurality of ducting units are formed between the entry to the exit in a two vectors. The two vectors comprise a y-axis and a z-axis. The channel in the plurality of ducting units are capable of moving the harvested crop from the header to the bin without moving the harvested crop in an x-axis direction and thereby limit clogging of the harvested crop in the passage of the plurality of ducting units.
US09301444B2 Rotary cutting deck height of cut adjustment mechanism
A rotary cutting deck height of cut adjustment mechanism includes a front pair of height of cut arms and a rear pair of height of cut arms, each height of cut arm pivotably mounted at an angle to a rotary cutting deck. A height of cut rod extends between a front height of cut arm and a rear height of cut arm on each side of the deck. A height of cut adjustment screw is rotatable to extend or retract each height of cut rod. A linkage is provided between the pair of height of cut adjustment screws, so that the angle of the height of cut arms may be adjusted from a single point.
US09301441B2 Brush conditioner for a planting unit
A brush conditioner is described for a seeding machine that moves seed along a seed path with a brush belt having free brush ends and attached brush ends. The brush conditioner may include a conditioning member with a mounting portion and a conditioning portion. The mounting portion may be attached to the brush belt housing and the conditioning portion may angle away from the mounting portion to extend across the seed path. The conditioning portion may thereby contact a portion of the free brush ends to deflect the free brush ends toward the attached brush ends.
US09301439B2 Agricultural implement and method of controlling an agricultural implement
An agricultural implement, for working soil across which the agricultural implement travels or is towed, includes a frame, a first depth maintaining unit, including a first hydraulic actuator for adjusting height of the first depth maintaining unit relative to the frame, a second depth maintaining unit, including a second hydraulic actuator for adjusting height of the second depth maintaining unit relative to the frame, at least one soil working tool, and a hydraulic system including the hydraulic actuators configured to be connected to a mechanism supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic system. A first side of the first hydraulic actuator communicates with a first side of the second hydraulic actuator and a measuring mechanism configured to provide a measured value corresponding to a first amount of hydraulic fluid occurring on said first sides.
US09301438B2 Variable pressure control system for dual acting actuators
A variable pressure control system for varying pressures in the fluid circuits of a dual acting actuator over a range of pressures. The variable pressure control system includes a controller that cooperates with pressure regulators for regulating the desired pressure in the fluid circuits.
US09307685B2 Protective sleeve with bonded wire filaments and methods of construction thereof
A fabric sleeve for protecting elongate members against at least one of EMI, RFI or ESD and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve includes a wall extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends. The wall is formed from a plurality of filaments interlaced with one another, with at least one of the filaments being provided as a continuous strand of conductive wire and at least some of the filaments being provided as heat-fusible nonconductive filaments. The heat-fusible nonconductive filaments abut the continuous strand of conductive wire at a plurality of bond joints. The continuous strand of conductive wire is at least partially embedded in bonded, fixed attachment with the heat-fusible nonconductive filaments at the bond joints.
US09307681B2 Power converter including semiconductor module and cooler
A power converter including a semiconductor module; a cooler having a pair of coolant pipes; a casing provided with a pair of openings, housing the semiconductor module and the cooler; and a pair of grommets being fitted to the pair of openings where the pair of coolant pipes are inserted into the pair of grommets. Each of the grommet includes: a grommet body having a through hole through which a corresponding coolant pipe is inserted and a sealing surface that intimately contacts an inner peripheral surface of a corresponding opening; and a guide provided to one end of the grommet body, with respect to a direction of inserting the coolant pipe, so as to be projected outward further than the sealing surface. Each of the grommet is embedded with a reinforcement member with at least a part of the reinforcement member being located in the guide.
US09307673B2 Power supply having detachable fan
A power supply having detachable fan includes a power supply main body and a fan module. The power supply main body includes a shell. Walls of the shell define at least one compartment, and the walls have at least one fastening portion. The fan module includes a case, a fan and a handle. The case has an outlet and an inlet. The case is movably disposed in the compartment, and the inlet faces an interior of the shell. The fan is disposed in between the outlet and the inlet. The handle is pivotally connected to two sides of the outlet of the case, and two ends of the handle respectively have a mating portion. The mating portion and the fastening portion of the immediately adjacent wall of the shell are engaged.
US09307669B1 Adjustable shelving mount with cord organizer
An adjustable shelving mount with cord organizer that enables mounting a television and other audio/visual equipment. The adjustable shelving mount includes a spine that is routed down from the television to a power outlet level. The spine supports modular attachment of illuminated shelving units and includes electrical connectors and provides an internal wiring channel for discreetly routing various interconnecting cables and power cords. The shelves are supported upon brackets which attach to the spine. Multiple spine sections can attach together to provide enhanced configurability.
US09307668B2 Housing for an electric circuit for a fuel pump
A housing for an electronic circuit for a fuel pump includes a base and a cover which is connected to the base, a printed circuit board and, disposed on one side of the latter, electric and/or electronic components. Disposed on the side of the printed circuit board on which the components are disposed is a self-contained metal strip. The components are arranged in the region surrounded by the strip. A cover is soldered to the self-contained strip in such a way that the printed circuit board forms a base, the cover forms a housing, and the printed circuit board has at least one blocking layer.
US09307665B2 Electrical component packaging
The invention provides an air cavity package for a component. The package has a connection lead structure in which the or each connection lead has a connection zone within the package for receiving a wire connector. A region of no connection lead material is provided directly between the connection zone and the neighboring outer edge of the cavity. This provides a trap for flowing interconnect material.
US09307658B2 Display apparatus
Provided is a display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display panel for displaying an image, a back cover mounted on a rear surface of the display panel, and a curvature adjustment unit mounted on the rear surface of the back cover to adjustment a curvature of the back cover according to user's manual manipulation.
US09307657B2 Cover glass to housing interface system
A display cover to housing interface system includes a display screen fronted by a display cover having front and obverse faces and a distal edge between the faces around a circumference thereof (i.e., edge thickness), and also an outer housing that provides support for the display cover. A portion of the display cover distal edge or thickness is fully exposed to outside, such that the display cover is exposed and substantially visible when viewed directly from the front and at least one side while installed. The display cover can be glass, while the housing is metal. A protective layer located between the housing and display cover protects the display cover from the housing. Various support components hold the display cover in place, and can include magnets and/or a stabilizer assembly affixed along a bottom edge of the display cover and adapted to couple to a bottom chin of the housing.
US09307655B2 Display apparatus and circuit board module thereof
A circuit board module includes a first circuit board, an electrically conductive structure, a first bump, a second circuit board and an electrically conductive film. The electrically conductive structure and the first bump are disposed on the supporting surface of the first circuit board. The electrically conductive structure and the first bump respectively have a first maximal thickness T1 and a second maximal thickness T2 along the normal direction of the supporting surface. The second circuit board is disposed on the electrically conductive structure and the first bump. The electrically conductive film is disposed between the second circuit board and the electrically conductive structure, and it has a plurality of electrically conductive particles. An average particle diameter D of the electrically conductive particles when undeformed satisfies: 0
US09307651B2 Fabricating process of embedded circuit structure
A fabricating process for an embedded circuit structure is provided. A through hole is formed in a core panel and penetrates the core panel. Two indent patterns are respectively formed on two opposite surfaces of the core panel. A conductive material is electroplated into the through hole and the indent patterns, so as to form a conductive channel in the through hole and two circuit patterns in the indent patterns respectively. Portions of the circuit patterns, which exceed the indent patterns respectively, are removed for planarizing the circuit patterns to be level with the two surfaces of the core panel respectively.
US09307650B2 Method for manufacturing a foil-like electrical connector for connecting solar cells
In a method for manufacturing a foil-like electrical connector for connecting solar cells to form modules, an insulating carrier film sheet is initially provided in a width which essentially corresponds to the width of the solar cells to be connected. Furthermore, a conductive foil sheet having a width that is matched to the carrier film is provided. In addition, comb structures as subsequent electrical connection fingers are formed. The conductive foil sheet is positioned on the carrier film with the aid of pin-shaped extensions of a transport belt or a transport roller. The carrier film is subsequently joined to the conductive foil sheet, preferably via an adhesive bond. In the next step, an insulating cover film is applied, in particular laminated.
US09307646B2 Over-current protection device and protective circuit board containing the same
An over-current protection device adapted to be soldered onto a circuit board comprises a PTC material layer, a first electrode foil, a second electrode foil, a bonding section and a metal connecting member. The PTC material layer has opposite first and second surfaces. The first electrode foil is in physical contact with the first surface, and the second electrode foil electrically connects to the second surface. Both the second electrode foil and the bonding section are disposed on bottom of the device, and the bonding section is separated from the second electrode foil. The metal connecting member is disposed on the lateral surface of the device. The second electrode foil is adapted to be soldered onto an electrode section of the circuit board. The bonding section and the metal connecting member connect to corresponding joint section of the circuit board.
US09307639B2 Electro-deposited copper foil, surface-treated copper foil using the electro-deposited copper foil and copper clad laminate using the surface-treated copper foil, and a method for manufacturing the electro-deposited copper foil
Present invention provides an electro-deposited copper foil having the equivalent low-profile surface as in a conventional low-profile electro-deposited copper foil and extremely large mechanical strength and a method for manufacturing the same. The electro-deposited copper foil is formed by depositing fine copper crystal grains having a small deviation of grain-diameter. The electro-deposited copper foil has a low-profile and glossy surface and has extremely large mechanical strength expressed by a tensile strength as received of 70 kgf/mm2 to 100 kgf/mm2 and has a tensile strength after heating (180° C. for 60 minutes) corresponding to 85% or more of the tensile strength as received. The electro-deposited copper foil is manufactured by electrolysis using a sulfuric acid base copper electrolytic solution containing a compound composed of a benzene ring having a sulfo group bonded thereto, a sulfonate of an active sulfur compound and a polymer of a quaternary ammonium salt having a cyclic structure.
US09307634B2 Circuit board and image forming apparatus
The circuit board includes a contact for supplying power, in which the contact includes plural copper foil patterns each having a predetermined width, the plural copper foil patterns being formed radially from a center of the contact and connected to each other at the center of the contact. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance contact reliability of the contact while suppressing cost for connecting a high-voltage board to an image forming unit.
US09307633B2 Conductive structure, touch panel, and method for manufacturing same
Provided are a conductive structure including a) a base, b) a conductive pattern provided on at least one side of the base, and c) a darkening layer provided on the upper surface and lower surface of the conductive pattern, provided on at least a part of the side of the conductive pattern, and provided in an area corresponding to the conductive pattern area, and a touch panel including the same and a manufacturing method thereof.
US09307628B2 Circuit board assembly using metal plates as conducting medium embedded therein
A circuit board assembly includes metal plates to be used as conducting medium, an encapsulation enclosing therein the metal plates and provided with holes defined in the encapsulation to allow extension of the metal plates out of the encapsulation for electrical connection and electronic components securely mounted on the encapsulation and electrically connected to the metal plates to form a closed loop.
US09307627B2 Electron emitting device with electron acceleration layer containing conductive microparticles
An electron emitting device includes a lower electrode, a surface electrode, an electron acceleration layer between the lower electrode and the surface electrode, and an electrode selecting unit. The electron acceleration layer is made of at least an insulating material. At least one of the lower electrode and the surface electrode is a stripe-pattern electrode including a plurality of unit electrodes that are regularly arranged. The electrode selecting unit sequentially selects, from among the plurality of unit electrodes, a unit electrode to which a voltage is to be applied. A voltage is applied between the lower electrode and the surface electrode to accelerate electrons between the lower electrode and the surface electrode, so that the electrons are emitted from the surface electrode.
US09307621B1 Networked lighting management
Techniques presented herein are directed to lighting management techniques supporting lighting functions of networked light fixtures. In accordance with one example, a light fixture in networked lighting system accepts a lighting request transmitted by a computing device. The light fixture determines whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message and performs one or more operations in response to the lighting request depending on whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message.
US09307616B2 Method, system and apparatus for dynamically monitoring and calibrating display tiles
A method, system and apparatus for dynamically monitoring and calibrating display tiles are provided. The apparatus comprises: an array of light emitting devices; one or more light emitting devices paired with light emitting devices of the array; one or more sensors configured to detect an optical characteristic and/or an electrical characteristic of the one or more paired light emitting devices; and, circuitry configured to: drive the array; drive each of the one or more further light emitting devices under same conditions as light emitting devices of the array; temporarily drive each of the one or more paired light emitting devices under different conditions from the array; and, adjust driving of the array based on the optical characteristic and/or electrical characteristic of the one or more paired light emitting devices detected at sensor(s) when the one or more paired light emitting devices are driven under the different conditions.
US09307612B2 Light emitting device driver circuit and driving method of light emitting device circuit
The present invention discloses a light emitting device driver circuit and a driving method of a light emitting device circuit. The light emitting device driver circuit is for driving a light emitting device circuit with plural light emitting devices connected in series. The light emitting device driver circuit determines a number of the conductive light emitting devices according to a rectified input voltage. The light emitting device driver circuit includes: a switch module, a current source circuit, and a total harmonic distortion (THD) compensation circuit. The THD compensation circuit generates an adjustment current according to the rectified input voltage. The current source circuit provides a light emitting device current to the light emitting device circuit according to the adjustment current, such that the THD is reduced.
US09307609B2 Electronic device and light-emitting module
A light-emitting module includes at least one first light-emitting component, at least one second light-emitting component, a first driving component, a second driving component, and a control component. The first light-emitting component is configured to emit a white light having a first predetermined color temperature according to a first power of a first driving signal. The second light-emitting component is configured to emit another white light having a second predetermined color temperature according to a second power of a second driving signal. The control component is configured to separately output the first and second driving signals, and to separately adjust the first and second powers of the first and second driving signals, so as to mix the white lights having the first and second predetermined color temperatures to output a white light having an output color temperature.
US09307607B2 Light source apparatus and control method thereof
A light source apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a brightness determination unit configured to determine emission brightness of each of light emission areas; a color determination unit configured to determine, for each of the light emission areas, an emission color of a target light, emission area, which is the each light emission area, based on the determined emission brightness of each of the light emission areas, in such a manner as to suppress a change in color of the target light emission area that is caused as a result of changes in emission brightnesses of light emission areas other than the target light emission area; and a control unit configured to cause each of the light emission areas to emit light of the determined emission color, at the determined emission brightness.
US09307603B2 Programmable phase-cut dimmer operation
The present document relates to solid state lighting (SSL) devices. A driver circuit for phase-cut dimmable SSL based lighting assemblies is described. A control circuit for a power converter is provided. The power converter is configured to convert an input power derived from a mains power supply into a drive power for a light source. The control circuit comprises a dimmer mode detection unit to determine a first dimmer mode. The first dimmer mode indicates if the input power has been derived from the mains power supply using a dimmer. The control circuit comprises a state processor configured to determine a first operation mode of the power converter. The pre-determined first state information is dependent on the first dimmer mode. The control circuit comprises a first control unit configured to generate a first control signal for operating the power converter in accordance to the first operation mode.
US09307602B2 Illumination system
An illumination system for a projection apparatus includes a light source module, an integrating rod and an optical detecting module. The light source module is capable of emitting an illuminating light beam. The integrating rod has a light entrance surface facing toward the light source module. The optical detecting module includes a light guiding device and an optical detecting device. The light guiding device has a first end surface and a second end surface. The first end surface is farther away from the light entrance surface of the integrating rod than the second end surface. The optical detecting device is disposed adjacent to the first end surface of the light guiding device and electrically connected to the light source module. The light source module is capable of adjusting intensity of the illuminating light beam according to randomly emitted light detected by the optical detecting device.
US09307601B2 Input voltage sensing for a switching power converter and a triac-based dimmer
An electronic lighting system and method described herein control energy provided to an electronic lighting device, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and/or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), of the electronic lighting system. A triac-based dimmer phase cuts a line voltage provided to the electronic lighting system. A controller of the electronic lighting system utilizes a probing system to overcome idiosyncrasies of the triac-based dimmer to allow the controller to probe and sense the line voltage. To reduce energy consumption, rather than probing each cycle of the output voltage of the triac-based dimmer, the controller periodically or intermittently probes the output voltage of the triac-based dimmer.
US09307599B2 Lighting device
In one embodiment of lighting devices and lighting systems, the lighting device has a connection for connecting to a primary power supply and has a secondary power supply, such as a battery. A measuring circuit is operable to measure an impedance of the primary power supply connection and to determine from the measurement if a main power supply has failed, and if so whether to power light sources using power from the secondary power supply.
US09307593B1 Dynamic bleeder current control for LED dimmers
LED lamp systems as described herein include a dimmer switch and a bleeder circuit. The bleeder circuit provides a bleeder current to management voltage and to prevent the dimmer switch from turning off prematurely. The bleeder circuit may monitor the AC input voltage outputted by the dimmer switch. When the AC input voltage is less than a first threshold, the bleeder circuit provides a bleeder current. When the AC input voltage is greater than a second threshold, the bleeder circuit adjusts the bleeder current to less than a predetermined level.
US09307592B2 Constant current driving device
A constant current driving device includes an electronic device, a transistor, a rectifying circuit, a current limiting element, an impedance element, and a first and a second energy storage element. A first end of the electronic device is connected to a first end of a load element. A first end of the transistor is connected to a second end of the load element, a second end of the transistor is connected to a second end of the electronic device through an impedance element, and a control end of the transistor is connected to the second end of the electronic device through a first energy storage element. The rectifying circuit connected between the first end and the control end of the transistor. The current limiting element is connected in parallel with the rectifying circuit. The second energy storage element is connected between the first and second end of the electronic device.
US09307588B2 Systems and methods for dimming of a light source
In embodiments, improved capabilities are described for dimming performance of lighting methods and systems, such as the improvement of dimming LED lamps that are dimmed from standard external dimming devices. Methods and systems for improving dimming performance include a fast startup override facility for overriding a default dimming function of the lamp's electronics through forcing the lamp electronics to operate with a higher than normal duty cycle to ensure the lamp electronics can deliver higher than normal power to an LED module during a dimming current level startup condition. Dimming facilities may also include a dynamic RC selection facility, an active N-level bleeder facility, a dimmer-type detection facility, an improved dimming linearity through symmetrical phase cutting facility, and a flicker reduction facility.
US09307585B2 Organic electroluminescence module and organic-electroluminescence- module feeding structure
One aspect of the present invention provides an organic EL module that can easily change a layout according to an installation environment while a characteristic of the organic EL module is taken advantage of. The organic EL module includes: an organic EL device in which a first electrode layer, a functional layer, and a second electrode layer are stacked on a substrate having a planar expanse, at least one of planes of the organic EL device constituting a light emitting surface; and at least three connector units that are arranged on a back side of the light emitting surface. At this point, the connector unit is arranged with a planar expanse, the connector unit includes feeding terminals, and the feeding terminals are electrically connected in parallel to one another and electrically connected to the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer.
US09307582B2 Microwave oven having hood
Provided is a microwave oven having a hood. The microwave oven having the hood includes a main body having a cooking chamber in which foods are cooked and a passage through which air containing contaminants flows, a hood casing disposed on a lower portion of the main body, a first hood taken out of the hood casing, and a second hood taken out of the hood casing at a position different from that of the first hood.
US09307580B2 Induction heating cooker and control method thereof
An induction heating cooker and a control method thereof that prevents the occurrence of an error caused during recognition of a container in the induction heating cooker that performs cooking regardless of where the container is placed on a cooking plate includes a plurality of heating coils disposed below a cooking plate, current detectors to detect values of current flowing in the respective heating coils, and a controller to determine whether a container is placed on the respective heating coils based on the detected current values of the heating coils and change amounts of the current values.
US09307578B2 System and method for monitoring temperatures of and controlling multiplexed heater array
A system for measuring temperatures of and controlling a multi-zone heating plate in a substrate support assembly used to support a semiconductor substrate in a semiconductor processing includes a current measurement device and switching arrangements. A first switching arrangement connects power return lines selectively to an electrical ground, a voltage supply or an electrically isolated terminal, independent of the other power return lines. A second switching arrangement connects power supply lines selectively to the electrical ground, a power supply, the current measurement device or an electrically isolated terminal, independent of the other power supply lines. The system can be used to maintain a desired temperature profile of the heater plate by taking current readings of reverse saturation currents of diodes serially connected to planar heating zones, calculating temperatures of the heating zones and powering each heater zone to achieve the desired temperature profile.
US09307574B2 Wireless communication system and wireless communication apparatus
There is provided a wireless communication system including a first wireless communication apparatus and a second wireless communication apparatus. In a specific case, the first wireless communication apparatus changes a state from a first state of being a master station of a first wireless network to a second state of being a slave station of a second wireless network in which the second wireless communication apparatus is a master station, and transmits target data to the second wireless communication apparatus using the second wireless network in which the first wireless communication apparatus is the slave station and the second wireless communication apparatus is the master station. The second wireless communication apparatus receives the target data from the first wireless communication apparatus using the second wireless network.
US09307572B2 Method and apparatus for simultaneously receiving on two carriers and performing discontinuous transmission and reception in dual cell high speed downlink packet access
A method and an apparatus for simultaneously receiving on two carriers and performing discontinuous transmission (DTX) and discontinuous reception (DRX) in dual cell high speed downlink packet access (DC-HSDPA) are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) receives a message for activating DRX for at least one of an anchor carrier and a supplementary carrier and applies the same DRX pattern to the anchor carrier and the supplementary carrier upon reception of the message. The message may be received via a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH) order. The WTRU may activate or de-activate the supplementary carrier based on the physical layer signal. Upon activation of the supplementary carrier, the WTRU may apply the same DRX pattern on both the anchor carrier and the supplementary carrier. The WTRU may flush a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) buffer associated with the supplementary carrier upon de-activation of the supplementary carrier.
US09307569B2 Adjusting connection states of a mobile wireless device based on a period of inactivity
Methods, apparatuses and computer readable media are described that adjust radio resource control connection states between a mobile wireless device and a wireless network following determination that a set of inactivity trigger conditions is met. Time periods between successive data messages and/or signaling messages transmitted to and/or received from a wireless access network are measured. When a prolonged period of data inactivity and/or signaling activity is determined, the mobile wireless device re-establishes an existing radio resource control connection to the wireless access network or releases the radio resource control connection to the wireless access network and transitions to an idle state.
US09307568B2 System for wireless connectivity continuity and quality
Configurations are described for maintaining a continuity and quality of wireless signal connection between a mobile device and systems accessible through the internet. In particular, configurations are disclosed to address the challenge of a mobile device that moves through a physical environment wherein the best wireless connectivity performance is achieved by switching between available connection sources and constantly evaluating a primary connection with other available connections that may be switched in to become a new primary connection. The mobile device may be self-propelled or carried by some other mobilizing means.
US09307564B2 Automatic device-to-device connection control by environmental information
The various aspects are directed to automatic device-to-device connection control. An aspect extracts a first sound signature, wherein the extracting the first sound signature comprises extracting a sound signature from a sound signal emanating from a certain direction, receives a second sound signature from a peer device, compares the first sound signature to the second sound signature, and pairs with the peer device. An aspect extracts a first sound signature, wherein the extracting the first sound signature comprises extracting a sound signature from a sound signal emanating from a certain direction, sends the first sound signature to a peer device, and pairs with the peer device. An aspect detects a beacon sound signal, wherein the beacon sound signal is detected from a certain direction, extracts a code embedded in the beacon sound signal, and pairs with a peer device.
US09307563B2 Evolved packet core less direct mode communication system and communication attaching method thereof
An evolved packet core less direct-mode communication system and a communication attaching method thereof are provided. The evolved packet core less direct-mode communication system comprises a client direct-mode communication apparatus and a server direct-mode communication apparatus. The server direct-mode communication apparatus transmits a synchronization signal to the client direct-mode communication apparatus. The client direct-mode communication apparatus synchronizes to the server direct-mode communication apparatus according to the synchronization signal and establishes a communication connection with the evolved packet core less direct-mode communication system after synchronization.
US09307555B2 Method and system for mobile terminal to access the network through cell phone
A method for a mobile terminal to access a network through a cell phone is provided. The mobile terminal may be connected to a network enabled cell phone via a WIFI (wireless fidelity) connection mode, and the network enabled cell phone may serve as a gateway router. TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) operating principle having element information, such as source address, source port, protocol, destination address and destination port in a data packet, may be processed when a data packet arrives at a network layer of a network enabled cell phone. A Hash table may be dynamically established for searching a network connection, and NAT (network address translation) treatment may be carried out to a data packet, thus, an associated mobile terminal may simultaneously access the network with the network enabled cell phone by the external network IP address of the network enabled cell phone. Because the two devices may share an IP address to access the network, all the network flow may be generated at the gateway cell phone, thus, avoiding cost of other devices. Furthermore, a Hash table may be dynamically established for the data packet in the present invention, which may accelerate search speed of a data packet and processing speed.
US09307554B2 Array of very light readers for active RFID and location applications
The Very Light Readers of the present invention are based on an augmented Tag circuit with a preferred embodiment including at least one VLSI chip integrating a UWB front end, digital transceiver, and possibly an internal controller; a UWB Antenna; a power supply; a controller configured to implement the Media Access Control protocol of the system; a Communication Interface subsystem for connection to the system network and a clock source. Also described is a system capable of reducing collision occurrence in a network for communicating between multiple readers and a plurality of RF Tags. Tags are configured to receive interrogation signals and transmit response signals. Readers are configured to transmit interrogation signals, receive response signals, estimate the quantity of responses received to an interrogation, determine the round trip delay time of each response and estimates whether a collision between responses has occurred. If so, the Reader transmits an additional interrogation signal. The Reader also transmits an acknowledgment packet to responding Tags so responding Tag will not answer again to that broadcast session. Other Readers in the network also receive the acknowledge packet and do not try again to reach the responding Tags, thereby lowering congestion directed toward Tags from multiple Reader transmissions.
US09307553B2 Method and apparatus in a wireless communications system
A method in a user equipment for requesting that a base station schedule the user equipment for an uplink data transmission to the base station is provided. The user equipment comprises a buffer. Directly or indirectly responsive to receiving data into the buffer to be transmitted to the base station, the user equipment generates a scheduling request trigger. The scheduling request trigger is configured to trigger the sending of a scheduling request to the base station if the trigger is pending at the next scheduling request opportunity, and to remain pending until it is cancelled. The user equipment cancels the pending scheduling request trigger when the data is accounted for in a buffer status report, which reports the size of the buffer to the base station, or when the data is included directly in a scheduled uplink data transmission whichever occurs first.
US09307549B2 Dynamic SNR adjustment in a receiver supporting 256QAM
To support very high QAM rates, a user equipment (UE) needs extremely good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Using a receiver configuration that improves SNR comes at the expense of higher power consumption. However, consuming higher power to support very high QAM rates when poor channel conditions are present is a waste of power. By correlating the modulation and coding scheme used by the UE with the UE channel quality estimate, the UE can modify the receiver configuration to improve SNR only when channel conditions support very high QAM rates.
US09307547B2 Terminal apparatus, base station apparatus, communication system, and communication method
Provided is a terminal apparatus which performs communication with a base station apparatus. The terminal apparatus includes: a receiving unit which receives a plurality of channel state information reference signals; a channel state information generating unit which generates a plurality of channel state information by referring to each of the plurality of channel state information reference signals; and a report transmitting unit which reports each of the plurality of channel state information to the base station apparatus.
US09307544B2 Channel quality reporting for adaptive sectorization
Apparatuses and methodologies are described that enhance performance in a wireless communication system using beamforming transmissions. According to one aspect, the channel quality is monitored. Channel quality indicators can be used to select a scheduling technique, such as space division multiplexing (SDM), multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) transmission and opportunistic beamforming for one or more user devices. In addition, the CQI can be used to determine the appropriate beam assignment or to update the beam pattern.
US09307542B2 Antenna port mapping for demodulation reference signals
The present invention provides a unified, rank independent mapping between antenna ports and group/code pairs. Each antenna port is uniquely associated with one code division multiplexing (CDM) group and one orthogonal cover code (OCC). The mapping between antenna ports and group/code pairs is chosen such that, for a given antenna port, the CDM group and OCC will be the same for every transmission rank.
US09307541B1 Country code selection logic for Wi-Fi stations
A wireless station (STA) and a method are disclosed that allow the STA to determine suitable characteristics for wireless transmissions from the STA. The STA may receive frames from a number of access points (APs), each frame including a country code indicating a country in which the corresponding AP is located, determine a popularity of each country code by polling the received country codes, determine in which country the STA is currently located based, at least in part, on the determined popularities of the country codes, and select a wireless channel and a transmit power level based, at least in part, on the determined country.
US09307539B2 Method and apparatus for mitigating downlink control channel interference
A method (300) and apparatus (200) that mitigates downlink control channel interference is disclosed. The method can include receiving (320) a transmission from a network entity and determining (330) a first timing offset to transmit a downlink subframe based on the transmission received from the network entity. The method can include receiving (340) an uplink transmission from a mobile terminal and determining (350) a second timing offset based on the first timing offset and based on the received uplink transmission. The method can include transmitting (360) a timing advance command to the mobile terminal, the timing advance command including the second timing offset.
US09307538B2 Method and apparatus for communication in a wireless LAN system
A method and device for communicating in a wireless local area network are discussed. The method can include selecting, by a transmitting station, a transmission channel by performing a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) and transmitting, by the transmitting station, a Physical layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) over the selected transmission channel to a receiving station, wherein the transmission channel includes a primary 20 MHz channel and a secondary 20 MHz channel if the secondary 20 MHz channel was idle, and wherein the transmission channel includes the primary 20 MHz channel, the secondary 20 MHz channel and a secondary 40 MHz channel if both the secondary 20 MHz channel and the secondary 40 MHz channel were idle.
US09307537B2 System, method, and computer-readable medium for concurrent termination of multiple calls at a mobile terminal
A system, method and computer-readable medium for allocating multiple subscriptions to a single mobile terminal thereby allowing concurrent termination of multiple calls at the mobile terminal are provided. A mobile terminal adapted to terminate multiple concurrent calls is described. In one implementation, a network need not have any configuration data regarding the multi-line capabilities of the mobile terminal. In other implementations, network-centric mechanisms are provided for allowing multiple concurrent calls to be terminated by a mobile terminal. Multiple concurrent calls may be terminated at a mobile terminal on separate carrier frequencies or alternatively may be terminated on a common carrier frequency.
US09307529B2 Transmission method of downlink signal in wireless communication system and transmission apparatus therefor
A method is described for receiving a physical signal by a communication apparatus in a wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation of a first component carrier and a second component carrier. The communication apparatus receives a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) signal on the first component carrier. The communication apparatus also receives a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) signal corresponding to the PDCCH signal on the second component carrier. The first component carrier is different from the second component carrier. A starting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol for receiving the PDSCH signal is determined according to information received via a radio resource control (RRC) signal.
US09307526B2 Integrated circuit for spreading response signal
A radio communication apparatus receives control information on one or more control channel elements (CCEs) with consecutive CCE number(s). The radio communication apparatus first-spreads a response signal with a sequence defined by a cyclic shift value that is determined among a plurality of cyclic shift values from an index of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), which is associated with a first CCE number of the one or more CCEs, and second-spreads the first-spread response signal with an orthogonal sequence that is determined among a plurality of orthogonal sequences from the index. One of cyclic shift values used for an orthogonal sequence is determined from an index of the PUCCH, which is associated with an odd CCE number, and another one of the cyclic shift values used for the same orthogonal sequence is determined from an index of the PUCCH, which is associated with an even CCE number.
US09307525B2 Method and user equipment for transmitting uplink control information, and method and base station for receiving uplink control information
In the present invention, when a user equipment (UE) transmits ACK/NACK information of multiple CCs to a base station (BS), ACK/NACK responses of one CC detected in the order of [ACK, ACK, ACK, ACK], and other ACK/NACK responses of the CC detected in the order of [ACK, DTX, DTX, DTX] are treated to be the same. According to the present invention, control information can be effectively transmitted in a wireless system.
US09307524B2 Method for communicating in mobile system
The present invention relates to a method for communicating from a primary station to a plurality of secondary station, comprising the step of at the primary station allocating a resource to the secondary stations over the time on the basis of a hash function, wherein the hash function is such that the probability that two secondary stations are allocated common resources in two subframes substantially equals the product of the probability that the two secondary stations are allocated a common resource in the first subframe and the probability that the two secondary stations are allocated a common resource in the second subframe.
US09307517B2 Systems and methods for location-based multi-band roaming
Systems and methods to provide connectivity by a user device to a WiFi network based at least in part on determining the location of the user device are disclosed. The user device may determine its current location and send a location message indicating its current location to a mobile network server via a mobile communication network. The mobile network server may determine if there are available WiFi access points at the current location of the user device. If the mobile network server determines that there is an available WiFi access point to which the user device may connect at its current location, then the mobile network server may communicate association information of that WiFi network to the user device. The user device may receive the association information and connect to the available WiFi access point using the association information. The user device may turn on its WiFi radio prior to connecting to the WiFi access point. Once connected, the user device may seamlessly transition any applications running thereon to use communications bandwidth from the WiFi network from using communications bandwidth of the mobile communications network.
US09307516B2 Method and system for locating a Femtocell using measurement reports
A Femtocell measures power from a serving and/or neighboring base stations in a radio access network specified in, for example, 3GPP, 3GPP2 and/or WiMAX. The power measurements are transmitted over a broadband IP network to a location server coupled to an associated mobile core network. Related location information comprising reference positions and/or actual location of the Femtocell are received from the location server over the broadband IP network. The Femtocell generates measurement reports of a serving and/or neighboring base stations in the radio access network. The generated measurement reports are transmitted to the location server over the broadband IP network. The location server identifies the reference positions of the Femtocell from a reference database based on the received measurement reports for calculating the location of the Femtocell by the location server and/or by the Femtocell itself. The calculated location of the Femtocell is used to update the reference database.
US09307514B1 Managing use of location-identification services
In general, the subject matter described in this specification is embodied in methods, systems, and program products for identifying a location of a mobile computing device. A first location estimate of a mobile computing device and an accuracy of the first location estimate is determined at a mobile computing device based on wireless signals received from one or more beacons. A time period based on the accuracy of the first location estimate is determined. One or more subsequent location estimates of the mobile computing device and respective accuracies are determined. The determination of the subsequent location estimates is stopped at an end of the time period. A preferred location estimate from the determined location estimates is determined at the mobile computing device.
US09307511B2 Apparatus and method for controlling call reception
A base station registers a mobile station subjected to the call reception control of the base station. When connection between the mobile station registered by the base station and a higher-level device of the base station is terminated after detecting that the mobile station is located in a communication area of the base station, the base station causes the higher-level device to maintain information indicating that the mobile station is located in the communication area, without notifying the higher-level device of termination of the connection. When a call addressed to the mobile station is detected after termination of the connection between the mobile station and the higher-level device, the base station gives a notification about detection of the call.
US09307508B2 Systems and methods for syncronizing multiple electronic devices
Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.
US09307506B1 Implementation of a fiber distributed antenna system network while maintaining synchronization
Systems for synchronizing transmission through the introduction of a specific additional delay in a wireless telecommunications network are provided. RF transmission delays are adjusted for a distributed antenna system (DAS) that must maintain synchronization with RF transmissions in a macro cellular network. Delays are introduced at each DAS node using a delay panel or a measurement procedure to synchronize the transmission of the DAS with the macro cellular network.
US09307505B2 System and method for adjusting a power transmission level for a communication device
A system, method and device for adjusting a communication parameter for a network communicating with a communication device are provided. The method comprises: monitoring for a condition relating to a first network that has been in communication with the communication device; and determining whether an adjustment is to be implemented on a communication parameter of a second communication network that has been in communication with the communication device based on the condition and if so, implementing the adjustment to the communication parameter for the second communication network.
US09307503B2 Power control method and terminal equipment
A power control method and terminal equipment including: dropping, by terminal equipment, an SRS signal in other serving cell(s) or puncturing symbols of a PRACH signal in a secondary serving cell within the same OFDM symbol as the SRS signal in the other serving cell(s), when the terminal equipment needs to transmit the PRACH signal in the secondary serving cell and transmit the uplink SRS signal in the other serving cell(s) within the same OFDM symbol.
US09307502B1 Managing inter-cell interference
An application requirement and a mobility is determined for each of a first plurality of wireless devices in communication with a first access node. Based on the respective application requirement and mobility, a priority of each of the first plurality of wireless devices. At least one wireless device comprising a priority meeting a priority criteria is selected from among the first plurality of wireless devices, and a transmission power of a signal between the first access node and the selected at least one wireless device is reduced.
US09307486B2 User equipment and reconnection method for mobile communications system
User equipment includes a cell search unit configured to execute a cell search; a detector configured to detect that reconnection is required; a storage unit configured to store VoIP support information that indicates, for each type of radio communications system (RAT), whether voice packet communication is allowed; a cell search target determination unit configured to refer to the VoIP support information and report only the type of the radio communications system (RAT) for which the voice packet communication is allowed to the cell search unit as a target of the cell search, when the detector detects that the reconnection is required for the voice packet communication; and a communication unit configured to communicate in a cell that is detected by the cell search.
US09307481B2 Selective system information reading
A method for selectively reading system information is provided. The method can include a wireless communication device reading system information broadcast by a first cell in a cell group. The read system information can include cell group information identifying the first cell as a member of the cell group and indicating membership of the cell group. The method can further include the wireless communication device moving to a second cell; determining based on the cell group information that the second cell is a member of the cell group; and in response to determining that the second cell is also a member of the cell group, reading only a portion of system information broadcast by the second cell. The read portion of system information can include the system information broadcast by the second cell that is different from the system information broadcast by the first cell.
US09307480B2 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.
US09307478B2 Method and system for controlling access of terminal device to wireless network
The present invention provides a method and system for controlling access of a terminal device to a wireless network. The method includes: receiving, by an access point device, a first wireless network access request message sent by a first terminal device; receiving, by the access point device, feedback information of one or more directional devices within a predetermined area; judging, by the access point device according to the received feedback information, whether N directional devices within the predetermined area all find the first wireless network access request message by monitoring; and if yes, enabling the first terminal device to access the wireless network, where the N is the number of the directional devices within the predetermined area.
US09307470B2 System and method for single radio handover
Single radio handovers (SRHOs) between heterogonous networks can be facilitated using several techniques. One such technique includes activating a receiver of a target radio interface in a mobile node without activating a transmitter of the target radio interface, thereby allowing the mobile node to perform target network discovery while the transmitter of the target radio interface remains deactivated. Another such technique includes encapsulating link-layer discovery frames into media independent handover frames (MIH), and then tunneling the MIH frames over a tunnel extending through the source network. This may allow the MN to achieve various handover related tasks without activating the target radio link. Another technique includes establishing a schedule (or delay period) for synchronizing deactivation of the source radio interface with activation of the transmitter in the target radio interface.
US09307469B2 Method and arrangement in a mobile system
A method is provided for bi-casting real time data packets in a mobile system that includes a first Node-B and a second Node-B for communication with a user equipment. The method includes associating a first sequence number with a first real time data packet when sending the first real time data packet to the first Node-B and transmitting the first real time data packet associated with the first sequence number to the first Node-B. The method also includes associating a second sequence number with a second real time data packet when sending the first real time data packet to the second Node-B. wherein the second sequence number is different from the first sequence number and transmitting the first real time data packet associated with the second sequence number to the second Node-B.
US09307467B2 Network reselection for a wireless communication device
A network reselection procedure, of a wireless communication device, that occurs following a network detachment event, such as a device sleep event or a device power savings mode event. The wireless communication device attempts to acquire a first wireless network to which the wireless communication device was most recently attached, immediately preceding the network detachment event. Then, in response to an unsuccessful acquisition of the first wireless network, the wireless communication device attempts an alternate network acquisition utilizing a Most Recently Used List (MRUL) that is stored at the wireless communication device and includes information about one or more frequency bands allocated to a primary service provider with which the wireless communication device is affiliated. After determining whether the alternate network acquisition attempt was successful, the wireless communication device attaches to a second network and stores information associated with the second network.
US09307462B2 Reference signal power measurement and reporting for improving performance in a network with geographically separated antenna ports
Devices and methods for improving performance in a network with geographically separated antenna ports based on determining arid reporting reference signal power from a communication device to a base station are provided. In one aspect, the difference between received reference signal power values is used in determining a reported reference signal power value, such as reference signal received power (RSRP) in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) network including geographically separated antenna ports transmitting on cell-specific reference signal (CBS) ports 0 and 1. Devices and methods for measuring and reporting per-port reference signal power values are provided.
US09307461B2 Femtocell network
A femtocell base station in a telecommunications network identifies, for each user device served by the base station, which other base stations in the network that user device is authorized to access. The base station also determines a group identity for each of a plurality of possible neighbor cell base stations in the network. Based on this information, the base station identifies at least one possible handover target cell base station for each user device served by the base station, based on the identified other base stations in the network that user device is authorized to access; and based on the identified group identity for each of a plurality of possible neighbor cell base stations in the network.
US09307459B2 Method and system for neighbor reporting in a mobile communication network
A method, neighbor relation maintenance device, and non-transitory computer readable medium for neighbor reporting in a wireless communication network is disclosed. The method comprises categorizing, by a neighbor relation maintenance device, a plurality of Mobile Stations (MSs) into one or more groups. A primary neighbor BS for each group of the one or more groups of MSs is determined. Each MS of each group is instructed to report signal strength measurements between the each MS and the corresponding primary neighbor BS associated with the each group in a first time period. Each MS of each group is instructed to report signal strength measurements between the each MS and each neighbor BS in a predefined neighbor list associated with the each MS in a second time period.
US09307456B2 Method of reporting system information in a wireless communication system and device for supporting same
The present invention relates to a method for a terminal to report system information in a wireless communication system. The method includes: transmitting a previously-obtained system information availability indicator that indicates to a serving cell that there is previously obtained system information on a neighboring cell; and receiving a system report request from the serving cell; and transmitting a system information report to the serving cell in response to the system report request. The system report request includes a previously obtained system information report request indicator. When the previously obtained system information report request indicator indicates that there is a report on the previously obtained system information, the system information report includes the previously obtained system information and the previously obtained system information is system information obtained from the neighboring cell before the system report request is received.
US09307449B2 Traffic load management method, network and device
A radiocommunication network includes a core network including primary and secondary nodes and a radio access network including radio controllers. Each primary node connects at least one secondary node, and each secondary node connects at least one radio controller via respective links. In relation to a given primary node, at least one entity in the radiocommunication network calculates respective target load reduction values for the links connecting the given primary node and secondary nodes, depending on an excess value between a current load of the given primary node and a primary node load threshold, and calculates respective target load reduction values for the links connecting said secondary nodes connected to the given primary node and radio controllers, depending on calculated target load reduction values. Actions are taken for changing traffic distribution by taking account of calculated target load reduction values.
US09307444B2 Signaling data compression/decompression devices and methods for wireless communication networks
A compression device which may include: a subset determination circuit configured to determine a subset of a traffic indication map, the traffic indication map including a plurality of bits, each bit indicating whether data to be transmitted to a respective pre-determined radio communication terminal is present in an access point; a pre-determined bit value determination circuit configured to determine whether the subset includes a bit of a pre-determined bit value; and a compressed string generation circuit configured to insert, if the subset includes a bit of the pre-determined bit value, into a compressed string the subset and an indicator indicating that the subset includes a bit of the pre-determined bit value, and further configured to include, if the subset does not includes a bit of the pre-determined bit value, into the compressed string an indicator indicating that the subset does not include a bit of the pre-determined bit value.
US09307441B1 Systems and methods of transferring information to a wireless device
In systems and methods of transferring information to a wireless device, a first portion of information is received and stored in a memory of the wireless device, and the first portion is presented while a second portion of the information is received. A presentation rate at which the first portion is presented is determined, and a time until the first portion is completely presented is determined based on the presentation rate and a size of the first portion. A number of times that a packet retransmission criteria is met is determined, and a maximum permitted number of packet retransmissions is adjusted based on the time until the first portion is completely presented and the number of times that the packet retransmission criteria is met.
US09307435B2 Method and device for reporting cell status
Determining a distribution delay of a bearer by using a preset delay distribution algorithm according to a preset time period for reporting a cell status; starting a periodic timer of the bearer after the distribution delay elapses, where the periodic timer uses the time period as a period; determining, according to the periodic timer, whether the cell status needs to be reported; and carrying information of the cell status in an uplink data packet of the bearer if the cell status needs to be reported. Thereby avoiding greatly centralized reporting of the cell status and centralized policy adjustment that is performed for the bearers, so that great jitter of service traffic borne on a cell is controlled effectively.
US09307434B2 Methods and devices for reporting inter-radio access technology measurements
The invention relates to a method implemented in a user equipment 4 of a communication network 1 for reporting inter-radio access technologies measurements. The communication network 1 comprises a first radio access technology system 2 and a second radio access technology system 3. The user equipment 4 is connected to a primary serving cell of the first radio access technology system 2 and a secondary serving cell of the second radio access technology system 3. The method comprises: performing 110 signal strength measurements in the first radio access technology system 2; performing 120 signal strength measurements in the second radio access technology system 3; determining 130, 145, 230, 240, based on the signal strength measurements, whether a criterion for a measurement event relating to the second radio access technology system 3 is fulfilled, and transmitting 150, for a fulfilled criterion, a corresponding measurement report to the communication network 1. The invention also relates to a user equipment, network node and methods in a network node.
US09307433B2 Mobile communication method
A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes a step of transmitting, by a mobile management node MME, “Measurement Configuration #1” for instructing to measure and report a desired radio quality to a radio base station eNB#1 that manages a cell #1 when it is detected that a mobile station UE has moved into the cell #1 that lies inside a measurement-target area, and a step of transmitting, by the radio base station eNB#1, “RRC Connection Reconfiguration” including the “Measurement Configuration #1” to the mobile station UE.
US09307431B2 Reporting of channel properties in heterogeneous networks
Rank indicator and channel quality indicator (CQI) estimation and reporting functionalities are discussed with regard to heterogeneous networks to reduce the number of inconsistent CQI estimates transmitted to an evolved node B (eNB), where the CQI is defined as inconsistent when the rank indicator, on which the CQI is conditioned, is from a different subframe type than the subframe on which the CQI is to be estimated.
US09307430B1 Method and system for SMS messaging verification
A method and system for testing a SMS text messaging network is disclosed herein. The method and system allows for real-time testing of the mobile terminated (“MT”) and mobile originated (“MO”) delivery delays across the major American mobile phone carriers, and accurately measures the progress on SMS broadcasts and records when a broadcast has been completed.
US09307429B2 Selective user notification for link termination events in wireless personal area network
A user device includes a wireless interface to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN) link with another user device. The user device further includes a notification controller to, in response to a link termination event (306) for the WPAN link, selectively trigger a user alert based on at least one of: an indication (312) of whether the user device is in proximity to a user; and an indication (314) of whether the other user device is identified as a user-portable device. The notification controller may selectively trigger a user alert further based on an indication (308) of whether the first device is connected to a specified wireless local area network (WLAN).
US09307428B2 Estimating available cell capacity based on monitored network data
In one embodiment, a method comprises monitoring network data associated with a cell of a communication network for one or more channel conditions, estimating total cell capacities for respective channel conditions based on the monitored network data, and estimating an available cell capacity based at least in part on the total cell capacity estimates and a portion of the monitored network data. The method may also include sending information derived from at least a portion of the network data to a server and receiving from the server total cell capacities for respective channel conditions, where the total cell capacities received from the server are used to estimate the available cell capacity. The method may further include sending the available cell capacity estimate to the server and receiving from the server an available cell capacity.
US09307423B2 Method for coordinating inter-cell interference in heterogeneous network and heterogeneous network
Provided are a method for coordinating inter-cell interference in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) and the heterogeneous network. The method includes: forming M normal base stations and low-power nodes within coverage of the respective normal base stations in the heterogeneous network into a coordinated group; combining mute/non-mute states of bandwidths of the M normal base stations to obtain a plurality of states of the coordinated group; a user of each of the normal base stations feeding at least one first CQI back to the normal base station; a user of each of the low-power nodes feeding one or more second CQIs back to the low-power node; using the first CQI and the second CQIs as a basis to make capacity estimation of the coordinated group; and setting the mute/non-mute states of the bandwidths of the M normal base stations in accordance with a state of the coordinated group corresponding to an optimal system capacity so as to perform data transmission. In the method for coordinating interference provided by the present invention, M transmission points each including one or more normal base stations and low-power nodes covered by the respective normal base stations can be formed into a coordinated group, thereby extending processing for the normal base stations up to all the transmission points in the coordinated group.
US09307419B1 Data transmission throughput for a wireless access node
A wireless access node to improve data transmission throughput comprises a wireless communication transceiver and a processing system. The wireless access node transmits a first data packet comprising a preamble for delivery to a wireless communication device during a first timeslot, monitors for a response transmitted from the wireless communication device during a predetermined number of timeslots, and if the response transmitted from the wireless communication device is not received during the predetermined number of timeslots, modify the preamble to generate a modified preamble, retransmit the first data packet with the modified preamble for delivery to the wireless communication device during a second timeslot, and if an acknowledgement of receipt of the first data packet with the modified preamble is received from the wireless communication device during the predetermined number of timeslots, transmit a second data packet for delivery to the wireless communication device during a third timeslot.
US09307408B2 Secure on-line signup and provisioning of wireless devices
Embodiments of a mobile device and method for secure online sign-up and provisioning of credentials for Wi-Fi hotspots are generally described herein. In some embodiments, provisioning occurs using a service set identifier (SSID) to associate with a hotspot and retrieve a virtual LAN (VLAN) identifier. The VLAN identifier is used to complete the signup and provisioning process. In some embodiments, a hotspot may implement a primary SSID and a dependent SSID. The mobile device associates with the hotspot using the dependent SSID to perform the secure online signup and provisioning process. Once credentials are obtained using the signup and provisioning process, the device can connect to the hotspot using the primary SSID and the already provisioned credentials. The provisioned credentials may include certificates, username/password, or SIM-type credentials.
US09307405B2 Method for assigning an agent device from a first device registry to a second device registry
An agent device is registered in a first device registry maintained by a first registry apparatus for authenticating agent devices for communicating with application providing apparatuses. The agent device can be assigned to a second device registry maintained by second registry apparatus. The method of assignment comprises the first registry apparatus receiving from a requestor device a device assignment request. In response to the device assignment request, the first registry apparatus checks whether the agent device is allowed to be assigned to the second device registry, and if so, the agent device transmits second authentication information for authenticating the identity of the agent device to the second registry apparatus which registers this in the second device registry.
US09307403B2 System and method for NFC peer-to-peer authentication and secure data transfer
A reader device may generate a first identifier. The reader device may transmit the first identifier to a mobile device. The reader device may receive encrypted data and unencrypted data from the mobile device in which the encrypted data includes a second identifier. The reader device may evaluate whether the first identifier and the second identifier correspond to one another.
US09307400B1 System and method of efficient mobile device network brand customization
A mobile communication device. The device comprises a memory and a processor. The device further comprises an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor at initial set-up of the mobile communication device, responsive to no existing dynamic portion of the animation for the network brand identity, downloads the dynamic portion of the animation from a server through an internet protocol (IP) address link stored in the memory, wherein the dynamic portion is in the form of scalable vector graphics (SVG) and comprises vector transformation information of changing portions of the animation from frame to frame, wherein the dynamic portion of the animation comprises network brand specific objects of the animation and configuration parameters to change the background of the static portion based on the network brand identity of the mobile communication device.
US09307399B2 System for connecting to wireless local area networks while in motion to send and receive GPS data and other information to a web portal or software application
A process for detecting and connecting a GPS-enabled device to available in-range wireless local area networks (WLANs), particularly while the device is in motion. Once connected, the GPS enabled device sends and receives data and other information from a web service or software application. The process includes detecting relative movement speed of the GPS device and repeatedly attempts connections with new WLAN access points when in motion, particularly in excess of five miles per hour and/or twenty-five miles per hour.
US09307398B2 Wireless network host in silent mode
An access point that implements operating modes in which beacons may be selectively disabled. Beacons may be disabled when no device is actively associated through the access point. Beacons may be enabled in response to one or more triggers, which may include events such as a client forming an association through the access point following a probe request message identifying the access point. In addition, active beaconing may be triggered by user input or may occur during periodic brief intervals that allow client devices to discover the network identifier for the access point. Selective control of beaconing may lead to more effective wireless communication, particularly in areas where users congregate with computers implementing soft APs for personal networks.
US09307397B2 Method for enabling a wireless device with customer-specific services
A system including a server coupled to a wireless network, the server comprising a wireless interface adapted to transmit and receive wireless signals, one or more processors coupled to the wireless interface, the one or more processors adapted to: detect a registration request sent from a wireless device to a home location register (HLR) over which the server has authority to control, the request indicating an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) associated with a subscriber identity module (SIM) card in the wireless device, send a reply to the wireless device in response to a determination that the IMSI is associated with a subscriber account that has not been activated, wherein the reply includes a web link to be displayed on the wireless device, receive a message from the wireless device when the web link displayed on the wireless device is subscriber activated, the message identifying characteristics of the wireless device, send a sequence of webpages to the wireless device, the webpages providing a customized activation process for establishing the subscriber account based on identified characteristics of the wireless device, and receive information related to the subscriber account from the wireless device in response to the webpages to thereby establish and activate the subscriber account.
US09307393B2 Peer-to-peer mobility management in heterogeneous IPV4 networks
Peer-to-peer mobility management in heterogeneous IP networks provides a peer-to-peer mobility module operable to intercept a data packet received at a communication protocol layer of an Internet Protocol communication stack. A translation table may be stored on memory device. The translation table stores real address of one or more network interfaces and a corresponding virtual address. The peer-to-peer mobility module may be further operable to modify the intercepted data packet using the real address and virtual address stored on the translation table.
US09307386B2 Multifunction wireless device
A communication device and system are disclosed for providing communication and data services to residents of a controlled facility. The device can be restricted to communicating only using an internet protocol so as to restrict the device communication to an internal intranet. Wireless access points may be disposed throughout the environment to route calls and data between the device and a central processing center. By converting a protocol of the communications received from the device to a protocol used by the central processing center, minimal modifications to the central processing center are needed to support a wireless communication infrastructure. Many restrictions and safeguards may be implemented within the phone and system in order to prevent improper use.
US09307385B2 Utilizing information about mobile communication devices with respect to an area of interest
A method for establishing an approximate number of persons in an area of interest comprises providing a request to one or more communications providers that cover an area of interest. The request is for a listing of any mobile communication devices located within the area of interest. The listing of any mobile communication devices located within the area of interest is utilized to establish an approximate number of persons in the area of interest.
US09307379B2 Providing automatic format conversion via an access gateway
A system and method supporting the automatic conversion of multimedia information from a first format to a second format in a broadband access gateway and/or network-based server are disclosed. The broadband access gateway and/or network-based server may convert multimedia information that is in a format that an access device is not capable of processing. The gateway and/or server may automatically detect the format incompatibility, and may automatically convert or arrange for conversion of the multimedia information to a format that is compatible with the access device, based upon compatibility information associated with the access device. The conversion may be based upon a set of user-defined quality of service criteria, and may be subject to the control of digital rights management parameters associated with the requested multimedia information. The user of the access device may be prompted when the conversion is expected to impact the quality of the multimedia information being played, and the user may be offered options that permit the user to minimize the impact upon the user.
US09307375B2 Methods for connecting devices and devices using the same
A devices connecting method for connecting wirelessly connecting a first device to a second device. A first connection message transmitted from the second device is received, and the first connection message includes a first connection identifier. A second connection message transmitted from the second device is received, and the second connection message includes a second connection identifier. It is determined whether the second connection identifier is the same as the first connection identifier, and a corresponding determination result is provided. The second connection message is processed according to the determination result to establish the wireless connection between the first device and the second device.
US09307374B2 Transferring information on a first mobile computing device to a peer mobile computing device
The program code identifies a problem with a first mobile computing device, wherein the problem is capable of preventing completion of an action attempted by a first end-user via the first mobile computing device. In response to identifying the problem, the program code determines the first end-user wants to complete the action on a first peer mobile computing device of a second end-user. The program code scans a computer network to identify the first peer mobile computing device and other peer mobile computing devices on which to complete the action. The program code grants access to a copy of information to complete the action on the first peer mobile computing device. The program code revokes access to the copy of information.
US09307373B2 System and method for transferring or rejoining a conference call from any device
A method for establishing a connection to a sequence-accessible call includes gathering connection data for establishing the connection to the sequence-accessible call including a phone number dialed to access the sequence-accessible call. The method may also include storing the connection data in a database, determining a presence of a proximity link, and transmitting the connection data to an information handling system.
US09307368B1 Automatically generating and maintaining a floor plan
Systems and techniques for automatically obtaining data indicating the locations of wireless devices and physical objects within a region are provided. An autonomous mobile platform may survey a region with a wireless signal strength sensor and/or a physical environment sensor. The signal strength data and the spatial data are used to generate a map that indicates the locations of wireless devices within a region such as a home or office. The map may be automatically generated and/or updated in the course of other operations performed by an autonomous mobile platform.
US09307365B2 Method and system for saving and retrieving spatial related information
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for storing, referencing, retrieving, and graphically displaying spatial and non-spatial related information of a mobile computing device, such as a laptop computer or a cellular telephone. The spatial-related information may be obtained by using positioning tracking systems such as a global positioning system, whereas the non-spatial related information may include communication activities associated with the mobile computing device, such as phone calls, e-mails, text messages, pages, etc. The present invention also provides methods and apparatus of sharing event information between mobile communication devices as well as related navigational information for traveling to an event from a real-time position of a mobile communication device.
US09307363B2 Determining if a target device is collocated with other devices in a users contacts list
A method to determine whether a target device is collocated with at least one other device within a plurality of devices associated with a user's contact list is provided. The method may include determining location information for each of the plurality of mobile devices associated with the user's contact list. The method may also include selecting a target device within the plurality of devices. The method may further include determining, based on the location information, whether the selected target device is collocated with the at least one other device within the plurality of devices. Additionally, the method may include displaying the at least one other collocated device to the user. The method may also include determining if the at least one other collocated device is selected by the user. The method may include connecting the target device and the selected at least one other collocated device to the user's device.
US09307360B1 Systems and methods to identify a predefined geographical region in which a mobile device is located
Systems and methods including a mobile device determining the coordinates of its location using a location determination system, such as a global positioning system. A database stores the identifiers of cells representative of predefined regions in a hierarchical grid system. A server computer or the mobile device converts the coordinates of the location to one or more cell identifiers at different grid resolution levels and searches the database to find a match between the cell identifiers representing the regions and the cell identifiers representing the location of the mobile device to determine one or more regions in which the mobile device is located. For example, the hierarchical grid system can be constructed in a longitude latitude space of location coordinates, with resolution levels aligned with decimal precision levels of the location coordinates; and the cell identifiers can be constructed from the digits of the longitude and latitude coordinates.
US09307355B2 Location enabled service for enhancement of smart device and enterprise software applications
A system for contextualized location aware content delivery comprising a group of beacons transmitting respective ID's, an application running on a smart device configured for receiving the beacons, determining signal amplitude, reception time, beacon ID, and sending ID and amplitude to a server over a network. The server determines location of the smart device and contextualizes the location based on a context location database with the server. Context information sent back to application. Application sends context information along with user action information to an application server over a network. Application server sends context related information to application for display to a user on said smart device. The server, application, and beacons may be provided as a service to a facility for use with customer's smart devices. A beacon ID security method is disclosed. Beacons may include precision location technology and relay information to one another and to the server.
US09307352B2 Apparatus and method for near field communication
Disclosed herein is a mobile phone with the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and method of operating the mobile phone. The mobile phone includes a display; a baseband chip; an near field communication (NFC) module comprising an RF antenna, an NFC tag circuit and an NFC main chip; and the RF antenna configured to receive, from an external RF reader, a command RF signal in 13.56 MHz and further configured to transmit, to the external RF reader, a responsive RF signal in 13.56 MHz.
US09307342B2 Dynamic rendering for software applications
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for dynamic rendering for hybrid apps. One of the methods includes receiving user input navigating to a first view of an application; determining, using a navigation hierarchy stored on the mobile device, to render the first view using a native rendering engine native to the mobile device; receiving an update to the navigation hierarchy from a server; after receiving the update, receiving user input navigating to the first view; and determining, using the update to the navigation hierarchy from the server, to render the first view using an open rendering engine that is not native to the mobile device.
US09307341B2 Payment application download to mobile phone and phone personalization
A method and system of personalizing a mobile phone over a wireless network is provided. The method is fast, reliable, and eliminates the need for an uninterrupted online connection to a host server in order to achieve successful download of user information. With the method and system, a mobile phone can be personalized for various purposes, such as for conducting financial transactions.
US09307340B2 Audio system equalization for portable media playback devices
A method, an apparatus, a system, and instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium to instruct a processing system to carry out the method. The method includes applying corrective filters directly in a portable media device to correct, e.g., equalize for the overall system comprising the portable media device and the playback system to which it is attached. Also a method of determining the corrective filters by playing back one or more calibration signals on the playback system while recording the resulting sound field on the portable media device.
US09307338B2 Upmixing method and system for multichannel audio reproduction
An audio signal enhancing device, and a corresponding method of enhancing stereophonic signals, is provided which generates an enhanced signal with improved spatial sound image quality for upmixing a stereophonic input signal. When used in combination with a centre channel processor or LFE processor, an improved processing of the input signals is provided resulting in final centre channel and at least one LFE sub-woofer channel wherein the problems and disadvantages of the prior art are resolved. The result is a centre and LFE signal that contains a stable, non time-smeared image with a high quality natural-sounding fidelity. These advantages are achieved especially for time-delayed or phase-panned stereo input signals, independently of whether they are matrix encoded or non-matrix encoded input signals.
US09307337B2 Systems and methods for interactive broadcast content
Devices and methods for scoring viewer's interactions with content broadcast on a presentation device by processing at least one audio signal received by a microphone proximate the viewer and the presentation device, to generate at least one audio signature, which is compared to at least two different reference audio signatures.
US09307336B2 Electronic device and audio output circuit therein
An audio output circuit applied in an electronic device includes a filter capacitor and a transistor. A base of the transistor is connected to an audio processing unit, an emitter of the transistor is connected to a voltage port, a processor and an earphone detecting unit of the electronic device is electrically connected to a collector of the transistor. The filter capacitor is connected between the base of the transistor and the ground. The filter capacitor filters the audio signals generated by the audio processing unit, to ensure that and the transistor is always turned on.
US09307333B2 Networked sound masking system
A sound masking system for shaping the ambient noise level in a physical environment. The sound masking system comprises a networked and distributed system having a number of master units coupled together and to a control unit. One or more of the master units may include satellite sound masking units which function to reproduce the sound masking signal generated by the master sound masking unit. Each of the master units is addressable over the network by the control unit enabling the control unit to program the contour, spectral band, and gain characteristics of the sound masking output signal. The system may also include a remote control unit which provides the capability to tune and adjust each master sound masking unit in situ without requiring physical access through the ceiling installation.
US09307325B2 Transducer arrangement
There is disclosed a transducer apparatus for acoustic communications through a substrate at a predetermined center frequency, the apparatus comprising:—an active piezoelectric element for generating an acoustic signal; an intermediate layer, having a surface for accommodating the piezoelectric element, and having a first array of protrusions on a surface opposite the surface for accommodating the piezoelectric element; and a second array of protrusions at the substrate, wherein the active piezoelectric element is mounted onto the intermediate layer, and the intermediate layer is secured in position relative to the substrate such that the first array of protrusions faces the second array of protrusions such that the acoustic signal may propagate through the first and second arrays. There are further disclosed a method of mounting such an apparatus and a plate suitable for use in the transducer apparatus.
US09307324B2 Speaker
A plurality of magnetostrictive elements made of ferrite or the like are arranged in a matrix on an upper surface of a circuit board. On the periphery of each of the magnetostrictive elements, a voice coil is arranged. When current flows to the voice coils, the magnetostrictive elements themselves expand and contract in their center axis direction (height direction), and whereby ultrasonic waves (carrier waves) are emitted into the air from the magnetostrictive elements themselves. Since the magnetostrictive elements made of ferrite or the like are used, power consumption can be reduced, compared with the case of using piezoelectric vibrators. Also, the magnetostrictive elements can be made resistant to damage even if subjected to an impact due to falling or the like. Accordingly, in a parametric speaker using ultrasonic waves as carrier waves, power consumption can be reduced and vibrating elements can be made resistant to impact damage.
US09307321B1 Speaker distortion reduction
Methods and systems specifically designed to reduce loudspeaker distortion by reducing voice coil excursion are provided. An input audio signal is processed based on a specific linear model of a loudspeaker, and a dynamic filter is generated and applied to this audio signal. The filter changes the relative phases of the spectral components of the input signal to reduce estimated excursion peaks. The quality of the audio signal is not diminished in comparison to traditional filter approaches. The processing of the input signal may involve determining a main frequency which may be used to determine the fundamental frequency. Multiples of the fundamental frequencies provide harmonic frequencies. The phases of all the harmonic frequencies, including the fundamental, may be measured and compared to a target vector of phases. The difference between the measured phases and the target phases may then be used to calculate the poles and zeros and corresponding filter coefficients.
US09307320B2 Feedback suppression using phase enhanced frequency estimation
A feedback suppression system for reducing acoustic feedback may include a controller configured to buffer a series of incoming digital sample signals to provide a plurality of buffered signals, the incoming digital sample signal being indicative of an audio input signal that includes audio data and acoustic feedback, determine a complex spectrum of the plurality of buffered signals, determine a magnitude squared spectrum from the complex spectrum, identify at least one peak in the magnitude squared spectrum, identify a frequency of the at least one identified peak using a phase enhanced frequency estimate, and set a notch filter at the identified frequency to eliminate the acoustic feedback of the audio input signal.
US09307318B2 Audio processor circuits for acoustic echo cancellation and method therefor
In one form, an audio processor circuit includes a first digital signal processing circuit, a second digital signal processing circuit, and an interleaver. The first digital signal processing circuit has an input for receiving a far-end audio signal, and an output. The second digital signal processing circuit has an input for receiving a digital near-end audio signal, and an output. The interleaver has a first input coupled to the output of the first digital signal processing circuit, a second input coupled to the output of the second digital signal processing circuit, and an output for alternatively providing signals received from the first and second inputs to the output.
US09307316B2 Electronic device and method for sensing headset type by audio signal
In a device including a headset jack having an external microphone contact, and an external microphone signal path connected to the external microphone contact, a method including detecting whether a headset plug is plugged into the headset jack and, if the headset plug is detected, selecting an audio signal received from the external microphone signal path, recording the selected audio signal, to produce a recorded audio signal, and determining if an external microphone is connected to the external microphone contact based on the recorded audio signal.
US09307314B2 Electronic device with side acoustic emission type speaker device
Disclosed is an electronic device including: a housing having a sound emission hole formed in at least one side thereof; a speaker module which is at least partially accommodated in the housing; and a sound reflection surface formed inside the housing and obliquely facing the speaker module. A sound emitted from the speaker module can be reflected by the sound reflection surface to the sound emission hole. The side acoustic emission type speaker device and the electronic device including the same can be variously implemented.
US09307313B2 Flexible earphone cover
The flexible earphone cover has a flexible main body and a flexible ear cone that extends from the main body. The flexible main body is configured to substantially encase a portion of an earphone. The flexible main body defines an internal cavity for receiving the earphone. It also defines a first opening at a side of the cavity for receiving the earphone there-through. The flexible main body defines a second opening at a side of the cavity. The second opening is smaller than the first opening. Finally, the flexible main body defines a third opening at a side of the cavity. The third opening is smaller than the first opening and the second opening. The flexible ear cone defines a converging passageway from the second opening to an exit configured to direct sound into an ear canal of an ear of a user.
US09307312B2 Audio accessory with internal clock
An audio accessory is configured to receive and store meta data from a media player, including the media asset identification and current play position. The audio accessory is configured to independently track the current play position of the media asset. When the audio accessory is disconnected from the first media player the audio accessory is configured to store the independently tracked current play position in memory. After the audio accessory is subsequently connected to a second media player, the second media player may retrieve the meta data from the audio accessory and use it to load the media asset on the second player and resume play from the stored current play position.
US09307310B2 Wearable portable electronic device
A wearable portable electronic device including a body and a speaker is provided. The body includes a base and a sidewall surrounding the base, wherein the sidewall has at least one opening. The speaker is disposed in the body, wherein a sound wave produced by the speaker is transmitted outward through the opening. An orthogonal projection of the speaker on the base is separated from an orthogonal projection of the opening on the base.
US09307308B2 Dynamically formed acoustic volume
This application relates to methods and apparatus for waterproofing an electronic device having an audio output. More particularly a method for dynamically forming an acoustic volume of air for a speaker component is disclosed. The dynamically formed acoustic volume creates a sealed volume of air that prevents moisture from entering a portion of the device that includes moisture sensitive components. By dynamically forming the acoustic volume during a blow forming operation, the acoustic volume can utilize unused space within the electronic device in a highly efficient manner by occupying small areas of unused space that would otherwise go unused.
US09307303B2 Method and system for communication in optical communication system
The present invention discloses a method and system for communication. The method includes: according to a network resource and a signal type of a label switched path to be established, generating, by a first optical communication device, a label indicating that a first optical channel data unit is multiplexed to a second optical channel data unit, wherein the label comprises a tributary slot assignment indication field indicating a tributary slot occupied in the second optical channel data unit, and a length of the tributary slot assignment indication field is equal to the number of tributary slots of the second optical channel data unit; sending the label to a second optical communication device; obtaining, by the second optical communication device, the label; and multiplexing, by the second optical communication device, the first optical channel data unit to the second optical channel data unit based on the label.
US09307301B2 Optical switch
The discloser provides a multi-input and multi-output optical switch capable of switching over all WDM wavelengths. An optical switch according to one embodiment includes: an optical demultiplexing element (3) that demultiplexes an optical signal from at least one input port into individual wavelengths; a first optical deflection element (5), which deflects an incident optical signal, that deflects the wavelength-separated optical signal incoming from the optical demultiplexing element to change a traveling direction for each wavelength to a switch axis direction perpendicular to a wavelength dispersion axis direction; a second optical deflection element (8) that deflects the optical signal incoming from the first optical deflection element to change the traveling direction to the switch axis direction for output to at least one of the output ports; and an optical multiplexing element (10) that multiplexes the optical signal with the different wavelengths incoming from the second optical deflection element.
US09307300B2 Locating a projectile
A method and device for transmitting a tracking signal for locating a projectile. A launch condition for a projectile is sensed by a tracking device. The tracking device enters a first transmission mode in which a first signal is transmitted in response to sensing the launch condition. The tracking device transitions to a second transmission mode in which a second signal is transmitted after transmitting the first signal for a defined period of time.
US09307296B2 Broadcast interactive television system
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system for delivering broadcast channels by way of edge routers using multicast virtual private networks, sharing a same multicast state for the broadcast channels and sharing a same multicast delivery tree for the broadcast channels. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09307295B2 Live media content discovery and management
Mechanisms are provided for allowing a user to linearly or non-linearly discover and navigate media content including live events. A smart timeline includes panels of event information, previews, images, etc. Moving ahead allows discovery of future live media content and events and uncovers mechanisms for setting notifications and reminders. Moving back in time allows discovery of past events and mechanisms for replaying past video and audio content. Event navigation mechanisms can be integrated with calendaring applications to post and select events discovered using event navigation mechanisms.
US09307294B2 Content display device, television receiver, menu screen generation method, and recording medium
In response to a user's operation, a menu screen generating section (12) changes a menu screen to be generated (i) from a first menu screen (M1) in which thumbnail images (Ta through Tg) corresponding to respective plurality of pieces of content are linearly arranged (ii) to a second menu screen (M2) in which the thumbnail images (Ta through Tg) are circularly arranged.
US09307293B2 Collaborative video application for remote servicing
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for sharing annotated videos. During operation, the system establishes a real-time video-sharing session between a remote field computer and a local computer. During the established real-time video-sharing session, the system receives a real-time video stream from a remote field computer, forwards the real-time video stream to a local computer to allow an expert to provide an annotation to the real-time video stream, receives the annotation from the local computer, and forwards the annotation to the remote field computer, which associates the annotation with a corresponding portion of the real-time video stream and displays the annotation on top of the corresponding portion of the real-time video stream.
US09307291B2 User controlled multi-device media-on-demand system
A method for providing configurable access to media in a media-on-demand system also can include delivering the media to a first client device in a format compatible with the first client device; interrupting the delivery of the media; recording a bookmark specifying a position in the media where the interruption occurred; and resuming delivery of the media to a second client device, the resumed delivery beginning at a position in the media specified by the recorded bookmark. The method further can include identifying device properties for each of the first and second client devices; delivering the media to the first client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the first client device; and, delivering the media to the second client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the second client device.
US09307290B1 Increased user efficiency and interaction performance through user-targeted electronic program guide content descriptions
Electronic program guide descriptions, of content referenced by the electronic program guide, are user-targeted based on user data. Such user-targeted electronic program guide descriptions aid users in identifying desirable content, thereby increasing user interaction performance with a content presentation device providing such user-targeted electronic program guide descriptions. To generate user-targeted electronic program guide descriptions, received electronic program guide information includes different, alternative or mutually exclusive, content descriptions of a given content item. Such electronic program guide information is compared with the user data and user-targeted content item descriptions is generated from the different content descriptions. A visual electronic program guide, including the user-targeted content item description, is displayed to a user on a physical display device.
US09307288B2 Television sign on for personalization in a multi-user environment
Systems and methods according to the present invention provide sign on systems for devices, e.g., televisions, which balance ease of use with security and access control that is amenable to, e.g., household usage.
US09307287B2 Transport-stream provider, DAB signal provider, transport stream analyzer, DAB receiver, method, computer program, and transport stream signal
A transport stream provider for providing a plurality of transport stream packets describing digital media information is configured to provide a transport stream packet of a first packet type including a program association table and key information for decrypting encrypted media information. The program association table contains an association between a program No. and a packet type identifier of a further transport stream packet of a second packet type. The transport stream provider is configured to provide a transport stream packet of the second packet type in such a manner that the transport stream packet of the second packet type contains a reference to packet type identifiers of transport stream payload data packets which describe contents of different content types of the digital media information.
US09307286B2 Modular digital television decoder
The present invention relates to a modular device for receiving digital television signals, as well as to a modular device for decoding digital television signals, wherein corresponding interfaces are provided to couple the modular device for data and power transfer.
US09307283B2 Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) receiver for processing a DTV signal, the DTV receiver includes a receiver to receive a digital television signal including a plurality of extended text table (ETT) instances that appear in transport stream packets with common PID values, the ETT instances having common table ID values, each ETT instance comprising a section header and a message body, the section header containing a table identification (ID) extension field that serves to establish uniqueness of each ETT instance, the message body containing an extended text message (ETM) which provides detailed descriptions of a virtual channel or an event associated with each ETT instance, wherein the section header further contains a current next indicator field and a section syntax indicator field, a demodulator to demodulate the digital television signal, and an identifier to identify at least one pertinent ETT instance from the plurality of ETT instances.
US09307281B2 User defined rules for assigning destinations of content
A media guidance application is provided by which users can define rules for assigning user equipment devices as destinations for media content. For example, a user may define a rule by which selected media content having attributes that satisfy a user-defined condition are downloaded, recorded, or streamed to a particular, user-specified user equipment device. The user may define and manage rules using media guidance menus, and may restrict other users from accessing the rules (e.g., parents restricting children).
US09307278B2 Systems and methods for reducing cut-offs in program recording
A media recording system may be provided. The recording system may include features for reducing recording cut-off of a particular media event due to changes in the start time and end time of what is scheduled to be recorded. The recording system may provide a user with an opportunity to select a program by for example, selecting a listing, to have that program automatically recorded at a scheduled time for presentation to viewers. Changes in the schedule of programs may be compensated manually or automatically when the recording system receives information about actual or predicted time changes. In a manual mode, a user may adjust start or end times based on time change information that is displayed. For an automatic mode, the recording system may automatically compensate for predicted or actual time changes that are known by automatically adjusting the start and end times of recording.
US09307275B2 Method and apparatus for associating micro-blogs with media programs
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may operate, for example, according to a method for identifying subsets of blogs from a collection of blogs according to a relevance of each subset of blogs to one of a plurality of media programs deliverable to a plurality of subscriber devices, determining for each subset of blogs one or more trends, detecting a subscriber device from the plurality of subscriber devices, selecting a media program from the plurality of media programs, selecting one of the subsets of blogs that is relevant to the media program, and supplying the subscriber device the selected subset of blogs with the one or more trends determined for the select subset of blogs. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09307272B2 Purchase transaction method for IPTV product and IPTV receiver thereof
A purchase transaction method for IPTV product and IPTV receiver thereof using the same are provided. The purchase transaction method for IPTV product includes requesting to make a purchase for a offering by using a identifier of the offering, wherein the offering is a combination of one or more products to be purchased and purchase terms for the products; and obtaining a response returned from the request to indicate success or failure of the requested purchase.
US09307267B2 Techniques for scalable dynamic data encoding and decoding
Scalable techniques for dynamic data encoding and decoding are directed toward a system including a plurality of frame processing units. A main frame processing unit manages frame processing unit resource, dispatches frames to appropriate frame processing units. One or more auxiliary frame processing units encode or decode the non-reference frames dispatched by the main frame processing unit. The main frame processing unit encodes or decodes the reference frames and encodes or decodes non-reference frames if none of the auxiliary frame processing units are available.
US09307265B2 Video coding
A method comprising: encoding a video image at each of a plurality of frames, including by using inter frame encoding to encode at least portions of some of the frames, thereby generating an encoded video stream; transmitting the encoded video stream over a lossy channel to be decoded at a receiver to produce decoded video; and performing a recovery operation to refresh the encoding of the video image, cutting off error propagation that has occurred in the decoded video due to an effect of inter prediction in presence of loss over said channel; wherein said recovery operation is triggered by a report fed back from the receiver indicative of loss; and wherein the recovery operation is performed over a plural number of frames, refreshing the encoding of different partial frame regions at different respective frames.
US09307262B2 Methods and systems for facilitating multimedia data encoding utilizing configured buffer information
Several methods and systems for facilitating multimedia data encoding are disclosed. In an embodiment, a plurality of picture buffers associated with multimedia data are received in an order of capture associated with the plurality of picture buffers. Buffer information is configured for each picture buffer from among the plurality of picture buffers comprising at least one of a metadata associated with the corresponding picture buffer and one or more encoding parameters for the corresponding picture buffer. A provision of picture buffers in an order of encoding is facilitated based on the configured buffer information.
US09307261B2 Splicing of video for parallel encoding
In one embodiment, a method receives a video at a partial encoder. The partial encoder determines characteristics of the video by performing a portion of an encoding process of the video. The method analyzes the characteristics of the video to determine splice points in the video to splice the video into multiple parts. The video is spliced into a plurality of parts based on the splice points and the plurality of parts are sent to a plurality of encoders. The plurality of encoders encode the plurality of parts substantially in parallel, the encoded plurality of parts are combined to form an encoded version of the video, and the partial encoder does not encode any of the encoded plurality of parts in the encoded version of the video.
US09307252B2 View synthesis distortion model for multiview depth video coding
The disclosed subject matter relates to providing a view synthesis distortion model (VSDM) for multiview video coding (MVC). The disclosed VSDM can facilitate determining quantization values and rate values based on model parameters for encoding depth information. Further, the VSDM can facilitate compression of depth information based on the determined quantization values and rate values. Compression of depth information can provide for reduces bandwidth consumption for dissemination of encoded multiview content for applications such as 3D video, freepoint TV, etc. Further, a feedback element can be employed to update the VSDM based on a comparison of a reconstituted version of the content, from coded depth information, against reference version of the content, from reference depth information.
US09307251B2 Methods and systems for determining data-adaptive weights for motion estimation in a video sequence
Aspects of the present invention are related to systems and methods for determining local-analysis-window size and weighting parameters in a gradient-based motion estimation system.
US09307250B2 Optimization of intra block size in video coding based on minimal activity directions and strengths
In video coding, selecting an optimal intra block size based on minimal activity directions and strengths. The method is directed to simplifying the procedure of choosing the best subdivision of a texture block into intra blocks.
US09307247B2 Compression using range coding with virtual sliding window
Information to be transmitted may be compressed using range coding for adaptive arithmetic coding with a virtual sliding window. Cost and complexity of coding may be reduced in some cases.
US09307238B2 Method and apparatus for encoding video, and method and apparatus for decoding video
Disclosed is a method of encoding a video, the method including: splitting a current picture into at least one maximum coding unit; determining a coded depth to output a final encoding result according to at least one split region obtained by splitting a region of the maximum coding unit according to depths, by encoding the at least one split region, based on a depth that deepens in proportion to the number of times the region of the maximum coding unit is split; and outputting image data constituting the final encoding result according to the at least one split region, and encoding information about the coded depth and a prediction mode, according to the at least one maximum coding unit.
US09307236B2 System and method for multi-row decoding of video with dependent rows
A system and method for decoding digital video by processing multiple regions of an image in parallel, even when there are dependencies between rows in the image, are disclosed. The method generally involves decoding multiple rows concurrently, with the start of decoding of a given row being delayed until portions of the other rows on which the given row depends have been decoded. The system generally comprises parallel processors, with one processor typically decoding one row and another processor typically decoding the row above it. In accordance with the present invention, however, any number or type of processors can decode, or perform decoding functions on, the image in parallel.
US09307232B1 Calibration target for video processing
An apparatus is disclosed which may serve as a target for calibrating a camera. The apparatus includes a hollow body having an interior surface, an exterior surface and at least one window formed in the hollow body through which the interior surface is visible. A plurality of distinguishable fiducial markers are arranged in a predetermined pattern along the interior and exterior surface of the hollow body. The fiducial markers can be distinguishable such that, for any given image of the target captured by a camera, there is only one position, rotation, distortion value, and focal length for the camera of interest.
US09307231B2 Calibration target for video processing
An apparatus is disclosed which may serve as a target for calibrating a camera. The apparatus comprises one or more planar surfaces. The apparatus includes at least one fiducial marking on a planar surface. The set of all planar markings on the apparatus are distinguishable.
US09307230B2 Line pair based full field sharpness test
Optical characteristics of an optical component for a high volume manufacture consumer electronics device can be tested using a test chart composed of a superposition of two or more groups of parallel line pairs, wherein all the groups of parallel line pairs are oriented at a different inclination. The groups of line pairs could be oriented so that they are perpendicular to each other. A test system can quickly and objectively assess for example the sharpness of the optical component in different directions across a full image field of view of an imaging system that is capturing a digital image of the chart using the optical component for through-the-lens imaging. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US09307228B2 Depth of field maintaining apparatus, 3D display system and display method
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a depth of field maintaining apparatus, a 3D display system and a display method. The depth of field maintaining apparatus comprises: a 3D video signal input device; a position measuring device; an image processing device; and a 3D video signal output device, wherein the 3D video signal input device, the position measuring device and the 3D video signal output device are connected to the image processing device, the 3D video signal input device transmits an acquired 3D video signal to the image processing device, the position measuring device transmits detected position information of the viewer and the display screen to the image processing device, and the image processing device adjusts a space between corresponding object points in left and right eye images in a 3D video signal in accordance with the position information, such that a depth of field remains unchanged, and transmits a adjusted 3D video signal to the 3D video signal output device.
US09307225B2 Adaptive stereoscopic 3D streaming
Aspects herein describe at least a new method, system, and computer readable storage media for processing two-dimensional (2D) video into three-dimensional (3D) video and transmitting the 3D video from a host computing device to a client computing device. In one embodiment, the method comprises spatially scaling a segment of video when a structural similarity index is greater than a first threshold value and temporally scaling the segment of video when a rate of change of successive frames of the segment falls below a second threshold value. The method generates one of the segment, a spatially scaled segment, a temporally scaled segment, and a temporally and spatially scaled segment. The method further comprises multiplexing one of the segment, the spatially scaled segment, a temporally scaled segment, and a temporally/spatially scaled segment of the video in a second channel with the segment of the video in a first channel.
US09307224B2 GUI providing method, and display apparatus and 3D image providing system using the same
A graphical user interface (GUI) providing method, a display apparatus and a three-dimensional (3D) image providing system using the same are provided. The GUI providing method includes: generating a first GUI for changing settings for a 3D image and a second GUI for changing an environment; and outputting the first GUI and the second GUI. Thus, the settings for the 3D image can be changed more easily and conveniently.
US09307221B1 Settings of a digital camera for depth map refinement
Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying depth refinement image capture instructions for capturing images that may be used to refine existing depth maps. The depth refinement image capture instructions are determined by evaluating, at each image patch in an existing image corresponding to the existing depth map, a range of possible depth values over a set of configuration settings. Each range of possible depth values corresponds to an existing depth estimate of the existing depth map. This evaluation enables selection of one or more configuration settings in a manner such that there will be additional depth information derivable from one or more additional images captured with the selected configuration settings. When a refined depth map is generated using the one or more additional images, this additional depth information is used to increase the depth precision for at least one depth estimate from the existing depth map.
US09307220B2 Image display device, image display method, and program
An image display device includes region of interest extraction unit, parallax image generation unit and 3D image display unit. Region of interest extraction unit generates depth image signal by depth image conversion employing depth threshold, depth image signal including information on distance in three-dimensional space between viewpoint and each pixel of two-dimensional image including region of interest desired to be noted by observer, depth image conversion being such that depth value indicating distance between viewpoint and each pixel of two-dimensional image is converted to depth value for 2D display when depth value is equal to or larger than depth threshold. Parallax image generation unit generates both-eye parallax image having parallax in region of interest alone, from two-dimensional image and image obtained by conversion of region of interest image representing region of interest at each of both-eye viewpoints, based on two-dimensional image and depth image signal. 3D image display unit displays both eye parallax image.
US09307216B2 Video display apparatus using adjustment images
In a video display apparatus A, a controller 9, while displaying video processed by a video processor 4 on a video display 3, displays LUTs 45R, 45G, and 45B which are tables of correction data for correcting luminance levels of red, green, and blue respectively. The controller 9 re-calculates and rewrites the correction data based on one adjustment point or two or more adjustment points P1 and P2 adjusted by the user.
US09307214B1 Automatic white balance methods and systems for electronic cameras
A brightness-sensitive automatic white balance method includes (a) determining the brightness of a scene captured in an electronic color image, (b) selecting a color-weighting map based upon the brightness of the scene, (c) extracting auto white balance parameters from the color-weighting map, and (d) white balancing the electronic color image according to the auto white balance parameters. An adaptive automatic white balance method includes (a) refining, based upon a first electronic color image of a scene illuminated by an illuminant of a first spectral type, a color-weighting probability distribution for the illuminant of the first spectral type, wherein the color-weighting probability distribution may be brightness-specific, (b) extracting auto white balance parameters from the refined color-weighting probability distribution, and (c) white balancing, according to the auto white balance parameters, an electronic color image of a scene illuminated by the illuminant of the first spectral type.
US09307213B2 Robust selection and weighting for gray patch automatic white balancing
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for robust weighting of gray patches in automatic white balancing in an image-capture device by utilizing kernel density estimation techniques with dynamically variable bandwidth to determine the probability density of samples to create an initial estimate, then verifying the initial gray point estimate to account for outliers. In one embodiment, given a set of image data, an initial gray point estimate in a color space is determined for the set of image data. The initial estimate is then refined by weighting the sub-population with the greatest probability of being gray. A final evaluation that includes a further comparison to pre-programmed constraints determines a final estimate, which can still be further tuned according to user preferences by adjusting color biases. The resulting final gray point estimate provides greater stability, and greatly improved accuracy over traditional techniques and solutions.
US09307211B2 Image processing system, transmitting-side device and receiving-side device
Provided is an image processing system capable of coping with data which is obtained in a new color filter array, and making full use of the performance of a receiving-side device by reducing the influence of a difference in the performance of the receiving-side device on an image quality. An image processing system 100 includes a transmitting-side device 101 and a receiving-side device 102. The transmitting-side device 101 generates intermediate data by preprocessing RAW data, generates three-plane color data by processing synchronization of the intermediate data, and outputs placement information for specifying pixel positions corresponding to the three-plane color data and the intermediate data. The receiving-side device 102 restores the intermediate data using the three-plane color data and the placement information from the transmitting-side device 101, and generates the three-plane color data from the restored intermediate data.
US09307210B2 Image output apparatus, method, and medium
The present invention provides a novel image output apparatus that includes an operation processing unit that processes an operation request from a user, a projecting unit that projects a display image from a video providing apparatus and UIs from the image projector, a determining unit that determines whether or not it is necessary to switch a source of a video signal by using a current input type and a source of a video signal with reference to a data table that associates an input type that indicates a type of a port from which an image to be projected is acquired with a source of a video signal that forms an image to be projected, and a controller that switches a source of a video signal and executes a process indicated by an operation request from a user if it is necessary to switch the source of a video signal.
US09307209B2 Lighting system and digital cinema projection apparatus employing same
A lighting system for a digital cinema projection apparatus is provided. The lighting system includes an ultra high pressure mercury lamp, a relay lens group, a digital micro display module, an optical filter module, and a projection lens. The ultra high pressure mercury lamp is used for emitting a light beam. The relay lens group is used for receiving the light beam and adjusting an optical path of the light beam. The optical filter module is arranged along the optical path of the lighting system for optically modulating an optical spectrum and/or a white balance of the light beam from the ultra high pressure mercury lamp. The projection lens is used for projecting the modulated light beam as an image beam.
US09307203B2 Method and device for controlling a conference
A method and communication system are disclosed for conducting a conference among sets of conference participants connected by a communication system. This system has at least one conference server, at least one image reproduction unit at each conference environment and at least one microphone at each conference environment. The method involves calculating respective virtual images of a majority of the conference environments, each virtual image containing at least one image corresponding to at least one conference participant who is present at that conference environment, calculating an aggregate representation of the virtual images of all conference environments and displaying the aggregate representation on at least one image reproduction unit. The method also calculates an individual representation for an individual conference participant and provides the individual participant with the individual representation while simultaneously providing to that individual the aggregate representation.
US09307198B2 Oral and video proceedings collection and transcription device
A system that enables remote participation in a live proceeding includes a first computer configured to transmit and receive audio and video data with a second computer through a network. An audio mixer is configured to combine a first audio signal received from a microphone with a second audio signal received from the first computer to provide a third audio signal. A capture device is coupled to the audio mixer and to the first computer. The capture device is configured to receive the third audio signal from the audio mixer and a video signal from a video camera coupled to the capture device, and to process the third audio signal and the video signal such that audio and video data of the third audio signal and the video signal may be stored in a computer readable storage medium.
US09307196B2 Apparatus, method, and record medium of transmission management
A transmission management apparatus, method, and recording medium are provided, including a memory configured to store address information that associates, for each one of a plurality of request source terminals, request source terminal identification information and candidate counterpart terminal identification information; a receiver configured to receive connection request information from a transmission terminal as the request source terminal; and processing circuitry configured to: determine whether to provide status information of the transmission terminal of another transmission management apparatus, based on information of said another apparatus associated with the at least one candidate counterpart terminal, to generate a determination result when the receiver receives the connection request information, provide the status information of the transmission terminal of said another apparatus based on the determination result, and acquire status information of the at least one candidate counterpart terminal managed by said another apparatus included in the address information of the transmission terminal.
US09307193B2 Communication method and electronic device
The present invention relates to a communication method and an electronic device. The communication method is applied to a first electronic device and includes receiving a first type of a communication request from a second electronic device, and carrying out a first type of communication with the second electronic device via a first communication network in response to the communication request; when establishing the first type of communication with the second electronic device, automatically starting a second communication network for carrying out a second type of communication with the second electronic device; and carrying out the second type of communication with the second electronic device while carrying out the first type of communication with the second electronic device.
US09307191B2 Video transmission
Disclosed is a method of transmitting video via a network and a user device and computer program product configured to implement the method. The method comprises transmitting video of one or more users, received from an image capture device, to at least another user device via the network; receiving information about a communication channel between the user device and the other user device and/or about one or more resources of the user device and/or the other user device; selecting characteristics from a plurality of visual user characteristics based on the received information; and controlling the video based on detection of the selected characteristics to track the selected characteristics.
US09307190B2 Apparatus and method for physical interaction over a distance using a telecommunication device
Methods and apparatus that permit two users to physically interact with one another from a distance using their telecommunication device are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a connection between the telecommunication devices may be established and an indication of inputs at the first and second telecommunication devices received. The inputs may be verified to have been input at the telecommunication devices either substantially simultaneously or overlapping in time. A signal may be sent to the telecommunication devices instructing them to provide a physically perceptible output responsive to verification of substantially simultaneous or overlapping inputs. The physically perceptible outputs may comprise photographs or video clips taken or recorded substantially simultaneously by the telecommunications devices responsive to the substantially simultaneous or overlapping inputs.
US09307189B2 Relay apparatus controlling signal channel selection
A relay apparatus (10) is provided with: an image output unit (11); switches (SWa, SWb); a control unit (16) for controlling switches; and an obtaining unit (16) for obtaining a first CEC address associated with the relay apparatus if the relay apparatus is connected to an output apparatus (30). The control unit controls switches to select a signal channel connecting a first signal transmitting device (14) and a storage apparatus (20) if the first CEC address and a reproduction command are received. After connecting the relay apparatus and a unit (40), the control unit controls switches to select the signal channel connecting the first signal transmitting device and a second signal transmitting device (15) if the unit is in a video output state, and controls switches to select the signal channel connecting the first signal transmitting device and the image output unit if the unit is in a standby state.
US09307185B2 Method to mark and exploit at least one sequence record of a video presentation
The present invention proposes a method to mark and exploit at least one sequence record of a video presentation played on a multimedia unit, said method comprising the steps of:—during the video presentation, receiving a command from a user to mark a currently displayed video sequence, said command initiating the step of:—creating a sequence record comprising a time index or frame index, allowing to locate the proper part of the video presentation, and a reference of the video presentation, At a later stage, requesting the edition of the sequence record by:—adding textual information which corresponds to the actual sequence,—storing the sequence record.
US09307180B2 Digital broadcast receiver and method for processing caption thereof
A digital cable broadcast receiver and a method for automatically processing caption data of various standards and types, is disclosed. The digital broadcast receiver includes: a demultiplexer for dividing a received broadcast stream into video data, audio data, supplementary information; a controller for determining whether caption data included in the video data is digital caption data or analog caption data on the basis of caption information included in the supplementary information, and outputting a control signal according to a result of the determining; a digital caption decoder for extracting and decoding digital caption data from the video data according to the control signal; and an analog caption decoder for extracting and decoding analog caption data from the video data according to the control signal.
US09307175B2 Input offset cancellation for charge mode readout image sensors
An image sensor system that compensates the amplifier in a column of a pixel array. This uses a sampling capacitor, that receives a signal from a pixel of the pixel array. A first plate of the sampling capacitor receives a value from the amplifier representing an offset level of the amplifier. While receiving the offset level from the amplifier on the first plate, the capacitor receives information from the pixel on a second plate of the same capacitor that is receiving the offset, thereby canceling the offset. The value from said sampling capacitor indicative of said information from said pixel with said offset cancelled being coupled to said amplifier to amplify said value as a first pixel value. The amplifier is also connected to other selecting switches from other pixels of said column of the pixel array.
US09307174B2 Solid-state imaging apparatus using counter to count a clock signal at start of change in level of a reference signal
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels arrayed in a matrix, and configured to generate signals by photoelectric conversion; a plurality of read-out circuits disposed on each column of the plurality of pixels arrayed in a matrix pattern, and configured to read out the signals from the plurality of pixels; a plurality of comparison units configured to compare the signals output from the plurality of read-out circuits with a reference signal whose level changes with time; a counter configured to count a clock signal after the level of the reference signal starts a change; a storage unit configured, when a magnitude relationship between the signals output from the plurality of the read-out circuits and the reference signal is reversed; and a reset unit configured to reset the count value stored in the storage unit.
US09307171B2 Solid state image pick-up device, and pixel
A pixel 10 includes a photodiode PD which is provided between a first barrier region 21 forming a first potential barrier B1 and a second barrier region 27 forming a second potential barrier B2, a first floating diffusion region F1 which is provided adjacent to the first barrier region 21, and to which a first electric charge generated in the photodiode PD is transferred, and a second floating diffusion region F2 which is provided adjacent to the second barrier region 27, and into which a second electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion region PD flows, and in which a part of the flowing-in second electric charge is accumulated. The second potential barrier B2 is lower than the first potential barrier B1.
US09307169B2 Multiband camera, and multiband image capturing method
A multiband camera comprises: a band-pass filter having four or more optical filters; a microlens array having arrayed microlenses; a photoelectric conversion element including a plurality of pixels; and a measurement unit for measuring spectral intensity. The multiband camera satisfies the expression below, where Pl is a pitch between the microlenses, Ps is a pitch between the pixels, n is a number of pixels corresponding to one microlens, u is an effective dimension in a prescribed direction of the pixels, t is a dimension in the prescribed direction of a real image that the band-pass filter forms on a plurality of two-dimensionally arrayed pixels, Na is a number of microlenses arrayed in the prescribed direction, L is a distance from an exit pupil to the microlens, and f is a focal length of the microlens. [ Expression ⁢ ⁢ 14 ] ( 1 - f L ) ⁢ nPs - 3 ⁢ Ps - u - t Na ≤ Pl ≤ ( 1 - f L ) ⁢ nPs + 3 ⁢ Ps - u - t Na
US09307165B2 In-camera panorama image stitching assistance
A camera that provides for a panorama mode of operation that stitches together two or more images to create a single image with a wide format. In panorama mode, a live view of a scene is transformed from rectangular coordinates to cylindrical coordinates and displayed by the camera. Also, an overlap portion between the previous image and the next image to be captured is characterized. In real time, after the previous image is captured, the overlap portion of the previous image is also transformed from rectangular coordinates into cylindrical coordinates. Next, the camera displays an overlay of at least a portion of the overlap portion onto the live view of the next image to be captured. And this overlay can assist the user in aligning the live view of the next image to be captured with the overlap portion of the previously captured image.
US09307163B2 Imaging device and imaging method
An imaging device of the present invention comprises an image sensor having a plurality of pixels made up of a first pixel group and a second pixel group, a flicker detection section for detecting bright states and dark states of all taken images based on a periodic flicker action of a light source contained in a subject from image output from the second pixel group, and a flicker correction calculation section 4 for, when light of brightness having bright states and dark states due to periodic flicker is incident, correcting brightness output gain corresponding to all pixels of the plurality of pixels corresponding to the first pixel group so that brightness output of taking images from the first pixel group becomes a standard brightness output.
US09307159B2 Polarization image processing apparatus
A polarization image processing apparatus includes an illumination unit, a splitter, first and second polarization imaging devices, and a processing unit. The illumination unit illuminates a first surface of a transparent or translucent object with first illumination light polarized in a first direction and second illumination light polarized in a second direction, which crosses the first direction, alternately. Illumination axes of the first illumination light and second illumination light substantially coincide with an imaging axis of the polarization image processing apparatus. The splitter divides returning light into at least two light components. The first and second polarization imaging devices receive the light components. The processing unit detects a condition of a second surface of the object on the basis of first and second polarization images obtained by the first polarization imaging device and third and fourth polarization images obtained by the second polarization imaging device.
US09307156B1 Longwave infrared imaging of a high-temperature, high-intensity light source
A neutral density (ND) filter made of an LWIR-transmissive, heat-resistant material is interposed between a longwave infrared (LWIR) imager and an entity that is highly emanative of both light and heat. According to exemplary inventive practice, the ND filter is a thermoplastic (e.g., polystyrene) sheet characterized by a thickness in the 1-2 mm range and a thermal conductivity≦0.13 W/m-K. Important parameters of the ND filter include LWIR transmittance (which depends on material and thickness) and thermal conductivity (which depends on material). The quality of the image taken of the entity is affected by the respective degrees of LWIR attenuation by, and heating up of, the ND filter. Accordingly, the material and the thickness of the ND filter are selected to optimize the image, in particular so as to avoid saturation and/or whiting-out of the image due to insufficient LWIR attenuation and/or excessive ND filter temperature.
US09307149B2 Applying video stabilization to a multimedia clip
In one embodiment, a method includes determining one or more amounts of light present during recording of a multimedia clip. The method also includes determining a motion-blur metric for the multimedia clip, the motion-blur metric based at least in part on the amounts of light. The method further includes determining whether to apply a video-stabilization routine to the multimedia clip based at least in part on the motion-blur metric.
US09307147B1 Architecture for video, fast still and high quality still picture processing
An apparatus having a first circuit is disclosed. The first circuit may (i) receive an input signal from an electro-optical sensor and (ii) generate a compressed signal. The first circuit generally includes re-sampler circuits configured to process the input signal to generate output samples. Each output sample may be a linear combination of at least two input samples. Video processing may include at least two tasks among (a) generating a video signal by converting the input signal for an external video monitor, (b) generating a video signal by converting the input signal for a preview screen and (c) generating a video signal by resolution reduction of the input signal before compression. At least two re-sampler circuits may perform different tasks. Still processing generally includes a noise reduction of an input image of the input signal using at least one of the at least two re-sampler circuits.
US09307146B2 Resolution-enhanced plenoptic imaging system
The spatial resolution of captured plenoptic images is enhanced. In one aspect, the plenoptic imaging process is modeled by a pupil image function (PIF), and a PIF inversion process is applied to the captured plenoptic image to produce a better resolution estimate of the object.
US09307140B2 Distance detection apparatus, image sensing apparatus, program, recording medium, and distance detection method
A distance detection apparatus includes a calculation unit configured to detect an object distance to an object based on a first signal formed by a luminous flux that has passed through a first pupil area of an imaging optical system and a second signal formed by a luminous flux that has passed through a second pupil area of the imaging optical system different from the first pupil area, which are generated by using an image sensing unit including multiple pixels. The calculation unit performs a first process for calculating one of a defocus amount and the object distance by a phase difference method based on the first signal and the second signal and a second process for calculating one of the defocus amount and the object distance by a depth-from-defocus (DFD) method based on the first signal and the second signal.
US09307137B2 Imaging apparatus and imaging method which perform focus adjustment while performing live-view display
An imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus performing live-view display when not performing the focus adjustment, and also when performing the focus adjustment, and includes: a focus adjustment brightness value calculation section comparing a first brightness value in the photometric area for the live-view display with a second brightness value in the photometric area for the focus adjustment, correcting the first brightness value according to a comparison result, and calculating a brightness value for obtaining the image data for the focus adjustment; an imaging section obtaining the image data by performing exposure using the brightness value calculated by the focus adjustment brightness value calculation section; a focus adjustment section performing the focus adjustment using the image data obtained by the imaging section, and a display section performing the live-view display using the image data obtained by the imaging section.
US09307136B2 Imaging apparatus and method where an output of data indicating a result of a correlation calculation is intermittently performed
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element for outputting focus detecting signals. A DFE performs phase difference detection-type focus detecting calculation using an output signal of the imaging element. A CPU controls a focus drive circuit depending on the result of calculation and a focus lens is driven so as to perform a focus adjusting operation. The CPU controls the DFE to intermittently execute focus detecting calculation at a predetermined frequency set for a plurality of image frames. In the first mode, AF processing is executed at a rate of once in a few frames and the operation of a circuit unit for performing correlation calculation or the like is stopped in a frame period during which no focus detecting calculation is performed, whereas in the second mode, AF processing is executed for each frame so as to perform a focus adjusting operation following the movement of an object.
US09307132B2 Control system for integrating multiple sets of sensing plane data
A control system for integrating multiple sets of sensing plane data, including: a plurality of driving units, used for driving a plurality of sensor arrays to receive multiple sets of sensing plane data; and at least one control unit, used for integrating the multiple sets of sensing plane data into a set of image data and outputting the set of image data to a central processing unit, wherein the central processing unit is used for executing an application software program to convert the set of image data into multiple sets of array data.
US09307130B2 Imaging lens and electronic apparatus including the same
An imaging lens includes an aperture stop, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, and a sixth lens element arranged in order along an optical axis. The imaging lens satisfies ALT/T5≦6.90, where T5 is a thickness of the fifth lens element, and ALT is a summation of thicknesses of the six lens elements. Through designs of surfaces of the lens elements and relevant lens parameters, a short system length of the imaging lens may be achieved while maintaining good optical performance.
US09307124B2 Wall stand
A wall stand is provided. The wall stand comprises a stand body and a bottom plate. The stand body includes a base, a pressing component and a pressing component. The base has an opening. The pressing component comprises a pressing portion disposed corresponding to the opening. The pressing component is disposed on the base. The bottom plate is configured for being mounted on a wall. The bottom plate includes an elastic component and at least one supporting portion. The elastic component is disposed corresponding to the pressing component for being engaged with the pressing component and disengaged from the pressing component by a force from the pressing component. The at least one supporting portion is configured for correspondingly supporting the at least one fixing component. A method for using the wall stand for an IP camera is also provided.
US09307123B2 Noise reduction apparatus and noise reduction method
A noise reduction apparatus includes an input unit to input a captured image signal from a capturing unit. An acquisition unit acquires, according to a user operation, a temporal noise signal of the capturing unit based on the captured image signal. An estimation unit estimates an ideal image signal that has no noise, based on the captured image signal and the temporal noise signal. A removing unit removes a temporal frequency component higher than a predetermined threshold from each of the estimated ideal image signal and the acquired temporal noise signal. A generating unit generates a filter used for temporal noise reduction for a captured image signal in accordance with an added signal obtained by adding the ideal image signal from which the temporal frequency component has been removed by the removing unit and the noise signal from which the temporal frequency component has been removed by the removing unit.
US09307117B2 Management apparatus, image forming apparatus management system for managing usage of the image forming apparatus
A management apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus for managing usage of the image forming apparatus is disclosed. The management apparatus includes a user data storage part for storing user identification data and use restriction data corresponding to the user identification data, and a use restriction data acquiring part for acquiring the use restriction data corresponding to the user identification data.
US09307114B2 Analog backup of digital images and image restoration therefrom
An apparatus for backing up a digitally stored image includes a substrate on which the image and digital restoration data corresponding to the digitally stored image are printed on the substrate. The apparatus may be scanned to restore the image printed thereon to its original digital form.
US09307107B2 Classification of scanned hardcopy media
A method for automatically classifying scanned hardcopy media based on its physical size. The hardcopy media is classified as a photograph if the determined physical size matches a common physical sizes for photographs to within a predetermined tolerance, and is classified as a document if the determined physical size matches one of the common physical sizes for documents to within a predetermined tolerance. Otherwise, a media classification is determined using contextual processing.
US09307077B2 Communication system
Provided is a mobile communication terminal, including a used device information storing unit, a location information acquiring unit, and a used device information transmitting unit. The mobile communication terminal specifies a communication device to be used depending on a location, acquired by the location information acquiring unit or stored by the used device information storing unit, and transmits the relevant information to a connection control device. Also provided is a connection control device, which includes a connection controlling unit. The connection controlling unit, based on information received from the mobile terminal, performs connection control.
US09307076B1 Method and apparatus of providing a mobile phone notification service
A method and apparatus are disclosed for transmitting notifications to customers. One example method may include identifying a notification event associated with a customer via a customer management module and retrieving a customer record. The method may also include identifying a customer's mobile device via a voice channel preference indicating the mobile device in the customer preference record, and transmitting the notification event to the customer's mobile device based on the voice channel preference.
US09307071B2 Mobile wireless device incorporating self-detection of operational environment and selective device functionality
A mobile wireless device conditionally disables device functionality when a driver is detected to be the user while in a moving vehicle. The device comprises sensors for sensing: motion, thermal images, and a vehicle cabin side. A processor is configured to perform a method including detecting whether the device is traveling within a moving vehicle; capture thermal image data points at multiple spatial locations; and render spatially binned thermal image data from the image data points. The processor is further configured to invoke a driver in possession mode of operation of the device in response to determining that: (1) the device performed the capturing while located in the front seat of the moving vehicle, by applying a front seat thermal image signature definition to the spatially binned thermal image data, and (2) the device is located on a driver side of the moving vehicle.
US09307068B2 Information processing apparatus and communication processing method thereof
An information processing apparatus including a first communication interface for individually communicating with a plurality of communication terminals without involvement of a public network and a second communication interface for communicating with involvement of a public network, wherein the apparatus provides services, via the first communication interface or via the first communication interface and the second communication interface, to a plurality of communication terminals that perform communication via the first communication interface, manages information regarding a communication interface used by each service and information regarding the service provided, and controls communication performed with the first and the second communication interfaces based on the managed information. When disconnection of communication performed with either one of the first and the second communication interfaces has been detected, the apparatus performs control relating to disconnection of communication performed with the communication interface in which disconnection was not detected based on the managed information.
US09307067B2 Contextually updating wireless device firmware
A method includes a first wireless device initiating a wireless connection to a second wireless device and monitoring at least one context associated with one of the wireless connection and the second device. When contextual data is received that indicates a condition, the method further includes determining, based on a search of a firmware update service (FUS) database, whether a firmware update for the second wireless device is available within the FUS database. And when an available firmware update is received from the FUS database, the method includes triggering the first device to initiate the firmware update for the second device. The triggering of the first device to initiate the firmware update includes: transmitting a command to place the second device in firmware update mode; and forwarding the firmware update to the second device, such that the first device controls and/or initiates the firmware upgrade of the second device.
US09307066B1 Mobile terminal and control method for the mobile terminal
Disclosed are a mobile terminal to which a touch input is applicable, and a control method thereof. The mobile terminal includes: a terminal body; a wireless communication unit configured to receive position information on the terminal body; and a controller configured to extract one or more schedules stored in the terminal body, to acquire azimuth information on positions related to the extracted schedules based on the received position information, and to output one or more icons related to the extracted schedule(s) to an edge region of the display unit, wherein when a tilted state of the terminal body is sensed, the controller controls the one or more icons to move along the edge region of the display unit, based on azimuth information changed according to a sensed gradient.
US09307055B1 Method and system for concurrent web based multitasking support
The traditional web based computing system did no support user space multitasking. Therefore, if a task is submitted by a user from a web browser window, the user has to wait the task to be completed before the user can submit another task. Thus a problem associated with the issue of lack of web based user space multitasking will be escalated and become apparent to the user in many instances. For example the web browser window will experience being blocked or hanged and the user can not do anything but wait. A method is disclosed herein for controlling each user initiated task to be run in background of the web based computing system and causing display of the UI again for the user to not wait the completion of said task.
US09307046B2 Transmission management apparatus, transmission management system, transmission management method, and transmission management program
A transmission system determines whether property data of a transmission terminal matches property data of a counterpart terminal to generate similarity information indicating the degree of similarity between the property data of the transmission terminal and the property data of the counterpart terminal, and determines a destination to which the event data specifying an event created by the transmission terminal is to be transmitted based on the similarity information.
US09307045B2 Dynamically determining a tile budget when pre-fetching data in a client device
A pre-fetching map data system and method identifies a subset of map data to corresponding to one or more points of interest to be displayed on the map. The map data is stored on a remote map database in map data tiles. The pre-fetching map data system identifies those map data tiles that correspond to the one or more points of interest, where the identified pre-fetch map data tiles are sent from the remote database to a client device for cache storage. The number of pre-fetch map data tiles are determined using a tile budget that is dynamically adjusted in response to changing conditions on a client device.
US09307039B2 Method, system, push client, and user equipment for service communication
The present invention discloses a method, a system, a Push client, and a user equipment for service communication. The method disclosed in the present invention includes that: A source Push client generates a Push message, where the Push message carries a destination user Push identifier for identifying a destination user; the source Push client sends the Push message to a destination Push server to which the destination user belongs; the destination Push server obtains, according to the destination user Push identifier, a network address for reaching a destination Push client; and the destination Push server sends, based on the network address, the Push message to the destination Push client. With the present invention, communication of various services can be established without relying on a third party application server, which can reduce power consumption of a terminal and save network resources.
US09307038B2 Method for presence notification based on a sequence of events
A client entity generates a subscription to a presentity that includes a sequence of events which define a trigger that controls when a presence server sends a notification to the client entity; and the subscription further indicates a time period parameter for the sequence of events. Upon receiving the subscription, the presence server receives and monitors presence information based on the indicated time period parameter to detect an occurrence of the sequence of events, and sends the notification to the client entity when the presence information satisfies the trigger.
US09307033B1 Scheduling alerts based on calendar and location
A method of scheduling alerts based on location-based reminders and calendar events includes receiving, at one or more computing devices, a location-based reminder including a reminder location having a reminder proximity level. The method further includes receiving, at the one or more computing devices, a calendar event including a calendar event location and a calendar event duration. If the reminder location matches the calendar event location based on the reminder proximity level and the calendar event duration, the method further includes determining, using the one or more computing devices, a time to provide an alert.
US09307030B2 Electronic apparatus, network system and method for establishing private network
An electronic apparatus includes a communication unit connected to a first unit network and configured for communication with a plurality of unit networks comprising a plurality of clients, and a controller configured to control the electronic apparatus within the first unit network to operate in one of a proxy mode and a node mode if the plurality of clients form a private network, wherein the controller controls the electronic apparatus to directly communicate with a second unit network in the proxy mode, and controls the electronic apparatus to be connected to another client of the first unit network operating in the proxy mode and communicate with the second unit network through the other client in the node mode, and when the electronic apparatus operates in the node mode, the controller selectively changes the operational mode to the proxy mode depending on a private network service provided to the electronic apparatus.
US09307029B2 Protocol extensions for generic advisory information, remote URL launch, and applications thereof
Methods, systems and computer program products to implement extensions of the Media Transport Protocol (MTP) are provided herein. The methods include opening a session between an initiator and a responder, exchanging one or more of device and system information and sending one of an operation or event based on control and status information. The operation includes one or more of a dataset, response code, operation parameter and response parameter. The methods also include sending or receiving one of an operation or event based on remote URL information. The operation includes one or more of a dataset, response code, operation parameter and response parameter. These extensions may be in the form of one or more of an operation, an event, a dataset or property code.
US09307025B1 Optimized file creation in WAN-optimized storage
The file creation on remote data storage accessible via a WAN can be optimized by creating temporary files in advance on a remote data storage. The file handles or other file access parameters for these temporary files are cached at a client network location. A file creation request from a client is intercepted at the client network location and one of the cached file handle is returned to the client. This enables the client to immediately write data to the corresponding temporary file, avoiding the delay incurred by communicating the file creation request and its response over a WAN. One or more storage commands are sent to the remote data storage to change the attributes of the temporary file to match those requested by the client, such as the file name, directory, and/or file permissions. File creation requests may be selectively optimized according to rules or criteria specified by users.
US09307017B2 Member-oriented hybrid cloud operating system architecture and communication method thereof
A member-oriented hybrid cloud operating system architecture and a communication method thereof are provided. A hybrid architecture is established based on layer, object and message models, and a member-oriented idea is applied to manage constituent members and a processing environment thereof. On this basis, high-efficient routing, read-write separation and load balancing are performed on a member processing cluster, satisfying the requirements of being open and compatible, loosely coupled and extensible of a cloud operating system, and solving the self-management problem, the horizontal scaling problem of members and the high-availability problem of stateful members of the existing cloud operating system.
US09307008B2 Method and apparatus of performing remote command dispatching
Disclosed are an apparatus and methods of remotely managing a managed machine over a communication network. One example method of operation may include identifying the managed machine operating in a communication network and transmitting a connection establishment message to the managed machine over the communication network. In response, an acceptance message may be received from the manage machine. Once a secure channel has been established, the administrator may begin transmitting a command prompt command over the communication network to be executed on the managed machine. The management operations may be performed from a browser-based application.
US09307006B2 System and method for synchronizing data objects in a cloud based social networking environment
Methods and systems are provided for synchronizing and sharing data objects in a cloud based social networking environment of the type including a collaboration cloud. The method includes defining a sharing configuration within the collaboration cloud to include a second computing device; running a dedicated client synchronization application on a first computing device; creating a sync folder on the first computing device using the client synchronization application; updating a data object using the first computing device; adding the updated data object to the sync folder; automatically synchronizing the updated data object with the collaboration cloud; and propagating, using the collaboration cloud, the updated data object to the second computing device.
US09307004B1 Prioritized content transmission
Features are provided for facilitating prioritized transmission of content between content providers and content requesters. A content provider or intermediary entity obtains prioritization rules for transmitting network resources, such as resources embedded in or otherwise associated with web pages. The prioritization rules can be general rules applying to the transmission of all network resources or a large number thereof, or they can be customized for a specific network resource or small group thereof. The prioritization rules can be applied to the relative bandwidth utilization or data transfer rates of network resources. The relative bandwidth utilization or data transfer rates can be adjusted in response to network or user events.
US09306994B2 Stabilization of adaptive streaming video clients through rate limiting
In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a current encoding rate requested by a client device for content received from a content source, setting at a network device a rate limit to limit the rate at which the content is received at the client device based on the current encoding rate, and adjusting the rate limit based on changes in the current encoding rate. The rate limit is set to allow the client device to change the current encoding rate to a next higher available encoding rate.
US09306991B2 Enhanced push to talk systems and methods with floor control and media traffic optimization
An enhanced push to talk (PTT) method, a network, and a PTT server provide floor control and media traffic optimization for push to talk over cellular (PoC). Specifically, multiple Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) sessions are contemplated between controlling and participating servers while only requiring a single Real Time Protocol (RTP) session for media and a single Real Time Control Protocol (RTCP) session for floor control. In the single RTP and RTCP session, the synchronization source identifier (SSRC) can be used to differentiate between users equipment (UEs) at the controlling and participating servers.
US09306990B2 System and method for map collaboration
A system displays a map of a geographic area and an icon on a device associated with a first user. The icon represents a second user. The system further displays an indication on the device associated with the first user. The indication represents an area of the map displayed on a device associated with the second user. The system can further display a list of users on the device of the first user. The users on the list have devices associated with them and the devices associated with the users on the list display at least a portion of the map of the geographic area. The system receives input from the first user selecting a user from the list, and displays on the device associated with the first user the portion of the map of the geographic area that is displayed on the device associated with the user selected from the list.
US09306980B2 Image processing apparatus that configures settings of information security policy, method of controlling the same, program, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus which enables a user to change the user mode while maintaining the state compliant with the information security policy. A network communication section receives security policy data in which information security policy is described from an external apparatus. A CPU identifies an operation mode of the image processing apparatus based on the received security policy. The CPU configures the identified operation mode such that the information security policy is satisfied.
US09306979B2 Policy enforcement by end user review
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to enforcement of user policies in a multi-user interactive computing environment by end user review. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, on a computing device, a method comprising receiving a notification of a current policy controversy, and sending information regarding the current policy controversy to each end user reviewer of a plurality of end user reviewers, each end user reviewer being a member of an enforcement federation of a plurality of enforcement federations. The method further comprises receiving enforcement decisions from one or more responding end user reviewers of the plurality of end user reviewers, and if the enforcement decisions received meet an enforcement threshold, then automatically enforcing a policy rule.
US09306977B2 Stealth packet switching
Systems, methods, devices, and network architectures are disclosed for creating and implementing secure wireless, wired, and/or optical networks using specially modified “stealth” packets, cells, frames, and/or other “stealth” information structures. This enables stealth packets, network elements, and networks to have a low probability of detection, interception, and interpretation. The “stealth” packets, switches, networks, and methods provide invisibility or “cloaking” by modifying previously existing standards rules for packet structures, protocols, timing, synchronization, and other elements.Stealth packets, network elements, and networks may be further enhanced with encryption techniques by encrypting various parts of, or the entire packet structure itself, for example, headers, preambles, payload, and/or other packet elements. Using encryption to modify the packet structure itself adds an entirely new level of encryption complexity, thus making the stealth communications orders of magnitude more difficult to decrypt than standard decryption techniques.
US09306973B2 Defending against browser attacks
In one example the opening of a primary browser to a URL may be detected, a reference browser may then be opened to the same URL, data input to respective data fields on the primary browser may be copied to respectively corresponding data fields on the reference browser, and security on the primary browser may be evaluated based on, at least, the data copied to the reference browser.
US09306972B2 Method and system for prevention of malware infections
A system and method for prevention of malware infections, the system comprising: a secured server configured to authenticate a user and issue an identifier (ID) uniquely associated with the user, to receive a user input and to send commands based on the received input; a protection module configured to validate transmissions from the secured server, to reconstruct commands based on the commands sent from the secured server, and send the reconstructed commands comprising the unique user ID and a rendering processor configured to receive the reconstructed command from the protection module, to execute the reconstructed command, to acquire data from another machine based on the reconstructed command and to generate an image to represent the acquired data, the image comprising a stamp relating the image to the unique ID, wherein the protection module is placed in a transmission channel connecting between the secured server and the rendering processor.
US09306970B2 Systems and methods for facilitating remote security threat detection
Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting security threats in a network environment. A local workstation is used to inspect an item and submit a request for assistance to determine whether the item raises a security threat. A server receives the request for assistance from the local workstation over a network and retrieves a dialing plan associated with the origin of the request. The server utilizes the dialing plan to route the request to expert groups assigned to the dialing group. In response to the request being accepted by a remote expert device in one of the expert groups, the server establishes a connection between the local workstation and the remote expert device that accepted the request.
US09306969B2 Method and systems for detecting compromised networks and/or computers
Collect Domain Name System (DNS) data, the DNS data generated by a DNS server and/or similar device, wherein the DNS data comprises DNS queries, wherein the collected DNS data comprises DNS query rate information. Examine the collected DNS data relative to DNS data from known compromised and/or uncompromised computers. Determine an existence of the collection of compromised networks and/or computers, and/or an identity of compromised networks and/or computers, based on the examination.
US09306968B2 Systems and methods for risk rating and pro-actively detecting malicious online ads
Methods and systems for risk rating and pro-actively detecting malicious online ads are described. In one example embodiment, a system for risk rating and pro-actively detecting malicious online ads includes an extraction module, an analysis engine, and a filter module. The extraction module is configured to extract a SWF file from a web page downloaded by the system. The analysis engine is communicatively coupled to the extraction module. The analysis engine is configured to determine a risk rating for the SWF file and send the risk rating to a web application for display. In an example, determining the risk rating includes locating an embedded redirection URL and determining a risk rating for the embedded redirection URL. The filter module is configured to determine, based on the risk rating, whether to block the SWF file and send a warning to the web application for display.
US09306966B2 Methods of unsupervised anomaly detection using a geometric framework
A method for unsupervised anomaly detection, which are algorithms that are designed to process unlabeled data. Data elements are mapped to a feature space which is typically a vector space d. Anomalies are detected by determining which points lies in sparse regions of the feature space. Two feature maps are used for mapping data elements to a feature apace. A first map is a data-dependent normalization feature map which we apply to network connections. A second feature map is a spectrum kernel which we apply to system call traces.
US09306963B2 Smart power background to validate user
Technologies are generally described to implement intrusion detection based on smart power background. In some examples, upon detection of an attempt to access a resource, a power line ambiance may be determined at a location of a device on which the attempt to access the resource is executed. The power line ambiance may be based on a connection of the device and/or one or more other devices at the location to a power line. The captured/received power profiles may identify device signatures enabling generation of a digest of the location. An intrusion detection system (IDS), may receive the digest of the location and compare the digest to previous digests associated with an authorized client of the resource to evaluate an authenticity of the attempt. If the authenticity of the attempt is suspicious, the IDS may elevate security by employing one or more verification levels and/or one or more authentication techniques.
US09306962B1 Systems and methods for classifying malicious network events
A system for classifying events on a computer network includes an event clustering engine for receiving event and log data related to identifiable actors from a security information and event management (SIEM) or log management module and selecting behavioral groupings of the event and log data. An affinity-based feature generation module assigns a value to each identifiable actor based on occurrences within predetermined time intervals of the identifiable actors having the selected behavioral grouping. A time-based weighting decay module applies a time decaying function to the assigned values for each identifiable actor. A feature engineering storage module stores information relating to the identifiable actors and their associated time-decayed values. A machine learning module generates a prediction model based on information received from the event clustering engine and the time-based weighting decay module, and the prediction model is utilized by a prediction engine on a computer to predict and classify received event and log data as malicious or non-malicious.
US09306961B1 Visual security workflow
An improved technique involves providing a tool that connects standardized content bundles in order to carry out an arbitrarily complex investigation. An investigation server makes content bundles, which perform a standardized set of investigative actions based on a set of inputs, available to an investigation analyst. The investigation analyst selects particular content bundles based on a specified set of input parameters and a desired set of output parameters defining the investigation. The investigation analyst then connects the particular content bundles to form a single, complex workflow configured to produce the desired set of output parameters from the specified set of input parameters as a result of the investigation.
US09306958B2 Methods, systems and media for detecting non-intended traffic using co-visitation information
A non-transitory processor-readable medium is provided that stores code representing instructions to be executed by a processor to receive data associated with access by a first plurality of entities to a first website location and to receive data associated with access by a second plurality of entities to a second website location. The processor is also caused to define a co-visitation factor for each of the first website location and the second website location based on the received data. The processor is also caused to, if the co-visitation factor of the first website location and/or the co-visitation factor of the second website location is over a predefined threshold, select the first website location and/or the second website location as target website locations. The processor is caused to send a signal to set a flag associated with each target website location indicating the target website location as a suspicious website location.
US09306957B2 Proactive security system for distributed computer networks
According to some embodiments, a method and apparatus are provided to receive, at a central security manager located on a computer network, first network information from a first network resource associated with a first network perspective and receive, at the central security manager, second network information from a second network resource associated with a first network perspective. The first network information and the second network information are aggregated. A potential attack to the network is determined and a defensive measure is implemented in response to the potential attack to the network.
US09306955B2 Early policy evaluation of multiphase attributes in high-performance firewalls
A policy is established comprising a condition having a multiphase attribute of a multiphase transaction. Phase specific policies are established for each phase in which the multiphase attribute may become known. The multiphase transaction is evaluated according to the phase specific policies at each phase of the multiphase transaction in which the multiphase attribute may become known until a policy decision of the policy is determined.
US09306951B1 Generating secure roaming user profiles over a network
Embodiments are directed to providing access to a resource over a network. A client device may request access to a server. An application may be provided to the client device. The application may cause control of the client device to be switched from a first desktop to a secure desktop. The secure desktop may be configured to restrict applications access to within the secure desktop. An indication of the resource on the server to map to may be received at the client device. The indicated resource may be mapped onto a file system on the client device. Mapping may comprise using a remote file access protocol, using DLL injection, or adding a kernel module to an operating system on the client device. The mapped resource may be constrained to be accessed through the secure desktop.
US09306950B2 Methods, server and proxy agent for dynamically setting up a session between a target resource in a private network and an application on a device
An object of embodiments of the present invention is to establish a secure connection from a device to a private network, to which the device belongs, when the device may be located remotely from the private network. This is achieved by locating a server in the private network while reusing existing authorization mechanisms in the network. A target resource is in this private network and a device located outside the private network can access the target resource by using the server and a proxy agent which intermediates a request from the device by using a one time session URL.
US09306949B1 Configure interconnections between networks hosted in datacenters
Systems, methods and computer-readable media are described for connecting private networks that may otherwise be isolated. More particularly, the private networks may include private clouds that may be operated on a plurality of datacenters. A determination may be made as to whether network connections between the private clouds may be established and as to what compute resources of the private clouds may be exposed to the network connections. This determination may be used to generate virtual network paths that may be configured to route traffic between the private clouds.
US09306946B1 Intelligent electronic cryptographic cloud computing system
An intelligent electronic cryptographic cloud computing system can include a computing cloud. The computing cloud can include one or more data storages and one or more processers, one of which is an enterprise server. The computing cloud can be configured to provide at least one service with shared hardware and software resources.
US09306945B2 Client authentication during network boot
A mechanism for performing a network boot sequence and provisioning a device may generate a command by a server and have the command executed by the device. The command may be used to verify the authenticity of the device, and may be used to establish ownership of the device. After authenticity and, in some cases ownership is established, bootable software may be downloaded and executed. The device may be provisioned with software applications.
US09306944B2 Secure information handling system matrix bar code
An information handling system analyzes secondary information captured with an image of a two-dimensional barcode to perform a function. For example, a mobile phone camera captures an image of a QR code at a product plus characters printed next to the QR code, uses optical code recognition to determine the characters, and applies information from the QR code and the characters to register the product. As another example, a security indicator is captured with an image of the QR code and applied to access information of the QR code, such as by using GPS position information, local network information, or telephone number information to encrypt and/or decrypt information stored in the QR code.
US09306937B2 Using a PKCS module for opening multiple databases
A processing device is to determine that a module, executed from a memory by the processing device, is initialized from opening a first database. The processing device is to identify a second database to be opened from a request from an application to access data that is stored in the second database. The processing device is to create, a slot, via the initialized module, to open the second database using the initialized module.
US09306932B2 Utilizing a stapling technique with a server-based certificate validation protocol to reduce overhead for mobile communication devices
A certificate issuer (210) can periodically request, receive, and store current server-based certificate validation protocol (SCVP) staples (225) for supported relying parties (205) from at least one server-based certificate validation protocol (SCVP) responder (215). The certificate issuer (210) can receive a contact initiation request (220) from one of the relying parties (205). Responsive to receiving the contact initiation request (220), the certificate issuer (210) can identify a current SCVP staple from the saved staples that is applicable to the relying party (205). The certificate issuer (210) can conveying a response to the contact initiation request (220) to the relying party (205). The response can comprise the identified SCVP staple and a public key infrastructure (PKI) certificate (230) of the certificate issuer. The SCVP staple can validate a certification path between the PKI certificate (230) and a different certificate trusted by the relying party (205).
US09306927B2 Single login procedure for accessing social network information across multiple external systems
A social networking system contains information describing users of the social network and various connections among the users. A user can access multiple external systems that communicate with the social networking system to access information about the users of the social networking system. Login status of the user account on the social networking system is maintained. If the login status of the user account on the social networking system indicates that the user is not logged in, the user is required to provide authentication information. If the login status of the user account indicates that the user is logged in, social network information is provided to the user via an external system, subject to the privacy settings of users of the social networking system. If the user logs out from an external system, the user is also logged out from the social networking system.
US09306922B2 System and method for common on-behalf authorization protocol infrastructure
A centralized authorization client, in a secure system, that references service provider specific on-behalf authorization protocol implementation records for generating access request messages for accessing user resources hosted by multiple service providers, is disclosed. The service provider-specific authorization implementation records include parameters for requesting user resources associated with a requesting user provided by a specific service provider. Applications running in the secure system can send access request messages through the authorization client to obtain authorization or access to user resources in multiple external service providers so the resources can be displayed, or otherwise manipulated, from application within the secure system. Once authorization is obtained for accessing the resources, the authorization client can store authorization tokens for use in persistent authorized access to multiple external service providers for resources owned by particular users.
US09306921B2 Method and system for storing and accessing client device information in a distributed set of nodes
A method includes identifying a first node in a plurality of nodes based on a client device identifier for a client device, the client device being associated with a first network device; storing, information for the client device, on the first node; responsive to the client device associating with a second network device, retrieving the information for the client device by: identifying the first node based on the client device identifier for the client device and obtaining the information from the first node.
US09306920B2 Secure content access authorization
A secure content delivery or access method may include coordination among three devices such as servers—a content management server, a delivery server, and an authorization server. A request for content may originate from an authorization server application, and may involve the application obtaining two digitally signed tokens for the request. The first token may be from the authorization server, and may include a content management server identifier for the requested content. The second token may include two identifiers for the content: the first identifier being the content management server identifier, and the second being a delivery server identifier. The first and second tokens may be signed by the authorization server and content management server, respectively, and may be delivered to the delivery server for validation. Successful validation may result in the delivery server providing a content decryption key for the requested content to a device requesting the content.
US09306911B2 Credentials management in large scale virtual private network deployment
Techniques for credentials management in large scale virtual private network (VPN) deployment are disclosed. In some embodiments, credentials management in large scale VPN deployment includes generating a public/private key pair and a certificate signing request at a satellite device; automatically communicating the certificate signing request to a portal over a public, untrusted network to authenticate the satellite device using a serial number associated with the satellite device, in which the certificate signing request and the serial number are verified by the portal; and receiving a certificate from the portal for using to establish VPN connections and configuration information for the satellite device, in which the certificate includes a credential signed by a trusted certificate authority, and the configuration information includes gateway configuration information identifying a plurality of gateways to which the satellite device is configured to connect using VPN connections.
US09306910B2 Private allocated networks over shared communications infrastructure
Methods and systems for implementing private allocated networks in a virtual infrastructure are presented. One method operation creates virtual switches in one or more hosts in the virtual infrastructure. Each port in the virtual switches is associated with a private allocated network (PAN) from a group of possible PANs. In one embodiment, one or more PANs share the same physical media for data transmission. The intranet traffic within each PAN is not visible to nodes that are not connected to the each PAN. In another operation, the method defines addressing mode tables for the intranet traffic within each PAN. The entries in the addressing mode tables define addressing functions for routing the intranet traffic between the virtual switches, and different types of addressing functions are supported by the virtual switches.
US09306906B2 Systems and methods for utilizing uni-directional inter-host communication in an air gap environment
A request message is generated with a trusted network entity executing trusted code on a first network layer. The request message to target a non-trusted network entity executing non-trusted code on a second network layer. The request message is transmitted from the trusted network entity to the non-trusted network entity through at least a policy enforcement entity. The policy enforcement entity applies one or more network traffic rules to enforce a unidirectional flow of traffic from the first network layer to the second network layer. A response check message is generated with the trusted network entity. The response check message to determine whether response information is available on the non-trusted network entity in response to the request message. The response check message is transmitted from the trusted network entity to the non-trusted network entity through at least the policy enforcement entity. The response check message to determine whether the response information is stored in a conceptual mailbox on the non-trusted network entity.
US09306905B2 Secure access to application servers using out-of-band communication
A computer implemented system and method for providing users with secured access to application servers have been disclosed. The system and method envisaged by the present disclosure are not restricted to providing users with secured access to application servers. The system and the method also ensure that transactions performed by the users through the application servers remain secured and hack-resistant. The present disclosure envisages a system that acts as a secured, trusted gateway between the users and the application servers associated with providers of sensitive services such as banking and financial institutions. In case of the system envisaged by the present disclosure, rather than directly accessing an application server, users are made to contact the system of the disclosure and upon verification of their respective identities, are allowed to access the application servers associated with providers of sensitive services.
US09306900B2 Communication device, communication system, and communication method
Provided is a communication device including: an address acquiring unit that acquires an IP address; a generating unit that generates, on the basis of the acquired IP address, a special reverse lookup domain name which is different from a standard reverse lookup domain name serving as a key for obtaining a domain name corresponding to the acquired IP address through a reverse DNS lookup; and a reverse-DNS-lookup processing unit that performs the reverse DNS lookup using the generated special reverse lookup domain name as a key, and acquires node descriptor data, which is different from the domain name and is associated with a communication device corresponding to the IP address acquired by the address acquiring unit.
US09306895B1 Prediction of message deliverability events
Technologies are described herein for predicting and resolving message deliverability events. A message deliverability event is an event initiated by a mailbox provider that results in the refusal of the mailbox provider to deliver a message to the inbox of its intended recipient, or that results in a mailbox provider delaying the delivery of a message to the inbox of its intended recipient. The transmission of messages to mailbox providers and responses to the transmission of the messages can be monitored. Based upon the monitoring, a determination can be made as to whether the probability of a future message deliverability event exceeds a threshold with regard to one or mailbox providers. If there the probability of a message deliverability event exceeds the threshold, one or more actions may be taken to reduce the probability that the future message delivery event will occur.
US09306885B2 Electronic message send device handling system and method with media component and header information separation
An electronic messaging system and method with reduced traceability. Message content and an identifier of a recipient are associated with an electronic message at a sending user device. The message content including a media component is associated via a first display and the identifier of a recipient is associated via a second display. The first and second displays are not displayed at the same time. The identifier of the recipient and the media component are not displayed at the same time via the second display. Transmission of recipient identifier and message content including a media component occurs separately from the sending user device. Methods, systems, and computer readable media with separation of the display of media component and recipient identifier in various implementations may provide for reduced traceability of an electronic message.
US09306883B2 Electronic messaging exchange
A computer-implemented system and method for secure electronic message exchange including coupling a control platform to a workstation of a plurality of workstations via a communications medium, where the control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, conversion, and billing, related to messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The system prevents forwarding or copying of a message sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party by the control platform. The system and method also provides for authenticating the remote user with the control platform.
US09306881B1 Methods and systems for obscuring text in a conversation
A method at a first electronic device with a display and an input device includes: receiving a message from a second electronic device, the message comprising a first text and a text effect applied to the message; displaying a first representation of the message in accordance with the text effect; receiving a user input with respect to the first representation; and in response to the user input with respect to the first representation, displaying a second representation of the message in accordance with the text effect.
US09306877B2 Notification system
A notification system with a method for providing a notification including storing a notification request at a home unit; receiving the notification request at a central location, the notification request comprising a message, a notification time, and a destination; storing the message at the central location; associating the message with the notification time and destination; determining a current time; comparing the determined current time to the notification time; opening a communication session with the destination based on the determination; and transmitting the stored message to the destination during the communication session based on the opening.
US09306876B1 Multibank egress queuing system in a network device
In a method of managing queues in an egress queuing system in a network device, a plurality of packets to be stored in a first egress queue are received. The first egress queue is distributed among a plurality of memory banks. The packets are distributed among the plurality of memory banks. Memory banks in which to store the packets are selected based on pseudorandom numbers generated for the packets. The pseudorandom numbers are generated using a first pseudorandom number generator initialized with a first seed. Subsequently, the packets are retrieved from the plurality of memory banks. Memory banks from which to retrieve the packets are selected based on pseudorandom numbers regenerated for the packets. The pseudorandom numbers are regenerated using a second pseudorandom number generator initialized with the first seed.
US09306873B2 Customer controlled video network
A technique for allowing customers to control a video network. A network controller receives a request from an end user for a video connection between a first port and a second port. The request may specify at least a start time, an end time, the first port and the second port. A plurality of available routes between the first port and the second port may be analyzed to determine at least one selected route that will be used to connect the first port and the second port. A first command may be sent to automatically connect the first port and the second port via the at least one selected route at the start time. While in progress, the video connection may be modified according to system availability. Customers may have a view of all requests that have been made, completed or reserved for in the future.
US09306872B2 Bluetooth virtualisation
Embodiments of the present application relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, Bluetooth systems, RF systems, self-powered wireless devices, and consumer electronic (CE) devices. More specifically the present application relates to provision of networked based services to Bluetooth-enabled devices. The present application describes a very low-cost, multi-purpose, rapidly re-purposable Bluetooth node that may sit at the edge of a network and may be configured to allow a network system to dynamically add and remove different Bluetooth capabilities and allow for a much higher level of management of Bluetooth devices that are interacting with the network.
US09306871B2 Apparatus and method for non-mediated, fair, multi-type resource partitioning among processes in a fully-distributed environment
The present invention sets forth a methodology that allows involved processes to partition among themselves a pre-defined set of multi-type resources in a way that all processes end up satisfied with the outcome of the partitioning, and no central mediation for such partitioning is required. One exemplary embodiment of the invention sets forth a method of allocating multiple type resources among a distributed set of processes that includes the steps of selecting a process from the set of processes for partitioning the resources; partitioning the resources at the selected process; sharing results of the partitioning with others of the set of processes, wherein said other processes select a partition from the partitioned resources; the selected process being able to select a partition subsequent to the other processes having selected a partition. The method also repeats the above steps until all currently involved processes are satisfied by a selected partition of available resources. Additionally, if more than one process contends for the same partition, a next-in-line process not having been allocated resources repartitions remaining resources for selection by currently unsatisfied processes.
US09306870B1 Emulating circuit switching in cloud networking environments
Methods and apparatus for emulating circuit switching in cloud networking environments are disclosed. A system includes a plurality of resources of a provider network and a resource manager. The resource manager receives a circuit switching emulation request specifying (a) a first resource group and a second resource group, and (b) a desired network traffic rate to be supported between the first and second resource groups. In response to a determination to accept the circuit switching emulation request, the resource manager initiates configuration operations associated with a network path between the first and second resource groups to allow network traffic between the first and second resource groups at a rate up to the desired network traffic rate.
US09306862B2 Handling redundant data in a communication system
Explicit discard indications are used that allows a radio network controller, when operating in a multi-point High Speed Downlink Packet Access, HSDPA, scenario, to send data to a user equipment via plural radio base stations while reducing the risk for unnecessary duplicate data to be sent over the Uu interface between the radio base stations and the user equipment.
US09306861B2 Automatic promiscuous forwarding for a bridge
An example system to disable a promiscuous mode of a network interface includes a plurality of local network interfaces. Each local network interface of the plurality is coupled over a network to one or more remote network interfaces. Each remote network interface is assigned one or more remote network addresses, and the plurality includes a local network interface in a promiscuous mode. The system also includes a bridge module that determines whether a list of all remote network addresses that are coupled to a subset of local network interfaces is known. The subset includes the plurality of local network interfaces excluding the local network interface. When the list of all remote network addresses that are coupled to the subset is determined to be known, the bridge module disables the promiscuous mode of the local network interface and adds all remote network addresses that are coupled to the subset to a filtering table.
US09306859B2 Establishing the packet flow possessing a symmetrical quality of service by negotiating the quality indicator
A method for establishing a packet flow with another device over a communication network includes determining a first value of a priority indicator based on the type of data flow and exchanging signaling messages with that other device in order to enable the establishment of the data flow. The first value is inserted into the first of those signaling messages. Upon receiving a signaling message having a received value of that priority indicator, a sent value is determined based on that received value, and inserted into the packets of the packet flow.
US09306856B2 Optimal tree root selection for trees spanning multiple sites
Embodiments provide a method, network device, and computer program product for optimizing traffic in a link-state network distributed across a plurality of sites. The method, network device, and computer program product include receiving a multi-destination message at a first node within the link-state network. Additionally, the method, network device, and computer program product include identifying a plurality of multi-destination trees within the network, each tree having a respective root node. The method, network device, and computer program product determine a plurality of cost values corresponding to each of the plurality of multi-destination trees, based on one or more links along a shortest path from the first node to the respective root node of each tree. Based on the determined cost values, the method, network device, and computer program product select one or more of the multi-destination trees and transmit the multi-destination message using the selected tree.
US09306853B2 Maintaining quality of service for multi-media packet data services in a transport network
A method and an apparatus for maintaining a quality of service (QoS) for a multi-media packet data service in a transport network is provided. The method comprises determining a first packet loss indication for a first flow of QoS traffic packets. The method further comprises determining a second packet loss indication for a second flow of QoS traffic packets, wherein the determination of the first packet loss indication for the first flow of QoS traffic packets is independent from the determination of the second packet loss indication for the second flow of QoS traffic packets. The method further comprises determining whether to drop the first flow of QoS traffic packets based on the first packet loss indication or to drop the second flow of QoS traffic packets based on the second packet loss indication. By using per-flow independent packet loss statistics to determine whether that flow should be dropped and gradually dropping such QoS flows having the most impact on a desired QoS performance, a reduced number of QoS flows may be dropped to recover a data transport network from congestion.
US09306852B2 Coding and packet distribution for alternative network paths in telecommunications networks
A method and apparatus are disclosed that seek to improve the quality of service that is experienced during the transmission of a stream of packets across one or more paths. In particular, a transmitting node encodes a source stream of data (e.g., audio, video, etc.) into one or more sub-streams, and distributes those sub-streams onto multiple network transmission paths. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting node evaluates the quality of service of a first network path that fails to provide a quality-of-service guarantee. When the quality of service of the first network path becomes unsatisfactory, the coding of one or more sub-streams that are being transmitted on a second network path is adjusted. In other words, the coding on a second channel is adjusted in response to the changing conditions on a first channel.
US09306850B2 Method for transmitting content in content centric network
A method for transmitting content in a content centric network. The method provides a mobile router with information regarding the content transmission path between a connection router and a mobile terminal while the mobile terminal moves from the current connection router to the mobile router, and enables the mobile router and routers adjacent to the mobile router to transmit a content request message only to the path router included in the transmission path from among the adjacent routers based on the transmission path information, thus reducing loads to a network and quickly transmitting a request content to the mobile terminal.
US09306848B2 Using special-case hardware units for facilitating access control lists on a networking element
Access control lists (ACLs) include one or more rules that each define a condition and one or more actions to be performed if the condition is satisfied. In one embodiment, the conditions are stored on a ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM), which receives a portion of network traffic, such as a frame header, and compares different portions of the header to entries in the TCAM. If the frame header satisfies the condition, the TCAM reports the match to other elements in the ACL. For certain conditions, the TCAM may divide the condition into a plurality of sub-conditions which are each stored in a row of the TCAM. To efficiently use the limited space in TCAM, the networking element may include one or more comparator units which check for special-case conditions. The comparator units may be used in lieu of the TCAM to determine whether the condition is satisfied.
US09306843B2 Using transactions to compute and propagate network forwarding state
For a controller for managing a network comprising several managed forwarding elements that forward data in the network, a method for configuring a managed forwarding element is described. The method generates a first set of flow entries for defining forwarding behaviors of the managed forwarding element based on a current network policy for a logical network implemented in the several managed forwarding elements. The method sends the first set of flow entries to the managed forwarding element in order for the managed forwarding element to forward data that the managed forwarding element directly receives from an end machine based on the current network policy. The method generates a second set of flow entries for modifying forwarding behaviors of the managed forwarding element based on a new network policy for the logical network. The method sends the second set of flow entries to the managed forwarding element in order for the managed forwarding element to forward the data based on the new network policy.
US09306841B2 Enabling dynamic routing topologies in support of real-time delay traffic
In one embodiment, a device determines a set of sources and used destinations for traffic in a computer network, where nodes of the network are configured to send all traffic to the used destinations through a root node of the computer network according to a directed acyclic graph (DAG). The device may then also determine a set of capable nodes as common ancestors to source-destination pairs that provide a more optimal path between the source-destination pairs than traversing the root node, and instructs the set of capable nodes to store downward routes to forward traffic for one or more of the used destinations according to the stored downward route rather than through the root node.
US09306835B2 Scalable forwarding table with overflow address learning
A node is configured to receive a packet from a host device, where the packet includes a source address associated with the host device; determine that the source address is not stored by the node; generate one or more logical distances, associated with one or more nodes, based on the source address and a respective address associated with each of the nodes; determine that another node is associated with a shortest logical distance, of the one or more logical distances; and transmit the source address to the other node based on the determination that the other node is associated with the shortest logical distance, where transmitting the source address allows the other node to store the source address or enables further nodes to obtain the source address from the other node.
US09306833B2 Data routing for power outage management
In one embodiment, a particular node in a computer network, that is, one receiving electrical power from a grid source, may determine routing metrics to a plurality of neighbor nodes of the particular node in the computer network. In addition, the node also determines power grid connectivity of the plurality of neighbor nodes. Traffic may be routed from the particular node to one or more select neighbor nodes having preferred routing metrics, until a power outage condition at the particular node is detected, at which time the traffic (e.g., last gasp messages) may be routed from the particular node to one or more select neighbor nodes having diverse power grid connectivity from the particular node. In this manner, traffic may be routed via a device that is not also experiencing the power outage condition.
US09306832B2 Virtualized network for virtualized guests as an independent overlay over a physical network
A method for operating a virtualized network that communicatively connects between a plurality of communication ports, instantiated for a plurality of guest operating systems executed over a plurality of hosts. The method comprises instantiating a communication port for each of the plurality of guests; performing a discovery media access control (MAC) address process of at least one destination guest of the plurality of guests by a source guest; sending a ping request from the source request to the at least one destination guest; and creating the virtualized network to allow communication between the source guest with the at least one destination guest, wherein the virtualized network is created over the physical network.
US09306827B2 Method of determining broadband content usage within a system
An end user network access point monitors and collects usage statistics associated with all content accessed by the end user devices through the access point. One or more external control servers collect the usage statistics from each access point, thereby compiling macro-level statistics related to content accessed by the end user devices. The one or more external control servers can be co-located with the network equipment of the broadband infrastructure provider, or the one or more external control servers can be independent of the broadband infrastructure.
US09306810B2 WiFi zapper smart phone application
A method and system for disabling traffic from a specific device or devices on a WiFi network via a remote script or other action. In one embodiment, the method is implemented as an application that executes on a device such as a smart phone (e.g., IOS iPhone, Android operating system device) or tablet (e.g., iPad).
US09306809B2 Security system with networked touchscreen
An integrated security system integrates broadband and mobile access and control with conventional security systems and premise devices to provide a tri-mode security network that with remote connectivity and access. The integrated security system includes a touchscreen providing security keypad functionality as well as content management and presentation, and is used as a security system interface and an interface for interacting with a network. The integrated security system delivers remote premise monitoring and control functionality to conventional monitored premise protection and complements existing premise protection equipment. The integrated security system integrates into the premise network and couples wirelessly with the conventional security panel, enabling broadband access to premise security systems. Automation devices can be added, enabling users to remotely see live video or pictures and control home devices via a personal web portal, mobile phone, or other client device. Users can receive notifications of detected events via electronic message.
US09306804B2 Method and system for multichassis link aggregation in-service software update
A method for performing an in-service software update in a MLAG domain. The method includes restarting the first switch using a second version of software, detecting by a second switch that the first switch is restarting and, in response to the detection, SSO. After restarting the first switch, prior to the first switch performing graceful reinsertion into the MLAG domain, setting all non-peer ports on the first switch to an error-disabled state and selecting a common MLAG protocol version supported by the first switch and the second switch and performing graceful reinsertion, which includes reestablishing a peering relationship between the first switch and the second switch using the common MLAG protocol, and after reestablishing the peering relationship, synchronizing a control plane state of the first switch with the control plane state of the second switch and setting all non-peer ports on the first switch to an active state.
US09306802B2 Displaying FTE cable status as UCN cable status
A method of displaying fault tolerant Ethernet (FTE) cable status in a process control system having FTE devices in an Enhanced Universal Control Network (EUCN) including an Enhanced Network Interface Module (ENIM) on a UCN status display. Updated FTE cable status is obtained from each of the FTE devices during operation of the process control system. The updated FTE cable status from each of the FTE devices is stored in a memory. A UCN cable status word (CSW) including cable status bits allocated for representing the updated FTE cable status is compiled for each of the FTE devices, wherein locations for the cable status bits in the UCN CSW are used by the UCN status display to show changes in cable status. The UCN CSWs are read at a node having the UCN status display, and the updated FTE cable status is displayed on the UCN status display.
US09306800B2 Inter-domain fast reroute methods and network devices
A network device, is to be deployed in a network between a first network domain and a second network domain, and is to be configured for fast reroute. The network device includes a first traffic forwarder control module, corresponding to the first network domain, which is to determine a primary next hop in the first network domain. The control plane includes a second traffic forwarder control module, corresponding to the second network domain, which is to determine a backup next hop in the second network domain. The backup next hop is to be used as a fast reroute for the primary next hop in response to a failure associated with the primary next hop. The control plane includes a controller module, in communication with the first and second traffic forwarder control modules, which is to configure a forwarding structure of the forwarding plane with the primary and backup next hops.
US09306799B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program product
An information processing apparatus is connectable to a plurality of devices of different types via a network. The information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives, from the devices, management information of each of the devices in a data format corresponding to the respective devices; a first storage unit that stores therein a first conversion rule for converting the management information into manage information in a first common data format common to the devices; and a conversion unit that converts the management information thus received into management information in the first common data format based on the first conversion rule.
US09306792B2 Methods and systems for down-converting a signal
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting a modulated carrier signal to a demodulated baseband signal by sampling a portion of the energy of the carrier signal are described herein. Briefly stated, such methods systems, and apparatuses operate by receiving a modulated carrier signal and using a control signal to control a switch or switches so as to transfer a portion of the energy from the modulated carrier signal in the form of charge to a storage capacitor during a plurality of aperture periods and to discharge the charge in the storage capacitor into a load during the time between the plurality of aperture periods. The demodulated baseband signal is generated during both the charging and the discharging of the storage capacitor based on the energy accumulated at the storage capacitor as a net result of previous charging and discharging of the storage capacitor.
US09306791B2 Method for designing an amplitude and phase shift keying constellation
A method of digital modulation comprises generating a stream of modulation symbols in order to produce a modulated signal. The modulation symbols belong to a multi-ring digital signal constellation having all signal points placed on at least two concentric rings. The total number of signal points is larger than 8, and at least one ring has unequally spaced points constructed to form together with at least one neighbouring ring a subset of neighbouring rings. Each signal point of the subset has a unique angular coordinate modulo 2π and the angular spacing of the signal points of the subset is uniform.
US09306783B2 Selective activation of VAMOS-2 mode
Method of data processing for selectively activating, at a mobile station, a mode of communication related to VAMOS-2 technology. The method includes the steps of: receiving a first signal of a first subchannel, the first signal containing a first training sequence, and receiving a second signal of a second subchannel, the second signal containing a second training sequence, the second signal being orthogonally multiplexed with respect to the first signal, and using the first training sequence and the second training sequence to: determine a value of a parameter defining a ratio between the first subchannel power and the second subchannel power, and determine a signal to noise ratio estimation, and determine, using the parameter value and the signal to noise estimation, whether the mode of communication has to be activated.
US09306782B2 Systems and methods for narrowband signal quadrature error correction
Apparatus and method for quadrature error correction for narrowband or tone signal are disclosed. An analog circuit receives a modulated signal and processes in-phase signal and quadrature-phase signal in in-phase and quadrature-phase signal paths respectively. A digital signal processor performs discrete Fourier transform on each of the in-phase and quadrature-phase signals and determines statistical parameters responsive to mismatch characteristics to estimate quadrature error correction.
US09306775B1 Adaptation of gain of baseline wander signal
A receiver disposed in a serializer/deserializer (SerDes) system includes a coupling capacitor configured to receive a serial input signal from a transmitter operatively coupled with the receiver via a communication channel established therebetween and to output a capacitance output signal, an equalizer configured to receive a signal including the capacitance output signal having a baseline wander gain subtracted therefrom, a running disparity generator receiving decoded symbols and generating a running disparity signal, and a low-pass filter receiving the running disparity signal and outputting the BLW gain.
US09306770B2 Systems and methods for extending an existing network
A computer-implemented method for extending a payment network via a rapidly deployable telecommunications (RDT) network is provided. The method is implemented using a computer device coupled to a memory device. The method includes pre-assembling a network kit including a plurality of networking components for deploying at least a portion of an RDT network, determining a storage location for the network kit, determining a stock count of network kits, storing a number of network kits in the storage location equal to the stock count, and processing a request for one of the network kits stored within the storage location.
US09306767B2 Expandable Ethernet ring topology network and communication method thereof
The present invention connects a ring topology Ethernet network to other networks of various shapes. To that end, a first ring topology network configured in a ring shape has three or more expandable nodes (each have three or more Ethernet ports), and is connected to other networks through Ethernet ports that are not used for the formation of the first ring topology network among Ethernet ports of the expandable node. Thus, it is possible to add equipment without changing a ring topology network previously built and it is possible to integrate and manage networks of various shapes into a single network.
US09306760B2 Method of handling measurement capability and related communication device
A method of handling measurement capability for a mobile device capable of communicating with a network through a plurality of component carriers in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises sending a capability information message indicating a component carrier capability of the mobile device to the network, wherein the component carrier capability indicates the number of the plurality of component carriers, performing an inter-frequency measurement either on a first component carrier of the plurality of component carriers or on all of the plurality of component carriers, wherein the inter-frequency measurement is performed on the first component carrier when a measurement gap is configured to the first component carrier by the network and the inter-frequency measurement is performed on all of the plurality of component carriers when the measurement gap is configured to all of the plurality of component carriers by the network.
US09306753B1 Mobile system and method for improving safety of impromptu meetings
A system and method for enabling safety in and for initial impromptu meetings facilitated by electronic devices. Prior to the meeting, participants each download a same generated event ticket and the public key of the other meeting participant. At the meeting location, each individual's electronic device via a mobile application initiates close-proximity communication with the other mobile application; signs the ticket with its stored private key; exchanges signed tickets; verifies the received signed ticket using the downloaded public key; and compares the verified signed ticket with the downloaded ticket to authenticate the other individual.
US09306752B2 Generation of a digital signature
A method and system for generating a digital signature of a data item. A unique condition digest of at least two condition digests is iteratively processed in each iteration of a loop for a sufficient number of iterations to process all of the condition digests. Each iteration includes concatenating a reference digest with the unique condition digest of the iteration to generate a concatenand and hashing the concatenand to generate a hashed concatenand serving as the reference digest for the next iteration. Each unique condition digest is a different condition digest in each iteration. The regenerated reference digest of the last iteration is a last digest which is encrypted to generate a digital signature block that represents the data item and at least two conditions specified for the digital signature. The digital signature block includes the digital signature. The encrypting includes signing the last digest with the digital signature.
US09306749B2 Method of biometric authentication, corresponding authentication system and program
A method and apparatus are provided for biometric authentication of a user to be authenticated, from among a plurality of users, with an authentication system storing a set of pieces of reference biometric data, each associated with one of the users. The method includes providing, by the user to be authenticated, a piece of biometric authentication data by a device for obtaining biometric data from a transactional terminal. A subset of the set of pieces of reference biometric data stored by the authentication system is searched for a piece of reference biometric data corresponding to the user to be authenticated as a function of the piece of biometric authentication data. The step of searching includes filtering the pieces of reference biometric data as a function of: a base station of a mobile communications network; and a set of mobile devices for which a connection indicator is activated for the base station. The transactional terminal is substantially near a zone of coverage of the base station.
US09306748B2 Authentication method and apparatus in a communication system
An authentication method and apparatus in a communication system are provided. In a method for authenticating a first node at a second authentication server in a communication system comprising the first node registered to a first authentication server and a second node registered to the second authentication server, an authentication request message requesting authentication of the first node is received from the second node, the authentication request message is transmitted to the first authentication server, and upon receipt of an authentication success message indicating successful authentication of the first node from the first authentication server, the authentication success message is transmitted to the second node.
US09306739B1 Quantum key distribution protocol process
A communication process is provided for sending a qubit message between Alice and Bob using a quantum channel for obviating a faked-state attack by Eve. The qubit message is composed of ensemble bits and transmitted as a plurality of photons into the quantum channel. Each photon has a corresponding bit value. The process includes: Alice preparing three uniformly random bit strings each of length 4N to produce strings R (raw key), P (bit basis) and U (unitary operation), and Bob preparing two uniformly random bit strings of the same length to produce strings M (bit basis) and V (unitary operation). Alice broadcasts P, applies her unitary operation and records a first weak measurement to the photons for transmission. Meanwhile Bob broadcasts M, applies his unitary operation and records both a second weak measurement and a strong measurement to the photons. Alice segregates her key and weak measurement strings to produce corresponding truncated strings from differing bases in P and M, and broadcasts the truncated key string. Bob segregates his weak and strong measurement strings from the differing bases to produce corresponding truncated strings, broadcasting the truncated strong measurement string. Bob then compares an average of his truncated weak measurement string to a security threshold as a first condition. Alice compares an average of her truncated weak measurement string to the security threshold as a second condition. If both conditions are satisfactory, Alice segregates a new truncated key string from R by selecting same bases in P and M for sending to Bob.
US09306736B1 Power-line communications with communication channel to and/or from endpoint circuits with authentication methodology
In a power-line communication system, a data processing electronic circuitry can receive a plurality of symbols from a plurality of endpoint circuits and over a plurality of communications channels on power lines in a power-line communication system. A first symbol of the plurality of symbols can be decrypted using a first decryption key that is assigned to a first endpoint circuit. From the first decryption, a first measure of error is computed that includes a first bit error rate. The first symbol is decrypted using a second decryption key that is assigned to a second endpoint circuit. From the second decryption, a second measure of error is computed that includes a second bit error rate. The first and second bit error rates are compared to a threshold error measure to determine validity.
US09306734B2 Communication device, key generating device, and computer readable medium
According to an embodiment, a communication device is connected to a key generating device which generates an encryption key. The communication device includes a querying unit, an encryption processor, and a selecting unit. The querying unit is configured to send a query to the key generating device about capability information which indicates capability of the key generating device to generate the encryption key. The encryption processor is configured to implement a plurality of encryption functions. The selecting unit is configured to select, from among the plurality of encryption functions, an encryption function according to the capability information. The encryption processor implements the encryption function thus selected.
US09306733B2 Method of synchronizing a communication system
A method of synchronizing a time division duplex (TDD) multi-line, multi-carrier data communication system is provided. Synchronization is established using unique pseudo-random bit sequences (PRBS) from a common generator polynomial having different seed values. Due to low correlation of PRBS generated with different seed values, a remote unit can only synchronize to its intended signal effectively mitigating far-end and near-end crosstalk impact of large bandwidth very high speed digital subscriber lines (VDSL).
US09306732B2 At-rate SERDES clock data recovery with controllable offset
Embodiments include systems and methods for applying a controllable early/late offset to an at-rate clock data recovery (CDR) system. Some embodiments operate in context of a CDR circuit of a serializer/deserializer (SERDES). For example, slope asymmetry around the first precursor of the channel pulse response for the SERDES can tend to skew at-rate CDR determinations of whether to advance or retard clocking. Accordingly, embodiments use asymmetric voting thresholds for generating each of the advance and retard signals in an attempt to de-skew the voting results and effectively tune the CDR to a position either earlier or later than the first precursor zero crossing (i.e., h(−1)=0) position. This can improve link margin and data recovery, particularly for long data channels and/or at higher data rates.
US09306730B1 Fractional-N PLL-based CDR with a low-frequency reference
An apparatus relates generally to clock and data recovery. A fractional-N phase-locked loop is for receiving a reference signal, and for providing a proportional signal and an integral signal. A ring oscillator of the fractional-N phase-locked loop is for receiving the proportional signal and the integral signal, and for providing an oscillation signal at a clock frequency substantially greater than a reference frequency of the reference signal. A data-to-frequency control word converter is for receiving data input and the oscillation signal, and for providing a frequency control word. A fractional-N divider of the fractional-N phase-locked loop is for receiving the frequency control word and the oscillation signal, and for providing a feedback clock signal to a phase-frequency detector of the fractional-N phase-locked loop. The phase-frequency detector is for receiving the reference signal and the feedback clock signal, and for adjusting a phase and frequency of the oscillation signal.
US09306729B2 Phase interpolator calibration
System, method and computer program product for setting phase control codes to (in-phase) I and (quadrature) Q rotators to a first code pair, different by enough to produce a phase difference between the rotator outputs sufficient to be detected with minimal error by a phase-to-voltage converter. Auxiliary trim DACs are then adjusted according to calibration logic until a comparator output detects a phase difference between the I and Q rotators are within tolerable limits. The resulting trim codes are stored for both the codes in the pair. These trim codes along with the main codes are subsequently applied whenever the codes are used thereafter. These steps are repeated with each successive code pair having the same separation as the first code pair, e.g. both incremented by same amount until all codes have been calibrated. In this manner having the phase separation between all code pairs forced to the same value.
US09306722B2 Tracking radar frequency enabling more channels
In an example embodiment, a channel that includes a plurality of sub-channels is sampled to detect pulses indicative of a presence of a radar signal. A frequency for the radar signal is determined. If the frequency of the radar signal maps to a selected subset of the plurality of sub-channels, the selected subset of the plurality of sub-channels are determined to be unavailable due to radar, while the remaining sub-channels remain available for use. The selected subset of the plurality of sub-channels determined to be unavailable due to radar may be selectively returned for use after the radar signal is no longer detected for a predetermined selected time period.
US09306720B2 Channel state information reporting method, radio base station apparatus, user terminal and radio communication system
The present invention is designed to flexibly report aperiodic channel state information to a plurality of radio base station apparatuses to be coordinated, even when coordinated multiple-point (CoMP) transmission/reception is performed.A radio communication system includes: a radio base station apparatus that transmits an uplink scheduling grant, which includes a request field that requests reporting of channel state information from a user terminal, and an identification field that identifies a radio base station apparatus to which aperiodic channel state information should be reported, among a plurality of radio base station apparatuses that perform coordinated multiple-point transmission/reception, to the user terminal, via a downlink control channel; and a user terminal that estimates a channel state with respect to a radio base station apparatus that is designated by a combination of the request field and the identification field, and reports the channel state information to the radio base station apparatus via an uplink shared channel.
US09306715B2 UL/DL scheduling for full bandwidth utilization
A method may include receiving, by a user equipment incapable of transmitting and receiving simultaneously, a schedule to transmit data on an uplink, detecting, by the user equipment, whether there is data to be transmitted on the uplink, and receiving, by the user equipment, during a time corresponding to the schedule, data associated with a downlink, when it is determined that there is no data to be transmitted.
US09306710B2 RCC connection establishment method and apparatus in communication system background of the invention
A method and apparatus for establishing a RRC connection between a base station and a mobile station in a wireless communication system is provided. A packet transmission method for a communication system including a transmitter and a receiver according to the present invention includes transmitting, at the transmitter, a packet; retransmitting, when a confirmation message is not received in response to the packet, the packet; and stopping, when the confirmation message is received in response to the packet, retransmission of the packet. An RRC connection establishment method and apparatus of the present invention allows the transmitter to retransmit the RRC Connection Response message periodically until the RRC Connection Complete message is received from the receiver, thereby improving the RRC connection success probability.
US09306708B2 Method and apparatus for retransmission decision making
A method comprising: receiving a scalable video coding (SVC) encoded video data from a source of digital video data, the SVC-encoded video data carrying a video content, the SVC-encoded video data including a network abstraction layer (NAL) extension header, a first layer for the video content, and a second layer for the video content, the first layer including first video data utilized to retrieve the video content in basic quality from the SVC-encoded video data, the second layer including second video data utilized along with the first video data to retrieve the video content in enhanced quality from the SVC-encoded video data; parsing the NAL extension header to identify the first and second video data; assigning a higher priority to the first video data for retransmission relative to the second video data; caching the first and second video data with the assigned priority in a buffer memory; monitoring a digital data network to collect first network transport conditions, the digital data network being connected in signal communication with a receiver, the digital data network involving first and second data transport protocols, the first protocol being less reliable than the second protocol; receiving a retransmission request transmitted on the second protocol from the receiver, the retransmission request including data indicating second network transport conditions of the digital data network determined at the receiver, the second network transport conditions including at least one of an end-to-end packet loss rate, an available bandwidth of the digital data network, and a round-trip delay; and determining whether to recover at least one of the first and second video data from the buffer memory and transmit the recovered video data to the receiver on the second protocol via the digital data network in accordance with the assigned priority in view of the first and second network transport conditions in response to the retransmission request.
US09306706B2 Control information transmission method and a device therefor
A method for transmitting ACK/NACK (Acknowledge/Negative ACK) information for two or more carriers at a user equipment in a wireless communication system which supports carrier aggregation. The method according to one embodiment includes generating an ACK/NACK payload including two or more ACK/NACK sets, wherein each ACK/NACK set is associated with a corresponding carrier and have one or more ACK/NACK bits; and transmitting the ACK/NACK payload through a PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) or PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel). A size of the ACK/NACK payload is given based on carrier configuration, the carrier configuration including a number of configured carriers and transmission modes for the configured carriers. The two or more ACK/NACK sets are concatenated in an order of carrier index.
US09306705B2 Method, device and system for assigning ACK channels to users
A method for assigning acknowledgement (ACK) channels to a user is used to feed back ACKs of a plurality of downlink sub-frames in one uplink sub-frame. According to the method, reserved ACK channels are divided into blocks according to the number of downlink sub-frames; each downlink sub-frame corresponds to one block; each block is divided into several sub-blocks; control channel element (CCE) sets within the same sub-frame are respectively mapped to different sub-blocks; and the ACK channels are assigned to the downlink sub-frames according to a sequence of increasing a mapping label d first and then increasing a sub-block label m. Thus, more unused ACK channels can be released to form resource blocks (RBs) for transmission on other channels, for example, for PUSCH transmission. Other methods for assigning ACK channels to a user, a device for assigning ACK channels to a user, and a communication system are further provided.
US09306701B2 Scene illuminator
A system is disclosed to identify authorized EO devices and unauthorized EO devices within a scene. The system hampers the operation of the unauthorized EO devices detected within the scene.
US09306698B2 Methods and apparatuses for DWDM multi-mode switching router and dynamic multi-mode configuration and reconfiguration
A multi-mode configuration module for managing switching for an EPS, OCS, and OCS mode is provided. The multi-mode configuration module may include a multi-mode configuration processor, wherein said multi-mode configuration processor receives configuration information for an EPS, OCS, or OBS mode. The module may also provide an optical configuration processor coupled to said multi-mode configuration processor, wherein said optical configuration processor manages wavelength routing of an optical switching fabric; and an electronic configuration processor coupled to said multi-mode configuration processor, wherein said electronic configuration processor manages routing of an electronic switching fabric.
US09306697B2 System and method of compensating for spectral excursion
An optical network comprises a plurality of optical network units and an optical line terminal having one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. Each of the one or more transmitters and each of the one or more receivers is configured to operate over a respective wavelength. Each of the optical network units has a respective laser that is optically coupled to a respective one of the one or more transmitters and a respective one of the one or more receivers. The optical line terminal is configured to monitor power levels of respective optical signal burst transmissions from each of the plurality of optical network units and to direct each optical network unit to wavelength bias its respective laser based on the monitored power levels to compensate for a respective wavelength shift experienced by the respective laser during burst transmissions.
US09306696B2 Time division duplex wireless network and associated method using connection modulation groups
A wireless network is provided that includes a base station and subscriber stations that communicate with the base station using radio frequency (RF) time division duplex (TDD) signaling. The base station may establish medium access control (MAC) connections with each station. The base station monitors communications with the stations and, in accordance, assigns stations or MAC connections to modulation groups. The base station transmits signals on MAC connections or to stations in a modulation group in adjacent TDD slots within a TDD frame. The base station may receive access requests from the stations, evaluate traffic requirements for the stations, and determine a longest downlink portion for the stations. The base station then allocates downlink and uplink portions of a TDD frame according to the length of the longest downlink portion.
US09306691B2 Methods and devices for transmission of signals in a telecommunication system
Methods and devices for generating training symbols to be transmitted in a radio network are provided for a radio system where multiple users are sharing the same transmission slot. The method involves forming a sequence of training symbols by repeating an initial block of training symbols and for each user rotating the repeated block by a user specific rotation angle. A rotated block is periodically extended in both ends.
US09306684B2 Method and system for caching content for mobile distribution
A satellite reception assembly may comprise a memory collocated with a receive module and a basestation module. The receive module may receive a satellite signal and recover data carried in the satellite signal. The data may be stored in the memory. The stored data may be transmitted to mobile devices via the basestation module. Which portion of the recovered data is store in the memory may be based on demand for particular data in the coverage area served by the basestation module. Which portion of the recovered data is stored in the memory may be based on information provided by a satellite subscriber, such as the subscriber's anticipated location at one or more future time intervals.
US09306682B2 Systems and methods for a self-optimizing distributed antenna system
Systems and methods for a self-optimizing distributed antenna system are provided. In certain embodiments, a distributed antenna system comprises a host unit configured to control the operation of the distributed antenna system; and a plurality of remote units coupled to the host unit. In at least one embodiment, a remote unit in the plurality of remote antenna units comprises a scanning receiver configured to receive signals in a plurality of frequency bands; at least one transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals in a frequency band in the plurality of frequency bands; and a remote unit controller configured to control an uplink gain level of the at least one transceiver and tune the scanning receiver to a frequency band in the plurality of frequency bands.
US09306679B2 Radio relay station, radio base station and radio communication method with channel quality measurement
In a radio relay station, the channel quality of relay links is measured with the use of sounding reference signals from mobile terminals. Feedback information including the measurement results of the channel quality of the relay links is transmitted to a radio base station via a backhaul link. In the radio base station, the channel quality of the direct links is measured with the use of sounding reference signals from the mobile terminals. A correction value from the measurement results of the channel quality from the radio relay station is subtracted. Radio resources are allocated to a mobile terminal based on the measurement results of the channel quality of the direct links and the subtraction results.
US09306673B1 Transmission of multiple linear signals on a same frequency
Disclosed is a method to transmit multiple linear electromagnetic signals on a same frequency. For N data signals Si, where i=1 through N, each data signal is transmitted at 180/N degrees rotation from the next. For each data signal Si, signals inverse to Si are transmitted at +180/N degrees and −180/N degrees from Si, rotated around the transmit axis, at a power level of 0.5/COS (180°/N) times the power of said Si signal. This results in cancellation of said data signal Si along the transmit rotation of Si and a receivable data signal inverted and at a 90 degrees rotation from said transmitted Si. A total of N distinct data signals are transmitted simultaneously on a same frequency, resulting in a dramatic increase in capacity in an electromagnetic system. N is an integer greater than one and could be, for example, 18.
US09306672B2 Method of fabricating and operating an optical modulator
A method of making an optical modulator by determining the material composition of the quantum well region in the waveguide portion of the modulator so that the modulator is transparent at a gain peak wavelength that is greater than the predetermined wavelength by a predetermined amount, and fabricating the modulator with the determined material composition.
US09306670B2 Optical coupling/splitting device, two-way optical propagation device, and optical-transmit-receive system
The present invention relates to an optical coupling/splitting device that realizes the splitting of a down-signal and the coupling of up-signals by the same optical device, and reduces coupling losses of the up-signal. An optical coupling/splitting device in the present invention comprises an optical coupling/splitting means for coupling a plurality of up-signals in a multi-mode for output and splitting a down-signal in a single mode for output, and a two-way optical propagation means for propagating the up-signal that is output from the optical coupling/splitting means in a multi-mode for output and propagate the down-signal in a single mode to be output to the optical coupling/splitting means.
US09306668B2 Using predicted movement to maintain optical-communication lock with nearby balloon
A balloon may include an optical-communication component, which may have a pointing axis. A pointing mechanism could be configured to adjust the pointing axis. The optical-communication component could be operable to communicate with a correspondent balloon via a free-space optical link. For example, the optical-communication component could include an optical receiver, transmitter, or transceiver. A controller could be configured to determine a predicted relative location of the correspondent balloon. The controller may control the pointing mechanism to adjust the pointing axis of the optical-communication component based on the predicted relative location so as to maintain the free-space optical link with the correspondent balloon.
US09306667B2 Method and apparatus for power-efficient joint dimming and visible light communication
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for communication are provided. The apparatus obtains a message for communication using visible light communication (VLC) through a light emitting diode (LED) luminary device and formats the message using a synchronization signal followed by one or more data signals. The synchronization signal and/or the one or more data signals are modulated using a Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation scheme. The apparatus further receives a dimming level value associated with a brightness of light to be emitted from the LED luminary device, generates a waveform with frequencies based on the formatted message and a duty cycle for the LED luminary device based on the dimming level value, and sends the generated waveform to the LED luminary device for communication using VLC.
US09306666B1 Programming protocols for powered cards and devices
A programming device is provided that programs cards, such as payment cards, with data, such as personal data, using light transmitters and receivers. For example, an infrared transmitter may be provided to program personal data (e.g., a customer's credit card number) into a card wirelessly. In doing so, the card may be, for example, completely laminated such that there are no exposed electronic components on the exterior surface of the card and be programmed via light. The programming device may shield the programming components to block ambient light from interacting with those programming components during programming. A conveyor may be utilized to align multiple cards with a programming device to allow assembly-line style programming of the cards.
US09306665B1 System and method for infrared signal-strength RTLS
System and method of generating a received signal strength indication, the method including: selecting a high power level of a transmitter to be received above a receiver threshold at a predetermined distance from the transmitter; selecting a low power level of the transmitter to be received below the receiver threshold at the predetermined distance; transmitting a marker signal at high power; and adjacent in time to the marker signal, transmitting a power-varying signal, wherein a power of the power-varying signal varies monotonically between the high power level and the low power level.
US09306662B1 Optical isolator life expander
A system includes a light emitting device on a first side of electrically isolated circuitry for transmitting an optical signal to a second side of the electrically isolated circuitry. The system also includes a driver for driving the light emitting device at an operational characteristic. The system further includes an optical receiver on the second side of the electrically isolated circuitry for receiving the optical signal from the light emitting device. The system also includes a sensor coupled with the optical receiver for sampling the intensity of the optical signal received by the optical receiver. The sensor is communicatively coupled with the driver and configured to transmit the sampled intensity of the optical signal received from the light emitting device to the driver, and the driver is configured to adjust the operational characteristic of the light emitting device based upon the sampled intensity of the optical signal.
US09306661B2 Mobile communication system, base station, and user terminal
In a mobile communication system that employs a FDD scheme, a HeNB (100-1) and a UE (200-1) use a pair of a UL CC and a DL CC for radio communication. The HeNB (100-1) and the UE (200-1) change the UL CC of the pair of the UL CC and the DL CC to another CC while maintaining the DL CC during execution of the radio communication.
US09306660B2 Dynamic interactive zone driven proximity awareness system
A system of short-range communication devices identify specific regions of interest within an area. In addition, a set of ranges or zones is defined for each of the short-range communication devices and conditions and actions are assigned to the zones. A client device senses a short-range communications device and associates conditions and actions to the client device. The client device determines its zone, analyzes the conditions and, if at least one condition is met, triggers the action(s). The history or context of the client device within the area may be analyzed to generate additional conditions and/or actions, or to modify existing conditions and/or actions associated with the specific zones.
US09306659B2 Radio communication system
A radio communication system includes: a first member; a second member; a transmitting apparatus provided on the first member; and a receiving apparatus provided on the second member, wherein the first member and the second member are provided such that they can move relative to each other; and radio communication is performed when the transmitting apparatus and the receiving apparatus face each other as the first member and the second member move relative to each other.
US09306651B2 Channel-sounding method using a plurality of antennas, and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for transmitting an SRS in a multi-antenna system. The method comprises the steps of: acquiring specific information for discriminating a first antenna group and a second antenna group from among a plurality of antennas, wherein said first antenna group includes one or more antennas which are set to a turned-on state to perform communication with a base station, and said second antenna group includes one or more other antennas which are set to a turned-off state; transmitting an SRS to the base station if a predetermined condition is satisfied, under the condition that the second antenna group is set to the turned-off state; and setting the second antenna group to a turned-off state after the transmission of the SRS.
US09306649B2 Method and apparatus in which user equipment transmits feedback information in a distributed antenna system
Provided is a method for transmitting feedback information of a UE in a distributed antenna system in which a plurality of antennas are distributedly disposed within a cell is provided. The method includes transmitting first feedback information used for a base station (BS) to allocate at least one of a plurality of antennas to a UE, to the BS; receiving antenna allocation information determined based on the first feedback information from the BS; and transmitting second feedback information indicating a channel state with respect to an antenna allocated according to the antenna allocation information to the BS.
US09306643B2 Decentralized slow-fading precoding for multi-cell wireless systems
Methods and apparatuses for slow-fading precoding for multi-cell wireless systems are provided. At a base station of a cellular network in which a plurality of terminals are served, the base station serving pluralities of same-cell terminals and neighboring-cell terminals, and the cellular network including neighboring-cell base stations that serve respective pluralities of same-cell terminals and neighboring-cell terminals, a same-cell and one or more neighboring cells within the cellular network are selected, the same-cell and one or more neighboring cells comprising a truncated network. A plurality of slow-fading coefficients is obtained, each of the plurality of slow-fading coefficients being associated with channel state information for communication within the truncated network between a neighboring-cell base station and one of the respective same-cell terminals or neighboring-cell terminals, and a set of slow-fading precoding coefficients is generated for transmitting signals within the truncated network to same-cell terminals and neighboring-cell terminals based on the plurality of slow-fading coefficients.
US09306638B2 Backhaul enhancements for cooperative multi-point (CoMP) operations
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for backhaul enhancements for cooperative multi-point (CoMP) operations. An aggressor node may take pre-scheduling decisions in advance of beamformed data transmissions based on the pre-scheduling decisions. The aggressor node may communicate the pre-scheduling decisions to one or more victim nodes, for example, via a backhaul link between the aggressor node and the one or more victim nodes. A victim node may take scheduling decisions based at least on the pre-scheduling decisions of the aggressor node to coordinate beamformed transmissions from the victim node with the beamformed transmissions from the aggressor node.
US09306637B2 Reader device for radio frequency identification transponder with transponder functionality
A reader device for radio frequency identification transponders, which implements enhanced radio frequency identification transponder functionality. The reader device is capable of serving as a radio frequency identification transponder. Such a reader device includes a reader logic unit, a radio/high frequency (RF/HF) interface and an antenna, and is adapted to communicate at least with radio frequency identification transponders in a reader operation mode. The reader device also includes a transponder logic unit that is connected to the reader device and in particular to the radio/high frequency (RF/HF) interface such that the reader device acts as a radio frequency identification transponder in a transponder operation mode. In particular, the transponder logic unit is adapted to communicate with other reader devices for radio frequency identification transponders. The reader device for radio frequency identification transponders can be attached, connected, implemented and/or embedded in electronic device and particularly portable electronic devices, respectively.
US09306634B2 Waking up a wireless power transmitter from beacon mode
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for waking a wireless power transmitter from beacon mode. In one aspect a wireless power receiver apparatus is provided. The wireless power receiver apparatus includes a receive circuit comprising a receive coil. This receive circuit is coupled to a load. The receive circuit is configured to wirelessly receive power from a transmitter device at a first power level to power the load. The wireless power receiver apparatus further includes an adjustment circuit configured to be powered by using the wirelessly received power. The adjustment circuit is further configured to adjust a characteristic of the load using the wirelessly received power for a period of time to cause a detectable change in an operating characteristic of the transmitter device for the period of time.
US09306623B2 Measurement tape for an elevator device
A measurement tape is proposed for determining the position of a cab in an elevator shaft, wherein the measurement tape is situated vertically in the elevator shaft, and extends over at least two floors, and wherein the measurement tape includes a marking unit for marking at least two positions in the elevator shaft, wherein the marking unit runs along the length of the measurement tape. In order to improve servicing, the measurement tape includes a carrier tape and has a transmission device for transmitting information, wherein the transmission device includes at least one communication line for transmitting an information signal and/or at least one supply line for supplying power, and the at least one communication line/supply lines runs along the length of the measurement tape, wherein the communication line is designed as an electrical line for transmitting an electrical signal or as a fiberglass line for transmitting an optical signal.